2013 10-07E IDIAN
iDAH®
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING • MINUTES
Monday, October 7, 2013, 3:30 p.m.
Council Chambers -Meridian City Hall ~ 33 East Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho
I. Meeting called to order at 3:32pm and Roll taken:
x Ryan Lancaster X Pat Morandi x David Zaremba (ex-officio)
p Larry Gardner p Jo Ann Bujarski x Shawn Martin (ex-officio)
x Stephen Lewis X Jack McGee o Toni Tisdale (ex-officio)
x David Ballard X Micah Gale o Mary Barker (ex-officio)
x Tracy Hopkins X Mark Wasdahl (ex-officio) o Bruce Gestrin (ex-officio)
Others Present: Sgt. John Gonzales, Austin Petersen, Drew Wahlin, Ryan Head, Kevin
Sablan, and Caleb Hood
2. Adoption of the Agenda - (Ballard Motion Approval, McGee second, All Ayes)
3. Approval of minutes from - (McGee Motion Approval, Lewis second, All Ayes)
4. Old Business Items
a. Transportation Projects Update (Memo attached)
**Questions at the end if time allows.
5. a. Eagle Road and Meridian Road Speed Limits (Sgt. Gonzales, Kevin Sablan)
Sgt. Gonzales explains initially, that on Eagle Road there has been a reduction in
accidents with the new median. Because of the construction of the median, they
decided to hold off on a speed limit reduction to see the impact of the new median.
Based on reports, out of the top 20 crashes in Meridian, Eagle Road is generally half of
them. Sgt. Gonzales suggested that the Commission looks into having ITD do a speed
study and that the Commission may need to make a request by letter. He also
discussed Meridian Road, South of Overland. There is a transition on the North Bound
side from 50 MPH to 45 MPH at Calderwood, which then drops to 35 MPH at
Overland. He has suggested that the transition time is causing congestion occurrences
and that it may be better to start the reduction of speed closer to Victory. The crashes
in this area are usually multiple crashes with secondary crashes occurring as they are
responding to an initial crash. So it is suggested that ITD do a speed reduction study in
Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes -October 7, 2013
this area, as well. Sgt. Gonzales was asked if there are any statistics regarding cause of
crashes such as Speed, Running Red Lights, Left Turns, etc. His reply was that it is more
perspective. Most crashes are rear-end crashes due to inattentive drivers not slowing
down in time. He added that many times evidence is not available on site to make
speed calculations or to determine whether speed was a factor; and/or some officers
may not be trained is this area of expertise, or speed calculations may not be relevant to
the report. Sgt. Gonzales was asked if he would make a suggestion of new speeds, but
he said he refrains from doing so. This information is usually based on the speed
surveys. He was questioned regarding quantity of crashes on Eagle Road in comparison
to other areas but he said there are no statistics available with this information, though
it may be something that can be requested. On Eagle Road, it was suggested that the
lack of consistency in speeds is causing accidents; i.e. one person may be exercising the
full 50 MPH versus someone who is driving much slower. Sgt. Gonzales was asked if he
is asking for a speed study in general or a specific stretch on Eagle Road. His reply was
the study should include from I-84 Overpass to the city Boundaries as it is an area
where a majority of enforcement occurs based on Crime/Traffic Reports. He added
that this area falls under multiple jurisdictions including City, Sheriff, State Police, but
that the City is primary for crashes and has first responsibility. He indicated that he
would like to see consistency on both sides of the freeway even though south of the
freeway is ACHD jurisdiction. The opening of the Village and Meridian and Kleiner Park
were also mentioned in having an impact on traffic and a need for a new speed study.
Sgt. Gonzales was asked about the close calls on Meridian Road that were mentioned in
an email he sent to the Commission and was referring to skidding, etc. The frequencies
of accidents on Meridian Road aren't high, but the severity of the accidents is, as there
are generally multiple accidents once one occurs.
Kevin Sablan, District 3 Traffic Engineer with ITD, asked to come forward to speak. He
explained that collecting data is used to set speed limits by observation. They utilize
Roadway Tubes (24 hours) or Radar (I 00 counts) and both are considered to be 90%
or better accurate. The speed limits are then set to the 85`h percentile of speed in
which 85% of the motoring public is traveling at or below. Studies have shown that the
least amount of incidents occur at 85%. They also look at speed differential with a 10
MPH span in which motorists are traveling. They use this information to set a speed
that people think is appropriate and can almost be self-enforced. Traffic naturally slows
down with more congestion and runs smoother. Kevin addressed a question regarding
the previous study that was not done and thought that now that the large portion of
construction is done, it would be a good time to do a study. The best option would be
to draft a letter to ITD to remind them of the previous request and encourage them to
re-evaluate Eagle Road.
With Meridian Road, Kevin mentioned that it is a bit of a bigger challenge because it is
actually built to a higher standard with only right-ins and right-outs and less left-turn
business access. He was asked whether raised medians would be a consideration here
and at this point that would be a good way to eliminate the misuse of the pork-chop
islands for left-in/left-out. The transition of the Land Use from South of Victory to
Urban Use North of Victory seems to naturally encourage drivers to reduce speed.
Kevin suggested that a speed study on Meridian and a speed reduction may not solve
the problem. He suggested a Flashing Signal alerting motorists know that the signal
Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes -October 7, 2013
ahead is going to change might do much better than a speed reduction. No additional
medians are planned at this time in Meridian.
Caleb Hood mentioned an access management plan that is almost completed in
conjunction with ITD/COMPASS at Chinden 20/26. Highway 69 has been reviewed but
no specific plan as of yet. Meridian needs to coordinate with Kuna and other agencies to
come up with something consistent with other cities and the City is continually
discussing using medians as a tool. Caleb also referred to his Memo, and a few
upcoming construction projects. Should the speed studies be done now or wait until
it's complete?
A question is asked if the Speed Study should be directed through the City Council, or
is it something that the Transportation Commission can move forward with on its own.
Councilman Zaremba suggested they do the research to determine if there is a cost,
which would then need to go to Council. Kevin Saban confirmed that payment for the
studies comes through the State.
Chairman asked who drafts letter and Caleb replied that Staff would draft the letter
when requested. It is suggested that the letter is left open regarding the upcoming
construction. Additionally, it is suggested that the safety issue should also be included in
the request.
Lancaster Motion -Meridian Transportation Commission to draft a letter to
the ITD District 3 requesting engineering studies on speed on Eagle Road
and Meridian Road at a time that makes sense construction wise/traffic wise
and also requests the ITD to return and tell the Commission the results and
recommendations of those studies. Seconded -Commissioner Hopkins. All
Ayes.
a. Pine Avenue/Rosario/Scentsy Campus Pedestrian Crossing (Sgt. Gonzales)
Since opening of Scentsy, there has been an increase of Pedestrian Traffic at Pine
Avenue and Rosario. Vehicles aren't yielding to pedestrians and pedestrians are taking
risks. Employees from Scentsy are not allowed to smoke on Scentsy property.
Pedestrians have been crossing the road and there are no marked crosswalks in a 35
MPH zone on Pine not the best place to be crossing in an unmarked crosswalk. There
have been some security officers from Blue Cross at times to keep employees off of
their property. Sgt. Gonzales is asking the Commission if they would consider drafting a
letter to Scentsy to address this safety concern. Sgt. Gonzales is asked if he can provide
numbers on how many pedestrians. Some are driving across the street from Scentsy
over to Rosario to smoke in their car. A commissioner asked if the smokers could
possibly smoke on the Public Sidewalk adjacent to the business. It may require some
investigation to determine who owns the sidewalk. Employees do not like having to
cross the street to smoke but they are afraid of losing their job. The Commission ask
Sgt. Gonzales what the violations are. Sgt. Gonzales' answer was that they are vehicles
failing to yield to pedestrians -littering issues -pedestrians running across the street,
etc. A painted crosswalk may not deter these issues. Ultimately, it is about traffic
safety. It is suggested that the Commission contact the company by letter to address
Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes -October 7, 2013
this issue. Smoking policy indicates that employees cannot smoke on Company
Property. Caleb Hood suggesting that the Commission asks ACHD to take a look at this
area; maybe a pedestrian signal, or crosswalks, etc. Possibly Hickory could be a good
location for a signal. This way, there is data to take to Scentsy. It is suggested that the
company isn't the problem, but possibly the people and may be beyond the scope of the
Commission. Sgt. Gonzales is not particularly interested in changing their policy, but
that perhaps the Commission can notify Scentsy of the impact that their policy is having
on public safety. Councilman Zaremba referenced the City's smoking policy and also
indicated that Scentsy is contacted regarding the safety of their employee, but he
believes this letter should come from the Mayor.
Motion by Commissioner McGee to do as Councilman Zaremba suggested:
draft a letter to Scentyy for the Mayor to sign. Seconded by Gale. Two Nays;
motion passes.
Discussion about staff drafting letter with Sgt. Gonzales' assistance. Suggested that both
letters (ITD letter in previous action item) come back to Commission for review.
Motion by Commissioner Lewis requesting ACRD Pedestrian Crossing
Study in this area. Seconded by Ballard. Two Nayes; motion passes.
Motion by Gale for reconsideration and postpone (undo) of previous motion
(ACHD Pedestrian Crossing Study) until hear back from Scentsy .Seconded
by Lewis. Two Nayes. Motion Passed.
b. Idaho Transportation Department Agency Overview (Mark Wasdahl)
Mark Wasdahl -Senior Transportation Planner of District 3
Mission statement -Your Safety -Your Mobility -Your Economic Opportunity. Used
in project planning in ITD. Presented an overview of his department's history, changes
made over the years, and how they became what they are now. He provided
information on total of 201 positions within District 3. He also discussed upcoming
projects, approvals required, and process.
6. Future Meeting Topics
a. Joint School District #2 Agency Overview
b. Overland/Stoddard Traffic Patterns
c. Transit Planning.
7. Next Meeting Date: November 4cn
8. Adjourn (5:24 p.m.)
Commissioner Gale motioned, Commissioner Ballard with the second.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes -October 7, 2013
APPROVED:
f ,'.
RY N LANCASTER, CHAIR
~~/~ X13
DATE
ATTEST:
~-
JAYCEE L. HOLMAN
~~ls l ~~
~6 ~ENTEfl of ~b
GUST 1, 03
,~P
~w
0~ °4 '~t~~ w
O G1~ ~~ ,~i "~
s
w
w ,~
~ 5
~~
Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes -October 7, 2013