LUTC MINS 02-22-2010City of Federal Way
City Council
Land Use/Transportation Committee
February 22, 2010 City Hall
5:30 PM City Council Chambers
MEETING SUMMARY
Committee Members in Attendance: Committee Chair Dini Duclos and Committee Members Jim Ferrell and Jack Dovey
present.
Council Members in Attendance: Council Member Jeanne Burbidge
Staff Members in Attendance: Director of Parks, Public Works and Emergency Management Cary Roe, Deputy Public
Works Director Marwan Salloum, Deputy Public Works Director Ken Miller, Assistant City Attorney Peter Beckwith,
Senior Transportation Planning Engineer Sarady Long and Administrative Assistant II Darlene LeMaster.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Duclos called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment:
3. BUSINESS ITEMS
Forward
Topic Title/Description to Council
A.
Approval of the February 1, 2010 LUTC Minutes
Committee approved February 1, 2010 LUTC minutes as presented.
Moved: Ferrell Seconded: Dovey Passed: Unanimously, 3-0
N/A
B. Transportation Level of Service Study Session
Rick Perez presented information on this item. Committee Member Dovey asked if Council’s
decision to remove three projects off of the TIP last year has influenced the need to revisit the
level of service discussion. Committee Member Dovey stated that believes that since those
projects were removed from the TIP, Council members may have rethought their original
vote. That being said, if the items were to be put back on the TIP, could the present
conversation be avoided?
Committee Member Ferrell said that what had been his opposing vote last year has been
changed to a vote in favor of retaining the three projects in question.
Chair Duclos stated that her opinion has not changed. She is not in favor or these three
projects as they would result in roadways that are much too wide and not conducive to
pedestrians.
Mr. Perez responded that pedestrian safety and comfort have been a huge factor in considering
possible solutions. Staff does not wish to widen the road, but are concerned about maintaining
the adopted level of service. Mr. Perez stated staff is requesting direction from Council and
wanted to also note that the options under consideration are optimal because they do not
widen the road but maintain the current level of service standard.
Mr. Perez reiterated during his presentation that the traffic models showing capacity are for
the year 2035 and include the forecasted growth as stated in the Comprehensive Plan. The
3/2/2010
Business
Land Use/Transportation Committee Page 2 February 22, 2010
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models assume the implementation of all mass transit, including the extension of the light rail
to Federal Way.
Chair Duclos inquired how to educate the public. Mr. Perez answered that statistically, there
is an educational factor of approximately one year. Once the concept of “Michigan Left” is
operational, accident statistics may increase for about one year while the public becomes
educated on the new concept. After one year, statistics drop considerably (estimates 50-70%).
Mr. Perez says these results are very similar to roundabouts. However, in the locations that
are being considered and that are over capacity, roundabouts would not be a viable option.
Mr. Perez showed the comparison of each location, considering daily volume, costs to widen
existing roadways, costs to construct roundabouts or Michigan Lefts, and factoring in right of
way acquisition. In both subject locations, Michigan Lefts had the least cost, required the
least amount of right of way and maintained the existing roadway width. The additional
benefits would be added safety in the intersection with no left turns and safer conditions at
pedestrian crossings.
Committee member Dovey asked if there is any long term effect on the take of right of way
for future development. Director Roe commented that fewer parcels would be impacted;
however those parcels that were impacted may see larger takes of right of way.
The Committee and Council members concurred that the concept of “Michigan Left” needs to
be presented to the full Council. Each Council member needs to have a complete
understanding and clarity of the concept.
Committee forwarded Option #2 to the March 2, 2010 City Council Business Agenda
and requested a condensed presentation to the full City Council.
Moved: Dovey Seconded: Ferrell Passed: Unanimously, 3-0
4. OTHER
None.
5. FUTURE MEETING
The next regular LUTC meeting will be Monday, March 1, 2010 at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers.
6. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM.
Attest:
Darlene LeMaster, Administrative Assistant II
COMMITTEE APPROVAL:
Dini Duclos, Chair Jim Ferrell, Member Jack Dovey, Member