LUTC MINS 02-13-2012City of Federal Way
City Council
Land Use and Transportation Committee
February 13, 2012 City Hall
530 PM City Council Chambers
MEETING SUMMARY
Committee members iu attendance: Committee Chair Bob Celski, Committee member Jeanne Burbidge and
Committee member Susan Honda
Council members in attendance: Councilmember Roger Freeman
Staff in Attendance: Director of Parks, Public Works and Emergency Management Cary Roe, Planning Manager Isaac
Conlen, Deputy Public Works Director Marwan Salloum, Principle Planner Margaret Clark, Senior Planner Janet Shull,
Associate Planner Matt Herrara, Associate Planner Becky Chapin, City Traffic Engineer Rick Perez, Streets Systems
Project Engineer John Mulkey, Assistant City Attorney Peter Beckwith, and Administrative Assistant II Darlene
LeMaster.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Celski called the meeting to order at 5:33 PM.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment:
3. BUSINESS ITEMS
Forward
Topic Title/Description to Council
A.
B.
Approval of the January 23, 2012 LUTC Minutes
N/A
Committee approved the January 23, 2012 LUTC minutes as presented.
Moved: Honda Seconded: Celski Passed: Unanimously, 2-0
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
"+�
Feb 21, 2012
Consent
Resolution
Senior Planner Janet Shull and City Traffic Engineer Rick Perez presented information on this
item. There was no public comment. Committee member Jeanne Burbidge joined the meeting
at 5:50 PM.
Chair Celski thanked staff for their efforts and hard work on this project as the project is very
worthwhile and needed in our community. Chair Celski also commented that he was pleased
with the combined efforts of staff, consultants, community teams and residents.
Committee member Honda commented on bike boulevards, stating that they do not look safe
from a cyclist's point of view. Has there been any feedback from the cycling community? Mr.
Perez shared the majority of the data comes from Portland, OR. Portland has experienced
growth in the use of bike boulevards for both commuters and recreational use. Signs and
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February 13, 2012
pavement markings on the bike boulevards have also had a positive effect on driver expectancy.
Of those streets identified in the Plan for bike boulevards, only a portion of these already have
sidewalks. They also may or may not have street lighting. Costs to construct sidewalks run
approximately $1 Million per mile whereas signage is relatively much less expensive. Ideally,
sidewalks as a bike boulevard are ideal and would be retrofitted in over time as funding allows.
Councilmember Roger Freeman joined the meeting at 6:01 PM.
Committee member Burbidge also thanked staff and community members for their hard work,
time and effort that went into preparing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Committee
member Burbidge stated that bike boulevards are very positively reviewed and is glad to see
staff looking at this alternative.
Chair Celski asked if there was traffic accident data in Portland that we could study and analyze.
Mr. Perez commented he is not aware of any such data at this time. Mr. Perez introduced
Amalia Leighton, the consultant representing SvR (SvR Design Co.) to respond to Chair
Celski's question. Ms. Leighton stated that there is a lot of information coming out of Portland.
Portland has seen a huge reduction in vehicle vs. bicyclist collisions as well as vehicle vs.
vehicle collisions. In addition, the City of Tuscon, AZ has implemented bike boulevards and has
similar data. Locally, the cities of Seattle and Sea Tac have recently passed ordinances to pursue
bike boulevards and should have data available in the near future. Bike boulevards are best
suited for streets that have lower speeds and lower average daily trips (ADT's). Chair Celski
inquired whether there had been a campaign in either Portland or Tuscon to educated motorists
and bicyclists on the bike boulevards. Ms. Leighton said, yes, these educational campaigns are
typically put on by the advocacy groups and are very helpful (ie. Cascade Bicycle Club).
Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented.
Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Honda
Twin Lakes Commercial District Subarea Plan
Passed; Unanimously; 3-0
Associate Planner Matt Herrera presented information on this item. There was no public
comment. Chair Celski complemented staff on their efforts on the project and their
communication with the community.
Committee member Honda inquired about the food cart zone area and wondered if the existing
fast food establishments have had any input. Mr. Herrera noted that although all businesses in
this area were invited to participate, no food establishments chose to send any representatives.
Mr. Herrera also said that the food cart policy was geared towards the existing Safeway and Fred
Meyer grocery stores as well as the safe route to school within the Fred Meyer parking lot. The
carts would and/or could be an extension of the two existing grocery stores.
Committee member Honda also asked about the possibility of using the former Albertson's
parking lot as the location for a farmers market. Mr. Herrera explained that staff had already
attempted to help facilitate an agreement between the Federal Way Farmer's Market and
Albertson's for this purpose. The amount of liability insurance the property awner would
require was excessive and did not make the use of the parking lot feasible. Committee member
Honda also suggested looking into another area such as something owned by the school district,
the King. Co. Park and Ride. Mr. Herrera stated that these options are being looked into,
including potentially the parking lot at Fred Meyer. It may bring in more business to the store.
Committee member Burbidge again expressed her gratification for staffs work on this project
and supports encouraging stores to bring healthy food choices outside. Committee member
Burbidge looks forward to seeing the ideas in the subarea plan progress as time goes on.
Committee member Burbidge asked for about the number of parking stalls that would be
Feb 21, 2012
Ordinance
1 S ` Reading
3
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Land Use/Transportation Committee Page 3 February 13, 20
required per our revised code. Mr. Herrera stated that qne parking space per every 300 square
feel of retail area, although there are probably many times parking lots are not filled to capacity.
Chair Celski asked if property owners, banks, grocery stores, fast food, restaurants and property
owners are have been involved in this project. Mr. Herrera replied that unfortunately staff could
not get any property owners to participate as a stakeholder, primary because property owners are
located out of state. One of the stakeholders owns a business in the Albertson's strip mall, there
was also one person representing Twin Lakes Village at the public workshop. As staff gets
further into the implementation process of this plan, it will become more important that area
properiy owners, and individuals representing businesses get involved. These decisions will
affect the commercial property values in this subarea.
Committee member Honda asked what the reasoning was behind naming the sub-area `Twin
Lakes'. How long did it take the Twin Lakes HOA to request the sub-area name be changed?
Mr. Herrera responded that the sub-area was named Twin Lakes due to the history behind the
area it encompassed (Twin Lakes Center, Twin Lakes Village, Twin Lakes Post Office, Twin
Lakes Park & Ride, etc.). Staff, stakeholders and the Twin Lakes HOA came to agreement to
name the subarea the Twin Lakes Commercial District. Committee member Honda requested
that additional residential areas (over'/4 mile perimeter from the commercial district) be added to
the sub-area network as many other neighborhood communities outside of the current sub-area
support the proposed improvements to the subject intersection and sub-area commercial district.
Chair Celski asked if the area could support the proposed mixed use in the sub-area. The sub-
area is already very densely populated. Does it make sense to have more condos or aparhnents
in an area that already has so many multi-family units? Mr. Herrera commented that the sub-
area plan will have more mixed use and density but not in the immediate future. Given our
regions current economic status, it would not make sense for developers to build new mixed use
structures until the area can handle additional housing as well as mitigate the trafFic impacts.
Growth in the Twin Lakes Commercial District will definitely be market driven.
Chair Celski also inquired more on healthy food. What ways can the city encourage business
owners to explore healthy food concepts? Mr. Herrera responded that the city will be looking
through the code and making sure there aren't codes that would be counterproductive to
encouraging, for example, groceries to have outdoor food carts. It will be important to have
options available to developers to encourage healthy food options for the community (ie.
community gardens, farmers' markets, etc.).
Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented.
Moved: Honda. Seconded: Burbidge Passed: Unanimously; 3-0
D. S 344 Way @ Weyerhaeuser Way S Intersection Improvements — 85% Design Status Feb 21, 2012
Report: Consent
Streets Systems Project Engineer John Mulkey presented information on this item. There was
no public comment.
Committee member Burbidge asked if there are any outside funding sources for this project.
Mr. Mulkey responded that staff is working with properiy owners toward land dedication in
order to save the cost of property acquisition. The city is not looking into funding via the
Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) as staff does not feel that this project would not score
high enough to receive funding.
Committee member Honda asked about the timeline for construction. Mr. Mulkey stated that
construction on this project is funding driven. Given the funding shortfall, this project will most
likely be shelved until fiznding becomes available.
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Chair Celski inquired about what drives the need for this improvement versus the current
infrastructure. City Traffic Engineer Rick Perez spoke in response to this question. Mr. Perez
explained that future development dictates the need for this project. Future expansion of World
Vision is slated for the land to the west of Weyerhaeuser Way at S 344` Way. Land to the south
and east of the same location is expected to be developed over time, increasing traffic volume
even more. 'The current failing level of service intersection plus anticipated future development
would be best served with a two-lane roundabout. A traffic signal is not being considered,
because although less expensive itself, Weyerhaeuser Way would have to be improved to
accommodate all lanes of traffic from the signal to the freeway. The comprehensive cost to
accomplish this along with the maintenance far exceeds the cost of a roundabout. Statistically, a
roundabout is a much safer option with more capacity.
Chair Celski followed up, given the current economy and future development, if there truly is an
immediate need for this project. Mr. Perez stated the project can be shelved until a more
appropriate time; when that time comes, the project will be construction ready.
Committee member Burbidge and Mr. Perez added there are more costs associated with a traffic
signal on an on-going basis as well as the costs needed to maintain it.
Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented.
Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Honda Passed: Unanimously; 3-0
E. 10 Avenue SW @ SW Campus Drive Intersection Improvements — 85% Design Status Feb 21, 2012
Report Consent
Streets Systems Project Engineer John Mulkey presented information on this item. There was
no public comment.
Committee member Honda stated she is very familiar with this location and did not see the need
for this project. Mr. Perez explained how projects move through the process, highlighting the 20
year Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and the 6-Year Transportation Improvement Plan
(TIP). Factors, such as level of service (LOS) failure, travel demand modeling, present and
future growth all factor in to project planning. This particular project was identified several
years ago. The city also receives mitigation funds from development that impacts the project
area. In the case of this project, the City was able to utilize mitigation funds for this project's
design.
Chair Celski asked if there were some alternative to construction, yet achieving the same goals,
ie. having better signage and signals at existing locations. Mr. Perez stated that staff always
considers how a location can be modified through signals, signage etc. before widening
pavement. Chair Celski asked of the two projects (Weyerhaeuser Way and 10"' Ave SV�, which
projects have the highest priority. Mr. Perez noted that that question will be ultimately decided
by Council. Both projects are based on planning for fizture growth.
Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented.
Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Honda Passed: Unanimously; 3-0
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Land Use/Transportation Committee Page 5 February 13, 2012
F. 21 Ave SW @ SW 336`� St Intersection Improvements — 30°/a Design Status Report Feb 21, 2012
Consent
Streets Systems Project Engineer John Mulkey presented information on this item. T'here was
no public comment.
Committee member Burbidge asked for clarification on the projects funding. Mr. Mulkey made
that clarification.
Committee member Honda stated she is much happier about this project design that she was
with the Michigan left alternative.
Chair Celski noted the available funding for this project is above the estimated project
expenditures. Chair Celski asked if the planning for this project leads into the planning for the
Twin Lakes Commercial District sub-area. City Traffic Engineer Perez participated in the sub-
area plan. Mr. Perez spoke of choosing this best traffic alternative that would minimize the
impacts to existing businesses. When comparing alternatives, there were some trade-offs. The
proposed alternative is viable and is also consistent with the Twin Lakes Commercial District
Sub-Area Plan.
Chair Celski commented that he hopes the project has been based on future traffic forecasts so
that staff will not have to revisit this project in the future. Mr. Perez noted that the sub-area plan
was not done in time to have been used in the land use and traffic modeling forecasts for this
project; however, this sub-area will be made as transit friendly as possible so that the
infrastructure will be able to accommodate increased mobility in the future.
Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented.
Moved: Honda Seconded: Burbidge Passed: Uaanimously; 3-0
4. OTHER
5. FUTURE MEETING
The next LUTC meeting will be Monday, March 5, 2012 at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers.
6. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.
Attest:
Darlene LeMaster, Administrative Assistant II
COMMITTEE APPROVAL:
Bob Celski, Chair Jeanne Burbidge, Member Susan Honda, Member
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