Loading...
LUTC MINS 03-03-2014City of Federal Way City Council Land Use /Transportation Committee March 3, 2014 City Hall 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers MEETING SUMMARY Committee Members in Attendance: Committee Chair Bob Celski and Committee member Jeanne Burbidge. Council members in attendance: Susan Honda. Staff in Attendance: Director of Parks, Public Works and Emergency Management Cary Roe, Deputy Public Works Director Marwan Salloum, City Traffic Engineer Rick Perez, Senior Traffic Engineer Erik Preston, Street Systems Project Engineer Christine Mullen, Street Systems Engineer Jeff Huynh, Planner Manager Isaac Conlen, Senior Planner Janet Shull, Assistant City Attorney Peter Beckwith, and Administrative Assistant II Shawna Upton. 1. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Celski called the meeting to order at 5:34 PM. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT (3 minutes) Chair Celski noted that due to the number in attendance who desired to make public comment, he would like staff to present the information first and then allow those wanting to comment a chance to do so after staff presentations. 3. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Topic Title/ Description A. Approval of Minutes: February 3, 2014 Committee approved the February 3, 2014, LUTC minutes as presented. Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Celski Passed: Unanimously, 2 -0 Twin Lakes / Westway Neighborhood Greenway Proposal Nick Cilluffo, Policy Project Associate with Forterra, provided an overview of the information received from public outreach efforts over the last year. A steering committee was formed to assist in developing a plan and keep the project moving forward. The neighborhood greenway is a designated route that takes advantage of existing infrastructure where auto traffic volume is lower and speeds are typically slower. The model is intended to be a cost - effective way to connect residential areas to business districts and other community facilities. The route was centered on the Westway neighborhood for several reasons which included existing infrastructure in the area, several nearby destinations and concerns about pedestrian safety. Perez noted that this proposal was in response to the City's adopted Bicycle and Pedestrian Master plan. He briefly described the types of tools proposed for use in this proposal such as warning signs highlight to drivers they will most likely see an increase in bike riders, bike lane markings to provide guidance to bicyclists and drivers and bike boxes. The idea behind Forward to Council N/A March 18, 2014 Business Committee Members City Staff Bob Celski, Chair Cary M Roe, P. E., Director of Parks, Public Works and Emergency Management Jeanne Burbidge, Member Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant H 253- 835 -2703 bike boxes is to have a designated area for cyclists to queue up in front of motorized traffic and the intent is to eliminate the potential for cyclists getting trapped. Other types of proposed tools are guide signs to destinations that would be scaled for pedestrian and cyclists using a bike logo, the Toucan signal which hasn't been used much in the United States but would allow for a signal for bike and pedestrian use and a separate signal for motorized vehicle use. Perez discussed both short term and long term solutions as well as identifying which tools were being considered for each location. Public Comments: Maureen Christianson lives in the Twin Lakes area frequently walks. Ms. Christianson is concerned about the traffic bottleneck that occurs where the new signals were installed near Dairy Queen and Jack in the Box. She noted concerns regarding the lack of driver compliance for the pedestrian crossing signal as drivers are not currently stopping for her to cross. She expressed concern for the safety of several developmentally disabled residents in the area. She spoke in favor of the greenway proposal. Brent Frandsen shared his experience with raising three young boys. He enjoys taking his family for bike rides adventures but is concerned about the lack of driver awareness towards cyclists. Mr. Frandsen is in favor of the proposed greenway improvements. Ken Borchers supports the greenway proposal and is an avid cyclist. However, he would not describe Federal Way as a bicycle friendly city for novice riders or children. He feels it is important to make improvements to increase pedestrian and bicycle safety. Jack Dovey encourages Council to look at the greenway proposal as an economic development program and as a traffic safety vision. He spoke in favor of the proposal and would like to see Federal Way have increased bicycle and pedestrian connections as other cities do. Steve Nagode enjoys riding in Federal Way but admits taking his family outside Federal Way to ride for safety reasons. He spoke in favor of the greenway proposal, noting the starting costs are really low, and hopes Council agrees. Committee forwarded Option #1 as amended to the Council business agenda. Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Celski Passed: Unanimously, 2 -0 C. Panther Lake NTS '13 — SW 330th Street (West Campus Trail to 101h Ave SW) Mr. Preston presented background on the NTS program stating that it is a program commonly used to implement traffic calming at the request of the neighborhood. He noted that this particular petition was submitted for SW 3301h in October of last year over concerns of excessive speeding, safety for vehicles entering SW 330th and turning off of SW 330th Street. He noted a traffic study was conducted at two separate locations on SW 330th Street and provided the results including 85th percentile speed, total of and types of collisions beginning January 2008 through December 2012. After collecting the data, a community meeting was held on January 6th at Panther Lake Elementary. Twelve residents attended. The preferred solution that came from that meeting was to install two traffic circles; one on 3`d Ave SW and the other on 6th Ave SW along SW 330th Street. Discussion continued regarding the specific components, signage, public outreach efforts, costs and concerns related to emergency response, inclement weather and potential impacts to residents. Public Comments: James Zanetti opposes the traffic calming measures. He noted that due to the hill at 3rd Ave SW it is difficult to remain at 25mph as you are heading down the hill and prefers to have the speed limit changed to 35mph instead. N/A Committee Members City Staff Bob Celski, Chair Cary M. Roe, P. E., Director of Parks, Public Works and Emergency Management Jeanne Surbidge, Member Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant II 253- 835 -2703 Kevin Burns spoke against the improvements on SW 330th Street as he feels that it encroaches on the local residents and suggested to increase the speed from 25mph to 30mph. He also noted the possibility of installing a stop sign at 6th Ave SW instead of spending tax payer dollars on the calming measures. Ann Woolman, President of Latitude HOA, and resident at Latitude Condominiums and is against the traffic calming proposal. The suggested location of these improvements will impact their only access road. She considers the proposed obstacle course to be dangerous and is concerned about impacts to emergency response time and maneuverability around the circles on the hill when inclement weather occurs. Chris Petitt resides at Latitude Condominiums is opposed to the NTS plan. He believes that the proposed devices will only slow down the flow of traffic on a road that has no driveway access and was originally designed as an arterial. Limited sight distance is an issue in this area but feels the proposed solution is not going to be beneficial. He is also concerned about the hills and having to maneuver around traffic circles during inclement weather and feels there is something better that could be proposed. Lance Hughes sits on the Board of Directors for Latitude Condominiums. He agrees that the posted speed limits are appropriate but feels the location of the calming measures is not appropriate. Bill Allen is a resident of Federal Way and passes through this area four times per day and is opposed to the proposal. He feels the posted speed limits and breaking distance is appropriate. He stated that the first vehicle to the traffic circle has the right -of -way and is concerned about having uphill traffic in either direction having to yield to other traffic with the proposed configuration. He was surprised to hear that traffic is moving upwards of 35mph in this location as his experience has been traffic traveling closer to the posted speed limit. Joyce May came tonight without an opinion either way. Ms. May resides in English Gardens but admits after hearing the presentation, is strongly opposed to the proposal. The amount of traffic coming from the Ridge has increased quite a bit and feels most are travelling well in excess of 35mph. She urges Council to carefully consider all the options before making a decision. Margaret Nelson lives one block away from SW 3301h Street and feels the signs advertising for this meeting could've been better placed to notify residents of this meeting. Ms. Nelson is in favor of this proposal and feels speeding is a concern and it's dangerous for pedestrians to try and cross this street in this area. Allen Nelson feels that excessive speeding is a problem in this area and mentions that it's become worse as the amount of traffic has increased. He feels that 25mph is an appropriate speed for this area and is unsure of any other traffic calming measure that will make an impact with the speeding issues. He spoke in favor of the traffic improvements. Mike Leuty is opposed to the traffic circles because he does not like the obstacles they present. He feels that there will be difficulty getting around the traffic circles in a motorhome or while pulling a trailer. He feels that having police enforcement at 6th Ave SW has been the most effective speed control for this stretch of road. Terry Quinn is against the traffic circles and feels that particular element is overkill. He noted that what he considers to be a major problem is far different from what the city's perspective is. Victor Vasale lives along 6th Ave SW and feels that this stretch of road is treated as a racetrack and that there is a major problem there. Committee Members City Staff Bob Celski, Chair Cary M. Roe, P. E., Director of Parks, Public Works and Emergency Management Jeanne Burbidge, Member Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant II 253- 835 -2703 James Kubal - Komoto has lived in the West Campus II division for 10 years and strongly supports this proposal. Sight distance is compromised without having to partially enter the intersection of 3 I Ave SW & SW 330th Street. He noted his wife no longer uses that intersection because she feels it is too dangerous. Jammal Cowan lives nearby and is opposed to this project. He often drives or walks in that area and doesn't feel there is a problem. He is concerned about the proposal forcing drivers to travel on surrounding roads and noted this road is meant to be an arterial. He also does not want emergency services delayed or his tax money spent in this manner. Rob Graf, Vice President of the Ridge HOA, noted he and many other residents did not see the signs advertising this meeting. The City would be welcome to come to a board meeting to discuss options. Mr. Graf spoke against this proposal noting that traffic circles are confusing for drivers, considering the hills there, and feels there must be a more economical solution. Michael Kuhn lives near 101h Ave SW and is not in favor of this proposal. He noted the January community meeting was poorly advertised and has not been properly heard by the people. Mr. Kuhn also feels this will increase traffic congestion. Bill Gates, South King Fire and Rescue Commissioner, resides in the Ridge and is opposed. He feels the proposal is overkill but admits there is a problem with speeding in the area and would recommend that this goes back for further study. Mr. Gates would like to see more pedestrian improvements made to increase safety for pedestrians trying to cross the street. He stated that response time will be impacted by anything that they have to go around or over. Depending on the circumstance, it could be a big deal. Scott Chase is a long time resident of West Campus II division, President of the HOA, noted they have discussed this issue at the HOA board meetings. Both he and other board members living by these intersections have experienced the problems in this area and another resident has had their fence taken out twice by cars losing control due to speeding. This area is very dangerous and he spoke in favor of the proposal. Harold Nyberg is against this proposal and feels that everyone should have a voice and would like to see voted on by the people. Pat Simmons resides in West Campus II, Vice President of the HOA, spoke in favor of the traffic circles proposed but does not feel the table in the middle is needed. Jesse Hamashime is a resident in West Campus supports this proposal. He noted that traffic has increased considerably over the last 20 years and feels that what's important is creating a livable community and using all transportation methods safely. This is a dangerous area and if a vehicle is speeding while a pedestrian is trying to cross the street at the same time, the car will overtake you before you can react. Phil Filbrick lives in the Ridge now, but recently moved from the West Campus area. He doesn't agree with the two traffic circles but believes something needs to be done. Mr. Filbrick noted a time when he was almost hit by a police officer who was not speeding but simply couldn't see him with the sight distance challenges in that area. Councilmember Burbidge expressed thanks to the residents that came out to share their concerns. She encourages more review of this topic and notes that one of the many factors that need to be considered is that this is a collector street and not simply a residential street so there will be a large amount of people affected. She is interested about what other options might be available. Also, noted was a concern about pedestrian safety and would Committee Members City Staff Bob Celsk; Chair Cary M. Roe, P. E., Director of Parks, Pubfic Works and Emergency Management Jeanne Burbfdge, Member Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant II 253- 835 -2703 like to see the RRFB (rectangular rapid flash beacon) considered. Councilmember Honda agrees there is a problem in that location and noted years ago safety in that location was also a problem and it's only gotten worse as traffic has increased over the years. She didn't feel the neighborhood meeting was advertised well and would like to see discussion continue regarding a solution. Councilmember Celski appreciated all the comments made on this topic. He inquired about the possibility of photo enforcement. He's not sure that's the best solution but agrees there is a problem there that needs a solution and stated he has also experienced very dangerous driving conditions. Motion by Burbidge to direct staff to review this issue further, obtain more public input and bring back to the Committee for consideration. Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Celski Passed: Unanimously, 2 -0 D. Ordinance to Vacate a Portion of S 337th Street March 18, 2014 Ordinance Mr. Salloum provided a summary of this topic. He noted that a public hearing was held on First Reading January 7th at which time the Council voted to conditionally approve the street vacation with two conditions. Those are for the property owner to pay the fair market value of the property and also to grant a utility easement to all of the utilities within the vacated portion of the property. The property owner has complied with both of those conditions. Committee forwarded Option #1 as amended to the business agenda. Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Celski Passed: Unanimously, 2 -0 E. Lakota Middle School Sidewalk — 13th Avenue SW (SW 314th Street to SW 316th Street) — March 18, 2014 85% Design Status Report and Authorization to Bid Consent Mr. Salloum noted this project has received 100% funding and is 85% complete. Staff is seeking approval to bid the project and, if approved, will be constructed after school is out. Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented. Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Celski Passed: Unanimously, 2 -0 F. 2014 Asphalt Overlay Project — Bid Award March 18, 2014 Consent Mr. Huynh stated bids were received for the Overlay project and the lowest responsive bidder is ICON Materials. Discussion continued regarding the available funding, estimated expenditures and noted that due to the budget shortfall, Schedule E for Twin Lakes Highlands will not be recommended for award at this time. Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented. Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Celski Passed: Unanimously, 2 -0 G. S 320th Street (11th PI South to I -5 Limited Access) Preservation Project — Bid Award March 18, 2014 Consent Mr. Huynh indicated that bids were received and opened on February 13th and the lowest responsive bidder is Miles Resources, LLC dba Woodworth and Company. Mr. Salloum noted this project is similar to the overlay program and will also be upgrading ADA ramps. Due to this project receiving a portion of federal funding through a PSRC grant, it needed to have a separate project title. Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented. Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Celski Passed: Unanimously, 2 -0 Committee Members City Staff Bob Celski, Chair Cary M. Roe, P. E., Director of Parks, Public Works and Emergency Management Jeanne Burbidge, Member Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant II 253- 835 -2703 G. Grant Funding for Transportation Improvement Projects — Authorization to Submit an March 18, 2014 Application Consent Mr. Salloum provided the current status of new grant funding programs for transportation improvement projects. Staff evaluated the available projects and determined which projects would likely be most competitive for funding through PRSC, Safe Route to School (SRTS) and /or Transportation Improvement Board (TIB). Mr. Salloum discussed each specific project being considered and the specific funding sources for each. Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented. Moved: Burbidge Seconded: Celski Passed: Unanimously, 2 -0 4. OTHER 5. FUTURE MEETINGS /AGENDA ITEMS: The next LUTC meeting will be Monday, April 7, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. 6. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM. Attest: was Upton, Admi istrative Assistant II i� i n�t+E� a pp ry vex( a-I- -th- COMMITTEE APPROVAL: MN (P*M C0"011 Yy)'e-P-R no ' Bob Celski, Chair Jeanne Burbidge, Member Committee Members City Staff Bob Celski, Chair Cary M. Roe, P. E., Director of Parks, Public Works and Emergency Management Jeanne Surbidge, Member Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant II 253- 835 -2703 COUNCIL MEETING DATE: May 6, 2014 ITEM #:�,D CITY OF FEDERAL WAY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 3, 2014 LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES POLICY QUESTION: Should the City Council members present for the March 3, 2014 Land Use and Transportation Committee approve the minutes? COMMITTEE: N/A MEETING DATE: N/A CATEGORY: ❑ Consent ❑ Ordinance ❑ Public Hearing ® City Council Business ❑ Resolution ❑ Other STAFF REPORT BY: Peter Beckwith, Assistant City Attorne DEPT: Law ..... ...............Y............... ................................. ............................... . Background: The Council members appointed to the Land Use and Transportation Committee changed between the March 3, 2014 and the May 5, 2014 meeting. As a result, the minutes from the March 3, 2014 meeting could not be approved because Councilmember Celski was the only remaining voting member. Consequently, approval of the minutes is under Council Business for Chair Celski and Deputy Mayor Burbidge to approve. Options Considered: 1. Chair Celski and Deputy Mayor Burbidge approve the minutes as presented. 2. Chair Celski and Deputy Mayor Burbidge approve the minutes as modified. MAYOR'S RECOMMENDATION: N/A MAYOR APPROVAL: n/a �% pIRECTOR APPROVAL: Committee Co cil `� Initial CHIEF OF STAFF: n/a Committee COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: N/A Bob Celski, Chair Kelly Maloney, Member Lydia Assefa- Dawson, Member PROPOSED COUNCIL MOTION: "I move approval of Option I " (BELOW TO BE COMPLETED BY CITY CLERKS OFFICE) UNCIL ACTION: APPROVED COUNCIL BILL # DENIED 1ST reading ❑ TABLED /DEFERRED /NO ACTION Enactment reading ❑ MOVED TO SECOND READING (ordinances only) ORDINANCE # REVISED — 08/12/2010 RESOLUTION #