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LUTC MINS 06-02-2014City of Federal Way City Council Land Use /Transportation Committee June 2, 2014 City Hall 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers MEETING SUMMARY Committee Members in Attendance: Committee Chair Bob Celski and Committee members Kelly Maloney and Lydia Assefa- Dawson. Council members in attendance: Deputy Mayor Burbidge and Susan Honda. Staff in Attendance: Interim Public Works Director Marwan Salloum, Interim Deputy Public Works Director William Appleton, City Traffic Engineer Rick Perez, Senior Traffic Engineer Erik Preston, Assistant City Attorney Peter Beckwith, and Administrative Assistant II Shawna Upton. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Celski called the meeting to order at 5:30 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 the staff presentation. 3. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Topic Title/ Description A. Approval of Minutes: May 5, 2014 Committee approved the May 5, 2014, LUTC minutes as presented. Moved: Maloney Seconded: Assefa- Dawson Passed: Unanimously, 3 -0 Panther Lake 2013 NTS — SW 330th Street (W Campus Trail to 10th Ave SW) Mr. Preston provided a timeline of this topic as it's progressed since October 2013 when the initial petition was submitted. The City collected speed volume collision data for that section of roadway. The area scored 9.0 severity points which exceeds the minimum of 3.0 severity points to be eligible for traffic calming devices. A neighborhood meeting was held in January 2014 and the consensus was to install two traffic circles, one at 3rd Ave SW, one at 6th Ave SW and one speed table mid -block between 3rd Ave SW and 6th Ave SW. In March, the topic was brought forward to Land Use and Transportation Committee and there were many comments both for and after the proposal. The Committee asked staff to expand the study and include 10th Ave SW in the study and to increase public outreach before bringing the topic back to Land Use. Mr. Preston noted 10th Ave SW does not qualify for the NTS program because of the present speed limit of 35mph, however staff conducted traffic studies in that location in an effort to be comprehensive and held another public neighborhood meeting in April. Staff presented five additional traffic calming options and Forward to Council N/A June 17, 2014 Consent Committee Members City Staff Bob Celskl, Chair Marwan Salloum, P. E., Public Works Director Kelly Maloney, Member Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant H Lydia Assefa- Dawson, Member 253- 835 -2703 an informal vote of all the options showed the strongest support was for Option 1A which would construct two mini - roundabouts at the SW 330th St intersections with 3rd and 6th Ave SW. These roundabouts provide pedestrian refuge islands which would allow pedestrians to safely cross SW 3301h Street and reduce entry speed to 25mph or less and would allow future bike lanes on the corridor as part of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Preston provided additional information on the other alternatives considered and noted estimated costs for Option 1A which would include two mini - roundabouts being installed at 3 d and 6th Ave SW. Susan Evans is against the roundabouts. She noted a small dip in the road just west of 3 d Ave SW in which small cars disappear and recommended the City lowers the speed limit to 25mph the whole length of the road or 30mph on the 10th Ave SW portion and increasing enforcement, place additional speed signs along the road, adding left turn lanes for 3rd Ave SW, 6th Ave SW and down to SW 334th St near Latitude and put in pedestrian flashing lights at the three intersections. Her concern is that with roundabouts drivers will be looking for other cars, not pedestrians, and believes it will be an increased danger to pedestrians. Pat Simmons expressed thanks to staff for doing such a good job and is in favor of Option IA. Kay Pope thanks staff that have worked on the project and citizens that have been involved in the process. She lives on the corner of SW 330th and 6th Ave SW and is in favor of Option 1A. Ann Woolman, President of Latitude Home Owners Association, noted this is the only access road to both entrances of their community. She urged the Committee to make sure whatever they do is done right, protect the beauty of the trees along that road and make the improvements looks nice. She noted she's concerned with slick winter weather and the effect that the roundabouts will have on traffic trying to get up the hill and would like safety to be considered. Bruce Kannenberg is against the roundabout proposal and feels it's a shortcoming to say that is the solution to the problems there. He's concerned about the lack of driver understanding of how to properly yield in roundabouts and would rather see elevated crosswalks that would help slow speeds down but would not alter the basic rules of traffic already in place there. Scott Chase, President of the West Campus Division II Home Owners Association, stated all seven Board Members support Option IA. He's lived in the neighborhood for years and it's a dangerous area for pedestrians. He feels it's very important to make these improvements and would like to see full landscaping provided in the roundabouts so they are not an eye sore. Sue Ellehecht spoke in favor of Option 1A. She noted speed is a big problem and believes it will increase safety. Margaret Nelson lives in West Campus and supports Option 1A. She noted this process started in January and it's now June. She notes City engineers have provided the outcomes of the studies performed and noted roundabouts are in several other cities and traffic can safely navigate roundabouts if traffic laws are followed. She asked the Committee to support Option 1A to improve safety for vehicles and pedestrians. Debbie Harvey noted her top concern is safety and believes that reducing the speed limit will not work. She supports Option 1A and would like to see concerns on 10th Ave SW be considered separately from the other areas so that we can reach a solution more quickly. Allen Nelson complimented the staff on their patience and understanding and believes they came to a good solution to the issues. He notes he's been all over this country and others throughout his travels and mentioned roundabouts are everywhere and are effective. Committee Members City Staff Bob Celski, Chair Marwan Salloum, P. E., Public Works Director Kelly Maloney, Member Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant II Lydia Assefa- Dawson, Member 253 -835 -2703 Rob Graf, President of the Ridge Home Owners Association, agrees that there is a sight distance issue at 3`d Ave SW and a speeding issue at 6th Ave SW. He feels that a speed table with a pedestrian crossing at 3`d Ave SW and a traffic circle at 6th Ave SW would be the most effective combination. He mentioned if two roundabouts are installed, they should be designed within the context of the communities neighboring those intersections. Peggy Bolf has lived in the Ridge for 17 years and agrees that residents in the area love their homes and also agrees there is a speeding issue. She would like to see something that is complimentary to their neighborhood and not a yellow circle. Terry Quinn is strongly opposed to traffic circles. He does not see the need for a traffic circle at 6th Ave SW but feels there may be a need for a pedestrian crossing at 3`d Ave SW. Harold Nyberg likes roundabouts but feels they work best in areas where there are equal amounts of traffic approaching it. He feels there is heavy traffic coming towards it on the main street that will be slowed down at the expense of a lesser volume of cars that approach it from the side streets. Jammal Cowan doesn't support any of the options that have been presented. He understands there is a documented safety issue at 3`d Ave SW but frankly doesn't feel a roundabout is going to improve safety. He would also like to see the improvements limited to 3`d Ave SW and would like to see landscaping done so it looks nice. Victor Vasali expressed concerns with the speeding and notes several occasions where cars have taken out fences. He urges the Committee listen to staff and move forward with their recommendation. Bonnie Sagiao, representing Glen Park Apartments, and drives SW 330th everyday. She believes something has to be done as their fence has been taken out several times. They got approved funds to replace the wood fence with a wrought iron fence but they are hesitant and concerned over future damage caused by speeding cars. Gary Morris lives in West Campus. His son was involved in the latest accident there and he believes he is lucky to be alive. Mr. Morris is concerned about the speeding in the area but doesn't believe that a roundabout or a speed table is an appropriate solution. James Kokimodo fully supports Option 1A. Gerry Laudis lives in the Ridge. She's concerned about cars trying to get up that hill with the addition of roundabouts given the challenging nature of that area in inclement weather as it is. She also feels that drivers will be paying more attention to the roundabout instead of pedestrians. She does not support the option for roundabouts. Further discussion was held regarding the traffic calming options considered, results of the traffic studies, the effectiveness and purpose of the particular types of traffic calming devices, driver behavior, and challenges related to the physical composition of the road as it was inherited from King County. When asked if landscaping the roundabouts was considered in the estimate, Mr. Perez replied no and explained staff felt it was important to treat all neighborhoods consistently and felt the decision to alter from past practice should be left to Council. Mr. Salloum added that to add landscaping would require removal of the asphalt within the circle, utility access issues and surveying work. If irrigation was supplied for the landscaping, costs would increase considerably due to permit costs, utility connection fees, meter installation as well as monthly fees for the meter and water consumption. The cost for initial installation of a roundabout with landscaping is approximately $16,000. If drought intolerant plants are used, watering would still be required for the first few years as the plants establish themselves. In some cases, the home owners associations or residents who live near the roundabout have taken care of the Committee Members City Staff Bob Celski, Chair Marwan Salloum, P.E., Public Works Director Kelly Maloney, Member Shawn Upton, Administrative Assistant H Lydia Assefa- Dawson, Member 253- 835 -2703 C. E watering for the first few years until the plants are established. Mr. Salloum reiterated that staff elected to estimate the project costs without landscaping in the roundabout and allow Council to direct staff to provide the landscaping if they desired. Councilmember Honda asked how the additional costs for landscaping would impact the budgeted for future NTS studies and improvements in other neighborhoods. Mr. Perez commented that it comes down to a policy question such as to consider increasing the budget allowed amount per location, name this as a special case due to the traffic volume on this road compared to other NTS locations or would new criteria be identified to distinguish this case from all other NTS projects. Councilmember Burbidge asked for clarification on the roundabouts related to stacking of vehicles and asked if RRFB's would be beneficial in that area. Mr. Perez noted there should not be stacking encountered at the roundabout locations regardless of size and further noted he felt RRFB's in this particular location, given all the factors, would not be beneficial. Councilmember Maloney suggested to the public attending that if there is interest by the residents or the HOA to have the roundabouts landscaped to their expectations, to consider contacting staff and express a willingness to water plants for the first couple years so low- maintenance plants can be established. Councilmember Celski mentioned his first concern is safety of the area but agrees landscaping would look nice but would like to see low -lying plants so sight distance is not affected. Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented. Moved: Maloney Seconded: Assefa- Dawson Approval to Submit Applications for Transportation Grants Passed: Unanimously, 3 -0 Mr. Perez provided information on the current status of new grant funding programs available. This year a 10% match is required. Mr. Perez discussed each of the three potential projects that will likely be competitive in the competition for grant funds. Brief discussion continued. Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented. Moved: Assefa- Dawson Seconded: Maloney 2015 -2020 Transportation Improvement Plan Passed: Unanimously, 3 -0 Mr. Perez stated the City is required to annually adopt a transportation improvement plan (TIP) which outlines the six year plan for all transportation capital projects. The projects are required to be listed on the plan in order to be eligible for grant funding. Mr. Perez provided additional information on how the projects are selected for addition to the TIP. Brief discussion was held regarding specific locations shown on the TIP map related to challenges, length of construction time and funding. Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented. Moved: Maloney Seconded: Assefa- Dawson Passed: Unanimously, 3 -0 2015 -2022 Surface Water Management Capital Improvement Plan Mr. Appleton provided an overview of the proposed 2015 -2022 Surface Water Management Capital Improvement Plan and summarized accomplishments over the last 20 years. Mr. Appleton noted that as a result of this plan, all major conveyance capacity and flooding issues have been resolved, stormwater quality has improved, critical habitat has been preserved, stream functionality restored and complied with NPDES permit requirements have been met. He summarized the criteria used to determine which projects end up on the list and touched briefly on each project. Further discussion was held regarding priority order of the projects, future trail connections including connection to the existing trails in the Hylebos Wetlands and improvements near Brooklake on S 356th Street. Committee forwarded Option #1 as presented. Moved: Assefa- Dawson Seconded: Maloney Passed: Unanimously, 3 -0 June 17, 2014 Consent June 17, 2014 Resolution June 17, 2014 Consent Committee Members City Staff Bob Celski, Chair Marwan Salloum, P.E., Public Works Director Kelly Maloney, Member Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant II Lydia Assefa- Dawson, Member 153 -835 -1703 4. OTHER 5. FUTURE MEETINGS /AGENDA ITEMS: The next LUTC meeting will be Monday, July 7, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. 6. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. COMMITTEE APPROVAL: ME v `1S Committee Members Bob Celski, Chair Kelly Maloney, Member Lydia Asseta- Dawson, Member Attest: a Upton, Ad nistrative Assistant II 1-6a"-h'kW' Kelly Malo , Member L ' Assefa -Daw n, Member City Staff Marwan Salloum, P.E., Public Works Director Shawna Upton, Administrative Assistant II 253- 835 -2703