HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/16/2010 04B Minutes 01-21-2010 Council Transit and Transportation Committee Minutes of
III Yakima City Council Transit and Transportation Committee •
Yakima City Hall
Community & Economic Development Conference Room
129 North 2 Street, Yakima, WA 98901
• Thursday, January 21, 2010
9:15-10:15 am.
. .
City Council Members Staff Other
Micah Cawley Chris Waarvick, Public Works Director. . Paul Overby,Selah
Rick Ensey (Absent & Excused) Ken Mehin, Transit Manager City Councilman
• Dave Ettl Kevin Futrell, Transit Planner
' Wayne Parsley, Transit Route Supervisor
Laura Vallejo, Transit Department Assistant II
Mayor Micah Cawley called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. in the Community & Economic
Development (CED) Conference Room at City Hall. Mayor Cawley made a motion to elect a new
Chairperson, which was the first item on the agenda. Mayor Cawley nominated Councilman Rick
Ensey, Councilman Dave Ettl seconded the motion, and it passed 2-0. The Council Committee
ecided on changing the CCTC Meetings to every third Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm.
. .
Transit Items • .
The following 'items discussed on the agenda by Ken Mehin were extended bus service hours on
weekday evenings starting March 1 and will be implemented until June 30, 2011. Mehin explained to
the Council Committee that Transit received $131,000 in State funds with a 50 percent match to help
with the one-hour extension of all the bus routes including Selah. Mehin continued to say that Selah
has requested an extended level of bus service in their area also beginning March 1 Paul Overby
commented that they have noticed increased ridereship therefore; they have requested an additional
bus for peak hour service and 4 modern type bus shelters at their expense. Overby said they will
also be extending their boundaries, which will cover some of their residential areas. Overby added
that Selah has a great partnership with Yakima Transit and they are very excited with the addition to
their bus service.
Councilman Dave Ettl had some questions about the bus service and asked Ken Mehin if they are '
happy with the level of service they are currently providing. Mehin responded that they are for the
amount they have in their budget. Chris Waarvick commented that the one-hour extended bus
service they will be adding will cost them $100,000. Waarvick added that overall, Transit has been
very disciplined at staying within their financial budget. Other informational items discussed by Mehin
were that for the past 2 years combined ridership has increased by 6% and the DAR service has
remained stable with 91,000 passenger trips for the entire year.
Both Mehin and Waarvick introduced to the Council Committee, Kevin Futrell as their new Transit
Planner. Mayor Cawley suggested that Selah City Councilman Paul Overby be made a voting
ember of the Council Committee. Mayor Cawley made the motion, Councilman Ettl seconded the
Is otion, and the motion passed 2-0.
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Transportation Items
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Winter Safety Program Update. Committee members were presented a summary of the Street
Division's efforts for the winter storm events to date. Staff explained the parameters and limitations of
the city's ability to respond to winter storm events, Staff also provided some ideas how we may
improve our response. A full report on this season's Winter Safety Program with proposed changes in
procedures will be presented after the winter season is over.
Review Barge Chestnut Traffic Calming. A report was provided showing the results of the
neighborhood vote on implementing traffic calming in the Barge-Chestnut neighborhood. The
neighborhood voted about 2 to 1 in favor of implementation. Timeline for implementation is based on
Memorial Hospital's implementation of its traffic mitigation plan related to the campus expansion. The
Committee voted to hold a public hearing prior to implementing the traffic calming plan in order to
provide residents outside of the neighborhood an opportunity to comment on the plan.
Status of 40 Avenue Corridor Study. Two preliminary concepts have been provided by the city's
consultant for making improvements on 40 Avenue between River Road and Lincoln Avenue. Staff
plans to hold a public meeting by end of February for residents to comment on the plan before
proceeding to a recommended alternative.
Street Repair — YHR Editorial. A brief discussion was held to discuss the YHR editorial in regard to
past actions and funding capabilities. No specific options or funding needs have been determined.
Staff will bring to the Committee later this year a list of needed street improvements and repairs,
estimated costs, and with potential funding options for their consideration.
Street Bond Concept and 2010 Proposed Street Utility Legislation (HB 2618). This item was touched
upon during discussion of the previous item but specific information was accepted by the Committee
as information only due to a lack of time to discuss in detail.
Mayor Cawley adjourned the Transit Council Meeting at 10:15 a.m.
Approved by: /0 ail'
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