HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/03/2009 04B Minutes 01-21-2009 Council Transportaion and Transit Committee Minutes of
• Yakima City Council Transportation and Transit Committee
Community & Economic Development Conference Room
Yakima City Hall, 129 North 2" Street, Yakima, WA 98901
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
4:00- 5:30p.m.
City Council Members Staff Other
Neil McClure, Chair Chris Waarvick, Public Works Dir. Ann Molitor
Rick Ensey Michael Morales, Dep. Dir CED _ Jerry Molitor
Paul Overby (Selah) Ken Mehin, Transit Manager Rick Gifford (WSDOT)
Karen Allen, Transit Program Admin. Eric Johnston
Brett Sheffield, Chief Engineer Bob Jewell
Joan Davenport, Traffic Engineer Rod Knipper
Laura Vallejo, Bilingual DA II Sally Mayo
Jeff Peters, Associate Planner
Transit Items
Ken Mehin discussed the first item on the agenda, which was the Dial -A- Contract renewal date; August
23, 2009. He added that Transit is reviewing whether to continue to keep the program with the current
provider or seek a new request for proposals. Chris Waarvick briefly mentioned the two areas of concern
that Transit has with the current contract. The first is the clarity of handling small accidents to the City's
vehicles that are leased to the current Dial -A -Ride provider. The contract language needs to be written in
0 more specific terms.
The second concern would be to have a modem ride scheduling system in place. This software could
provide a significant cost savings for Yakima Transit. The contractor could then efficiently schedule DAR
trips and in turn would help reduce fuel costs, vehicle mileage and reduce the wear and tear on the
paratransit vehicles.
Karen Allen added that she recently met with the Administrators of Tn- Cities Taxi, which they reviewed
the operations of the DAR program and came up with a few concerns that their administration could
change: i.e. Setting a return pick up time on dialysis appointments, reducing the 14-day advance ride
reservation to no longer than a 7-day advance notice. Allen added that this would be a win/win situation
for both of them if it were implemented.
Karen Allen mentioned to the Council the request that Yakima Transit put in with the State for additional
vanpool vans to expand the program again. She reported that she was notified this afternoon from
WSDOT of the approval for 5 new vanpool vans with the agreement that Yakima Transit must provide
25% of the total costs of vans for staffing, (vanpool) marketing, etc. Neil and Rick approved to accept.
Paul Overby shared that the Selah bus service is going well and that they have recently received a
$30,000 grant for transit operations. He said they are currently looking over the contract and exploring
different options to upgrade their bus service.
Additional information shared by Ken Mehin is that Transit recently received their $1.65 million dollars for
their 2008 operational costs. They have recently purchased 4-35ft buses and 3 eight passenger
Uplander Vanpool Vans. He reported that annual ridership has risen by 13.5 percent over last year.
Mehin's last commentss were the ridership for the free bus service on New Year's Eve was low and very
few of those passengers attended the downtown celebration. He suggested that in the future the event
either be advertised a lot more to increase the ridership or not continue it all.
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Transportation Items
Staff introduced Ann and Jerry Molitor, the developers of the proposed River Pointe Landing Retail
Center on North 16 Avenue, as well as their engineers, Eric Johnston and Bob Jewell. It was noted that
when the City Council approved the rezone for the retail area in February 2008 the development would
require either a traffic signal or a roundabout at the entrance from North 16 Avenue. This entrance was
required to be configured to align with the Lake Aspen Business Park entrance.
Eric Johnston presented a summary of the design options for both the traffic signal and the roundabout.
Both options would provide acceptable Level of Service. However, the roundabout option would have
less delay and require less stacking area for waiting vehicles in the queue. Mr. Johnston spoke about the
concern that a roundabout be sized for truck traffic and other safety features.
A discussion of pedestrian design issues followed. Bob Jewell explained a number of details related to
Greenway access as well as crossing features. The design for a roundabout would include splitter islands
for pedestrian safety as well as truncated landing areas.
The issue of public perception and concerns about roundabouts was discussed. It was noted that the
existing roundabout at 5' Avenue and Fruitvale Boulevard may help improve public acceptance of
another roundabout Many communities experience initial negative public reaction when a roundabout is
proposed. After installation is complete and drivers have the opportunity to get used to the traffic flow
public opinion generally favors roundabouts.
Rod Knipper representing Lake Aspen Business Park stated that many of the business owners in Lake
Aspen were concerned and had reservations about a roundabout in this location. However, with more
information, the consensus of the Business Park supports the roundabout over a traffic signal.
Rick Gifford of Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) spoke about the funding de
in constructing the proposed roundabouts at the Valley Mall Boulevard exit from 1 -82. He described a
number of roundabouts in similar settings in other communities on or near State Highway facilities. He
stated that the traffic signal option creates a weave -merge problem that does not exist with the
roundabout design from the Eastbound off -ramp of SR 12.
Mr. Molitor noted that as the developer, he favored the roundabout option.
Neil noted that roundabouts have a significantly lower maintenance cost and offers better operation
choices.
Brett stated that staff is in favor of the roundabout design because of reduction in delay and better Level
of Service.
Rick stated that he also favored the roundabout designs and felt that the public acceptance would be
generally supportive. Council directed staff to pursue the roundabout design option with the developer.
They thanked the developer, engineers and public for attending the meeting.
Michael Morales gave a brief update of the status of the railroad grade separation project. Several
significant right of way issues have been settled. Staff is working on Right of Way Certification in
February with the bid process to follow in March of 2009. Additional discussion about Federal and State
Stimulus funding for transportation projects followed.
The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is February 18, 2009 at 4:00
p.m.
Approved by: - ('
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