HomeMy WebLinkAbout010906 Workshop
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
CI COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WORK HOP MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2006
CALL TO ORDER A~D PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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The City Council of the City of Port l10wnsend met in workshop session this ninth
day of January, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. i1 the Port Townsend temporary Council
Chambers in the Cedar Room ofthelWaterman & Katz Building, Mayor Mark Welch
presiding. !
~OLL CALL
Council members present at roll call f,vere Frank Benskin, Laurie Medlicott, Michelle
Sandoval, Catharine Robinson, Sco~ Walker and Mark Welch. Mr. Masci arrived
later in the meeting. '
Staff members present were City M~nager David Timmons, City Attorney John
Watts, Public Works Director Ken Clpw, City Engineer Dave Peterson, Fire Chief
Mike Mingee, and City Clerk Pam Kqlacy.
City Engineer Dave Peterson review~d the history of the project and current efforts
regarding intersection improvementsl to Howard Street/Sims Way. He noted that
what we do at this intersection couldlset a trend for other intersections in the City
and said the next step is to learn more about traffic behavior at this intersection. We
now have a simulation model of wha~ happens at the intersection with a signal vs. a
roundabout; it is apparent that we neied to emphasize also the importance of
development of alternative routes intP town. He stated staff has met with WSDOT
engineers to get their input. Variou~ City plans apply to the area including Gateway,
Arterial Street, and Comprehensive flan.
He then introduced Scott Sawyer of tonsulting firm W&H Pacific to discuss the
intersection improvement project forlHoward and Sims Way.
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Mr. Masci arrived at 6:50 p.m.
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Mr. Sawyer gave a presentation on ~Iternatives and issues.
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Council discussion included the follo/Ning questions and issues:
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How are large trucks accommodate1 on roundabouts vs. traffic signal?
Traffic circles can be designed as Wjnted and are not constrained to a certain size
of vehicle.
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January 9, 2006
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Comparison of property acquisition t~at would be necessary in each instance
(roundabout or signal). I
Accommodation of each scenario fo~ emergency service vehicles.
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Fire Chief Mingee responded to som~ concerns, noted the situation would depend
on the design dimensions. I
Maintaining a sensible balance rathelr than designing for the maximum size vehicle
that might come through. I
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Whether placing a signal would preclude signals at other intersections; where might
other roundabouts be placed? (It wfs noted that the Department of Transportation
prefers not to mix signals and roundjboutS.)
Some concerns have not been included in the model due to lack of funding; some
issues, i.e., large and emergency ve~icle use, have not been fine-tuned.
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Configuration of additional lanes.
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Option of adding a meter for entry tolroundabout (probably about $10,000 - $20,000
vs. $150,000 - $200,000 for traffic Si~nal).
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Effect of ferry traffic on intersection ~Ianning (is included in future planning
discussions with DOT). I
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How to provide means for people to $et in and out of upper Sims Way businesses.
Neither solution solves all problems. I
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Ferry numbers have been extrapolat~d forward in the model.
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What community values would be galined by one choice over the other; for example,
which improvement would be more b~neficial to the business activity in the area.
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Difficulty of left turns is not solved bYIPutting in a signal.
It was noted that there are now somJ technical solutions proposed for a particular
intersection, but an urban design gn~p needs to map out the improvements and
how they would tie into the overall phlm; after this is done, the two alternatives can
be considered within the context of t~e overall planning process.
Mr. Timmons stated staff would bring back to Council the proposed scope of work
for the next phase along with an aut~orizing resolution. The scope of work will
include a matrix of values. Moving f~rward on this phase will enhance the City's
ability to receive grant funding. '
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January 9, 2006
Staff or consultant will also prepare n exhibit regarding the rights of way which
would be necessary to acquire unde each scenario.
IADJOURN
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The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Attest:
(~) \J){j~1'~~
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Pam Kolacy, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Workshop
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January 9, 2006