31ST STREET STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

MINUTES

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008

 

Location:       City Hall

Purpose:        Provide information to Steering Committee

 

Michael Caron

Tomas E. Mulinazzi

Sue Hack

Paul Phelps

Beth Johnson

Steve Glass

Karen Heeb

Brad Finkeldei

Corky Armstrong

Bob Johnson

Committee

Attendees

 

Keith Browning

Mark Hecker

John Knowles, FHWA

Mike Novak

Justin Klaudt

Chuck Soules

Shoeb Uddin

Ric Johnson

Todd Girdler

Others/

Staff

 

 

Chuck Soules reported a very positive preliminary meeting with several board members of the O’Connell Youth Ranch.   O’Connell Youth Ranch cannot sell property but would be amenable to friendly condemnation.

 

Approximately 100 people attended the September 29, 2008 open house at the fairground.    Thirty-nine surveys were returned - mostly with positive responses.  Alignment concepts were well received.  Residents along Goodell were concerned about placement of roadway.

 

Rick Johnson presented traffic projections with and without the SLT.  Traffic projections at Haskell will necessitate four lanes on Haskell and a signalized intersection.

 

Steve Glass requested that Wilson & Co. review future traffic impact on 23rd Street if two lanes or four lanes were constructed on 31st Street.

 

John Knowles confirmed that the project termination points for the environmental assessment are Haskell to O’Connell.  When the sections west of O’Connell are constructed, environmental issues will be evaluated for those sections.  KDOT will review the project for categorical exclusion of environmental issues.

 

Hecker requested a tree buffer between the multi-use path and roadway.

 

Steve Glass recommended a 3-4 lane section with curb and gutter, storm sewer, and sidewalks on both sides from Haskell Avenue east to the end of the current industrial area.

 

Discussion of 11 ft. versus 12 ft. wide lanes included:

·         City has been designing arterials with 11 ft. lanes

·         Narrower lanes (versus 12 ft.) slows speeds

·         Expansion to 4 lanes would be easier with 12 ft. lanes and working close to traffic

·         With restricted access and paved shoulder, 11 ft. lane may not provide the confined space perception that slows speeds.

 

Steering Committee was in agreement on preferred alignment.

 

The recommendations/alignment of the Committee should be presented to the City and County Commissioners at a study session.