31ST STREET STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2008
Location: City Hall
Purpose: Introduction of project
Provide information to Steering Committee
|
Michael Caron Eric Struckoff Sue Hack |
Paul Phelps Beth Johnson Steve Glass |
Karen Heeb Brad Finkeldei Corky Armstrong |
Bob Johnson |
Committee
Attendees
|
Keith Browning Mark Hecker |
Mike Novak Justin Klaudt |
Chuck Soules Shoeb Uddin |
Ric Johnson Todd Girdler |
Others/
Staff
I. Introductions:
After brief introductions, Chuck Soules discussed the history of the project, goals, and the purpose of the Steering Committee.
II. Steering Committee Purpose:
* Guide efforts for project development
* Review alternatives
* Ask questions
* Provide priorities – give and take process - what is most important
* Listen and evaluate public comment
In the end, after all factors are considered, the Steering Committee will be asked for a consensus and recommendation on the type of facility to present to both the City and County Commissions.
Alignment options:
http://www.lawrencepublicworks.org/pdf/Steering_comm_layout_1.pdf
http://www.lawrencepublicworks.org/pdf/Steering_comm_layout2.pdf
III. Project Background:
The City received an $800,000 earmark from KDOT for the construction of 31st Street from Haskell Avenue to O’Connell Road. An RFP was prepared following KDOT procedures. Eleven submittals were received from engineering firms. A selection committee reviewed the proposals and interviewed four firms. Wilson & Co. was selected to provide conceptual plan design and the right-of-way necessary for the project.
Around March 2008 Keith Browning, Douglas County Public Works Director, and Chuck Soules updated the Douglas County Commission regarding the project. The County Commission felt it important to determine a recommended alignment east of O’Connell Road to Route 1057. The intent was to not only look at a piece of the corridor, but if a conceptual design was to occur and an alignment these efforts shouldn’t be done in a vacuum. The connection at O’Connell Road could effect the alignment east and it made sense to extend the contract scope.
IV. Planning Review:
The Revised Southern Development Plan and the Southeast Area Plan were presented.
Revised Southern Development Plan: http://www.lawrenceplanning.org/documents/SouthernDevelopmentPlanDraft_052307.pdf
Southeast Area Plan:
http://www.lawrenceplanning.org/documents/SoutheastAreaPlan.pdf
T2030, Chapter 4, Transportation goals and objectives were discussed:
http://www.lawrenceplanning.org/t2030/T2030_Chap4.pdf
* Support economic vitality
* Maintain/expand/enhance transportation system
* Provide efficient operation
* Protect the environment and promote energy conservation
* Safety
* Security
* Coordinate land use with transportation
* Pedestrian and bicycle facility
* Public transportation
V. Project Overview -Wilson & Company:
Wilson and Company presented project overview:
http://www.lawrencepublicworks.org/pdf/31st_steering_comm_present.pdf
Discussion items included:
* Access to 31st Street
* Safety
* Right-of-way needs to include sufficient room for utilities and bike/pedestrian uses. The City/County should acquire sufficient right-of-way for present and future uses.
* Speed of facility can be influenced/controlled with design. A straighter alignment would allow higher speeds but might require more earthwork with increased cost.
* Boulevard concepts
* Need to consider users of facilities, including business and industrial.
VI. Conclusion - Future:
The Steering Committee was asked to review information, and to formulate and submit questions, comments, and thoughts.
The next meeting was tentatively set for Friday, July 11, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.