2018-03-21 Mobility Committee Minutes City of Denton
MINUTES City Hall
`. 215 E.McKinney Street
DENTON MOBILITY COMMITTEE MEETING Denton,Texas
OF THE DENTON CITY COUNCIL www.cityofdenton.com
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 11:30am City Council Work Session Room
After determining that a quorum of the Mobility Committee of the Denton City Council was present, the
Mobility Committee thereafter convened into an Open Meeting on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 11:34
a.m. in the City Council Work Session Room 215 E. McKinney, Denton, Texas.
Committee Members: Council Member Sarah Baghari, Council Member Keely Briggs and Council
Member Dalton Gregory
Staff Present: Mark Nelson, Director of Transportation; Todd Estes, CIP Director/City Engineer; Trey
Lansford, Attorney; Pritam Deshmukh, Program Engineer; Kim Mankin, Administrative
Manager
Others Present: John Polster, ITS
1. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
A. MC18-012 Consider approval of the Mobility Committee meeting minutes of February 21, 2018.
Approved
B. MC18-013 Receive a report, hold a discussion and provide direction regarding Regional
Transportation Council monthly reports and actions.
Mark Nelson stated he wanted to bring the RTC agenda forward for any questions and would like to
highlight Mobility 2045. There is a lengthy presentation as it relates to Mobility 2045 and some of the
impacts relate to Loop 288 and toll managed lanes on I-35.
Nelson showed the major roadway recommendations of the 2045 plan on a map. Loop 288 West is a
staged facility in that the corridor would be established first through the environmental process then
moving forward with the actual construction of one of the frontage roads, either northbound or
southbound. Initially it would be one lane in each direction. After funding is established, the entire
facility would be constructed.
John Polster spoke about the funding on Loop 288 West project. He stated this is about a$200
million controlled access facility that includes grade separations. There is about $20 - $30 million
earmarked for the frontage roads, TxDOT will look to the City to determine whether the northbound
or southbound is constructed first. Nelson added that will be brought back through this Committee for
a recommendation to Council.
Gregory asked if the City would have input as to where exits would be. Polster answered this is being
coordinated as they are going through the process.
Briggs questioned the connections of Loop 288. Nelson answered currently it will connect on the
south at I-35W and Vintage. There is some debate as to if it could ever make the connection for the
Loop to be whole (connect to I-35E). Briggs asked if there is an estimated completion date for the full
road. Nelson answered no because it isn't funded.
Gregory asked for the Outer Loop to be explained further. Polster answered the Outer Loop goes
from Denton County to Collin County close to Milam Road. Then goes east to Collin County, south
to Rockwall County and will continue on to Kaufman County and tie into I-45 at Ennis. Gregory then
asked about funding. Polster answered non-existent.
Nelson talked about the managed lanes that stop in the Hickory Creek area. There would be
additional capacity as well as managed lanes up to US-380 (as a part of 35E Phase II).
There was some further discussion on the importance of Mobility 2045.
C. MC18-016 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and make a recommendation regarding pending
action by the Regional Transportation Council regarding the advancement of the IH-635/LBJ East
Project.
Chair Bagheri stated she asked for this item so if there is a vote needed from the RTC she would like
input from this Committee as well as Council.
John Polster stated there has been much discussion between the Commission and RTC. The 1-635
project is a tolled managed lane and has been in the plan for twenty years. It is supported by City of
Dallas, Dallas County, Garland, and Mesquite. Several of the communities on the corridor have
passed resolutions endorsing the project that is in the Mobility Plan as a tolled managed lane facility.
There will be 14 free lanes and four tolled lanes in this corridor. The Commission has decided not to
move forward with any facility that has a tolled component included based on direction from the
Governor. Polster talked about Proposition 1 and 7. A listing of funding was handed out that outlines
various fund categories. Category 2 is pure Federal dollars that the Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO)has authority on where the funds go. Initially the MPO honored the State's
prohibition of Prop 1 and 7 money not going on a tolled facility. The Commission reacted negatively
to the proposed MPO plan to pull funding from other key projects in the region to make up the
shortfall on the 635 project.
Bagheri stated that The Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) implements laws that are passed by
the legislature and contested the TTC did not have the authority to create policy.
Polster went on to say that if 1-635 was to be moved forward as a tolled managed lane using Federal
funding, the MPO had to remove the category 12 funding that the State added. It was decided to build
the main lanes with Federal funding and the tolled lanes to be paid with Category 2. This would make
for two projects let separately, with two funding sources for one contractor. The MPO wanted that in
writing from TxDOT. That did not happen the MPO did get a letter from the Governor, Lieutenant
Governor, Senator Hall and Senator Huffines requesting the MPO make up the $1 B shortfall
elsewhere.
At the December 2017 Commission meeting, the TTC pulled LBJ East, I-35 W, I-45 Houston Grand
Parkway, I-35 Austin out of the state plan. If the State and MPO do not agree on the plan, they cannot
move forward. At a meeting in January there was consensus that they wanted to move this project
forward and all supported the tolled managed lanes from a local government standpoint. There is a
billion dollar shortfall that has to be covered before this can move forward. Between January and
March the Region was to look at ways to fund this shortfall. The only way to do this is to delay other
projects. One project in question is I-35E from I-635 to the Denton/Dallas County line. There was
discussion regarding how the collector and distributor lanes are not currently working at I-35 and
George Bush Turnpike and how a delay impacts Denton and Denton County.
Polster stated that RTC is supposed to reflect what the local governments want, and local governments
want the toll managed lanes. Polster believes that the taxpayers most impacted are in the cities along
the corridor and the cities that stand to lose funds are standing firm.
Nelson added the issue is that the shortfall needs to be addressed and does the TTC have the authority
to undermine the integrity of the MPO.
Briggs asked in the past how is the shortfall collected. Polster answered the reason there is a funding
gap on LBJ is because of a policy decision by the Commission to remove tolled managed lanes. This
created a hole. The Commission has created the hole and expects others to fill it. We have not had
these situations in the past.
Briggs added as a member of this Mobility Committee she believes in local control.
Bagheri explained that there may be a vote needed at RTC. Dallas will vote to leave LBJ as is and not
take funding out of other projects to cover the shortfall.
Gregory stated that the Regional Transportation Council needs to have the flexibility to get the
projects completed.
Bagheri followed up by saying all three agree and need the proposed resolution supporting local
control to go to Council. Nelson will take this item to Council by April 3 so staff will have all the
information.
D. MC18-014 Receive a report, hold a discussion and provide direction regarding Texas Department
of Transportation On-System projects in the Denton area to include the 35Express Project.
John Polster gave this update.
FM 2181 N/S—all going well
Hwy 377/Ft. Worth Dr. —Final approval by UPRR. Let July 2018
FM 2499 Section 5 —Open with stop condition at Robinson Rd.
I-35E/Mayhill Improvements—The ultimate configuration being worked on. Polster anticipates
alternative concepts for submittal to Denton County in the June 2018 timeframe.
I-35E/Brinker/Loop 288—Project complete December 2018. TxDOT working on getting completed
in August 2018. Nelson talked about the upcoming I-35E lane switches necessary for construction.
I-35N—This is in a holding pattern because of LBJ East.
I-35W Main Lanes—Environmental, HNTB is coordinating with TxDOT to set public meeting in
April 2018.
US 380/Loop 288—The work on widening improvements on this ramp will likely begin in the April
or May timeframe.
US380 East—Fully funded. Ready to Let May 2021. Environmentally Clear June 2018.
Loop 288 West—Environmental clearance work being compoleted.
FM1515 —LTRA is completing the sub-consultant agreements. They are coordinating with TxDOT to
provide survey and subsurface utility information.
FM1830—Utility relocates are complete, shoulders only being added. Complete August 2018.
E. MC18-017 Receive a report, and hold a discussion regarding Pavement Art and its use as a Traffic
Calming technique.
Pritam Deshmukh gave the presentation regarding Traffic Calming Art. There are some concepts that
have three dimensional objects painted on the pavement. Typically drivers react based on their initial
perception and slow down. Traffic calming effect is achieved by the surprise and novelty factor.
The pros for that art are that it helps slow traffic and it can be installed quickly. It is a low cost
alternative and is an effective tool.
Gregory asked how much does it cost and how long does it last? Deshmukh answered the costs are
from$500 to $2,000 and last about two years.
Briggs asked if public art funds can be used for this. Bagheri asked what are the funding mechanisms
for this type of art. Nelson will look into this and will have to go through the Public Art Commission.
Deshmukh answered some of the pavement markings funds can be allocated for this as well as traffic
calming funds.
Gregory stated that art works for a period of time, how long would it work? Deshmukh stated that the
amount of data on this is very low because there is not much street art but it could be from a couple of
weeks to a couple of months.
Briggs stated the places she has seen it is in the downtown areas and it seems to work longer.
Deshmukh talked about the cons of Traffic Calming Art. It is a temporary solution with a short life
span. Night time visibility/compliance issues as well as Federal Guidelines.
Briggs stated that some of the downtown roads are TxDOT, would art be allowed on these roadways.
John Polster answered that it is relatively easy to get TxDOT approval for paint.
Deshmukh stated that he looked up the Federal Guidelines and the color of paint would be the issue.
Bagheri clarified that if the art was approved colors there wouldn't be an issue, Deshmukh agreed.
Gregory against the street art.
Briggs in favor of street art.
Bagheri in favor of street art.
Bagheri asked that this go to full Council. She has gotten complaints about vehicles going around
Children on Congress at Calhoun School. There are infrastructure needs in this area. High traffic
areas would be optimal to look at this art.
Deshmukh suggested a pilot project, Bagheri agreed.
F. MC18-015 Staff Reports:
1. Matrix
CONCLUDING ITEMS
Under Section 551.042 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, respond to inquiries from the Public
Utilities Board or the public with specific factual information or recitation of policy, or accept a
proposal to place the matter on the agenda for an upcoming meeting AND Under Section 551.0415 of the
Texas Open Meetings Act, provide reports about items of community interest regarding which no action
will be taken, to include: expressions of thanks, congratulations, or condolence; information regarding
holiday schedules; an honorary or salutary recognition of a public official, public employee, or other
citizen; a reminder about an upcoming event organized or sponsored by the governing body; information
regarding a social, ceremonial, or community event organized or sponsored by an entity other than the
governing body that was attended or is scheduled to be attended by a member of the governing body or an
official or employee of the municipality; or an announcement involving an imminent threat to the public
health and safety of people in the municipality that has arisen after the posting of the agenda
Briggs— Full discussion on protected bike lanes and what our plan calls for and what has changed
since it was implemented. Also a list of bike accidents that have occurred in the last year.
—Funding 80-20 split report new updates
Gregory— Arlington Transit Plan Report
Update on narrow downtown streets (Wainwright)
Art on roads/Musical roadways
Adjournment: 1:14pm
Approved: April 18, 2018