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Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38.431.02, notice
is hereby given to the members of the City Council and to the general public
that the City Council will hold a meeting open to the public on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at 2:00 P.M.
located in the City Council Chambers, 200
West Jefferson, Phoenix, Arizona.
Council members may participate by telephone. As indicated in the Agenda, the City
Council may vote to go into Executive Session, which will not be open to the
public, for the purpose of discussing those matters listed on the Agenda.
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THE TIMES LISTED
FOR AGENDA ITEMS ARE ESTIMATED. ITEMS MAY
BE DISCUSSED EARLIER OR IN A DIFFERENT SEQUENCE.
Action Taken:
Mayor Gordon called
the meeting to order at 2:26 p.m. Vice
Mayor Simplot and Council members Mattox, DiCiccio,
Williams, Baier,
Johnson, Nowakowski, and Neely
were present.
CONSENT AGENDA
This item is scheduled to allow the City
Council to act on the Mayor’s recommendations on the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda has been publicly posted.
Action Taken:
Vice Mayor Simplot
moved approval of items in the Consent Agenda.
Councilman Mattox seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
CALL FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
A vote to call an Executive Session may be held.
Action Taken:
Vice Mayor Simplot
moved that the Phoenix City Council, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes,
Section 38-431.02.A, meet in Executive Session on Tuesday, June 16
2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the East Conference Room, 12th Floor of
the Phoenix City Hall, 200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona.
Councilman Mattox seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
AGENDA ITEMS.
This item is scheduled to give City Council members an
opportunity to ask questions about the Formal Agenda on June 10, 2009.
If the information is available, staff will immediately provide it to
the City Council member.
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ESTIMATED
2. 2:30 P.M.-
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UPDATE ON THE SEVENTH
AVENUE AND SEVENTH
STREET REVERSE LANE STUDY
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Staff: Zuercher, Bearup
(Presentation 20 min.)
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Based on
considerations of cost and traffic capacity, the Street Transportation
Department recommends Option 1, maintaining reverse lane operations as is. Staff will continue to explore ways to
mitigate any adverse traffic impacts caused by the existing reverse lanes. If City Council chooses other options, staff
will identify and research reasonable and cost-effective methods of
implementing the program and mitigating potential traffic problems. Staff seeks City Council’s input and
direction.
This item is for information, discussion and possible
action.
Action Taken:
Ed Zuercher, Deputy City Manger,
introduced the item stating that this presentation will update the City Council
on the ongoing reverse lane study conducted jointly by the Street
Transportation Department and the Arizona State University (ASU) Phoenix Urban
Research Lab (PURL). Mr. Zuercher stated that staff is requesting direction from the
City Council on the next steps.
Wylie Bearup, Interim Street
Transportation Director, stated that the arterial roadways at 7th
Street and 7th
Avenue have been in existence since 1979 and 1982,
respectively, and interconnect major elements throughout the City. Mr. Bearup stated
that their purpose is to serve a citywide function and provide a high degree of
mobility for residents as they travel to and from the downtown Phoenix
core. Mr. Bearup
stated that both 7th Street
and 7th Avenue
are major thoroughfares and provide a great resource to those traveling north
and south during high peak times. Mr. Bearup stated that the City of Phoenix
is expected to see a 39,000 increase in population and 31,700 increase in
downtown jobs by 2030. Mr. Bearup noted that the expected job increase in downtown Phoenix
is equivalent to the population of Casa Grande.
Mr. Bearup stated that the presented
information will generate approximately 150,000 new vehicle trips. Mr. Bearup stated
currently 7th Street
and 7th Avenue
have a range from 20,000 to 30,000 vehicle trips a day. Mr. Bearup added
that by 2030, with the anticipated added volume, those streets would have
30,000 to 40,000 vehicle trips every twenty-four hours. Mr. Bearup also
noted that traffic on I-17 and SR 51 will also have increased due to the
increased population and job projections.
Mr. Bearup noted that the information
presented is a projection based off of the best available data.
John Siefert, Deputy Street
Transportation Director, stated that the objective of this presentation is to
review information presented on this topic from the October 7, 2008 City
Council meeting, introduce new findings with regard to light rail and other
public transit activity, and unveil various options for consideration. Mr. Siefert stated
that both 7th Street
and 7th Avenue
carry a substantial amount of traffic, and the removal of such reverse lanes
would result in a 25 percent loss of capacity traveling north, and a 33 percent
loss of capacity traveling south. Mr. Siefert stated that the removal of the reverse lanes would
also cause some neighborhood cut-through routes to shift.
Councilman Nowakowski inquired
about what the percentage shift would be in minutes. Mr. Siefert stated
that a 25% loss of capacity would increase travel in the morning on 7th
Street by 19 minutes resulting in a 44 minute
trip, and increase travel on 7th Avenue
by 14 minutes resulting in a 29 minute trip.
Mr. Siefert stated that during afternoon peaks
7th Street would
increase by 20 minutes resulting in 30 minute trip, and 7th
Avenue by eight minutes resulting in a 19 minute
trip. Mr. Siefert
stated that a full trip for the purposes of this study went from Northern
Avenue to McDowell Road.
Mr. Siefert stated that the 2008
ASU PURL study showed that many people were dissatisfied with the reverse lanes
as they are today. Mr. Siefert stated that many of the concerns stemmed around
driver confusion, limited access to businesses in the area, and overall unsafe
driving and pedestrian conditions. Mr. Siefert stated that the ASU PURL study brought forth
recommendations to keep the lanes and
add electronic signs, keep the lanes and add left-turn arrows, or eliminate the
reverse lane on 7th Street and 7th Avenue completely.
Mr. Siefert stated that there was very
little support to keep lanes with no
changes.
Mr. Siefert stated that citywide traffic has gone down
approximately 19 percent in the last four years. Mr. Siefert added
that traffic on 7th Street
and 7th Avenue
has also gone down about 9 percent since the Light Rail started its operations
in December 2008. Mr. Siefert stated that the decrease in traffic can be due to
the start of Light Rail or the current economic situation affecting the
downtown core more than other areas. Mr.
Siefert stated that heavy users of the reverse lanes
live between Union Hills and Glendale Avenue
and 19th Avenue
and 20th Street. Mr. Siefert stated
that the study showed neighbors living north of Glendale
Avenue are satisfied with the reverse lanes;
however, he recommended more left-turn opportunities and electronic sign
upgrades.
Mr. Siefert stated that the study
evaluated various alternatives such as toll lanes, advertising, and photo
enforcement. Mr. Siefert
stated that through preliminary research only converting 7th Street
and 7th Avenue to toll lanes would cost the City more then $1.5
million to implement, however, it does require more study. Mr. Siefert stated that
removing the reverse lanes and covering up the signage with commercial
advertisements is illegal according to the Federal Highway Administration. Mr. Siefert added
that photo enforcement has no guarantee of revenue generation, however, that
too needed more study.
Mr. Siefert stated that
alternatives from the original report include:
·
Maintaining
the reverse lanes in operation as is: Cost - $0;
·
Removing
permanently the reverse lanes at 7th Street and 7th Avenue: Cost - $835,000;
·
Maintaining
the reverse lanes with modifications such as adding flashing lights to existing
signs: Cost - $3,300,000;
·
Maintaining
the reverse lanes with modifications such as adding electronic overhead signs: Cost
- $15,000,000;
·
Testing
the removal on 7th Avenue for a one year trial period: Cost -
$100,000;
·
Testing
the removal on 7th Street for a one-year trial period: Cost - $120,000;
·
Ending
reverse lanes on 7th Avenue at Camelback: Cost - $250,000;
·
Removing
reverse lanes and: swap the north-south lane configuration: Cost - $915,000;
·
Adding left-turn
arrow priority: Cost - $835,000;
·
Increasing
green time: Cost - $835,000; and
·
Converting
to one-way couplets: Cost - Greater than $1.5 million.
Mayor Gordon
inquired about the pricing for converting the streets to one-way couplets. Mr. Siefert replied
that to change the streets to one-way couplets would require more than a
computer program switch. Mr. Siefert stated that staff would have to physically change
the lanes in addition to various other steps to put it in accordance with all
Federal Highway Administration rules and regulations.
Mr. Siefert stated that any change with reverse lanes would
require a public safety awareness program take.
Mr. Siefert stated that the program would
ensure a safe transition and is estimated to cost between $50,000 and
$100,000.
Councilwoman Baier inquired about what $50,000 to $100,000 included. Mr. Siefert replied
that the number is a best guess estimate, but staff can provide the Council
with a detailed cost estimate should any changes take place.
Mr. Siefert stated that based on considerations of cost and
traffic capacity, staff is recommending maintaining reverse lane operations as
it currently stands.
Terry Anderson,
resident, spoke in favor of keeping the reverse lanes.
Gay King, resident,
spoke in favor of keeping the reverse lanes as a means to save the City money
from unnecessary spending.
Andrea Katsenes, resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed
item stating that the lanes were unsafe and had a speed limit that was too high
for the area.
Mark Scher, resident, spoke in favor of keeping the reverse
lanes.
Jim Mapstead, resident, spoke in favor of keeping the reverse
lanes. Mr. Mapstead
stated that business owners in the northern part of the City depend on the
traffic.
Matt Marcus,
resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed item stating that the lanes
proved to be of no great value to the surrounding downtown neighborhoods.
James Heinton, resident, spoke in favor of the reverse
lanes. Mr. Heinton
stated that, according to various studies, the lanes have not proven themselves
to be more unsafe than any other street in the City. Mr. Heinton also
added that if the lanes were to be removed due to bus stops, traffic would be
reduced to one lane.
Richard Gayer,
resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed item stating that the lanes pose
a significant safety threat to the area.
Mr. Gayer added that he would consider allowing reverse lane operation
only in the morning hours.
Phil Zeblisky, resident, spoke in favor of keeping the reverse
lanes with provisions that the City and residents partner to create new
signage.
Teresa Stickler,
resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed item stating that small business
owners near the downtown corridor are suffering because drivers are unable to
make a left turn into their areas. Ms.
Stickler stated that some of the presented options from staff were reasonable,
and she would like to participate on a team that studies them further.
James Sparks,
resident, spoke in favor of keeping the reverse lanes. Mr. Sparks stated that a change in reverse
lane operation time was a reasonable compromise; however, it needed to be
studied further before implementing.
Mayor Gordon
inquired about the possibility of moving the morning reverse lane operation
time to earlier in the morning. Mr.
Sparks replied that shifting the hours would be a good change in that it would
spread out traffic.
Sal Adad, resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed item
stating that the lanes were unsafe and unfair to small business owners in the
area.
Robert Cannon,
resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed item stating that the lanes are
unsafe. Mr. Cannon stated that he would
also like an accident density report on the area.
Susie Thompson,
resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed item stating that the reverse
lanes were unsafe and required multiple sign and light upgrades if they are to
remain in operation.
Councilwoman Nowakowski inquired about the potential impact on
neighborhoods should the reverse lanes be taken away. Mr. Siefert replied
stating that neighborhood routes would be affected; however, exact causes for
individual areas were unknown at this time.
Mayor Gordon
inquired about the results of an accident density report on 7th Street and 7th Avenue. Mr. Siefert replied stating that the study shows there are no
statistical differences with accidents on 7th Street and 7th Avenue compared to any other roadway in the City.
Vice Mayor Simplot
stated that any decision whether for or against reverse lanes would leave a
large group of people unhappy with the outcome. Vice Mayor Simplot stated that the best
approach from a Council perspective would be to involve the public in every
step of the decision-making process.
Vice Mayor Simplot made a motion for the City of Phoenix to create a citizen's commission comprised of all the communities
directly affected by the reverse lanes.
Vice Mayor Simplot stated that the citizen's commission should be
moderated by an impartial moderator and that the citizen's commission
come back with recommendations to Council by December. Councilman DiCiccio
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Councilman DiCiccio stated that a citizen’s commission would be the
perfect mechanism to bring people with various views and ideas together. Councilman DiCiccio
commended Mr. James Heinton for his notation about
bus stops reducing the flow of traffic to one lane. Councilman DiCiccio
added that the commission must be charged with the responsibility of coming
back to Council with a reasonable conclusion for implementation.
Councilman Johnson
stated that the reverse lane issue has long been a divisive issue. Councilman Johnson stated that it is
imperative for staff to research what is going to happen to the overall flow of
traffic. Councilman Johnson stated that
if the reverse lanes were to change in any way, traffic is going to
redistribute itself elsewhere.
Councilman Johnson stated that cut-through traffic is a growing issue,
and City staff needs to do all they can to ensure that people are able to turn
in and out of their homes safely.
Councilman Johnson added that the City has a history in dealing with
traffic redistribution issues and noted that staff should revisit any previous
information that could be of benefit.
Councilman Johnson stated that this delicate issue concerns the entire
City and urges staff to look at the entire area when reviewing this two street
study.
Councilwoman Baier stated that though people in her district would like
to keep the reverse lanes, she would like to see a committee review the
presented information and come up with their own recommendations. Councilwoman Baier
stated that the City will see a substantial amount of new traffic and noted
that Phoenix streets should do their best to reflect the
growing population.
Councilwoman Neely expressed her support of the committee to review data
and come up with recommendations.
Councilwoman Neely added that the committee
should keep in mind the current economic situation when searching for a
solution that is going to work well for the City of Phoenix.
Councilwoman Neely also added that each Councilmember
should have representation on the committee.
Councilwoman Neely echoed Councilman Johnson’s
remarks in stating that the committee should also focus on the entire city as a
whole rather than one particular area and how they would benefit.
Councilman Mattox
stated that there is a growing need for alternative traffic routes. Councilman Mattox stated that staff should do
their best to determine where traffic is anticipated to go and route
accordingly. Councilman Mattox also
stated that an evaluation of cause and effect should also be conducted.
Mayor Gordon stated
that the City of Phoenix has a history in dealing with reverse lanes and other street traffic
issues. He charged the committee with
identifying funding sources to implement any recommendations. Mayor Gordon stated that the time to deal
with this issue is now, and noted that a committee would be extremely
beneficial to Councilmembers when working to find a
consensus among the public. Mayor Gordon
stated that there is a tendency to want to push traffic out onto other streets;
however, there is a strong argument to keep the bulk of the traffic on 7th Street and 7th Avenue.
Mayor Gordon stated that each City Councilmember will appoint a person
to the committee, and that committee will then work with staff and other
colleagues to find a viable solution to this divisive issue. Mayor Gordon stated that the committee will
be able to review all studies conducted on the areas, as well as have the
opportunity to present any new alternatives and ideas to Council. Mayor Gordon stated that the committee will
reconvene before the end of the calendar year with a recommendation for Council
to consider.
ESTIMATED
4:03 P.M.- ADJOURNMENT
For further information, please call the Management Intern,
City Manager's Office, at 602-262-4449.
For reasonable accommodations, call the Management Intern
at Voice/602-262-4449 or TTY/602-534-5500 as early as possible to coordinate
needed arrangements.
Si necesita traducción
en español, por favor llame a la oficina del gerente
de la Ciudad de Phoenix, 602-262-4449 tres días antes de la fecha de la
junta.
PHOENIX
CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilwoman Baier
Councilman DiCiccio
Councilman Johnson
Councilman Mattox
Councilwoman Neely
Councilman Nowakowski
Councilwoman Williams
Vice Mayor Simplot
Mayor Gordon