April 18, 2017 — Meeting Minutes
04-18-17 BOA Minutes04-18-17 BOA Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 1 of 6 THE CITY OF CLAYTON
Board of Aldermen City Hall – 10 N. Bemiston Avenue April 18, 2017 7:00 p.m.
Minutes
Mayor Sanger called the meeting to order and requested a roll call. The following individuals were in attendance:
Aldermen: Cynthia Garnholz, Mark Winings, Joanne BoultonRich Lintz, and Ira Berkowitz.
Mayor Sanger City Manager Owens
Absent: Alex Berger (arrived at 9:19 p.m.)
Alderman Boulton moved to approve the April 4, 2017. Alderman Winings seconded.
The motion to approve the minutes passed unanimously on a voice vote.
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
None
BRENTWOOD BOULEVARD RESURFACING PROJECT (STP-5500(682))-DESIGN DECISION
City Manager Owens reported that at the Board of Alderman Work Session on December 16, 2016, staff presented a concept plan for the federally funded Brentwood Boulevard Resurfacing Project along with public feedback received at the project open house on December 7, 2016. At that work session it was requested that staff evaluate options for bicycle facilities along Brentwood, their potential impacts, and related costs. After that meeting, additional feedback was received related to the medians shown on the plan, particularly north of Forest Park Parkway.
At the March 14, 2017 Discussion Session, the design team presented four new options for bike facilities along Brentwood Boulevard and modifications to the proposed median to address public comments. The Board decided to eliminate two of the options from further consideration. Since that meeting the Mayor suggested the possibility of removing one northbound lane between I-170 and the northern intersection of Corporate Park Drive and shifting the remaining lanes to the east to allow for bike lanes. Because the roadway is narrow between Davis and Orlando, the remaining lanes would have to be reduced to less than 9.5 feet wide to accommodate two five- foot bike lanes. These narrow lane widths would not likely be approved by FHWA/MoDOT.
Members of the City’s design team will be present along with staff to discuss options for Brentwood Boulevard.
Recommendation is to consider the options available and decide on an option to allow final design to proceed for the Brentwood Boulevard Resurfacing Project and meet the project schedule to maintain federal funding.
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Dale Houdeshell, Public Works, introduced Matt Malick, Public Works, Jason Dohrmann, HRGreen; and Paul Wojciechowski, Alta Planning & Design.
Matt Malick provided the Board with a PowerPoint presentation (attached) of the Brentwood Boulevard design project.
Paul Wojciechowski provided an overview on his view of creating a bike path plan; he referred to some options, although some of the best options would be very expensive. He said that the best and probably the only facility for the bike lane would be on the east side.
Mayor Sanger noted that the City needs to make a decision soon due to a federal grant of $513,000 plus the City’s contribution of $513,000 and can run the risk of losing the federal grant.
Alderman Lintz shared his recent experience of walking his dog along the Brentwood Boulevard (sidewalk) across from the Police Station all the way to Francis Place. The traffic was fairly light in the 9:00-10:00 a.m. hour, but it was still noisy and gave the Metro bus clear runway to keep its schedule, “racing” right along the curb next to the sidewalk. Turning onto Francis Place they had a pleasant stroll back up through the tunnel and along the service road in Shaw Park ending right back to his car. If he wanted to ride his bike to the Galleria, he knows what route to take. He added that he would not want to ride on Brentwood Boulevard during rush hour and believes it is a dangerous road for bicyclists.
Mayor Sanger expressed concern of not exploring all of the possible options and asked what the goal is for the bike routes.
Matt Malick explained that from his understanding the goal is to provide a route up Brentwood from the south and a connection to the Great Rivers Greenway; to the south on Brentwood, to the Galleria, and/or along Clayton Road. Suggestion has been made to talk with neighboring communities to develop some type of grant in order to look at a larger area to come up with a plan.
Matt Malick said that there is still a small section of “rail” south of Shaw Park that ties back towards Enterprise.
An option to route bike paths through residential areas was discussed. Examples of how other communities have established bike paths were also discussed. Alderman Boulton mentioned that there needs to be additional wayfinding signage for directions.
Concerns were raised with regard to having a safe traveling path for children, high-schoolers, and older residents – all citizens.
Alderman Berkowitz pointed out that several pages of the Clayton Downtown Master Plan referencing, bike paths to be created specifically on Brentwood Boulevard.
Michael Freund, resident, 200 S. Brentwood, read a statement on behalf of Dan Phillips, resident at 200 S. Brentwood. Mr. Phillips expressed concerns with the height of the proposed medians, the costs, and the additional traffic that will incur if a lane(s) is removed.
Austin Montgomery, Barclay House resident, addressed the Board requesting that pedestrian paths on one side and bike paths on the other which he feels would be a simpler plan.
04-18-17 BOA Minutes04-18-17 BOA Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 3 of 6 In response to Alderman Lintz’ question, Paul Wojciechowski stated that shared use path’s should be 12 feet wide, but a constrained lane could be 8 feet wide.
Cindy Mense, 6306 Southwood, resident, addressed the Board with concerns of safety for children crossing Brentwood to get to the high school. She is in favor of creating a safe bike path and would like the Board to address pedestrian concerns. She referenced that Clayton has national recognition of Complete Streets and to improve Brentwood Boulevard would be great to continue that recognition.
Mary Lutz, 250 S. Brentwood, resident, addressed the Board with concerns of the proposed medians in regard to exiting the building’s garage.
Alderman Boulton clarified that the curb work that is being done is for ADA.
Steve Singer, Davis Place resident, addressed the Board expressing his concerns with regard to a “static analysis.” He said that Clayton is changing with all of the new developments (e.g. apartments) and trying to attract younger people. He laughs when he hears that we can’t make bike lanes in the streets and he referenced New York City traffic (100 times more than Clayton during rush hour) and how they have protected bike lanes. He said other cities are making their cities bike-able and asked if we could change the dynamic of how people are moving around Clayton.
Jeff Leonard, Davis Place resident, addressed the Board stating that he agrees with the previous speaker about changing the dynamics of Clayton. He said that he would give up his exit out of Davis Place and use a different route if a bike lane was installed on Brentwood.
Sally Lilly, 230 S. Brentwood (Barclay House) addressed the Board with concerns of the public safety equipment for easy access to the buildings on the east side, which could be a life or death situation.
Matt Malick confirmed that the current plan revisions allow all of the existing entries on the east side will still have access.
Bill Chamberlain, Wydown Forest resident, addressed the Board expressing his concerns as an avid bicyclist and the current routes that he takes can be extremely difficult to navigate. He referenced Kirkwood who does a good job with bike routes through residential areas. He referenced a great job down on Wydown Boulevard.
Mayor Sanger referenced Dickson Beal’s suggested map of bike routes and asked City Clerk Frazier to send out a copy to the Board. Alderman Berkowitz commented that those suggested routes were not the safest.
Suggestion was made to explore the bike path system that Washington University created. That system is separated by granite pavers and is accessible to be used by bicyclists and walkers.
Alderman Garnholz stated that she agreed with Mr. Leonard and said let’s be courageous and install a protected bike lane, drivers/traffic will find a way to deal with it.
Alderman Winings stated that he agrees with the vision/goal, but he is not there yet in terms of believing that it is feasible. He agrees that the Board should take some time to consider other options and asked if the decision is made to do the repaving, but do not decide (tonight) to take away one-lane and make it a protected bike lane will the City still have the option later.
04-18-17 BOA Minutes04-18-17 BOA Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 4 of 6 Matt Malick explained what is proposed is a maintenance project to preserve the pavement and part of the project includes striping the roadway and within seven years the roadways would be striped again. The shared lane markings could be removed or painted over. Matt confirmed that the City would still have the option to construct a protected bike lane later.
Alderman Boulton asked if the protected bike lanes were installed now then the drive lanes would be so narrow that we would not get the federal funding.
Dale Houdeshell explained that the option (recommended) is to proceed right now without doing the protected lanes and waiting until after the federal project is completed and the monies are received. Afterwards, it’s the City’s road and changes can be made then including installing bike lanes (protected, striped, etc).
Alderman Lintz stated that the number one priority for him is the safety for pedestrians and getting across the street. He would like to see the flashing lights in the roadway to get the attention of the drivers. He asked that the City spend the time building the plans and the vision for how to make this a more bike-able community; work with surrounding cities to make it an overall plan.
Alderman Boulton recommends that we do the bike paths which provide a 13 foot wide share path which helps protect the pedestrians. Otherwise, approve the plan option that gives the Board the most flexibility.
Mayor Sanger stated that the option would be that the road gets repaved, get control of the road and put it through a thought process.
Robert Young, Barclay House resident, addressed the Board asking if the grant specifies that the medians are required to be built or could the monies be used to build bike lanes. He also inquired about adjusting the timing of the traffic/pedestrian lights.
Alderman Boulton explained that the City does not want it to be an inconvenience for the residents to enter and exit their buildings. The medians are a safe area for pedestrians to safely cross Brentwood Boulevard. She said that to preserve flexibility south of Forest Park is where she would like to see a shared bike path (on the east side). It would save the flexibility in that location if there were no median installed. She thinks it is very important that there is a small median, safe place in the middle, at Shaw Park Drive which will not impact the east side building residents and a small similar median at Bonhomme. She explained that the issue is not the timing of the lights; it’s the width of Brentwood Boulevard and how fast a pedestrian can cross.
Alderman Garnholz asked for clarification if the Board is in consensus to accept the recommended option.
Alderman Boulton added that an immediate future study and implementation is needed if the recommended option is accepted.
Mayor Sanger expressed his concerns regarding drivers exiting Francis Place on to Brentwood.
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen came to a consensus to accept the recommended option;.
Proceed with resurfacing project as programmed (STP application) Installs “Bikes May Use Full Lane” signs and expands “Share the Road” bicycle accommodations along route Maintains current number of traffic lanes and service/capacity
04-18-17 BOA Minutes04-18-17 BOA Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 5 of 6 Meet program schedule and reduces the risk of impacts to federal funding
Future considerations… Alternative bike and pedestrian routes - Coordinate with surrounding communities to evaluate alternative bike and pedestrian routes/access to serve the area and look to develop joint grant applications Bike lanes added to roadway in future - Options 3/4 do not move curbs and future restriping (microsurfacing in 2025) could add these facilities
APPOINTMENT TO THE PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAAC)
Ward 1 has nominated Dwyer Brown as an alternate representative for the PAAC, term ending June 30, 2020.
Alderman Garnholz moved to approve the nomination of Dwyer Brown to the PAAC. Alderman Winings seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Other
Alderman Garnholz reported that she will be a member of the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis committee - City of St. Louis and St. Louis County Intergovernmental Collaboration Study.
Alderman Winings reported that there is a meeting this weekend with the neighborhood citizens regarding the Maryland School property. Alderman Berger and City Manager Owens will also be attending.
Alderman Boulton reported that the Plan Commission/ARB met this week and there will be a new restaurant coming, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh at 8143 Maryland Avenue.
Alderman Berger commented that while at the polls today he heard from several citizens who were excited about the plans for the ice rink. After hearing those comments he has several ideas related to public engagement that he would like to discuss in the future.
Alderman Berkowitz reported that the CCF Major Gifts met recently and they are focusing on new ideas for projects.
Mayor Sanger reported that he would be looking at the aldermanic assignments for the Boards and Commissions and asked the Board to let him know what Commission they would like to serve.
Alderman Berkowitz moved that the Board adjourn to a closed meeting, with a closed vote and record, as authorized by Section 610.021(1), (2) and (3) Revised Statutes of Missouri, relating to legal issues, real estate and/or personnel, and to discuss matters related to negotiation of a contract pursuant to Section 610.021(12), RSMo. and/or proprietary information pursuant to Sec. 610.021(15), and/or information related to public safety and security measures pursuant to Section 610.021(18) and (19) RSMO. Alderman Lintz seconded the motion.
Alderman Garnholz – Aye; Alderman Winings – Aye; Alderman Boulton – Aye; Alderman Berger – Aye; Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; and Mayor Sanger – Aye.
04-18-17 BOA Minutes04-18-17 BOA Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 6 of 6 There being no further regular business the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
____________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________ City Clerk
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton BRENTWOOD BOULEVARD Resurfacing Project
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton AGENDA • Project History • Bicycle Lanes • Medians • Additional Options • Recommended Option
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton PROJECT HISTORY • 2015-2016 - STP App. submitted/approved for roadway resurfacing • Summer 2016 – Consultant under contract for design • Fall 2016 – Design underway, met with residents/businesses that expressed early interest in project • 12/7/16 – Public Open House • 12/16/16 – BOA Work Session • 3/14/17 – BOA Discussion Session
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton BICYCLE OPTIONS • Base option (“share the road”) + 4 additional bicycle options • Options 1 (bike lanes beyond ex. curb) & 2 (cycle-track) were ruled out following 3/14 meeting • Options 3 & 4 are similar in many regards – Both options result in loss of traffic lanes north & southbound – Opt. 3 - wider than current driving lanes, no buffers between traffic and bike lane – Opt. 4 - narrows driving lanes, buffers created between traffic and bike lane
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton Option 3 (no buffers, w/in existing curbs) shown for reference
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton Option 3 (no buffers, w/in existing curbs) shown for reference
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton MEDIAN OPTIONS • North of Forest Park Parkway – Median areas to be reduced to allow access at all drive entrances – Median at Shaw Park Drive to remain, additional island to north as design allows • South of Forest Park Parkway – Concepts shown currently, final lane configuration and traffic analysis will have impact on median lengths/viability (queue areas impacted by through lanes) and widths (shy distance to median based on lane widths) – Installation of medians can limit future reconfiguration/restriping of lanes
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton Concept Only – median limits have not been fully analyzed
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
• Lose single northbound lane and shift existing lanes – Results in placing traffic next to bicyclists in narrower lanes than exist today. (currently ~9 ½ -10’, standard is 12’) • Alternative routes (existing and proposed) – Residential areas – Enterprise – Connection to GRG through Shaw Park
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton RECOMMENDED OPTION • Proceed with resurfacing project as programmed (STP application) – Installs “Bikes May Use Full Lane” signs and expands “Share the Road” bicycle accommodations along route – Maintains current number of traffic lanes and service/capacity – Meet program schedule and reduces the risk of impacts to federal funding • Future considerations… – Alternative bike and pedestrian routes - Coordinate with surrounding communities to evaluate alternative bike and pedestrian routes/access to serve the area and look to develop joint grant applications – Bike lanes added to roadway in future - Options 3/4 do not move curbs and future restriping (microsurfacing in 2025) could add these facilities
Brentwood Blvd. Improvements | City of Clayton QUESTIONS?