a. Commissioner Filemyr inquired about the status and timeline of a new traffic signal at Veirs Mill and Broadwood. Harry Thomas replied that SHA is coordinating a public meeting/comment period. Staff relayed that SHA is nearing the end of a 90-day response/review period.
b. Commissioner Rosselle asked what a conflict monitor and new controller at the I-270 ramp was (traffic operations). Staff response: A conflict monitor and new controller are 2 signal equipment among other equipment in the signal cabinet. The conflict monitor monitors any conflict between signal phases and if a conflict is detected, the signal goes on flash. The controller controls the signal timing phases and is pretty much the computer running the signal.
c. Commissioner Resnick inquired about Twinbrook Commons development review—specifically about how the reconfiguration of a vehicular access point to the structure parking would affect pedestrian facilities. Staff offered to bring site plans to next month’s meeting. NS
d. Commissioner Filemyr inquired about Rockville Volunteer Fire Dept. language which states “improvements on Beall Ave. to provide double-left lanes on NB MD355”. She requested clarification about how Beall Ave. improvements are related to the lanes on MD355. Staff response: The intersection of Beall and MD355 near the Fire Station is where double-left lanes are envisaged. It is recommended to add an additional left turn on Beall Ave near the intersection of with MD355 (in other words an additional left lane when heading eastbound on Beall and desiring to proceed NB on MD355).
e. With regard to the Champion Billiards site improvements, Commissioner Crane requested that the bus stop be relocated. She noted that many transit riders cross mid-block when alighting the bus. Staff agreed to review this issue and speak with Ride-On. (Note: staff sent Ride-On an email on 4/17/06 regarding this issue).
f. Councilmember Marcuccio inquired about the Centex Homes development. She requested more information about the “crossing over the rail track near Frederick Ave.”. She also noted that a feasibility study for a crossover had been completed a number of years ago. Staff will try to find a copy of this study.
g. Chair Oberg noted that the pedestrian countdown signals at MD355/King Farm Blvd. are still bagged and not operational.
h. Commissioner Rosselle inquired if there were plans to put any additional streetlights on Darnestown Rd. (Reference streetlight project on south/west side of MD28 of Fallsgrove Dr.).
i. Commissioner Rosselle inquired if there would be any public comment period related to implementation of a Town Center shuttle. Ms. Kelly relayed that the item will be initially discussed with Mayor and Council and a public comment period would likely follow.
j. Commissioner Filemyr inquired if bike signage on class 3 streets could be implemented sooner than June 2006, since May 6 is the “grand opening” of the Millennium Trail. Staff response: Maryland State Highway Administration has required additional review time for the bike signage plan. The plans were submitted in February and the normal review time is 6 weeks. As a result of the additional review time needed, it is unlikely that Class 3 bike signage will be installed prior to the May 6th grand opening of the Millennium Trail.
4. Development Review Updates
a. Commissioner Marcuccio noted that Mayor and Council have requested an inventory of all potential street closings/abandonments throughout the City.
b. Chair Oberg inquired about requirements for the COPT development. Ms. Kelly stated that staff is requiring review of on-site conditions and is reviewing traffic generations.
5. Discussion with Council Liaison, Goals of the Commission
a. Councilmember Marcuccio shared that during the recent Mayor and Council retreat there was discussion about the structure and operations of Boards and Commissions. She noted that many Boards and Commissions have lost sequential rotation of members. She also noted that the broadening of citizen involvement and networks, and getting new people involved is being reviewed.
b. Commissioners noted that historical knowledge and longevity have helped this Commission. One Commissioner noted that the learning curve for transportation issues is high.
c. Councilmember Marcuccio proposed the idea of working groups and sub-committees, if the Committee were to increase its number of members.
d. Discussion concluded with Councilmember Marcuccio relaying that the Mayor and Council will come back to the Boards and Commissions for comment and input on how they (Boards and Commissions) do and should function.
e. The Chair and Commission members relayed that they are eager to have the one existing vacancy filled and to work cooperatively Councilmember Marcuccio in her role as Council liaison to the Commission.
6. TDM Strategic Plan Draft
a. Grammatical changes and clarifications were made to a set of principles/assumptions that were presented for drafting the TDM Strategic Plan.
b. Commissioner Klein noted that the Plan needs to establish a process for how the TDM efforts will be generated. More specifically, 1) how will measures be chosen, 2) how will they be administered, 3) how will they be evaluated –based on a toolkit of options (i.e., what works best for each problem/location).
c. Councilmember Marcuccio noted that many of the suggested items don’t speak to specifics, and that a set of principles and structures should be set.
d. Staff noted that the steps to implement TDM in Rockville are 1) to create a TDM Strategic Plan, 2) implement a TDM Program, and 3) ensure continuation of a TDM budget/revenue source through developers and/or grants.
e. Staff will begin updating the draft TDM Strategic Plan.
7. Pedestrian Policy Draft
a. Commissioners reviewed the latest version of the Pedestrian Policy (draft, 2004).
b. Changes proposed by Commissioners will be included in a new draft, which will be brought to other staff members and to the Legal Dept. for review.
c. Commissioners moved and adopted that the item be brought to Mayor and Council for adoption. Staff relayed that this will probably not happen before October, 2006.
