BY MICHAEL ALTHERR
Vice Chair
Los Alamos Transportation Board
The meeting opened with the introduction of new Board member Joshua Muck. There remain two open seats on the Transportation Board, and the Chair invited members of the community to consider serving. The remainder of the sitting Board members were in attendance.
Following approval of the Meeting’s Agenda, a citizen made a public comment regarding the noise created by the medical services helicopter. Subsequently, the minutes from the April meeting were approved without change.
The staff project manager for the Denver Steels Phase II improvements made a presentation on the project’s status. The scope of work includes replacement of the existing asphalt surface and base course, targeted replacement of curb and gutter, valley gutters, sidewalk, drive pads, and ADA improvements. This project is a joint project with the Department of Public Utilities to include preplacement of waterlines, fire hydrants, and improvements to the sewer system. The budget includes $2.9 million in CIP funding for the roadway, and $1.4 million for the utility work. Several members of the community were present and provided comment specific to this project. These comments identified concerns associated with the limited lot sizes and impacts on existing yards and position of the new water meters. A concern was also expressed regarding the reclamation of the old meters. One citizen suggested that burial of the utility and power lines should be considered and would reduce risk of fire resulting from weather related events. Staff also commented on accommodations to minimize the disruption of normal services: postal delivery, FedEX and UPS deliveries, trash and school bus service. A community member requested additional communication and county staff expressed a willingness to do so.
Contact cards were provided. Additional comments or concerns can be submitted to the Public Works Department at 1000 Central, Suite 160, Los Alamos; by phone (505) 662-8150; or email to lacpw@lacnm.us.
LA County Project Manager, Keith Wilson, introduced Stantec Consultants to discuss the Initial Evaluation of Potential Transit Center Sites in Downtown Los Alamos and White Rock. Five sites were considered in Los Alamos: i. the current lab centric location, ii. Mesa Public Library, iii Deacon Street, iv. 20th Street, and v. Mari Mac. Four Sites were considered in White Rock: i. Pajarito Road, ii. Visitor Center, iii. Bonnie View, and iv. Fire Station 3.
Nearly 800 responses were received following a community survey. All sites were evaluated for their ability to support transport vehicles, park and ride potential and transit related commercial development. Results of the analysis can be found on the County web site. Several citizens provided comment. One individual shared his concerns regarding issues, including safety, with the current LANL centric site. One individual suggested the Mari Mac site was too distant to serve the current commercial center and a third citizen suggested the Deacon Street location would be optimal.
Councilor Melanee Hand, the council liaison, shared with the Board the outcome of the recent County Budget as it impacts Transportation issues. She also continues to provide updates onRegional transportation issues.
The Chair brought up the issue of “Idaho Stops” (bicycle slow and roll at stop signs and traffic signals) identified by a member of the community. Juan Rael, the County’s Public Works Director, related that he had had discussions with the Police Department and was informed that the current regulation is based on a State statute. In order to change the enforcement paradigm, the State statute would be to be changed.
Member Edwards, who is visually impaired, shared that she was having good experiences riding the buses and found the drivers to be helpful and supportive. She shared her concerns for the current situation with regard to mid-street crossings. She is largely uncomfortable with their current configuration.
Mr. Rael provided an update on a variety of projects around the community including: the Urban Trail, the DP Road Project, the Loma Linda paving project and the search to fill the Airport Manager position. He also expressed some concern for the viability of the Bandelier Shuttle this summer. There are six open positions and, to date, only a single applicant.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:15 PM.