DRAFT 02/26/2003

MEMBERS ABSENT:

JOHN SURGANT, MEMBER

FRED LOHMANN, MEMBER

GUESTS ATTENDING:

VI SMITH, CREVE COEUR/OLIVETTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MATTHEW BRANDMEYER, CITY PLANNER

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Saunders at 6:28 p.m., roll was taken and guests were introduced. Mr. Saunders requested the committee to review Item III.A., so that Mrs. Smith could meet her other commitments on time.

I. DISCUSS OLD BUSINESS

“Lunchtime” shuttle service information

Mr. Saunders briefly reviewed the committee’s request for Mrs. Smith to attend this meeting to discuss the proposed “lunchtime” shuttle service.

Mrs. Smith discussed the involvement of the Chamber of Commerce with the Traffic Management Organization (TMO) years ago regarding the shuttle service. The TMO received grant money to investigate the possibility of providing a “lunchtime” shuttle along Olive Boulevard, but when funding ran out there was not enough support from area businesses to keep the project going. At that time, businesses did not show interest in the service, especially if they had to participate monetarily. Larger companies such as St. Johns Mercy Hospital and Monsanto created shuttle services for their own employees.

Mr. Saunders suggested that the committee develop questions relating to the shuttle service, for distribution to the businesses. Ms. Smith said that she would e-mail the questionnaire to the Chamber of Commerce members.

The committee discussed this issue further after Mrs. Smith left. The committee is in agreement that this service could be very helpful to local businesses and feels the businesses should have as much input as possible. The committee also agreed that this issue should be tabled until the construction of I-270 and the Olive Blvd. overpass is in full swing, when employees, residents and business owners will be looking for traffic relief.

Lt. Eidman explained that he tried to get businesses involved during the beginning of the I-270 project, to give discounts, coupons or offer delivery services but there was no interest at that time.

Mr. Saunders will contact Mrs. Smith to inform her that the committee is working on a questionnaire for distribution.

A short discussion of the Coeur De Ville Road/Olive Blvd and Ladue/Beacon Hill construction projects ensured.

· Lt. Eidman explained to the committee that MoDOT has been working with the utility companies to finish their work. This has been the most significant obstacle to overcome regarding the Coeur De Ville/Olive improvements.

· Mr. Schwer explained that the asbestos has been removed from 1 Beacon Hill and it will be demolished within the next two weeks, weather permitting.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

January 28, 2003 meeting minutes.

Mr. Haddenhorst made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Loren Lohman seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.

III. DISCUSS NEW BUSINESS

A) There are no traffic calming requests to report.

B) Discuss Chasselle one-way plan

Lt. Eidman gave a brief update on this project. Signs were placed on Chasselle informing motorists of the impending change of vehicular circulation on Monday (Feb. 24). This means, the signs will have been up for a few weeks prior to the “switch”. The Police Department will first educate drivers to allow them time to become accustom to the new signage by giving warnings for a short time before writing tickets. It appears that the actual change in traffic on Chasselle will begin March 3, 2003, rather than March 1, 2003. It seems more appropriate to begin on a Monday.

Mr. Madden asked if the traffic barriers could then be removed. Lt. Eidman stated that this would probably only happen if new traffic counts, after the one-way signage is in effect, proved that speeding has been reduced. As it stands, the barriers have significantly reduced speeding traffic.

C) Discussion of the Westminster stop sign and traffic control (including the review of prior staff report)

Mr. Schwer informed the committee that he had received fifteen e-mails/letters thanking the city for placing and keeping these stop signs. Lt. Eidman received about seven letters of support of the stop signs. One stop sign, in the center, will need to be re-supported after the weather clears. Maintenance of these signs will be given back to Westminster after this is completed.

D) Discuss possible locations/areas/intersections to apply Traffic Generation Assessments (TGA’s)

Mr. Matt Brandmeyer, City Planner introduced himself. He explained that the P&Z commission is requesting the Traffic Committee to identify assessment districts and to comment on a potential TGA program. He explained that TGA’s are listed in the Comprehensive Plan as a vehicle to improve infrastructure/traffic circulation when new developments are considered in the city.

Mr. Brandmeyer and the P&Z Commission have been studying other cities (and St. Louis County’s) programs and are trying to determine what type, if any, will work for the City of Creve Coeur.

Discussion followed and Mr. Saunders stated that most typically this type of program is done in areas that have not been developed yet. The program helps facilitate improvements for future traffic concerns.

Mr. Madden comments that some developments may be unfairly charged while others may be free-riders. Mr. Greider asked how developers would be refunded if no improvements are made.

Mr. Brandmeyer stated that details have not been discussed. He continued by saying that we are attempting to identify problem areas to develop a cost basis for improvement and ultimately develop a fair assessment.

Lt. Eidman stated several areas in the city that would benefit from a TGA. For instance, Danforth wants to expand and put in residential quarters, vacant lots by Barnes Hospital, Old Olive and Warson Road.

Mr. Haddenhorst asked Mr. Brandmeyer what it would have cost Lexus if this program was currently in place according to St. Louis County’s fee schedule. Mr. Brandmeyer told him it would cost Lexus approximately $300,000 (approximately 300 parking spaces at $1,000 per space).

Mr. Brandmeyer will provide the traffic committee with additional TGA information for future discussion.

IV. SCHEDULE NEXT REGULAR MEETING

Tuesday, March 25, 2003 The Committee discussed whether to change the meeting time to 6:30 p.m. or to keep it at 6:00 p.m. It was agreed to keep the meeting time at 6:00 p.m.

V. ADJOURNMENTS

Mr. Madden made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Haddenhorst seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Minutes recorded by: Connie J. Parish