09-10-18 Work Session Agenda and MaterialsCITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AGENDA
September 10, 2018, at 7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Traffic Review and Recommendations
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the council are asked to do so at this time. Those addressing
the council are requested to give their name and address for the record. Please limit
comments to three minutes.
D. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS
E. ADJOURNMENT
COMING SCHEDULE / FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Next Regular Meeting — September 17, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
Next Work Session — September 24, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to attend this meeting.
Please notify the City Clerk at 758-7756.
Page 1 of 1
2011Sr Avenue East
PO Box 1997
Kalispell, MT 59903
Phone: 406-758-7720
www.kalispell.com /public works
MEMORANDUM
To: Doug Russell, City Manager
From: Susie Turner, P.E. Public Works Director
Meeting Date: September 10, 2018
Re: Traffic Reviews and Recommendations
Background:
Staff will present traffic reviews and recommend updates regarding the following:
1. Development of a Standardized On Street Parking Code
a) Classification Designation
b) Intersection Management
c) Sight Distance Conditions
2. Diagonal Parking -Downtown Business District
3. Bus Pick Up Zone Permitting Process and Policy
4. School Zone Designations and Speed Considerations
Enclosed for reference is the BID Diagonal Parking Analysis Technical Memo prepared by City
Engineering staff.
Enclosed:
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis Technical Memo
TO: Keith Haskins, PE — City Engineer
FROM: Tom Tabler, PE — Civil Engineer
CC: Susie Turner, PE — Director of Public Works
Gene Corne — Streets Superintendent
Wade Rademacher — Police Chief
Jarod Nygren — Senior City Planner
SUBJECT: BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Background:
In October of 2017 staff from the City Planning, Police, and Public Works as well as
representatives from the Business Improvement District (BID) and a representative from the
Montana Department of Transportation met and conducted a field review of the current parking
space configurations within the BID. The goal of the field review was to exchange ideas and
identify potential locations to improve parking within the BID. The additional parking would
potentially provide spaces for visitors to the BID, as well as business employees within the BID.
One idea discussed was converting some locations, where street widths would allow, from
parallel parking to diagonal parking. Four locations were selected as potential candidates for this
conversion and analyzed for benefits and deficiencies from making such a conversion.
All the streets reviewed are classified as local streets. The locations analyzed were:
• 1' St West (3`d Ave West to 1' Ave West);
• 3`d Street West (3`d Ave West to Ist Ave West);
• 5th Street West (1" Ave West to Main Street); and
• 3rd Street East (2°d Ave East to 3`d Ave East).
Guidance for Diagonal Parking Conversion:
Lane Shift: Diagonal parking requires more street width than parallel parking. Therefore, the
travel lanes for the street may require a lane shift to accommodate the additional width of the
diagonal parking area. The shift in travel lanes to accommodate diagonal parking stalls must also
function with the roadway intersections currently in place. A lane shift of half the travel lane
width was considered the maximum allowable for this analysis.
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Page 2
August 20, 2018
Lane Width: City Standards require a minimum lane width of 12-feet. In consideration of
diagonal parking, a lane width reduction to 11-feet was considered. While a lane width of 11-feet
is below City Standards, AASHTO1 does allow a minimum of 11-foot lane width where practical
on urban streets.
Street Width: Diagonal parking can increase the number of parking spaces along a street by
utilizing less curb length per space, but also requires a wider street width. Diagonal parking was
only considered on streets wide enough to accommodate diagonal parking on one side of the
street, while maintaining parking on the opposite side of the street. No streets were wide enough
to accommodate diagonal parking on both sides of the street.
Stall Angle: Two diagonal parking angles were considered depending on street width.
• 45-degree parking stalls provide the most spaces and are preferred for diagonal parking
configurations. For 45-degree parking on one side of the street, the roadway width must
be a minimum of 49-feet wide. This width will accommodate the diagonal parking stalls
on one side (I 9-feet), two travel lanes (I I -feet each), and parallel parking (8-feet) on the
other side (19 + 22 + 8 = 49).
• 35-degree parking stalls provide fewer spaces than 45-degree parking stalls, but can
accommodate a slightly narrower road. For 35-degree parking stalls on one side of the
street, the roadway width must be a minimum of 48-feet wide. This width will
accommodate the diagonal parking stalls on one side (I 8-feet), two travel lanes (I I -feet
each), and parallel parking (8-feet) on the other side (18 + 22 + 8 = 48).
Decision Matrix:
A decision matrix was developed to evaluate each location considered for diagonal parking. The
matrix provided a score for each area based on key measures for safety and parking benefit.
Through the use of the decision matrix, an "apples to apples" comparison can be made between
each location. Safety measures included in the matrix were lane width, lane offset, and stall
angle. Parking benefit measures included in the matrix were percentage of new spaces and noted
parking needs in the area.
Metric
Points
0
1
2
Lane Width
Lane'Shift (intermsof lane width)
11' or less
SM.
11".12
35- 50'/
'>12"
< 3551.'
Stall Angle
3
45
%riew,s aces300
Noted'Parking Needs'in Area;
None
Some ,
Great
Measures for Safety
Measures for Parking Benefit
An area with a score less than 5 points creates safety deficiencies which outweigh the benefit to
parking and would therefore be below a threshold staff would be willing to recommend.
' American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Page 3
August 20, 2018
Analysis:
Area 1-1st Street West (3,d Avenue West to 11t Avenue West)
Existing Conditions:
This portion of 1st Street West is a 49-foot wide, two-lane urban local street, with two-way
traffic, and has two-hour parallel parking on both sides of the street. The current parking
configuration allows for fourteen parallel stalls within the two -block area of interest.
Layout Analyzed:
The south side of the street was analyzed for diagonal parking because there are less approaches
on the south side than the north side, maximizing the total number of parking spaces possible
within the area. Diagonal parking provides the most spaces when installed continuously,
minimizing the number of void spaces at each end. As shown in Figure 2 and 3 below, a single
diagonal parking stall can take up almost as much curb length as two parallel parking stalls.
Although the street is wide enough to accommodate 45-degree diagonal parking stalls, this
configuration would create too large of a lane shift. Therefore, 35-degree diagonal parking stalls
were imposed onto the current parkable curb lengths with travel lanes shifted to the north. To
accommodate the travel lane shift, the centerline of the street was shifted to the north 5.5 feet.
This conversion would reduce the current travel lane widths to 11.5 feet, but would keep the lane
shift under the allowable half lane width. By adding diagonal parking, the two blocks of street
would see an increase of two parking stalls.
FITE
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YELLOW PROPOSE
J%j Q ) LINE
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5.51
jRAVEL LANE
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Figure 2 l st "Street West,, 3rd five West to 2nd Ave West
I
5°
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Page 4
August 20, 2018
ii ,; PARKING — CAQ e"®
SIGHT
/.TRIAMrI K
rom
j % I 2 HI
Cigure 3 1st Street Nest / 2nd Ave West to !st Ave West
Field Investigation and Observations:
After the locations were drafted over the aerial mapping; Public Works, Planning, Police, and
BID representatives conducted a field visit to visualize how the conversion would impact the
adjacent streets. Traffic control candles and diagonally parked vehicles were used during the
field observation.
The 5.5-foot lane shift requires a significant adjustment for traffic traveling west at the Yd Ave
West intersection. The curb lines for the west leg of this intersection are narrower than the east
leg and exaggerate this movement as well.
While taking measurements of the street for the exhibits most of the available parking was
observed to be unused.
Matrix Score & Recommendations:
This location received one point for the travel lane width being between 11 and 12-feet (11.5-
feet) and received one point for the lane offset being between 35 and 50% of the lane width (5.5-
feet / 11.5 feet = 48%), for a total matrix score of 2 points.
Due to the existing conditions, individual site analysis, field review, and matrix score of 2, staff
does not recommend this area for diagonal parking. However, due to the low parking use
observed, staff does recommend removing the 2-hour parking restrictions to allow area business
employees to utilize on -street parking.
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Page 5
August 20, 2018
Area 2 — 3rd Street West (3rd Alley West to 2"d Alley West)
Existing Conditions:
This portion of 3`d Street West has 2 distinct widths. From 2"d Avenue West to 3`d Alley West,
the street is 53.9-feet wide. From 2"d Avenue West to 2"d Alley West, the street is 48-feet wide.
Both sections consist of a two-lane urban local street, with two-way traffic, and have two-hour
parallel parking on both sides of the street. The current parking configuration allows for eight
parallel stalls within the area of interest.
Layout Anal:
Although the western half of the area of interest could accommodate 45-degree diagonal parking
stalls, the eastern half could not. Therefore, to maintain consistency within the area of interest,
35-degree diagonal parking stalls were examined. The south side of the street was chosen
because the street has less approaches than the north side, which allows for an improved benefit
to converting to diagonal parking. Parking stalls were imposed onto the current parkable curb
lengths with travel lanes shifted to the north. To accommodate the travel lane shift, the centerline
of the street is shifted north 4.2-feet on the west side of 2"d Ave West (3`d Alley West), and 5.0-
feet north on the east side of 2"d Ave West (2"d Alley West), as shown in Figure 4 below.
This conversion would reduce the current travel lane widths west of 2"d Ave West, but more
significantly reduces the travel lane widths east of the 2"d Ave West to 11.0-feet. The lane shifts
still fall under the half lane requirement. By adding diagonal parking, the area of interest would
see a total increase of three parking stalls.
f
Figure 4 - 3rd St [rest %"2nd Ave West
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Page 6
August 20, 2018
Field Investigation and Observations:
The 4.2-foot lane shift requires a substantial adjustment for traffic traveling west at 3`d Alley
West. The street cross-section west of 3`d Alley West is much narrower and would require a
quick adjustment for westbound traffic.
The diagonal parking on the east side of 2nd Ave West would require the travel lanes to be I I -
feet in width.
While taking measurements of the street for the exhibits, the available parking west of 2nd Ave
West was observed to be unused on the south side of the street. Parking on the east side of 2nd
Ave West was observed to be used regularly by citizens going to the post office. While the
parking on the east side of the intersection was seeing regular use, the parking lot for the post
office was not being used.
Matrix Score and Recommendations:
This location received two separate scores:
• The area west of 2nd Avenue West received 2 points for lane width being more than 12-
feet (13-foot for eastbound and 14.9 for westbound) and 2 points for lane shift being less
than 35% of the lane width (4.2-feet / 13-feet = 32%), for a total of 4 points.
• The area east of 2nd Avenue West received 1 point for the lane shift being between 35 and
50% of the lane width (5-feet / 11-feet = 45%) and 2 points for the creation of new spaces
being above 40% (2 new spaces / 4 existing spaces = 50%), for a total of 3 points.
Neither location received a matrix score above the threshold for staff to recommend moving
forward. The deficiencies created by the lane shift at the alleys and the narrower travel lanes
outweighs the benefits of the three additional parking stalls. Therefore, staff does not
recommend this area for diagonal parking.
Although residents were using on -street parking for access to the post office, the post office's
existing parking lots were underutilized. Therefore, staff does recommend the removal of the 2-
hour parking restrictions to allow area business employees to utilize on -street parking.
Area 3 — 511 Street West (111 Avenue West to Main Street)
Existing Conditions:
This portion of 51h Street West is a 53-foot wide, two-lane urban street, with two-way traffic, and
has two-hour parallel parking on both sides of the street. The current parking configuration
allows for seven parallel stalls within the area of interest.
Layout Analyzed:
The north side of the street was chosen for diagonal parking stall analysis due to having fewer
approaches than the south side. Due to the wide street width and to maximize the number of
potential spaces, 45-degree diagonal parking stalls were imposed onto the current parkable curb
lengths, with travel lanes shifted to the south. The centerline of the street would be shifted to the
south 3.9 feet, as shown in Figure 5 below. This conversion would reduce the current travel lane
widths to 12 feet for westbound traffic and 15 feet for east bound traffic. The lane shifts would
still remain under the half lane guidance. By adding diagonal parking, the street could see an
increase of four parking stalls.
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Page 7
August 20, 2018
Figure 5 - Sth St West ; l st Ave West to Maim Street
Field Investigation and Observations:
The 3.9-foot lane shift fits well with the adjacent intersections. Having stop conditions for 5t"
Street West at both intersections aids traffic to make the necessary adjustments.
Matrix Score and Recommendations:
This location received two points for lane width being greater than or equal to 12 feet (I2-foot
for westbound and 14-foot for eastbound), 1 point for lane shift being between 35 and 50% of
lane width (3.9-feet / 12-feet = 33%), 2 points for the stall angle being 45-degrees, and 2 points
for the creation of new spaces being greater than 40% (4 new spaces / 7 existing spaces = 57%),
for a total of 7 points.
Due to the existing conditions, individual site analysis, field review, and matrix score of seven,
staff recommends this area for diagonal parking. Additionally, staff recommends removing the
2-hour parking restrictions to allow area business employees to utilize on -street parking.
Area 4 — V Street East (2°d Avenue East to V Avenue East)
Existing Conditions:
This portion of Yd Street East is a 51-foot wide, two-lane urban local street, with two-way traffic„
and has two-hour parallel parking on both sides of the street. The current parking configuration
allows for eight parallel stalls within the area of interest.
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Page 8
August 20, 2018
Layout Analyzed:
The south side of this street was analyzed for diagonal parking because there are fewer
approaches. 45-degree diagonal parking stalls were imposed onto the current park able curb
lengths with travel lanes shifted to the north. To accommodate the diagonal parking, the
centerline of the street would be shifted to the north 2.9-feet, as shown in Figure 6 below. By
adding diagonal parking, this area of interest could see an increase of six parking stalls.
Figure 6 - 3rd St East 1`2nd Ave East to 3rd Ave East
Field Investigation and Observations:
The 2.9-foot lane shift fits well with the adjacent intersections and travel lanes widths are
reduced by 0.1 feet below City standard. The deficiencies created by the lane shifts are minimal
and the additional parking may benefit this section of street. While conducting the field review,
the area was observed to be unutilized for on -street parking.
Matrix Score and Recommendations:
This location received one point for the lane width being between 11 and 12-feet (11.9-feet), 2
points for the lane shift being less than 3 5 % of lane width (2.9-feet / 11-feet = 24%), 2 points for
the stall angle being 45-degrees, and 2 points for the creation of new spaces being greater than
40% (6 new spaces / 8 existing spaces = 75%), for a total of 7 points.
Due to the existing conditions, individual site analysis, field review, and matrix score of seven,
staff recommends this area for diagonal parking. Additionally, based on the field observations
of the current parking being underutilized, staff recommends removing the 2-hour parking
restrictions to allow area business employees to utilize on -street parking.
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Page 9
August 20, 2018
Post Analysis Discussions:
The City Police Department (Parking Enforcement Officer) was contacted to gather additional
information about parking needs and behavior along the selected roadways. They believe there is
a definite need for more parking within the BID and felt the two-hour parking limit within the
BID was responsible for some of the parking stalls being unused during our field observations.
On August 8, 2018, the Police Department submitted a work order to Traffic Signs and Signals
for removal of the two-hour parking zones on 1" Street West, 2"d Street West, 3`d Street West, 4`h
Street West, and 51h Street West, west of 2"d Ave West. They also requested that the two-hour
parking limit be removed on 51h Street East between 1" Ave East and 2"d Ave East.
Kalispell City Code 17-90 that established the two-hour parking limit within the BID did not
include these street sections within its language. This work order aligns the two-hour parking
limit areas with the current City Code, provides parking areas for employees who work within
the BID, and concurs with staff recommendations based on individual area analysis.
Summary of Findings:
The following figure summarizes the decision matrix scorings and provides a side -by -side
Figure 7 -Decision Matrix and Area Scores
Area 1 — I" Street West (3`d Avenue West to I" Avenue West):
• Would gain two parking stalls;
• Would require a 5.5-foot shift in centerline;
• Would reduce the travel lane width to 11.5-feet;
• Would utilize 35-degree diagonal parking stalls;
• Received a decision matrix score of 2;
• Diagonal Parking is not recommended.
• The two-hour parking restriction west of 2"d Avenue west will be removed to comply with
current City Code.
• Removal of the 2-hour parking restriction between 2"d Avenue West & lst Avenue
West. Requires further council action to revise code.
BID Diagonal Parking Analysis
Page 10
August 20, 2018
Area 2 — 3`d Street West (3`d Alley West to 2"d Alley West)
• Would gain three parking stalls;
• Would require a 4.2 and 5.0 foot shift in centerline;
• Would reduce the travel lane width to 11 feet;
• Would utilize 35-degree diagonal parking stalls;
• Received a decision matrix scores of 4 for the west block and 3 for the east block;
• Diagonal parking is not recommended.
• The two-hour parking restriction will be removed west of 2"d Avenue West to comply with
current City Code.
• Removal of the 2-hour parking restriction is recommended from 2"d Avenue West to
1' Avenue West. Requires further council action to revise code.
Area 3 — 51h Street West (I It Avenue West to Main Street)
• Would gain 4 parking stalls;
• Would require a 3.9-foot shift in centerline;
• Would reduce the travel lanes to 12-feet and 13.9 feet;
• Would utilize 45-degree diagonal parking stalls;
• Received a decision matrix score of 7;
• Diagonal parking is recommended.
• Removal of the 2-hour parking restriction is recommended. Requires further council
action to revise code.
Area 4 — 3`d Street East (2"d Avenue East to 3`d Avenue East)
• Would gain 8 parking stalls;
• Would require a 2.9-foot shift in centerline;
• Would reduce the travel lanes to 11.9-feet;
• Would utilize 45-degree diagonal parking stalls;
• Received a decision matrix score of 7;
• Diagonal parking is recommended.
• Removal of the 2-hour parking restriction is recommended. Requires further council
action to revise code.
Requested Action:
Please review the findings given in this memo. If you concur with the findings, please let me know
so that I can schedule the installation of the new street striping.
Further Recommendation:
Although not part of the this analysis, an evaluation of the yellow curb sections and private
approaches currently in place within the BID should be completed as adjustments to these may
also create additional parking stalls.