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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-05 Study SessionSTUDY SESSION Monday, April 11, 2005 7:00 p.m. -Council Chambers Minutes of Meeting Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher called the meeting to order. Present were Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, Vice Mayor Lecklider, Mr. McCash, Ms. Salay, Mr. Reiner and Mr. Keenan. Staff members present included Mr. Ciarochi, Mr. Hammersmith, Ms. Martin, Ms. Willis, Mr. Bird, Mr. Combs, Mr. Richardson, and Ms. Brown. Guests: AEP Representatives -Mary Flint, Terri Flora, Don Kendall, Bob Invinskas R.D. Zande -Traffic Consultant - Dave Samuelson American Electric Power Reliability and Capacity Report Mr. Ciarochi stated that recent power outages have generated concern regarding electrical reliability and future capacity within the Dublin area. There have also been concerns regarding AEP's tree trimming practices. Consequently, American Electric Power has been invited to discuss these issues with City Council in a Study Session. He introduced Ms. Mary Flint . Ms. Flint noted that the previous month, AEP had met with City Manager Brautigam, Mr. Ciarochi and Ms. Brown to explain that AEP had experienced some outages as a result of installation of new transmission lines. In July of 2002, plans were announced to install a 138kv line, which would enable AEP to continue to deal with growth in the area with a project cost of $13.2M. In April 2004, AEP received certification from the Shia Power Siting Board to proceed. This was the result of a joint effort of the City, residents and developers. Mr. Kendall gave a brief overview of the Dublin project, noting that the project should be completed an May 27th, immediately before the Memorial Tournament. The recent two power outages that occurred were directly related to the major construction that is underway. AEP was aware that the system would be at risk during construction, and contingency plans were in place. However, on March 7, a fault occurred on the 138kv line due to a splice failure, which is very rare. As a result, AEP replaced 2,348 feet of conductor. ~n March 31, a line disruption occurred on the 138kv line due to a defective module in GE D60 relay. AEP has over 200 D60 relays installed, and this is the first failure of this type AEP has experienced. GE is currently investigating the cause. Mr. Kendall explained that before beginning this project, the Sawmill power line was virtually a narrow tunnel through the trees. It is not practical to begin a major construction project of this size without taking steps to ensure the success. Therefore, the trees were trimmed back so as not to encumber the progress of the construction Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 2 project. The tree-trimming project alone cost $480,000 and took 9 months to complete, but the cleared line will increase its reliability. It was necessary to conduct the project in the off--peak season; in the summer, the electrical load is too great. He explained that the definition of capacity is the maximum electrical loading capability of lines and equipment. In 2005, the forecasted peak summer load in Dublin is 86 MVA {MVA = mega volt amps). When this project is completed, the Sawmill line capacity will be 227 MVA, which will exceed the permissible peak. Only one line in service at 227 MVA well exceeds the current demand of 86 MVA. There are two lines that feed Dublin currently, which are split into two stations, and both are at risk. After Friday, when the 138kv line from Sawmill is energized, the 138kv loop feed into the Dublin station will be restored; a loop feed is more reliable than a stub feed. However, there will still be only one transformer. Mr. Reiner inquired if the intent is to be able to switch between two lines. Mr. Kendall responded that is not the case now. After May 29th, it would be. Until then, if something happened to one line, an outage would occur. Mr. Keenan inquired about the possibility of prioritizing areas of greater need for emergency response, should outages occur. Mr. Kendall responded that other than emergency or health care a facility, AEP prioritizes according to blocks in which the greatest number of people are affected. However, if the City should identify areas of particular concern, contact Ms. Flint, and she would check to see if any re-prioritization would be possible. Mr. McCash inquired the reason that the Summer 2003 storm outage took 7 days to repair. Was AEP understaffed in this area due to everything else that was occurring at that time? Mr. Kendall stated that he was not aware of any 7-day outages during that storm. He was aware of some areas where customers were without power for 5 days, and it was due to the fact that it was not a local storm. It affected the entire state. AEP brought crews into the area from as far away as the Gulf coast, and it took some time to get the crews here. Mr. Reiner inquired if there is a relationship between the number of houses/businesses and system stress. Mr. Kendall stated that statistics show that Dublin has the fastest growing load in the entire 11-state AEP area. However, AEP has projected that same rate of growth into the future. Dublin would run out of land to develop before the capacity would be exceeded. Mr. Reiner stated that major expansion is anticipated in the northwest area of the City. Would that not impact the capacity? Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 3 Mr. Kendall stated that although he can respond to AEP's transmission capacity, Mr. Invinskas would address the distribution factor. It is possible that the distribution capacity could be impacted by a rapid rate of growth. Mr. Invinskas stated that a small portion of the western section of the City is First Energy service area, however, most of it is AEP service area. That distribution will come from the Dublin station, and the capacity of that station would be intact for at least 10 years before upgrades would be needed. There are 5 substations and 24 distribution circuits that serve this community as well as others. Ms. Flint noted that AEP receives afive-year forecast of anticipated development from the City's economic development and engineering divisions. That forecast enables AEP to be prepared for the growth. Mr. Kendall noted that AEP's reliability can be impacted by events, such as storms, vehicle accidents, animals, failed equipment, trees on the line, and dig-ins by outside parties. Maps were included in Council's materials that show AEP's circuit layout in Dublin. AEP does annual capacity reviews, including loading on all the station transformers and distribution circuits. This assessment occurs again whenever any large loads come into the area. They also do a 5-year and 10-year load forecast. From those assessments they are able to develop capital planning proposals. Occasionally, circuits are reconfigured, which can affect neighboring communities. The circuits are also reviewed annually, and poor performing circuits are targeted for performance improvement. They also regularly install additional protective equipment to protect against outages. A reactor is being installed at the Sawmill substation this year to choke down the amount of short circuit current that occurs when events do happen. Inspection maintenance programs are required by PUCO. Vegetation clearance programs will be conducted on all of the Dublin circuits this year, except circuit 85, which was cleared last year. An overhead visual and an infrared inspection will also be done on those circuits, as well as an engineering study to identify any additional equipment that may be needed. He concluded his report. Ms. Salay stated that the residents are very appreciative of the new 138kv line, which is a buried line. What is the reliability of a buried line vs. an overhead line? She would assume a buried line is more reliable. Mr. Kendall stated that the new 13$kv line is in a duct bank encased in concrete. It is anticipated to be very reliable. Dublin has a great GIS system, and all of AEP's information has been included in that system. There would be no excuse for a contractor to dig into that line at any time. However, there was also a large amount of directional drills with that project, which are not encased in concrete and are at risk. If something should occur after the project is completed, there would be no disruption to the service. He noted that Mr. McDaniel played a major role in making this project Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 4 feasible by getting Duke Realty to donate the easements - an amazing accomplishment. Ms. Salay stated that she had heard that the lines were also buried in oil. Mr. Kendall responded that all of the underground cables in downtown Columbus are insulated in oil inside steel pipes. However, this line is installed in a 6" diameter PVC duct bank. Mr. Reiner inquired the depth of the cable. Mr. Kendall responded that in the areas where it is trenched within concrete encasement, there is 4 feet of cover above it -- probably 5-6 feet to the bottom of the trench. There is a section along Emerald Parkway right before the Dublin station where it has been buried significantly deeper. This was due to Duke's development plans. The line was buried at 14 feet to avoid a conflict with the sanitary sewer lines. The directional drills vary from 6 to 18 feet. That is all well documented on the construction prints. There is no surface marking of this. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the final assessment regarding the two recent outages, with which Council was concerned, is that those were strange anomalies. Mr. Kendall stated that was the case. AEP had contingency plans in place for every event that could be anticipated, even spending a lot of money to place a transformer in a temporary location -but the outages still occurred. Some risk remains until the project is completed on May 29t". Plans remain in place to restore power within 4-6 hours, should something occur. Mr. Reiner inquired if a line would be extended to the west when the development in that area occurs. Mr. Invinskas responded that circuits would be extended from Substation 23 on Shier Rings to that area. There would be aerial lines to the developments and underground lines within the developments. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher thanked the AEP representatives for their report, which has been beneficial to Council. Because questions regarding the capacity and reliability of power are asked by potential developers, this issue is important to the City's economic development plans. Transportation Project Update/Conceptual Thoroughfare Plan for Southwest Area Dublin/Brand Road Roundabout Project • DesignlConstruction Mr. Richardson, Engineering Division, reported that planning for the project has been underway for 4 years. It will be good to get it under construction. He reviewed the status of the project. Because the conceptual plan for the roundabout design aligned the center of the roundabout with an adjacent resident's driveway, Council gave direction to shift the design to the northwest. The realignment to the northwest was Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 5 planned to have the least impact on all neighboring property owners. To accommodate the changes, the City purchased the Daroski property. A final plan is in place. Four property owners will be given water taps, if desired. To achieve the necessary grade for the roundabout, Brand Road must be lowered 8 feet below its present level in that area. To do so, 800 feet of the existing water main had to be moved and realigned. Unfortunately, that impacted the rear easement of one Coventry Woods home. To resolve the site distance problem on Dublin Road in the vicinity of Mr. Maurer's house, the hill will be lowered approximately 5 feet. The road will be lowered similarly in a couple of some areas and raised in others. Lane width has been added north of the Chattington Drive intersection. Because a roundabout moves traffic more quickly than a traffic signal, they do not anticipate vehicle queuing, even during rush hour. Some of the accident history in that area was due to traffic queuing and limited site distance. On Dublin Road, there will be a 2-lane approach to the roundabout. The consultant had indicated that with one-lane approach, the roundabout would fail in 2010. The City did not want to build a system that would fail in 5 years. The road separates into two lanes shortly before entering the roundabout from both directions and merge back into one lane exiting the roundabout. There will be a 8-12 foot truck apron to accommodate large vehicles but also to discourage speeding. Mr. Keenan stated that he received a letter from Dick Thomas regarding the roundabout project. He indicated that he has been told that the City has researched the possibility of extending sewer service to that area and that running it from Bellaire Drive appeared to be the logical direction. Mr. Thomas stated that he was told that there is the proper grade drop -- no lift would be needed, but the project would cost around $100,000. That is too much for two homes. He then indicates that the City would be willing to participate in the relocation of septic tank and leach bed. Why is that? Must his driveway be relocated to allow him appropriate ingress/egress? Mr. Richardson responded that Mr. Thomas has expressed concern about safety in leaving/entering his driveway. The City has taken a conservative position, and his driveway will be moved away from the roundabout. Mr. Keenan noted that southbound traffic on Dublin Road, coming from Muirfield, has the advantage of an angle that would facilitate their navigation of the roundabout. Mr. Richardson responded that it is a two-lane approach. If the vehicle straddles the channelizing line between lanes, it might be able to take the circle above 30 mph, but the roundabout is designed to navigated at 25 mph. Mr. Keenan stated that he was interested in the reason City staff indicated the City might participate in the relocation of Mr. Thomas' septic tank and leach bed. Mr. Thomas stated in his letter that his current leach bed is rendered useless due to his driveway's relocation to the west. Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 6 Mr. Hammersmith stated that the City agreed to relocate Mr. Thomas' driveway to the west. Because that action impacted his leach bed, the City then became obligated to mitigate the consequences. It was less expensive to take that course of action than to run the City sewer line from Bellaire Ct. to the Thomas and Summers properties, which would cost approximately $140,000. Mr. Keenan referred to Mr. Thomas' comment, "I appreciate the attention the City is giving to me in this, but I believe the short-term fix is near-sighted. The time to extend the sewer line under S.R. 745 is when it is torn up. Some time in the future, the Maurer 4-acre property to my north is most likely to be developed with private homes. Ken's argument is that when that time comes, the developer will be asked to pay part of the cost of running the sewer. ...that cost will only go up in the future. In the meantime, the cost of my septic system and the large number of trees that will need to be taken down only adds to the eventual total cost. Mrs. Boring has told me that the eventual goal of the City is to bring all septic system properties into City water and sewer." Could the City allocate the cost of running the lines under S.R. 745 to a future developer? Mr. Hammersmith responded that the City has previously set up reimbursement districts when other adjoining properties would benefit. That is a possibility. Alternatives are being evaluated; no recommendation has been developed at this time. Another alternative is an on-lot system with a grinder pump and pump to either Wellington or Coventry Woods, or the City would extend gravity service. However, when those subdivisions were constructed, the gravity sewer that was run from the Dublin Road trunk was not at a sufficient depth to be extended to serve these additional properties. Mr. Keenan stated that he would not like to see the City tear this area up in the future to extend water and sewer service. Mr. Hammersmith agreed. If staff determines it would be advisable to extend gravity sewer service, the line would be extended in conjunction with this project. Mr. Richardson stated that there there is a sanitary sewer manhole directly below the Compton property. Aline could be run from there to come up in front of the Thomas and Summers properties. Another alternative would be to run from behind the Compton property to the rear of these properties. That solution would also provide the potential of future service to the Mauer property as well as these two properties, and would involve much less impact to Dublin Road properties in the future. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher requested Engineering staff to provide a recommendation to Council when they have completed their study of the alternatives. • Landscaping Ms. Martin stated that the landscape plans for the project are bid separately from the construction, and they are currently in the preliminary design phase. The intent is to Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 7 begin landscape construction immediately following the roadway construction, tentatively, Fall 2005. The project would proceed similarly to the Muirfield-Brand roundabout landscape construction. The entire site would be seeded immediately after the roadway construction to provide a good seed bed established before the winter season. Installation of the trees and shrubs would also occur in the fall, but the perennials would be installed in Spring 2006. The splinter islands would be landscaped with low-lying shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials. The roundabout center island would be planted with three trees and the remainder of the landscaping would be low-growing plant materials so as not to obscure the sight lines. There is 2-ft. bomanite around the interior as a protective landscape edging. Trees would be replaced along Dublin Road in the vicinity of the construction. Additional screening would be added to the lawn edge of the residences adjacent to the roundabout. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if the landscaping would be similar to that of the other roundabout. Ms. Martin responded that the Muirfield Brand roundabout was so large that it was possible to use turf in the interior. The center island of the Brand Road roundabout will be heavily landscaped, so it will not be necessary to use mowers. The landscape treatment will be more similar to that in the traffic circles on Rings Road, although the landscape materials will be the same as those used in the Muirfield-Brand roundabout to provide continuity. Glick-Manley-Avery Roundabout • Design/Construction Mr. Richardson stated that this roundabout will also be constructed this summer. It will be a single-lane roundabout. It will have tremendous capacity for the traffic projected for the area, providing a service level A for twenty years in the future. From the Manley Road approach, there will be a long splinter island, which will reduce the traffic speed from 45 mph to 20-25 mph. Traveling south an Avery Road, the vertical curve will be reduced to improve the sight distance. School officials had indicated serious problems with left turn movement in this area. Consequently, where the Riviera property begins, Avery Road will be widened and aleft-turn lane will be added for the Grizzell Middle School area. North of that site will be the roundabout. Glick Road, from Avery Road to Davington Road, will be paved, curbed and guttered, A public bikepath will be built along the south side of Glick Road, extend to Grizzell School, and be extended along the west side of Manley to eventually reach Tartan West, just north of Muirfield 43. • Landscaping Ms. Martin stated that the landscape plan is included in the preliminary design. The project is anticipated to go out for bid in June and be installed in the fall. The design carries over some elements of the Glick-Muirfield intersection, but has been scaled back considerably. The splinter islands will be planted with low-lying materials to ensure safe sight distance, and the center island will be fully planted. Half-moon walls Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 8 will begin at grade and be increased to an 8-inch height. Shrubs will be planted along the backside of the walls to cascade over the top to provide visual interest. The existing Muirfield wall and landscaping will be replaced with additional landscaping to provide a facelift. The evergreen screening that must be removed preceding construction will be replaced to provide additional screening for the residents. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired how the traffic along Brand Road would be handled, when the roundabout is under construction. Mr. Hammersmith responded that because, there will only be 11 weeks before school resumes in which to complete the roundabout, it will be necessary to close the road. An established detour route will be provided. Mr. Richardson noted that the detour would be either Glick Raad-Muirfield Drive or Glick Road-Riverside Drive. Detour signage will be placed at Emerald Parkway and Dublin Road. Mr. Keenan requested that "Local Traffic only" signage be posted. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that might be partially effective; however, there will be some traffic cutting through the neighborhoods. Hopefully, those residents will realize that it would be a short-term problem - 60-90 days. Mr. Keenan stated that the additional traffic would be a concern to the parents in that neighborhood. He requested that the police add enforcement efforts. Mr. Hammersmith stated that during the construction of Muirfield-Brand roundabout, staff was concerned about potential cut-through traffic in Hawks Nest, which never materialized. Mr. Lecklider inquire the reason for the difference in design between the Glick-Avery- Manley roundabout and the Dublin-Brand roundabout. The first looks to be more labor intensive. Ms. Martin responded that the landscape plan for Glick-Avery-Manley is more formal, while the Dublin-Brand plan is more natural and pastoral, but it will not require more maintenance. The only areas that will be mowed are the right-of--ways. Shamrock Boulevard/Village Parkway Roundabout • Design/Construction Mr. Richardson stated that the Shamrock Boulevard project is a large project. It will begin at the entrance to Wendy's at the existing Shamrock Boulevard and transition from five lanes to three lanes and tie into Village Parkway. Village Parkway will be realigned. Past Penzone's, the alignment will be straight. At the AEP towers, the easement will be parallel. The necessary land take has been minimized; only a small Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 9 portion of Lowe's property will be required. A bikepath will run along the southeast side of Shamrock Boulevard, loop around and connect with existing bikepath at Lowe's. All the roundabouts will have street lights, but because of the commercial area, Shamrock Boulevard and the roundabout will be well-lighted. • Landscaping Ms. Martin stated that the existing median at Shamrock Boulevard and S.R. 161 would be planted with shrubs, trees and low-growing perennials to provide color and emphasize the entrance to Shamrock. The center and splinter islands will be planted with low-lying shrubs and perennials. To slow traffic entering the roundabout, along the edge, a double line of low-lying shrubs would be planted. There will be a two-feet, bomanite band. Mr. Lecklider stated that the landscape budget for each of these projects would appear to be equal. He does not want to invite citizen concern about the extravagance of the projects. Mr. Hammersmith responded that this concern is always before staff, as they plan these projects. They are concerned about the total landscape cast relative to the total construction cost, and they attempt to invest an equal amount in landscaping for each of the roundabouts. Grounds and Facilities does prefer to maintain perennials occasionally than to mow weekly. Mr. Keenan inquired the estimated cost of the project. Ms. Martin responded that the cost estimate of the landscaping for this roundabout is $130,000. That includes everything except the hardscape. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the landscaping for the Brand-Muirfield roundabout does not appear to be excessive. Would that set the standard for the other roundabouts? Ms. Martin responded that the Brand-Muirfield roundabout landscaping is not completely installed -perennials and roses will be installed before the Memorial Tournament. The attempt is to achieve a refined, classier landscape effect. Mr. Hammersmith noted that no water features have been included, which would also keep the level of maintenance at a minimum. The landscape plan was well received by the Muirfield residents at the public meeting last week. Ms. Martin stated that the initial landscape installation for all three roundabouts is scheduled in the fall, as soon as the roadway construction is completed. A final installation of perennials will occur next spring. The goal is to have the projects bid out the end of May to mid June to obtain the most competitive prices. Mr. Hammersmith noted that the projects could be bundled, asking for a discount if the bidder wins all three projects. Bristol Parkway Tunnel • Design/Construction Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 10 The pedestrian tunnel, which will service Wyandotte Elementary School, will be 64 feet long; concrete inside, asphalt on the egress; with a 10% ingress/egress grade. It will resemble the Ballantrae subdivision tunnels. Construction is scheduled for this summer. Guardrail will be necessary an both sides of Brand Road to protect errant vehicles from entering the tunnel area. The existing bikepath will be modified and wrapped around to an at-grade crossing at the intersection, which will be safer than its present crossing point. The City-owned pond in that area will not be impacted. The early cost projection for the tunnel is $300,000. Unfortunately, some of the utility companies have private easements outside of the right-of--way, which means that when the construction requires that the utility lines be moved, the City must pay the utility companies to relocate their lines. SBC has a major duct bank here. They will break the duct bank apart and lay the 13 ducts horizontally on top of the tunnel. This will be considerably less costly that re-doing and re-splicing the duct system. At this time, no cost estimate has been received from Columbia Gas, but it is not a major transmission line. An estimate for bath utilities is under $40,000. Mr. McCash inquired the reasoning for maintaining an at-grade crossing at the intersection. Why not limit the choice to the tunnel only? Mr. Hammersmith stated that although the intent was to eliminate the at-grade crossing, with a 10°~ ingress/egress slope, the tunnel would not be ADA accessible. Therefore, an at-grade crossing will be maintained, as it has at Emerald Parkway- Dublin Road where there is both a tunnel and an at-grade crossing. Mr. McCash stated that a tunnel would appear to be a safer option for a handicapped person than crossing a busy road. Mr. Hammersmith expressed agreement. Mr. Richardson noted that there is the additional condition of night-time crossing. Many pedestrians will not use a tunnel after dark for safety reasons - fear of being attacked by someone inside the tunnel. Although the tunnels are lighted 24 hours, the lights are subject to vandalism. They have not yet found a light option that is vandal-proof. Mr. McCash inquired if there is sufficient land mass to move the bikepath down to achieve an easier grade, rather than using a straight approach. Mr. Richardson responded that the bikepath in this area does not follow the street. It loops back through the park before meeting the street again. A straight approach into the tunnel is preferred for safety reasons -- it is easier to see what is inside the tunnel before entering. Although that is the preferred option, it has not always been done. • Landscaping Ms. Martin stated that the landscaping will be done in conjunction with the tunnel construction. Because a cut will be made through the existing feature at Bristol Commons, modifications will be made to that entry feature. The sloped slides will be planted with low-growing sumac, or something similar that is a slope stabilizer and Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 11 avoid the need for mowing. The City was contacted by the art teacher at Wyandotte Elementary regarding a potential art project. To encourage the students to use the tunnel, a permanent art exhibit would be created in the interior of the tunnel. Na specifics far the art exhibit have been suggested to the City at this time, as the teacher is soliciting ideas from the students. Mr. McCash inquired how the art would be protected from vandalism. Ms Martin responded that she had discussed this issue with the art teacher. They would protect the art with several layers of polyurethane from which most marks can be rubbed off. Because the students would have ownership in the art, the potential for vandalism would be somewhat reduced. Mr. McCash stated that vandalism is generally created by a high school student who does not care. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if there would be a contract with the school, which would provide for the school to be responsible for the maintenance of the art work. Ms. Martin responded that the project has not advanced to that step. The City is waiting an a written proposal from Dublin Schools. Mr. Hammersmith noted that, at this point, it is an opportunity that is being explored. No commitment has been made. Council expressed support for the tentative proposal. Mr. Richardson stated that the tunnel construction is also scheduled for this summer. Now, there will be two projects affecting traffic movement on Brand Road -the Dublin- Brand roundabout, and the Bristol Parkway pedestrian tunnel. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired how the residents would get to the pool during that time period. Mr. Richardson responded that Brand Road would have to be shut down in the area of the tunnel construction for 2-1 /2 weeks. The remainder of the time, Brand Road can remain open. Mr. Hammersmith stated that staff would coordinate the efforts as well as possible. Mr. Reiner noted that when Muirfield was closed for a short period last year, the residents were understanding and supportive. Hospital Drive • Design/construction Mr. Richardson stated that this is a 3-way road with curb/gutter, with a bicycle path on the hospital side and street lighting on the outside. Street trees will be clustered for a different look. The City has been working with the hospital concerning their entranceways, utility needs, etc. The project is scheduled for construction this summer. Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 12 Mr. Hammersmith noted that a residual benefit of this road is its help with the intersection at Perimeter Drive/Avery-Muirfield. For example, it will give Pacer Global Logistics an alternate path, particularly in the afternoon, for exiting employees. • Landscaping Ms. Martin stated that street trees on Hospital Drive will not be placed one every 40-45 feet on center, as is typical. The hospital's plan is for a more naturalistic approach, so the street trees will be clustered. The right-of--way edge along U.S. 33 will be seeded with a grass similar to that used on the Jack Nicklaus statue site, which will be left to grow naturally, in keeping with the hospital's naturalistic landscape plan. Mr. Keenan stated that the roadway will be located very close to U.S. 33. Couldn't the headlights pose a risk to night traffic on U.S. 33? Mr. Hammersmith responded that it should pose no greater risk than Perimeter Loop traffic. Mr. Richardson stated that the proximity is 40-80 feet. Mr. Reiner inquired if there would be any mounding on the separation? Mr. Richardson responded that there would not be. Brand Road Shoulder Improvements • Design/Construction Mr. Hammersmith stated that this project provides the berm improvement where North Fork Indian Run has eroded the north side of the roadway between Bristol Parkway east to Brandonway Drive. This is roadside safety improvement project. Mr. Keenan inquired if another foot or two of width would be provided there. Mr. Richardson responded that a 4-foot shoulder would be provided and 800 feet of guardrail. The road would not be moved. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if staff has discussed the plans for guardrail with the residents in that area. Mr. Richardson responded that they have not. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher requested that staff do sa. Although the residents were aware of the intended berm improvements, they are not aware of the plans for guardrail, which would totally change the appearance of thane properties. Mr. Lecklider inquired if a different guardrail could be used than is typical -perhaps a state park type of guardrail. Mr. Hammersmith responded that Dublin has two guardrail standards: {1 }steel guardrail painted brown with timber posts, similar to that an Dublin Raad, and {2} timber rail, similar to that at Muirfield-Glick. Although it is expensive, it is more aesthetically pleasing. Staff did not intend to use galvanized guardrail. Mr. Lecklider stated that the guardrail is essential there. He requested that staff explore the option of using timber rail. Mr. Keenan suggested that those neighbors be made aware of the considerations. He inquired if it is necessary to notify the Army Corps Engineer when work is done that close to the waterway. Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 13 Mr. Hammersmith stated that is necessary only if there is the intent to alter the alignment. In this case, there is no such intent. Mr. Richardson stated that this work would not intrude within 200 feet of the creek. There is a prohibited impact area. The sheet piling that will be used in unobtrusive. The City has reviewed all floodplain considerations. Mr. Reiner inquired if the sheet piling is superior to the use of gavians to prevent erosion. Mr. Hammersmith responded that staff considered the use of gavians, but it would take more room for that alternative. Mr. Reiner inquired if this would be a permanent solution. Mr. Hammersmith responded that it would be. Mr. Reiner inquired if it would be as aesthetically pleasing as gavians. Mr. Hammersmith responded that eventually it would provide a rusted appearance. Because of all the vegetation, it would be visible only from the creek itself. Intersection Studies/Evaluations Ms. Willis stated that the City is working with a traffic consultant, R.D. Zande & Associates, to evaluate several City intersections. • Hyland-Croy at Brand Road -evaluate alternatives of roadway widening, roundabout, turn lanes, and signalization. • Avery-Muirfield Drive/Tullymore Drive/Valley Stream Drive/Avery Road - evaluate alternatives of roadway realignment, widening, signalization, and a roundabout. The study will also indicate whether any environmental permits will be necessary due to the proximity of Red Trabue Park and the Indian Run Creek. • Avery-Muirfield Corridor/Signal Alternative -evaluate alternatives of traditional roadway widening with turn lane improvements and removal of "pork chop" islands at Perimeter Drive and Perimeter Loop, and installation of roundabouts. Additional right-of-way would be necessary at Perimeter Loop Road, Perimeter Drive, and Post Road for turn lanes. Mr. Hammersmith noted that at last year's CIP hearings, staff indicated that because the new Daimler project would impact this intersection, they had a financial obligation for the necessary left-turn lane improvements on Post Road west of the intersection. The City had retained a consultant to design those intersection improvements, when staff learned of Dublin Methodist Hospital's plans to open in 2007. In view of that expected occurrence, the addition of extra lanes on Avery-Muirfield would be inadequate. Burgess & Niple have re-evaluated the Avery-Muirfield corridor, and recommends the alternative of installing a series of roundabouts. Ms. Willis noted that the construction of roundabouts would require the acquisition of more right-of--way than signalization would have. Three lanes would be required for long-term capacity, and the "park chop" islands would be removed. Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 14 Mr. Keenan inquired the cost difference between signalization and roundabouts for this section of road. Ms. Willis responded that cast estimates have not been developed yet, as the roundabout alternative has not yet been selected. Mr. Hammersmith stated that the reason roundabouts are being seriously considered is that there is a limit to the level of service that can be achieved with signalization. Exceptional capacity can be achieved with a roundabout, however, this choice would also have a much greater impact in terms of right-of--way and logistics. Perhaps a roundabout could be installed at the Avery-Muirfield/Post intersection, and the other intersections could remain signalized. The Avery-Muirfield/Post intersection was programmed in the C.I.P. for this year; however, due to the addition of the corridor study, it will not be possible to implement any improvements within that timeframe. Mr. Reiner inquired if there have been studies on the effectiveness of a series of roundabouts within such a close proximity. Mr. Hammersmith responded that studies verify that a series of roundabouts is more effective than alternating a roundabout and a signalized intersection. In that situation, traffic can back up from the signal into the much more efficient roundabout. Mr. Keenan noted the proximity of the proposed roundabout site to his office building. Mr. Lecklider inquired if the Daimler contribution would be required if the roundabout alternative is selected. Mr. Hammersmith stated that their responsibility to contribute to the cost of improvements would remain and will be required. In addition, the cost of improvements to this intersection has been incorporated into the structure of the TIFs for the developments in that area. Mr. McCash expressed concern about the use of a roundabout at the intersection at SR 161 due to the limited sight distance. A significant arch was constructed in the bridge over I-270 at that intersection, which would limit the visibility of a "surprise" roundabout. Mr. Hammersmith concurred that this intersection would pose the significant challenge for designing a roundabout. Tara Hill Area Traffic Calming Task Force Plan Ms. Willis stated that the Task Force has developed a recommended plan, which is comprised of horizontal traffic-calming measures, including, 3 traffic signals, 6 medians, 11 curb bulbs, 2 chokers, 3 pattern crosswalks, and a sidewalk. The Task Force worked diligently to achieve a consistent pattern of traffic calming along Tara Hill Mr. Hammersmith stated that the Task Force will report on their work at the May 7tn Council meeting, however, because it is relevant to the topic discussion tonight, staff has provided project costs breakdown. Dublin City Council Study Session Monday, April 11, 2005 Page 15 The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Clerk of Council