HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformation Update 0215221
AGENDA
INFORMATION UPDATE
February 15, 2022
4:00 PM,
I.INFORMATION UPDATE
I.A.Park Avenue Improvements - Outreach Update
I.B.2022 Community Survey
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INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM : Pete Rice, PE, Engineering Division Manager
Carly McGowan, Project Manager I
THRU: Tricia Aragon, PE, City Engineer
DATE OF MEMO: February 8th, 2022
MEETING DATE: February 15th, 2022
RE: Park Ave Improvements – Outreach Update
BACKGROUND:
Over the years, the City has considered ways to improve pedestrian safety in the Park and
Midland neighborhood. Residents and other stakeholders have participated in a public process,
starting in 2008, related to safety and connectivity in the neighborhood. Council decided in 2008
to not pursue modifications to traffic patterns.
The Park Avenue corridor sees heavy pedestrian, bike, bus, and vehicular traffic throughout the
year and these numbers are anticipated to be on the rise. Engineering has begun to incorporate
these substandard areas into planning efforts in order to provide safe corridors to the traveling
public with measures implemented in the right-of-way (ROW). This system currently relies on
redevelopment of existing properties for implementation.
With continued concerns from the neighborhood on pedestrian safety and vehicle interactions,
Council directed staff at the end of 2019 to revisit safety and pedestrian improvements to the
area. In July of 2020, Council directed staff to review options for improvements in this
neighborhood and to conduct outreach among neighbors.
In January of 2021, Council was presented safety improvement measures which included the
benefits and complications for each. Council directed staff to proceed with a schematic of a two-
way street on Park Ave with an attached sidewalk along the east side of the street as well as
intersection improvements at Park Ave and E Hopkins Ave. The sidewalk connection discussed
would require a slight realignment of the roadway to the west.
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During the September of 2021 work session, Staff presented Council the following items:
1. Conceptual plan for a sidewalk connection along Park Ave.
2. Stormwater improvements within the Park Ave corridor that are guided by the Hunter
Smuggler Stormwater Masterplan and which would benefit a large area in the East End
3. Potential intersection improvements at Park and Hopkins
Figure 1 shows a depiction of the sidewalk connection and the roadway realignment. It is a
screenshot of a video that was presented during the September 2021 work session. Figure 2
shows the maximum road realignment to be less than 5’ to the west to accommodate the new
sidewalk connection. The existing edge of asphalt is shown in red, while the proposed edge of
asphalt is shown in blue.
Figure 1 Rendering of Park Ave with a sidewalk and realigned roadway.
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Figure 2 Conceptual Plan of Park Ave showing sidewalk and a re-aligned roadway.
Staff requested Council direction on proceeding further into design on the three items listed
above. Prior to directing staff to fully proceed into construction drawings, Council requested that
staff undertake an additional round of outreach that focused on gathering feedback from the
neighbors directly impacted by the sidewalk connection and associated road realignment on Park
Ave.
DISCUSSION:
Following Council direction at the previous work session in September of 2021, Staff executed an
outreach plan that focused on the immediate neighbors of the proposed pedestrian
improvements.
Staff reached out to the 12 property owners adjacent to the proposed pedestrian improvements
and road re-alignment. Of those 12, staff met with ten of the property owners independently to
discuss the proposed design. The map in Appendix A shows the properties adjacent to the
proposed changes. . Specific topics in meetings included the following:
- Staff provided a background of the project up until this point, including previous council
direction,
- Staff showed the proposed conceptual plan and talked through the anticipated impacts
that the property owner could expect to experience,
- Property owner(s) was given an opportunity to ask any questions and share any concerns
relating to design or otherwise,
- And, property owner(s) was asked to complete the Design Acknowledgement form to
formally share any concerns with Council and acknowledge that they are aware of the
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proposed improvements adjacent to their property. Seven of the property owners filled
out and returned the acknowledgement form.
The acknowledgement forms can be found in Appendix B.
Summary of Feedback from Meetings
In general, the neighbors acknowledge that Park Avenue is unsafe for many users. During our
meetings this fall and early winter, many neighbors expressed that pedestrians are unsafe and
that a serious accident could be looming. Most neighbors agreed that something needs to be
done, but there could be differing opinions on what should be done. One neighbor who was a
strong opponent of the sidewalk connection in years past expressed that something needs to be
done, and if a sidewalk connection is the direction we are headed, then he supports going that
way and doing it as quickly as possible.
Additionally, neighbors personally understand the need for stormwater infrastructure in this
neighborhood. A handful of them currently experience drainage problems that would be
lessened with the proposed infrastructure. During outreach meetings, neighbors were optimistic
and supportive of stormwater improvements.
The comments that staff heard during the meetings could be classified into three main
categories: construction impacts, design considerations, and perceived property impacts. Figure
3 contains a summary of the comments.
Figure 3 Neighborhood Feedback
Regarding construction impacts, many of the neighbors expressed concerns about how their lives
will be disrupted during construction, whether it be due to noise or property access. Staff assured
neighbors that there will be significant communication with the neighborhood leading up to and
during construction. Once design is complete and a contractor is selected through the bidding
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process, a phasing plan will be developed that will outline property access and other construction
impacts.
The comments regarding design considerations we’re not comments made in a spirit of
opposition, but rather are regarding elements of the design that neighbors would like to see
incorporated. These include comments about snow storage for snow plows, curb cuts to access
property, and relocation of mailboxes, boulders, trees, etc. Staff has recorded these comments
and plans work through them during the design process.
The third category of comments received is regarding property impacts that can’t be mitigated
through design. For instance, there is a garden and trees in the ROW that will have to be
relocated. Staff will plan for the relocation of the garden and re-planting of trees during design,
but the adjacent property owner will still feel an impact.
The neighbor input can be read in entirety in the Acknowledgement Forms in Appendix B.
Staff plans to communicate extensively with all affected neighbors about construction impacts
once a final plan is drafted, a contractor is hired, and a phasing plan is developed.
Right-of-Way Width Considerations
During the previous presentation in September of 2021, staff presented Figure 4 which shows
the narrow section of right-of-way (ROW) along Park Ave. The right-of-way width in this section
of Park Ave is 26 ft, which can be compared to a standard City of Aspen residential right-of-way
width of 72 ft. Staff is investigating options for purchasing ROW from an adjacent property. This
may come in front of Council for consent at a regular meeting in the future.
Figure 4 Narrow right-of-way along Park Ave in front of 322 and 325 Park Ave.
325 Park Ave
322 Park Ave
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ALTERNATIVES:
Alternatives include the previously presented alternatives as presented in the (include date) work
session. If no improvements are made to the Park Ave corridor, the travelling public will continue
to share a constricted roadway. Pedestrians will not have a separate space from bikers, vehicles,
and buses, therefore putting them at risk in the street. Additionally, the drainage concerns on
Park Ave and Midland Ave will continue to be unresolved, creating both an environmental hazard
and a public safety hazard.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
The City of Aspen is continuously working towards a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly
city, and the Park Ave Improvement Project supports that vision. By installing infrastructure for
community members and visitors to comfortably and safely walk and bike around town, vehicle
trips are reduced. The environmental impact of the sidewalk and intersection improvements will
be positive.
The positive environmental impact from the stormwater infrastructure improvements is two
fold. Firstly, the improvements will incorporate water quality treatment. Currently, stormwater
from Park Circle, Park Ave, and Midland Ave runs off from roadways and other impervious areas
with no treatment. The Roaring Fork River adjacent to these roadways is in critical condition and
water quality treatment is an important step for river health. Secondly, the neighborhood
currently lacks stormwater conveyance capacity. In the event of an environmental disaster such
as a flood, the proposed infrastructure will help protect the east end of Aspen from catastrophe.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
Design will be completed in-house and does not require funding. Funding for construction in
2023 is included in the Proposed Capital Asset Plan.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff will pursue detailed design of the Park Avenue Improvement Project, including pedestrian
and stormwater improvements.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENT A – Map of Outreach
ATTACHMENT B – Compilation of Design Acknowledgement Forms from Park Ave residents
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1208
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1028
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1024
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326 326326326326
326326326326
326326326326
326326326326
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331 333 335 337
332 334 336
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Date: 2/1/2022
Geographic Information Systems
This map/drawing/image is a graphical
representation of the features
depicted and is not a legal representation.
The accuracy may change
depending on the enlargement or reduction.
Copyright 2022 City of Aspen GIS
0 0.01 0.020.01
mi
When printed at 8.5"x11"
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Legend
Met with Property Owner
Unable to Contact Property
Owner
Scale: 1:1,326
Park Ave - Outreach -
Fall 2021
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Park Avenue Improvement Project || Design Acknowledgement
NAME
ADDRESS
DATE OF MEETING
_____ The City of Aspen launched the Park and Midland safety improvement project in 2020 to
address issues including snow storage, rising foot, bike and vehicular traffic levels, and
pedestrian and intersection safety.
_____ In response to neighborhood concerns about pedestrian safety and vehicle interaction, Aspen
City Council directed the Engineering Department in January 2021 to produce a schematic
design of Park Ave. as a two-way street with an attached sidewalk, and intersection and
drainage improvements.
_____ On Sept. 20, 2021, Engineering presented a design to Council that includes bus stop upgrades, a
realignment and regrade of the bike and pedestrian trail terminus at the Park Ave. and East
Hopkins intersection, stormwater improvements, and a raised sidewalk along the east side of
Park Ave. between Midland and Hopkins. The design shifts the travel width of the road to a
maximum of 5 feet to the west, which narrows the total travel lanes to 10-feet-wide each to
accommodate the new sidewalk measuring between 3 and 5 feet wide.
_____ I acknowledge City of Aspen Engineering explained the design presented to Aspen City Council
on Sept. 20, 2021, and I am aware that the next step in the Park and Midland safety
improvement process is final design and budget for the project in 2023.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Signed,
Resident Date For City of Aspen Engineering Date
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Park Avenue Improvement Project || Design Acknowledgement
NAME
ADDRESS
DATE OF MEETING
_____ The City of Aspen launched the Park and Midland safety improvement project in 2020 to
address issues including snow storage, rising foot, bike and vehicular traffic levels, and
pedestrian and intersection safety.
_____ In response to neighborhood concerns about pedestrian safety and vehicle interaction, Aspen
City Council directed the Engineering Department in January 2021 to produce a schematic
design of Park Ave. as a two-way street with an attached sidewalk, and intersection and
drainage improvements.
_____ On Sept. 20, 2021, Engineering presented a design to Council that includes bus stop upgrades, a
realignment and regrade of the bike and pedestrian trail terminus at the Park Ave. and East
Hopkins intersection, stormwater improvements, and a raised sidewalk along the east side of
Park Ave. between Midland and Hopkins. The design shifts the travel width of the road to a
maximum of 5 feet to the west, which narrows the total travel lanes to 10-feet-wide each to
accommodate the new sidewalk measuring between 3 and 5 feet wide.
_____ I acknowledge City of Aspen Engineering explained the design presented to Aspen City Council
on Sept. 20, 2021, and I am aware that the next step in the Park and Midland safety
improvement process is final design and budget for the project in 2023.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Signed,
Resident Date For City of Aspen Engineering Date
Brad & Ginny Epsten
310 Park Ave; Aspen, CO; 81611
12/6/2021
12/6/2021
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Park Avenue Improvement Project || Design Acknowledgement
NAME
ADDRESS
DATE OF MEETING
_____ The City of Aspen launched the Park and Midland safety improvement project in 2020 to
address issues including snow storage, rising foot, bike and vehicular traffic levels, and
pedestrian and intersection safety.
_____ In response to neighborhood concerns about pedestrian safety and vehicle interaction, Aspen
City Council directed the Engineering Department in January 2021 to produce a schematic
design of Park Ave. as a two-way street with an attached sidewalk, and intersection and
drainage improvements.
_____ On Sept. 20, 2021, Engineering presented a design to Council that includes bus stop upgrades, a
realignment and regrade of the bike and pedestrian trail terminus at the Park Ave. and East
Hopkins intersection, stormwater improvements, and a raised sidewa lk along the east side of
Park Ave. between Midland and Hopkins. The design shifts the travel width of the road to a
maximum of 5 feet to the west, which narrows the total travel lanes to 10-feet-wide each to
accommodate the new sidewalk measuring between 3 and 5 feet wide.
_____ I acknowledge City of Aspen Engineering explained the design presented to Aspen City Council
on Sept. 20, 2021, and I am aware that the next step in the Park and Midland safety
improvement process is final design and budget for th e project in 2023.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Signed,
Resident Date For City of Aspen Engineering Date
David Chazen
317 Park Ave
12/6/2021
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x
x
I feel that the sidewalk project imposes too far onto the west side of
the street. In my case, 6.5 feet will completely destroy my mature flower garden that I
have worked on for 22 years, under the careful stewardship of Diane Garzoli Madsen, who
studied under Elizabeth Paepke. Many people stop and take pictures here. In addition,
we will lose 3 mature Aspen Trees, depriving the area of shade and beauty. Finally, there
is a historical fence, dating back to the mining days, that will also be destroyed.
12/6/2021
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INFORMATION ONLY MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Patrick Quick, Director, Strategy & Innovation Office
THROUGH: Alissa Farrell, Administrative Services Director
MEMO DATE: February 11, 2022
SUBJECT: 2022 Aspen Community Survey
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: No request of Council. Staff is providing this memo to inform
the Mayor and City Council of the deployment of the 2022 Aspen Community Survey, as
well as of changes from the previous survey in 2019.
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: The City of Aspen, in conjunction with an unbiased
third-party consultant, regularly conducts community surveys, typically on an annual
basis. However, due to COVID, a survey has not been in the field since 2019. Additionally,
because the Pitkin County community survey was deployed in the Fall of 2021, the city
delayed releasing our survey, to manage survey fatigue. The revised timeline now has
the survey being released in February 2022 (See Exhibit A).
The Strategy & Innovation Office (formerly the Quality Office) has led efforts alongside an
external consultant, Elevated Insights (EI), to develop the 2022 survey. In addition, the
following internal core team has been involved in the process for input:
• Sara Ott, City Manager
• Diane Foster, Assistant City Manager
• Alissa Farrell, Administrative Services Director
• Denise White, Communications Director
• Angie Sprang, Assistant to the City Manager
Similar to 2019, mailed letters from the Mayor will be sent, inviting Aspen residents to
participate in the survey (through a website link or QR code included in letter). This letter
will be distributed to all registered voters and all APCHA residents. In total, the mailed
letters will be sent to approximately 7,279 voters and residents with the goal of providing
a valid response rate. A paper version remains available, upon request.
DISCUSSION: The 2022 Aspen Community Survey is set to deploy by February 28,
2022. Mailed letters to all registered voters and full-time APCHA residents will be sent
with guidance on how to access the survey online. Consistent with previous years, the
2022 survey is anonymous; however, contact information may be collected on a voluntary
basis if an individual would like to enter the gift card drawing.
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The 2022 survey includes additional best practices in survey design. The main changes
are as follows:
• Length: The median time to take the 2019 survey was 27 minutes. In the testing
stage of the 2022 survey, this survey is closer to 10-12 minutes. A long survey
risks less participation and survey abandonment.
• Breadth/Depth: The 2019 survey measured each department in depth individually,
extending its length considerably. In an effort to be customer-focused, and to align
the survey closely with the city’s Strategic Focus Areas (See Exhibit B), the 2022
survey is broadly targeted.
• Restructure Attributes: Policy level questions (See Exhibit C) were added and
their attributes are more aligned under the appropriate Strategic Focus Are a.
Additionally, more contextual language was added for clarity.
• Inclusive Language: Staff added more options under the gender identity question,
in order to capture all gender identities.
• Translation: For 2022, the survey will be offered in both English and Spanish.
Moreover, upon closure of the survey, a summary of the survey results will be provided
to the Mayor and City Council. In addition, ideas will be provided for the city to consider
as potential next steps. To view the full 2022 Aspen Community Survey: (See Exhibit D).
RECOMMENDATIONS: No recommendations at this time.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: None
EXHIBITS:
(attached as PDFs)
Exhibit A (Survey Timeline)
Exhibit B (City Strategic Focus Areas)
Exhibit C (Survey Policy Question Additions)
Exhibit D (Full Survey)
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Updated Timeline
City of Aspen Resident Survey 2022
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Feb 7-11 Feb 14-18 Feb 21-25 Feb 28-
March 4
March 7-
11
March 14-
18
March 21-
25
March 28-
April 1 April 4-8 April 11-
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April 18-
22
April 25-
29
Finalize survey & receive sign-off from team
Final testing of programmed survey
Spanish translation & programming of survey
Finalize Letter from the Mayor
Draft social media ads
Letter & Addresses to Printer
Letters printed & mailed out by 2/22
Field survey
Data tables created
Analysis & reporting
Draft report ready for review
Internal review of draft
Update & finalize report
Final report delivered
EI presentation to council TBD
City of Aspen Task Elevated Insights Task 18
Updated Timeline
City of Aspen Resident Survey 2022
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Action Item Due Date
Finalize survey & receive sign-off from City of Aspen team By Friday, February 11
Final testing of programmed survey –NO changes after this day February 14 & February 15
Spanish translation & programming of survey Wednesday, Feb 16 –Wednesday, February 23
Finalize Letter & Mayor sign-off Need week of February 7
Letter & Addresses to Printer Week of February 7
Letters printed & mailed out Mailed by Tuesday, February 22
Draft social media ads Week of February 14
Field survey Friday, February 25 –Friday, March 25
Data tables created Weeks of March 21 and March 28
Analysis & reporting Weeks of March 28, April 4 and April 11
Draft report ready for review By April 15
Internal review of draft Week of April 18
Update & finalize report Week of April 25
Final report delivered By April 29
EI presentation to council TBD 19
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Aspen Citizen Survey 2022
SURVEY DRAFT –Strategic Questions Only
UPDATED 2.11.2022
QUESTIONNAIRE DRAFT -
•SURVEY LINK
•SCREEN CAPTURES
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Aspen Citizen Survey 2022
SURVEY DRAFT –Full Survey
UPDATED 2.11.2022
QUESTIONNAIRE DRAFT -
•SURVEY LINK
•SCREEN CAPTURES
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Note to team –Citizen Survey Draft as of 2/11/2022
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•Best way to preview resident experience is by using the link via desktop or mobile device.
https://selfserve.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/a73/210600
•The screen capture draft illustrates how the questions will appear on laptop/desktop computers
–Slightly different formatting on mobile devices given smaller screen
•Attributes are rotated throughout
•Dashed blue lines indicate page breaks / new screen
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Respondents proceed to one or the other of these, based on responses to prior question
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Respondents will see this if they said they wanted to be kept informed
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