WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.000 [ Silence ] 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.000 [ Silence ] 00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:43.000 >> Any staff feedback regarding the city's accessibility in transportation? 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:45.000 We will pass on to you. 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:48.000 [ Silence ] 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:52.000 >> Good afternoon, Chair and committee members. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:01:09.000 This update provides information on the progress that we have made on ADA initiatives and any road safety initiatives that are linked to the ADA. 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:15.000 Recently, we filled the position of senior planner by FED and ADA. 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:24.000 Dr. Roya Iqmanani, she planned to attend previously as well, but the forum was not there, so we could not introduce her today. 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:30.000 She was planned to attend, but she had to attend a text art certification. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:33.000 And so she's there. 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:43.000 Dr. Roya brings a lot of experience in ADA and public transportation aspects of focus areas. 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:53.000 She has a Ph.D. and postdoc in urban planning from University of Texas at Arlington. 00:01:53.000 --> 00:02:00.000 And she was prior to joining us, she was working with Texas Transportation Institute. 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:19.000 And that's an affiliated consulting body that is affiliated with the state of Texas and then their prime consulting body where they go for advice and any consulting opportunities for complex transportation related matters. 00:02:19.000 --> 00:02:34.000 She has a lot of experience in public transportation and ADA. She has published, she's well published and has more than 2,000 citations on her publications and review, which is significant work. 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:51.000 And so she has already started working significantly on many, many initiatives that we had that were pending because the position was not filled and we hope that in near future there will be a lot of projects we'll be making. 00:02:51.000 --> 00:02:58.000 Then I will also cover sidewalk and bike lanes criteria elements and then ADA transition plan and implementation. 00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:06.000 There will be some implementation examples because previously we shared some planning side of things that we are planning to do these things. 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:20.000 But this, in this meeting, I'm going to present several examples where we, not all of them, but several major examples where we implemented things on ADA side and road safety side as well. 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:47.000 So with regard to sidewalk and bike lanes criteria elements, one of the key aspects, one of the most important aspects for any local jurisdiction is that when we make these transportation investment decisions, we are basing them off of some criteria that is equity based, that is centric to the needs of vulnerable road users and that is not generalizing things. 00:03:47.000 --> 00:04:03.000 An important aspect is, for example, looking at how pedestrians are impacted by unsafe walking conditions and how many of these crashes that we have in the area are linked to pedestrians and vulnerable road users. 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:18.000 Another aspect is how many of those crashes resulted in fatality versus how many of those were serious injuries, incapacitating injuries and the others which were not, which were in limited categories. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:47.000 So that is one aspect and there are others as well. For example, I mentioned equity. How many pedestrian areas that have gaps are zero car households where people could not access the public transportation because they don't have car, but due to voids or gaps of these sidewalks, they could not walk and then if they walk on the roadside, it's a hazardous condition for them. 00:04:47.000 --> 00:05:12.000 So that is another aspect that needs to go into our evaluation process where we just prioritize the projects. Are there cases, are there Title VI schools or the schools that are related to activities where kids would have to walk significantly on hazardous? 00:05:12.000 --> 00:05:26.000 So that is a consideration. Also, we would look into active travel modes. Are we providing last mile or first mile opportunities for public transportation areas? 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:50.000 So for instance, if there's a bus stop, we would like to map the bus stop to the nearest equity-based areas and see if the last mile connection is there by possible via for pedestrians or even via bike lanes. So that is a significant consideration that we have to put into that should weigh into the evaluation criteria and then when we are prioritizing the problems. 00:05:50.000 --> 00:06:05.000 Is that roadmap? Have you got it planned already? Yes, so that is already so I so once there's the last element and then I'll explain that this is already ready. This criteria has been developed. 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:33.000 So last is destination access for example. So destination access means that we have a bus stop for instance or a train station. So a train station we would map, scan what destinations are around where people would like to go and then we would just try to figure out that are we providing full accessibility from the possible transit stop or a train stop to that destination. 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:50.000 If somebody if a light rail passenger would walk to their destination, would that be possible or if a user with special needs would like to walk or access their destination, would that be possible? 00:06:50.000 --> 00:07:05.000 Under ADA compliance. So with all of these categories focusing on taking guidance from comprehensive plan guidance, hinging on mobility plan and then looking for pedestrian and bicycle plan. 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:28.000 These are the two focus areas that we are working on. These are our these two documents are our guiding lights and then those factors that I mentioned are the main factors for prioritization. So it's a matrix that solves the puzzle of this sidewalk accessibility and bike lanes. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:42.000 So that's how we are approaching. So the good news is that we have developed this criteria. This developed this criteria has been developed. It's like a sieve that we have now and then all the projects will have to go through that sieve. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:08:02.000 Previously, we had a list of projects and but we would struggle we would have some idea on which one would be the best but for consistency sake, we would struggle to have a safe from where each project would pass through and then we'll be able to figure out where does it stand. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:17.000 So that mechanism we have now. So we have developed it. This is this has been developed in house by Dr. Roya and myself and then a couple of other transportation services staff. 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:28.000 We have vetted it with the other cities as well. We have put into consideration what other what the best practices are around the US with similar markets. 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:43.000 We can't compare San Francisco with Denton, of course, but we can compare some Mesquite or or some parts of Austin with Denton. So I think that was also considered so with that. 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:51.000 So now we are up. Yes. Are any of these already in place and this is just a plan to enhance it or is this totally new to the city? 00:08:51.000 --> 00:09:01.000 This is this is new not new to the city. The process was in place for prioritization before as well, but this has been enhanced now based on these factors that I mentioned. 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:16.000 So now we we are looking at the factors that are influencing the vulnerable road user that are impacting that before the consideration was there, but it was not in the form of this matrix. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:32.000 It was there based on the knowledge of the professionals and then it was also there based on some level of we had a sidewalk prioritization done previously. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:44.000 But then it had some mechanism like this, but it is more robust. Is there one section of Denton that is more active that would benefit mostly from this or is that a citywide problem? 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:52.000 It will be a citywide application and but but for sure each area will be treated differently. 00:09:52.000 --> 00:10:04.000 And so, for example, downtown has different needs versus area around loop 288 would have different versus some residential neighborhood would be treated differently. 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:18.000 It all you know residents and neighborhoods near universities would be treated differently because they're there the crowd or the users will never know users are there of different categories. 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:25.000 So I so that's that's the objective of this matrix. 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:29.000 So where do we start? 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:42.000 So we start with step one of okay, now that we have criteria, let's start evaluating where our existing and existing bike lanes and sidewalk conditions stand. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:48.000 Where do we stand with that? And then this step we have already completed that step has been completed. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:53.000 So these two steps have been completed now where we are we are. 00:10:53.000 --> 00:11:04.000 So in this step we have prioritized projects list for sidewalk. There are like 20 projects that stood up in the process and then we are we have ran them. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:15.000 But then imagine we have list of 30 or 30 projects and we are asking ourselves that okay, we are prioritized, but we have to look at the cost. 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:23.000 So from the cost has many factors, but some of the key factors are that do we need right of way acquisition in some cases right? 00:11:23.000 --> 00:11:35.000 So where do we stand here? And then another factor is that are there any utilities or other offsets DME related offsets that we'd have to touch. 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:45.000 So for that matter, we have provided that list sidewalk prioritized sidewalk list for another element, which is real estate. So we have provided that list to our real estate department. 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:56.000 And we are asking their advice that could you put cost numbers on the side based on the right of way acquisition so that we could figure out that how much is total cost. 00:11:56.000 --> 00:12:08.000 So that will be cost to implement the project plus any right of way acquisition cost needs plus any utilities offset costs so that we look at it from constructability standpoint. 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:16.000 And we are not looking at it only from merit of prioritization. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:34.000 But for me, to my staff, I have requested them that look, this should not change the priority. So priority means once we have run through the prioritization criteria, that means if a project is coming at top and it's saying let's say 30 million dollars, I'm just giving a number. 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:44.000 This should not change the priority. This is telling us that we don't have funds to implement this, but the priority has to be number one. 00:12:44.000 --> 00:13:00.000 We will not change that priority. But what we will do is keep looking at funding sources and then look at based on our allocated budget, we will do the projects that are next to that priority need. 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:10.000 But that number one project will still stay number one, regardless of if we are funding or not. I think why we are approaching this because maybe there's a hazardous condition. 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:21.000 Maybe some school kids are forced to walk on the street just because we have utilities or we have offsets, DME offsets needed or right of way is not there. 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:31.000 So that is expensive, but that does not say that the project is not priority just because it is expensive. So we have to find a funding source. 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:49.000 We will start for that matter. We will start first look at the right of way. Is it TechStore? Is it Denton County? Is it city of Denton? And then look at start the coordination process that should be applied for safe route to school grant, should be applied for some federal funding. 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:57.000 But that project will stay on the top. Just because we cannot build it, it will not change the priority. 00:13:57.000 --> 00:14:11.000 So I think that's I wanted to clarify that because that's how we are approaching. So obviously then we go to number two and say, okay, this is constructible within our budget. Let's immediately start constructing this. So this is how we are approaching. 00:14:11.000 --> 00:14:32.000 And then so that structure is simple terms we have evaluated. We have done audits based on the audits. We have compiled the list of projects that we have right now. Then we have some cost as well based on our professional analysis, but that cost does not include right of way and utility offsets. 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:46.000 So we are getting that data from DLSJ. Then it will give us full cost. After full cost, we will still go through the list again and then say this fiscal year we can build this project based on the budget allocated. 00:14:46.000 --> 00:15:00.000 And then we will implement those for others, which are still a top priority, will coordinate with TechStore and other NCTCOG and many other agencies and look for funding. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:09.000 So as I mentioned earlier, I just like to reiterate here that our core criteria is safety. 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:24.000 I've explained that in terms of fatalities and serious incapacity injuries for vulnerable road users. So we are when we are looking at we are not looking at auto crashes only, but we are saying that how many of these were pedestrian. 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:34.000 How many of those how many of those had fatalities and then how many how many had serious incapacity injuries, and that is extremely important for us. 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:55.000 And then for that matter we have also procured entire access software or application that not only that goes into deeper level one step deeper into the Chris database and just says and ask questions like what interventions are plausible here, what could be done. 00:15:55.000 --> 00:16:05.000 And so out of those which ones are economical, which ones are costlier when it comes to constructively. So all of those that is available to us. 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:18.000 We are looking at equity, we are looking at accessibility, ADA, connectivity, trip potential in terms of last mile, first mile, as I explained, and multimodal focus. 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:27.000 So another aspect is that we are not ignoring the multimodal aspect of this whole exercise. 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:48.000 For instance, we find an area where the data is telling us that there are a lot of pedestrian activity here, there's a lot of pedestrian activity here, and we are able to find out the only origin and destination for where people are coming from and where the closer destination is, we will be able to figure out that if a bus stop is needed here. 00:16:48.000 --> 00:17:13.000 Or a go zone is needed. So for mobility as a service. And then we are also trying to go to that extent where we will have meetings with DCTA and start suggesting that this looks like a bus stop location, an ideal bus stop location or perhaps it is a location for a go zone where people would not have to walk like five blocks, they would just be able to get the service right there. 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:25.000 So I think that is also part of our analysis. So holding measures would be that what, how we are getting, how we are evaluating these core criteria elements. 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:44.000 These include crash history, disadvantage groups, as I mentioned there's Eurocard, household, equity based areas, ADA compliance levels, we are tapping into the ADA transition plan, the barriers listed in the ADA transition plan. 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:59.000 As a matter of fact, we have five or six barriers that we are working right now and based on available budget and those will be implemented within months, we are ready to go for that. 00:17:59.000 --> 00:18:14.000 And then we have access to destinations, population, type of population of the students, if it is multi-card households, Eurocard households and integration into other modes. As I explained that we are not looking into just pedestrian. 00:18:14.000 --> 00:18:32.000 So pedestrian and bike users are involved from transportation engineering standpoint, they are involved. So pedestrian should not be looked at as if they are occupying a street, but if they have been given out of the full right of way, 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:47.000 if they have been allocated a sidewalk or a multi-use path or a bike lane for bike users, that doesn't mean that we are taking away the capacity of the road, but that means in transportation engineering terms, in engineering terms, we are increasing the capacity, 00:18:47.000 --> 00:19:03.000 we are increasing the throughput because we are now allowing multiple modes on the same right of way, including cars, buses, bike lanes and pedestrian. 00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:17.000 So that is the focus we have when we are looking at these things. And later I'll show you with examples where we have made this implementation that how we show the focus. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:32.000 So that's the criteria. We are looking at high crash, high risk areas. We are looking at, so these are the actual criteria elements. And then these are the measures which are related to these elements. 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:45.000 So it's one step deeper into these four ideas. But to explain, one of them I'll explain just for the sake of time, for example, high residential density growth areas. 00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:58.000 So for sidewalk, we will look at high residential density growth areas. Density growth areas would be where we will see a lot of pedestrian and bike user activity. 00:19:58.000 --> 00:20:07.000 And then based on that, we will just say that, okay, this is high growth density area and we need to provide sidewalks here or multi-use paths here. 00:20:07.000 --> 00:20:18.000 And I have already given example of pedestrian crashes and bicycle crash hotspots. So hotspots are where there are frequent fatalities or serious injury accidents are happening. 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:28.000 So we look at the data for the last five years of data and we find those spots and they are the obvious ones. But we have one step further. We have more information now. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:36.000 Last one and a half year, we had to gather this data. So we have recently completed our vision zero phase two implementation study. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:53.000 Based on that study, the outcome of that study is that we have 11 high injury network corridors in Denton. They are identified in Denton based on this rule that are their hotspots, are their frequent injury hotspots. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:21:10.000 And we have identified 11 corridors. Out of them, some are textile maintained, but many are city of Denton maintained. And we have already drafted a funding application for NCTCOG where we are out of those 11 corridors. 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:22.000 We are going to hit six of them and then we will try to implement safety based improvements, road safety based improvements and ADA and accessibility based improvements. 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:30.000 And that will be coming to council soon for the ordinance and AIS. 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:51.000 So where we stand, we have priority map developed. So priority map is with us. We have that. The only reason we have not presented it to mobility committee and other committees is that we want real estates feedback on additional costs and then we will share that data as well. 00:21:51.000 --> 00:22:05.000 And then sidewalk and bike network gap maps created. We have those maps already and we understand that where we have to go and make implementation projects scored and ranked by safety, equity and connectivity. 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:16.000 As I said that the projects have been scored. We know where the priority is. It's just that we want to have knowledge of constructability in terms of costs and constructivity will tell us. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:29.000 So real estate will really tell us that do we have a right of way on these prioritized areas? If we don't, then there's additional cost involved to acquire that right of way or to do the utilities offset. 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:39.000 And then we have sidewalk infill near schools and bike lanes connecting UNT to downtown. That is one example. 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:49.000 But there's another one that we are starting near Newton Razor and Calhoun. We just got funded from NCT cog. 00:22:49.000 --> 00:23:06.000 We have been funded about 7.6 million dollars. Out of that, 4 million dollars has been funded for a sidewalk project, safe route to school project, which will include sidewalk and bike lanes in that area. 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:15.000 So that project is just starting. We are we have completed the design work on that because it has like planning and then design and then implementation. 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:22.000 So we have completed planning. We have completed design and now we're going for implementation. 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:29.000 Did you say Newton Razor again? Newton Razor and Calhoun. I thought they leveled Newton Razor. 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:37.000 Is that not the school? It's in the old Calhoun building. Calhoun is in the old Denton High building. 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:51.000 They did demolish the building. As I understand it, Newton Razor is in the old Calhoun building and then Calhoun is in the middle. 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:59.000 But it still is a good reference point because you understood what area I'm talking about. So that's why we keep doing that. 00:23:59.000 --> 00:24:09.000 So with that, so we are technically speaking, we are inches away from implementation on sidewalks. 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:16.000 It's just a matter of if we were not being careful, then you just say, hey, just pick up the shovel and let's go build it. 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:25.000 But we are just taking one more precaution step of precaution and saying, let's ask, let's understand what the total cost would be so that we can budget appropriately. 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:36.000 I think that this is extremely important because right in the middle of the project, if we say, sorry, we are out of budget because we didn't know if right of way acquisition was needed, 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:50.000 that would be so bad for contractor and for city as well. So that's why and I'm very positive that when we meet next time, we will have some implemented sidewalk projects as well. 00:24:50.000 --> 00:25:00.000 So ADA transition plan is another important aspect that we are focused on and we have achieved in the last one and a half years. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:09.000 We have completed all these phases, phase one, where we had challenge assessment and figure out that where do we stand when it comes to any implementation. 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:14.000 We had needs assessment and prioritization. We have completed that step as well. 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:19.000 We had annual work plan and initiate project delivery. That step is complete. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:30.000 We submitted our annual work plan with our last semiannual report to CMO and I think it's a public document. 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:39.000 And when it comes to these phases, we completed the ADA transition plan review. 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:49.000 We had full at length. We have looked at the challenges by not only looking at the documents, but we actually invited department heads 00:25:49.000 --> 00:26:01.000 and we individually met with the department heads asking them that what are the challenges and why we are unable to implement some of the barriers listed in the ADA transition plan. 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:06.000 And then that was an open discussion where we were able to figure out what the strategy should be. 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:21.000 And one of the key strategies is that we have allocated funding now and that we are using that funding to build ADA or remove these ADA barriers. 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:32.000 Another step that we did was that we found that ADA program is fragmented between many different departments. 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:52.000 And each department was trying to implement and perhaps struggling as well because there was no focused resource for those departments where they could go to and share the challenges. 00:26:52.000 --> 00:27:05.000 So what we did, transportation services, when we were given the task to look at this ADA, we established the ADA liaison members group. 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:27.000 Each department, city department has a member in this group and that includes four tier one departments for ADA which include transportation, streets and parks and then CIP is also included as a fifth and facilities there. 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:36.000 So we meet every month and we follow the agenda and we discuss any challenges. 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:45.000 If I give you an example that last summer time, there were some ADA inquiries from the public for parks department. 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:57.000 And so the process is so well-vetted now that immediately parks department contacted me via email that we have this inquiry and we would like to discuss this. 00:27:57.000 --> 00:28:01.000 Immediately we created a smaller group, not this whole group. 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:07.000 So a smaller group where we had people who are responsible to address some of the queries, including legal department. 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:15.000 And legal department was there, parks was sitting in that meeting and then myself and then my staff. 00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:23.000 And then we quickly started a strategy on how to address those and then we would meet pretty much twice a day. 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:26.000 And then within five, six days, we resolved those ADA inquiries. 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:31.000 There were multiple inquiries and this is how methodic this whole process is. 00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:38.000 And let's say there is another department. Yes, there was another inquiry by libraries and we were again. 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:43.000 We had a library representative, director of libraries, and then we had some staff from there. 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:49.000 And then we had legal and my staff. And then we collectively, we work together to resolve those inquiries. 00:28:49.000 --> 00:28:53.000 So this is how well-vetted the process is. And then we meet every month. 00:28:53.000 --> 00:29:00.000 We discuss our goals and objectives and we discuss the achievements and then follow the work plan. 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:04.000 And as we speak, we are also developing for each of these departments. 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:11.000 Next work plan as we decide the budgets, we want to have next work plan for you. 00:29:11.000 --> 00:29:14.000 So all of these steps have been completed. 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:22.000 These are different steps that we initiated before the developing, establishing the liaison group. 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:26.000 And they have been all completed. 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:31.000 This is just to give you an idea. This is how we have mapped the whole process for ADA. 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:40.000 Where it starts with annual departmental assessments and then we do ADA project prioritization. 00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:45.000 Then we have tier two project ten years, five years and annual work plan. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:48.000 And in between, you could see that there is a public request. 00:29:48.000 --> 00:29:54.000 If the public request comes, it doesn't have to go through all these planning processes that city has. 00:29:54.000 --> 00:30:03.000 These are for our optimization of our processes that are we actually delivering something or not for our own accountability, these steps. 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:09.000 But this, if it comes, a public request comes, just like I mentioned two examples, parks and libraries. 00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:12.000 A few months back, we had those requests. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:18.000 This goes straight to legal and transportation services and budget. 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:25.000 All those three things attached, we address and budget building and it just goes to the project delivery. 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:31.000 So if it is coming from public, we have to evaluate that if it is critical, if it is not critical, 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:35.000 if it is an idea that is a long term, it just goes back to the start of the process. 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:39.000 I think, again, we are trying to be methodic. 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:44.000 It was a bit slow in the beginning. It took us one and a half years to map all of this. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:53.000 And in light of best practices, but we are now in that gear where we are ready to start with the real projects. 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:57.000 We also have a clear ADA grievance procedure. 00:30:57.000 --> 00:31:04.000 It has been functional. It has been working so much so that we have been getting ADA inquiries from other cities as well. 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:11.000 And then we have to guide them that, look, we can provide you the information where to contact them. 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:21.000 But we have been getting a lot of information from other cities as well. 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:28.000 So this information is available on our website and anybody who has ADA concerns or complaints, 00:31:28.000 --> 00:31:36.000 they can go and provide the information and they are responded typically within a day. 00:31:36.000 --> 00:31:42.000 We have to respond to them and then explain how we will try to resolve the issue. 00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:54.000 And if we do not respond promptly, then there is a link that is provided for federal agencies like USDOJ, 00:31:54.000 --> 00:32:00.000 the Department of Justice, where they can contact and launch their grievance over there. 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:09.000 I think that information is there as well. Typically, if a complaint or inquiry comes, it is taken very seriously. 00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:15.000 Immediately, as soon as we receive, we have to start working on it. 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:22.000 And somebody is there to respond and somebody is assigned to audit within transportation team. 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:31.000 But let's say it is facilities or parks related inquiry, we will immediately talk to parks, 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:35.000 pick up the phone or reach out and say we have to respond to this inquiry, 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:40.000 who would be the key contact point and establish the team and we start working on that. 00:32:40.000 --> 00:32:45.000 So this is how quickly we assemble the team because of this liaison group. 00:32:45.000 --> 00:32:49.000 Because for each department, we know who to contact. 00:32:49.000 --> 00:32:54.000 And we have, by the way, backup contacts as well. If this person is not available, who do I contact? 00:32:54.000 --> 00:33:03.000 I think this is how well mapped the whole process is. 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:12.000 So now the next step for us is coming. ADA Transition Plan update is coming, which will be end of this fiscal year. 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:20.000 By around September, October, we will kick off the update process. And work plan we are already working on. 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:25.000 Next, annual work plan. The previous ones were established in 2024. 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:34.000 But then due to gap of our previous ADA coordinator moved to a different role, so we had to wait. 00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:38.000 But we are on it and this should be ready. 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:44.000 We have on the grand side of things, I wanted to highlight this is very important and very close to my heart 00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:54.000 because for the last one and a half years, transportation services have applied for over $100 million in federal, state and local grants. 00:33:54.000 --> 00:34:04.000 We have been proactively applying for funds because we do understand that only budget allocated by city would not be enough. 00:34:04.000 --> 00:34:13.000 So we have been applying for these funds and so far we have received around $30 million been awarded. 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:20.000 And by federal and state and local money, it has been awarded. We are not stopping on this. 00:34:20.000 --> 00:34:29.000 We have recently applied for $15 million in bill grant for a project that will look into ADA and road safety. 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:37.000 We are still applying for another $12 million for a venture project. 00:34:37.000 --> 00:34:46.000 And then we are applying for $2 or $3 million for our comp plan and mobility plan update. 00:34:46.000 --> 00:34:55.000 So all of these and in terms of HSIP, highway safety improvement program, which is listed right here. 00:34:55.000 --> 00:35:03.000 By 2024, we had already received close to $9 million from TexDOT on HSIP. 00:35:03.000 --> 00:35:15.000 So guess what HSIP will do? A highway safety improvement program goes at intersections that are highlighted by city of Denton to TexDOT that these intersections are not safe. 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:24.000 So please help us there. So what TexDOT does, TexDOT says, OK, what is the cost? We provide them the cost estimates and they say we will help you with it. 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:29.000 They go through their criteria. Of course, we have to show how this is unsafe. 00:35:29.000 --> 00:35:38.000 And then that's what city's staff does, my staff does. And then we build the case and we apply. 00:35:38.000 --> 00:35:51.000 And so far, for example, Fry Street on Hickory Street and Fry intersection, you will see that in a few weeks, TexDOT folks will be working there for improvements. 00:35:51.000 --> 00:36:00.000 Mostly they will provide fully fled signalized intersection and crosswalks, AD ramps and full comprehensive improvements. 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:06.000 So you will see many, many intersections. They will be coming. So we have gotten 8.8. 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:11.000 This year we have been awarded around $1.5 million for two projects that we applied. 00:36:11.000 --> 00:36:20.000 So that is another effort we are doing. So the number one in this list, if you have the list, you will see that it saves streets and roads for all. 00:36:20.000 --> 00:36:30.000 There are $740,000 that was awarded and that will also look into safety and that has been awarded by US DOT and FSWA. 00:36:30.000 --> 00:36:35.000 And yesterday I completed that. I finalized the agreement with them. 00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:42.000 As soon as this comes by the end of April, if it is executed by council, that's another money that we are putting towards safety. 00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:50.000 ADA, bike path and overall traffic safety on Denton roads. 00:36:50.000 --> 00:36:56.000 Another that is worth mentioning is this DSA decide number five. 00:36:56.000 --> 00:37:07.000 That's $7.6 million. That is the one that has been awarded by NCD COG via US DOT. 00:37:07.000 --> 00:37:13.000 And that project, out of that $4 million will be spent on safe routes to school, 00:37:13.000 --> 00:37:20.000 which will be bike, pet and signalized intersection improvements or intersection improvements. 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:29.000 It's a significant work that we will be doing. And then out of that $3.6 million will be utilized for bike lanes, for trails. 00:37:29.000 --> 00:37:41.000 So the last one I will mention here is this $5.96 million, that is number four, that is on Western Boulevard. 00:37:41.000 --> 00:37:52.000 We are expanding the Western Boulevard and will be providing bike lanes and sidewalk and fully compliant ADA intersections and signalized intersections. 00:37:52.000 --> 00:37:57.000 So it's a lot of work that will be done and that has been awarded by NCD COG. 00:37:57.000 --> 00:38:01.000 So that's why I'm saying that we have been pretty successful so far. 00:38:01.000 --> 00:38:07.000 Not bragging about it, but we have been able to bring good money to the city. 00:38:07.000 --> 00:38:15.000 And I can assure you that the prime focus of this $30 million that I am talking about, 00:38:15.000 --> 00:38:22.000 each one of these applications has a bike, pet and safety component. 00:38:22.000 --> 00:38:27.000 Because otherwise, Feds won't give us money. If we just go without that, they'll just say, 00:38:27.000 --> 00:38:31.000 "Hey, it's a very good project, but where are pedestrians? Where are bike users?" 00:38:31.000 --> 00:38:35.000 And if you are not addressing that, no money for you. So that's a simple rule. 00:38:35.000 --> 00:38:38.000 So I think equity is a big piece of that as well. 00:38:38.000 --> 00:38:43.000 So I will move and if you have any questions, maybe we can talk about it later on. 00:38:43.000 --> 00:38:50.000 So this is where I want to show you that I'm not just talking, I'm just trying to show you some implementations. 00:38:50.000 --> 00:38:54.000 And I'm so proud of it, proud of those implementations. 00:38:54.000 --> 00:38:58.000 So these are the lists, but I could not provide all the pictures. 00:38:58.000 --> 00:39:02.000 But if you are interested, we can send the pictures that we have. 00:39:02.000 --> 00:39:07.000 So this is TCA and Sundown Boulevard intersection before and after installation. 00:39:07.000 --> 00:39:12.000 So this is before. You could see no signs, no signal. 00:39:12.000 --> 00:39:17.000 It was basically you decide how you want to go. 00:39:17.000 --> 00:39:21.000 And there was a lot of safety concerns and this stood out. 00:39:21.000 --> 00:39:31.000 And so look at this now. It's full signalized intersection, crosswalk, ADA compliance. 00:39:31.000 --> 00:39:35.000 And not only that, it just goes back at least a block. 00:39:35.000 --> 00:39:42.000 And we ensure that if we are not just leaving people after this intersection, go figure out how we want to go. 00:39:42.000 --> 00:39:47.000 So I think it's full cycle project. 00:39:47.000 --> 00:39:53.000 There is another one that I would like to show. Oh, this one, I absolutely love it. 00:39:53.000 --> 00:39:58.000 Hickory Street and Belch. I hope that you guys have traversed through that area. 00:39:58.000 --> 00:40:03.000 But imagine, so this is a student-prone area. This is a lot of student activity. 00:40:03.000 --> 00:40:12.000 I remember one of my staffs, city traffic engineer, Chandra, him and I, we stood at this. 00:40:12.000 --> 00:40:18.000 So initially, our project managers, they gave us a hint that, oh, Farhan, we just need a crossing there. 00:40:18.000 --> 00:40:22.000 And I would not agree with that because I know that two locations are there. 00:40:22.000 --> 00:40:25.000 There's a parking lot where students come out. 00:40:25.000 --> 00:40:31.000 But then there is another very, very famous restaurant where these kids go. 00:40:31.000 --> 00:40:38.000 So we went for audit by ourselves. We stood there for about quite 15, 30 minutes. 00:40:38.000 --> 00:40:44.000 And after that, we figured out that, no, this is not one spot. These are two spots. 00:40:44.000 --> 00:40:50.000 And then we have provided this right in front of lanes. 00:40:50.000 --> 00:40:55.000 And then there is another one about a few hundred feet north of it. 00:40:55.000 --> 00:41:02.000 There are two crossings. And then I have a friend in the city of Austin where I contacted. 00:41:02.000 --> 00:41:07.000 He's the Director of Transport Engineering. I asked him, you guys have done some cool ideas. 00:41:07.000 --> 00:41:12.000 And he said that if you are providing the crossing, 90 percent of the problem is at night. 00:41:12.000 --> 00:41:20.000 So we again went and audited this spot and found out that at night students would be struggling 00:41:20.000 --> 00:41:26.000 because even if they are seeing this crossing light is on, 00:41:26.000 --> 00:41:31.000 but the drivers could not see them, depending on if they are wearing a black jacket. 00:41:31.000 --> 00:41:37.000 So we added another safety element onto it and we provided a flashlight. 00:41:37.000 --> 00:41:44.000 As soon as they step on the crossing, the light bulb is on and then they can cross safely. 00:41:44.000 --> 00:41:51.000 So I think that's how it's almost on a personal scale. We just go and try to feel that 00:41:51.000 --> 00:41:57.000 how safe would I be if I crossed this? And that's how we worked on these projects. 00:41:57.000 --> 00:42:03.000 At least I can say for many of these that we have personally crossed them and tried to figure out that 00:42:03.000 --> 00:42:07.000 would it work or do I need to do something else? This is another example. 00:42:07.000 --> 00:42:14.000 East Oak and North Austin. We found that the pedestrian here would struggle 00:42:14.000 --> 00:42:22.000 because we would just bring them to this point. So you can see these steps, this is before. 00:42:22.000 --> 00:42:29.000 And we would just leave them on their own to go figure. So I think in this case, 00:42:29.000 --> 00:42:34.000 we made this comprehensive improvement. If you have walked on this intersection, 00:42:34.000 --> 00:42:39.000 East Oak and North Austin, you will see that these detectable services are there 00:42:39.000 --> 00:42:46.000 and clearly identified intersection corners are there and it is very safe now. 00:42:46.000 --> 00:42:52.000 It's a very busy area by the way. What's the circular on the top, the circular red? 00:42:52.000 --> 00:42:56.000 Why does it go from corner to corner? Circular red? Yeah. Yeah, so circular red, 00:42:56.000 --> 00:43:02.000 the purpose was that we could not provide a 90 degree curvature or 90 degree corner 00:43:02.000 --> 00:43:08.000 because of the space restriction. So we had to make it curved so that we provide, 00:43:08.000 --> 00:43:14.000 we cover it from all angles, from ADA side. Because imagine, 00:43:14.000 --> 00:43:19.000 imagine if ADA's tracers are only on this location and not here 00:43:19.000 --> 00:43:24.000 and somebody coming from that point, it will be very dangerous. So I think we cover this whole thing 00:43:24.000 --> 00:43:29.000 and making sure that it is understood that whoever is using detectable surface, 00:43:29.000 --> 00:43:34.000 they know that it is the place for crossing. Is the red a textured brick? 00:43:34.000 --> 00:43:38.000 Yeah. Like the ADA textured brick? Yes. Okay, that makes sense. 00:43:38.000 --> 00:43:44.000 So it is detectable surface. ADA. Yes. So from the brick, if you're going off to the left, 00:43:44.000 --> 00:43:48.000 is that area where, so I see where this, we're coming in from the sidewalk, 00:43:48.000 --> 00:43:53.000 we go through the curve and then we go out that way. Yeah, is that a pedestrian lane or what's happening? 00:43:53.000 --> 00:43:59.000 This is not a pedestrian. There is no pedestrian lane. No, I mean like, sorry, outside of the circle. 00:43:59.000 --> 00:44:03.000 So this one, this is additional support structure to provide them, 00:44:03.000 --> 00:44:07.000 to provide the user information that that's where it ends. 00:44:07.000 --> 00:44:13.000 And we have made it a little bit elevated to show that there is no sidewalk further. 00:44:13.000 --> 00:44:17.000 It looks like a parking space. Yeah, I was just wondering if it goes into a parking 00:44:17.000 --> 00:44:21.000 or like if it continues on to a parking space or if it continues on to another lane. 00:44:21.000 --> 00:44:25.000 Yes, but if there is any, so we are open to, we have discussed, 00:44:25.000 --> 00:44:28.000 we actually don't just deliver and just go back to office. 00:44:28.000 --> 00:44:33.000 We visit this area continuously, not wearing our badges, 00:44:33.000 --> 00:44:37.000 as a common person and just stand there and observe what's happening. 00:44:37.000 --> 00:44:41.000 I think that's the best way because that is when we find out that where people are struggling. 00:44:41.000 --> 00:44:45.000 We don't have to talk, even talk to them. In some cases, we will talk to them, 00:44:45.000 --> 00:44:49.000 but we can simply observe that what is happening. In some cases, 00:44:49.000 --> 00:44:55.000 if we see that if they are having mid-block crossings for some reason, 00:44:55.000 --> 00:45:01.000 yes, that is a user behavior, but we would try to understand that why that is happening, 00:45:01.000 --> 00:45:04.000 why they are forced to cross in the mid, why they are not walking. 00:45:04.000 --> 00:45:09.000 Is it a preference or is it something that we are not doing correctly and we need to improve? 00:45:09.000 --> 00:45:13.000 I think all of those considerations are made. I am not claiming that we are perfect. 00:45:13.000 --> 00:45:20.000 No, but we are trying our best to make sure that the solutions are well thought. 00:45:20.000 --> 00:45:24.000 So I think one of the things, because I do go down here quite a bit, 00:45:24.000 --> 00:45:29.000 I go to this where all times. So that section looks like it's blocked. 00:45:29.000 --> 00:45:32.000 You know, you've got the stairs there and there's no way to get, 00:45:32.000 --> 00:45:35.000 there is a kind of sidewalk, but it's not really good for anybody. 00:45:35.000 --> 00:45:39.000 So, but I think one of the things you're looking at is you're going to have to cross. 00:45:39.000 --> 00:45:44.000 So if you're going to go south, you're going to have to cross the street 00:45:44.000 --> 00:45:47.000 and then go along that sidewalk over there. 00:45:47.000 --> 00:45:50.000 Okay. Yes. I see what you're saying. That's correct. 00:45:50.000 --> 00:45:54.000 And that's why we have raised it that don't cross this because there is not enough space. 00:45:54.000 --> 00:45:56.000 Okay. That's clear. Thank you. 00:45:56.000 --> 00:46:01.000 But previously it was not available. It was just on your own side and figure out. 00:46:01.000 --> 00:46:07.000 So I think that is much safer. And as I said that we will continuously visit 00:46:07.000 --> 00:46:12.000 and if there's any improvement needed, we'll be first to do it. 00:46:12.000 --> 00:46:17.000 That's another one. Can Dog Drive and Eagle Road before and after installation? 00:46:17.000 --> 00:46:21.000 So imagine this was heavily crossed by UNT students. 00:46:21.000 --> 00:46:26.000 And we observed this area and we found that it is not safe. 00:46:26.000 --> 00:46:32.000 And then on top of that, we never had any ADA compliant crossing. 00:46:32.000 --> 00:46:39.000 And we found during our audits and I would call them secret audits 00:46:39.000 --> 00:46:42.000 where we were not shown as we're not being even wearing vests. 00:46:42.000 --> 00:46:45.000 We were just there standing and observing what's happening. 00:46:45.000 --> 00:46:51.000 And we found that a couple of students who are differently challenged, 00:46:51.000 --> 00:46:55.000 they would try to cross and they were having difficulties. 00:46:55.000 --> 00:47:00.000 And that's where we decided we immediately said that, okay, this is the top part. 00:47:00.000 --> 00:47:05.000 We just hit the right place. And so we decided working on this. 00:47:05.000 --> 00:47:15.000 And then now it has fully compliant ADA ramps and a crossing that is safe. 00:47:15.000 --> 00:47:24.000 And in fact, the students came back with cards and cookies. 00:47:24.000 --> 00:47:30.000 So they approached and one fine morning when I was there and they just, 00:47:30.000 --> 00:47:32.000 our staff told me that somebody is looking for you out there. 00:47:32.000 --> 00:47:35.000 And I went and they said, hey, we wanted to thank you. 00:47:35.000 --> 00:47:38.000 This was a much longer problem that has been solved. 00:47:38.000 --> 00:47:40.000 So this is the kind of effort that we are putting. 00:47:40.000 --> 00:47:47.000 And I just want to highlight these efforts. 00:47:47.000 --> 00:48:07.000 Okay. 00:48:07.000 --> 00:48:10.000 Okay. I'll just go with this example. 00:48:10.000 --> 00:48:19.000 This is a discovery at US 77. That was another one where we did the audit 00:48:19.000 --> 00:48:24.000 and we found out that there are serious safety issues 00:48:24.000 --> 00:48:27.000 because students were crisscrossing this area. 00:48:27.000 --> 00:48:33.000 And so this is the state it was without any signal, 00:48:33.000 --> 00:48:37.000 no crossing, no pedestrian or ADA compliance. 00:48:37.000 --> 00:48:42.000 And that's where we immediately started implementation. 00:48:42.000 --> 00:48:46.000 And there you go. So we have fully fledged signalized intersections. 00:48:46.000 --> 00:48:50.000 We have crossings. We have ADA compliant ramps. 00:48:50.000 --> 00:48:56.000 And after that, after the implementation, we kept auditing this area for several weeks. 00:48:56.000 --> 00:49:00.000 And we tweaked some of the features and it's working perfectly. 00:49:00.000 --> 00:49:08.000 Since then, we have visited this area and often when we'll be close to nearby site, 00:49:08.000 --> 00:49:16.000 we'll just go and see for about 10 minutes, 15 minutes, it's working fine. 00:49:16.000 --> 00:49:21.000 I think there is another one. I apologize for some of this. 00:49:21.000 --> 00:49:33.000 I think the battery is not in. 00:49:33.000 --> 00:49:36.000 With all the new apartments and building and housing additions, 00:49:36.000 --> 00:49:41.000 do you perceive that it's going to be that this is going to be sufficient to handle that? 00:49:41.000 --> 00:49:44.000 These crosswalks that are with more? 00:49:44.000 --> 00:49:47.000 It will not be sufficient. I would be honest. 00:49:47.000 --> 00:49:53.000 But we'll have to be very proactively addressing this issue. 00:49:53.000 --> 00:50:00.000 And that's why we need to prioritize and we need to see where is the money well spent 00:50:00.000 --> 00:50:04.000 and where is the best returns on our investments. 00:50:04.000 --> 00:50:12.000 And that's hence the criteria and hence these equity based equations that we are putting into practice. 00:50:12.000 --> 00:50:25.000 So that is very important. 00:50:25.000 --> 00:50:30.000 And then, of course, from the sufficiency part, we are trying, 00:50:30.000 --> 00:50:33.000 of course, the aggregated budget will never be enough. 00:50:33.000 --> 00:50:38.000 So we are trying to find additional funds from every possible, 00:50:38.000 --> 00:50:43.000 whatever funding is advertised for such projects, we are going after those. 00:50:43.000 --> 00:50:45.000 They are very competitive. 00:50:45.000 --> 00:50:53.000 But we have to do staff does a lot of work in analysis and providing justification for the projects. 00:50:53.000 --> 00:50:58.000 You can imagine that why HDCOG would give dental money and why not give it to our dentists. 00:50:58.000 --> 00:51:01.000 All those questions are in that equation. 00:51:01.000 --> 00:51:04.000 So it's competitive, but staff is applying for those funds. 00:51:04.000 --> 00:51:09.000 So any of the builders that part of the complex, there's just a massive amount that seems to be going on. 00:51:09.000 --> 00:51:10.000 I know everybody had concerns. 00:51:10.000 --> 00:51:14.000 Did they contribute to any of the funding for this kind of stuff? 00:51:14.000 --> 00:51:15.000 Yes, they did. 00:51:15.000 --> 00:51:25.000 So when the new development comes, they have to build the sidewalks in the periphery. 00:51:25.000 --> 00:51:31.000 But I talked about the old Denton area where we don't have this system. 00:51:31.000 --> 00:51:36.000 Even once the development is there, the growth pattern changes. 00:51:36.000 --> 00:51:42.000 And then we have to deal with something that was not foreseen and that was not imagined. 00:51:42.000 --> 00:51:46.000 And that's where we have to address those complex equations. 00:51:46.000 --> 00:51:48.000 So I have a couple of questions. 00:51:48.000 --> 00:51:53.000 And thank you for all the work you're doing in making sure that all the sidewalks are up to date. 00:51:53.000 --> 00:51:54.000 But I have a question. 00:51:54.000 --> 00:52:02.000 So you mentioned over on Hickory, over by Lanes, that restaurant right there, you put in a crosswalk right there. 00:52:02.000 --> 00:52:04.000 It's fantastic. 00:52:04.000 --> 00:52:09.000 We have a similar kind of crosswalk over here on McKinney, right across from the City Hall. 00:52:09.000 --> 00:52:10.000 That's good. 00:52:10.000 --> 00:52:13.000 And that's great that you have that. 00:52:13.000 --> 00:52:16.000 It's great that we can push a button. 00:52:16.000 --> 00:52:20.000 I saw one just today. 00:52:20.000 --> 00:52:24.000 That person went up there, hit the button, started to walk out. 00:52:24.000 --> 00:52:26.000 She got halfway into the street. 00:52:26.000 --> 00:52:29.000 Somebody blew right through that. 00:52:29.000 --> 00:52:34.000 And so I'm just wondering if we are looking at anything. 00:52:34.000 --> 00:52:39.000 That is heavily traveled. 00:52:39.000 --> 00:52:40.000 We've got July 4th. 00:52:40.000 --> 00:52:44.000 We've got all the other things that we have going on every weekend. 00:52:44.000 --> 00:52:53.000 Is there anything that we're doing that, and I know we're ADA compliant now, is anybody looking at anything going past that for safety, for things like that? 00:52:53.000 --> 00:52:58.000 Because again, I saw one again today. 00:52:58.000 --> 00:53:01.000 Thank you for that very good observation and very good question. 00:53:01.000 --> 00:53:03.000 And we are in alignment with that. 00:53:03.000 --> 00:53:12.000 So as I mentioned earlier, that we have been preparing an application right now that is a grant application right now. 00:53:12.000 --> 00:53:14.000 So it's all about funding, right? 00:53:14.000 --> 00:53:22.000 When we want to understand what is going on in the safety side of equation, we want to know. 00:53:22.000 --> 00:53:26.000 So in order to deploy those interventions, we need funds. 00:53:26.000 --> 00:53:35.000 So we already have a plan where we could deploy AI based detection based technologies that are working right now. 00:53:35.000 --> 00:53:37.000 They're high tech. 00:53:37.000 --> 00:53:47.000 And so there is an opportunity with NCT CoF where they would like to support these technologies to identify safety related issues. 00:53:47.000 --> 00:53:52.000 We have developed a proposal and we are going to test some technologies to look at the behavior side of things. 00:53:52.000 --> 00:53:53.000 It's the behavior, right? 00:53:53.000 --> 00:53:54.000 Exactly. 00:53:54.000 --> 00:53:55.000 People not paying attention. 00:53:55.000 --> 00:54:01.000 And we drove up next to the person and she looked like she was looking at her phone, which is dangerous as it is. 00:54:01.000 --> 00:54:10.000 Similar is the complaint that in US 380 and this we have seen these concerns and then there are other in other cases. 00:54:10.000 --> 00:54:24.000 Sundown Boulevard is another example where there is a stop sign, which after 9 p.m., the road users, auto users, they keep on it. 00:54:24.000 --> 00:54:25.000 That's all. 00:54:25.000 --> 00:54:26.000 They would not stop. 00:54:26.000 --> 00:54:33.000 It's a neighborhood 9 p.m., nobody's around and when nobody's around, that becomes even more risky. 00:54:33.000 --> 00:54:37.000 Because that one person that is there, it just takes that. 00:54:37.000 --> 00:54:39.000 And that is a fatality case. 00:54:39.000 --> 00:54:47.000 Well, and the people who just keep thinking, oh, and they go through there 100 times and then 101, there's somebody walking across and they're not thinking. 00:54:47.000 --> 00:54:48.000 Yes. 00:54:48.000 --> 00:54:52.000 And that one instance is the one where the unfortunate thing will happen. 00:54:52.000 --> 00:54:57.000 So in that case, we are also promoting the idea of awareness. 00:54:57.000 --> 00:54:59.000 And that is in works as well. 00:54:59.000 --> 00:55:02.000 So but but the problem is bigger. 00:55:02.000 --> 00:55:08.000 It's citywide attitude and behavior of drivers as well. 00:55:08.000 --> 00:55:17.000 And not assuming as I said earlier that pedestrians and bike users are involved. 00:55:17.000 --> 00:55:19.000 And they have to be treated that way. 00:55:19.000 --> 00:55:22.000 But I think that's a larger effort that we do. 00:55:22.000 --> 00:55:29.000 But one study that is coming soon, I can assure you that if you are awarded, you are ready to launch that study. 00:55:29.000 --> 00:55:43.000 And that will be using technology to influence driver behavior, at least to study driver behavior side of things as important as this mid-block crossing as well. 00:55:43.000 --> 00:55:56.000 So that's a pedestrian behavior issue that you don't want to walk 200 steps and you want to cross right in the middle of the busy road, miscalculating the speeds and totally underestimating it. 00:55:56.000 --> 00:56:02.000 And then right in the middle of that road, I think that's something that is challenging. 00:56:02.000 --> 00:56:05.000 You know, I could get under that, too, because again, same road, McKinney Street. 00:56:05.000 --> 00:56:06.000 I'm over there as well. 00:56:06.000 --> 00:56:13.000 I'm walking along there and I see people who go they will park in the post office parking and walk right across. 00:56:13.000 --> 00:56:16.000 It's a heavy brewing, right? 00:56:16.000 --> 00:56:20.000 And they will go and say, think you go down, there's a crosswalk. 00:56:20.000 --> 00:56:22.000 You go that way or that way? 00:56:22.000 --> 00:56:24.000 It's safer. It makes you safe. 00:56:24.000 --> 00:56:28.000 But I think these are behavior issues on both ends. 00:56:28.000 --> 00:56:30.000 I think bikers, they would not. 00:56:30.000 --> 00:56:31.000 They would say that I'm on the bike. 00:56:31.000 --> 00:56:33.000 I don't have to stop on this red light. 00:56:33.000 --> 00:56:39.000 But the challenge is that if you don't stop, OK, one, maybe 100 times you will just go through that one time. 00:56:39.000 --> 00:56:41.000 That's all it takes. 00:56:41.000 --> 00:56:48.000 So I think we are aware of that problem and we are trying to address it through some pilot project that we are going to conduct. 00:56:48.000 --> 00:56:52.000 If this grant is awarded, we are applying for about a million dollars. 00:56:52.000 --> 00:56:53.000 It's going to be major. 00:56:53.000 --> 00:56:59.000 And then, as I said, that we have selected the locations based off of our Vision Zero High Energy Network. 00:56:59.000 --> 00:57:00.000 So it's well thought. 00:57:00.000 --> 00:57:03.000 We are not just randomly going to different locations. 00:57:03.000 --> 00:57:06.000 We have identified the hotspots and we are going to those locations. 00:57:06.000 --> 00:57:07.000 Thank you, Christy. 00:57:07.000 --> 00:57:08.000 I didn't pick it. 00:57:08.000 --> 00:57:09.000 You didn't? 00:57:09.000 --> 00:57:11.000 According to this. 00:57:11.000 --> 00:57:16.000 The last slide is just, there's only one more slide. 00:57:16.000 --> 00:57:18.000 That's just a loop. 00:57:18.000 --> 00:57:22.000 I think that is the one that I did not, it skipped it for some reason. 00:57:22.000 --> 00:57:27.000 But that is also a connection to trail, bike trail. 00:57:27.000 --> 00:57:38.000 And then full signalized intersection, in-house design and done by staff and implemented by staff, transportation staff. 00:57:38.000 --> 00:57:42.000 And then full ADA compliance and road safety compliance. 00:57:42.000 --> 00:57:51.000 Are there regulations of how far like Loop 288 and East McKinney were served in the community food room and all that? 00:57:51.000 --> 00:57:55.000 There is no sidewalk on that side where they're building urban air. 00:57:55.000 --> 00:57:56.000 You know what I'm talking about right there? 00:57:56.000 --> 00:57:58.000 There's no sidewalk along there. 00:57:58.000 --> 00:58:02.000 So the only crosswalk is the corner of Loop 288 McKinney. 00:58:02.000 --> 00:58:05.000 And then there's not another one for till you get down to 380. 00:58:05.000 --> 00:58:10.000 Is there a compliance or anything that can allow crossing there? 00:58:10.000 --> 00:58:15.000 We are looking into that because it's a right of way acquisition issue. 00:58:15.000 --> 00:58:17.000 So yes, that's in that list. 00:58:17.000 --> 00:58:20.000 But urban air is going to have to build the sidewalks. 00:58:20.000 --> 00:58:23.000 Yes, but then there will still be a gap. 00:58:23.000 --> 00:58:28.000 Because the school comes from there, it's a huge traffic area. 00:58:28.000 --> 00:58:32.000 Ever since Ryan High was built over there, that's been an issue. 00:58:32.000 --> 00:58:40.000 So there is, closing is there's like five or six major sidewalk projects that are in the list. 00:58:40.000 --> 00:58:48.000 But we want information from real estate on the right of way acquisition side of things. 00:58:48.000 --> 00:58:51.000 And then once we have that, we'll prioritize them and they'll be implemented. 00:58:51.000 --> 00:58:54.000 Some of them will be implemented in the near future. 00:58:54.000 --> 00:58:58.000 When I say near future, we may kick off in the next two, three months. 00:58:58.000 --> 00:59:01.000 Who determines the right of way? Is that Textile or City of Denton? 00:59:01.000 --> 00:59:04.000 City of Denton on City of Denton right of way. 00:59:04.000 --> 00:59:10.000 Real estate department will inform us that, okay, there's no right of way needed or there's some needed. 00:59:10.000 --> 00:59:16.000 In terms of utilities as well, they'll be able to tell us that if that will be a part of the equation. 00:59:16.000 --> 00:59:21.000 And then on Textart, of course, we'll have to work with Textart to get permission. 00:59:21.000 --> 00:59:27.000 Is any of that information taken into account before city council or whoever approves the building going in? 00:59:27.000 --> 00:59:34.000 Or is that retroactive? I mean, like Urban Air going in, did they, does Urban Air know that they're going to have to do? 00:59:34.000 --> 00:59:40.000 Of course, I'm sure they do. But the right of way acquisition for that, do they have to? 00:59:40.000 --> 00:59:43.000 They know ahead of time that's going to be like Bucky's went in. 00:59:43.000 --> 00:59:47.000 I know they had to do a huge right of way and the bridge and all that. 00:59:47.000 --> 00:59:52.000 So they know all of that and are aware. They do because we have a development review process. 00:59:52.000 --> 00:59:57.000 The development review process, our engineer, we have a staff rocket. 00:59:57.000 --> 01:00:00.000 He is, he leads the development review effort. 01:00:00.000 --> 01:00:07.000 And in that process, they would figure out that so this development would have these many trips. 01:00:07.000 --> 01:00:14.000 And then also, according to the city code, they will have to comply with the sidewalk or bike lane, whatever is needed. 01:00:14.000 --> 01:00:19.000 So that all of that is and then the DIA stage, traffic impact assessment stage. 01:00:19.000 --> 01:00:24.000 Even the trips are considered that what the level of service of this facility is. 01:00:24.000 --> 01:00:29.000 Let's say McDonald's or some other franchise is coming. 01:00:29.000 --> 01:00:36.000 And how many trips they will bring to this area and how the level of service on the road will change for all users. 01:00:36.000 --> 01:00:43.000 And what needs to happen in terms of impact, this impact and how we can mitigate those impacts. 01:00:43.000 --> 01:00:46.000 So all of that is considered. But that's for new developments, right? 01:00:46.000 --> 01:00:53.000 But for but city of Benton has significant part that is historical and some of those things are already implemented. 01:00:53.000 --> 01:00:56.000 So I think that's we have to treat that differently. 01:00:56.000 --> 01:01:00.000 I have a question that's off kind of off topic, but it's kind of off topic. 01:01:00.000 --> 01:01:06.000 So is there a map that we can send somebody to? I have a reason for this. 01:01:06.000 --> 01:01:09.000 That says this is city of Denton. This is not. 01:01:09.000 --> 01:01:11.000 This is text dot. Right. Right. 01:01:11.000 --> 01:01:16.000 Because here and here's the thing I my my wife, my wife brought it to me the other day. 01:01:16.000 --> 01:01:19.000 She goes, here's this person with about three eight. Right. 01:01:19.000 --> 01:01:21.000 So they're the loop. Three eighty. 01:01:21.000 --> 01:01:25.000 Why is it that they put up these meetings about the city of Denton should never have done this? 01:01:25.000 --> 01:01:30.000 It's like that's not the city of Denton. That's not doing that. 01:01:30.000 --> 01:01:34.000 So he has nothing to do with that. So they're just going off on a rant about the city. 01:01:34.000 --> 01:01:37.000 And I'm like, yeah, that's why I like to go. 01:01:37.000 --> 01:01:43.000 Here's the map that is not the city. I can talk to our G.I.S. coordinator. 01:01:43.000 --> 01:01:46.000 I think he I think we have. OK. 01:01:46.000 --> 01:01:51.000 But we can if it needs to be shared at the Discuss Denton page, we can share. 01:01:51.000 --> 01:01:55.000 And it's just something that, you know, it's kind of like when when there's people 01:01:55.000 --> 01:01:59.000 who gripe about the city council should do something about the school district. 01:01:59.000 --> 01:02:06.000 And it's like the council is you hear about that. 01:02:06.000 --> 01:02:08.000 It's a constant education. 01:02:08.000 --> 01:02:10.000 We get the request on the G.I.S.D. 01:02:10.000 --> 01:02:21.000 And I think you really know that until you're on a committee like this or, you know, 01:02:21.000 --> 01:02:26.000 or on a football organization or something, you don't know that you can't just flip on those lights. 01:02:26.000 --> 01:02:29.000 You pay fifteen dollars a minute or fifteen dollars an hour to turn on. 01:02:29.000 --> 01:02:31.000 You just think that that's all just part of it. 01:02:31.000 --> 01:02:35.000 You know, it's until you get on the inside of the underground or whatever. 01:02:35.000 --> 01:02:37.000 It's difficult. It's very interesting. 01:02:37.000 --> 01:02:42.000 It's very interesting. It's interesting because there's two roads right here. 01:02:42.000 --> 01:02:44.000 Yeah. Almond and Locust, right? 01:02:44.000 --> 01:02:47.000 You got those two right there. People go, that's the city you didn't. 01:02:47.000 --> 01:02:50.000 I don't think the city hasn't taken us over yet, have they? 01:02:50.000 --> 01:02:52.000 No, it's going to be. It's going to be. 01:02:52.000 --> 01:02:57.000 Yeah. They had some they had TextDOT had to do all of the resurfacing that they've done. 01:02:57.000 --> 01:02:59.000 And then you can go back and do it again. 01:02:59.000 --> 01:03:07.000 When TextDOT gives it to city, city's maintenance, we cannot change the structure. 01:03:07.000 --> 01:03:12.000 See, that gets me. It's like you want me to take it, but you won't let me do anything with it. 01:03:12.000 --> 01:03:19.000 Yeah. So I think for us, the advantage is I think the advantage point is that we have they improve the street. 01:03:19.000 --> 01:03:24.000 They make all the improvements required and then they deliver and city gets that. 01:03:24.000 --> 01:03:27.000 But I think they are. I'm not saying that they don't allow. 01:03:27.000 --> 01:03:31.000 All I'm saying is that there are many rules that we have to follow. 01:03:31.000 --> 01:03:37.000 Yes. Do they ever give it over to the city or once it's TextDOT, it's always TextDOT? 01:03:37.000 --> 01:03:43.000 No. So we are they are planning on giving Almond, Locust here to the city. 01:03:43.000 --> 01:03:48.000 But there's work that they had to do and order for us to be able to take it. 01:03:48.000 --> 01:03:53.000 Because once we have it, there are things about it that we will not be able to change. 01:03:53.000 --> 01:04:00.000 So you still had to get, I remember when Jesse was on council and they were talking about it back then, 01:04:00.000 --> 01:04:04.000 about how the TextDOT was wanting to hand it over. 01:04:04.000 --> 01:04:06.000 It's taken years. 01:04:06.000 --> 01:04:11.000 It's taken years and then again, but we can fill the potholes and things like that, right? 01:04:11.000 --> 01:04:15.000 We can do basic maintenance, but if we want to change curbs and things. 01:04:15.000 --> 01:04:18.000 And if you want to drop a lane, that's a big question. 01:04:18.000 --> 01:04:20.000 Then they will say that, OK, we need to have a discussion. 01:04:20.000 --> 01:04:23.000 I'm still not saying that they will stop us from doing that. 01:04:23.000 --> 01:04:28.000 But in some cases, they will say, no, it impacts the connectivity and just we need to remake. 01:04:28.000 --> 01:04:34.000 Would traffic change be part of that? 01:04:34.000 --> 01:04:36.000 Because that's been floated at one point. 01:04:36.000 --> 01:04:39.000 So it is in both two ways. 01:04:39.000 --> 01:04:45.000 So it's a cycle. Yes. Directional approaches or traffic flow and variation in traffic flow. 01:04:45.000 --> 01:04:49.000 Anything that we do, for example, we just say that we are doing road diet. 01:04:49.000 --> 01:04:54.000 It's not as simple on the roads that are given to us by TextDOT. 01:04:54.000 --> 01:04:58.000 So we'll have to consult, we'll have to, it's a long process. 01:04:58.000 --> 01:05:05.000 So road diet means that we'll just drop off one lane and then use it for, repurpose it for some other modes. 01:05:05.000 --> 01:05:12.000 And it's not as simple. And directional changes, oh, that's even more complicated. 01:05:12.000 --> 01:05:16.000 And that's the old pictures of the square. 01:05:16.000 --> 01:05:26.000 And you can tell by the way the parking lines that they were actually, people actually came in a different direction. 01:05:26.000 --> 01:05:32.000 And they move all the lines different directions. 01:05:32.000 --> 01:05:36.000 We've done a good job. Very good job. 01:05:36.000 --> 01:05:42.000 Exciting to see and to hear that. So has this committee done anything as far as benefiting what you do? 01:05:42.000 --> 01:05:47.000 Yes, of course. We have a constant pressure that we have to report to you. 01:05:47.000 --> 01:05:53.000 However, we have to stay on top of things and we have to make sure that we are making all of you happy. 01:05:53.000 --> 01:05:59.000 First he gives us all the money under the table to do that. 01:05:59.000 --> 01:06:04.000 This is being recorded. I'm sorry. 01:06:04.000 --> 01:06:09.000 So they're going, I've done nothing. Just a job. I don't know where that came from. 01:06:09.000 --> 01:06:12.000 Any feedback from you is very important for us. 01:06:12.000 --> 01:06:19.000 Feel free to just contact Christy or just me directly. I'm happy to address any concerns that you have. 01:06:19.000 --> 01:06:24.000 But I assure you that my team is dedicated to this. 01:06:24.000 --> 01:06:27.000 We are not taking it lightly. We are taking it very seriously. 01:06:27.000 --> 01:06:32.000 We have to report our progress to TechStore, US DOJ, on ADA. 01:06:32.000 --> 01:06:38.000 They are also watching and they are just saying every three years we have a compliance process. 01:06:38.000 --> 01:06:45.000 Got the compliance, full compliance and green status by US DOT and DOJ in TechStore. 01:06:45.000 --> 01:06:49.000 And then there's another compliance period coming in two and a half years. 01:06:49.000 --> 01:06:55.000 So we have to get ready for that. And if we don't have anything to show, that becomes complicated. 01:06:55.000 --> 01:07:01.000 So I think we have to make significant progress in terms of how many barriers we have removed from the transition plan. 01:07:01.000 --> 01:07:12.000 That's the fundamental question they asked and then they asked how, show us how much work you have done. 01:07:12.000 --> 01:07:18.000 Thank you Farhan. Thank you so much. 01:07:18.000 --> 01:07:25.000 Okay. Do we have any further discussion on that? 01:07:25.000 --> 01:07:32.000 Okay. Does the, can we have any other business discuss? 01:07:32.000 --> 01:07:39.000 One question, Tracy. Why does it say Vision Zero? It looks like there's no future ahead when you have this. 01:07:39.000 --> 01:07:45.000 Yeah, so Vision Zero is the city's plan to get to zero roadway debts. 01:07:45.000 --> 01:07:52.000 So that's kind of a, it kind of falls in line with this stuff, but also just in general transportation. 01:07:52.000 --> 01:07:59.000 So it's Vision Zero. The goal being that we have zero traffic related fatalities. 01:07:59.000 --> 01:08:05.000 Well, part of that is getting people to actually walk in the crosswalks. 01:08:05.000 --> 01:08:13.000 How many people, we've actually had a few people hit in 2025. 01:08:13.000 --> 01:08:23.000 There was, I think there was one down. It's funny how people want it instant though. I want people to sidewalk and I need to sidewalk now. 01:08:23.000 --> 01:08:35.000 They don't realize I'm all underground. I had no idea you had to go utilities and see if there's any buried cable or anything that makes total sense now, but I wouldn't have thought that otherwise. 01:08:35.000 --> 01:08:50.000 So I live, I think we talked about that, I live in Idiotville. So I'm just across there from the bowling alley. But there are people who walk there and they won't wait for the, I mean they'll go to the sidewalk, but they won't wait. 01:08:50.000 --> 01:08:55.000 Pedestrians have the right of way. I think a lot of people think that too. Like I don't have to wait. 01:08:55.000 --> 01:09:08.000 And I'm sorry, but with people, there was a one yesterday morning that it was a semi-blue right through Ruedell at 380. 01:09:08.000 --> 01:09:17.000 And if the person in front of me would have gone, they would have been hit. Now that's a pedestrian walking out there. 01:09:17.000 --> 01:09:31.000 And the reason why I was asking them about that, because like over here at McKinney, I've seen it where they actually have a thing on the road and when they hit that button, it actually come, it creates a barrier that people have to. 01:09:31.000 --> 01:09:47.000 Okay, I see what you're talking about. He bounced up out of the road like an army base or whatever, and you're going to stop because I'm going to roll. Well that's the thing, it gives you something that you have to see or you're going to hit it kind of thing. 01:09:47.000 --> 01:09:52.000 Maybe that would change behavior. Maybe that would change the behavior. 01:09:52.000 --> 01:10:08.000 How many times do you go to a parking lot, like a paid parking lot, and you make sure you're going out the right direction because the spikes are there. 01:10:08.000 --> 01:10:23.000 You only do it once. You want somebody else to do it. You try it. I'll see if you make it. 01:10:23.000 --> 01:10:38.000 I got a question about sidewalks. I live out on the east side of town between Denton and the bridge that goes across the lake. Those sidewalks are big enough to drive a truck down. 01:10:38.000 --> 01:10:53.000 I don't know if you know about Tech Stop or that city. That's Tech Stop. Why were they so wide? They're wide enough that it looks like you could have a car going that way on one side and this way. I'm just curious because y'all talking about sidewalks. 01:10:53.000 --> 01:11:11.000 If it's blocked out, it's going to be your best. I'm sorry, I'm not trying to mis-speak. Since being on here, there are different levels of sidewalks. You have the smaller sidewalk, which is the individual. You have the large ones that you can put two-ways kind of thing going on. 01:11:11.000 --> 01:11:31.000 You put bicycles on it and then you have those really big ones. I think that's what they did. I can get you Farhan's contact information. 01:11:31.000 --> 01:11:48.000 Thank you for letting us sit in. We're from the Arkansas County. We see a group of individuals with IDD. We just want to make ourselves aware of what's going on. It was very informative. I feel good about that. I feel good about all the work that you guys are doing for the IDD community. 01:11:48.000 --> 01:12:02.000 Thank you so much. Thanks for being here. There's no other business, so we can actually have some fun free time. I'll adjourn the meeting at 420 p.m. 01:12:02.000 --> 01:12:19.000 We have time to go, so let's talk. I can give you my money under the table. I had no idea it was being recorded.