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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransportation Committee Minutes 12.10.24 (to be approved) Attendees: Al Hartman Paul Esslinger, Council Jim Collins, Transportation Director Evelyn Meuret Jeff Armstrong Jim Stapel Deb Martin Excused: Sean Lynch Also Present: Lt. Kraemer (OPD), Justin Gierach (Engineering) The meeting was called to order by Al Hartman who gave a quick overview for the public comment protocol. Public Comment - N/A Roll Call & Approval of Minutes Chairperson Hartman requested roll call, and later Paul Esslinger made a motion to approve the minutes from the November meeting, seconded by Jim Stapel. Motion carried after roll-call vote. Old Business – N/A New Business Request for a recommendation on a sidewalk installation on newly constructed sections of Bay Shore Drive and Bay Street – Jim Collins said sidewalk recommendations usually were part of the Bike & Ped Committee, however since it was merged into this committee, Public Works is requresting a recoomendation from the Committee on this project slated for 2025. The City Engineer, Justin Gierach, was available for additional questions or comments. Jim gave an overview of the State Statute and the City of Oshkosh Strategic Plan that was adopted for 2023-2024. State of Wisconsin Statutes §66.0907 (1) states that “Streets shall provide a right-of-way for vehicular traffic and, where the council requires, a sidewalk on either or both sides of the street. The City of Oshkosh 2023-2024 Strategic Plan, Improve and Maintain our Infrastructure Strategic Goal, Objective A, Strategy / Tactic 5 instructs staff to “Incorporate “Complete Streets” principles when and where it is feasible”. “Complete Streets” are defined as “streets that are designed and operated to enable safe use and support mobility for all users.” The construction of sidewalks is a core principle in order to make streets accessible and support mobility for all users. The installation of the sidewalk on these streets directly supports this Strategic Plan directive. Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes December 10, 2024 2 | Page Staff is recommending sidewalks be installed along Bay Shore Drive (south side) from Mill Street to Broad Street and Bay Street (both sides) from Bay Shore Drive to the River. After viewing the area on Google maps, Justin opened the meeting up for questions. Al Hartman said after driving in the area, it appeared the buildings were very close to the roadway. Justin said it is like Main Street; however, they are not in the right-of-way. Deb Martin asked why sidewalks are needed on both sides if there already is a sidewalk on the one side all the way down. Justin said the area gets heavily used by fisherman and it will encourage them walk safely on the sidewalk vs. the street. Jim Stapel asked if parking will be an issue. Justin said the north side has no parking and although there isn’t enough room for angle parking, they could continue to park on the south side. Jim also asked if the city will provide snow plowing; which Justin confirmed. Paul Esslinger asked about the financial impact and if the owners were already notified. Justin said this is a new construction project so they would be assessed for the sidewalk addition. Paul also was curious who owns the property where they fish; Justin said one area is private property and another parcel is owned by the City of Oshkosh. There were no additional comments or questions. Paul Esslinger made a motion to approve the staff recommendation of sidewalks as presented, seconded by Jeff Armstrong. Motion carried after roll-call vote. Request for a recommendation on city street parking regulations – Jim Collins said per the Committee’s request the last time this item was placed on the agenda; he did seek public input via POLCO to get additional citizen input. Jim thought some of the results were interesting: • 94% of the people surveyed were aware of the current parking rules and regulations • 88% of the people surveyed knew how to request temporary permission • 70% are aware that permits can be purchased for overnight parking • About half the have received a ticket for overnight parking and those that did only received one Chairman Hartman opened the floor for public input instructing them to approach the podium. John Lenz (945 Bavarian Ct, Oshkosh) John said changes to the parking rules only solves an issue for 10% of the people. Overnight parking can lead to undesirable outcomes such as too many people living in one house. 3 | Page Jim Collins said the goal is to be consistent throughout the city. Some initial concerns from other departments were the revenue impact, compliance with storm water regulations if street sweeping measures are reduced, and ease of snow plowing and garbage pickup. Justin explained the city is required to reduce phosphorus run-off in the stormwater as part of a DNR measure, so street sweeping is a crucial part of that measure. Changing the policy could result in collecting less pollutants. Evelyn Meuret asked if there are special exceptions for out-of-town guests just visiting during the holidays. OPD Representative – Lt. Kraemer confirmed that there is relaxed enforcement during the holidays and in July during E.A.A. Jeff Armstrong asked if there could be different rules throughout the city as he recently received a ticket at 4:48 a.m. for parking on the street in a quiet neighborhood with little traffic. Jim Collins said it gets very complicated for enforcement if there are different rules in different areas. Lt. Kraemer agreed and said usually the issue just moves into the next neighborhood if there are restrictions on one street, the people will just find free parking on the next closest street. Paul Esslinger asked when obtaining a permit, is the permit for the guest or home owner? Lt. Kraemer said it is by address and plate number. Jim Collins said if there are streets that allow parking on both sides, usually a permit is available for purchase. Paul Esslinger said there seems to be confusion and asked where a person gets more information with the options. Lt. Kraemer said the OPD Website is the best place to get an overview of the parking rules and regulations. Jim Stapel made a motion to keep status quo as there hasn’t been compelling information to approve a change; seconded by Evelyn Meuret. Motion carried after roll-call vote, one present vote (Paul Esslinger). Staff Statements ❖ Ridership Update – Jim said that ridership is up year-to-date, however month-to-month remains about the same. ❖ Paratransit Update – Jim said he and Steve Tomasik, attended the ADRC Meeting (Aging & Disibility Resource Center) to present the Paratransit Program challenges that were discussed at the November meeting. The thought is to form a focus group and come up with some other options that will be presented at the February or March Transportation Committee meeting. Right now, Steve will continue to work with the current vendor to improve paratransit services. Jeff Armstrong said some churches do have vans and volunteers that help transport to church services which may help the situation. Jim Stapel said the common complaint was providing transportation to church services on Sundy mornings. It is challenging due to the number of different churches, and their locations throughout the city. 4 | Page Future Agenda Requests Al Hartman said a workshop may be helpful to help the committee members better understand ongoing issues the committee may be asked to weigh in on like the paratransit program. By the number of guests in attendance at the meeting last month, there certainly was some shared concern with changing the program. Jim said that is a valid point especially for those that weren’t previously on the Transit Advisory Board so workshops may be helpful on topics like a Transit overview. Jim Collins said one item that will be coming in January 2025 is to discuss design options for the Sawyer/Oshkosh Avenue intersection. Adjournment Paul Esslinger made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Jim Stapel. Motion carried after roll-call vote Meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm.