HomeMy WebLinkAboutBIKE & PED MINUTES JUNE_21_2012 (2)
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE JUNE 21, 2012 PRESENT: Adam Bellcorelli, Steven Herman, Melanie Hunt, Brian Kienert, Michael Lizotte, James Michelson and Nicholas Robinson
STAFF: Christopher Strong, Transportation Director Jennifer Weigand, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER Mr. Christopher Strong, Transportation Director, called the meeting to order at
4:00 p.m. Introductions by members of the newly formed committee were made. NEW BUSINESS 1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Michelson nominated Mr. Lizotte for Chairman. Mr. Kienert seconded
the nomination. Mr. Lizottee nominated Mr. Kienert for Chairman. Mr. Bellcorelli seconded the nomination. An election by ballot was conducted and Mr. Lizotte was elected Chairman (5-2).
Mr. Michelson volunteered to be Vice-Chairman. The Board unanimously voted Mr. Michelson as Vice-Chairman. The meeting was turned over to the newly elected Chairperson Lizotte. 2. PRESENTATION
ON OPEN MEETINGS, PUBLIC RECORDS, ETHICS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT OF MEETINGS. This item was tabled to a later date. 3. DISCUSSION OF COMMITTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES. Mr. Strong gave
a brief description of the committee’s responsibilities according to the city ordinance and how things are coordinated between the city departments. Mr. Lizotte inquired if there were
timelines for the erection of bicycle route signs. Mr. Strong replied that there was not a timeline at this time. Mr. Herman felt we should focus first on the projects, which are easiest
for people to identify. Mr. Michelson questioned the timeframe for getting things into the budget. Mr. Strong replied that the 2013 operating budgets have to be submitted in August and
CIP budgets are generated now. Mr. Strong explained which budgets would primarily cover certain items. Mr. Strong explained how the money in the bicycle fund is generated by the $3.00
bicycle registration fee. He noted it was never the intent for this fee to generate revenue but to cover administrative costs. The current balance in the fund is $16,800.
BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN Page 2 JUNE 21, 2012 Mr. Kienert felt more can be done to promote bicycle registration. Mr. Robinson suggested free registration at the city’s bike rodeo. Mr. Bellcorelli
suggested the university work in conjunction with the city to register bikes. Mr. Herman suggested that Mr. Strong bring the idea of a partnership with UW-O forward to the Common Council.
Mr. Lizotte said the university has had a registration program for the last two years, which is similar to the City’s. Mr. Herman suggested Mr. Strong meet with the UW-O Police Chief
and residence life staff to discuss such a partnership. Mr. Lizotte said the university could make students register their bikes, as part of their registration requirements. Mr. Herman
asked for this item to be placed on next month’s agenda. Ms. Hunt felt an education program would help people understand what the registration fee is used for. Mr. Herman recommended
that more bicycle racks be placed along the Riverwalk. Mr. Robinson noted that in Madison, businesses can recommend that bike racks be placed in front of their buildings. Mr. Kienert
felt we should be able to bump up participation in the bike registration program by getting the word out. Mr. Michelson would like to see a history of past expenditures. 4. DISCUSSION
OF PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS. This item was laid over until next month’s meeting. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING • Plan recommendations • Bicycle registration fees and fund history • CIP
projects • Understanding timetable for external funding • Methods of rewarding bicyclists and pedestrians • Sidewalk improvements Mr. Michelson asked how much deviation can be made from
the Pedestrian Bicycle Circulation Plan. Mr. Herman replied that if it involves a major shift, it would have to go back before the Common Council. Ms. Hunt was excused at 5:30 p.m. Mr.
Michelson said he sees a lot of inexpensive improvements that can be made, which would make an impact. Mr. Kienert said if he could get registration forms, he could register bicycles
at different events held throughout the year. Mr. Herman was excused at 5:37 p.m.
BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN Page 3 JUNE 21, 2012 Mr. Bellcorelli felt if we could show the customer what they get for the $3.00, it would help promote a positive image. Mr. Kienert felt the awareness
component will go a long way. Mr. Michelson questioned the progress of the roundabout safety for pedestrians. Mr. Strong replied it is in the study phase at this time. When he gets the
data, he will report back to the Committee. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, and upon being duly moved and seconded
(Michelson, Kienert), the meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.