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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesBICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES May 15th, 2014 PRESENT: Caroline Panske, Adam Bellcorelli, James Michelson and Ben Rennert David Kress, Planner, ECWRPC ABSENT: STAFF: Benjamin Krumenauer, Assistant Planner CALL TO ORDER Chairman Michelson called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Bellcorelli moved to accept the minutes of the April 17th, 2014 meeting. Ms. Panske seconded the motion. Motion carried (4-0). NEW BUSINESS 1. FORMAL GREETING OF COUNCIL MEMBER CAROLINE PANSKE A brief welcome to Ms. Pankse was made and Ms. Panske told us about herself and how she is excited to work with the bike/ped committee and the community as a whole. 2. REGIONAL BIKE/PEDESTRIAN NETWORK PLAN UPDATE David Kress, East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, attended the meeting and gave an update on the Regional Bike/Pedestrian Network Plan and its reference to the Oshkosh area. Mr. Kress described the goals of ECWRPC and its involvement in its ten county planning responsibilities. The plan’s main responsibilities are to connect the gaps between the municipalities and provide the connections and guides that steer the communities. Mr. Kress discussed the timeline of the draft and how it is a supplement to the municipal plan. The five E’s were discussed and the importance of the plan (Evaluation, Education, Enforcement, Engineering and Evaluation). Questions were taken and answered by Mr. Kress. The Committee discussed some thoughts about the mapping and plans. Several thoughts were discussed about the maps and Mr. Krumenauer took supplemental notes and changes to the maps. Notes were provided to Mr. Kress. 3. RECOMMENDATION ON PERMANENT SUSPENSION OF BICYCLE REGISTRATION FEES Mr. Krumenauer discussed the registration process and provided documentation on the history of the registration fee and previous minutes and discussions from the Bike/Ped Committee. He discussed 2013’s bike registration fee holiday and the success that the holiday had. There were an additional 600 registrations of a 443% increase. Staff discussed the merits of registration fees versus no registration fee. Mr. Rennert felt that the fee should be raised instead of dropped. It would provide additional revenue that could be used by the community for pedestrian improvements. He felt that the fee would be paid whether it was 3 dollars or fifteen, the people that want to register will no matter what. Ms. Panske asked what the registration process was. Mr. Rennert said that you can register at City Hall or at some of the bicycle stores in town. He as a store owner provides free registrations for all bikes sold and Wheel and Sprocket also provides registrations. Mr. Bellcorelli discussed his thoughts and felt that the city should waive the registration fee. He felt that there should be two different points of debate; 1 the bike registration fee policy and 2 the registration holiday process. Mr. Bellcorelli is making the recommendation to promote the annual fee registration holiday and make the holiday a permanent annual event. In addition, Mr. Bellcorelli is making a second recommendation to raise the fee to 5 dollars. The increases will help to provide additional resources to boost the registration process. Ms. Panske asked if there was a way to provide registration information at all the stores in Oshkosh. Mr. Krumenauer said that additional information would be provided at stores and shops to help promote registrations. Mr. Michelson said that the registration process is important for public relations and from a safety standpoint. Mr. Michelson also stated that the 3 dollar registration is not the issue, it is about registering residents and the fee would help to provide supplements. Mr. Rennert made a motion to waive the bicycle registration fee for the month of May on an annual basis, and a second separate motion to raise the bicycle registration fee from 3 dollars to 5 dollars. Mr. Rennert made a motion to create a permanent bicycle registration fee holiday for the month of May on an annual basis. Mr. Bellcorelli seconded. (Carried 4-0) Mr. Rennert made a motion to raise the bicycle registration fee from 3 dollars to 5 dollars. Mr. Bellcorelli seconded. (Carried 3-1) STAFF STATEMENTS 4. COUNCIL DECISION ON TEMPORARY FEE HOLIDAY FOR BICYCLE REGISTRATION FROM MAY 14TH THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2014. Mr. Krumenauer stated to the Committee that the fee holiday ordinance was accepted by the Common Council and that we are now in a registration fee holiday. Staff will be providing the Committee with figures after the holiday is completed. 5. FOX CITIES GREENWAYS TRAILS FOR TOMORROW WORKSHOP Mr. Krumenauer explained the conference he went to and the benefits that it has for the City. FUTURE ITEMS Jim Collins, Director of Transportation, will be provided an update on Murdock Avenue and its relationship to future construction. Jackson Street sidewalks Sawyer Street bicycle lanes ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and upon being moved and seconded (Rennert, Bellcorelli), the meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.