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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesBICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES October 16, 2014 PRESENT: Caroline Panske, Adam Bellcorelli, James Michelson, Benjamin Rennert ABSENT: Vicky Redlin STAFF: Benjamin Krumenauer, Assistant Planner CALL TO ORDER Being that a Quorum was present, Chairman Michelson called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Panske moved to accept the minutes of the September 18, 2014 meeting as provided. Mr. Bellcorelli seconded the motion. Motion carried (4-0). NEW BUSINESS 1. Bike and Pedestrian Facility Funding Options: Presented by Caroline Panske Ms. Panske described the grant process and brought forward a detailed discussion about different funding options and financial opportunities that the City of Oshkosh can pursue. Several grant options were brought into discussion and further information was provided. Some of the opportunities discussed were: Hazard Elimination Program grant through the WIDOT: The grant focuses on mitigating automobile/pedestrian accidents. Ms. Panske explained that the goal of the grant is to provide safer infrastructure solutions to help prevent dangerous situations from forming. Additional resources will be needed such as crash data and incident reports. Justin Shell (608) 267-9617 from WIDOT is responsible for additional information. Mr. Bellcorelli stated that much of this information is available online or with the OPD. Railroad Crossing Improvement funding: Ms. Panske explained that this opportunity is funded through the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads and is designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along Wisconsin’s railroad corridors. Jeff Plate, Commissioner (610 North Whitney Way, Suite 110, Madison, WI 53708, (608) 266-0276) is the contact for additional questions/concerns. Ms. Panske continued by explaining that we have several railroad crossings due to be worked on this year and that each one may be possible candidates for the funding. People for Bikes Community grants: PFB Community Grant is a blanket grant that is available for a wide range of uses including surveys, design, new construction and improvements, upgrades, extensions, etc. Ms. Panske explained the usefulness of this grant and how a region wide bike rack system could be a wonderful addition to the area. She continued by stating that bike racks along the parks and Riverwalk would help to enhance the area. Rapid Response Grant: Designed to provide rapid response to pedestrian related issues as quickly as possible. Ms. Panske explained that the funding is provided through a Washington DC based group, and may be more difficult to obtain. Mr. Krumenauer thanked Ms. Panske for her hard work and that the options provided sounded like great opportunities. He went on to further explain the importance of funding resources and how our Bike registration fund could possibly be used to provide matching funds for these resources. 2. Proposed Draft Bicycle Lane Ordinance 14-XXX Mr. Krumenauer provided copies of the draft bike lane ordinance. The different sections were described in greater detail. Mr. Krumenauer explained that the intent of the ordinance was to better explain the purpose of the bike lanes, who is allowed to use the facility and what additional considerations are made for the enforcement. Tom Otto, 475 Marion Rd, Apt 117; asked if the bike lanes would restrict the ability of emergency equipment to get to issues? He went on to explain that in the event that an issue happens, he or a resident on a trail would not be able to get the help they needed. Mr. Krumenauer said that in cases of emergency, medical/law enforcement personnel are generally allowed to cross traffic lines to best facilitate the movement. He went on to explain that the draft ordinance does not explicitly allow emergency vehicles. Ms. Panske asked if this could be looked into. Mr. Krumenauer stated that he would look into the regulations for emergency personnel. Ms. Panske asked if bikes were allowed on the sidewalk. Mr. Krumenauer stated that bicycles are allowed on the walk, but stated that he recommends bicyclists to use the road way because of the added safety to pedestrians and cyclists. 3. Bicycle Registration Increase to be Considered by Common Council Mr. Krumenauer explained that the registration fee increase recommended by the Committee in 2014 would be going to the council over the winter and that the plan is to set the rate increase to $5.00. The additional increase in registration income will help with the matching requirements of several grants as well as provide additional resources for the bicycle and pedestrian initiatives. Mr. Krumenauer also stated that with him leaving the City of Oshkosh, it is necessary for the committee to ensure that the registration fee is waived for May, 2015 and future years to come. FUTURE ITEMS 4. Pedestrian Related Projects in 2015-2019 CIP 5. Sidewalk, Curb Ramp Discussion ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and upon being moved and seconded (Panske, Bellcorelli), the meeting adjourned unanimously at 4:45 p.m. Dutifully Recorded Benjamin Krumenauer