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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesBICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 15, 2015 PRESENT: Caroline Panske, Adam Bellcorelli, Tom Otto and Benjamin Rennert ABSENT: Vicky Redlin and James Michelson STAFF: David Buck, Principal Planner and Jim Collins, Transportation Director CALL TO ORDER Being that a Quorum was present, Vice-Chairperson Rennert called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. 1. STAFF INTRODUCTION Mr. Buck introduced himself and stated he will be the interim staff liaison to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. He added that the City has hired a new planner who will most likely be taking on the liaison responsibilities in the future. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Panske moved to accept the minutes of the October 16, 2014 meeting as provided. Mr. Bellcorelli seconded the motion. Motion carried (4-0). 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Ordinance 14-523: Ordinance Pertaining to Bicycle Lane Restriction Mr. Buck described the content of Ordinance 14-523, which was adopted by the Council in the end of November of 2014. Mr. Collins stated that the ordinance was drafted based on other example ordinances as the City did not have written regulation on the topic. Ms. Panske stated that she did not believe there had been any issues but that it was proactive. Mr. Bellcorelli stated he had a question regarding not allowing persons utilizing personal mobility devices in the bike lanes. Mr. Otto questioned why there is not an exception for these devices to use the bike lanes when no sidewalk is present because as written they would be required to be in the automobile drive lane. Mr. Otto also stated that the bike lanes would be a better place than the sidewalk as they are smooth surface without the breaks. Mr. Bellcorelli felt this aspect of the ordinance puts people who use personal mobility devices and wheelchairs at risk without even the protection afforded to bicyclists or in-line skaters. Mr. Collins responded that the intent was primarily for recreational mobility devices such as Segways and he was unsure how it related to personal mobility devices and wheelchairs. He added that the intent of the Traffic Review was to keep personal mobility devices and wheelchairs on the sidewalks rather than the bike lanes but that the concept of not having a sidewalk but having a bike lane was not discussed. Mr. Buck and Mr. Collins stated that they would reach out to the City Attorney to get a clarification on the intent and the potential need for an exception or exemption for personal mobility devices and wheelchairs when no sidewalk is available. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Bicycle and Pedestrian Related Projects in the 2015 Capital Improvement Program: Mr. Buck stated that he separated out and compiled a list and amp of what 2015 CIP items that relate to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, a few of which will require action by the committee. When that takes place, we will have the Department of Public Works attend the meeting to assist with the discussion. The first item is the full reconstruction of West New York Avenue from Spruce to Wisconsin. That segment is designated for a sign and/or sharrow. With the majority of New York Avenue having been reconstructed in the last 5 years, and only one section left at Wisconsin Street to N. Main Street, which is proposed 2016. It may be a good time to make a blanket recommendation for all of New York Avenue. As previously discussed lane construction will likely need to be phased because of the distance and cost. Staff recommends that the Committee focus their discussion on the western portion of New York Avenue as the existing bike lanes in the campus area would benefit from an east/west connector system. The remaining portion of New York Avenue from Wisconsin Street east to Menominee Park could be implemented in 2016. The committee discussed the description of the roadway and how it related to availability of putting in the facilities as well as how they would relate to parking. Mr. Buck went over the CIP item for West Fernau Avenue. The facilities as proposed should be able to handle bike lanes and will be similar in size to existing stretches of Fernau Avenue. The Committee could also make the recommendation to include sidewalk along the full stretch of Fernau Avenue in the future however these pedestrian facilities will need to be postponed until a regional stormwater management plan is implemented as the terrace area of the right of way is intended to be utilized for stormwater conveyance. In relation to the sidewalk rehab and reconstruction program, Mr. Otto made a statement that he has issues with the design of one of the curb ramps as they are not functional or safe. Mr. Buck suggested that this discussion be held under item B under New Business. Mr. Buck stated that the sidewalk rehab and reconstruction program are an annual program but he felt that the committee could potentially suggest sidewalk section replacements that have been identified as problematic and could then be analyzed by Public Works when they designate which areas are to be rehabbed. Mr. Collins stated that a majority of the pedestrian signal heads with counters have been installed and there is enough money in the CIP to replace them all by the end of the year. Mr. Bellcorelli asked if Mr. Collins could provide an update on the progress of installation at a future meeting. Discussion took place on the park improvements that are included on the list. Mr. Collins also discussed an assessment that is taking place by East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission on our transit stops to identify problems and recommend improvements to them. Additional discussion took place on bicycle registration fee holiday and potential increase in the fee to $5. Mr. Buck stated he had not seen anything brought forward to the Council but he will research the committee’s minutes to determine where they stand. B. STAFF STATEMENTS – no discussion C. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS It was determined that the items that were not completed or discussed at this meeting should be included on the next meeting. Mr. Buck said he would include discussion on two potential road diets that have had some previous discussion. D. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Panske and seconded by Mr. Otto. The meeting adjourned unanimously at 5:05 p.m. Dutifully Recorded David Buck