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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesBICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 19, 2015 PRESENT: Ben Rennert, Tom Otto, Vicky Redlin, Caroline Panske, Jay Stengel, Adam Bellcorelli, and James Michelson STAFF: David Buck, Principal Planner and Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner CALL TO ORDER Being that a quorum was present, Chairman James Michelson called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 2015 MEETING MINUTES Vicky Redlin moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 19, 2015. Adam Bellcorelli seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. James Michelson pointed out the guest in the audience and she introduced herself as a member of the Committee on Aging and that she was interested in wheelchair mobility. OLD BUSINESS A. Ordinance 14-523 David Buck explained the ordinance and told the committee that the revised ordinance is scheduled to go through the Traffic Advisory Committee on April 14. He said the section being amended is 27-66-2. The proposed change is to add “when no sidewalks exist but a bicycle lane is present persons utilizing canopy propelled wheelchair or other low powered vehicle designed specifically for use of a disabled person may use the designated bike lane”. Adam Bellcorelli stated his desire to add in “or if the sidewalk is not accessible”. The committee discussed the situations in which a sidewalk would not be accessible and they found that many real life factors could affect accessibility such as snow/ice, parked cars, construction, and debris. B. Curb Ramp Discussion David Buck explained that staff from the Department of Public Works was unavailable for this meeting. He read an email that explained that the city already does what the committee was requesting. The email explained that when there is an area with a narrow terrace or an area that prohibits them from installing an ADA compliant Type 2 ramp, then they need to use Type 1. David Buck explained that they try to avoid this type as much as possible, but there are some areas that do not allow it. Tom Otto expressed his desire to talk with Public Works further at a different point in time. C. Bike Registration Fee Holiday David Buck explained that the resolution went through Common Council and was approved unanimously. He explained that in the past the records show that a fee holiday has increased participation. It was discussed that bike rodeos help increase participation. D. Distribution List David Buck explained the promotional material they have been receiving and the need to have a formal list of where to distribute this information. Staff put together a draft of different interested parties and hoped that the committee would have ideas. Adam Bellcorelli suggested targeting the UWO Recreation and Wellness Center. NEW BUSINESS A. Bike Registration Fee Increase David Buck explained that he sent out the idea of increasing the bike registration fee to Transportation, Public Works and Police and all three felt that it was a counterproductive measure and they recommended against a fee increase. He explained that they can still move forward and request an amendment to the code to raise the fee. The committee explained that the purpose of the fee increase is to make up the lost revenue from the fee holiday and lead registrants to the free registration, which coincides with the safety courses. They also expressed a need to advertise how this fee money is used and explain the benefits of registration. Adam Bellcorelli explained that sometimes removing a fee all together can create a perception that it’s not worth anything. David Buck stated that they do not need to vote on it again, because they already have voted. The committee still agreed on increasing the fee. Adam Bellcorelli mentioned the idea of changing the bike registration process to an online version. The committee agreed on a single person fee of five dollars and a family price for ten dollars for two or more people from the same family in the same residence. Vicky Redlin explained that the benefit of having a registered bike is that it can be used as a form of identification for a child who may not have an ID. B. Funding for Bike Locks David Buck explained that in the past more funds have been available, but this year the funds are not present and the police department cannot afford bike locks or any other “give-away” items for this year’s bike rodeos. He said that last year they bought about 750 bike locks and gave them all away. The committee considered fundraising, but it was determined that this year’s bike rodeos are closely approaching and it is too late to fundraise. The committee discussed the prices of other types of give-away items such as reflective bands or helmets. The general opinion was that bike locks are too expensive to fund by themselves and they decided to see if the Police Department would accept money for safety lights and/or reflectors. Caroline Panske motioned to approve the amount of $1,000 for blinking lights for the bike rodeos with Walk and Bike Oshkosh printed on it. Vicky Redlin seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. C. Bike Connection Priorities for Existing Facilities David Buck used the projector to show the maps that he found from past meetings. He explained that he wanted to further understand how and where they want to prioritize connecting the existing routes. The committee discussed the possibilities of connecting the Murdock trail to the Wiouwash Trail. The Committee discussed the problems with Summit Avenue. The committee agreed to put dashed lines on Oshkosh Ave. The idea of researching alternatives for route indicators was discussed. They agreed to keep Murdock as a bike lane. STAFF ANNOUNCMENTS A. Resolution 15-118 David Buck explained that this was regarding keeping Complete Streets in the state budget. B. West Murdock Road Diet David Buck explained that there is going to be a community meeting about the Murdock road diet on March 31st, 2015 and invited the committee to join in and support this road diet. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE FUTURE MEEETINGS A. David Buck clarified that at the next meeting they will discuss connecting existing facilities. Additional items for future meeting include items on the yearly goal list including developing awareness materials, developing and updating new/existing maintenance policies, investigating grant for funding resources, properly signing and developing all bikes routes and a new brochure, investigate improving safety at the Congress and Summit crossing, addressing the road on east Murdock between Bowen and Harrison. ADJOURNMENT Adam Bellcorelli made a motion to adjourn and was seconded by James Michelson. The meeting adjourned unanimously at 5:55 p.m. Recorded by Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner