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BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 18, 2015
PRESENT: Tom Otto, Caroline Panske, Jay Stengel, Adam Bellcorelli, Benjamin Rennert,
Vicky Redlin, James Michelson
STAFF: Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner and Principal Planner David Buck
1. Call to Order
Mr. Michelson called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
2. Approval of May 21, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Ms. Panske moved to approve the May 21st meeting minutes and Mr. Otto seconded the
motion. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Funding for Congress and Summit Crossing Improvements
Ms. Urban arrived to explain her experience using the Congress and Summit crossing. Ms.
Urban believes that one of the crossing lights is broken; however Mr. Collins performed a site
inspection and confirmed that the facility is completely intact and functioning. The committee
agreed that the intersection is a safety concern. Mr. Rennert made a motion to prioritize the
Congress and Summit crossing as the number one priority and to use the 2015 CIP budget to
install Rectangular Rapidly Flashing Beacons. Ms. Panske seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
4. Possible amendment Ordinance 25-54 discussion – Sidewalk Width - Jim Michelson
Mr. Michelson explained that he wanted to explore this idea if there was interest from the
committee. Mr. Michelson explained that it would be better for pedestrians to change
Ordinance 25-54 to require six feet wide sidewalks on arterial or major roads. Mr. Michelson
asked the committee who was interested and four out of the seven committee members
expressed interest. Mr. Otto explained that it is difficult to use the existing sidewalks because
there are many utility poles and boxes blocking the sidewalks. Ms. Naudziunas said she would
discuss this with Mr. Gohde and Mr. Collins.
5. North Jackson Street sidewalks – Discussion
Mr. Michelson explained that the discussion on North Jackson Street sidewalks has been on the
agenda in the past. Mr. Michelson passed out a report from a previous meeting that Mr. Strong
(previous Transportation Director) created. The report outlined the advantages and
disadvantages of creating sidewalks from Packer Avenue to Bacon Avenue. Mr. Buck explained
that there are three ways to implement sidewalks. Mr. Buck explained the City of Oshkosh
could build within the existing right of way, acquire additional right of way or acquire easements
on private property. Ms. Naudziunas agreed to investigate the possibility of creating sidewalks
that are not continuous. Mr. Otto expressed a desire to build sidewalks to the northwest corner
of Jackson in order to connect the Affinity Medical Group building.
6. Broader Safe Roads Initiative Ideas – Adam Bellcorelli
Mr. Bellcorelli explained that he had been discussing the idea of creating a comprehensive way
to spread the word about the goals of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee to decision makers.
Mr. Bellcorelli believes that Bike and Pedestrians are not part of the important conversations at
this time. Mr. Bellcorelli believes that many people do not understand that using a bicycle can
be a form of transportation not a sport. The committee agreed a first place to start could be to
hold a meeting with Bicycle and Pedestrians Committee members and Common Council
members. Ms. Panske had the idea of each committee member taking turns attending Common
Council meetings and Traffic Review Advisory meetings in order to spread knowledge about the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee goals.
7. Education/Promotion on bike lane usage – Discussion
Mr. Rennert discussed the problem with bicyclists continuing to use sidewalks when there are
bike lane facilities on the same route. Ms. Redlin believed social media and the news sources
would be good resources to educate the public about using bike lanes.
8. Grants Information Update – Ms. Panske
Ms. Panske asked the committee to help her determine where bike racks are needed in the city.
Ms. Redlin explained that Emily Dieringer from Re:TH!NK may have some resources for finding a
good location for bike racks.
9. Bike Route Connection Priorities for Existing Facilities – Review Estimated Budget Cost
The committee agreed to skip to the review of budget costs after item three was completed.
Ms. Naudziunas explained each prioritized facility connection. Mr. Buck told the committee
about another possible connection on the west side down near Traeger Elementary on
Westhaven Drive and Newport Avenue.
10. Murdock Road Diet – Update
The committee briefly discussed the outcome of the June 9th Common Council meeting. The
committee agreed to have an update at the next Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
meeting, but there is no action that can be made on the topic because it is on hold. Ms.
Naudziunas explained that the July 14th Traffic Review Advisory Board will include a request to
modify the Murdock Avenue road reconfiguration to not include bike lanes.
11. Yearly Work Plan Schedule - Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee Goal List/Work Plan
for 2015
The committee agreed to skip item 11.
12. Agenda Items for the Future Meeting(s)
The committee agreed to keep all items on the agenda except item nine because there is no
more discussion needed at this time.
13. Adjournment
Mr. Michelson moved to adjourn the meeting and Ms. Redlin seconded the motion. Motion
carried unanimously at 6:11 p.m.
Recorded by Alexa Naudziunas – Assistant Planner