Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTESBICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 17, 2015 PRESENT: Tom Otto, Caroline Panske, Adam Bellcorelli, James Michelson, Jay Stengel, Vicky Redlin EXCUSED: Ben Rennert STAFF: Assistant Planner Alexa Naudziunas, Director of Transportation Jim Collins, Assistant Director of Public Works Steve Gohde 1. Call to Order Mr. Michelson called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 2. Approval of August 20, 2015 Meeting Minutes Mr. Bellcorelli moved to approve the August 20th meeting minutes. Mr. Stengel seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. North Jackson Street Sidewalks – Discussion Public Works Assistant Director, Steve Gohde, discussed the best approach to improving sidewalks. Mr. Gohde explained the disadvantages and advantages of each method of installing sidewalks. Mr. Gohde explained that the property owners that are in the Town of Oshkosh may not be required to maintain them. Mr. Gohde explained each property in the area and the factors that make this a challenging project. Mr. Collins recommended that this topic be brought to the Common Council as a discussion item in order to receive feedback on the topic. The committee still agreed that there needs to be sidewalks the entire length of Jackson between Bacon Avenue and Packer Avenue. 4. Possible amendment Ordinance 25-54 discussion – Sidewalk Width - Update Mr. Gohde explained that increasing the sidewalk width will also increase the amount of rainwater runoff, which can affect the lake water and the capacity of the storm sewers. Mr. Michelson commented that his desire to amend the code to increase sidewalks to 6 feet would only be where needed on higher pedestrian volume areas. Mr. Gohde explained that some areas cannot accommodate a wider sidewalk because there is no space available. Mr. Otto explained that there are some areas that become congested because there are pedestrians and bicyclists using the same sidewalk. Mr. Collins recommended that this topic be brought to the Common Council as a discussion item in order to receive feedback on the topic. 5. Board and Commission Recruitment PSA – Emily Media Services Ms. Naudziunas explained that Ms. Makowski from Oshkosh Media Services is leading an effort to promote participation in boards and commissions. Ms. Naudziunas asked if anyone would be willing to help create a public service announcement. Mr. Bellcorelli and Ms. Redlin volunteered. 6. Encouraging interdepartmental attendance of Bike and Ped meetings - Discussion Ms. Naudziunas explained that city staff met internally and decided it would benefit the function of the committee if additional staff members attended the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee in the instance that there was an agenda item that required an explanation or additional information from their department. The committee agreed that this is a satisfactory approach. 7. Bike and Ped Goals Education Campaign – Discussion The committee agreed that they want to create original videos to help Oshkosh residents learn about the benefits and safety concerns regarding using a bicycle in an urban setting. The committee expressed a desire to create a social media presence with images and charts to help explain the culture of bicycling in Oshkosh. Ms. Naudziunas explained that planning staff met with City of Oshkosh Media Services in order to learn more about these possibilities. Ms. Naudziunas explained that Media Services will help create public service announcement videos to educate the public on the recently implemented sharrows. 8. Murdock Avenue Road Reconfiguration – Update At the request of Transportation Director Jim Collins, this item was moved forward on the agenda as number three. Transportation Director Jim Collins updated the committee on the new paint/striping on Murdock Avenue. Mr. Collins explained that there are no designated bike lanes on Murdock Avenue; however there is a five foot shoulder on each side bordered by a white solid line. 9. Grants Information Update – Ms. Panske Ms. Panske explained that there are other groups in the area pursuing grants for bike racks and she has decided to stop pursuing grants for bike racks. Ms. Panske stated that she will continue researching grant opportunities. 10. Utilizing Green Paint in Bike Lanes – Discussion At the request of Transportation Director Jim Collins, this item was moved forward in the agenda as number five. Mr. Collins explained that the maintenance and cost to install a bike lane that is painted green can be very expensive. Mr. Collins recommended focusing on creating a complete bike network before adding extra details such as solid green bike lanes. The committee agreed that it would be best to revisit this idea at a later date. 11. Congress and Summit Crossing Improvements - Update At the request of Transportation Director Jim Collins, this item was moved forward in the agenda as number four. Mr. Collins explained that his staff has ordered the Rectangular Rapidly Flashing Beacons and they are scheduled to arrive in one month. Mr. Collins explained that the Transportation Department will aim to install them as soon as possible. The intersection is being studied by Public Works for potential sidewalk reconstruction next year. 12. Agenda Items for the Future Meeting(s) The committee requested that the North Jackson sidewalks and possible amendment to Ordinance 25-54 be added to the next agenda as an action item. 13. Adjournment Mr. Otto moved to adjourn the meeting and Ms. Panske seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously at 5:42 p.m. Recorded by Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner