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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-07 - BPAC Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, January 7, 2009-Noon to 1:30pm Bend City Hall-Board Room Meeting Minutes Members present: Cheryl Howard, Chuck Humphreys, Matt Martin, Kevin Tanski, Michele Sims, Sami Fournier, Jim Stone Agency: Chris Carney-Bend Police Department, Mark Pilliod-Deschutes County, Rick Root-City of Bend, Robin Lewis- City of Bend, Bill Hilton-ODOT, Mary Barron-ODOT, Roger Olson-Deschutes County Guests: Peter Werner-BDBAC, Garry Zimmerman, Roger Averbeck Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 12:00pm. Introductions Prior Minutes The minutes for the December 2009 BPAC meeting were approved unanimously. Bend Bike Advisory Group Bike Racks Peter Werner provided overview of handout regarding plan to install new bike racks in downtown Bend. He noted each rack would cost approximately $200 and accommodate 2 bikes. Michelle voiced concern with the stability of the rack with only one contact point to the ground. Peter responded that these would be anchored and secure to the sidewalk. Cheryl voiced support and noted current shortage of racks downtown. She asked if these racks would be sponsored. Peter indicated it is being discussed. Peter added these could potentially replace some of the outdated or damaged racks that are currently installed. Mark Pilliod raised point about the rack designs being intellectual property and to get permission. Peter indicated racks would be from the original manufacturer and not a copy. Bike Corral A corral is being considered to replace the on street motor vehicle parking space located in front of Thump Coffee. Cheryl asked who would maintain to corral. Peter stated Thump would be responsible. This project would be funded through Commute Options, thereby allowing donations to be tax deductable and making it eligible for grants. Protection from motor vehicle impact discussed. Peter noted that Jeff Datwyler, Bend Downtown Manager, suggested flexible visual barriers. Robin Lewis stated there is still question of whether land use review and/or an exception would be required to permit the corral in the street right-of-way. Action-Sami moved to draft letter of support of bake rack proposal. Chuck second. Approved unanimously. Flagger Controlled Work Zones on Century Drive Bill Hilton and Mary Barron distributed handout and provide overview. The paving project will be from west Bend City Limits to mile post 21.98 (Mt. Bachelor Junction) and constructed in 3 mile segments. The project is scheduled from Approximately July to October with intermittent periods of work. The surface will be hot mix asphalt, not chip seal. There will be no curbing or drains. Construction zone maintenance will be required as part of contract. The project includes a $238,000 traffic control budget. Pre-announcements and advanced notice will be provided via media and along the route. Sami expressed concern with requiring bicycle traffic to travel on opposite side of road, against flow of motor vehicle traffic. Bill and Mary indicated they would revisit the committee prior to the project construction. Bill also presented new temporary road signage for special events. The signs will be orange and black with directional arrows and event title initials. These signs have been approved by ODOT. Tumalo Intersections and Bike/Ped Safety Michelle led discussion regarding provision on new features (i.e. lights, crosswalk, etc.) across Highway 20 in Tumalo. The primary goal is to control speed. A median project is funded and considered “phase 1” of the solution. Group express importance of working with both ODOT and BOCC. Too many issues and solutions to consider at this time. Follow up discussion needed at next meeting. New Year’s Eve Pedestrian Hit and Runs Roger Averbeck, member of both Willamette Pedestrian Coalition and Multnomah County BPAC and also uncle to one of the victims, led discussion. He offered to partner with committee in crafting message highlighting the laws and responsibilities of both driver and pedestrian. Group agreed a stronger campaign was needed and agreed to partner with Roger’s organization. Updates Sisters TSP going before City Council next Thursday. Chuck expressed there are still outstanding concerns and issues with some councilors and uncertainty of outcome. Commute Options Safe Routes to School at Elk Meadow Elementary School begins April 15th. Programs scheduled include Madras and Sisters. Complete list of schools/dates on website. Volunteers needed for 1 hour to 1 day commitments. Deschutes County Roger Olson fielded questions regarding recent and future road improvement projects. Huntington Road paving project-This was done with stimulus money requiring a quick start and no widening was permitted. Cloverdale Road-Scheduled for spring/summer. Reconstruction will be 28 feet wide. This will be repaving, rather than chip seal, and have a 20 year typical life cycle. South Century Drive/Spring River Road-Not scheduled yet. It was noted that the plan is to widen to the extent possible, within budget. Alfalfa Market Road-committee commented there is gravel on bike lane created very dangerous conditions. BPAC Business PSA/Message Calendar Update Additions: July-South County Summit. October-P.M. Pedestrian awareness message/PSA to coincide with day light savings time change. November- Deschutes County Budget discussion for following fiscal year. Change: May-Chip seal projects preview. (moved from June) BOCC Meeting Scheduled for February 3rd at 1:30pm. This will be reintroduction of BPAC to Commission. Members to prepare bios. Follow up organizational meetings to be scheduled via e-mail. Open Floor Sami introduced discussion regarding new law restricting cell phone use while driving. Committee agrees it is a good, positive step but there are concerns with enforcement. Chris is expecting 90-97% compliance. He noted the contractor exception allowing use of cell phone while driving will be challenging to enforce. Cheryl acknowledged the Soundsfast advertisement as a quality and informative product. The committee noted the law should consider imposing same restrictions on bicycle riders. Note: Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 3, 2010. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 1:47 pm.