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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-01 - BPAC Minutes Meeting Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, April 1, 2010-Noon to 1:30pm Bend City Hall-Board Room Members present: Cheryl Howard, Glen Bates, Sami Fournier, Chuck Humphreys, Michele Sims, Jim Stone, Kevin Tanski Agency: Jovi Anderson-BMPO, Chris Carney-Bend Police Department, Mike Caccavano-City of Redmond, Laura Conrad-Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Deke-BMPO, Eric Kropp-Deschutes County Deputy County Administrator Guests: Lucas Freeman, Michael Magee Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 12:05pm. Introductions: All present introduced themselves by name and by affiliation Approval of prior minutes (March, 2010): Cheryl H. called for a motion to approve the March 4, 2010. Sami Fournier made a motion to approve. The committed voted to approve the minutes unanimously. Sidewalk Inventory Update: Tyler Deke provided an update of the Bend Sidewalk Inventory. They are attempting to get a complete inventory of the system. Some previous data could not be transferred into the “modern” digital mapping/inventory system. Ultimately, they want a prioritized list of projects to seek funding. There are some gaps in the data and some missing sections. They are looking for volunteers to fill in additional data, with very basic information required at this point, as to whether there is a sidewalk, the condition of the sidewalk, etc. Tyler will return in June or July to get volunteers. Jovi discussed the map, indicating that the red lines show where no sidewalk is present. She reinforced the BMPO interest in determining the most important, priority systems. She also discussed walkability checklist and would like input on how the checklist evolves. Cheryl asked about existing conditions and their information on those conditions. Tyler indicated they are interested and they will develop an assessment tool. Cheryl indicated that she wants to volunteer and suggested that Matt Martin wants to volunteer, as well. Staff indicated that each neighborhood association will be approached about the possibilities of system and inventory support. Tumalo update: Sami F. reported that the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC) are in the process of updating the Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP) and hosted a forum in Tumalo on March 31st to discuss the update and to obtain public comment and input. Safety and highway crossings in Tumalo, licensing and vision tests were indicated as the highest priorities by those present, resulting from a dot vote exercise facilitated by ODOT. Sami indicated there were approximately 80 individual topics in the traffic safety plan, and there is much focusing on bicycling; She indicated that TSAC is a large group and Walt McAllister of ODOT is the team leader. Chuck asked about vision tests, and what ODOT hoped to get from that? Was there something specific to that location? Sami indicated yes, and this was discussed in the context of seniors, and ODOT suggested that signs seem to have a limited “life span” as people get used to seeing them. Staff also indicated that rumble strips across highway were of interest but were not not feasible, in part because of noise issues. It was reported that the law enforcement troopers present were not aware of the safe passing law. Approximately 12 people from Tumalo were present in addition to staff, TSAC members and others. Safe Sidewalk Awards: There was discussion regarding the slate of nominees. Chuck asked for clarification regarding those that were “self-nominated” and how best to assess the efforts of the nominees. It was pointed out that Redmond did not have any nominations. Kevin suggested nominating the Downtown Urban Renewal District/Advisory Committee (after some clarification by Mike C). Cheryl will revise the ballot and resend it to members for final email vote. Skyliners: Cheryl reported on the results of two meetings held in late March. The need to attend the BOCC worksession was discussed, and BPAC should respond to the proposed single-file ordinance. Chuck suggested that we not only not endorse it, but it is contrary to the law. The concept of presenting a white paper to the BOCC was discussed. Cheryl discussed an email from Eric Chui saying homeowners did not navigate the issue fairly, and suggested we are on target with a suggestion of six foot and 11 foot lane configuration. Bicycling ambassadors were discussed, but there was some caution because of liabilities, although could be useful during events. It was suggested that proper rules and laws already exist, and we need to stay up to date on what the new laws are, help to educate law enforcement, and perhaps offer brownbag course. BPAC should help support an effective educational campaign with share the road, and beyond what Road User Task Force has been doing, focusing on both cyclists and motorists. Surveys suggest that 20% of visitors to the area go up to Tumalo Falls. In the short-term a campaign should encourage bicycle shops to point cyclists to other rides. It was suggested that we emphasize safety issues to new riders. Eli's idea of a full-scale kiosk was discussed, and it was determined that Roger Olsen is receptive to the idea. It was suggested that a full-on educational campaign could have very positive effects on roads throughout the region. If construction happens in 2012, then by 2014 the route will become very popular; Michele suggested “this is grain of sand in the oyster to get to the pearl of reconstruction.” Eric also adddressed the FHWA regional funding picture; seem to be open to moving it up if the city of Bend is ready to put in the water line. He believes a letter has been written to the Forest Service in this regard, but it needs to be confirmed with Heidi Landsdowne. Senators have been involved, and have been in communication with the BOCC. Everything seems to be coming together, and the water line will be in public right-of-way under the road. Decisions regarding lane width will ultimately belong to FHWA. It was suggested that BPAC should really step up and get involved with the decision-making process, and encourage the agencies to spend enough money now to get it right. Sami asked Eric about additional comments, and suggested we have not given people enough information about the project and opportunities for input. April 14th is input deadline. BOCC has specifically asked for BPACs input and worksession on the 14th will be important. It was recognized that this process is a reaction to the complaints of the residents. The County Attorney was asked about the County's legal and policy positions. It was stated that the draft single-file ordinance does not conflict with state law. BPAC members stated that issues of precedent are of a real concern, and suggest the argument is “you're not going to make it better; you are going to make it worse.” The potential for confusion is significant. Kevin volunteered to work with Cheryl to help draft a white paper to submit to the BOCC for the April 14th worksession. COACT Cheryl suggested it was a great Board, she was awed by the thoughtful discussions, and enthusiastically reported that Commissioner Luke brought up bicycling issues quite a bit. It is a great venue to begin to weigh in ahead of construction. One question that came out of the session was the prospect of getting Jefferson and Crook counties represented as ex-officio on BPAC. Cheryl also indicated that Andrew Spreadborough with COIC mentioned that BPAC could use their Board room in Redmond. Bylaws: Cheryl suggested three possible amendments to the BPAC bylaws for future consideration. These included a) provisions that compel County staff to prepare the minutes of BPAC proceedings. This does not reflect actual circumstances or account for staff capacity to do so. It was suggested that the language be amended to delegate responsibility to the BPAC Secretary, with the Chair having responsibility for preparation and distribution of the agenda; b) that BPAC assume responsibility from respective city councils for appointment of city representatives to BPAC. There was some pushback on this suggestion, and the Chair suggested that the BPAC at large take the responsibility to insure that proper action is taken by the city governments if the language is to remain intact; and c) language regarding ex-officio membership be broadened to include representation from Jefferson County, Crook County and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, in part to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration and alignment with COACT. Grants Calendar Kevin reported that he and Sami had met last year to get things started. The process languished for a time, but the Grant Calendar is now up and running, but was still a work in progress. He provided a brief demonstration on line, describing the calendar and associated documents. There was some discussion regarding the need to set policies on input and editing. Kevin indicated he would send out a follow-up email Open Floor Sami announced a need for additional volunteers for upcoming bike work day Note: Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 6, 2010 in Bend. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 1:42 pm. Respectfully submitted by Kevin Tanski