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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-03 - BPAC Minutes Meeting Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, June 3, 2010-Noon to 1:30pm Bend City Hall-Board Room Members Present: Cheryl Howard, Chuck Humphreys, Matt Martin, Eli Ashley, Kevin Tanski, Sami Fournier, Jim Stone Agency: Chris Carney- Bend PD, Steve Jorgensen- Bend Parks and Recreation, Bill Hilton-ODOT, Tom Blust-Deschutes County Road Department, George Kolb-Deschutes County Road Department, Garry Zimmerman- CCCC, Robin Gyorgyfalvy-Deschutes National Forest, Jovi Anderson-BMPO, Robin Lewis-City of Bend Visitors: Michael Magee, Phyllis Lewis Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 12:04pm. Introductions Prior Minutes Kevin moved to approved minutes as drafted. Eli 2nd the motion. The committee voted to approve the minutes unanimously. 19th Street Road and Bikeway Tom Blust provided overview of project. This project was initiated by Redmond citizens. Location is east of Highway 97 and Juniper Golf Course. It will tie into local road network to facilitate bicycles and pedestrian. This road was not on the County TSP Plan. Inclusion required revision to the plan and land use review. The inclusion has been approved by the County but is currently under appeal. Steve Jorgensen asked what is the scope (i.e. separated path or simple street cross section). Many options discussed and current design to be 34’ street cross section. Federal Funds used for project which means different standards with 34’ cross section being the minimum. Narrowed road and separate path would require exception. Chuck asked does the road R.O.W. abut the railroad R.O.W . It does about for most of the project. Is 100’ R.O.W. required for street? No, but it was request to accommodate street, slopes, and drainage. Skyliners Road George provided update. 2013 is anticipated start date. The timeline is moving ahead to combine with City waterline and Federal road construction. Temporary speed limit will be 45 mph until project completion. They are also looking at reducing speed limit to 25 mph near residential subdivision. Federal process is heavy on public involvement. Sheriff Department received grant to increase enforcement along Skyliners Road. Chuck asked about decision on width? No decision yet but BPAC can advocate for preferred design. Proposal from County is 32’ road cross section. Tumalo Community Members Request for Advocacy from BPAC The Tumalo Community members have expressed concern that pedestrian/bicycle signage will not be included in the redesign/reconstruction when completed. They have asked for BPAC for advocacy. Cheryl noted an e-mail from Dan Sperpico from ODOT indicated signs will be installed regardless of final construction. Cheryl conveyed the importance of these signs to Dan. BPAC voiced support for signage and will respond as needed. Proposed Brooks-Scanlon Pedestrian/Bike Way Phyllis provided background and update of accomplishments and next phases. Work will focus on route from Three Creeks in Sisters to Shevlin Park in Bend. Taylor NW offered a quick estimate of $2.5 million for 8’ path. Others have estimated $2.15 million. Rails to Trails recommended 8’ trial with 10’ total cross section. An outstanding concern is maintenance and amenities. Taylor NW provided verbal agreement for the trail on north side of Bull Springs Road with woodcrete fence barrier. The fence is estimated to cost $126,000 for 1.2 mile fence. It was noted that most timber harvested will be transported towards Three Creeks, away from users. Jim commented that involvement is needed from others (Sisters, Bend Parks, grant writers) for support and assist in obtaining funding. Chuck stressed importance of “family friendly” route aspect of this project. He asked if the road go through private property. The road does but the trial would not. He offered Sisemore Road as an alteration route. Steve Jorgensen responded noting political and physical concerns and barriers to construction along Sisemore Road. Bill Hilton noted selected route is old railroad grade which means grade will not exceed 3%. Sami asked about current funding opportunities. Bill indicated funds may not be ready by end of month deadline. Chuck mentioned example of Summit Count Colorado project around Dillon Lake and the partnerships established and used to complete the project. Bill Hilton noted section grants available as alternative to funding for entire route. Phyllis indicated she is hoping to meeting with Forest Service at the end of the month. Kevin suggested meeting with Forest Service first with BPAC. Sami indicated importance of including route as part of TPS. Jovi indicated draft TPS will be prepared by end of the month. Sami asked that it be insured this route is still on the plan. Steve noted it should already be on the plan. The committee expressed strong support, thanks, and acknowledgement of Phyllis’s efforts. ODOT: Bike/Ped Issues on the Bend North Corridor Project Removed from agenda. ODOT Bike and Ped Grant Jovi provided handout of grants and projects being pursued. Chuck highlighted Cascade sidewalk/back-in parking proposals. A letter is being prepared that will be circulated to BPAC for approval. Kevin moved that BPAC support projects. Eli 2nd the motion. The committee voted unanimously to support. Cycle track project along Franklin/Riverside/Galveston corridor was highlighted. No proposal yet. Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway Meeting The proposal was submitted to the State. Some minor modifications to route and construction were made. The application will be evaluated in August and decision expected in the fall. Scenic Byway Welcome Station Concept Robin Gyorgyfalvy provided overview. Forest Service offices are to be moved to near Pine Nursery Park. The Forest Service would like a presence closer to the forest. Grant money used for planning (environmental assessment, outreach, signage plan, site location, etc.). Selected located north side of Road 41/Cascades Lakes Highway intersection. The Forest Service is seeking BPAC support for project. An appeal is anticipated from the Deschutes County Recreational Assets Committee. Based on spending for a building and not trails. Robin noted the funding to be used for the building is not available for trail building. Shane Jeffies will be meeting with BOCC next week. E-mail discussion to follow. Chuck asked/questioned how welcome center will encourage cycling and hiking. BPAC Business Skyliner/DC Road User Educational Campaign/Calendar/Ad Hoc Kevin provided update. He, Eli, and Jim will lead project. Eli met with County on May 24th to discuss. Organizational meeting to follow today’s meeting. Big Chainring/Safe Sidewalks Awards Presentation Awards will be presented at BOCC meeting on June 21st. See press release for details. Kevin showed new Big Chainring award design. A card was circulated to share thanks to Barnwood Company for help. Bike Safety Week Proclamation BOCC has provided support. City/Organizations Updates COACT Projects list being prepared that will be circulated. SB 1059 proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with emphasis on reducing vehicle miles traveled. Commute Options Bike Shed/Commute Options working in partnership for bike parking at Les Schwab Amphitheater and Tower Theater Events. Sami expressed frustration with $60 fee to reserve parking downtown. Committee suggested contacting Chuck Arnold. Bike Shed grant for Vista/AmeriCorps staff of shed. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 1:37 pm. Note: Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 1, 2010 in Sunriver at Sunriver Owners Association Board Room.