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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-03 - BPAC Minutes Meeting Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, November 3, 2011-Noon to 1:30pm Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall, Councilors Boardroom Members Present: Cheryl Howard, Chuck Humphreys, Matt Martin, Michele Sims, Bill Braly, Mary Barron, Jim Stone, Kevin Tanski Agency: Kim Curley-Commute Options, Peter Russell- Deschutes County, Rick Root-City of Bend, Mike Caccavano-City of Redmond, Steve Jorgensen-Bend Metro Parks & Recreation, Mark Pilliod, Deschutes County, Chris Carney, Bend Police Dept., Robin Lewis, City of Bend Visitors: Phyllis Lewis, Tom Headley, Nunzie Gould Audio recording of this meeting is archived for review and/or transcription. The purpose of this document is to outline topics of discussion and actions by the Committee. Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 12:02pm. Introductions Approval of Prior Minutes Michele made a motion to approve the October 2011 BPAC meeting minutes; Mary provided second to the motion; the minutes were approved unanimously Completed trail projects and the findings so far on the 1st St. Bridge project Steve Jorgensen, Planning Manager, BMPRD, provided a summary of the current and planned projects for the Parks and Recreation district, showing slides to outline the specific details for each. Projects included pathway extensions and bridge in the area of the 1st street rapids. An Open House is coming up on November 16th. The Coyner Trail is 1-mile, $150,000 paved trail project that connects two public parks and eventually a third. Larkspur trail is 10 foot wide paved trail heading north from Pilot Butte State Park. There is a back-to-back ribbon cutting for both scheduled for November 10th. Steve then described work accomplished on the South Canyon Boardwalk, helping to guide trail users over a wetland adjacent to the Deschutes River. Steve responded to several questions, including a query about the lifecycle of paving and repair/replacement costs, and cost of a bridge at 1st Street, which Steve indicated would cost approximately $300K for the bridge alone. He also acknowledged Three Creeks for their “fabulous paving work, and added that the typical cross-section is 2” of asphalt over 4 inches of compacted aggregate. 8’ was the minimum trail width. Recap of the Planning Commission’s 10/27 hearing on the TSP Update Peter Russell, Senior Transportation Planner, Deschutes County Community Development Dept. began by distributing a staff report for the next Planning Commission. He discussed various bikeway designation alternatives considered by the planning team in conjunction with the Road Department. Peter responded to several questions about bikeway designations and the TSP Update, and addressed concerns regarding County involvement in decision making in the vicinity of Tumalo. Planning Commission hearing on the draft TSP proposed county bikeways Chuck Humphreys discussed the TSP and the relevance of a comprehensive bicycling/bikeway map. He expressed concerns about the absence of interest in publishing such a map. Mark asked about additional maintenance costs for the bikeways once established. There was considerable discussion about the location and current condition of routes. Issue of improved bicycle and pedestrian safety on the west side of Sisters (along 242) Chuck discussed the implications of a recent accident involving a bicyclist and a motorist along State Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass), west of Sisters in proximity to the schools. He stated that the city of Sisters is considering a proposal to incrementally reduce speed limits along the route from the schools east into the city, to include a school zone flasher. “Slow bike race” in downtown bend on Nov. 6, and update on COPSSI Kim Curley provided an update on the Slow Bike Race, and emphasized just how much fun it was going to be! She also discussed a recent grant from the Northwest Health Foundation to fund a childhood obesity initiative, and investigations into red light camera technology. BPAC Business: Calendar Update Cheryl led a discussion about the final form of the annual BPAC calendar, with a focus on reconciling an anticipated summer break and timing of regional summits, including the tri- County summit. She will send out a final draft for review by BPAC members Updates: Sisters Everyone was reminded about a public roundabout workshop scheduled for November 16th, 5:30-7:30pm. There was additional discussion about the opposition and lobbying from certain industries. A list of possible supporters was discussed. Redmond Mike discussed two trail projects, including a link from Pumice and Maple Avenue into Dry Canyon, and one that the Parks Department is working, also associated with dry canyon. South County It was stated that the U.S. Forest Service was starting a new process for funding trails on National Forests Bend Rick reported on open house scheduled for November 17th at the Sons of Norway Hall for the Galveston Street design, to include a presentation of task force ideas. They are targeting notification efforts along the corridor. Fundamentally, the project will result in making it more bicycle friendly, with the #1 issue being on street parking. Commute Options Kim noted efforts underway to encourage bike decorations for day of the dead ride, and a Chamber open house at 4pm (on meeting day) Open Floor: There were additional comments from members of the public regarding the bicycle and pedestrian safety and accessibility issues in the Tumalo community, and the need to have an advocate for Tumalo represented on the Committee Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 1:30pm. Note: Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Bend City Hall-Council Boardroom.