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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-05 - BPAC Minutes Meeting Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, April 5, 2012 - Noon to 2:00pm Sisters, Oregon City Hall 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. Members Present: Michele Sims, Chuck Humphreys, Matt Martin, Bill Braly, Mary Barron, Jim Stone Agency: Mike Caccavano – City of Redmond, Mark Pilliod – Deschutes County, Pauline Hardy – City of Sisters, Paul Bertanga – City of Sisters, Katie Williams – Black Butte Ranch, Erin Borla – Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway, Wendy Holzman - Sisters Parks Masterplan, Anne Heath - Sisters Parks and Rec, Bill Hilton – ODOT Visitors: Phyllis Lewis, Eric Huffman, Leland Bliss, Sarah Resor, Carolyn Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 12:03 PM. Introductions Approval of Prior Minutes The minutes of the March 1, 2012 meeting were unavailable for adoption. Mainstreet & Cascade Ave Improvement project/video Paul Bertanga and Pauline Hardy presented the proposed plan for US20 Cascade Ave improvements through Sisters, to make a safer and more inviting pedestrian environment downtown. There are currently problems with drainage, ADA accessibility, with ramps missing or not in compliance, failing asphalt, narrow sidewalks and poor parking facilities. Issues with pedestrian behavior include jaywalking and a tendency to walk in some roadways. The current average daily traffic (ADT) is 12,000 with 10% of that volume trucks. The city has developed a corridor plan in conjunction with SERA Architects and ODOT that will include trees, bulb-outs in every sections, benches, lighting, bicycle racks & sidewalk pavers. This is an infrastructure improvement project with a bike/ped component. There were questions regarding loss of parking spaces with the new design and with respect to the construction time. Pauline indicated January 2014 as a possible time for project initiation. Mary indicated that ODOT had completed their analysis on the traffic routing. Main Ave Currently under construction is the Main Street improvement project from Pine Street to Larch Street. This will be the designated bike route through town. Included in the project are 8’ sidewalks, 5-6’ bike lanes and back-in parking. Improvements to Pine Street are also underway and will include back-in parking on the west side and parallel parking on the east side. ADA compatibility, sidewalks and bike lanes are part of this project. As indicated in the 2010 TSP, the project is intended to be the east/west alternate route for the highway bicyclist through town. This project was funded with an ODOT Bicycle and Pedestrian program grant for $650,000, plus a 10% City match. They want to complete this prior to the start of the Cascade Avenue improvements to avoid bicycle user conflicts. It is expected to be completed by Memorial Day, and is currently ahead of schedule. The project is expected to be completed for $600,000 (design and construction). Innovative approaches were used with contractors to insure that business access was sustained throughout the project. Paul is working with Sheila Lyons, ODOT, to see if the extra funds can be transferred to another project. Back-in parking was researched, including input from other cities that already use it. These cities reported original resistance to this concept, but have since accepted it and it seems to be working well – no reported accidents. The City of Sisters plans to do an outreach/education campaign to inform the citizens of how these new parking spaces should function. They have produced a video, in conjunction with some students, showing how these parking spaces function. New Santiam Trail ODOT bike and ped program provided funding for this project with quick fix funds. This path will connect the west end of town to the Three Winds shopping center (Ray’s) and parallel Hwy 20 on the west side. One stipulation of the money is that the project must be constructed with existing ODOT right-of-way. It will be a 10’ wide multi-use path. It will link into the proposed Safe Routes to School path at McKinney Butte Rd. There is potential to install lighting along the trail and at a minimum, electrical conduit for this lighting should be included in the project. The project is expected to provide important links and access for recreational tourism, including proximity to several lodging facilities west of town. Depending on how the bids come in, there is a possibility of adding additional pathways along Hwy 242. Safe Routes to School This path is funded by a grant through the Safe Routes to Schools program. Bids came in under the engineer’s estimate, so the project will move ahead. It will provide connectivity within neighborhoods in both parts of town with schools. Cascade, Tamarack & Maple area around the elementary school will have 6’ asphalt paths. The high school area will connect with Hwy 242 and with McKinney Butte neighborhoods. There will be pedestrian crossings with flashing lights. There will be ADA improvements and bike parking facilities at both schools. Construction should begin in 30-45 days. Roundabout Feasibility Study Update The Hwy 20/Barclay intersection is in ODOT’s 2012/2015 STIP. Paul indicated that a survey was distributed to some residents of the City of Sisters and, of ~200 surveys returned, 97% responding favored a roundabout over a signal. Most of those favored the multi-lane roundabout over a single lane. Discussions with Freight Commission and ODOT are taking place to insure that community and freight transport needs are met. Some members of the council will meet with them again on the 13th of April to resolve remaining issues and to further coordinate design and construction. ODOT has hired Kittleson and Associates to do more analysis and design for this intersection, including assurances that traffic volume data and projections are accurate. Mary suggested that as new designs come forth and are implemented successfully that the freight industry may become less opposed. Traffic Calming on Hwy 242 The City of Sisters wants to pursue traffic calming efforts on Hwy 242 east of Sisters. The City is pursuing coordination of a meeting/forum to discuss alternatives. Michele suggested several individuals she would like to see participate. She also had suggestions for agencies and organizations to possibly include the Sheriff’s Office, the City, the Edgington and Crossroads neighborhoods, Sisters Trail Alliance, Deschutes County, Commute Options, USFS and ODOT. There was additional discussion about creative approaches to traffic calming and ODOT policies and criteria regarding establishment of speed limits. Sisters Chamber of Commerce Erin Borla reported on the Three Sisters Scenic Bikeways and developing their marketing and management plan. She distributed information, including the new Sisters Cycling Guide. She briefly described the Scenic Bikeways project, and routes in the Sisters-based system. They are partnering with the Sisters Trail Alliance on several projects. These include outreach to business owners and partnerships with the state. Phyllis commented on the Scenic Bikeways signs that have been put in place. Sisters Trail Alliance Chuck Humpheys reported that the Sisters Trail Alliance is focusing on trail maintenance. The first overall plan developed in 2003 was updated in 2011, and which identifies over a dozen projects. Chuck discussed the details of their work program, which includes the following new trails either under construction or proposed for future construction: • Crossroads School Single Track (single track) • Top of Peterson Ridge (single track) • Sisters Cow Camp (5 mile loop horse trail) – USFS roads • Graham Corral (5 mile loop horse trail) – USFS roads • Whychus Creek Portal Trail (USFS project) o Hiking Trail o Scenic Overlook (ADA accessible) o Bicycle Trail (converts USFS roads to single track) • Paved School Commuter Trails (from Crossroads to city limits/McKenzie Trail) • Relocate Peterson Ridge Trailhead (gravel parking lot with 25 spaces and restroom facilities) • Sisters – Camp Sherman Multi-Use Paved Trail o Phase 1 – Sisters to Black Butte o Phase 2 – Black Butte to Camp Sherman • Brooks-Scanlon Sisters to Bend paved Trail Katie Williams discussed the relationship between the Sisters Trails Alliance and Black Butte Ranch. She indicated the personal interest of their staff, including their General Manager, in recreational bicycling. She also indicated their interest in marketing their lodging and recreational opportunities to bicyclists. In a survey of property owners regarding a paved trail to the ranch from Sisters, with over 700 responses over 95% favor the trail. The property owners recognize the many benefits, including additional revenue for the ranch. The upcoming tri- County summit was discussed, which will be held on June 19th at Black Butte Ranch. Ann from the Trails Alliance discussed Trails Alliance outreach efforts. This is to help heighten awareness of activities in the community and to recruit new members and engage new volunteers. They are also trying to assess the economic impacts of bicycling in the Sisters community. Sisters Parks Master Plan Wendy and Pauline briefly described efforts underway as a result of their 1st Parks Master Plan, which was adopted in August, 2011. They are wrapping up their first grant request, which is due on April 6th The planning process including a lot of public input, including surveys and several stakeholder meetings. One focus will be on pedestrian connectivity between parks. Sisters Parks and Recreation District Ann Heath described their efforts to create programs of benefit to the community. They will be helping to encourage trails awareness and greater use by locals. An innovative “Prescription for play” program is being implemented in conjunction with the medical community, including school-based health care centers. They are following up on a concept crafted at a prior symposium to “put your assets on our trails.” The District is also working to develop more tournaments and events to profile the Sisters Country, including something modeled after the Bend-based Pole Peddle Paddle. They now have a staff person who will be working on all of these projects. Chuck commented that it is “nice” to hear about the non-infrastructure facets of recreation. BPAC Business Michele distributed copies of the new policy draft regarding a process to guide BPAC decisions about future project support. Bill provided a summary of the intent. There was some discussion about timeline for input and the decision-making process. There was no quorum, so a decision on the policy was tabled until the May meeting. Redmond There was some discussion regarding artist in residence at the High School that will work the community to implement art projects. Mike also mentioned their ongoing work on an update of the bicycle plan. Big Chainring The topic was tabled until May Committee Terms Cheryl, Michele and Jim have terms ready to expire. Jim agreed to continue to serve. Michele will be giving it additional thought. Distribution of Lodging Funds There was discussion about the current process to collect and distribute lodging taxes and the negotiations underway to develop an equitable process for future distribution. The County is helping to facilitate the process. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 2:21 pm