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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-03 - BPAC Minutes Meeting Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, May 3, 2012 - Noon to 1:30pm Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall, Councilors Boardroom 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: Cheryl Howard, Michele Sims, Matt Martin, Bill Braly, Mary Barron, Jim Stone, Eli Ashley, Kevin Tanski Agency: Mike Caccavano – City of Redmond, Jon Williams – City of Redmond, Bill Hilton – ODOT, Dan Serpico – ODOT, Peter Russell – Deschutes County, Nick Stevenson – Deschutes County, Rick Root – City of Bend, Brian Potwin - Commute Options Visitors: Bill Duerden, Glen Bates, Joe Bessman, Tom Headley Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 12:00 PM. Introductions Approval of Prior Minutes The minutes of the March 1, 2012 meeting were considered for adoption. Peter Russell requested that the term “county-maintained” was the correct term used in the discussion regarding the TSP update. Kevin indicated that this was also pointed out by Chuck. The March minutes were approved as amended. Rick wished to provide a clarification of those minutes, with respect to his comments regarding the Scenic Bikeway plan and a perceived need to review routes, which was deemed unnecessary as the Bikeway advocates had already made corrections to the routes in the City. The minutes of the April 5, 2012 meeting were considered for adoption. The April minutes were approved. There was some follow up discussion regarding cookies in arrears. Update of the ditchrider roads subcommittee (tentatively dubbed CART) Peter reported on the Ditchrider Road subcommittee, aka “Canals as Regional Trails” (CART) subcommittee. Their next meeting is scheduled for May 21st. They are obtaining copies of Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) that exist to use as a template. They are also preparing a “what could possibly go wrong” matrix that Rick is coordinating. Heather is working with Redmond Irrigation Districts and Cheryl is focusing on the Bend Irrigation Districts. A principal goal is to try to get recreation access codified within the respective IGAs. ODOT TE-OBPAC Grants ODOT is pooling Transportation Enhancement and Bicycle/Pedestrian grant funds into one $20 million pot of funds. As in the past, a notice of intent is to be filed, by June 6th, prior to submittal of a full application. A distinction this year is that a notice of intent; round 2 is by invitation; county has a matrix that will limit the number of applications. Deschutes County will be limited to two applications; The County was originally looking at five possible applications, for sidewalks and bicycle routes. They are looking at Tweed Road as one possible project, and they will likely submit two. Rick indicated that the City of Bend was meeting next week to discuss their projects. There is a minimum of $200K per grant proposal. Mike commented on the Redmond proposals. They only have the option of submitting one proposal. Using their bicycle and pedestrian plan as a guide, they would like to create a loop connection, and are looking at maps, historic structure renovation. Bill reported that ODOT is engaged in scoping on a project in Bend that will include sidewalks and ADA accessibility on 3rd Street from Empire to the Parkway. Project feasibility may depend on ROW issues on the east side of the route. Mike discussed the possibility of receiving letters of support from BPAC. Cheryl suggested it was appropriate. There was consent from the members present. Yellow Line/Driver’s Ed At Chuck’s request, the committee discussed issues of driver’s education courses and their interpretation of statutes regarding passing bicyclists along stretches of road with a double yellow line. Chris Carney provided detail from statutes, including O.R.S. 811.065 and 811.420. From appearances, O.R.S. 811.420 provides the legal means to pass, but to do so safely. Mary agreed with Chris’ interpretation, and affirmed this with a conversation with Sheila Lyons, who also indicated that the driver’s education manual has been amended, but she is not certain if local instructors have the new information. Michele commented on the possible discrepancies between the laws on this issue and how these laws are being taught, citing a particular effort underway with AARP and a program for senior drivers. Chris also discussed the interpretation and distinction of bicycles when they are in pedestrian zones. He also commented on the use of bike lanes to pass a vehicle that is making a left turn. Mary commented on the discussions with the freight industry regarding bike land designation. Eli suggested an update of the education brochure/flyer. There was also some discussion about the need to update the web site. Brian indicated that commute options will be coordinating some new “lunch and learn” programs, which will involve motorist, bicycle and pedestrian laws. Tri Country Summit planning Cheryl provided introductory comments, and posed the question “what happened to April?” She suggested that Black Butte Ranch was invited to host the event because of their actions to promote bicycle and pedestrian activities and infrastructure. She posed questions to develop a basic framework for the Summit. A 10am - 3pm timeframe is suggested, and perhaps breaking it into a couple of sessions with a distinct topic areas. Brian was asked about a central theme that the event could be tied to, and suggested that the federal Transportation bill could provide a focus. He further discussed Commute Options efforts to work with legislators and other organizations to lobby for the bill. This will include a possible “show me” event with Senator Wyden. Peter queried about the purpose, indicating that last year was more of a meet and greet. He further expressed concern about too much emphasis on politics. Bill mentioned that OPB had a program that focused on SRTS, and a county in Alabama that reduced their programs. There was discussion about the Commute Options keynote speaker Dr. Jackson and his presumed focus on health benefits of bicycling infrastructure, and possibilities. Cheryl asked the municipalities and private sector representatives present what their interests might be. It was suggested that the opportunity to provide updates about projects is important, as is the opportunity to share ideas about economic benefits, events and projects. Bill commented on the Five Pines presentation from two years ago and the quality of presentations about the benefits being discussed. Glen mentioned that the whole Oregon Scenic Bikeways conference will be all about economic benefits of bicycling. Eli asked about outreach efforts for the Summit. Brian brought up bike sharing as an incredibly important movement and possible topic area. It was suggested that Eric from Bend Velo be invited to talk about his bikes and sharing program. There was additional discussion about who should be on the invitation list, and how the invitations will be distributed. BPAC Business Member Terms Cheryl guided discussion regarding current terms and possible upcoming vacancies. Cheryl indicated she would be willing to stay on board. Michele indicated she would stay on. Eli indicated that he has too much going on and will need to step down. Jim Stone indicated he would also agree to stay on. Recruitment efforts will be undertaken for the one anticipated open BPAC position. Safe Sidewalk Awards Two nominees, Miller Lumber and Bend Pet Express, were presented and members voted. Cheryl also discussed the Big Chain Ring awards nomination process and timing. BPAC Policy Draft Bill presented the draft policy and the intent of the approach. Kevin suggested rewording or redefining the concept of the “full committee,” and Bill provided clarification. Eli made a motion to approve the policy. Michele provided a second. The policy was approved. COACT Cheryl reported that the Oregon Transportation Commission was in town last week, and asked COACT to be represented on a panel. Based on the discussion that took place, she indicated that the timing looks very good right now for alternative modes. There is another panel meeting in one week. Bill Braley will be sitting in on that panel. BPAC: Subcommittee updates City Updates South County Jim reported that the LaPine Parks and Recreation District Director Justin Cutler resigned and is heading to the coast. They are seeking a replacement for Justin.m Redmond Mike reported that they opened up their first “real” roundabout yesterday (5/2). They are advertising for bids on the south canal project. They also just opened up bids to do an overlay on another section of south canal pathway. He expressed gratitude to the City of Bend and Commute Options for their support and information. Bend Rick reported that May 10th there will be a 3-hr walking tour of the Galveston project for the APA conference. Sisters Cheryl mentioned interest in receiving a final copy of the back-in parking video when it is ready. Michele reported that they finished the topo for the design on the Santiam project, although there are some ROW width issues. She also indicated that they began scoping meetings for Black Butte to Sisters paved trail. The USFS is running the project. Michele sought and received input on how to work with homeowners that live too close to the proposed trails. Rick discussed their process with the Larkspur trail and associated public process. He suggested that fundamentally people like to be heard. Michele was pleased with how the Forest Service ran the first meetings, and they made sure that everyone was heard from. Peter asked how close the homes were to the trail. She indicated 300’ for the closest. There was additional discussion about the economic benefits for homeowners due to proximity to trails. Deschutes County Peter provided three updates on the TSP process. The Board has closed oral record period. Additionally, there is a group that has formed in opposition to Tumalo Community Association. The Board was provided with several options for possible designation and depiction regarding the bridge southwest of Bend. ODOT Dan spoke about “green” bike lanes that they will be testing at two intersections where bicycle and pedestrian crash issues are prevalent. These include Butler Market/Mt. Washington and 3rd Street/US20, and 8th Street and Greenwood. There has been a history of bike crashes at both. They are testing a green thermoplastic application, and are also installing “sharrows” at the 8th St portion. Cheryl queried Dan about any education or public relations activities that ODOT might be pursuing. Possible ways to collaborate to convey information were discussed. Dan indicated that this is only the second application in the state of Oregon. Other Mary commented on the Century Drive project, which will start at the end of May. The part that will affect bicycles will start July 9th, and take three months at 20 hours each day. Cheryl asked about any information that could be added to the web site. Bill suggested a possible link to the project page. Glenn reported that the Friends of the Three Sisters Bikeway will hold their first meeting today, 2pm at Brooks Resources. There was a pre-workshop for the meeting on April 22nd and the state agencies were pleased that this committee had formed and would be guiding the development of the regional bikeways. Mike expressed his interest in discussing Redmond connections with the committee. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm June: Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 7, 2012 12:00 to1:30 pm Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall, Councilors Boardroom