The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2018-05-03 - BPAC Minutes MEETING MINUTES DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, May 3, 2018 - Noon to 1:30 pm ODOT, 63055 N Hwy 97, Building K, Conference Room 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: Mark Smith, Rick Root, Wendy Holzman, Christopher Cassard, Dave Thomson. Agency/Organization: Zechariah Heck (Deschutes County – CDD), Melissa Bethel (City of La Pine), Eric Hagan (City of Bend, Police), David Amiton (ODOT), Robin Lewis and Janet Hruby (City of Bend, Transportation Engineering), Dylan Corbin (COIC/CET), Jeff Monson and Brian Potwin (Commute Options), Jovi Anderson and Tyler Deke (Bend MPO), Theresa Conley (ODOT). Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. Introductions Attendees of the meeting introduced themselves and, if applicable, identified the organization they represent. Approval of Prior Minutes The April 5, 2018, were approved unanimously with the following updates. Tyler Deke, Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): Federal/State/BMPO Safety Measures Tyler provided on overview of the purpose of the MPO, crash data the MPO has obtained, and safety planning they are working on. MPOs exist in nearly all urban areas with populations with population greater than 50,000. The Bend MPO is one of the only in the nation that does not cover more than one urban center. Crash data has shown an increase in fatalities since the economy has picked up out of the recession. One cause may be more people are driving, as well as lower gas prices. Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) have increased as well, beyond 2006 & 2007 levels - before the recession. Because geography is small, trend data can be limited. Mark Smith asked if it is possible to understand how many pedestrian or bike miles have traveled, similar to vehicle miles traveled Page 2 for vehicles. The MPO does not have this data but it is something they would like to obtain. Mark mentioned it would be interesting to compare vehicle miles traveled to pedestrian/bicycle miles traveled. The MPO has performance measures in specific areas such as crash data, i.e., safety , and congestion. Through a safety analysis, the MPO hopes to extract information on bike and pedestrian statistics, as well as DUI statistics. The MPO has received funding from the City of Bend and ODOT to perform a Transportation Safety Action Plan. The action plan will look at systemic issues (engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency medical services), future growth areas, and corridor-level improvements. The action plan will have a five-year term plan and a long-range term plan (five years or more). Tyler mentioned most of the funding for the five- year plan has already been accounted for. The MPO is updating its long-range plan as well. Tyler mentioned engineering would be an important part of the long-range plan. Several safety projects the MPO is working on include:  14th Street Reconstruction  Empire Corridor (implications to safe routes to school project)  Murphy Corridor (series of roundabouts, bikeway and sidewalk improvements)  Neighborhood Greenways (beginning late summer/early fall)  Other sidewalk and crossing projects Outside of the MPO’s work, ODOT has several projects within the city of Bend:  ARTS – All Roads Transportation Safety (crossings, signage, lighting and signal improvements)  US-20 Old Bend-Redmond Highway to Robal Road  Roundabout at Highway 20 and Cooley Tyler described the next steps for the MPO are to continue working on implementing the five- year plan. Another responsibility is to continue to provide updates to the city and other partner organizations. Separate from the County’s Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP), the MPO also has a TSAP that will help inform the organization how to focus and best leverage resources. Tyler asked the group if periodic updates to BPAC would be helpful – all agreed it would. Brian Potwin, Commute Options: Update on HB 2017 Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Funding Brian is on the rules-making advisory committee for HB 2017. The rules-making committee has focused lately on how to disperse the funding. The bill initially dedicates $10 million annually and increases to $15 million annually in 2023. The purpose is to build safe route projects in a one- mile radius of a school. Important facts of the Safe Routes Program:  Currently requires a 40% cash match for the funds. The numbers may be revised to reduce cash match to 20% if it is proven as a barrier. Page 3  Priorities have been identified for projects within public right-of-way, not located on private property. However, the rules-making committee is looking at how projects can move forward with development in private property, such as school district property.  There will be three different types of programs: rapid response program (projects that are “shovel ready”); technical services (focused on communities that may not have resources to apply for funds); open competitive program.  Tentative eligibility is limited to cities, counties, ODOT, tribes and transit agencies. School districts are pre-empted from applying, but a letter of support from a school district needs to accompany each application.  Likely projects will include bikeways, walkways or crossing safety improvements.  Projects must be identified in a formal plan.  Brian mentioned Commute Options is able to assist three schools with technical advice.  The program timeline: applications due October 2018, March 2019 agreements signed and projects built.  The competitive program has a funding range of $75-thousand and maximum request of $2-million.  There is a public comment section of all rules advisory committee meetings.  LeeAnne Ferguson, ODOT Safe Routes to School Program Manager, is the point of contact for more information specific to the program. Separate from the Safe Routes to School Program, Brian mentioned the Bend Open Streets event that will happen in the Old Town Neighborhood. There will be several activities to participate on, including an example of a neighborhood greenway. The event is on May 13 – noon to four p.m. Brian also announced that Commute Options was selected for a “walking school bus” program, which is a safety program supported by the Central Oregon Health Plan. BPAC Business Tri-County Summit Planning  Dave updated the group on the event planning efforts for the summit. Announcements have gone out for the event. The set date is May 23 from 9am to 2pm in Prineville. A bike field trip will follow the summit. Dave asked for BPAC members to extend notifications, if possible. The State of Oregon BPAC will be attending as well as Travel Oregon. Committee Updates  Vision Zero Subcommittee o Dave provided an update on the process the Vision Zero subcommittee. The group has created a document they want to send to the County Commissioners. o Once a date is set for the meeting, Dave will send to the group. o Jeff Monson mentioned that District Attorney John Hummel might be supportive and would be worthwhile to connect with.  Interview Schedule for Open Positions o Dave Thomson, Wendy Holzman, Chris Cassard and Zechariah Heck are working on scheduling interviews of interested candidates to join BPAC. The subgroup mentioned if anybody is interested in joining the interview panel they are welcome. Interviews are Page 4 scheduled for May 14. General Updates  ODOT o The department is in the early stages of planning for a Highway 97 Safe Transportation Corridor, which will include bike and pedestrian elements within the city of Redmond. o ODOT is working on a “150% list” for transportation improvement throughout the state. Active transportation may be part of the program. o ODOT will be applying for Safe Routes to School program funds.  Deschutes County o ODOT and the County are working on a refinement plan for US 97 in Terrebonne. Potential projects involve improving parallel local routes, couplet, and bike - pedestrian routes through Terrebonne as well as a safe crossing for US 97.  Commute Options o Friendly Driver Program will begin soon, which focuses on educating professional drivers on safe and friendly activities. o Jeff Monson mentioned he is on the Oregon BPAC and stated he would be happy to provide status updates.  COIC/CET o A new transit hub in Redmond is being built . There is a lot of excitement for the opening of the hub. o CET is working with the state to allocate funds for regional public transportation service. ODOT is partnering agency.  Bend o The city is working on low-stress level bike-pedestrian connections throughout the city. Open Floor Wendy asked if it would be appropriate to send an invite to tribes for general BPAC business or the Tri-County summit. The group discussed who would be a good person to contact. Meeting Adjourned at 1:35 pm Next Meeting: Thursday, June 7, 2018 12:00 to 1:30 pm ODOT, 63055 N Hwy 97, Building M, Diamond and Crater Lake Conference Rooms, Bend