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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-08 - BPAC Minutes Meeting Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, September 8, 2011-Noon to 1:30pm La Pine Park & Recreation District Members Present: Cheryl Howard, Eli Ashley, Mary Barron, Jim Stone Agency: Kim Curley- Commute Options, Cynthia Smidt-Deschutes County, Rick Root-City of Bend, Mike Caccavano- City of Redmond, Devin Hearing-ODOT, Joel McCarroll-ODOT, Dan Serpico-ODOT, Dan Varcoe-City of La Pine, Justin Culter-La Pine Parks & Rec., Arlo Fertig-La Pine Parks & Rec., Karen Demaris-La Pine Parks & Rec. Visitors: Ben Gordon, Ollie Scheideman, Matt Kittleson, Joe Bessman, Tom Headley, Jerry Anderson 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 The June 2011 BPAC meeting minutes were approved unanimously. Hwy 97 Corridor Plan (1st Street to 6th Street through the downtown core) Joe Bessman, engineer with Kittleson & Associates, provided overview of study and plan addressing traffic safety for all modes of transportation for Highway 97 in the northern portion of La Pine. The plan considers several improvement options for this section of the corridor. Discussion followed. Deschutes County TSP/South County Road Improvements Cynthia Smidt distributed a hand out that outlines south county provisions of the draft TSP. First work session with the Board of County Commissioners October 13th and the first evidentiary hearing will be October 27th. Comments should be submitted directly to Peter Russell or at the public meetings. She noted that since La Pine incorporated County SDCs can not be used for traffic signal improvements within the City limits. Discussion followed. Need for Trails and Connectivity Justin Cutler provided introduction of La Pine Parks and Recreation and pedestrian and bicycle related projects and needs. Discussion followed. Programs: Safe Routes 2 School Kim Curley provided history and overview of Safe Routes 2 School. Funding for the program has expired. With that said, there is continuing resolution to maintain program until new funding is approved. She noted an interest in expanding the program to La Pine. “Drive Less. Connect.” Kim Curley introduced the newly rolled out “Drive Less. Connect.” program and website. The website provides interactive trip counter, resources and incentives to using alternative transportation. (http://drivelesssavemore.com/pages/DriveLessConnect) BPAC Business: Diversion Program Update Cheryl provided update of program with bicycle crash data comparisons to determine if diversion program is effective. Reported crashes since implementation have gone down. Kim commented on instructors experiences with the classes and noted the classes have generally been well received by those in attendance. BPAC Officers Discussion/Vote Cheryl introduced topic. Discussion postponed until October meeting. Calendar update Cheryl led calendar update discussion that included scheduling of regional summits, ad hoc goal assessment committee, and back to school watch campaign. Updates: Sisters The City met with ODOT regarding highway improvements on north end of town towards Black Butte Ranch. There are complications with intersection proposals in the transportation plan as there is opposition to roundabouts along the highway corridor. BPAC express support of submitting a letter supporting specific roundabouts on state highways. Redmond Ramp program will be presented to City Council. Amendment to the TSP to incorporate bicycle refinement plan is being prepared. Bend Coyner trail extension is under construction but ADA slope compliance and gas line location have presented some construction challenges. South County Paved pathway from Lava Lands to Sunriver Circle 7 is in continued design and planning stages. New paving projects along South Century Drive and La Pine Rec Road shown in before and after photos. Commute Options October 5th is International Walk/Bike to school day. Commute Options is always looking for volunteers for bike education programs. September is BTA bike commute challenge month. Open Floor/Comments/Announcements North Highway 97 corridor comments to be submitted will be prepared by Kim for formal submission. There was a question about education of cyclists in Sunriver. Discussion followed with ideas. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 1:38pm. A field trip followed at 1st Street intersection with Hwy 97. Note: Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Sisters City Hall.