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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-05 - BPAC Minutes Meeting Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, January 5, 2012-Noon to 1:30pm Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall, Councilors Boardroom Members Present: Cheryl Howard, Michele Sims, Chuck Humphreys, Matt Martin, Bill Braly, Mary Barron, Eli Ashley, Jim Stone, Kevin Tanski Agency: Kim Curley-Commute Options, Peter Russell-Deschutes County Planning, Chris Carney-Bend Police Department, Rick Root-City of Bend, Mike Caccavano-City of Redmond Visitors: Phyllis Lewis, Lucas Freeman, Chuck Arnold 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 12:00pm. Introductions Approval of Prior Minutes Mike Caccavano corrected the committee acronym to OTCTC, and Rick suggested the meeting location should reflect the Council Chambers, and not the Boardroom. A motion was made and seconded to approve the December 2011 BPAC meeting minutes with the two amendments. The minutes were approved unanimously. Request for letter of support from BPAC for the County’s grant proposal for the Tumalo Trail Peter Russell handed out a map showing the location of a trail project in Tumalo, and described the project in more detail, indicating the project would enable bicyclists and pedestrians to safely cross the Deschutes River and Highway 20. He discussed efforts by the County to join forces with State Parks on the project and jointly seek grant funding through the regional trails grant program. Peter requested a letter of support from BPAC for the grant proposal. Matt questioned the relationship of this letter versus one provided previously. Michele queried which sections were paved, and Peter clarified the relationships of paved and soft-surface sections. Chuck made a motion to provide a letter of support, and the motion was approved unanimously. Update on TSP and bikeway designation Peter distributed a staff memo with updates regarding alternatives for the Planning Commission to consider for bikeway designations in the TSP. He indicated that a worksession is planned for January 12th and a public hearing is scheduled for January 26th. Peter emphasized the addition of options f and g, and provided detail on these options, which includes recommendations from the Sisters Trails Alliance. There is agreement that the bike map needs to be updated in conjunction with the process. Michele emphasized that bicycling is a form of transportation. Peter commented on the effect of bikeway designations on the efforts to prioritize road projects. Chuck commented on the virtues of bicycling as an economic asset, not only in Sisters but countwide. Update on ODOT's Century Drive project/Bike Travel Mary Barron distributed a schematic for the upcoming Century Drive construction. She indicated that the scope of work mandates that anytime there is a work zone, which can only be up to 2 miles long, bicycles will have a lane. They will be compelled to ride with cars on the downhill sections. Mary affirmed that there is language that states that no sections that will have both an uphill and a downhill grade. She further indicated that there are 13 events scheduled during the construction period. The Forest Service has requested a pedestrian crossing (tunnel; multi-plate arch) at 41 road, which will be included in the project. Construction will commence the day after the Pole, Peddle, Paddle event, and will be down to single lane with a diversion road during early June to accommodate tunnel construction. BPAC Business: While waiting for the next presenter, Cheryl moved on to BPAC business. 2012 Goals Assessment Adoption A motion was made to adopt the mission statement crafted by Matt, with the additional reference to the Board of County Commissioners. Matt read the statement in full, which is “The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s mission is to encourage, promote, and advocate for safe and accessible walking and biking environments that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in Central Oregon and to advise the Board of County Commissioners on such matters.” The motion to adopt the mission statement passed unanimously. Matt then provided a copy for everyone. Sponsorship for 2012 Diversion program forms Cheryl is seeking sponsorship for the forms. Kim indicated that she is seeking approval for the expenditure through Commute Options. Update of the bridge project at First St. Rapids Park Steve Jorgensen indicated that the Park District Board approved the bridge alignment known as option B2 for the span from 1st Street Rapids Park to Davis Park. The bridge is estimated to cost $500,000. The length is 260’ in a free span, and cannot be installed in one piece. Weight is estimated at 114,000 lbs., so helicopters have been ruled out. Cranes will be used to place the two pieces simultaneously. There will be 8’ of river clearance on each end, with 9’ in the middle. There were some questions about next priorities. Steve affirmed that it is ultimately up to the Board, who may also be considering development in the Archie Briggs and Gopher Gulch region north of town. Drake Park is also part of the equation. Updates: Sisters Chuck indicated that the Sisters Trails Alliance annual meeting will be January 26th, beginning at 7pm. He indicated that they are about to empty their coffers to pay $25,000 to U.S. Forest Service for Environmental Assessments on trails in the Sisters vicinity. The Forest Service wants to put in trailhead and has requested that the Sisters Trail Alliance fund the required studies. Chuck also addressed how surrounding communities such as Black Butte Ranch are now embracing bicycling and new trail construction and linkages. Redmond Mike indicated that they almost done with design of bike lanes down to High School, but now realizes there have been some survey errors, which will require some Right of Way acquisition. He indicated their Public Works director will be going to the County, and Mike will act as acting director until a replacement is hired. Peter provided clarification regarding the transitions in the Road Department. South County Jim reported that the South County Recreation Assets group is working on the connection with Bend, and routes to the south of Sunriver. They are using a US Forest Service feasibility study to examine five different routes. Not all community members are embracing the additional influx of bicyclists. The Chair of group has particular interest in the Foster Rd route being considered further south, and has obtained cost estimates. Steve discussed the importance of the Deschutes River Action Plan. Peter mentioned South County Plan currently underway, and possibilities for south county. There was considerable discussion regarding the influence of the irrigation districts, and several ideas were presented to encourage more dialog with irrigation representatives. Bend Rick mentioned that the Galveston Task Force is meeting on January 18th, and will be following up on results from the November Open House. He discussed the November open house included questionnaire. Summary has been completed. Several don’t want the median because of business access and visibility. There will be two more meetings to develop some concept alternatives. The meeting on the 18th will provide additional input from businesses. The Task Force will then meet again in February to summarize issues and to provide alternatives to the Council. It was indicated that the Survey revealed some polarized opinions, particularly regarding medians. One of the big issues is stormwater, so design will need to integrate effective approach to address runoff. Commute Options Kim discussed an upcoming walk and bike retreat that is only $10/day and will be held 6/21-23 at school district building in Bend. They are doing some learn to ride workshops, starting at Elk Meadow, and focusing on individual instruction for students who may be embarrassed to learn in the presence of peers. Kim, speaking as a citizen, stated emphatically that the school district needs to unlock gates around Pilot Butte to facilitate trail access and use. Mr. Tiller was indicated as having particular concerns. Kim will work on letter, which will be directed to the appropriate official. Kim also inquired about bike corral space; Chuck Arnold reported on efforts by the Downtown Bend Business Association, and indicated they have a permit to install 28 bike racks. Current sponsorship cost is about $300, but the city will be requiring footers for installation which will likely increase costs. He also discussed the bike corral as a new concept that must be approached with some caution. They have had inquiries from several other businesses. He has had a camera set up at Thump and an intern has been compiling data. They are looking into doing a corral in a diagonal parking spot, but there are difficulties. Other Items Cheryl queried the group about the venue for the tri-County summit. Steve suggested Black Butte Ranch as a possibility. Cheryl clarified the expectation that the summit will be staged all day. Steve suggested that Sheila return and discuss new state guidelines. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 1:35pm. Note: Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Bend City Hall-Council Boardroom.