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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-02 - BPAC Minutes Meeting Minutes DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, November 2, 2017 - Noon to 1:30pm ODOT, 63055 N Hwy 97, Building M, Diamond and Crater Lake Conference Rooms, Bend 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, Mark Smith, Rick Root, Wendy Holzman, Dave Thompson, Chris Cassard, Greg Svelund, Ann Marland, Katie Hammer, Michelle DeSilva, Scott Ferguson. Agency/Organization: Zechariah Heck, Deschutes County; David Amiton, ODOT; Dan Serpico, ODOT; Robin Lewis, City of Bend, Transportation and Engineering; Derek Hofbauer, COIC/Cascade East Transit; Tom Headley, Century West Engineering; Gary Fowles, Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway Committee; Janet Hruby, City of Bend; Brian Potwin, Commute Options; Casey Bergh, OSU-Cascades. Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. Introductions Approval of Prior Minutes The minutes from the October 5, 2017, were approved unanimously as drafted. Safe Routes to School Infrastructure program, David Amiton, Active Transportation Liaison, ODOT David provided an update on the safe routes to school (SRTS) program. Not much has changed since last meeting in October. The funding level has been set at ten (10) million dollars per year, starting in 2018, and will increase to 15 million dollars per year starting in 2023. There is a 20-40% match required from the partner organization, e.g., municipality. The match is reduced for populations less than 5,000, safety corridor projects, and Title 1 school projects. Specifics on how the matching program will work are yet to be finalized. Eligible project types include, but are not limited to: sidewalk improvements, bicycle lane improvements, vehicle speed reductions, pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements. Additional requirements are that the project must be within one mile of public/public charter school (k-12) and the project must be in an adopted transportation plan. However, David noted, there is flexibility for projects not currently incorporated in a TSP, as long as an administrator/elected official submits a letter documenting legitimacy of project. The program is 2 competitive and requires an application. ODOT is hiring a SRTS infrastructure program manager, which is a separate from a position for SRTS program manager. The first call for projects will occur in the summer of 2018. Cascade Lakes undercrossing and trails projects, David Amiton, Active Transportation Liaison, ODOT David provided an update on the Cascade Lakes undercrossing and trails project. Several segments are complete or funded. OSU Bike Share, Casey Bergh, OSU Cascades Casey, Transportation Program Manager for OSU Cascades, provided an overview of the bike share program in Bend. There are five stations in town: downtown, OSU Cascades main campus and Graduate Resource Center, Old Mill District, and Columbia/Simpson intersection. The program started in September of last year (2016). Casey provided statistics of the program; so far there are 800 members, over 2,000 logged trips and the program has received positive reviews. Summer wildfires in the local area impacted the program, which is evident through the trips taken count. Helmets are not provided because they pose a challenge for logistics. There is a strong student utilization of the program. Hourly ridership has significantly increased since public passes were launched. However, most of the ridership appears to be students, which is evident through the highest trip counts coinciding with the academic year. The college hopes to expand to four new stations, add 75 – 100 bikes, Bluetooth technology, and sponsor advertisements on the bikes to help with funding. One can sign up for an annual membership or rent a bike by the hour ($3/hr). The program is ran by Zagster, a national bike share company. Zagster typically partners with a local organization, in this case, OSU-Cascades. The college is seeking private sponsorships to expand the program. Casey mentioned that maintenance is contracted through a local bike shop. Casey would like to come back to BPAC for input on how to expand the program. Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway chip seal, Gary Fowles Gary explained to the group that each state scenic bikeway has a committee to advocate for the bikeway. Gary presented to the group on one of the more prominent bikeways in the county, the Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway. The state has provided statistics showing the scenic bikeway program has stimulated significant economic activity throughout the state. According to the Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway committee, there is an issue with Deschutes County’s chip seal standards along the bikeway. Ultimately, the group would like to see an increase in chip seal quality along the route. Gary also mentioned concern amongst riders about crossing Highway 20 in Tumalo. The group would like to work with ODOT and the county to increase safety throughout the route. Cheryl Howard relayed information regarding the Deschutes County Road Department’s policy on chip sealing. If the road is wider than 30 feet (11 foot travel lane, 4 foot bike lane) the county will use a ¼-10 chip rock in the bike lanes compared to the 3/8 chip rock used on the travel lane. If a scenic bike way road is under 30 feet it will be chip sealed all in the 3/8 chip rock. 3 Bend Open Streets, Brian Potwin, Commute Options Brian gave a summary report on the Bend Open Streets event, which happened on September 17, 2017. The annual event is an initiative of Commute Options, City of Bend, and the Bend Park and Recreation District. Brian mentioned the program works well because there are shared goals through several organizations, such as: community health, active transportation, public space. In 2017, there were 60 community partners, businesses and non-profit organizations. There were food, beverage and music stations throughout the 2.5 mile event. In 2016, the event organizers received feedback regarding improved wayfinding and program identification signs. Such recommendations were incorporated in the 2017 event. An estimated 1,800 community members participated in the event this year. In 2016, the estimated count of participants was 2,500 participants. Brian noted air quality was poor the day of the event, which suggests people weren’t interested in participating because of health concerns. The next event will occur on May 13, 2018, and will be located in the northwest part of Bend, including a portion of downtown and the box factory. A second event in 2018 is slated for September. Brian mentioned feedback on the event and suggestions for new areas to host the program are welcome. BPAC Business Committee Updates: Bend MPO: Monthly meeting was canceled; nothing to report. Cheryl provided an update on the Goal Setting Committee. A proposed calendar was provided to the group. Goals are to be proactive and reactive on relevant issues. One goal revision is to create opportunities to solicit input form the broader community including the Bend - La Pine School District and local Park Districts. The committee also aims to work more closely with Bend Bikes and Central OR Visitors Association. Adoption of the discussed changes is proposed for the December 2017 meeting. November Messaging: Sidewalk snow removal media release. Updates South County: Comments from BPAC walking tour last month were well received and will be incorporated in program. La Pine: Corey Misley has been connected with St Charles as he was interested in speaking to them about public transportation coordination. Bend: City is updating the Transportation System Plan. A few of the goals for the update include a focus on safety and a total revamp on bike routes (design standards, maps, guidelines, etc.). The process will be guided through a large citizen advisory committee, now in the process of being created. Sisters: There has been renewed discussion of creating the Black Butte Ranch trail. Coordination with the US Forest Service, who is responsible for conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment before the project can begin. The new roundabout on Highway 20/126 has 4 proven challenging to many because people are unfamiliar with such a traffic controlling device. The roundabout is particularly challenging for bikes and pedestrians because car drivers are not necessarily looking for them. The portion of the Pacific Crest Trail near Sisters was destroyed by the Mili Fire but is now open. Significant work was needed to clear the area and make it safe for passage. The McKenzie Highway was also impacted by fire, which may delay opening in the spring. There is a desire to improve the signage on a bridge crossing over Deschutes River (from 97 to Smith Rock). The crossing from Lower Bridge to Terrebonne toward Smith Rock is dangerous and the Sisters community would like to discuss possible safety improvements with ODOT. Deschutes County: The Sunriver Business Park Circulation study is now under contract with Kittelson & Associates, Inc.; work should start this month. The Sunriver Business Park representatives have asked the county to look at bike/pedestrian issues at the traffic signal on South Century and Venture Lane (entrance to the business park) and whether Venture Lane could be made a one-way facility (circulation would be counterclockwise) or if there are other ideas to make circulation around the large oval-shaped block defined by Venture Lane work better. There is a crosswalk on South Century linking the Sunriver bike path to the north side of Venture Lane; crossing Venture Lane to south is problematic.   ODOT: The request for proposal (RFP) for the Third Street / Empire to Greenwood project is out and a consultant should be determined by the end of the month. David spoke to the McKenzie Pass situation: district manager is reaching out to stakeholders to discuss outlook. Commute Options: Friendly Driver program, in collaboration with Eugene and Portland, will kickoff soon. The first step is to establish a curriculum for program, which will be implemented in 2018. Cascades East Transit/COIC: CET coordinated a Halloween event with OSU Cascades. Three new “kneeling buses” to aid disabled patrons were purchased by CET. A launch event will occur on November 30. The district is also working on a Touchpass Efare. An inclement weather program is also in the works that will help the transit district determine when routes need to change to a “snow route.” Open Floor The Trails Keepers of Oregon Summit – there are many trail proposals throughout the state and learning about the coordination is inspiring. Ann Marland – the Sisters group would like BPAC to be supportive of the Sisters to Black Butte Ranch trail. Cheryl explained the procedures for requesting a letter of support. Adjournment at 1:45pm Next Meeting: Thursday, December 7, 2017 12:00 to 1:30 pm ODOT, 63055 N Hwy 97, Building M, Diamond and Crater Lake Conference Rooms, Bend