HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-01 - BPAC Minutes
Meeting Minutes
DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday, February 1, 2018 - Noon to 2 pm
Redmond City Hall - Room 207 | 411 SW 9th, Redmond
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, Ann Marland, Katrina Langenderfer, Rick Root, Wendy
Holzman, Scott Ferguson, Christopher Cassard, Dave Thomson.
Agency/Organization: Zechariah Heck (Deschutes County – CDD), Jeff Munson (Commute
Options), Chris Cheng & David Amiton (ODOT), Mike Caccavano, Annie McVoy, and Scott
Woodford (City of Redmond), Laura Underhill (Bend Park and Recreation District), Casey Bergh
(OSU-Cascades).
Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 12:05 p.m.
Introductions
Attendees of the meeting introduced themselves and, if applicable, identified the organization
they represent.
Approval of Prior Minutes
The January 4, 2018, were approved unanimously as drafted.
City of Redmond Updates
City of Redmond staff provided BPAC an overview of several projects the city is currently working
on and has planned in the near future. Staff shared with BPAC that the city actually has a Bicycle
and Pedestrian Committee of their own, which is very simila r to the Deschutes County BPAC.
The city’s BPAC includes students from local schools to diversify the committee. The city BPAC
provides comments on development applications throughout the city. There have been several
large development applications in Redm ond recently, which provide private-public partnership
opportunities on BPAC issues. Developers have partnered with the City to build bike and
pedestrian networks as well as maintain the infrastructure through CC&Rs.
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The city has a trails system master plan that focuses on trail connectivity and growth. There are
many infrastructure updates in place or planned through the city’s master plan. The bullet points
below highlight a few of the projects that were discussed:
- Central Oregon Irrigation has been a partner to allow trails along their canal trails. The
City is working toward a similar agreement with other public utilities that hold easements
throughout the city.
- The master plan has incorporated the term, “Quiet Streets” as transportation
infrastructure that is appropriate and accommodating for bicycle and pedestrian
transportation. Deschutes Avenue will be the City’s first effort to design a “quiet street”.
Signage will include information on what quiet streets a re and what they can be used for.
The quiet street program is planned to be initiated soon because of cost effectiveness,
i.e., minimal infrastructure costs.
- South Canal Boulevard is being redesigned to support active transportation. The path will
connect to the new Redmond Transit Center.
- Wayfinding is a key part of the master plan. Each sign has indicators for pedestrian,
bicycle, ADA compatibility.
- Bike repair stations have been included in parks. Grants were utilized to help with funding.
- Part of the master plan is to promote street events in order to get people out on the
network and inform people of their locations and use. One project aimed at achieving this
goal is the Redmond Streets Alive program, which will be held on June 23, 2018. The
event is similar to Bend’s Open Streets.
- A key partner in the master plan’s goals and vision is the Redmond School District, which
supports bicycle education to students.
- The city BPAC has volunteer count days to measure and monitor ridership and walking.
- South Highway 97: This plan focuses on the highway from Highland Avenue to the
southern limits of city. The goal is to make the route safer for all users. Traffic is expected
to increase in the future, which means infrastructure needs to be installed sooner rather
than later to increase safety. Curb cuts in front of businesses are dangerous for bicyclists
to get on/off bicycle lane. A report indicated there is an average of 34,000 vehicles on this
section of road.
Redmond city staff mentioned the city is beginning a Transportation System Plan (TSP) Update.
A kickoff meeting occurred in late January. The next step is to identify needs. The previous TSP
in 2007 did not include bicycle or pedestrian transportation much. Staff aims to include such
active transportation in the next TSP. At this point, there has been little conversation about a
Vision Zero Policy within the TSP.
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BPAC Business
Deschutes River Trail Foot-bridge (HB 4029)
BPAC members discussed the group’s feelings and appropriate level of action on the house bill.
The following bullet points highlight comments and action items.
Chris Cassard provided an update on the river trail foot-bridge. BPRD has planned for the
bridge for many years and was supported by a bond measure. A year ago, neighbors of
the bridge proposal introduced a bill that would kill the project. A new bill is introduced for
the 2018 Legislative Session. Last year, BPAC drafted a letter to the Board of County
Commissioners to encourage engagement in the process. BPRD has been in touch with
the BOCC and has asked for their support in killing the bill. BPRD has reached out to
BPAC to support opposition to the bill. Chris suggests that BPAC supports the connected
trail. A hearing has been set for February 8, 2018. The proposed bill would direct Oregon
State Parks to look for other ways to construct the bill. There are several organizations
that are concerned about the bill because of precedent setting of rolling back protections
in a Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Commute Options has voted to not take action on the bill.
Chris mentioned that he believes BPAC’s charter is focused on providing input on active
transportation issues in front of the community.
Laura Underhill, BPRD, stated the house bill does not repeal any portion of the Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act. The state scenic water way was established in 1974. Local jurisdictions
are intended to determine process. The bill does not mean a bridge will be constructed.
Dave recognized there is a process that would need to be followed to construct a bridge.
The proposal will preclude the process from taking place.
Chris asked if BPAC would support resending the letter that was drafted l ast year.
Cheryl called for a vote: all members were in support for issuing a letter to BOCC; no
members were in opposition.
Another portion of the bill charges the park district to look at alternative options or
locations.
Cheryl will provide Chris C. the letter sent to the BOCC last year. Chris will edit and
update, then Cheryl will send to the Board.
Committee Updates
Vision Zero Subcommittee – The next meeting is at 3pm, February 1, 2018, at ODOT.
Annual Report
Rick Root created a draft annual report, which was discussed with the group. Rick asked
for any edits to be sent to him.
Cheryl mentioned the report should be released to the BPAC expanded list as soon as
possible. Edits should be sent to Rick by next week (February 9).
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Transition Plan Update
Cheryl will be leaving the Committee in June.
During next month’s meeting, BPAC will discuss who is willing to step up as an Interim
Chair/Co-Chair to help with the transition.
February Messaging
Safe sidewalks award usually goes out this time of the year. Safe sidewalks also
encourage clear sidewalks from vegetation, not just snow or ice. However, the group
decided to postpone the safe sidewalk messaging until a later point in time.
General Updates
BPRD – Central Oregon Irrigation District is a partner organization to create new trails.
o Alpine Glow Park opening – 15th Street and Reed Market area. A highlight of the park is trail
connections. There is a kickoff party on February 22nd and the Bend Senior Center. BPRD
invited BPAC to attend as well as the general public.
Sisters Update – The TSP is moving forward and is on time. Hayden Homes has a development
west of Highway 20; the city has required they build a sidewalk so that a connection can be
provided to a multi-use path. Two new multi-use paths are being constructed. The Sisters Public
Works Director would like to attend April meeting to provide an update.
ODOT – there might be money for Sisters or Redmond for a TSAP. ODOT is working on a RFB
(rapid flashing beacon) work around to bypass the federal-level patent issue. The federal
government is considering allowing RRFB that were planned an funded to grow through. ODOT
believes their workaround has similar safety features.
Deschutes County – Zechariah provided an update to the group that the TSAP grant was
supported by the Board and the Road Dept. will select a consultant to perform the work soon.
Commute Options – Bend Open Streets programs are coming up in May and September. Friendly
Driver Program is starting up as well. For more information, contact Jeff Munson.
COAC – BPACs vision zero push was discussed at the committee.
Open Floor
No items were brought up from the general public.
** The planned field trip was canceled due to scheduling conflicts.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:37 pm
Next Meeting:
Thursday, March 1, 2018
12:00 to 1:30 pm
ODOT, 63055 N Hwy 97, Building M, Diamond and Crater Lake Conference Rooms, Bend