Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-19 Bicycle & Pedestrian_MIN Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission th September 19, 2002 Meeting Minutes Roll Call Marvin, Nutter, McGowan, and Chapman were present. Beaudoin, Baxter, Spear and Hartzell arrived late. Reynolds was absent. Call to Order Chapman called the meeting to order at 4:43 p.m. Approval of Minutes The minutes of August 15, 2002 were approved as presented/amended. Public Forum No one present wished to speak. Introduction of New Members Marvin was introduced to the commission and welcomed. McGowan noted that she was unable to serve on the commission. She expressed the desire to help in eliminating the crosswalk at Western Bank (First & East Main) which she suggested was dangerous and unnecessary. She emphasized that specific signage to eliminate this crossing should be considered. Chapman noted that this should be referred to Traffic Safety, and he added that there was a possibility of changing First Street to a one-way. Banner Proposal - Sharon Dvora, Art Teacher, AMS Sharon Dvora, an art teacher at Ashland Middle School, explained that she had a way to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as community art in all elementary and middle schools. She noted that she had seen a cityrepair.org presentation, in the form of a crosswalk mandala) in Portland that got her interested in doing something. She suggested that she would like to place banners along Siskiyou Boulevard to enliven the redesigned boulevard, like the Shakespeare and University banners. She pointed out that there are bars for the banners now, and she also recognized the hurdle posed by the current sign ordinance. She suggested that this idea would fit well with the newly created public arts commission. She recommended creating a curriculum with students presenting their ideas of bike safety, walking to school, etc. and having them create artwork out of those ideas to be highlighted on the banners. She concluded that this would combine education with increased public awareness of important issues, and stated that it would fit well with the current Car Free Day without requiring commitment from teachers. She also stated that she would be available to assist this program, but would want funding assistance (from the Ashland Schools Foundation and/or this commission) to cover her time and the cost of the banner. Chapman stated that promoting this idea would suit the goals of the commission. Harris explained that the existing banners for OSF, SOU and the Artisans’ Guild were grandfathered in from the 1960’s; she added that changing this would require action by the city council. She also noted that some of the poles would also be taken down in the Siskiyou redesign. Harris explained that going before the council would require a draft proposal with identified goals and a rendering of what the banners would look like. Dvora stated that she could work something up with her students. Harris clarified that the current poles are allotted; Dvora responded that 8 poles are vacant, but Harris suggested that she believed they were likely assigned despite being vacant at present. She reiterated that the decision to change banners would be up to the city council. Dvora realized that her proposal would challenge the process, and thus create some difficulties, but she suggested that the new public arts committee being created might be able to help. She added that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission might have the best chance of getting this project done. Dvora stated that the community needed some sort of visible response to the death of the pedestrian on East Main Street, and she pointed out that this idea would suit the redesign of Siskiyou Boulevard and celebrate the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian interests in the project. She stated that she was willing to put her time in pursuing the project if a roadblock were to turn up at the city council. She emphasized that this would be the city putting up banners to promote city goals. Nutter stated that he would like to have banners made for the future, even if they could not be displayed now. 2002-0919_Bike Min.doc Page 1 of 4 Baxter added that banners would be appropriate at the schools; Harris stated that this would violate the sign ordinance and require a conditional use permit. Dvora noted that getting through the processes required with the city might be empowering to students. Harris noted the difficulty in preparing a sign that is readable from a car, and that would be seen and noticed, and she asked if the commissioners wanted to dedicate resources to car-oriented signs versus something that was oriented to pedestrians and bicyclists. Dvora noted that this might be a nice idea, and suggested creating mosaics at street corners and in sidewalks. Marvin noted her approval of the idea, and of Dvora’s eagerness to challenge the city ordinance roadblocks. Dvora stated that she was not put off by ordinances and reiterated that she wanted to advocate public art. Marvin noted that she was working for RVTD teaching bike safety, and she explained that the program had art projects built in. She stated that she would like to discuss this further with Dvora. Marvin asked what Dvora felt would be the best way for the commission to help. Dvora responded that she did not want to pursue this item if the commission was not behind the project. Dvora emphasized that she feels the city should be able to hang banners putting forth its own messages on its own streets, especially if OSF and SOU are able to do so. Nutter noted that the commission lacks funding or power, but might be able provide support, referrals and maybe help with a little funding assistance. He stated that he loved the idea of a banner even if it would not affect one driver – he suggested that if it were to change one child’s behavior it would be worth the effort. He expressed his support. Dvora noted that she was opposed to billboards, and recognized the need to keep the banners small and well-done. Nutter noted that kid-art in windows creates a bicycle and pedestrian friendly environment. Baxter stated that he supports this idea conceptually, but he added that he would like to see some refinements and a creative way around the sign ordinance roadblock. He suggested that a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly display, or something of that scale, might be the best option, especially if it involved local businesses. He encouraged Dvora to continue to refine her proposal and work with the Public Arts Commission, this commission, local schools, and local businesses to get the support of the city council. Marvin noted that RVTD might be able to contribute some funding. Nutter suggested that they might offer some prizes for student projects, and Baxter suggested that they might consider placing art on buses. Dvora stated that she would consider things further, but she added that she did not want to pursue this matter without support. She added that she would look at Baxter’s idea of building a coalition of support. Marvin stated that she felt that this idea would work well with a little refinement and she would be willing to work on it. Dvora urged members to contact her. There was a general consensus expressing support for Dvora’s banner proposal. School Project Car Free Challenge There was discussion of the possibility of the commission applying for a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant to help fund the Car Free Challenge. Harris explained that the commission had asked to include this on this agenda for new members. Carol Lee Rogers, of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA), gave background since she was present and had the most history with this item. Harris noted that the project had stalled somewhat and the group was looking for a direction to take now. Chapman gave a bit more background, and noted that initial efforts had doubled the number of student walking during the period they were working in the schools. Chapman noted that the commission was trying to get a program set-up in schools like the bicycle safety program, but he added that at this point they were not sure what to do next. Chapman and Harris noted that the BTA has submitted a grant application proposing to partner with the City of Ashland; it was noted that they had attempted to build a connection with the commission several times. Marvin noted that she may have a conflict of interest on this matter as she has the potential of being hired by the BTA. Harris suggested that Marvin would need to exclude herself from the discussion if she had an interest in the item being discussed. After discussion of state public employees ethics law issues, Marvin exited. 2002-0919_Bike Min.doc Page 2 of 4 Baxter discussed the difficulty of getting underway with volunteers, and suggested that it might be better to provide funding support to leverage this into reality. He stated that he would like to investigate more fully the idea of putting some of the commission’s budget behind a partnership with BTA. He stated that he felt this could be done and thus create a chance of success independent from the need for volunteer support. He emphasized that he did not see the chance for success when the project was fully dependent on volunteers for support. Nutter concurred. Harris noted the precedent set by the bicycle education program developed with the BTA. Harris added that the BTA had been very professional, had worked well with staff and had demonstrated its ability to follow through well. Harris added that the downside was that once the bicycle education program got going the commission had little ownership of it. Harris suggested that there might be a need to somehow keep the commission involved and supportive. Chapman noted that the bike classes could be improved and the commission presently has little chance for feedback. Harris stated that she felt that the BTA would be open to any suggestions. Baxter suggested contacting the BTA to express the commission’s interest in partnering and providing at least some financial support, and to request a future meeting. Harris agreed that a vote and then formal contact would be appropriate; she noted that there was some difficulty for them to come down from Portland. Baxter suggested that even a written proposal would be helpful, and he stated that they might simply be asked for some ideas about the possibility of partnering. Harris suggested a motion, to be followed by review of grant proposal before the next meeting to allow for further discussion of the matter at the next meeting. She suggested that the BTA could then be contacted after the next meeting‘s discussion. Nutter/Spear m/s that, in light of the commission’s positive experience with the bicycle education program, the commission support the Bicycle Transportation Alliance’s grant application in any way that it can in the future. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Commissioners asked that Harris contact BTA and express the commission’s interest in partnering; they further asked that this item be place on the agenda for further discussion next month. Staff was authorized to sign any necessary letters on behalf of the commission. Review Miscellaneous Concrete Projects & Downtown Curb Extension Project Harris explained that this year’s projects had gone to bid, a contractor had been selected and work was scheduled to start September th 30. She discussed the specific projects. Chapman suggested that someone look into the ladder crosswalks in downtown, and he explained that he found them to be poorly installed. Chapman emphasized the need to ensure that the crosswalks on Siskiyou Boulevard would be installed properly, and that those downtown needed to be redone. Harris confirmed for Chapman that all work being done has been coordinated with the draft Downtown Plan. There was discussion of the issue of pedestrian countdown timers; Chapman stated that he found them to be too costly and ugly. Harris noted that they have been successful in other communities. Signage and Maps Harris discussed the work that had been done on this item to install directional signs and maps at different locations along the bikepath. She also noted that the green street sign installation was complete. She explained that the directional signs had been put on a list; she noted that there would be thirty three 12x18 signs along with eight to ten 6x12 directional signs. She noted that the approximate cost was to be $2800 for materials and installation. She stated that she had met with Assistant City Engineer Jim Olson, and added that all signs on state highways or state jurisdictions would require permits. She pointed out that this would affect six to eight of the signs along Siskiyou, from Walker Avenue out. Harris explained that the next step was to meet with the Street Division and develop a mock-up. She concluded that this portion of the project should be done before next month’s meeting. Members thanked Harris for her efforts; she noted that the project would take time and added that she was looking for funding within the Public Works budget. She stated that she could discuss the budget aspect next month. Chapman noted that he had been thinking of developing a map with bus routes, bike routes, trailheads and trail access information. He direct members to a model he had found on the internet at http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/openspace/gis/trailheads/trailhead-bvr3.htm 2002-0919_Bike Min.doc Page 3 of 4 Harris suggested that this was something that the Parks Department would need to be involved in as well, due to their jurisdiction where many of the trails were involved. ACTS Conference Chapman noted that he had attended this conference in Bend last year, and he added that is was a very good event. Harris explained that if the commissioners chose to, they could fund having a member attend. Harris noted that she would be attending as well. Budget Update Harris noted that available funds totaled $3300, with $750 of that total earmarked for the commission itself (training, etc.) Harris clarified for Nutter that support to be provided to BTA could be allotted out of that $3300. Nutter requested a discussion of the commission’s budget proposal, to include BTA funding, and there was general consensus to place this on an upcoming agenda. New Business There was general agreement to change the regular meeting time to 5:00 to 7:00 on the third Thursday of each month. There was discussion of how to address the appointment of new members, but no solution was identified. Harris noted that Rogers had been concerned with the starting point of the bikelane on Lithia Way; Harris explained that this had to do with the scope of the ODOT project. She clarified that it would be tied into the Siskiyou Boulevard redesign. Harris noted that the BTA had prepared a report card for Oregon cities which could be viewed and downloaded on the internet. Car Free Day th Chapman questioned whether the commission wanted to put up a banner for Car Free Day on September 27. Marvin noted that RVTD would at least like to see a press release under the commission’s name. Harris noted that any release from the commission would have to be cleared through the City. Marvin agreed that she would send this through Harris for approval. Harris stated that she would check into the banner posting, but she pointed out that the banner had been in need of repainting last year. Marvin offered to repaint it if there was still time to post it. There was discussion of the Robert Wood Johnson grant and the possibility of getting a grant to use for design funds. Marvin suggested using grant funds to plan for and explore the idea of a car-free downtown. Harris emphasized the need to have the council involved in something of that nature; she also pointed out that this idea had come up in the Downtown Plan Phase II discussions, and was not well received. There was general agreement that a project to complete the Central Ashland Bikepath would be a good fit for this grant. Harris stated that she would look into the possibility of pursuing this in cooperation with the City’s Engineering Division. Lights Harris noted that the lights had been received, and could be discussed on the next agenda. She noted that she would like to find information from other communities doing similar programs. Baxter stated that he would look into this. Agenda Items for Next Meeting Items identified for discussion at the next meeting included light distribution program, partnering with the BTA and the budget. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:54 P.M. th Next Meeting: 5:00 p.m. on October 17, 2002 2002-0919_Bike Min.doc Page 4 of 4