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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-16 Bicycle & Pedestrian_PACKETCITY OF ASHLAND BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION Agenda Thursday, November 161h, 2006 @ 5:15 P.M. Siskiyou Room @ 51 Winburn Way Community Development & Engineering Services Building SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING The Carole Wheeldon Memorial Subcommittee will meet from 4:30 — 5:00 p.m. on the median island between the Library and the Fire Station (at the intersection of Siskiyou Boulevard and East Main Street) to discuss ideas for a memorial in that location. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 19th, 2006 III. PUBLIC FORUM - Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Limited to 5 minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total.) IV. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Budget Update Subcommittee & Liaison Reports (Wheeldon Subcommittee, Bike Swap Subcommittee) Verde Village Changes to Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities V. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Bike Lights, Helmets & Pedometers Weekly Car Free Day Safe Routes Goal Setting — Preliminary Discussion New Business Agenda Items for Next Month V. ADJOURNMENT Upcoming Meetings Next Regular Meeting - Thursday, January 18', 2007 at 5:15 P.M. (There will be no meeting in December) In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact time City Administrator's office at (541.) 488,,,, 001 ('STY phone number i- 010.,,,°7 -2900)Notification 72 imemurs prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CF'R 35.102,,,,35.1014 ADATitle .1). City of Ashland Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Membership Roster (Updated October 2, 2006) 1. 4.30,2009 Arnold Bleicher 520 Herbert Street 292-0697 arnoldb@mind.net 2. 4.30.2009 Selene Aitken 446 Helman Street 482-7567 seleneaitken @yahoo.com 3. 4.30.2007 Paul Rostykus 436 Grandview Dr. 482-2823 or 601-9709 sherpa@mind.net 4. 4.30.2007 Tracy Harding 334 Bridge Street 488.7884 Vice Chair reclamation @ riseup.net 5. 4.30.2007 Jim Olney 361 Wiley Street 482-1057 olnevit@mind.net 6. 4.30.2007 Vacant 4.30.2008 8. 4.30.2008 David Young Dylan Robbins Chair 9. City Council David Chapman Liaison Planning Staff Liaison Derek Severson RVTD Liaison Paige West 747 Oak Street 488-4188 dvoung @ ieffnet.org 78 Pine Street 210-3325 rrdylan(@msn.com 390 Orchard St 488-0152 davidchapman@ashlandhome.net 51 Winburn Wy. 552.2040 seversod@ashland.or.us 3200 Crater Lake Ave 608-2429 Medford, OR 97504 p.west@rvtd.org transportationoptions@qmail.com Youth Liaison (SOU) Nathan P. Meyerson (no address on file) 488-9179 natefoo@gmail.com Youth Liaison (AHS) Vacant Traffic Safety Liaison Colin Swales 461 Allison St 488-0939 what_vf4u@vahoo.com (Nine voting members, four constitutes a quorum per AMC 2.22.030) Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission October 19th, 2006 Regular Minutes Roll Call: Vice Chair Tracy Harding, Arnold Bleicher (absent), David Young, Chair Dylan Robbins (absent), Selene Aitken, Jim Olney, Paul Rostykus Council Liaison: David Chapman Staff: Derek Severson, Associate Planner, Steve McLennan, Police Officer RVTD liaison: Paige West, RVTD/TDMPlanner High school liaison: Vacant SOU liaison: Nathan Meyerson Call to Order Harding called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m. Approval of Minutes — September 21st, 2006 Rostykus/Olney m/s to approve the minutes of the September 21St, 2006 meeting as presented. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Public Forum None. Budget Update Severson noted that no new expenditures had occurred since the budget update memo was prepared for the packets. Harding indicated that she had money from the Car Free Day raffle, and that she would route it to the Parks Foundation for inclusion in the Bike Swap/Bike Safety Education fund as previously discussed. Subcommittee & Liaison Reports West asked that a discussion of the 2007 Bike Swap be added to the agenda, as requested by Recreation Superintendent Rachel Teige. MacLennan noted that Police Department inventory of front bike lights was running low, and inquired about purchasing more. Severson explained that the original intent was that funds generated from sales would be used to purchase more lights, and indicated that he would follow up with the Finance Department to verify that these funds had been handled as intended and to determine how much was available to purchase new lights. MacLennan stated that he would verify the number of each type of light (front/white and back/red) in stock before the next meeting. Announcements Severson noted that the current vacancy on the Commission had been advertised and the deadline for applications was November loth West noted that the City of Medford had recently created a Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission. Chapman noted that the Fern Valley interchange project in Phoenix was giving questionable treatment to the importance of bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and said that it may be necessary to mobilize support for a future meeting where this is discussed. West added that the current plan was not providing the improvements required in Phoenix's Transportation System Plan along Highway 99. Carole Wheeldon Memorial Fund Severson noted that the balance in this fund was $1,615 as of noon on Wednesday, and that funds seemed to be continuing to trickle in daily. 2006-1019 Bike & Ped minutes Page 1 of 4 Young gave some background on the creation of this fund, noting that he was a friend of the Wheeldon/Beaudoin family and had been approached to set up a fund in memory of former City Councilor Carole Wheeldon. He explained that the family had felt Carole was particularly happy with the island created between the new Fire Station and the Library as part of the Siskiyou Boulevard redesign as a place for pedestrians to rest, and they had hoped for some sort of memorial bench and related improvements to be placed there in her honor. Rostykus stated that there should be some form of shade provided in addition to a bench to ensure that the bench could be used year-round. He indicated that this could be a gazebo or an arbor, and Young suggested that Wheeldon would have liked a shade tree. Aitken stated that she believed there was a bench there now. Dubois suggested looking at the island closely to determine how it could be made more inviting. Young and Rostykus indicated that they would visit the site to assess its possibilities and after discussion, and after discussion, members agreed to meet on site as a subcommittee at 4:30 p.m. before the next regular meeting on November 16`h. Members would then walk to the Community Development Building for the regular meeting. Young and Rostykus indicated that they would coordinate anything planned with Wheeldon's family. Rostykus suggested that a drinking fountain might also be considered, and members agreed if there were water lines available on site. Severson noted that there would be jurisdictional issues involved, and that Public Works, Parks, the Historic Commission, the Tree Commission, the Street Department, the Planning Department, the Public Art Commission, and potentially the Oregon Department of Transportation. He suggested that members look at what they would ideally like to do, but that they remain aware that there may be other considerations that come into play with the other entities involved. Young questioned whether there was a process to select a tree variety, and Severson explained that there was an adopted street tree guide which listed acceptable species along with their sizes and growth habits. He added that the Tree Commission also had considerable expertise and would be available to consult on tree selection. Harding confirmed that members would meet on site at 4:30 prior to the next meeting; Severson stated that he would make the Tidings aware of this as a subcommittee meeting to cover public noticing requirements. Debriefing: Car Free Dav Harding noted that the feedback from tablers had been largely positive. West noted that RVTD's table is most successful in Ashland versus other Rogue Valley communities. Harding stated that she had not enjoyed the raffle, as it took too much time and made the event all about the prizes for some people. She suggested that she would like to continue making t-shirts, but would like to find a better way to deal with giving them out. Rostykus suggested looking at a better valet parking set-up, and suggested possibly using another site for the parking — like the old Copeland lumberyard area. Members noted that bike circulation through the event had been an issue, and West suggested that laying out a specific travel lane for bikes might be a solution. It was noted that neither the tree walk nor the workshops had been well -attended. Rostykus suggested spreading events out more over the month of September, and Severson noted that workshops, such as the BTA-commuter workshops offered in Portland, could be held during the week leading up to the event. Harding noted that if these were planned well in advance, they could be featured in the Parks Department recreation guides. Chapman stated that he would like to see a criterion bike race offered over several blocks of the downtown with the cooperation of Siskiyou Velo. Members discussed the fact that next year's event fell on a Saturday, and noted the need to try to coordinate with the Bear Creek Greenway celebrations. Dubois suggested thinking about ways to draw in more of an emphasis on walking as well as bicycling. West noted that she had been looking at Robert Sweetgall's "Creative Walking" program, which includes pedometer programs, books and videos, and other materials and methods to promote walking. She stated that she would bring a copy of the catalog to a future meeting for members to determine if this could be integrated into the event. Members 2006-1019 Bike & Pei minutes Page 2 of 4 discussed the possibility of a pedestrian obstacle course, a secret shortcut scavenger hunt and the creation of a secret shortcut map as ways to interest pedestrians. Debriefing: WalklBike/Scooter to School Day West noted that 1,000 kids in the Rogue Valley had participated in the Safe Routes to School/Walk-Bike-Scooter to School event on October 0. She explained that this number was based on participation of Jackson and Roosevelt Schools in Medford, Phoenix elementary, and four elementary schools plus the middle school in Ashland. West discussed the fact that the requirements for state funding of Safe Routes projects had become significantly less stringent since the last meeting, and she noted that city's or school board's could identify projects within % mile of a school and that projects could be based on adopted Transportation System Plan needs rather than a separately adopted Safe Routes plan. She explained that funds would be available on a 70%-30% split, with 70% dedicated to covering construction project costs and 30% dedicated to engineering, education and enforcement efforts such as safe routes education programs, signage, school curriculum, or printed materials. She added that $3 million per biennium would be available around the state, and that the grants would be available late winter or early spring. Members discussed some project ideas, including a better pedestrian crossing of North Main to get students down to Helman and a better crossing of Ashland Street at Normal. She stated that projects were to be identified through partnerships with local schools, and that the creation of local task forces linking government, schools and citizenry was hoped for as part of the funding. Severson noted that the 'h mile radius was significant in Ashland, as it would likely cover most of the city; he suggested partnering with the schools, the Traffic Safety Commission, and the City's Engineering Division to identify projects and pursue grant funds. Discussion of Commissioner Surveys Members went through the surveys provided; a general summary of the comments for each is attached. Severson noted that he would submit these comments on behalf of the commission but that individual members were encouraged to provide their own comments prior to the deadline as well. As Chapman exited the meeting, he suggested that a better -marked crosswalk was needed at the intersection of Church and Main Streets. Pedometer Purchase Program Harding suggested postponing this item until next month for concurrent discussion with the issue of purchasing helmets and bike lights. It was noted that bulk pedometers could be purchased for as little as $3.50 each. Discussion of Holiday Meeting Schedule After discussion, members determined that they would like to meet on November 161h as planned, but that no meeting would be held in December due to the holidays. An audience member identifying himself as Marco from Phoenix expressed interest in serving on the Commission, and noted that he had recently moved to the valley. He stated that his interests included outreach to the Spanish- speaking community. Members explained how to go about applying to serve on the Commission, and noted that residing outside of Ashland would not necessarily exclude him from service. Young also suggested he contact Charlie Bauer in Phoenix regarding Hispanic education efforts there. New Business West requested that members discuss the Bike Swap, which is tentatively planned for Saturday, May 12`h of 2007. She noted that Teige was trying to respond to issues from last year's event, and was looking at the point at which potential sellers should be required to pay for a table. After discussion, members suggested that anyone with more than three items be required to pay for a table at $15, with half -tables available. Discussion of the number of items to require a table varied from 3 to 10. Sellers would need to coordinate half -table use among themselves. It was suggested that no percentage be collected on the table items, and clarified that the tables would be only for componentry and equipment, not whole bikes. Members also suggested a free box be available for people to make free items available. West indicated she would discuss this further with Teige. 2006-1011 Bike & Ped minutes Page 3 of 4 Ag-enda Items for Next Month Goal setting; Wheeldon Memorial, Bike Li I - - - - - - - Adlournment Mi. a — . . Upcoming Meeting-s: Wheeldon Memorial Subcommittee to meet at 430 on November 16'h, on -site at the median/island at t1li, Intersection of Siskiyou Boulevard and East Main Street, between the Library and the Fire Station. ftegular Meeting — November 16'h at 5:15 p.m. 2006-1019 Bike & Peet minutcs Page 4 of 4 BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION 2006-2007 BUDGET UPDATE November 16t", 2006 ANNEMUMUM 2006-2007PROJECTS AMOUNTS APPROVED TO DATE Bike Safety Education a 'd 8/06 $1,500.00 Car Free Da (ap 'd 9/06 $ 85.69 of $100 Bike Swap Lights, Helmets, etc. Maps Pedometers ;, ; ,,, EMAININGF,U„NDSF,4R,FY,;,05-06 ; i ;;;;; „ ;i,;;;,;,,;,;; ,; ;%%; 1;; ;; !/„%;,%//;/!; !%,%,oi/;, „ ;$170000 COMMISSION FUNDS $750 in Commission Funds available in addition to the $3,300 in Program Funds. These are set aside for subscriptions, conference attendance, etc. REMINDER: The Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission does not have the budgetary authority to appropriate funds, and cannot enter into contracts for services. Requests to fund outside organizations should be directed to make application for funding to the City Council through the annual budget process. BIKE SWAP FUNDS Funds generated from the Bike Swap are under the control and management of the Ashland Parks Foundation, a private non-profit affiliated with the Parks Department. The Foundation has indicated a willingness to allow the Commission to make recommendations for the expenditure of these funds; staff would strongly recommend that anv motions for the use of these funds be framed as recommendations to the Ashland Parks Foundation in order to avoid anv confusion about the status of these funds or the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission's role in managing them under Oregon state budget law. /i;/%Bike° wa F;undsA ; P PR OVED:%TO DATE %� � BTA Payment June 2006 $1,600 BTA FY 06-07, rec. 9/06 $5,000 JBe rn6:48 j'Q� ;,�,/ ; ; % �� �� ; .,;„476�48 Carole Wheeldon Capital Improvements Fund Approx. $1,640.00 Bicycle Lights: 43 red lights in stock and $ on account. CITY OF -ASHLAND Memo Date: November 8, 2006 From: Derek Severson, Associate Planner & Staff Liaison To: Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Re: Verde Village Subdivision Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Verde Village subdivision will be considered by the Planning Commission on November 14, 2006. Depending on the outcome of that meeting, there may be additional Planning Commission meetings, and because the proposal includes an annexation and comprehensive plan and zoning map changes, it will ultimately go to the City Council as well. This subdivision is proposed to be located near the present site of the Ashland Greenhouse, near the intersection of Helman and Nevada Streets, and not far from Ashland's access point to the Bear Creek Greenway. The project involves the development of an 11.64-acre site with a 78-unit residential development, and because the project involves the installation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities I wanted to make you all aware. A site plan of the proposal is provided for your information. Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission 51 Winburn Way Phone: 541.552.2040 �., Ashland OR 97520 Fax: 541.552.2050 www.ashland.or.us TTY: 800.735.2900 FA& f f J t & VERDE VILLAGE A Sustainable Residential Development 'A Page 1 of 4 Derek Severson - Weekly Car Free Day, update 1 um i�uuuu�uuuuuuuuumumuuum"umm�mm�um�ui�u u�io���mrw�mi�m�uoiouuuuum�m�uumiwmuwu �woa ��u� mm�m From: "egon" <egon@mind.net> To: "reclamation" <reclamation@riseup.net> Date: 10/21/2006 2:02 PM Subject: Weekly Car Free Day, update 1 CC: <transportationoptions@gmail.com>, "Selene Aitken" <seleneaitken@yahoo.com>, "Derek Severson" <dereks@ashland.or.us>, <chapmand@gov.ashland.or.us>, <dyoung@jeffnet.org>, <arnoldb@mind.net>, <olneyjt@mind.net>, <sherpa@mind.net>, <rrdylan@msn.com>, <SteveM@ashland.or.us>, <katsniff78@hotmail.com> Hello Trace I spoke to Mary Bagshaw yesterday and asked her how did their pedometer program go at the OSF. According to her it started really well and everyone was excited and was walking a lot. Unfortunately too many of the inexpensive pedometers ($3.50) they had, malfunctioned or just broke down, so people got frustrated and stopped using them. Her research into the matter indicated that any pedometer available under $15 or so, would be a source of frustration. $15 is a lot. You might reconsider buing those and just handing them out. Better ones that would cost more could be "subsidized" by the BPC and sold under cost maybe. I am doing some reaserch on my own, should Mary have missed any reliable, inexpensive ones. David Chapman offered to do a little research too and so can anyone else that would like to help. I spoke about your idea to a bunch of people in the last two days and everyone thought it was brilliant and most (except one) said that they would try it. More than that, I asked everyone whether they would be willing to register on a website and track their progress as well as include some of their "car -free days" experiences, encounters and joys. Everyone said they would. Here's an example of what it could look like. (I had to include it, rather than attach it because its password entry prevented it). (I hope this works. If not, I'll find another way to send the sample bike- s -log program) Search our site • • Saturday, October 21, 2006 Nlecord today's ride information - the more details the better! I View Day of Week: Saturday Date (mm/dd/yy): 10/21/06 11 Morning Heart Rate: I — BPM This is your resting heart rate as y file:HC:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW) 0000l .HTM 11/9/2006 Page 2 of 4 Come by the shop! Ride Start Time (hh:mm): F— C AM r PM Weather: Sunny 106 Talent Ave Length in Miles: Duration (hh:mm): Suite 1 g PO Box 6 Course Description: Talent, Oregon 97540 Ride Type: (' Road Ride (" Mountain Bike Ride Other: r Open Tue - Sat Training Type: C Endurance r Climbing/Threshold I^ Spe( 10:00 am to 6:00 How'd you feel? C Great C Average C Tirei pm Additional Notes: 541-512-8891 Contact US Record Ride CLICK MAP TO ENLARGE �A Valley View 4, 4°rot, OCopyright 2005-2006 Flywheel Bicycle Solutions This sample is off the "Flywheel" bikeshop site, it is performance oriented and it bears their logo and information. It could easily be changed to reflect whatever you would like it to reflect. This program was created by Dana Bandy of Ashland, an avid runner, cyclist and outdoorsman. It could be adapted to walking (walk -a -log) or cycling (bike -a -log). As you notice it provides space for comments, but each person's page is protected by a password. That can be changed so it could become a community -log. People might choose to use first names, initials or aliases, but the end result would still be a social gathering of "one's -a -week -car -free -people". It could be fun. David Chapman suggested that it could be hosted on the Ashland BPC's site. If not, I have a friend with a server that may be willing to host it. If you think it's a good idea, I will ask Dana Bandy to let us use his program I really don't think he'll mind. Well, this email turned out to be waaaay longer than I planned it. I apologise an I'll stop here. What do you think? Can you tell how excited we all are about your idea? It's brilliant: simple and easy to adopt for most people. I can't wait to see what happens next. Egon file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}0000l.HTM 11/9/2006 Page 3 of 4 Original Message ation • + David Ghapman• 4 r - • • • rbr r r +or n r 'rrr - -. a •• • Cc: Steve MacLennan ; o♦ • rg. •mr • r • • ft Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 6:18 AM Subject: Weekly Car Free Day! Good Morning, I saw this call for a weekly NO CAR DAY this morning and thought that it related to many of our conversations last night; our duties, our goals, our responsibilities, car free day, walk/bike to school day.... I would like to discuss the possibility of all the commissioners committing to the practice, most likely we are all already car free more than one day per week. I'd suggest that we add to the survey for the council sub -committee that as a commission we offer ourselves as models to the community. I would suggest that a commitment to personally reducing our own car dependency be listed as a duty & responsibility, a stronger statement than is currently included. That we not just promote but exemplify walking and biking as transportation choices. I would like to seek some media regarding our commitment as a commission to the practice of being car free one day per week and inspire other community members to do the same. I would very much like to hear from y'all on this and add it to our November agenda. Thank you, Trace Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh has called for a world-wide 'No Car Day'; that is, that each individual and each family commit to not using a car one day per week, except in an emergency (with the individuals and families choosing their own day.) 'That day is not an end by itself. That day is also a means in order to wake people up,' says Hanh. >From (httpl www,pla:i villag o..Q r&riera�/A"/"'20cali_htinl) 'In our daily lives, we should each try to drive a car that doesn't pollute the environment, or ride a bicycle more often, or use public transportation. To this end I will suggest the creation of non-sectarian Training Centers in Mindful Living to help religious and community leaders, teachers, families and individuals find new ways to practice peace, nonviolence and compassion to our planet in their daily lives. Every one of us can do something to protect and care for our planet. We should live in such a way that makes a file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW10000I.HTM 11/9/2006 Page 4 of 4 future possible.' (From:iasr`1<�y°ka�ta;°m..µglr,jir:.1111m1) Nhat Hanh's main concern is global warming/climate change, but the No -Car Day would certainly alleviate oil shortages as well. You can read about this here:1:.ar g You can also sign a petition to UNESCO asking them to sponsor a Global No -Car Day. file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}00001.HTM 11/9/2006 Page 1 of 1 Derek Severson - Weekly Car Free Day, update 2 ammm imiummmmmsoms From: "egon" <egon@mind.net> To: "reclamation" <reclamation@riseup.net> Date: 10/21/2006 2:20 PM Subject: Weekly Car Free Day, update 2 CC: <transportationoptions@gmail.com>, "Selene Aitken" <seleneaitken@yahoo.com>, "Derek Severson" <dereks@ashland.or.us>, <chapmand@gov.ashland.or.us>, <dyoung@jeffnet.org>, <arnoldb@mind.net>, <olneyjt@mind.net>, <sherpa@mind.net>, <rrdylan@msn.com>, <SteveM@ashland.or.us> Hello Here's a "friendlier" look at that bike -a- log/walk-a- log program, without all the colorful stuff around it. (I made some changes of my own...) Record today's walk information - the more details the better! is View My Log ® Log_Out Day of Week: Saturday Date (mm/dd/yy): fl0/21/06 11 Morning coffee: F— BPM This is your resting mood as you lay in bed.... _ ) Time to walk! (hh:mm): �- r AM C PM Weather: Sunny Length in strides: 1 — Duration (hh:mm): F— Road Description: Walk Type: C Business r Pleasure Other: Purpose: r Coffee (- Walking the dog (' Going to work (' Coming from work How'd you feel? r Great r Average r Tired r Blah Additional Notes: Record Ride What do you think? Egon file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}0000l.HTM 11/9/2006 Name of Commission Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Please review the ordinances/resolutions associated with your commission. Is the purpose of your commission clearly stated and still applicable in the ordinance/resolution? If not, what are you doing that is different, what are you not doing, what do you think you should be doing that is not stated? AMC 2.22.040: The primary purpose of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission shall be to advocate the equal opportunity to use non -automotive forms of travel and to ensure the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities into a well - designed, integrated transportation network for all Ashland citizens. We believe this purpose is clearly stated and directly applicable to what we do every month. 2. Are the powers and duties clearly stated and still applicable in the ordinance/resolution? If not, what are you doing that is different, what are you not doing, what do you think you should be doing that is not stated? AMC 2.22.040: A. To promote bicycling and walking in Ashland. B. To review and make recommendations on the long-range transportation plans as related to bicycle and pedestrian issues of the city. C. To promote bicycle safety programs. D7 To serve in a liaison capacity between the city and Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee in developing the statewide bicycle and pedestrian program, and in meeting the goals of the State of Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. E. To serve in a liaison capacity between the city and the Jackson County Bicycle Committee in developing overall coordinated plans for bicycle facilities and bicycle safety programs. F. On a yearly basis, to review and make recommendations on transportation projects as related to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the City. G. To review and recommend transportation project prioritization and funding as related to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the city. H. To advise the planning commission in the administration of the site review process with respect to bicycle and pedestrian facilities and parking. I. To assist in the implementation of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. J, To develop and recommend to the city council and planning commission adoption of ordinances and policies for the planning and maintenance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the city. K. To advise the city administrator and city departments regarding bicycle and pedestrian issues in the city. These are clearly stated, but a few are not applicable to the way we have been functioning for the past several years. In particular: items A-C are directly addressed in our regular activities; relative to item D we have not been serving in a liaison capacity to the Oregon Bicycle & Pedestrian .Advisory Committee, but after discussion, we feel that this item should remain in the ordinance and that our membership should pursue this duty more argre.ssively, relative to item "E " regular members and council liaisons have attended these meetings in the past, and of late our RVTD liaison has been attending the Jackson County Bicycle Committee meetings; for item F, we have reviewed Miscellaneous Concrete projects annually but would like to have more opportunity in developing the project list, rather than reviewing plans that are already essentially set; for item G we see a primary means of addressing funding to be participation in the Rogue Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization meetings to .secure funding for projects — this has been done in the past, and a former member still attends these meetings, but one of the current members needs to begin attending these meetings; for M, the commission has passed on advice where our input was necessary, but we have not been reviewing current planning actions each month as we believe the existing standards address our concerns we have been assured by planning staff'tat any issues of'concern will be brought before us, and we believe that we are fortunate in Ashland that the land use regulations, planning commission and city council are all generally in line with our values of creating a bicycle and pedestrian friendly community; items I, J and K are addressed as needed. We do not believe that changes are necessary to our powers and duties. 3. As a commission o you feelthat you accomplish succeed i carrying t the purpose and duties listed in the ordinance/resolution? While we believe that there is always room for improvement, we feel that we have been successful in carrying out our purpose, powers and duties, and as a group will endeavor to improve on those items cited above as not being fully met. 4. Does your commission establish annual goals or has it established annual goals in the past? If so, please provide a copy of those goals. The commission has not established formal goals for the entire group for a year or two. Because we rely so heavily on volunteer energy, we rely on individual members to champion those items that they feel strongly about, and as such our goal setting has been more of a discussion of each member's interests and a commitment from each relative to what they are willing to work on during the coming year. Minutes of the most recent discussion will be attached, but generally members have committed to working on the annual Bike Swap, the annual Car Free Day event, and efforts to encourage walking and biking (and .safe routes for both) to Ashland schools. In discussing this item, members indicated that they would like to again work to establish formal goals for the commission as a whole. As 1 1 # you commissionwith the process, communications, o, please explain. Generally, we feel that communications are good and that we interact very well as a commission, and that frustration and confusion levels are no more than would be reasonably expected based on the nature of our duties. One item ofparticular concern is that as a commission, we have worked to get away from the use of paper packets, and rely on a PDF version of our packet posted on the city website. This is a choice made to conserve resources in keeping with the city -adopted Valdez Principles which we feel should be a policy for all commissions — it saves paper, postage, staff time, and electricity, and reduces vehicle miles driven to deliver packets. Members have the option of printing a copy of their packet, but typically, those attending the meetings (commissioners or members of the public) bring a laptop and view the packet on-line. As such, it is absolutely vital to have fimctional Wi-Fi access available in all meeting rooms. This service has been sporadic at best, and as we were discussing this item during our regular September meeting on-line access was only available in the Siskiyou Room for those willing to pay $3.95 a day. We feel strongly that free Wi-Fi access needs to be maintained (this is not only to support a principle -based decision not to make paper copies, but is an opportunity to promote the City's considerable investments in AFN!)! At the very least password access should be provided for commissioners to facilitate conducting their meetings. 6. Can you suggest i between commission and the City Council? We feel that some better mechanism for communication with the City Council is needed. We would like the opportunity to make annual comment on City Council goals, and to have the adopted goals better communicated back to the commission. This seemed to be happening better a few years ago, but we don't recall being contacted last year either before or after Council goal setting. (Members noted that they felt that this liaison relationship was valuable.) 1 Yes. (e have also partnered with the Parks Department to conduct an annual Bike Swap, with funds generated going to the Parks Foundation and specifically earmarked to support bicycle safety/education programs in Ashland, which gives us a self-sustaining supplement to our budget which we hope will enable us to bring bicycle safety education and safe routes to school programs to every student in Ashland.) Does the name of your commissionronot, please suggest In considering this question, members discussed whether there was a desire to incorporate a focus on transit or alternative transportation into the name of the commission, and discussed whether reference to "multi - modal equity" was needed. The general consensus was that we would prefer to continue with a focus on bicycle and pedestrian issues with the name we have... 9. Is the size of your commission, as stated in the ordinance/resolution, too small? Too large? The size of the commission seems to work well as is. 0. Do you have difficulty achieving a quorum?Do you recruiting new members? We have had difficulty reaching a quorum lately — two or three meetings in the past twelve months were cancelled due to lack of a quorum. There has been a fair amount of turn -over on the commission, and recruiting new members has taken more time than we would like. This has been frustrating for members, and has made it more difficult to reach a quorum given that our quorum is set by ordinance at four, regardless of the number of vacancies we may have... We have also been without a high school liaison for some time, and would hope that more outreach efforts can be made to recruit contributing student members in the future. (STAFF NOTE: Staff has noted that over the last several years, it seems that the role of the commission is heavily weighted to advocacy, and this makes it difficult to see concrete successes that other commission may have from reviewing specific projects each month. This makes it difficult at times to feel a sense of accomplishment which may be a contributing factor for the turn -over rate.) Memo Date: October 19, 200 From: James H. Olson To: Traffic Safety Comnission Re: `A' STREET ALLEY TRAFFIC ISSUES CITY OF AS H LA N D REQUEST Another issue that came up at the September Bike and Pedestrian Commission meeting was a request for additional signage or other safety features at Fourth and Sixth Streets where they intersect on the north side of `A' Street. Apparently conflicts between pedestrians and bicyclists with vehicles have been noted at these two locations. The two streets are interconnected by a 20 foot wide alley that abuts the railroad property and provides an entrance to the Central Ashland Bike Path. BACKGROUND In the late 1990's a public alley was dedicated and built north of and parallel to `A' Street from Fourth Street to Sixth Street. The connection to the alley at Fourth Street was built as an extension of Fourth Street to the south and is 36 feet wide with curb and sidewalk on both sides of the street. This section was built to accommodate a future extension of Fourth Street into the railroad property. The alley was also connected at Fifth and Sixth Streets as alley connections and are only 20 feet wide. The alley is heavily traveled by pedestrians and bicyclist and is considered to be `the most westerly terminus of the Central Ashland Bikeway. There is currently no signage at either Fourth or Sixth Street that would indicate neither the presence of bicycles nor any type of advance warning to forewarn motorists of bikes or pedestrians in the alley. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION The appropriate signage for this situation would be the standard "Bicycle Crossing" warning (WI I-1) which is a yellow diamond with bike outline. This sign alerts the road user to unexpected entries into the roadway by bicyclists and other crossing activities that might course conflicts. Staff recommends that these signs be placed on the west side of Fourth Street and Sixth Street approximately 10 to 15 feet north of the north curb on `A' Street. ENGINEERING DIVISION Tel: 541/488-5347 20 E. Main Street Fax: 541/488.6006 Ashland OR 97520 TTY: 800/735-2900 �O ,W& www.ashland.orms G:\pub-wrks\eng\dept-admin\TRAF\A St Alley Bikepath Memo 10 06.doc �w µ 0 NO 51 a 0 3w ouWZ� O O LO �m 7y✓yc� VmWK � t O U C_ C O L' O O JimOlson Itemsfrom Bic clePed�n�Crmmiss�on m+et�n ��� Page 1 From: Derek Severson To: Jim Olson Date: 9/22/2006 1:04:52 PM Subject: Items from Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission meeting Jim, Besides the stop sign at Water and B Street that Steve MacLennan passed along, a couple of other items came up at last night's Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission meeting. A woman in our public forum asked that the City consider the new rubber sidewalks which use recycled tires to form a lower maintenance sidewalk that is more friendly to trees and more forgiving if a pedestrian falls. She said that the initial installation cost is greater, but the long-term maintenance means they are ultimately cheaper. I explained that current standards call for concrete, and that the Council with support from Public Works would be the ones to decide on a change of this nature, but I said I'd pass it along to you. These are on the web at http://www.rubbersidewalks.com . These are apparently modular rubber pavers, and can be pulled up to work below them and then reinstalled. I wondered about long-term durability and appearance as well as cost. Have you seen these or heard about them? There was also some discussion that probably falls into the Traffic Safety realm about the problem with cars leaving A and entering the alley area that runs behind the A Street buildings between Fourth and Sixth. Commissioners felt that people enter off of A Street at a high rate of speed and do not anticipate pedestrians or cyclists, and there have been a number of near misses. The Bicycle & Pedestrian Commisioners would like to see signage placed along A Street at the entry points, and maybe in the travel area behind the buildings, warning drivers to slow down/use caution/watch for bikes and peds... I know there is some issue with what is right-of-way, what is easement, and what is private or railroad property, but the Commissioners were hoping that Traffic Safety could look at appropriate signage in this vicinity. - Derek ' ;3 sy 55 CITY OF -ASHLAND Date: October 18, 200 I)D From: James H. Olson To: Traffic Safety Commission Re: RUBBER SIDEWALKS At the September Bike and Pedestrian Commission meeting, during the Public Forum session; it was suggested that the City consider the use of rubber sidewalks as manufactured by Rubbersidewalks Inc. of California. The rubber sidewalks consist of separate two foot by two foot or 2.5 foot or five foot panels which interlock using a pin and hole system. The panels are slightly less than two inches thick and require a specially constructed base including a geotextile fabric to provide the necessary support. The rubber sidewalks have the benefit of being flexible and are removable which make them ideal for use around trees where root upheaval is expected. The rubber sidewalks are at least one third higher in cost than concrete and are not as permanent (except in areas of root upheaval), but they do appear to be worth considering as a specialty treatment in tree areas. Some information from the website is enclosed. It is suggested that the Tree c\Commission also review this product for acceptability for tree root problem areas. cc: Amy Anderson Paula Brown Mike Morrison Sr. ENGINEERING DIVISION Tel: 541/488-5347 20 E. Main Street Fax: 800/735-2900 Er, Ashland OR 97520 TTY: 800/735-2900 www.ashland.or.us G:\pub-wrks\eng\dept-admin\TRARRubber Sidewalks Memo 10 06.doc Rubbersidewalks' revolutionary modular paving system solves the conflict between trees roots and sidewalks. Rubbersidewalks' Residential • 2'x2'x 1.5,m click for more images USA TODAY Media Coverage Thank you for visiting our web site. The recent media coverage in USA TODAY has been exciting, and due to the overwhelming response it may take us a few days to get back to you. We appreciate your interest and would like to recommend some additional procedures, listed below. If you are a resident interested in our product for your home, please have your local contactor fill out our Request For Quote page in the upper left corner. Min.order is 400 sf and will ship directly from California. If you are a City or Government Agency wanting more information and a sample, please fill out our Contact Us page in the upper left corner. We will send you an electronic kit shortly. Samples will follow in the next 2-3 weeks. If you are a City or Government Agency needing a formal quote and pricing, please fill out our Request For Quote page in the upper left corner. We will send you an electronic quote shortly. If you are interested in Investment Opportunities, please fill out the Contact Us page in the upper left corner. Please expect to be contacted by our Chief Financial Officer, Cassie Hoag in the coming weeks. If you are interested in any opportunities with the company --including distribution, manufacturing, icensing, sales rep, and installation, please fill out the T We urge you to use other fine products made from 100% recycled California rubber, and recycled California materials. U.S.Rubber.com (sports flooring) Eco-Blok.com (the alternative to sand ba s ' GrubbleLLC.com (Grubble playground cover CIWMB.com California Integrated Waste Management Board Contact page in the upper left corner. We are very interested in speaking with you, and will get back to you as soon as possible. Again, thank you for your interest in our products, and in your commitment to helping the environment by recycling and helping preserve the urban forest. We look forward to doing business with you. Sincerely, Lindsay Smith, President/CEO Dan Joyce, Vice -President Thank you again for your interest. The resources of the earth are limited. Recycling is limited only by our imagination and effort. infoOrubbersidewalks.com 2622 West 157th Street • Gardena, CA 90249 Phone:(310) 515-5814 FAX: (310) 515-5314 Powered by: Unipoint, LLC 2.6 Rubbersidewalks Saves Money The Real Cost of Concrete Concrete sidewalks cannot be maintained. When concrete sidewalks are damaged they must be entirely demolished and rebuilt. • Rubbersidewalks reduces the need for chronic and costly concrete repair and replacement. Rubbersidewalks can be lifted for periodic tree root trimming and replaced at a fraction of the cost of concrete repairs and replacement • Rubbersidewalks allows long-term sidewalk/tree root maintenance • Rubbersidewalks introduces the concept of modularity • Tripping on uplifted concrete can cause injury and lawsuits Rubbersidewalks are maintainable. Unlike concrete, Rubbersidewalks can be lifted for tree root maintenance, then replaced. Crews can easily trim tree roots every 2 or 3 years while roots are still in the offshoot stage. There is no damage to the health or stability of the tree. The Cost of Trip and Fall Uplifted concrete results in trip and fall accidents which cause personal injury -- and costly lawsuits. A trip & fall injury hurts the pedestrian -- and the city budget. Rubbersidewalks eliminates trip hazard by replacing broken and uplifted concrete and asphalt patching. Rubbersidewalks never create trip hazard, even over tree roots. Rubbersidewalks absorb shock. Though hard and durable, Rubbersidewalks are more resilient than concrete. No injury results in no lawsuits -- and happier pedestrians. zr Rubbersidewalks Saves Trees Every Tree Matters • Trees clean the air • Trees fight global warming • Trees enhance the beauty of the neighborhood • Trees cool the air in summer and conserve warmth in winter • Trees bring songbirds to the neighborhood • Trees increase property values by 15% • Tree roots retain water and keep it from the waste stream Rubbersidewalks eliminates the need to remove trees due to invasive root growth. Each 20 square foot installation of Rubbersidewalks saves a tree from removal. Rubbersidewalks allows tree roots to be trimmed in a way that doesn't jeopardize health or stability of tree. Rubbersidewalks saves the urban forest which benefits the environment, quality of life and property values. Rubbersidewalks introduces modularity and tree root management Unlike concrete, Rubbersidewalks' pavers can be lifted for tree root trimming then replaced. Crews can easily trim tree roots every 2 or 3 years while roots are still in the offshoot stage. There is no damage to the health or stability of the tree. Ul FAQ COST The. question is not how much do they cost, but how much do they save. While initial cost is approximately one-third higher than concrete, Rubbersidewalks can last more than twice as long as concrete near trees. Also, Rubbersidewalks eliminates the need for future concrete repair, break out and replacement. STABILITY Pavers when joined with self -gripping dowels, and locked into the EdgePro restraint chassis, create a solid unibody which neither shifts nor allows individual pop-up. The anchored Rubbersidewalks pavers are immovable, until you want to release them for tree root maintenance. Pavers will not lift or shift in heavy rain or flooding. [Rubbersidewalks, like concrete, would be vulnerable to massive soil erosion or earthquake disruption. Unlike concrete, pavers will not be destroyed and may be re -set.] DURABILITY Organic compounds such as gum, ice cream, blood, tree sap, berries, and pollen can be hosed off or steam cleaned. Most chemicals afld solvents have no impact, such as gasoline, ammonia household bleach, paint thinner, nail polish remover. Wet concrete should be hosed off Rubbersidewalks' pavers while concrete is wet. Broken glass, high heels, furniture legs or equipment, and most blades will not damage surface. Rubbersidewalks will fade slightly in the first month, then remain stable over the next few years. Some flashing may take place, and wear areas in heavy foot traffic after approximately five years. Pavers may be rotated to distribute wear over time, and turned over to begin another five year cycle. Pavers are reversible. A surface color -sealant will be soon available to refresh color and texture. DAMAGE Oil products --auto oils, tar, cooking fats --could gradually damage paver [although paver tiles have been used in driveways and garages where cars are well maintained. Sulfuric acid [Drano] will damage paver. Chlorine bleach [pool quality] could leave white residue. Repeated lawn watering can leave water lines (which can be cleaned off.) Sharp objects [razor, knife, power drill etc.] can cut paver, but integrity of paver will not be affected. Graffiti can be steam -cleaned off. Minor surface damage can be repaired with color -sealant soon to be available from Rubbersidewalks. FIREPROOF Rubbersidewalks pavers have a 500 degree flash point, which makes them highly flame resistant. If exposed to open fire, pavers will smolder. Lit cigarettes, cigars or matches can burn on paver and will self -extinguish, leaving a stain that can be brushed off. 21 CLIMATES Rubbersidewalks pavers show no expansion factor in hot temperatures [as demonstrated by pavers used in Palm Springs]. In general, like concrete, pavers warm up in sunlight, but reach a lower temperature than concrete and retain less heat. Experiments are currently being conducted with Rubbersidewalks in subzero climates to evaluate their stability, coefficient of friction, and resistance to snow -plow damage. REACTIONS Everyone likes Rubbersidewalks. Pedestrians enjoy their comfort and safety. Residents appreciate the preservation of their trees. Many people don't even notice they're walking or riding along on Rubbersidewalks. CONTACT US / ORDERING We welcome your questions and feedback, and we're eager to help you determine your specific Rubbersidewalks needs. Please go to CONTACT US and enter your contact data and questions. We'll get back to you immediately. 30 m � N � � _ Rubbemi dm'Ai I Sare 111udeu(100%m:ydeN CuUNmmtire mbhe: Each squurefoot diverts _ one passenapr tire from land fills. bbersidewalks modularity allow ots to be periodically inspected and trimmed as needed. Rubhnoidmwa|ks' Inc, wishestothank the California Integrated Waste Management Board for their continued support. R SIDEALI(S - MUNICIPAL Modular recycimtCaldomia-fire-rubW influlocking sidewalk paving system. DESCRIPTKW Rdibersidmiks are made from 100% recycled comb rubber from waste ties, mixed with polyurethane resin and colorant, and molded under pressure usingsteam-generated heat to reduce enema demands. ibis produces a strong and durable part that meets all requiremerits of sidawalkiwortfiviess, ihckbdng stable grade, non -vibration in compliance with ADA requirements, and high coefficient of friction for non AW both dry and wet ks are hard enough for skateboarders, rollerblades and spikes, yet resilient enough to provide safe passage for all pedestrian and wheeled traffic. Pavers are available in various sizes and colas, and are reversible. Expected life is minimum 16 years. R ERSIDEWVALIKS" SERVICES Services Inckidt- • Site negistratiori and tracking in Rubbersiderval1W schedule & notification of maintenance due • Photo documeritiatim of site, before and after • Site Banner • Educational materials for local school district Available upon regest • Certified installation services (m some regions) • Consulting arborist services • Long term Maintenance Service • Press Kit matubls • Installation Manual and DVD RUBBERSIIDEWVALKS' PRICING Ruhbersidewaks pavers cast $7.00 per square foot plus accessories, shipping and tax if applicable. Mateoak 100% recycled California crumb rubber, urethane resin binder & colorant. Sore: 2' x 2.5' x 1.875" 5 sq ft (for 4 or 5 foot wide sidewalks), 2' x 2' x 1.875" 4 sq ft. Weight 10.8 Ibs per square foot (54 Ibs; 44 Ibs). Surface: Crumb rubber molded texture, all edges 1/8" radius (both sides identical) Cokws: Gray, terra cotta, black, black with white chip (additional colors available upon request). Paver expected to darken slightly in the first two months then remain stable. UV lab tests show no change after two years. Surface appearance may vary due to inconsistence in granulated waste tire rubber. Maintenance: Sweep, hose down or mop. Weight Load: 3,000 pounds per square inch. SI=k Attesnuatiom Under 200 g at 5'. Fall significantly less likely to cause injury or broken bones than on concrete. coefficient of friction: ASTM C 1028: 0.90 dry; 0.65 wet (OSHA guidelines require that all walking surfaces satisfy a 0.5 Static Coefficient of Friction rating. In new construction and alterations, ADA specifies that a 0.6 Coefficient of Friction is recommended on all path of travel surfaces). Faber-Abrasiiom ASTM C 501: 270 (indicates high resistance to wear). Salt/Chlbrode: ASTM B117: No change in surface; no stain or residue. Magnesium Woride Soak: No change in surface; no stain or residue. Xenon Arc Weathering; No charge after exposure to sunlight two-year equivalent. FRarne Spread ASfM IEl62: Index 131.18 at average temperature of 157.7 C (Surface flammability ANSI Z124.1 and Z124.1 allows Index of 450 or less). If exposed to open, constant fire, pavers are likely to smolder. Lit cigarettes, cigars or matches can burn on paver until they self -extinguish. Porosity: Permeable at module seams; immediate drainage of water into ground; minimal run off into storm drain. Fu ewT. h )ISIM C 1026: Product exposed to 15 cycles of freeze -thaw at 0 Degrees for 90 days. No change. No facial defects. No signs of crazing, chipping, spailing or cracking. Product frozen at 0 degrees was subjected to impact with no change. ADA Compfianoe: Low vibration; concrete-to-Rubbersidewalks transition imperceptible; high coefficient of friction both dry and wet; surface hardness supports all pedestrian and wheeled traffic. llld ularify: Rubbersi imal s is a modular sidewalk system. Pavers are i tercorrrected and can be periodicaly opened for tree root or sesim maintenim. LLIED Credit:. Rubbersidewaks qualifies for a minimum 4 LFfD credits for Recycled Content, Heat Island Affect Non -Roof and Regional Materials. Wier: • 100% California recycled fire rubber, with polyurethane binder. Non -toxic. All components inert solids. No volatile organic compounds. Product does not lurch, off -gas, or produce rubber dust particles. • Rubbersidewalks reduces sound of all pedestrian or wheeled traffic. SOLE SOURCE Itbbesidewaks is a sole: source product, developed exclusively by Rnbbersidewaks, Inc. for the public right of way and other landscaping applications, marketed and manufactured by Rubbffs dmks, Inc. Rubbersidewaks modular sidewalk system has been tested and proven effective for use in public right of way appkcatiahs (sidewalks, walkways, tree wells), and proven beneficial to the health and inafturice of urban trees. Accept no substitutes. there is only one ks Products called Rubber Sideuvalk, Rubberlks, or Rulkerside,mik are NOT REAL Rubbersidewaks. Rubbersiilewalks, Inc, is a small, California busies. MEHUMMUMM may„ GRAY TT7lRA COTTA z The r m itar-ces of the -1 % acre! Ph 310 515 5814 • Fax 310 515 5314 • 2622 West 157th Street, Gardena, CA 90249 Illiniilfer by i -u inatiary f Iliemieffi 7 E-mail: info@ntbbersidewalks.cotn • Vkb: www.RubbemWewalks.com ommr i�mr�iiratu�omm ammtW aW1"uerW.,.,. a lid ]j v "j 8601�1A(Ips) *l'i ...... juawdOlOA0 9ZrZ6 WO net 1-9 XZ6 -"Ia'O 'PI 3'Nffz 1-13 1 77= jeiluepsaH alqeuielsnS V .1 )nh� % Cf) Nj IIJ 1111 90-1-ld �ln P-79 111- 1.1-0 � 4'v apq-f-, 3E)V-1-IIA 3GN3A llll.—�,, . . .. . .. ....