Bicycle / Trails Advisory Committee

Bicycle/Trails Advisory Committee (BTAC) Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 LifeStyles Center, 800 Battlefield Blvd N. 5:00 PM VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rogard Ross Vice Chair Don Burke Secretary Greg Curl Whitney Katchmark Timothy Stephens Chris Patterson Steve Frocillo STAFF/OTHERS PRESENT: Kevin Finn, Planning Department Tracy Jones-Schoenfeld, Public Works Ana Elezovic, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Tom Lilley, Citizen Ric Sutton, Citizen and Tidewater Horse Coalition James Bacoan, Citizen Johnathon Steel, Citizen _______________________________________________________________________________ Chair R. Ross called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM INTRODUCTIONS: Committee members and staff introduced themselves. MINUTES: Approval of October 24, 2022 meeting minutes; Motion to approve minutes as written made by G. Curl and second by D. Burke, all members present voting for. Approval of December 9, 2022 planning subcommittee meeting minutes; Motion to accept minutes as written made by D. Burke and second by W. Katchmark, all members present voting for. NEW BUSINESS/DISCUSSION: a. Proposed Transition to Parks, Recreation, and Tourism K. Finn informed the Committee that City staff have been in discussions regarding the transferring of duties of facilitating the Bicycle/Trails Advisory Committee from the Planning Department to Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (PRT). Given the increased 1  need for the Committee to coordinate events, engagement and other trail-related improvements, Staff found the role to best be aligned with the expertise of PRT. K. Finn opened to the discussion to the Committee. R. Ross expressed his support and that he spoke with Mike Barber, the PRT Director, regarding the change. D. Burke asked about Planning’s continued involvement with the Committee and K. Finn stated that he would still be attending meetings and have an increased involvement given the upcoming Trails and Open Space Connectivity Plan. A. Elezovic spoke on behalf of PRT and why she felt the department was best suited for the role. W. Katchmark spoke in support of the transition. C. Patterson spoke on the role of the Committee as an advisory group and that the transition may impact their ability to serve that purpose. K. Finn stated that Planning would continue to be actively involved with the Committee and the transition would not appear that noticeable. Motion to approve the transition of the Bicycle/Trails Advisory Committee to Parks, Recreation, and Tourism made by G. Curl and seconded by T. Stephens, six (6) members present voting for and one (1) member present voting against. R. Ross asked C. Patterson if he would like to discuss his reasoning for opposing the transition and C. Patterson restated his thoughts on the role of the Committee to advise and inform a strategic vision of the City, which he feels more closely aligns with the role of the Planning Department. K. Finn restated Planning’s continued involvement with the Committee and its role in developing the Trails and Open Space Connectivity Plan. b. Planning Subcommittee Update and 2023 Plans R. Ross referred the Committee the minutes from the Planning Subcommittee meeting in December that provided a list of the discussed topics, priorities for 2023 and future events. There was a discussion on whether there are too many goals and events for the Committee. C. Patterson stated the importance of having measurable goals so that success could be analyzed. He suggested starting off small and securing a win for the group. A. Elezovic and T. Jones-Schoenfeld agreed with seeing more specific goals. The Committee confirmed with the plan to move forward with the Bike Month events in May, including the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail ride on May 7th and the Historic South Norfolk ride on May 20th. c. CIP Review R. Ross asked K. Finn how long an introduction to the Department’s CIP submittal would take and K. Finn stated it would likely exceed the time we have. K. Finn also discussed the timeline and the Planning Department’s suggestion to wait on the submittal of a formal letter to City Council until the City Manager released their endorsed budget. R. Ross requested that the Department’s provide a list of their submittals prior to the next meeting for the Committee’s review so they can be discussed. d. City Department Updates R. Ross asked for clarification on several projects for each department. K. Finn provided an update on the Trails and Open Space Connectivity Plan that is currently live and will close in early February as well as the Industrial Waterfront Study and the interactive map and survey found on the City’s website. A. Elezovic showed the Committee the proposed signage for Indian River Park. T. Jones-Schofield provided an update on the Western Branch Commonwealth Rail 2  Trail and that scoping was still underway. T. Jones-Schofield also mentioned the Transportation Alternatives Program and requested the Committee provide ideas for projects. W. Katchmark asked whether there was a limit on what could be proposed and there is not. R. Ross requested that staff provide their update via email by the Wednesday prior to the Committee’s scheduled meeting so members have time to review. e. Member Updates and Suggestions R. Ross mentioned Travis Davidson proposed a ride along the South Hampton Roads Trail from Suffolk to Western Branch. More details will be provided at a later date. C. Peterson asked R. Sutton to speak on behalf of the equestrian community in Chesapeake. R. Sutton provided a brief background on himself and his interest in becoming an advocate for the equestrian community, stating his involvement in the Heritage Park discussion. R. Sutton asked about parks and trails where horses were allowed, could be accommodated, and whether there were parks where they were not allowed. The point was also raised about the need to include equestrian uses in the planning process, with an emphasis on the infrastructure required, such as proper trails, waste bins and signage. f. Upcoming Events None g. Monthly Optional Group Outing None NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will take place on February 27, 2023 ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn made by C. Patterson and seconded by T. Stephens, all member present voting for. Meeting adjourned by R. Ross at 6:35 PM 3