Bicycle / Trails Advisory Committee

Bicycle/Trails Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes September 25, 2023 5:00 p.m. This meeting of the Bicycle/Trails Advisory Committee Meeting was held September 25, 2023, at the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Administrative Office, 1224 Progressive Drive. Chair Ross called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Introduction of new members o M. Flint was welcomed to the group. ROLL CALL Ms. Abaka-Williams took the roll. Attendance reflected a quorum 7 voting members were present, 3 were absent. Members Present: Andy Booden, Donald R. Burke, Michael Flint, Dawn M. Kennedy, Rogard Ross, Timothy L. Stephens, Barry R. Sutton Members Absent: Alex Breshears, Steve Froncillo, Whitney S. Katchmark City Staff Present: Michael Barber (PRT), Ana Elezovic (PRT), Carrie Abaka-Williams (PRT), Kevin Finn (Planning), Tracey Jones-Schoenfeld (Public Works) MINUTES: A motion was made by T. Stephens and seconded by B. Sutton to approve the June 26, 2023; minutes as presented. The minutes were unanimously approved by the board. A motion was made by D. Burke and seconded by D. Kennedy to approve the July 24, 2023; minutes as presented. The minutes were unanimously approved by the board. HEARING OF CITIZENS: Michael Sarros is an Environmental Consultant and is interested in joining the committee. He has extensive experience in VDOT connectivity projects and serving on boards and commissions. STAFF UPDATES: 1. Ana Elezovic (Parks, Recreation and Tourism) o A. Elezovic and M. Barber shared that tree clearing has begun at Blue Heron Landing Park. The project will likely be completed sometime in Summer 2024. o A final conceptual plan for Heritage Park should be available sometime this month.  2. Tracy Schoenfeld-Jones (Public Works) o The Public Works team is continuing to work on TAP submissions. o T. Schoenfeld will investigate where the Indian River Road Diet project is currently. o Due to drainage issues the Western Branch Trail construction date has been moved to Spring 2024. 3. Kevin Finn (Planning) o The Industrial Waterfront Project is nearing completion. o K. Finn encouraged committee members to get involved with the Greenbrier Area Plan. The next Greenbrier Area Plan Open House is November 15, 2023, at the Greenbrier Middle School. o He is currently finalizing the request for proposal (RFP) for the Deep Creek and Camelot Area Plan. o The Chesapeake Comprehensive Plan is currently in the Open House process with the next meeting being Thursday September 28, 2023, at Truitt Intermediate. o More information about upcoming open houses can be found on the Chesapeake Planning Department’s website. REPORTS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) o D. Kenndy made the motion to approve the letter drafted by Chairman Ross. T. Stephens seconded the motion. The committee members voted to approve and submit the letter drafted by Chairman Ross with no edits. 2. Indian River Park Subcommittee o M. Barber share that the subcommittee still needed a representative from the remote-controlled car community to move forward. T. Stephens shared that he would reach out to his network again and asked PRT permission to post information on social media. 3. Event Planning o A. Elezovic attended the Bike Rodeo at the Great Bridge Baptist Church on September 16, 2023. She shared that many families participating in these children’s activities and she shared BTAC information along with giveaways. o The Bike Your Park Event at the Western Branch Trail was cancelled due to Tropical Storm Ophelia. The committee determined that due to upcoming seasonal weather and holidays there is little interest in rescheduling the event for now. 2  o The Halloween BTAC event has been canceled due to low volunteer numbers. o Bike Fest 2024 event at Dismal Swamp Canal Trail will be on May 5, 2024. o Discussed where we could find the central calendar of events hosted by both City and other organizations. R. Ross mentioned the VisitChesapeake.com hosts such a calendar and has a process for submitting events for listing consideration. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Trail and Connectivity Plan o K. Finn shared that the consulting firm, Alta, has been attending tours throughout Chesapeake to learn about the existing connectivity conditions. o On September 20, 2023, the Planning Department hosted the first TCONN Open House at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum. o K. Finn shared that the Trails and Connectivity Plan survey will be available online until November 1, 2023. o The Planning Department is also working on a “meeting in a box” to allow community members to conduct their own TCONN meetings. 2. Trail Priorities o Chairman Ross shared the draft list of trail priorities throughout Chesapeake with the committee. He is putting together an online survey to allow the committee members to vote for their top ten suggestions. o B. Sutton shared the need for additional horse facilities while Heritage Park is still being planned. He urged for improvement existing trails and horse amenities at Northwest River Park. M. Barber suggested using Dismal Swamp Canal trail as an alternative while Heritage Park is in the design phase. HEARING OF BOARD MEMBERS: 1. Member Updates o A. Booden shared that he was happy to see a BTAC and PRT presence at the Chesapeake Criterium. He would like to see participation increase and the event grow over time. 2. Monthly outings o Currently no plans for a monthly outing are determined. 3. Next Meeting-Election of Officers o R. Ross shared that current officers’ terms were still in effect, and they were eligible for reelection. Also, any committee member interested in a possible position should let that be known. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m. NEXT MEETING: 3 The next meeting will be on Monday, October 23, 2023. The meeting will be held at the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Administrative Office, 1224 Progressive Drive Chesapeake Va. 23320 at 5:00 pm. Minutes submitted by Carrie Abaka-Williams 4