Informational Meeting

MINUTES Informational Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 4:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call To Order Council Members Present: Christine M. Erickson, Rick Kiley, Greg Neitzert, Marshall Selberg, Curt Soehl (arr. 4.37 p.m.), Pat Starr, Theresa Stehly Council Members Absent: Janet Brekke Council Chair Marshall Selberg called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. 2. City Council Open Discussion Council Member Theresa Stehly noted that Parks and Recreation will conduct a pilot program within Project TRIM to evaluate the feasibility of the City trimming trees in boulevards. The pilot will encompass approximately a four block area in the Hilltop neighborhood. Stehly also noted there will be a Neighborhood Summit on October 5, 2019, beginning at 8 a.m. in the Orpheum Theater. 3. Presentations A. Pedestrian Plan by Sam Trebilcock and Jeff Schmitt, Planning and Development Services Presentation: Approximately 15 minutes followed by discussion Trebilcock provided background by explaining the Pedestrian Plan was last updated in 2006, where it included two primary goals: 1) find methods to create a safe, accomodating, and attractive atmosphere for all pedestrians, and 2) educate the public about pedestrian rules and standards to help make informed decisions and input. Since 2006, the City: adopted the Shape Sioux Falls Comprehensive Plan; adopted the Shape Places Zoning Ordinance (with pedestrian connectors taken into consideration); adopted the Complete Street Resolution; constructed new arterial sidewalks; constructed new bicycle trails and pedestrian connections; updated the Subdivision Ordinance (increasing pedestrian connectivity within subdivisions); adopted the 2015 Bicycle Plan; and, implemented the Sidewalk ADA Transition Plan; and conducted a Sidewalk GIS Inventory. All projects completed were done in accordance with the Complete Streets Checklist, Phase 2. The next Pedestrian Plan will include: a Sidewalk Master Plan; updated policies; and, recommendations to ordinances and design standards. Next steps include a Pedestrian Plan Survey; establishment of the Pedestrian Plan Advisory Committee; public involvement in  development of the draft plan; completion of the Plan by Spring 2020; and, lastly City Council adoption. There was no Council discussion. 4. Public Comment Cathy Brechtelsbauer spoke about the importance of walkability for the health of the City and the environment. She stated much can be done, particularly with pedestrian crosswalks and combatting red light-running. Joe Deffenbaugh spoke about the effectiveness of "hub and spoke" systems found in some other cities. Charles Santini spoke about using public service announcements to address walkability, the intersection at 49th and Kiwanis, and rights of way. Craig Boris spoke about his experiences on the 2006 Pedestrian Plan Working Group and how safety must be viewed as the central factor in developing a new plan. Jay Newett thanked Public Works for recent work on Bahnson Ave. to improve walkability. He recommended that the City employ a full-time bike and pedestrian coordinator. George Hamilton spoke about the desire to see several of the steps taken in Downtown applied to other neighborhoods such as All Saints. He stated that some intersections are problematic especially because they do not include crosswalks. Clint Brown spoke about the challenges presented at crosswalks when drivers do not pay attention to, or disregard, pedestrians. He said individuals, especially younger people, find it difficult to navigate crosswalks when they are taught to rely on signage, but drivers disregard it. 5. Executive Session A. Discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. The term "employee" does not include any independent contractor pursuant to SDCL 1-25- 2(1) A motion was made by Council Vice-Chair Neitzert and seconded by Council Member Erickson to enter Executive Session at 4:34 p.m. Roll call vote to enter Executive Session. 6 Yes: Erickson, Kiley, Neitzert, Selberg, Starr, Stehly; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. Council Member Soehl was not present for the vote as he arrived at 4:37 p.m. 6. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Starr and seconded by Council Member Erickson to exit Executive Session and adjourn at 5:19 p.m. Voice vote to exit Executive Session. 7 Yes: Erickson, Kiley, Neitzert, Selberg, Soehl, Starr, Stehly; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. Thomas M. Greco, City Clerk