Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission

Wheaton Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission March 20, 2024 7pm Gammon Room, Wheaton City Hall, Wheaton, IL In person and Virtual meeting I. Call to Order 7:00 pm Members present: Bob, Mike, Bill, Rita, George, Laurel, Michelle and Lou Members absent: Connor, Alyse, Dave, Cate Public Present: Andrew Kemmetmueller, Tom Teune II. Agenda Item Approval of February Minutes Motioned: Rita Seconded: George Unanimously approved via voice vote. III. Public Comment Andrew Kemmetmueller - He is concerned with safety issues mainly along Weisbrook Road. He has a lot of data and video on safety to share from his many close calls with cars on Weisbrook. He said he has talked to the police but they said they can’t do anything. Recommended he go to Coffee with Council to discuss his concerns. He also questioned that the last bike plan was from 2011. It was explained that we are in the process of updating this with the help of a consultant. Tom Teune - He has a plea for attention for the area between Cromwell east toward West Loop Road, along Butterfield road (wooded area), that has invasive, overgrown trees, litter and broken sidewalk . Tax records show the Wheaton Park District owns this property. He contacted his councilman regarding this area, but he did not hear back from him. Rita said she will take a video of this area and Michelle said we can submit this proposal to the City assistant manager and Wheaton Park District. By improving on this area, it will augment the connection to the Cromwell Road path to Herrick/Danada. Michael Subtelny - new commission member. Mike is a dentist and he loves to run and bike on the IPP. Also he will be getting married on June 8th. IV. Agenda Item Chair Report- A. Updates on Requested Signs from City Cromwell Path Signs: Per John Duguay-the signage for the bike path to Herrick Lake is installed. Carlton/Roosevelt Sign- Per John Duguay This sign has been approved by IDOT and we are in the process of getting it installed. Directional Signs to Underpass- The signs have been installed at 3 locations along Wheaton Avenue: WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 20, 2024 ● NE & SW corners of Park Ave and Wheaton Ave intersection ● NE & SW corners of Illinois St and Wheaton Ave intersection ● On the east and west side of the Illinois Prairie Path and Wheaton Ave intersection Welcome to Wheaton Signs on IPP- Per John Duguay- We are working on the design and once permit is received from DuPage County, it will be installed (when ground thaws) March City Council Meeting A. Citizens to be Heard -Seven (7) Citizens spoke in general opposition of the upcoming Cosley Zoo Parking lot zoning measure, and voiced support that the matter be put to referendum. -One (1) Citizen described his observations and concerns at the intersection of Washington and Willow St. i. Namely, drivers not stopping at stop sign at Washington and willow. ii. Asking the City to consider Another stop sign at Washington and Liberty Or Washington and Crescent. B. Appointments to City Commissions and Reappointment to City Board, of note: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission Appointment i. Michael Subtelny – Appointment for a three-year term through March 4, 2027 C. Other matters were related to zoning reviews, budgetary items, see full Agenda for Details Agenda - 03/04/2024 (wheaton.il.us) D. Safe Routes- Connor attended meeting at Emerson Elementary on 23-Feb a. Attendees i. Ms. Debra (Debbie) Klein - Emerson Principal ii. Ms. Sonia Zala - City of Wheaton Traffic/Project Engineer b. Discussed ‘as-is’ conditions of student arrival and departure c. Per Principal Klein, i. mode-share is skewed toward personal motor vehicle transportation, although significant percentage of population is within walking distance. ii. Concentration of personal motor vehicles during peak times, e.g. departure, can/has led to dangerous conditions for those outside of motor vehicles. iii. Logistics have been observed to be improved on bike and walk to school days d. Sent a follow up note to Ms. Zala with a few potential initiatives to increase mode share of students arriving/departing via means other than personal motor vehicle, namely. i. Recommended routes for accessing each school by walking/rolling or by motor vehicle, as the City of Naperville maintains. 1. School Walk Routes and Traffic Control Plans | The City of Naperville 2 WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 20, 2024 ii. Potential physical modifications to the intersection of Childs St. and Woodlawn St. 1. Objective would be to reduce crossing distance of Childs St. (currently ~34 feet), which could potentially allow the re- deployment of the crossing guard to another location. iii. Walking/biking school bus. 1. Bike/Ped Commission has discussed, in potential collaboration with the Wheaton Police Department Bicycle Unit, on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. ● Ms. Zala has also met with the principals of Edison, Monroe, and Franklin Middle School, though I was not able to attend due to work commitments. ● Next step is for Ms. Zala and I go over all the details over the items after she compiles meeting summaries from the four (4) schools. E. Grant Writing- No update. V. Agenda Item Ongoing Business A. 2024 WBPC Calendar April 27th - Earth Day - Celebrate Trails Day, IPP and GWT Clean Up Since it seems like the IPP clean up is overdone, Michelle encouraged us to just volunteer on our own. May 5 - National ride a bike day - Bike ride to Lilacia Park. (George) May 8 - Walk, Bike & Roll to School. Promote event with local schools. Press release to highlight what one school is doing. Group ride to Lake Ellyn Park 6-7 pm (George) May 25 - Blackwell FP ride (Bill & Rita) June 1 - Bike Valet at Cream of Wheaton - 6 AM - 11 AM Bike locks are recommended if you plan to stay past 11 AM. June 19 - Juneteenth Ride Lombard (George & Michelle) July 6 - Group ride to Egg Harbor Naperville 10-12 noon(Bill & Rita) Aug 6 National Night out - Bike ride from Kelly park to Northside park August 10 Group Ride Herrick Lake (George) Sept. 21 History Ride (Bill checking with Bob G. on dates) George suggested a “slow ride” (about 3 miles long) that has police support. Laurel will check with Crystal on whether there is interest in police helping. Rita suggested we coordinate with police roll calls to do bike rides in these neighborhoods on the night of the roll calls. ● George will update the draft of the 2024 calendar based on the changes discussed. Add to April Agenda - look at dates to promote our events at the French Market. B. Cultural Walk - No further interest from the Cultural committee, so we will not be pursuing.. C. Bike parking request Proposal - postpone to April meeting. D. April City Council Meeting - George will attend. X. Agenda Item New Business A. Date for Recycling Extravaganza-Apr 13 8:30-noon - They are collecting bikes. 2 shifts - Michelle, Bob and George will do the early shift. Bill and Rita will do the later shift. 3 WHEATON BICYCLIST & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 20, 2024 B. Safer crossing needed for Great Western Trail at County Farm Road - - On your own, reach out to DuPage County Board to show your support. C. Bill volunteered to analyze the bike survey data collected last year. Next Meeting: April 17, 2024 X. Adjournment - 8:57 pm Approved 4