Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes September 14, 2020 Committee Members Present: John Phelps, Mike Fitzgerald, John Repke, Doug Reed, and Frank Sweeny. City Staff Present: Carla Belski, Karin Hilding, Craig Workman. Also present: Greg Gunderson, Margosia Jadkowski. A. The meeting was called to order 8:32 AM. B. Mike moved to approve the minutes. Doug seconded. C. Public Comment: a. Birch Point Railroad Crossing: Susan Jones presented the committee with a proposal to create new access to Birch Point Drive and eliminate the at grade railroad crossing due to safety and noise concerns. Susan has collected signed petitions from at least 75% of the residents, which Craig noted was the first step. Susan would like a recommendation from the Bike Ped committee as the proposed access would provide safer passage for people traveling over the Skye Park Bridge. The City currently holds a lease with BNSF for bike/ped underpass under the trestle by the river which is the same route Jones proposes for the vehicle underpass. This item will be added to the next agenda and Craig will in the meantime investigate the feasibility of having a road in this location. D. Old Business a. Shady River Lane: The committee discussed the public comments presented at the previous meeting. Mike moved to continue with the project as planned. Doug seconded. Passed unanimously. John Phelps will write a letter to the neighbors that commented. b. Lamb Lane/Assembly of God paths: The cost for drafting plans trail alignment for easement documents is estimated at $2-3K. Prior to moving forward with trail alignment, the committee decided that it would be best to have some sort of commitment from the church. John P. will reach out to the church. c. Bike Racks at 301 2nd Street: Two bike racks have been installed on the existing concrete pad. d. Riverbend Condo Easement: MDT has agreed to stripe the crosswalk at Miles Avenue. Sign installation at the crosswalk would need to be evaluated by MDT and flashing lights would require a study. The bike/ped consultant with KLJ is drafting a proposal to evaluate how bikes and pedestrians approach the intersection and make recommendations regarding the viability of the proposed switchbacks. e. Malmquist Easement: No updates.  f. Les Schwab Easement: Craig reported that there has been no success in hearing from the new contact at the corporate office. g. Duck Inn: Craig met with the owners and they are still very interested in finalizing the easement. h. Trail View Subdivision: A small easement was acquired near Creekview with a private landowner that will help make the path connection. Waiting on funding confirmation before construction can begin. i. Safe Routes to Schools: No updates. j. Baker Ave Crosswalk at Riverside Park: Signs are ordered, and the concrete work has been completed. k. Baker Underpass: LHC has started work on this project. l. West Lakeshore: No update. m. Crosswalk at Lupfer and 2nd: MDT will look at painting and striping to increase safety. E. Parks and Recreation Comments: None F. Public Works Comments: None G. Committee Comments: None H. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2020. I. The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 a.m. Action Items: 1. Craig will investigate the feasibility of having a road constructed under the trestle for access to Birch Point Drive. 2. John P. will write a letter to neighbors that commented on the Shady Rive Lane path. 3. John P. will reach out to the pastor at the Assembly of God to gauge their interest in creating an easement for an urban trail.