Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 2, 2020 Committee Members Present: Mike Fitzgerald, John Repke, Doug Reed, and Jim DeHerrera. City Staff Present: Carla Belski, Karin Hilding, Craig Workman. Also present: n/a. A. The meeting was called to order 8:33 AM. B. Jim moved to approve the minutes. Doug seconded. Approved. C. Public Comment: None. D. New Business a. FWP Project List: The city would like to compile a list of the remaining projects that need permitting from FWP along the river from the Duck Inn to JP Road. This list will include path specifications that would be allowed along the river such as path width, surface area, etc. E. Old Business a. Lamb Lane/Assembly of God paths: The cost for drafting plans trail alignment for easement documents is estimated at $2-3K. John P. was tasked to reach out to the church for some sort of commitment prior to moving forward. No update from John. b. Riverbend Condo Easement: MDT has striped the crosswalk at Miles Avenue. Sign installation at the crosswalk would need to be evaluated by MDT and flashing lights would require a study. KLJ has been tasked with evaluating how bikes and pedestrians approach the intersection and make recommendations regarding the viability of the proposed switchbacks. c. Malmquist Easement: No updates. Staff will reach out to Casey before the next meeting to see what his thoughts are on finalizing the easement in the event the property is sold. d. Les Schwab Easement: Craig reported that there has been no success in hearing from the new contact at the corporate office. e. Duck Inn: Craig met with the owners and they are still very interested in finalizing the easement with a few changes. Craig will follow up. f. Trail View Subdivision: Project funding was finalized using impact fees. Due to late timing of the funding and contractors being backed up, project construction will be pushed to next spring. g. Safe Routes to Schools: No complaints from the right turn only signs near the schools, although schools are still only at half capacity. The recommendations for uncontrolled intersections will be reviewed by Doug and sent to Greg as well.  h. Baker Ave Crosswalk at Riverside Park: Project completed. i. Baker Underpass: The last four sections of tunnel will be installed this week and the underpass should be usable this winter. Landscaping will need to be completed in the spring. Stumptown Art Studio is applying for a grant with the Montana Office of Tourism in partnership with the city for the creation of the mural in the tunnel. j. West Lakeshore – No update. k. Crosswalk at Lupfer and 2nd: Karin is following up with MDT for signs at Lupfer and Miles for the cross walks. l. Birch Point Railroad Crossing: Craig is trying to get clarification from FWP on permitting for a road under the trestle. The City currently holds a lease with BNSF for bike/ped access under the trestle by the river which is the same route Jones proposes for the vehicle underpass. Craig is also working on creating a quiet zone which would benefit many in the city. The committee discussed that this is not a bike ped issue except for the priority of maintaining bike ped access under the trestle. F. Parks and Recreation Comments: a. Carla reported that Whitefish Legacy Partners is also looking to apply for a Tourism grant for updating highway wayfinding signs. G. Public Works Comments: a. State Park Road work has been delayed due to weather but should be paved this week and bike path is poured. There will be more work to finish in the spring. b. The Transportation Plan survey is still open and Karin encouraged committee members to give their input. She will send out the link. c. The 95 Karrow path is getting roughed in so the connection to Skye Park will be important. May also want to consider crosswalk at Karrow to get bikes on south side where the shared use path is located. Craig will get in touch with Casey. H. Committee Comments: a. Question about Shady Lane Path and Craig reported that it will be constructed by Public Works next spring. It will be added to the Trailview agenda item for future updates. b. Question about potential path in front of the Springs to connect with hospital path and fields. Karin will look into ROW and if we would need an easement for a path in this area. c. It was suggested that the group meet in December regarding Riverbend Condos. Repke said he would reach out to Phelps. I. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 4, 2021. J. The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 a.m. Action Items: 1. John P. will write a letter to neighbors that commented on the Shady Rive Lane path. 2. 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. 3. Craig will reach out to Casey Malmquist regarding finalizing the easement in the event his property is put up for sale. He will also inquire about the bike path at 95 Karrow. 4. Craig will follow up with Duck Inn owners regarding finalizing the easement. 5. Doug will review uncontrolled intersection recommendations in the school neighborhoods. 6. Karin follow up with MDT for crosswalk signage at Lupfer and Miles.