Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes February 1, 2021 Committee Members Present: Mike Fitzgerald, John Repke, Jim DeHerrera, Doug Reed, Hunter Holmes, and John Phelps. City Staff Present: Carla Belski, Karin Hilding, Craig Workman, and Maria Butts. Also Present: Greg Gunderson, Margosia Jadkowski, Bruce Boody, Wade Kline. A. The meeting was called to order 8:32 AM. B. Hunter moved to approve the minutes. Jim seconded. Approved. C. Public Comment: None. D. New Business: a. Miles Avenue Update – Wade Kline, KLJ Engineering Prior to the meeting, Wade circulated a summary memo and MDT Pedestrian Crossing Treatment Guidelines. Wade discussed the findings of their research and reported that using the easement along the river is not feasible and that the switchback option is problematic. The recommended best course of action would be to work with MDT on the at grade crossing and to improve wayfinding and safety signage as well as shared lane markings on Miles Ave. b. Transportation Plan – Karrin Karin provided an update on the Transportation Plan and evaluating bike ped projects identified in the Connect Whitefish Plan. The City is working with a consultant from Orion Planning and Design, Allison Mouch, who will be helping to re-evaluate project priorities from the bike ped plan to include in the new Transportation Plan. Karin expects to present an updated list in March or April to the Bike Ped Committee. E. Old Business a. Lamb Lane/Assembly of God paths: John reached out to the church and they have expressed interest in the easement but want to go into more details. Plans are to walk the path with all interested parties. b. Riverbend Condo Easement: See new business item a. c. Malmquist Easement: No updates. d. Les Schwab Easement: There is a new contact for Les Schwab, David Gibson, General Counsel. All the materials that had been sent to previous contacts have now been forwarded to him. e. Duck Inn: Craig met with the owners this fall and they are still very interested in finalizing the easement with a few changes. Craig will follow up.  f. Trail View Subdivision: Trailview and Voerman paths have been contracted out to Watson and will be built this spring. The gravel path connection at Shady River Lane was not included in that contract and will instead be constructed by a Public Works crew. g. Safe Routes to Schools: These routes will also be evaluated by Allison Mouch in coordination with the Transportation Plan. h. Baker Underpass: Work will be completed this spring. i. West Lakeshore/Birch Point – No update. j. Crosswalk at Lupfer and 2nd: No update. On the list for MDT to evaluate in addition to Miles Ave. k. FWP Project List: No updates. F. Parks and Recreation Comments: Orientation maps will be installed at Depot Park, City Beach and Armory Park in conjunction with the Park Sign Master Plan. G. Public Works Comments: There will be a public meeting on 2/2/21 regarding Edgewood and Texas road reconstruction and proposed bike paths and sidewalks. H. Committee Comments: Mike suggested that viaduct improvements take place soon. Craig reported that the City is hoping to apply for funding through the Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant. This grant will most likely open late winter/early spring for proposals. I. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 1, 2021. J. The meeting was adjourned at 9:19 a.m. Action Items: 1. John P. will continue to reach out to the pastor at the Assembly of God to gauge their interest in creating an easement for an urban trail. 2. Craig will follow up with Duck Inn owners regarding finalizing the easement. 3. Staff will work on creating design standards for path construction along the river to be approved by FWP.