Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 6, 2022 Committee Members Present: Giuseppe Caltabiano, John Repke, Doug Reed, John Phelps, Antonia Malchik, Mary Behrendt, Luke Moses, Jim DeHerrera City Staff Present: Carla Belski, Craig Workman, Karin Hilding, Angela Jacobs Public Present: Mike Fitzgerald, Bruce Boody, Jedd Sankar-Gorton, Rachael Schmidt, Dick Allison, Kay Allison, Patty Zanto, Greg Gunderson, Greg Adams, Douglas Bergen (by phone) A. The meeting was called to order 8:33 a.m. B. John Repke suggested addition language of the May minutes in section E.a. to include: “The committee asked for some support of that statement, and it was not provided.” and “receipt of the HOA letter.” John Phelps suggested additional language in section E.b. to include these redline additions: “John Phelps reported that at a site inspection, members of the Flathead Conservation District stated that approving his trail was not needed as the Riverbend path would never be built. Members of the bike ped committee attended the meeting and Kenny from FWP appeared to be ready to recommend denial of permit as it is a trail to nowhere.” Doug moved to approve the minutes with the suggested modifications. Mary seconded. Approved. C. Public Comment: a. Jedd Sankar-Gorton commented that the Transportation Plan still shows a bike lane on Reservoir Road, and it should be a shared use path. Craig said that we would request the revision again. b. Mike Fitzgerald noted that crosswalks need more paint. Craig reported that street paint is more available this year. D. New Business: None E. Old Business a. River Bend Condos: Craig reported that city staff has done a thorough search of the records of an HOA letter offering an easement location. The city wrote a letter to the HOA asking for proof of an easement agreement and have not heard back from the HOA. Douglas Bergen, Chair of the HOA, reported that a drawing was supposed to be submitted to the city through their attorney, but it was in fact not submitted to  the city. He reported that the owners recognize there is an easement between the condos and the river. The condo owners do not want the easement but there is 100% agreement in the drawing that was drafted 4 years ago. The city is in procession of that map exhibit. John Repke noted that the city needs something with signatures showing support of the proposed easement. Bergen said that all formal correspondence and requests should be directed to Mr. McCormick if we need confirmation of the full commitment of the owners. Angie will follow up with Mr. McCormick. John Phelps suggested waiting on a final decision on location when 100% support from the HOA is formally received by the city. John Phelps reported that some committee members and he met with former Region 1 FWP Supervisor, Jim Williams, regarding this project. John stated that the new Region 1 Supervisor, Lee Anderson, is interested in meeting with the city to find a way to move forward. John Phelps discussed that the path was previously built in an agreed upon location as a wooden plank path which establishes an easement location. John Repke suggested that the city move forward with the historic path location as establishing the easement. Phelps will work to gather photos and letters collaborating the location. b. Malmquist Easement: City Council and the Flathead Conservation District will be meeting next week on June 14th at 7:00 pm regarding this permit application and everyone is encouraged to attend. c. Viaduct Improvements: Craig reported that he went to City Council with some options for widening the path over the viaduct and did not receive approval. He will return to council with a phased approach so that the other components of the project are not left out in the future. d. Paths Needing FWP Approval: The draft plan was completed and sent to FWP for review. Bruce suggested that other perennial creeks be added to the plan. John Phelps requested that the draft plan be sent to the committee. e. Baker Avenue Underpass Art Project Update: Stumptown Art Studio is ready to start installing panels this week. Karin reported at least 6 panels will be installed in this first effort. f. Safe Routes to Schools: Crosswalk signs have been installed in the crosswalks along Pine Ave. near Muldown. Flashing signals will be installed this summer. Nia reported that further work on the survey hasn’t happened but is planning to  meet with the committee again. Karin suggested a safety awareness campaign near the start of school. The St. Paul Police Department has a good example. F. Parks and Recreation Comments: No comments. G. Public Works Comments: H. Committee Comments: a. Nia reported that neighbors adjacent to the Bakke Nature Reserve were questioning public access from 9th Street. Carla reported that the area has been surveyed and the neighbors should reach out to Maria Butts with any concerns. I. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2022. J. The meeting was adjourned at 9:39 a.m.