Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes September 12, 2022 Committee Members Present: John Repke, John Phelps, Antonia Malchik, Luke Moses City Staff Present: Carla Belski, Craig Workman, Maria Butts, Angela Jacobs Public Present: Rachael Schmidt, Bruce Boody, Jedd Sankar-Gorton, Dick Allison, Greg Gunderson, Riley Polumbus A. The meeting was called to order 8:32 a.m. B. The agenda was not officially approved. C. The minutes were not approved. Approval is delayed until the September meeting. D. Public Comment: No comments. E. New Business: a. Cow Creek Path: Maria gave an updated on the bridge over Cow Creek, which is sinking and shifting. Engineers and River Design Group have evaluated the bridge and it can either be removed or replaced. Initial estimates for replacement are high and it may be more cost effective to remove it, create a viewing area, and widen the path along the road to be the bike path route. Replacing the bridge may not fix the problem as the creek is changing and cutting into the bank. Maria is still waiting on some cost estimates and evaluations and will continue to provide updates to the committee. b. Muldown Crossing Guards: It was initially reported that Muldown was short 6 crossing guards. Nia reported that they only need two more. c. Safe Streets for All Grant: Craig reported that City Council approved Public Works to move forward with the Safe Streets for All grant to create a safety plan. A safety plan is needed to be awarded a construction grant. The bi-partisan infrastructure bill is the funding mechanism. The safety plan would eventually be adopted as an appendix to the transportation plan. F. Old Business a. River Bend Condos: John reported that the conceptual plan was approved by the Park Board and City Council. Easement area is not yet approved by the HOA. Craig reported that there is not funding for design, engineering, and construction. He did receive an estimate for surveying and will consider doing surveying prior to budgeting for the engineering. Angie reported that she thinks it would be good to sit down and review all the easement information and then reach out to Alan from the HOA with a phone call and follow up with sending photos.  b. Malmquist Easement: Miles Avenue plans have been approved and include easement with shared use path. Engineering plans have also been approved. Waiting for permit approval with the conservation district. c. Viaduct Improvements: Craig reported that he is working with WGM on a phased approach to this project. This will be reviewed by City Council at a work session. d. Safe Routes to Schools: Craig reported that pavement markings were all updated prior to school starting. Asher, 7th, 6th and Pine all have blinking lights. Crosswalk signs were also provided to the school last year. e. Paths Needing FWP Approval: John discussed change in bike path width from 10’ to 8’ along the river. As specified in the draft FWP River path guidelines, minimum width is 8’ with 10’ being desirable within the 75-foot buffer. John raised concerns that this is not what was conveyed in the Connect WF Plan and it has not been changed through an amendment process. Engineering standards, approved in 2019, show that the width could be reduced to 8 feet. Craig reported that the standards did go through a public process and were approved by City Council. The goal along the river would be a 10-foot path but could be reduced within river buffer to compromise with other regulatory agencies during the permit approval process. Bruce reported that the permit for “The Yards” was only approved for an 8’ wide path and he feels that this is not the correct width to accommodate increased use in the future. John also suggested that the committee meet with Jim Williams, former FWP Region 1 Chief, to get a perspective on the permitting process. Maria reported that the process with FWP has been cooperative and going in a positive direction. Craig also reported that Lee Anderson, the new Region 1 Chief, has met with the city and has collaborative ideas on how to move forward. Craig reported that John and other committee members will be include in future FWP meetings when appropriate. G. Parks and Recreation Comments: No comments. H. Public Works Comments: No comments. I. Committee Comments: No comments. J. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 3, 2022. K. The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 a.m.