Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 3, 2022 Committee Members Present: John Repke, John Phelps, Antonia Malchik, Luke Moses, Jim DeHerrera, Doug Reed, Mary Behrendt, Giuseppe Caltabiano City Staff Present: Carla Belski, Craig Workman, Maria Butts, Karin Hilding Public Present: Bruce Boody, Jedd Sankar-Gorton, Greg Gunderson, Riley Polumbus, Chris Holdhuson, Mike Fitzgerald, Casey Malmquist A. The meeting was called to order 8:31 a.m. B. Giuseppe moved to approve the July 11th and 25th and September 12th minutes. Antonia seconded. Passed unanimously. C. Public Comment: No comments. D. New Business: a. MDT Downtown Highway Study: Giuseppe discussed areas of concern regarding the transportation plan. He expressed apprehension in approving a plan that does not line up with state objectives that would limit any work moving forward on the plan. Karin noted that there are many similarities between G and C plans and that a lot can be accomplished. Craig confirmed that the project would happen in phases and many portions could be built that align with the city’s preference G. Craig also noted it would be federal dollars that would pay for improvements and things could change at a federal lever to make highways and transit safer. Public Works is applying for a federal grant to create a safety plan which may help dictate how many lanes would be safe for bike/ped. E. Old Business a. River Bend Condos: Craig reported that there are no updates from Angie regarding communications with Alan McCormick. John P. says he plans to meet with Angie to pass along details from his research on the pre-existing path location and approval from FCD. Craig noted that any work to survey the Riverbend property would need the homeowner’s permission. A survey would cost around $6k and there is currently not funding allocated for this in the budget. b. Malmquist Easement: No updates. Engineering plans have also been approved and construction has begun. Still waiting for permit approval with the conservation district to start bike path construction. It was suggested that the committee recommend that the Riverbend and Malmquist projects be considered different projects to speed up the approval process for Malmquist. Craig reported this would be something Public Works and Planning and Building would move forward, not Bike/Ped. Casey will follow up with Craig.  c. Viaduct Improvements: Craig reported that there is a work session planned with City Council on October 27th which will show a phased approach for improvements. Craig said it would be nice to have some Bike Ped Committee members at this session. d. Safe Routes to Schools: Safe Streets for All grant will include a safety plan for schools which will entail forming a committee to move forward with planning. e. Paths Needing FWP Approval: Once the Transportation Plan is approved, this plan will be distributed to the Bike Ped Committee. f. Dalen Dental Easement: The Snowy Mountain subdivision is being constructed on the property. We have an easement on the property, but the city cannot require the development to build the path. Maria reported that there will be additional parkland dedicated with this subdivision, which could enable the trail to be up further away from the river if required by FWP. Budgeting for this path construction would be good. F. Parks and Recreation Comments: Carla reported that the Flathead Trails Association had their first Flathead Trails Fair at Haskill Creek Farms. Over 400-500 people were in attendance. The FTA is a loose affiliation of organizations working to preserve and advance trails in the Flathead Valley. G. Public Works Comments: The Shady River Lane gravel path construction is expected to be completed by next month which will connect the Rocksund Path to this lane. H. Committee Comments: John Phelps announced that he is stepping down from the committee. The Park Board will need to appoint a new chair. John will fill in for a month or two. I. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 7, 2022. J. The meeting was adjourned at 9:49 a.m.