Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 9, 2023 Committee Members Present: John Repke, Antonia Malchik, Luke Moses, Jim DeHerrera, Mary Behrendt, Giuseppe Caltabiano, Riley Polumbus, Doug Reed City Staff Present: Carla Belski, Craig Workman, Maria Butts, Angela Jacobs Public Present: Bruce Boody, Jedd Sankar-Gorton, Greg Gunderson, Mike Fitzgerald, John Phelps, Casey Malmquist A. The meeting was called to order 8:33 a.m. B. Agenda for the January meeting had no edits. Jim moved to approve. Antonia seconded. Passed unanimously. C. Jim moved to approve the November 7, 2022, minutes. John Repke seconded. Passed unanimously. D. Public Comment: No comments. E. New Business: a. WCVB Board Position Opening: Antonia reported that the WCVB has an opening on their committee, and they are looking for a transportation person to fill the position. They wanted to reach out to this committee first to see if there was any interest. F. Old Business a. River Bend Condos: Angie reported that she sent a letter to the homeowner association’s attorney regarding the 10-foot easement. City Council approved city staff to complete survey and engineering. The homeowner association denied access to property when permission was asked to complete the survey. RFP for engineering is due on Friday, January 20th and the hope is the engineers can help move the survey forward. Depending on what happens this spring regarding access, a lawsuit could be forthcoming, but only with City Council action. b. Malmquist Easement: Craig reported that Miles Avenue multi-family project is well underway, and it would have been nice to have that section of trail constructed. Casey reported that access will be limited to build the path since the foundation is already in and will cost more money. Conservation District currently has application tabled but will re-apply when Riverbend is resolved. Angie reported that findings on previous trail existence and location have been provided to council, Riverbend Condos, and the Conservation District. c. Viaduct Improvements: WGM is currently working with Public Works on path and lighting improvements on the viaduct. Public Works is also coordinating with MDT regarding structural issues on the viaduct with barrier replacement. Concerns with damage to the deck if steel railings are used and MDT might  require the city to take on the liability. There will be a work session in mid- February with City Council to address this concern. d. Safe Routes to Schools: Antonia reported that there are plans for a parents meeting again soon. Discussed “Sidewalk Angels” program in Denver which could serve as an example for a snow removal assistance program for residents that needs help. Discussed meeting at 6th and Pine. Observed lots of parents using that area for drop off and lack of sidewalks. e. Paths Needing FWP Approval: The guidelines were shared with the Conservation District and FWP and the city has not received any comments. Craig reiterated that after the meeting with Kenny with FWP this fall, that they were favorable on the direction things were going. G. Parks and Recreation Comments: a. Parks is applying for a Trail Stewardship Grant with FWP and is requesting a letter of support from the committee. The project will restore an area damaged by trail use by Riverside Park Bridge and will also add some trailside amenities. Jim moved that the committee write a letter. Seconded by Antonia. Passed. Mary will draft the letter. b. Carla announced plans for the Montana Trails, Recreation and Park Association’s conference this fall at Grouse Mountain Lodge, April 2-5. H. Public Works Comments: Council has directed staff to move forward with Karrow Avenue reconstruction. Currently accepting RFPs for engineering and design. Construction is expected in 2024 between 2nd and 7th Avenues. I. Committee Comments: a. John Repke suggested that the ongoing project list on the agenda have some more detail added to it including status of easement, permit status, funding, priority, etc. This will be added to the agenda for the next meeting. b. Mary announced that the committee needs to appoint a secretary. c. Giuseppe announced that Kalispell City Council is conducting a works session regarding bike ped paths and funding, and it would be great if someone could attend. J. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2023. K. The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 a.m.