Pedestrian & Bicycle Path Advisory Committee

Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Advisory Committee Date: Monday, January 8, 2024, 8:30 a.m. Whitefish City Hall Council Chambers Conference Room Agenda Items: A. Meeting Called to Order at 8:34 a.m. B. Approval of Monday, January 8, 2024, Agenda Jim moved, John second C. Approval of Monday, December 4, 2023, Minutes with suggested changes Jim moved, John second D. New Business: none E. Old Business: a. Riverbend Condo Updates b. Malmquist Easement A & B combined: City Council approved a joint 124 permit for both projects and move ahead with the project with TD & H proposal. The city needs to make a MOU with Malmquist. c. Viaduct Improvements: The city approved an amendment with MDT for the improvement previously discussed. The goal is to get the project done late summer 2024 yet there is still an approval process through MDT that takes time. d. Safe Routes to School/SS4A Action Plan: The grant (SS4A) combined with the matching funds… goes to get approved on January 16 for consultant X. Karin has heard from parents that there has been difficulty with crossings, at intersections and flashing crosswalks due to poor driver behavior. Nia suggested that a police officer that could pull people over and instruct them may help. The one-way change on 6th Street seems to be going well. Karin suggested that people volunteer in high visibility vests to help. She also suggested that the City acknowledge and thank the crossing guards. Karin also suggested forming a parent group to help with the SS4A action plan. These plans are often a partnership between the city and school district and parents are the link. Bailey said she has heard good feedback on changing 6th to a one-way. Karin is going to work on getting more people at intersections through the schools and also work on forming a group of parents to be involved with the SS4A action plan. Craig suggested also involving Bridger Kelch in the discussion to see if the PD has thoughts on hot spots. e. Ongoing Project List: Karin will work with Carla on putting a portion of the projects on the back of the agenda. f. Whitefish Yards (95 Karrow) Update: No update, however there is a need for continued discussion by this committee for permanent easement on the section. Casey asked that this project be moved up as a priority. g. Recommendation to add Design and Maintenance Guidelines for Shared Use Paths in Riparian Areas to the Engineering Standards: Changes were made to the guidelines and at the last meeting the committee asked for more time to review. John has several comments and suggestions and will set up a meeting with Craig and Karin for his changes. Mary asked if anyone else would like to be a part of the meeting. A redline version of the guidelines at the next meeting. h. Pedestrian and Bicycle Staff Position: Mary and Karin have been reaching out to the other “bike ped coordinators” in the state in research for creating a position for Whitefish. They will send out their findings in the coming month to be discussed at the next meeting. F. Parks and Recreation Comments: None G. Public Works Comments: Please shovel sidewalks. Nia brought up the idea of a “snow angel” project for volunteers to help shovel sidewalks for residents that are unable to shovel. Riley asked if there were areas where the smaller plow could assist with removing the snow piles formed by the larger plows in areas where there is more pedestrian traffic or residents that cannot do this themselves such as Mountain View Manor. Riley suggested that if the city puts out reminders about shoveling also put reminders about the problem reporter so that areas that are not getting cleared be reported. Mary asked if Bailey would be able to see if there are students interested in volunteering to help residents shoveling. H. Public Comment: Mike Fitzgerald asked about who is responsible for the south sidewalk along 3rd street between Lupfer and Baker, also mentioned that the Post Office is not shoveling either. Mike asked about the pedestrian bridge in Riverside Park and what is going on because the erosion is getting really bad. Maria said that there is a plan. Carla read a comment from the public from David: “I live on Arielle Way. My property borders the river trail close to JP Rd. and want to inquire if the city is considering any additional trail lighting between JP Rd and the bridge east of Lenna Joy Dr? This addition would match the existing lighting north of the bridge. This improvement would be an attractive, improve public safety and be enjoyed by the many who use it. Young families often with strollers, dog owners, bike riders and frequently, the elderly from the Springs at Whitefish are commonly seen.” Karin and Craig requested that the comment be forwarded to Public Works and they will review current lighting out there. Bruce expressed concern for public comment on the Riverbend/Malmquist project. Casey asked if it would be possible to hold a public meeting or forum. Riley suggested incorporating the information into the “Bike to Work” event. I. Committee Comments John asked if there is anything else we can do to move the Riverbend/Malmquist project along, he asked if there are any steps the city can make. Craig said they have been giving the updates. By combining the projects into one permit will help the process. Casey suggested that it would be helpful to map out what the next steps will be, what will be the steps for each possible scenario. J. Next Regular Meeting – Monday, February 5, 2024 K. Adjourned at 9:59 a.m. Committee Members City Staff Antonia Malchik present Dana Smith – City Manager absent Mary Behrendt – Chair present Maria Butts - Parks and Recreation Director present John Repke – Vice Chair present Carla Belski – Community Services Coordinator present Doug Reed - Resort Tax Committee Karin Hilding - Public Works Engineer present Jim DeHerrera - Park Board present Craig Workman – Public Works Director present Bailey Kallal – High School Representative present Kevin Fitzgerald - GIS Coordinator present Giuseppe Caltabiano – City Council Representative absent Riley Polumbus – Secretary present Public present: Bruce Boody, Mike Fitzgerald, Kay Allison (Riverbend HOA), Dick Allison (Riverbend HOA)