Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Monday, November 13, 2017 5:30 – 7 p.m. 777 E. Waterman, Building 200 Wichita Transit Van Maintenance Facility Conference Room Meeting Notes Members Present: Elizabeth Ablah, Maxine Bostic, Jane Byrnes, Barry Carroll, Russell Fox, Jerry Jones, Tom Lasater, Christopher Parisho, George Theoharis, Tyler Stutzman Members Absent: Jack Brown City Staff: Scott Wadle, Interim Transit Director, Paul Gunzelman, Assistant City Engineer, Public Works, Guests: John Parisho, Zeke Rigg, Janek Sunga, Jason Havely Item Description 1. Call to Order: Jerry Jones, Vice Chairperson, welcomed guests and called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm 2. Approve Previous Meeting Notes: By consensus, the board approved the October 9, 2017 meeting notes. 3. Public Comments: There were no comments. 4. Redbud Path Conceptual Designs: Paul Gunzelman, Assistant City Engineer, presented the conceptual design options for the Redbud Path. Based upon citizen comments from two public meetings, the Engineering Division is recommending the following option for the path: one-foot crushed limestone, nine-foot concrete [center] and four-foot crushed limestone. This option, Paul noted, would accommodate the needs of road bike cyclists, runners, gravel cyclists, and pedestrians. Tom Lasater suggested that perhaps there should be an equal amount of crushed limestone on either side of the concrete center. Tom stated that this might simplify the east/west traffic flow. After considerable discussion, Barry Carroll moved [Russell Fox] to concur with Public Works staff’s recommendation of one-foot crushed limestone, nine-foot concrete [center] and four-foot crushed limestone subject to conditions on the ground during construction. Motion carried 8-2 [Parisho & Theoharis]. The board thanked Paul for his informative PowerPoint presentation and explanations. 5. WAMPO Scenario Planning: Paul Gunzelman, Assistant City Engineer, presented the WAMPO scenario planning for WBPAB input. According to Paul, WAMPO staff is seeking input regarding the key elements of a long-range transportation plan. Input will be analyzed at the end of December and the WAMPO staff will begin drafting a plan in February 2018. Paul asked board members to place three voting dots on items listed under the following: Driving Forces, Challenges, Issues, Opportunities & 1  Equity. Board members suggested that parking policies and maintenance issues be added to the existing items. The members placed their voting dots on the items as instructed. Paul will forward the board’s input to WAMPO staff for analysis. 6. City of Wichita’s Legislative Agenda: Jerry Jones, Vice Chairperson, presented a draft letter to the City Council recommending items for the City’s State and Federal legislative agenda. After a brief discussion, there was a consensus to direct the Chairperson to forward the letter the City Council. It was noted to add Jane Byrnes to the list of Board members on the margin of the letter. 7. Open Streets ICT: Jerry Jones, Vice Chairperson, presented a draft letter to the City Council recommending their support of future Open Streets events. After a brief discussion, there was a consensus to direct the Chairperson to forward the letter to Troy Houtman, Director of Parks and Recreation. It was noted to add Jane Byrnes to the list of Board members on the margin of the letter. 8. Wichita Street Safety Campaign: Scott Wadle, Interim Transit Director, presented information about the campaign materials being designed and the schedule for rolling them out: by September 13th, the print media will be completed; by September 19th, the social media will be finalized; by September 20th, the print materials will be delivered; and by September 30th, the campaign will be launched— the theme is “Safety Begins with You,” and will involve placing print media on billboards, on the backs of city busses, etc.—members of the board may be recruited to help photographers model some of the behavior being used in the campaign as promotional material, so check your e-mail for invites! 9. People First Neighborhood Project Update: Scott Wadle indicated that the purpose of this project was to improve the safety of the area, making it a more people oriented place. He also noted that the neighborhood representatives agreed to defer implementation of the project until the spring of 2018 due to the weather – colder temperatures and reduced ability to remove the temporary changes (i.e. paint/plastic cones, etc. The change to the spring will allow for the project to stay in place longer and to allow for more adjustments as needed. 10. Fall Bicycle Tour: The fall bicycle tour was held on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Jerry Jones, Vice Chairperson, facilitated a discussion to share lessons learned from the bicycle tour. Barry and George reported that although it was cold, the tour went very well. There were six members of the public who rode on the tour as well. The tour was instructive especially for the members of the public. The next tour will be better promoted and again opened to the public. 11. Board Member Project Reports:  21st St. from Hillside to Oliver: Maxine Bostic reported on the construction along 21st St. from Hillside to Oliver, which will be reduced from four to three lanes.  Douglas & Hydraulic Intersection: Construction is underway.  Crosswalk at Nims & Central: Construction is underway.  Sidewalk on West Side of Nims: A new sidewalk has been installed.  Bike Path Reconstruction near Sims Golf Course: The bike path has been reopened between 13th and the Exercise Station in Sim Park.  Redbud Path [between Oliver & Woodlawn]: City staff was asked to contact Westar and provide an update on the utility project.  Proposed Eastside River Path [Gander Mountain to Lincoln Street Dam]: A 2  request for proposal [RFP] is being developed by City staff.  Cross Walk on West Street: A crosswalk has been completed that will eventually link up with the Prairie Sunset Trail.  Wilbur School & Tyler Street Improvements: Russell reported that progress is now being made after several delays.  1st & 2nd Bike Lanes & Edgemoor: Barry reported that a citizen has concerns for the safety of cyclists who ride along Edgemoor. It was noted that the Master Bicycle Plan calls for bike lanes to be installed along Edgemoor.  Mt. Vernon Bike Lanes: George reported that bike lanes are proposed.  Crosswalk at Central & Volutsia: A crosswalk, with a median, has been installed in conjunction with the Green Street Bike Boulevard. 12. Announcements:  Open House: Scott noted that based upon community survey results, an ‘Open House’ will be held at the City Library on Thursday, December 14, 2017 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. During this meeting, area residents will be asked to provide input on ways to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.  Board Retreat: The annual board retreat will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 [normal meeting date/time]. A meeting location will be secured.  Proposed Project Priority List: The board will develop a priority list for consideration by City staff in early 2018.  Walktober: Jane Byrnes noted that 1,150 pedestrians have registered for this event and are tracking their mileage. 13. Closing Thoughts:  Bike/Ped Count: Jane reported that WAMPO staff has completed the report and will soon release the findings.  Walking Audits: Jane reported that pedestrian groups will soon start completing walk audits.  SE High School: Jane reported that three students were hit by a vehicle while walking near the school. Jane has requested that follow up report from Paul Gunzelman. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm. The next meeting of the board will be held on Monday, December 11th, 2017 @5:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Barry Carroll, WBPAB Board Secretary 3