Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Monday, October 12, 2020 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Online Meeting Meeting Notes Members present: Elizabeth Ablah, John Baker, Jack Brown, Jane Byrnes, Barry Carroll, Russell Fox, Erik Maybee, Marcia Schroeder, Tyler Stutzman & George Theoharis Members Absent: Maxine Bostic City Staff: Donte Martin, City Manager’s Office, Michael Tann, Wichita Transportation Department, Gary Janzen, Public Works Engineering, Zachary Kramka, City Manager’s Office, Scott Wadle, Planning Department, Troy Houtman, Park Department, Lee Carmichael, Public Works Guests: Clayton Pearson, Alan Kailer, Vincent Hancock, Rick Sroufe, Robert Parnacott, PJ Novick & Hank Moyers [Confluence Consulting] Item Description 1. Call to Order: Jack Brown, Chairperson, welcomed board members, City staff, guests and called the virtual meeting to order at 5:30 pm. 2. Approve Previous Meeting Notes: The September 14th, 2020 meeting notes were approved. 3. Public Comments: • Bob Parnacott reported that construction along Sycamore Street made it nearly impossible for pedestrians to walk from the Library to Delano. • Vincent Hancock suggested that a ‘Sidewalk Closed’ sign needs to be erected on Sycamore Street and that pedestrians should use an alternate route. • Alan Kailer suggested that an annual report be provided to the board on the status of the Master Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans. Alan suggested that both plans should be updated every four years. 4. Discussion Items: • 2021 City of Wichita Legislative Agenda: Donte Martin, City Manager’s Office, is working with board members to assist in the board’s development of recommendations for the annual legislative agenda. A draft agenda will be developed and brought back before the board. In the interim, board members should forward their suggestions to the board chairperson. • Pawnee Prairie Park Update: Gary Janzen, Engineering Department, reported that the City Council had allocated $500K for additional work that would better connect trails to the park. Troy Houtman, Park Department, said that there had been a ‘spike’ in the use of the park due to COVID 19; there will be improvements made to the playground; Troy asked board members to email him with their suggestions. 1  • Prairie Sunset Trail: Gary Janzen reported that funding for the project has been programmed to connect the Chisholm Path in Delano to the Prairie Sunset Trail. The work will be completed in multiple phases; there are ongoing discussions with KDOT and the Corps of Engineers on the best configuration for the trail; Gary has been in conversation with the Prairie Travelers about the bridge over the ‘Big Ditch.’ Gary agreed to meet again with the board once plans have been firmed up. • Clapp Memorial Park Update: PJ Novick & Hank Moyers, Confluence Consulting, made a PowerPoint presentation of the tentative plans for the park based upon feedback received from the public. The ‘Promenade at the Prairie’s Edge’ is a hybrid plan that maximizes green space while attempting to address the needs of all park users. There was concerns addressed about the proposed number of parking spaces. In addition, concerns were expressed about access to the park via vehicles and by pedestrians. Troy Houtman noted that he will be meeting with Traffic Engineering staff to look at ingress and egress issues associated with the park. The consultants and City staff will continue to refine the plans for the park. The board will have the opportunity to review future park plan revisions in early 2021. • City Ordinance Regulating Motorized Bicycles on City Bike Paths: Scott Wadle, Planning Department, reported that motorized vehicles are not permitted on multiuse paths. Scott suggested calling ‘911’ to report problems to the WPD. Scott will forward the City Ordinance to the board. • McLean Update: Gary Janzen reported that consultants and staff will study McLean from 13th to Central and look for applications that could possibly reduce speeding. A traffic signal at 9th & McLean is not warranted at this time; there may be other areas perhaps at 10th Street that might be appropriate for a crosswalk. Gary will keep the board apprised of future plans for this section of McLean. 5. Staff Reports: Mike Tann, Transportation Department, reported on the following: • Bike Share: The City Council will consider this item on October 20, 2020 and enter into an agreement with a new vendor ‘Tandem Mobility.’ The vendor will assume the assets from Zagster and deploy the bikes by December 2020. • Scooter Update: There are now two scooter vendors [‘Bird’ & ‘VeoRide’]. These pilot projects will be effect until April 2021. • Transit Multi Modal Manager: This position is being advertised and will close on October 25, 2020. The City’s HR Department will screen the applicants and establish an interview committee; Scott Wadle will serve on the committee. It was suggested that two or three members of board serve on the committee as well. 6. Old Business: • Discussion of Speed Limits: Jane Byrnes would like for the board to discuss how speed limits for City streets are determined and how to possibly reduce speeds? It was agreed to place this item on a future agenda. • Project Tracking Form: Lee Carmichael provided an updated list to the board. There may be additional projects to add to the list. 1  7. New Business: • Election of Officers: Elizabeth Ablah moved [Barry Carroll] to retain the current slate of officers [Jack Brown, President, Elizabeth Ablah, VP, and Barry Carroll, Secretary]. Motion carried 10-0. 8. Board Member Project Reports: • 13th Street to 119th Street: Work continues • Mt. Vernon Bike Lanes: Work continues • Proposed Chisholm Path in Delano: The board would like an engineering update. 9. Board Comments: • Upcoming webinars: Jane Byrnes noted that there are five webinars pertaining to biking and walking from a company entitled ‘Pedestrians and Bicycle Information Center [PBIC]. All five were related to Transportation and Health http://pedbikeinfo.org/webinars/webseries_healthtransp.cfm. According to Jane, the seminars were unusually factual and motivating. Jane suggested that City staff participate in the webinars for continuing education opportunities. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8 pm. The next virtual meeting of the board will be held on November 9th, 2020 @5:30 pm. Respectfully submitted. 😊😊 Barry Carroll, Board Secretary 1