Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board April 12, 2021 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Online Meeting Meeting Notes Members present: Elizabeth Ablah, Maxine Bostic, Jack Brown, Jane Byrnes, Barry Carroll, Erik Maybee, Marcia Schroeder, Tyler Stutzman & George Theoharis Russell Fox Members Absent: John Baker City Staff: Michael Tann, Wichita Transportation Department, Scott Wadle MAPD, Gary Janzen and Lee Carmichael, Public Works Engineering, Zachary Kramka, City Manager’s Office Guests: Clayton Pearson, Alan Kailer, Robert Parnacott, Kim Neufeld, Item Description 1. Call to Order Barry Carroll, Chairperson, welcomed board members, City staff, and guests and called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. 2. Approve Motion by Ablah to approve the previous meeting notes, Byrnes (second) motion passed Previous 10-0 Meeting Notes 3. Public Comments Kim Neufeld, Executive Director Bike Walk Wichita, commented on the improvements made last year (bike lanes, sidewalk repairs and ramps), everything was completed except striping the crosswalks across Mt Vernon. Gary Janzen, City Engineer, responded to Ms. Neufeld indicating that the city did not stripe every crosswalk on projects and that she could contact him directly for further information on her concerns. 4. Discussion Items 1. Discussion Bike-Ped Multi-Modal Accommodation Funding – Scott Wadle, MAPD Director. This item was deferred until the next meeting. 2. Discussion of ‘Places for People’ – Scott Wadle, MAPD Director, provided an update on Places for People. The presentation focused on two proposals: zoning changes and creation of a Land Bank in the Established Central Area (ECA). The proposed zoning changes for the project would enhance walkability, increase housing choices, address differences between pre-and post-1960 Wichita’s non- conforming development pattern and provide for efficient use of infrastructure and community resources. The proposed zoning changes would allow accessory apartments, duplex development, compact lots, townhomes, and multi-unit dwellings. The zoning proposal also will provide for quicker approval for projects and require that proposed construction reflect the neighborhood character. Mr. Wadle stated these zoning changes are similar to those in other communities in 1  Kansas and other communities nationally. There was discussion from the board and attendees about the proposed zoning changes and how they would impact neighborhoods. Regarding the proposed Land Bank Mr. Wadle indicated that this item would come before the Wichita City Council in May. The establishment of a Land Bank would create a governmental entity that would convert non- productive land to productive use and help revitalize neighborhoods within the ECA. The Land Bank would acquire property that is vacant, abandoned, or tax delinquent. The proposal would not use “eminent domain” to acquire property for the Land Bank. The Land Bank would have an advisory board and require staffing. There are ongoing public engagement plans for both the zoning and Land Bank proposals. This was not an action item; therefore, no action was taken on the presentation by the board. In the interest of time Chair Carroll moved to table discussion, Ablah (second). Motion to table discussion on this item passed 9 to 1 [George Theoharis). 5. Staff Reports and 1. Report on unfinished projects, Scott Wadle, MAPD Director provided the current Updates status of the following projects: • Wayfinding System • Crossing Guidelines • Routine Accommodation • Senior Walking Routes • Parking and Health • Neighborhood Walking and Biking • Pedestrian Wayfinding • Broadway Safety Corridor • Bike Ped counters Due to staffing considerations and the Covid pandemic several of these projects have not been totally completed. The Chair asked for and received board consensus to receive and file this information. 2. Mike Tann, Transit Director provided an update on the Transportation Planner position and indicated that a recruiter was seeking candidates and the position was currently advertised. 6. Old Business: There was no old business. 7. New Business 1. Discussion of governance and by-laws review, Barry Carroll, Chair Due to time considerations this item was not discussed. The Chair moved to adjourn the meeting, Ablah (second). Motion passed 10-0. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm. The next virtual meeting will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021 @5:30 p.m. The meetings are open to the public. Jack Brown, Secretary 1