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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBicycle Advisory Committee - Minutes - 07/24/2023 BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING –REGULAR July 24, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Online via Zoom or in person at 281 N. College Avenue 7 /2 4 /2023 – MINUTES Page 1 FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Dave Dixon Vice-Chair: Jordan Williams Staff Liaison: Cortney Geary 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Dixon called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL (INTRODUCTIONS) BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF PRESENT: Lauren Nagle DK Kemp Dave Dixon, Chair, Bike Fort Collins Jordan Williams, Vice Chair, At Large Member Jerry Gavaldon, Transportation Board Marcia Richards, Parks and Recreation Board Todd Dangerfield, Downtown Development Authority David Hansen, Colorado State University Greg Boiarsky, Air Quality Advisory Board Bruce Henderson, Senior Advisory Board Tim Anderson, Fort Collins Bike Co-op Kevin Krause, Natural Resources Advisory Board Elisabeth Cairnes, At Large Member ABSENT: Ed Peyronnin, Colorado State University Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee Jonathan Crozier, Poudre School District Scott Mason, Land Conservation and Stewardship Board Whitney Allison, At Large Member PUBLIC PRESENT: Troy Rawson BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 7 /2 4 /2023 – MINUTES Page 2 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Dixon stated there were no changes to the published agenda. 4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 2023 Chair Dixon commented on the discussion around possibly making changes to the BAC at the previous meeting. Gavaldon noted Rob Owens has left the Transportation Board as he is moving out the community and stated he will be serving as the interim liaison from the Transportation Board until it decides how to approach things moving forward. He stated he would abstain from a vote on the minutes given he was not in attendance at the previous meeting. Dangerfield made a motion, seconded by Williams, to approve the minutes of the June 2023 meeting as written. The motion was adopted unanimously with Gavaldon abstaining. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Active Modes/BAC Ordinance Update – Lauren Nagle, FC Moves Lauren Nagle, FC Moves, outlined the discussion held at Council’s ad hoc committee on Boards and Commissions last meeting regarding the BAC. They noted the full Council will review the recommendations of the ad hoc committee at its work session on August 8th and will vote on those recommendations on first reading September 5th. Nagle stated the committee supported considering turning the BAC into an Active Modes Advisory Board which would have nine at-large members with an option to include ex officio seats for community-based organizations that are not part of the nine members. They noted the ex officio members would not be appointed to the Board by Council but would be appointed by the nine at-large members and would serve in an advisory capacity with or without voting powers which would be outlined in the Code. They stated the Code would also list the types of organizations that could provide an ex officio member. Geary noted the current City Code includes language about the Bicycle Advisory Committee and the structure under which it reports to the Transportation Board; therefore, this would be a change to the Code. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 7 /2 4 /2023 – MINUTES Page 3 Vice Chair Williams asked if other Boards include ex officio members. Geary replied the only example currently is the proposal to add a Housing Catalyst ex officio member to the Affordable Housing Board. Nagle noted ex officio members can be very important to the Board make-up and can serve as valuable liaisons between the Active Modes Advisory Board and its community. Chair Dixon asked if every current member of the BAC, with the exception of the at-large members, would fall under the ex officio definition. Nagle replied members from other Boards could not also serve as an ex officio member on the Active Modes Board. Geary noted the Transportation Board does send unofficial liaisons to other Boards and Commissions and that could be considered for the Active Modes Board as well, though they would not be voting members. Chair Dixon noted BAC members discussed the change from a Committee to a Board and questioned whether efforts between an Active Modes Board and Transportation Board would be duplicative. He asked about the ad hoc committee’s discussion on that topic. Geary replied some committee members were torn on how to handle the structure and hierarchy but noted the BAC is the only existing Committee other than the General Employee’s Retirement Committee and creating a Board would allow direct reporting to Council rather than going through the Transportation Board. Gavaldon stated the Transportation Board had a discussion on this topic at its last meeting. He highlighted topics of the discussion including the fact that modes share the same infrastructure. He stated the Board generally arrived at a recommendation to keep the current structure to allow for continuity. He noted the Transportation Board has previously attached BAC comments to its own when sending information to Council and that did not diminish the impact of those comments. He commented on the importance of working together for the benefit of the community and noted the BAC liaison provides a link to the Transportation Board. He also commented on the effect of siloing and diluting the effectiveness of the groups. Vice Chair Williams asked how many voting members are currently on the Transportation Board. Geary replied there are seven members. Nagle reviewed the pros and cons discussed at the Transportation Board meeting. Chair Dixon requested input from Geary on the con of creating more work for staff. Geary replied she did not believe changing to a Board would create additional work. Boiarsky expressed concern that creating a new Board would create a new BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 7 /2 4 /2023 – MINUTES Page 4 understaffed Board, and one of the things that makes this Committee work is its current structure. He noted Board recruitment is difficult as it is and questioned how the formation of a new Board would assist that. Chair Dixon stated it is important to consider the objectives of the Committee and stated the nimbleness with which the Committee can respond to things is currently a hindrance given the time it takes to funnel things through the Transportation Board. He noted the result of the Committee’s previous conversation was a desire to remain a Committee while still having a direct line to Council; however, it seems the ad hoc committee did not support that. Geary stated the ad hoc committee did not have an issue with having a direct line to Council; however, there were concerns with the structure. Dangerfield stated he felt the reason for the structure of the Committee was to provide diverse points of view and the ability to represent various interests. He concurred with having avid cyclist members as well as non-avid cyclist members on the Committee. He expressed concern about creating a ‘rubber stamp’ Board with a make-up of nine at-large members. Geary stated the ad hoc committee recommended the nine members knowing the BAC appreciates the larger structure and it would also allow for representation of all the various active modes. She stated one pro of the current structure is the ability to find members from the various organizations. She noted there have been quorum issues with other Boards; however, the last round of recruitment saw more applications for the at-large seats than were available on the Committee. Boiarsky noted the pool from which the BAC can draw in terms of members from other Boards and Commissions is quite small compared to the entire community. He also noted many people do not have time to serve on both a Board and the BAC. Chair Dixon clarified members could not serve on more than one Board. Chair Dixon requested input on the proposal of the ad hoc committee. Vice Chair Williams replied the problem with that proposal does not solve the issue of what to do with the Transportation Board and stated it may make more sense to add members to the Transportation Board, or have ex officio members that are more affiliated with active modes. He stated that while he would like the Active Modes Committee to be able to report directly to Council, he supports the current structure and suggested additional at-large members could be added to the Committee and additional ex officio members, or regular members, could be added to the Transportation Board if desired. Geary stated one concern with enlarging the Transportation Board would be the question of whether staff could adequately present detail on all transportation related items to a Board that only meets once a month for two hours. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 7 /2 4 /2023 – MINUTES Page 5 Vice Chair Williams questioned what types of items would go to an Active Modes Board versus the Transportation Board. Geary replied one delineation could be having the Transportation Board deal with items that involve all modes of transportation with an Active Modes Board considering walking, biking, and micro-mobility, not only for transportation, but also for recreation. Chair Dixon summarized Vice Chair Williams’ comments to maintain the Active Modes Committee and potentially grow the Transportation Board with more active modes-minded people. Krause questioned why this area needs to be treated so differently and cited examples of other Boards. He noted the Active Modes Plan has already been approved and it calls for the formation of an Active Modes Board. Dangerfield stated approving a plan and implementing a plan are two different things and there are a lot of opinions that go along with implementation. He asked Gavaldon if he feels the need to approve all items presented by staff as part of the Transportation Board, or if he feels there is an opportunity to provide feedback. Gavaldon replied he does not rubber stamp items and will always ask hard questions, particularly related to cost. He stated other Board members bring up different perspectives and, if there is a disagreement with staff, members will speak up. He stated he would like to see the BAC/Transportation Board structure remain as is due to existing synergy. He stated staff and members have done an excellent job in ensuring all opinions are heard. Vice Chair Williams asked Gavaldon how he feels about adding ex officio members or increasing the size of the Transportation Board to be more inclusive of active modes. Gavaldon replied he could support increasing Transportation Board membership to nine to increase diversity in opinions. He commented on the need for collaborative work with other organizations in terms of accessibility and mobility. Krause stated a structure change would not preclude different points of view on implementation details or keep members from asking difficult questions. Boiarsky stated the fundamental goal of the group needs to be considered, and having decided that, the best structure should be determined. Chair Dixon outlined the original purpose and mission of the BAC. Boiarsky stated he believes the focus of the BAC has been on making the city more multi-modal friendly or usable. Krause stated the first step should be determining what the community and Council need from the Committee and stated it should not be constrained by the list of items for which the Committee was initially formed. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 7 /2 4 /2023 – MINUTES Page 6 Vice Chair Williams commented on the possible need for a longer stakeholder involvement process than is prescribed by the current timeline. Chair Dixon stated there could be a need to reconfirm the mission and purpose of either the BAC or an Active Modes Committee or Board would be from Council’s perspective, then determine the appropriate structure based on that answer. Krause noted there is an adopted Active Modes Plan that calls out the need for some type of Active Modes Advisory Committee. Krause made a motion, seconded by Boiarsky, that the Bicycle Advisory Committee request that Council’s ad hoc committee on Boards and Commissions, or other appropriate party, brings back Council’s expected draft revised mission and purpose for an organization similar to what the BAC was originally created for, in the context of the adopted Active Modes Plan and the needs that have evolved since the formation of the BAC. Chair Dixon clarified the motion stating a letter would be sent through the Transportation Board to Council to suggest that rather than deciding on a structure and whether to become a separate Board or remain a Committee, to first reexamine the charter, mission, and purpose of the group then identify the best structure to achieve that purpose. The motion was adopted unanimously. Vice Chair Williams stated it appears no one is comfortable with the group becoming a nine-member at-large Board. He commented on the Transportation Board’s pro and con list. Dangerfield stated he would like to understand more about the dialogue of the ad hoc committee and how it arrived at its recommendation. Cairnes asked if staff has looked at how other communities are addressing these types of issues. Nagle replied she has done some informal research and found that in almost every instance wherein there was an Active Modes Advisory Board, a Transportation Board was also present. DK Kemp, Senior Trails Planner, stated all items related to transportation are run through the Transportation Advisory Board in Boulder. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Active Modes Plan Infrastructure Implementation – Cortney Geary, FC Moves Geary stated the vision of the Active Modes Plan is that active transportation is an integral part of daily life and the local cultural experience, and that Fort Collins is a place where walking, bicycling, and using other active modes are safe, BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 7 /2 4 /2023 – MINUTES Page 7 accessible, convenient, joyful, and desired by people of all ages and abilities. She stated there are two large goals included: achieving 50% active mode share of all trips by 2032 and eliminating active modes fatalities and serious injuries by 2032 in support of the City’s broader Vision Zero goal to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries. She stated the Plan recommended 144 miles of new bike facilities and 165 spot treatments for a total cost estimate of $158.7 million. Geary outlined projects that are being implemented through coordination with other projects, including the resurfacing of City Park from Mulberry to Plum and Mulberry from City Park to Shields and associated bike lane additions and the addition of a rectangular flashing beacon and trail segment as part of the Power House 2 project. Geary mentioned grants that have been applied for but were not awarded, including the Safe Streets for All application from 2022, a grant for side paths on College Avenue in mid-town, an application for improvements at Prospect and Heatheridge, a transportation alternatives program grant for separated bike lanes and side paths along Taft Hill, and the Bloomberg grant for protected bike lanes on Centre and Drake and Shields road diet feasibility study. Geary discussed grants that were awarded, including one for Laporte improvements and raised separated bike lanes and sidewalks from Fishback to Sunset, a Safe Routes to School grant to convert the existing half signal at Kechter and Jupiter to a full signal, the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s transportation alternatives program funding for a crossing at William Neal and Ziegler, a Highway Safety Improvement Program grant for improvements on Prospect, among others. Geary discussed grants that are awaiting a decision, including an asphalt art grant for Canyon, Magnolia, and Sherwood and various separated bike lane installations, among others. Geary discussed upcoming grant opportunities, including the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program which prioritizes funding for disadvantaged communities, among others. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Hansen reported on the Phemister Trail project south of the Prospect underpass. Krause reported the Natural Resources Advisory Board’s July meeting focused on sustainable funding and possible taxes and oil and gas subjects. The new Chief Sustainability Officer was introduced at the June meeting. He stated he believes bicycling around town feels more dangerous lately. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 7 /2 4 /2023 – MINUTES Page 8 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Transportation Board Report Gavaldon asked Geary if she plans to have Ryan Mounce present the Mulberry Corridor Plan to the group. Geary replied she had not planned on that but would be willing to request it. Gavaldon commented on the Plan stating there are many opportunities and challenges that exist. He noted the roadway is a truck route and discussed the Transportation Board’s recommendation to separate cyclists from the roadway for safety. He commented on planned Transfort service for the upcoming CSU football season and announced a Day of the Dead bike-in movie night celebration at the Museo de las Tres Colonias. b. Staff Liaison Report  People for Bikes City Ratings Geary stated she shared the link for the People for Bikes City Ratings and noted the ratings are based on open-source data which can be incorrect.  League Cycling Instructor Certification Nagle announced a 3-day certification seminar for League Cycling Instructors beginning at the end of September. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM by unanimous consent.