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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBicycle Advisory Committee - Minutes - 08/28/2023 BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING August 28, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. Online via Zoom or in person at 281 N. College Avenue 8/28/2023 – MINUTES Page 1 FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Dave Dixon Vice-Chair: Jordan Williams Staff Liaison: Lauren Nagle 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Dixon called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. 2. ROLL CALL (INTRODUCTIONS) BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF PRESENT: Dave Dixon, Chair, Bike Fort Collins Jordan Williams, Vice Chair, At Large Member Jerry Gavaldon, Transportation Board Bruce Henderson, Senior Advisory Board Todd Dangerfield, Downtown Development Authority David Hansen, Colorado State University Greg Boiarsky, Air Quality Advisory Board Scott Mason, Land Conservation and Stewardship Board Tim Anderson, Fort Collins Bike Co-op Kevin Krause, Natural Resources Advisory Board Elisabeth Cairnes, At Large Member Whitney Allison, At Large Member ABSENT: Jonathan Crozier, Poudre School District Marcia Richards, Parks and Recreation Board Cortney Geary Lauren Nagle Dave “DK” Kemp Brad Buckman Marc Virata Davina Lau Araceli Newman PUBLIC PRESENT: Troy Rawson COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Emily Francis, Mayor Pro Tem BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 8/28/2023 – 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 – JULY 2023 Williams noted a clarification on page five that the Active Modes Plan does not reference an Active Modes board specifically, but rather an Active Modes Advisory Committee. Krause made a motion, seconded by Dangerfield, to approve the minutes of the July 2023 meeting with the edit provided by Willliams. The motion was adopted unanimously. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Active Modes/BAC Ordinance Update – Emily Francis, Mayor Pro Tem, and Davina Lau, City Clerk’s Office Emily Francis, Mayor Pro Tem outlined the discussion held at Council’s last meeting regarding the BAC in addition to a couple other boards. She noted that general Council guidance is for the BAC to become the Active Modes Advisory Board. She also highlighted some differences between the committee and the board make-up including the distinction of ex-officio members. Dixon noted that the letter of recommendation sent by the BAC to Council requesting that the vision and mission of the Active Modes Advisory Board be revisited prior to determining the best structure of the Board. Dixon asked Geary for clarification on the purpose outlined in the Active Modes Plan. Geary clarified the plan called for wider representation from a variety of modes of transportation, underrepresented groups, and people with disabilities. Dixon asked if the purpose would be decided at a later date. Francis confirmed that it would, with the help of Davina Lau. She continued that the purpose would take into account the Transportation Board to avoid overlap. Henderson asked about the membership and what the plan was to ensure adequate representation. Members would be required to apply for these positions. Dangerfield asked Francis about the availability of seats for stakeholder groups such as the DDA. Francis confirmed that those positions would become the ex- officio positions mentioned earlier. Dangerfield asked about the reasoning behind the non-voting positions to which Francis explained the having the expertise of stakeholder groups was appreciated, however allowing them to have voting BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 8/28/2023 – MINUTES Page 3 abilities while representing a certain group was not in line with the purpose of boards and commissions. Francis further noted that ex-officio members would be able to participate in the full discussion, however, they would not be able to vote. Krause asked about how the make-up of ex-officio positions would be determined and put into place. Francis said that is still in discussion at this time along with a broader thought about the general structure. Williams asked about the timeline for making recommendations about the ex- officio positions. Williams asked Gavaldon about the Transportation Board’s discussion on this topic. Gavaldon said he would cover most of this in his Board report but noted that there was specific discussion about the overlap between the two boards, how to incorporate disability representation into the board, and the Parking Board. He asked Francis to clarify the ex-officio members. Francis confirmed that the difference to Council is whether the person is participating in the meeting representing an organization or making decisions as a community member. Boiarsky was asking about that delineation and recommended that Council clearly define the roles. Gavaldon raised concerns about the elimination of liaisons from other Boards. Williams confirmed with Francis that they would still be able to come and provide input, however they would not be able to vote. Gavaldon also raised concerns that Transportation Board and the Active Modes Advisory Board would be overlapping on projects and potentially providing conflicting recommendations or not being provided the opportunity to weigh in with recommendations. He recommended providing clear instruction on how the two Boards are structured and how recommendations are provided to Council. Dixon asked for clarification on whether the Active Modes Advisory Board would provide feedback on the Master Steets Plan or if that would fall solely on the Transportation Board. Gavaldon stated this was discussed in Transportation Board and with the current structure, Transportation Board would be the only Board providing feedback. He recommended Geary reach out to Aaron Iverson on that point. Boiarsky recommended joint meetings to work around this. Dixon reminded the committee about the idea to merge the two Boards or hold joint meetings. From the previous dialogue, the concern raised was not having enough time in two hours to discuss all the topics needing to be covered. Francis confirmed that the two boards would be able to hold joint meetings and encouraged participation in the super issues meeting. She confirmed that active modes have been a priority of Council. She also stated that Council is looking to raise the BAC up to a Board to bring them in line with the way other boards operate in an effort to implement the Active Modes Plan. Williams asked Lau if it would be possible to appoint ex-officios from another BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 8/28/2023 – MINUTES Page 4 Board to the Active Modes Board charter. Lau stated that the likelihood of permitting that is low. Dixon asked about the timeline. Lau stated that the Active Modes Advisory Board would be established in January of 2024 with the BAC sunsetting in December 2023. The first reading for this is scheduled for September 5th and the second on September 19th. Dixon expressed gratitude to the other committee members. He acknowledged that there are pros and cons to becoming an ad hoc Board but is looking forward to the opportunity for the voice of the Active Modes to be elevated. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. 10-year Transportation Capital Improvement Program (TCIP) and Transportation Capital Projects Prioritization Study (TCPPS) – Brad Buckman and Marc Virata Brad Buckman, City Engineer, presented information about TCIP and TCPPS. He explained their connection to the City Plan, our Strategic Plan, Vision Zero, the Active Modes Plan, Our Climate Future, and the Transit Master Plan. Buckman reiterated the ultimate goal of safety and noted crash reduction as the top priority. He stated that the 10-year TCIP goal is in alignment with the Vision Zero goal of no one dying or suffering a serious injury while traveling on Fort Collins’ streets by 2032. Buckman presented two graphics depicting the High Injury Network and data on Fatal/Injury (FI) before and after completing recent projects. Marc Virata, Civil Engineer III, presented information on TCPPS. He provided an overview of the process that has been taken thus far. Virata stated that TCPSS was a very data-driven process that involved the collaboration of multiple different departments across the City. TCPPS involves three phases: Data Collection and Initial Screening, Project Selection, and Concept Development. Virata explained the methodology of collecting public comments as well as shared a graphic depicting the results. Virata went on to review the qualitative and quantitative criteria that lead to the ranking of projects. Virata provided the list of fifteen projects that came out of the TCPPS process as well as an in-depth look at three projects starting with the Drake Road Corridor Improvement. Williams asked if the closure of Hughes Stadium factored into the decision to decrease lanes on Drake. Buckman answered noting that this corridor is a good candidate for a road diet based on the number of vehicles per day and the need for improved bicycle safety. Gavaldon provided information about the history of Overland Trail. Virata noted that the projects are currently at 10%, but protected bike lanes are part of this project’s goal. There was BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 8/28/2023 – MINUTES Page 5 discussion about what type of protection is planned as well as some other areas along Overland in need of improvement. The next project slide showed S. Shields St. & W. Prospect Rd. Intersection Improvements. Virata explained that this project would entail building a protected intersection with an added Westbound turn lane in addition to a protected intersection at Stuart and Shields. Mason asked about a protected intersection and Geary provided information on the specifics of this design. Williams asked about the development off of Shields and Hobbit and whether they provided any of the funding for the Stuart intersection. Virata commented that they are responsible for the signal at Stuart. Discussion followed about the development timing for that intersection as well as the Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF). The following slide was about new construction to widen Timberline Road between E. Lincoln and Sykes Dr. Virata explained that the population growth in this area due to new and current development will necessitate this kind of infrastructure to keep bicyclists safe. Virata then reviewed the environmental assessment that factored into the overall score of each project. Dixon asked about the fluidity of the ranking system if a project further on the list for any reason became more of a priority. Buckman confirmed that different grants will fit certain projects better than others so they likely will be funded in a different order. Additionally, projects towards the bottom of the list will move up as needed. Krause asked about the Prospect and Riverside intersection stating that that intersection has been cited as the reason students in that area do not walk or bike to school. Dixon asked about a road diet along Riverside between Prospect and Lemay relative to the Drake corridor improvement. Buckman confirmed that both are on a project list. Buckman also stated that the Active Modes plans will be happening in conjunction with the projects on this list. Buckman reviewed the funding progress and sources. Gavaldon expressed concerns with the Power Trail project, specifically that the project is too excessive. He stated many members of the Transportation Board agree with him. Buckman responded that as there have been recent fatalities at this location, it has become a Council priority. He also noted that the remaining 3.4 M outstanding is a CMAQ grant, which would be 83% federally funded so that only 17% would be locally funded. Boiarsky pointed out that the idea of arterials and corridors could potentially increase the likelihood of vehicle interactions with other vehicles, pedestrians, and micro mobility. He speculated that a different growth philosophy might serve better. He noted that instead having a more layered network approach with BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 8/28/2023 – MINUTES Page 6 modest arterials would decrease the likelihood of these interactions. Gavaldon appreciated this comment and noted that this topic ties into the Transportation Master Street Plan. Williams noted that unfortunately the arterials are in place to move vehicles faster, so adding infrastructure to make it safer for bicycles is still needed in certain places. He noted that the low-stress network is great, however if one has to travel miles off of their route to access it, it becomes less efficient. Buckman opened the discussion to questions. Boiarsky asked if there is an index to do the rankings. Virata and Buckman provided information on the nine different categories and the weighted scores. Troy Rawson posed a question in the Zoom chat about whether there is adequate budget to cover ongoing maintenance costs. Buckman responded that this cost is indeed taken into consideration during the planning. b. Discussion regarding the changes to the Chair position Dixon reported that he will be leaving his position at Bike Fort Collins towards the end of September, which would require that he resign his seat as the Board Chair. Dixon asked the group what they would like to do for the remining four months. Williams confirmed that as vice-chair, he would be willing to take on that role. Dixon asked the group if there would need to be a vote to implement this change. Krause commented that a vote should be held and included that deciding on a vice-chair would be beneficial even though there were only three meetings remaining. Gavaldon had a question regarding the process. He recommended that any official changes should wait until Council’s direction on the future of the Bicycle Advisory Committee. He instead recommended that Williams become the de- facto leader as vice chair. Gavaldon made a motion, seconded by Krause, that Jordan Williams act as chair for the remainder of the Bicycle Advisory Committee meetings through December. The motion was adopted unanimously with Williams abstaining. Krause volunteered to act as vice-chair. Williams made a motion, seconded by Henderson, that Kevin Krause act as vice-chair while Jordan fills in as Chair. The motion was adopted unanimously with Krause abstaining. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 8/28/2023 – MINUTES Page 7 Mason reported that there was an executive session held to review natural areas that are in the process of being purchased. Many are adjacent to existing natural areas, thus adding to the overall acreage. The properties within the City and in the growth management area cost roughly five times more per acre since there is competition with developers. Hansen reported that CSU just submitted their bike friendly application within the last three weeks in the hopes of maintaining their platinum level. He also noted that the bike and pedestrian roundabout shown last year on an infrastructure tour should be completed within the next few weeks. The roundabout is located on the low-stress network on Pitkin near Braiden Hall. The Phemister trail connecting the Prospect Underpass to the Gardens on Spring Creek has advanced to 30% design. This will be submitted to the Planning and Zoning as well as City Engineering Teams. Boiarsky reported that the City is getting rid of the clause that allows major roads to shorten the set-backs from wells better protecting pedestrians and bicyclists that are traveling through those zones. Krause provided his thoughts on the grade-separated crossing at Power Trail. He believes this is one of the best uses for funding. He provided a story about a recent near miss that occurred in a non-grade-separated crossing on the Power Trail at Horsetooth Rd with him and his young son almost being hit by a skidding driver who didn't stop at the red light. He believes that more underpasses are needed as they provide a safe route for all riders. Dixon provided an update from Bike Fort Collins on the Safe Routes to School program. Bike Fort Collins is also planning for a bike or walk to school challenge this Fall. Additionally, all the second graders in the title 1 schools will receive bikes this year. 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Transportation Board Report Gavaldon reported updates from the Transportation Board. He noted that much of the meeting overlapped in content as the TCPPS and TCIP presentation was shared in that meeting as well. The Master Street Plan update is headed to Council and he asked for the Bicycle Advisory Committee’s input. He requested that Cortney provide a copy of the Master Street Plan recommendation update. He is concerned about changes in the Montava development and near Boardwalk. Gavaldon also provided thoughts on cycling around the City. He recommended increasing education and compliance. He also noted that there is significant debris along E. Stuart. Gavaldon also mentioned the Bike-In Movie night happening on October 28th at the Museo de Las Tres Colonias. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TYPE OF MEETING – REGULAR 8/28/2023 – MINUTES Page 8 b. Staff Liaison Report  Open Streets Event & Asphalt Art Installation Nagle mentioned the Open Streets Event happening on September 24th between 10 AM to 3 PM. It will be along Manhattan Avenue and Troutman Parkway from Horsetooth to Starflower and Wabash Street from Manhattan to Benthaven. The next asphalt art installation will be happening from 9 AM-5 PM. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM by unanimous consent.