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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 - Minutes of Bicycle Trails Citizens' Advisory CommitteeI. II. CITY F f�Et'IF_�? ;1=t _AQH APR 1 1 1994 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH April 11, 1994 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM NO. 02. BICYCLE TRAILS CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OF March 7, 1994 The meeting was called to order at the Police Facility at 870 Santa Barbara Drive at 7:10 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Randy Johnson, Scott Truesdell, Val Skoro, Joann Lombardo, Michael Kranzley, Paul Watkins, Barbara Gaughran, Joe DeCarlo, Don Harvey, Cindy Gittleman, and Burt Field CITY COUNCILWOMAN: Evelyn Hart POLICE DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Steve Badum MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 7, 1994 Minutes of February 7, 1994 were corrected to show that Cindy Gittleman was in attendance. Paul Watkins requested a more complete taking and reporting of the meeting minutes. The new secretary stated that she will do her best to honor his request. III. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS A. city council Evelyn Hart said there was nothing new to report. B. Bike Safety Scott Truesdell passed out the 1993 Bike Accident Report for the Committee's perusal. C. Back Bay Drive Steve Badum reported that Back Bay Drive was closed during the rain. New signage basically is replacing old. The main issue is that there is a Subject: Bicycle Trails Citizens' Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 7, 1994 lack of space for pedestrians. Those sensitive to the environment are against building a sidewalk. A joint study was proposed some time ago, but it never happened due to a lack of funds. When asked for her input, Evelyn Hart stated that the Council is split regarding whether automobile traffic should be restricted. Evelyn personally feels that Back Bay Drive should remain open. It was decided that the City will contact UCI concerning a "free" comprehensive study of the Back Bay Drive area. If UCI is interested, the City Council will then try to get other agencies involved which would include County and State Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Commission, and other Newport Beach agencies. Steve Badum will make the initial effort to stimulate action regarding the above, but he also reiterated that the basic problem is a lack of space and funding. D. Trails Planning Don Harvey reported on the General Plan and stated that there is a proposed Bike Act Plan which would, if approved, establish a 1% fuel sales tax, generating $14 million per year; and 2% would be allocated to Bike trails. But first the City must have a plan to include an estimate of the number of bicyclists at certain places and Caltrans traffic counts. Steve stated that the City is currently working on ride -sharing statistics; how many ride bikes to work; origin and destination; and what routes are used. The question was asked concerning funding. The City has limited funding so funds will be based on plan the City needs to prepare. The Bike Committee's goal is to establish who will prepare a Bike Act Plan. Steve will address this issue and will send copies of the Master Plan to all Committee members. 4 Subject: Bicycle Trails Citizens' Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 7, 1994 E. F. Steve also reported that the MacArthur widening is in the design phase and anticipate construction to begin sometime in the fall. Commuter Don Harvey reported that the Santa Ana River Trail is now open all the way with one small detour. However on April 1 it will close again. Cindy Gittleman stated that for many new members, a background and interpretation of various concepts and terminology is needed so that the Committee will be better able to respond and participate in discussions regarding Trails Planning and Commuter reports. In response, Don stated that OCTA (Orange County Transit Authority) has produced a bike commuter master plan. A network will also be produced including cost feasibility. Additionally, SCAG (Southern California Association of Governments) is emphasizing bike trail enhancement because it is less costly than building roadways. Bike Event As background information, Joann stated that the Bike Event is a 9 mile ride around the Back Bay. This is an annual event which is planned, implemented, and staffed by the Bicycle Trails Committee in conjunction with the City. The date of October 16 was chosen and will be submitted to Ed Walsh for his approval. It is important that the event is not in conflict with any other major City events. Joe DeCarlo and Randy Johnson may co-chair the Bike Event. Joann stated that new sponsors will be needed because some of the old ones (Der Wiener schnitzel, etc.) have dropped out. It was mentioned that Ed Walsh could help with sponsor involvement. G. Seashore Drive Due to the time spent on other issues, Joann stated that the meeting policy is to try to adjourn by 8:30 p.m., and because of the enormity Subject: Bicycle Trails Citizens' Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 7, 1994 of the Seashore Drive Bike Trail issue, that it be tabled until the April meeting. It was agreed that Seashore will be place first on the April meeting agenda. IV. OLD BUSINESS Cindy asked about Mariner's Mile. There was nothing specific to report. V. NEW BUSINESS The meeting was closed with all members wanting to convey sympathy to Fran Farrer regarding the recent loss of her husband. Joann volunteered to arrange for a plant and card to be delivered to her. VI. NEXT MEETING Our next meeting will be Monday, April 4, 1994. VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Barbara Gaughran Secretary BG: so 4