HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee - 06/09/2021
South Burlington Bike & Pedestrian Committee
Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.
Meeting was held virtually
Committee Attendees: Shawn Goddard (Chair), Cathy Frank (Vice-Chair), Nic Anderson (Clerk), Bob Britt,
Donna Leban, Dana Farr, Amanda Holland, Havaleh Gagne,
Other Attendees: Ashley Parker (City Liaison)
1. Welcome and clarification of meeting procedures
2. Changes or additions to the agenda.
a. None
3. Comments from the public not related to the agenda
a. No public present
4. Consideration of minutes from May meetings
a. May 12 – Regular meeting. Cathy Moved to approve. Seconded by Donna. Bob two
changes. 7.w. – be more specific on location. 9.i. – Replace “we” with “the City”. Vote:
All in favor.
b. May 24 – Special meeting. Cathy moved to approve. Seconded by Donna. Amanda one
change – Joined late at 7:15. Vote: All in favor.
5. Updates from the City
a. Ashley read through updates in packet.
b. Hoping to get P4P stencil out at Jug Handle. Shawn asked if DPW needed help.
Mentioned also possibly stenciling bike lanes too. Nic suggested having simply access to
stencil. Paint may be more of the issue. Bob and Shawn to talk with Justin next time.
c. Dorset Street path. Meeting deadlines. Bob asked about timing for whole project.
Ashely said still 2023.
d. Continued reading notes
e. Kennedy Drive crosswalks – Bob asked if it will be done this year. Ashley not sure.
f. Hinesburg Rd crosswalks – Nic asked if they would do all at once or prioritize one of
others. Ashley not sure yet who would do and when.
g. New or reappointed members were appointed at last City Council meeting. More info to
come. Their terms would “start” in July.
6. Review proposed locations for wayfinding signs
a. Nic introduced and talked through the document in packet.
b. Donna added that there was general consensus. Wondered if any of the kiosks could be
paid for by others like parks department. Old ones may have been done by parks budget
as the committee was under them.
c. Ashley – Shared with Travis Ladd in Parks. Spoke with him earlier. Should focus on
secondary kiosks. Etiquette sign could be done.
d. Nic – Definitely planning to do etiquette signs. Asked if we connect with Travis now or
later.
e. Bob asked how much it could be. Should we use P4P money? One area where it might
be nice to have a big map of the South Burlington rec path system would be where folks
come out of the Island Line Trail/Burlington Rec Path onto Queen City Park Rd..
f. Nic – Subgroup did not, but could. Perhaps could collaborate with Burlington parks.
g. Ashley – could include wayfinding in the scoping for Queen City Parkway
h. Cathy – Green Mountain Club may have good insight on vandalism.
i. Ashley – Design package has vandalism protection. However, City is having issues with
vinyl itself.
j. Amanda – In terms of budget, focus more on directional signage than on map signs.
Most important thing for signage is on direction over kiosks. And etiquette.
k. Shawn – Agree with Amanda. Also, curious about QR codes and relying on that more for
trail maps digitally. Could be on small stakes.
l. Ashley – Talked about QR codes with Parks. Difficult to manage. Needs to be maintained
by somebody.
m. Shawn – Cheaper than a whole map.
n. Ashley - Vinyl can be switched out easier if physical maps get out of date.
o. Nic – Have done it for Cycle the City with a small sticker and an alias.
p. Donna – Maybe we could replace our old sign face with a new sticker?
q. Ashley – Would only do new stickers on new signs. If old, would replace whole sign. Can
check them out.
r. Shawn asked what we needed?
s. Nic – Would like to hear concerns if we are on wrong track. And if we should focus on
directional over kiosks.
t. Shawn asked if we can recommend Penny for Paths.
u. Ashley – Since it’s in the CIP, may need a vote if we want to go over it.
v. Nic – First we want to work out numbers and locations.
w. Ashley – Before we get too far, we should talk with Travis in the Recreation Dept.
x. Amanda would be interested to find out if there is potential for parks funding.
y. Ashley – Can ask when we meet.
7. Review a revised SBBPC Mission Statement & Charter
a. Bob detailed the tracked changes in the packet. Asked for comments. City Staff had
proposed changes.
b. Nic suggested changing “oversee the general operation” to “advocate for”.
c. Supported by Cathy and Shawn.
d. Donna asked if we need to add recommend.
e. Shawn said that seems to be in the second half as advising already.
f. Nic recommended advocate for in the first half and strike Council in the second half.
g. Ashley had suggested improvements
h. Bob asked Cathy about 7G. Staff said it could be deleted in part as it was overly specific.
i. Cathy – Yes, the whole thing could be more general. Monitoring and making sure
bike/ped is integrated into any new development. Mainly monitoring.
j. Bob noted that it does push us to provide actual recommendations of committee
support.
k. Shawn – Asked Ashley to weigh in on simplifying and comparing to other ordinances. In
favor of keeping it generic.
l. Ashley – Conservation Committee has one similar but is less wordy.
m. Cathy – Maybe we can look at that and make it similar.
n. Amanda – If you removed after ensure, should add in something about providing
recommendations like the city suggested. On E can we drop the word “new”, just in
case.
o. Cathy – Yes, because we are looking at how it integrates into existing.
p. Shawn – Bob to complete revisions and we will vote on it in July.
8. Bike Greenway -Discuss options & treatments
a. Nic detailed.
b. Donna – With planter boxes need to have someone manage them
c. Cathy – Think it’s a really good idea and enjoy them at in Shelburne
d. Bob – Concerned it would be too close
e. Ashley – Should talk with Justin about things we are thinking. What might be required.
He would be the one to sign off at end of day.
f. Shawn – Yes, making the same point. Should engage city professionals so we can work
with them to make the decision. Professionals may know more about this. How can be
worked with Justin.
g. Nic – Want to make sure they have a good plan before going.
h. Amanda – Should have photos of similar treatments in the City. What’s it going to do
with plowing. Could help other conversations. Orchard Road has low maintenance
neckdown.
i. Shawn – Would we want to have a separate meeting with Justin.
j. Nic – Would be good to have separate meeting with Justin. Will connect with Ashley to
tee that up.
k. Havaleh – Took a tour of it, and recommend all members to go and look. Was at
crosswalks recently and talked with someone who didn’t really worry about speed.
l. Bob – In comments, thought 25 mph was fine; no need to go down to 20 mph.
m. Ashley – Justin had red flags on the speed limit piece
n. Nic – Wanted committee to discuss first before even going there. Want to know if its
slow enough already and not bother.
o. Shawn – Other treatments may get slower speeds anyway. Sharrows may be a better
but know about maintenance issues.
p. Donna – Street features are a much better way of slowing people down than paint.
Physical is better. Like the calming Burlington did with planters and colorful bollards.
Don’t need established speed limits because others go slower.
q. Nic – Wanted feedback on what kind of process we should go towards.
r. Amanda – Want to make sure what we are proposing is possible (public works ok).
Schools would be prime connection. Could it go in David Youngs email.
s. Shawn – Would this need City Council approval.
t. Ashley – Could ask Justin.
u. Nic – Next step is connecting the team with Justin.
9. Discuss/propose project candidates for shovel-ready projects
a. Shawn detailed what Justin is looking for. Noted Bobs spreadsheet
b. Nic – Need clarification on if a scoping study is needed to be able to do or is this just
maintenance?
c. Bob – Repaving needed at Butler Farms to Golf Course Rd, Dorset end of Nowland Farm,
Szymanski Park at Stonehedge and path from Deerfield at Stonehedge on hill parallel to
Stonehedge. Those 4 have been identified.
d. Havaleh – Drove around through City Center neighborhoods. Hinesburg Road sidewalk
needs repaving for sure. Will help people get to City Center with ease when businesses
open. Will add amenity for the city. A lot of major intersections have no paint especially
at crosswalks. Williston Road, Dorset and Williston intersection. Overall impression is
that we don’t care about pedestrians and newer nicer infrastructure gives them that
place.
e. Shawn – Not sure the Federal funds cover paint. Bigger challenge is helping Justin get
more funding for paint or for staff to do the work. Paint piece is unacceptable. Structural
problem in the City. Could we use fed funding for that.
f. Bob – Justin may end up getting increased budget. We just need to keep pushing for
that. Definitely not something you can get through traditional grants.
g. Shawn – What about Shelburne Road in doing the additional path.
h. Nic – Not sure that is “Shovel Ready”. Need definition
i. Shawn – Can give to Justin and he can decide. Could include Airport Parkway?
j. Ashley – Airport Parkway is pretty close to permitting. Have plans and that project could
be good idea.
k. Donna – A more comprehensive Greenways plan could be something that is easy.
Adding elements to identity a greenway so could be good. Meets objectives to
encourage less driving.
l. Shawn – This funding is hypothetical so could fit or not. OK to have them on the list.
m. Donna – Also would include Hinesburg Road walkway improvement.
n. Amanda – One crazy plan. What about intersection on Shelburne Road at Lindenwood
and put that on the list.
o. Havaleh – Lighting on Kennedy. Dark and could do with pedestrian lighting
improvements.
p. Nic – Would LOVE to see the three sidewalk gaps on Williston Road at Ace, Earls Etc.
filled in.
10. Project Priorities -Review (revise?)
a. Bob – Asked Ashley if federal funding requires a scoping study.
b. Ashley – Yes thinks that’s correct
c. Bob – Detailed that the intent is to work out what our next scoping studies could be. In
red on the spreadsheet in the packet. Detailed them
d. Nic – Confirmed Planning Commission proposed a ROW for possible new rec path from
Swift to Hinesburg Rd or similar. Thumbs up for getting a scoping study started there.
e. Shawn asked about two Queen City Park CIP’s
f. Bob noted that bridge over the potash brook on Kimball is a key connection. Would like
to have that scoped.
g. Shawn agreed.
h. Bob also noted Justin is not comfortable with doing Songbird crosswalk at Dorset unless
there is a scoping study.
i. Shawn noted that if he isn’t comfortable he never will be and should do it.
j. Nic – If we are doing a crosswalk scoping study for songbird we should include more.
k. Shawn – What about the Park St/Nicklaus crosswalk across Dorset? Thinks that could be
good.
l. Bob – Does think we need Brewer Parkway to new Hannaford’s across Shelburne Rd.
done. Part of the state. Need to find out what they are doing there.
m. Nic thinks the Pheasant Way sidewalk to a crosswalk at South Pointe is one for sure.
n. Cathy asked about how it would be done
o. Nic mentioned it would be best off end of South Pointe
p. Nic – Could bundle sidewalk gaps together into one big study or do individual, What
about the path from Swift to Vale Dr. Not our land but is super important connection on
the Official Map. Would be good to have a plan so that if some private developer or
UVM decide to do anything, it is already laid out.
q. Bob – Will make updates as discussed. How do we bring forward recommendations
without having to waste so much time?
r. Shawn – Maybe we should establish a CIP sub group or at least have Bob discuss with
other members.
s. Nic is interested
t. Amanda is interested
u. Havaleh is interested. Don’t know much about and would be great to learn.
v. Dana also interested
w. Shawn – Limited to 4 on a sub group. Need to decide who.
11. Other Committee Updates
a. Shawn – Next month electing new officers for the committee. Think about who will be
willing to do those roles. Come ready to throw your hat in the ring.
b. Havaleh, Bob and Amanda reappointed. One more member to come.
c. Cathy – Obrien update. Marla and Paul met with Obrien about path on east side of Old
Farm Road. Worried about an appeal from neighbors. Will do anything to avoid that.
Paul and Marla are trying to work out ways to do but keep neighbors happy. Only two.
Next DRB on July 6th. Would be helpful to have Bike Ped good presence to show its not
just staff and that we have a strong need for a bike ped path. Encouraged people to
come. Nic asked if we need to work out a max number or if we warn it.
d. Ashley – Apparently there is a change to state law but more City rule. Could have whole
committee show up.
e. Shawn wonders if there is any way we can get residents in the area to attend and speak
up for it. How do we get people to talk in favor of it?
f. Cathy – Surprised that Obrien don’t want it because of their 450 new residents.
g. Shawn – Does Local Motion have a good list.
h. Nic – Red Barn Deli could be good advocate. Does anyone know them?
i. Cathy can reach out to Local Motion
j. Bob asked if we could talk with the owners on the west to get them to support it
because its on the other side of the road now.
k. Shawn – Lets attend and if you know people, reach out.
l. Amanda asked if anyone is on the areas FPF and could send out.
m. Cathy – We need people to understand that this is essential to the development.
n. Donna – No community right now. Its so new, people aren’t banding together in things
that would benefit them.
12. Confirmation: Next meeting Wednesday, July 14, 2021 @ 5:30pm
13. Adjourned at 8pm