Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 01 30 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Regular Meeting (Rescheduled from December 19, 2012) Minutes CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 30, 2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19, 2012) CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of Wednesday, January 30, 2013 (rescheduled from December 19, 2012) of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee was called to Order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson William B. Carpenter in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). Roll Call: Chairperson William B. Carpenter, present Vice Chairperson Gary Brook, present Committee Member Larry Hartman,present Committee Member Kok Wan Mah, present Committee Member Don Purcell,present Assistant to the City Clerk Sean Beaudet, present Assistant to the City Clerk Sarah Hart, present A moment of silence preceded the Pledge of Allegiance. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA INFORMATIONAL 100. Not Used CONSENT AGENDA CONSENT 200. Office Of The City Clerk Requesting Approval Of The June 20, 2012 Bicycle And Pedestrian Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes. Chairperson Carpenter noted that he had sent a couple of suggested changes to the Office of the City Clerk for these Minutes and was hoping the Minutes would be approved with his recommended suggestions. Brief discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 2 OF 12 Chairperson Carpenter stated that the first suggested change was under"AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS", on the second line of the first paragraph of this section, as shown on page 2; and suggested that instead of the word "`heard' at the Congress...", to use "`presented' at the Congress...". Secondly, Chairperson Carpenter stated, "There are two (2) places where the abbreviation `BAPAC' is used and I am recommending that we change those to `BPAC'." Further comments. "I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE." MOTION BY VICE CHAIRPERSON BROOK. SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER HARTMAN. DISCUSSION. VOTE: CHAIRPERSON CARPENTER: AYE VICE CHAIRPERSON BROOK: AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER HARTMAN: AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER MAH: AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER PURCELL: AYE MOTION CARRIED. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 300. Winter Springs Police Department Requesting The Bicycle And Pedestrian Advisory Committee Receive A Presentation By The Winter Springs Police Department On Bicycle Laws. Captain Chris Deisler, Support Services Bureau, Police Department spoke on behalf of Chief of Police Kevin Brunelle, Police Department and stated that safety for bicyclists and pedestrians in the City is very important. Captain Deisler then presented statistical data (as shown below) from the Winter Springs Police Department covering the timeframe of approximately the end of October 2011 into September 2012: Pedestrian Jurisdiction Crashes with Fatalities Seminole County 29 8 Altamonte Springs 7 0 Casselberry 9 1 Lake Mary 3 1 Longwood 8 1 Oviedo 2 0 Sanford 15 0 Winter Springs 0 0 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 3 OF 12 With discussion, Captain Deisler attributed Winter Springs' statistic of zero crashes and zero fatalities as we try to be "Proactive in our enforcement and show the blue lights around the City, and try to just educate folks on what the proper ways of complying with traffic laws are. We'd like to think that - we're a big part of this but of course we realize it's a community effort." Captain Deisler then referenced some county-wide statistics (as shown below) related to bicycle crashes: Bicycle Jurisdiction Crashes with Fatalities Seminole County 31 0 Altamonte Springs 15 0 Casselberry 19 1 Lake Mary 5 0 Longwood 9 0 Oviedo 7 0 Sanford 22 0 Winter Springs 3 0 Continuing, Captain Deisler noted, "I believe involve some bicyclists on our nature trail— or trail connections we have through the City so maybe one (1) or two (2) of these I think was attributed to behavior on that trail way instead of interaction with a motor vehicle. So, I think we're moving in the right direction there." Captain Deisler continued his presentation by addressing the stop sign issue with packs of bicyclists riding around the neighborhoods and running stop signs. Captain Deisler said, "Of course you realize we try to take an aggressive stance on that with using an education component and if we can't get the message across, maybe issuing some warnings or some citations where necessary. I will tell you that the number of citations that we issue for bicycle violations is very low. We do not issue a great number of citations for that but we do make traffic stops, we do initiate verbal warnings and education type things with brochures or just simply telling somebody you might want to try `this' next time and not do `that'." Captain Deisler added, "We do try to take a proactive stance on that and we will continue to do so in the future." Discussion followed on if there was anything that the Committee could do to help; the efforts the Police Department; and that the Committee was more than willing to assist at any time. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 4 OF 12 Chairperson Carpenter commented on small and large groups of cyclists and issues going through stop signs and inquired, "What is the number in a group that can safely do that? Captain Deisler responded by saying "Zero". Continuing, Captain Deisler explained that "One (1) bicyclist regardless of what direction they're headed, if they catch it at just the wrong time, on the wrong day, at the wrong hour, the wrong minute, the wrong second - is when one (1) of these people who I've seen over and over again, not paying attention driving down the road, is going to run the stop sign at the same time they will and they will lose. Ten(10) out of ten (10) chances, they meet with a car." Further, Captain Deisler noted, "It's incumbent upon everyone, bicyclists or motorist otherwise, to make sure that they're compliant with the Statutes and the Laws, what the requirements are at all times." With additional comments, Captain Deisler said, "The enforcement is only one (1) tool; so I can't be a proponent of three (3) bicyclists going through, but not thirty (30)." Committee Member Larry Hartman asked where the accidents have typically happened and what was involved with the incidents that had fatalities. Captain Deisler pointed out that factors related to fatalities have usually been attributed to improper riding, impairment with possibly drugs/alcohol; and that most of accidents in Winter Springs have typically occurred on the main roads and at intersections. Discussion followed on motorists yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks, and enforcement options. 400. REPORTS Chairperson Carpenter noted the description and duties of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee are to plan for a Trail and Bicycle System; to encourage citizens to use bicycles as a viable means of transportation and connection; to constantly look for sources of funding; and try to get support and ideas from the community to support the goals of this Committee. Chairperson Carpenter added, "Just a reminder, that these are the things that we were here to do and please keep them in mind in your daily activities and try to bring those ideas to the Committee." Next, Chairperson Carpenter asked if the Committee could have an update on the Wayfinding Project. Mr. Randy Woodruff, AICP, Senior Planner, Community Development Department noted, "It's an ongoing project. We are still working amongst Staff, fine-tuning the document, we're getting very close. We anticipate probably another month or so that we should be nearing completion and probably bring that back to the Committee at the next quarterly meeting." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 5 OF 12 Chairperson Carpenter then asked what the next steps would be after receiving feedback at the next meeting. Mr. Woodruff explained, "On the document itself, once we get any feedback from the Committee then we would take that forward to the Planning and Zoning Board[/Local Planning Agency] for their review." Next, Chairperson Carpenter said that he has been encouraging people using the Oviedo Y[MCA] to use bicycles to ride to the YMCA rather than automobiles, and mentioned that"I am having some success that they have turned it into a program that they are going to work on—they produced a questionnaire to try to get information about the people that come to the Y[MCA] and if they are interested in riding and if they have any issues with riding, how can we help them solve those issues, and would they be interested in training, `Cycling Savvy', for example." Continuing, Chairperson Carpenter mentioned some bicycle racks in the area that have been installed incorrectly or that don't work as they should and asked the Committee Members to take a photograph of any issues they see with bicycle racks. Next, Chairperson Carpenter elaborated on the "Best Foot Forward" campaign that has been started in Orlando, Orange County, Winter Park, Maitland, and Eatonville, with its goal being "To promote pedestrian safety by educating pedestrians and educating drivers on pedestrian safety; how to drive safely with pedestrians around; and for pedestrians, how to walk safely, and with an emphasis on yielding to crosswalks." Chairperson Carpenter commented further on crosswalks not being properly used, and that the program is seeing some improvements and that some citations have been issued. Chairperson Carpenter reported that LYNX is beginning to utilize a year-long bus trial program in Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood, and Maitland, which could involve interested citizens using kiosks at the various stations, or a smartphone, or a computer to make a request to be picked up at one (1) station and brought to any of twenty-six (26) stations in this program; with the plan to pick a passenger up within twelve (12)minutes of a request. Additionally, Chairperson Carpenter commented on MetroPlan Orlando and a recent Report; the status of SunRail and that nearby communities are developing plans affiliated with SunRail; that MetroPlan Orlando is looking into a program that would allow people getting off at a SunRail stop to rent a bicycle, and other related initiatives. Chairperson Carpenter added that MetroPlan Orlando's Maintenance and Operations projects are looking into helping move traffic more efficiently; new criteria to help with better safety; working with the Florida Department of Transportation on this; safety audits being performed; and an upcoming meeting which will deal with focusing on helping pedestrians cross roads more safely. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING—JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 6 OF 12 Committee Member Kok Wan Mah asked if the MetroPlan Orlando Report was available online yet, to which Chairperson Carpenter said, "I will find out and let Sean (Beaudet) know, and he can let you all know." Chairperson Carpenter then mentioned that he has noticed youth around the community riding after dark without lights and pointed out that "There is a State law that says that any bicycle rider -- thirty (30) minutes before sunset and up to thirty (30) minutes after sunrise, you need to have lights on your bike." Regarding how to get the message out, Captain Deisler suggested, "Perhaps we can put that in an article for the following Newsletter for the City." Chairperson Carpenter responded, "Great, wonderful idea." No objections were voiced. Furthermore, Chairperson Carpenter noted that a resident of Winter Springs who is also one of the founders of the "Cycling Savvy" Program contacted Seminole County Commissioner Bob Dallari about possible unnecessary "Stop" signs along the Trail, and was advised that Commissioner Dallari would look into this issue. Chairperson Carpenter added, "I will report on any progress there." Concluding his Report, Chairperson Carpenter said, "The next meeting is March 20th, (2013) and then we will have a meeting the third Wednesday, each Quarter after that. But we've been running into a problem with the December meeting. The December meeting this year would fall on December 18th, (2013) which is one (1) week from Christmas, which I know what is going to happen, it is going to get postponed. So, I would like to suggest that we move that back to (December) the 11th, (2013) and maybe the Clerk could check and see if that is going to work for us." Assistant to the City Clerk Beaudet stated, "Yes, can I get back to you on that." Summarizing, Chairperson Carpenter said, "If that is possible I would like to move that meeting to (December) the 11th, with the concurrence of the Committee and also with the Clerk's Office. Any objections? No objections noted." Chairperson Carpenter commented next on how to best draft the Agenda prior to a Regular Meeting and said, "I think that it is important to get input from a lot of different places to build our Agenda and make sure that everybody is in agreement regarding the Agenda before the meeting. Discussion. Mr. Randy Stevenson, ASLA, AICP, Director, Community Development Depaitment stated, "Might I suggest that ideas for the Agenda could be sent in to your Office (Office of the City Clerk) and then we could meet with the Chairman and Staff to finalize that Agenda. We would have the input from everyone. Tape 1/Side B CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 7 OF 12 Chairperson Carpenter asked, "So, with that change to the proposal, do I hear a Motion for that?" "I'LL MOVE FOR THAT." MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER PURCELL. SECONDED BY VICE CHAIRPERSON BROOK. DISCUSSION. VOTE: CHAIRPERSON CARPENTER: AYE VICE CHAIRPERSON BROOK: AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER HARTMAN: AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER MAH: AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER PURCELL: AYE MOTION CARRIED. Vice Chairperson Brook mentioned that other Boards and Committees had changed their meeting start times and asked if this might be the case for this Committee also. Discussion ensued on when other Boards and Committees started their meetings, and if the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Members might all be able to make a proposed 5:30 p.m. start time. "I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION THAT WE MOVE OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING TIME TO 5:30 (P.M.)." MOTION BY VICE CHAIRPERSON BROOK. SECONDED. DISCUSSION. VOTE: CHAIRPERSON CARPENTER: AYE VICE CHAIRPERSON BROOK: AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER HARTMAN: AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER MAH: AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER PURCELL: AYE MOTION CARRIED. Vice Chairperson Brook then referenced Regular Agenda Item "600", the North Village Sidewalk Project and mentioned a related article on this matter in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. Continuing, Vice Chairperson Brook noted, "That the City Commission of Winter Springs has agreed to use two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) of federal money for two (2)miles of sidewalk, and we are going to talk about that tonight." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 8 OF 12 Further noting the article, Vice Chairperson Brook added for the Record that he was very disappointed as "There is nothing in here that says how this happened and I know where it came from, and so I regret that and I feel badly because that was a wonderful opportunity to teach - the community about the BPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee) mission and we did good, and I am proud of that." Vice Chairperson Brook then said he would provide Mr. Stevenson with a copy of the article. Committee Member Purcell reported that he "Would like to see if we can get a `Stop' sign on Tuscawilla Road where it crosses the Trail. If you are familiar with that intersection, south bound on Tuscawilla and southeast bound on the Trail, it is a blind sharp corner. And, I know bicyclists are supposed to stop for stop signs, but casual observation, you will see that most do not. That being a blind corner and a fairly straight street with people who might be at or above the speed limit; I think, that is an accident waiting to happen and I would like to see if we could make some effort to get a `Stop' sign installed there for the road traffic." With comments that the Committee thought this had been discussed before, and possibly with Mr. Brian Fields, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Department, Mr. Stevenson said, "I'll relay that to Brian (Fields). I don't recall the outcome either." Continuing, Mr. Stevenson remarked, "Obviously, it would have to involve the Captain and the Police Department, any discussions of that nature - it would have to be a public meeting where we invited the residents who live back there." Mr. Stevenson then commented on the housing units currently being built in that area and that this was a complicated matter. Committee Member Purcell added, "With all the new housing going back in there, all the greater risk of an accident happening with more traffic on that road." Captain Deisler then commented, "I think Randy and I will agree with the more houses, now we have more traffic back there than we've ever had, but I'm wondering too maybe this is something that I can poke by later, and take a look at tomorrow. I wonder if we can't fix the issue with a little bit of landscape improvement? I don't know, but I'd be happy to go look at it myself" Committee Member Purcell said, "One of the things that was discussed, that I do remember when Brian (Fields) was here, was the fact that because of the site-distance issue, there was a discussion to cut back on the vegetation that was there in order to try to improve the sight distance for either the drivers or the bicyclists." Captain Deisler then stated, "The installation of `Stop' signs as you may or may not know, as Randy (Stevenson) alluded to is a rather complex issue at times. Can it be done? Sure, but I just think that we need to make sure we dot our "i's" and cross our proverbial "t's" and make sure that we've all our ducks in a row before we just randomly throw up a `Stop' sign. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 9 OF 12 Like I said, a landscaping improvement may be a real easy way to fix it, so I'll be glad to look at it - myself, tomorrow morning." Captain Deisler added, "I know Randy will do it; I'll involve, Brian(Fields)myself so we'll see if we can't get some movement on it." With further comments on how much landscaping could be cut back, Mr. Stevenson said, "You've obviously got some private property there, but as Chris (Deisler) said you also have the Trail right-of-way. I think we'll both commit to take a look at it and get back to you on that and to see what we can; and we'll involve Brian (Fields)." Discussion continued. Committee Member Hartman also mentioned the idea about installing a mirror similar to other parts of the Trail closer to Winter Park. Captain Deisler then noted, "I think the common denominator that we can all agree on is if there is a better way to do it, let's find it and do it." Committee Member Purcell then asked Randy (Stevenson), "Did you mention that the Trail is going to be realigned on the east side of Tuscawilla; hopefully, with the Amphitheater." Mr. Stevenson pointed out that "We are in a multi-year process now that involves the State and actually the Governor and Cabinet, to try to realign a portion of the right away of the Trail behind what will hopefully be the Amphitheater. Further comments. Furthermore on this issue, Mr. Stevenson was asked if the west side of Tuscawilla Road could be realigned to make it a ninety degree crossing while the east side is being realigned?" Mr. Stevenson stated, "It would probably be difficult, but with that, I will say, we will look at the available right-of-way and we'll talk to the County to see what we may be able to do there; in order to take that angle and make it more of a ninety degree angle with the Trail." Summarizing, Chairperson Carpenter said, "I think the Committee is unanimous in saying that we'd love to see that problem addressed and Staff and the Police Department are going to look at it and see what they recommend and get back to us." Continuing his report, Committee Member Purcell said, "As part of the sign project, Way finding, is there any thought given to putting up signs for safety such as calling out an audible signal when passing slower traffic and other things of safety and courtesy." Further to Committee Member Purcell's request, Chairperson Carpenter suggested to Staff, "I think that could be part of the third tier to add an occasional safety notice or some other public service announcement." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 10 OF 12 Mr. Woodruff noted, "We'll have to be careful because again we've met with DOT (Department of Transportation) and they're very specific as to what information can go on these signs. And again as you mention on `Tier 3' (three) they have to be certain hours of operation and availability, so there's some criteria that's out of our purview of what we can change based upon State Statutes, so we'll have to take a look at that and get back with you." Concluding his report, Committee Member Purcell spoke about the connectivity of different trails in the City of Winter Springs and whether we should have a plan in mind to have connectivity of trails to the SunRail station. Chairperson Carpenter shared that he had attended meetings of the Seminole County Trail Sub-Committee and explained that they are looking at all the trails in Seminole County and putting together a plan to connect them and that Seminole County is close to having a finished product. Further comments followed on whether Committee Members could offer any ideas. Related to possible connectivity, Winter Park Drive, and Winding Hollow Park to Alton Street were addressed. Committee Member Hartman asked about the "Missing link..." to which Mr. Stevenson noted, "This is an item that actually winds up going to the Governor and Cabinet and as I had alluded to earlier; they've tied that item together with our request for realignment of the Trail - of what will hopefully be the Amphitheater and we have a list, I'm saying probably in about six to seven months we'll try to make it to that stage." With further discussion on some sections of a wall going up along State Road 419 and the Trail, Mr. Stevenson said, "We will try to continue to give you an update; and for anyone who wants it, I'll give you the list of different things that we have and estimated time frames." Chairperson Carpenter asked, "Can you send that through the Clerk's Office to us?" Mr. Stevenson said, "I believe we can." PUBLIC INPUT No one spoke at this time. PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS 500. Not Used CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 11 OF 12 REGULAR AGENDA REGULAR 600. Community Development Department—Planning Division Providing The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Updated Information Regarding An Agreement The City Commission Entered Into With Seminole County On January 14, 2013 For Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Of Up To $250,000 For Construction Of The North Village Walk Sidewalk Project- Phase 1. Mr. Woodruff presented the Agenda Item for discussion and mentioned that "Sidewalks would again improve safety for of course pedestrians and vehicles and we're looking to encourage pedestrian activity within the area that is defined on the map before you." Further comments. Mr. Barry Campbell, 231 Oak Road, Winter Springs, Florida: expressed that he was happy to see this project moving forward and that he supported the concept. Continuing the discussion of this Agenda Item, Mr. Stevenson explained that "Mr. Brian Fields and I went out and rode this site to try to rank these properties; obviously trying to get at least one (1) sidewalk on every street if we can; get two (2) where we could; trying to avoid any major obstacles relative to topography. Something that would be quick to install. And one of the reasons we're able to move fast is there are no right-of-way acquisition problems out here. We've made sure of that. And obviously the Winter Springs Elementary School sits to the south, we're looking at some safe routes to schools and try to complete part of that as well." Further comments followed on the leveraged funds and in-kind services. PUBLIC INPUT No one addressed the Committee at this time. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING—JANUARY 30,2013 (RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 19,2012) PAGE 12 OF 12 ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Carpenter adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:19 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ANDREA L?RENZO-L UACES/MMC, CITY CLERK AND Agra SARA 'A' r ASSI` 'ANT 0 THE CITY CLERK APPROVED: 761 WILLIAM B. CARPENTER, CHAIRPERSON BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOTE: These Minutes were Approved at the June 19,2013 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Regular Meeting.