EAU CLAIRE
BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION

Meeting of April 19, 2011

The meeting was chaired by Derek Parr and called to order at 7:00 p.m. 

Members Present: Derek Parr, Bob Eierman, William Barry, Walter Reid, Jeff Lorentz, Beth Norquist, Christine Kondrasuk, Dan May, Libby Stupak

Members Absent:   Marian Ritland,

Staff Present:  Ross Spitz, Pat Ivory

Visitors Present: None

Minutes.    The minutes from the March 15, 2011 meeting were approved.

1. Bicycle Park Standards for New Development.  The Commission continued their discussion regarding the concept of adopting standards for bicycle parking for new development.  This included a review of the research compiled by staff regarding bicycle parking standards for new development.  The research involved a sampling of communities across the country and several Wisconsin communities.  In addition, Derek Parr distributed copies of standards used by a smaller community in Idaho, which included provisions for bicycle rack design, placement of racks, etc.  As noted at the previous meeting, the Plan Commission indicated that the concept should be studied further and that BPAC should develop a draft ordinance for the Plan Commission to consider. 

The Commission noted again that they liked the simplicity of the La Crosse ordinance, but did feel that some of the provisions from Minneapolis and Madison should be considered.  The Commission also noted that special consideration would be necessary for areas such as along Water Street and in the Downtown area where the buildings are located at the front property line.  Issues of paving, lighting, cost, bicycle rack design, permanent vs. non-permanent installations, location in relation to the building entrance, and maintenance were discussed.  Derek suggested that the proposed ordinance should attempt to incorporate a minimum requirement the for number of bicycle parking spaces, plus some ratio based on building size or number of employees.

The Commission directed Derek and Pat Ivory to develop a preliminary draft of the ordinance for discussion at a future meeting incorporating comments and suggestions of the Commission.

2. Update of South Barstow Street Reconstruction Project.  Ross Spitz updated the Commission regarding the South Barstow Street reconstruction project.  It was noted that another informational meeting was held on April 7th.  At the meeting, the issue of one-way vs. two-way traffic for South Barstow Street was discussed.  Also, accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians were discussed and several design alternatives for Eau Claire Street.  The City Council will be holding a public meeting regarding the one-way/two-way issue on May 9th.  Once this decision is made, specific design issues will be studied including bicycle and pedestrian circulation, bicycle parking facilities, etc.

3. Update on Street Construction Projects.  Ross Spitz provided the Commission with an update on the street construction projects discussed by the Commission at their February meeting.  This included: Folsom Street, East Hamilton Avenue, Rudolph Road, and Cameron Street.

4. Discussion of Commission Bylaws and Meeting Procedures.  Walter Reid directed staff to make several changes to the format of the minutes.  The Commission then decided to table discussion on meeting procedures and bylaws until the May meeting.

Walter Reid moved to adjourn the meeting.  There was no second.

5. Discussion of “Bicycle to Work Week”  The Commission reviewed a proclamation for Bike to Work Week that the City Council would be considering.  The Commission questioned the dates of May 16th through May 20th as the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation is sponsoring a Bike to Work Week in early June.  Pat noted that he had obtained the May dates from the City’s wellness committee, who were referencing the American League of Bicyclists.

ACTION TAKEN: Bill Barry moved that the proclamation be forwarded to the City Council using the timeframe most convenient for the City.  Bob Eierman seconded the motion.  All votes were in favor.

6. Other Updates  
A. Bicycling on Sidewalks.  This item was tabled for a future meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Walter Reid, Secretary