EAU CLAIRE
BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION

Meeting of May 17, 2011

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

Members Present: Derek Parr, Bob Eierman, William Barry, Walter Reid, Beth Norquist, Dan May, Libby Stupak, Marian Ritland

Members Absent:    Jeff Lorentz, Christine Kondrasuk

Staff Present:  Brian Amundson, Ross Spitz, Pat Ivory

Visitors Present: None

Minutes.    The minutes from the April 19, 2011 meeting were approved.

1. Discussion of Commission’s Input/Role on Capital Improvement Projects.  Brian Amundson, Director of Public Works, provided an overview of the role and responsibilities of the Commission.  This included a review of the ordinance creating the Commission and then a discussion of the role and importance of the recently completed Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.  Brian presented several examples of street reconstruction projects planned for 2011, including an overview of the City Engineer’s Report for the projects, and references to the  Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan as the projects related to pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.  It was noted that the removal of on-street parking was generally a hotly debated issue with most abutting property owners in opposition to the removal of on-street parking. 

Brian indicated that he felt the Commission had an important role in providing input on proposed street construction projects as such projects relate to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.  He added that he would like to obtain input from the Commission earlier in the design process than occurred for the 2011 projects.  Possibly in late fall or early winter before detailed design plans have been prepared.  This input early in the process would assist in preparing the plans.  He did caution however, that the final decision on such projects rests with the City Council after holding their public hearings.

2. Discussion of Commission Bylaws and Meeting Procedures.  The Commission tabled this item until the June meeting. 

3. Update on Bicycle Friendly Community Designation.  The Commission discussed the City’s recent designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the bronze level.  Pat Ivory thanked the Commission for their work in preparing the application.  Pat added that the proclamation for “Bike to Work Week” included a reference to the designation.  Commission members noted that the City has completed a significant number of pedestrian and bicycle related improvements over the years.  They also indicated that they would like to see additional media coverage of the designation and that it should be posted on the City’s website.

4. Discussion of Eau Claire Bicycling Encouragement Activities.  Bob Eierman discussed the need for the Commission and community to organize events that would encourage and promote bicycling in Eau Claire.  He gave several examples of such activities sponsored in cities such as Madison. 

5. Discussion of Clairemont Avenue Bike Trail Signals.  The Commission tabled discussion on this item until the June meeting.

6. Other Updates.
A. South Hastings Way.  The Commission was informed that the City Council may be reconsidering the construction of the pedestrian/bicycle underpass at Fenwick Avenue next week.
B. Bicycle Benchmark Survey.  Brian Amundson informed the Commission that he had recently received a copy of the results of a survey undertaken by the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation concerning bicycle related facilities in several Wisconsin communities including Eau Claire.  He indicated that he would forward copies to the Commission.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Walter Reid, Secretary