Bike and Walkability TF - Meeting Notes 120710

Home Browse Search

Meeting Notes – University City Bike and Walkability Task Force December 7, 2010 Location:University City Centennial Commons – Meeting Room Attendees: Michael O’Neal, Lynnette Hicks, Linda Fried, Jane Schaefer, additional attendees on the sign-in sheet. Guests: Cindy Mense, Trailnet General Meeting Notes and Discussion: 1) Brief Self Introductions Attendees provided a brief introduction (name, affiliation and ward number) Will email a copy of the Florida Dept. of Transportation Pedestrian and Bicycle Program to all attendees (providing an email address) on the sign in sheet. Discussed that the task force was appointed by the Mayor to serve as an “advisory group” to make recommendations to the Mayor by February 2012 on how to make University City a more Bikeable and Walkable Community 2) Overview of Trailnet Planning Grant Cindy Mense of Trailnet – provided an overview of Trailnet and discussed the planning grant: Trailnet no longer builds trails; trails are now a function of Great Rivers Greenway. Trailnet promotes active, healthy living with programs that are developed by communities. The Trailnet Planning Grant has been awarded to University City and Trailnet is finalizing the contract (agreement) with University City. It should be completed in January. The grant will provide direct planning assistance from Trailnet (project manager) and design consultant services from H3 Studio to create and develop the Bikeable Walkable Community Plan (Master Plan) for University City. The Bike and Walk Task Force will serve as an advisory committee on the project. The community master plan will help identify public connections, destinations and hazards, look at ways to improve current connections and identify the changes needed to be made with infrastructure, identify funding sources to implement programs/projects created as a part of the plan, etc. Developing a community plan will take about 9 months project and the City will need to provide Trailnet and H3 Studio with information, surveys, reports, and other items or recommendations as needed. Trailnet and H3 will work with the U City Bike and Walk Task Force to identify existing conditions around the area, host public meetings for community input, develop a community survey, develop a community wish list, etc. Community ideas will drive the master plan and the task force will be introduced to best practices. A steering committee will need to be developed to help communicate the progress of the community plan and assist with public engagement component. It should consist of representatives from other city commissions, residents, MoDot, St. Louis County Highways & Traffic, school district, etc.