2017/04/24 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Minutes R011NEI17 PqR
19.�" fi,„, 62
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
CAI1FORNIP Meeting Minutes
5:30 PM, Monday, April 24, 2017
Meeting location: Northwest side of parking lot of 1451 Southwest Blvd(University Square)
Rohnert Park, California 94928
Members Present: Stephen Gold(Chair) Terry Gault(Vice-Chair)X
Gary Gutierrez X Tim Hensel Katie Musick X
Non-Voting Participants: Jerry Griffin, Parks & Recreation Commission Liaison; Eydie Tacata,
Management Analyst
1. Call to Order
Vice-Chair Terry Gault called the meeting to order at 5:36 PM.
2. Introductions
Vice-Chair Terry Gault commenced self-introductions.
3. Public Comment
There were no members of the public present.
4. FIELD VISIT: Southwest Boulevard Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
The participants walked along Southwest Boulevard, starting at the University Square shopping
center, proceeded eastbound on the south side of the street to Snyder Lane, continued
westbound on the north side of the street to the SMART multi-use path intersection with
Southwest, continued eastbound on the south side, then finished at University Square.
The committee discussed the asphalt dike-separated bike lane on the south side, including its
possible intent when originally installed to be a two-way Class I bike path to serve students.
Also discussed in relation to the south-side bike facility were the following:
• Debris accumulation in the bikeway between asphalt dike and sidewalk
• Lack of visibility of the asphalt dikes and vehicles hitting them, as evidenced by tire marks.
Vice-Chair Gault noted the need to re-paint the dikes.
• Inability for bicyclists in the asphalt dike-separated bike lane to exit easily, due to the
asphalt dike. Committee Member Musick noted that in order to turn left on the side streets
off Southwest Boulevard,bicyclists would have to know where the separations are between
dikes, then take the vehicular lanes.
The committee discussed the lack of bicycle facility on the north side of Southwest Boulevard.
Committee Member Musick noted that she has seen bicyclists sharing the road with westbound
cars. The participants felt that space exists for Class II bike lanes on the north side. There was
discussion about parking demand on the south side of Southwest. Committee Member Gutierrez
noted that parking is in high demand during baseball and softball games at Colegio Vista Park,
and cars take up all available on-street parking up to the Country Club Drive intersection. Ms.
Tacata mentioned that if there was a project to"underground" the utilities currently on poles in
the center median, there might be more space on the roadway to accommodate parking and a
bike lane on the north side.
Rohnert Park Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
April 24,2017 Meeting Minutes
The participants noted deteriorated sidewalk conditions on both sides of Southwest Boulevard,
including sidewalk squares broken or protruding because of tree roots, soil heaving or other
causes; empty tree wells; and general disrepair. Vice Chair Gault noted areas where sidewalk
conditions would impede wheelchair access.
Committee Member Gutierrez asked a general question about City budgeting for maintenance
and repairs for streets and sidewalks. Ms. Tacata explained that projects for streets and
sidewalks maintenance are either handled through the capital improvement budget if projects
are large and replace or restore City assets to full useful life, or through the City's operating
budget for maintenance work. She also explained that the City's Pavement Management Plan,
updated every two years, provides guidance for streets projects. As far as sidewalk
maintenance, she said she was aware of an effort by the Public Works Department to inventory
sidewalk deficiencies in order to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan.
Commissioner Jerry Griffin asked about a road diet on Southwest between Country Club Drive
and Seed Farm Drive. Ms. Tacata replied that before fully considering a road diet on this
segment, City staff wanted to observe the traffic patterns resulting from full SMART operations.
The committee discussed the SMART multi-use path and Southwest intersection, including:
• Observations of confusion of drivers on westbound Southwest Boulevard
• Wayfinding on the multi-use path, as well as some signage or other indication of the
discontinuation of the path at the Cotati station or Golf Course Drive
There were further observations and discussion about Southwest Boulevard, including:
• Areas of ponding east of the crossing of the SMART multi-use path at Southwest.
• The ownership of the landscaped area on the south side of the street,between the asphalt
path and fences on. If City-owned, these areas could be used to widen the bike and
pedestrian facilities here.
• A desire for a dedicated right turn onto Camino Colegio from eastbound Southwest, and
dedicated left turn onto Camino Colegio from westbound Southwest.
• A desire for dashed or dotted striping to indicate areas where the asphalt dike-separated bike
lane is crossed by traffic.
5. Bike to Work Energizer Station
Ms, Tacata announced that she would set up a Bike to Work Day Energizer Station at the same
location as in previous years—southeast corner of Rohnert Park Expressway and Commerce
Boulevard—unless there was a desire to move the location.
6. Adjournment
The Committee concurred to adjourn the meeting at approximately 6:25 PM.
70L Ar
•
Eydie Tacata, Recording Secretary Terry Gault, Vice-Chair
Rohnert Park Bicycle and Rohnert Park Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee Pedestrian Advisory Committee