Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/20/2005

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Public Works Director Kapler stated the next Public Works Committee meeting will likely be held at the new Public Works Facility. Case #1: Consider Request to Establish A Bicycle/Pedestrian Lane on Waco Street Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated staff received a request from a resident on Waco Street requesting that the City consider the establishment of a marked pedestrian/bicycle trail along one side of Waco Street south of Sunwood Drive, presumably ending at Rivers Bend Park. The City is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive trail plan, and that draft plan generally discourages on-road trails in favor of safer off-road trail facilities. However, the plan also ackno~vledges the need for segments of on-road trails to connect critical links of the trail system in older developments where there is insufficient area to accommodate an off road trail. Waco Street represents one such link which could be deemed to have insufficient right of way to accommodate an off road trail. Assistant Public Works Director Olson advised there are a number of significant issues and design standards that need to be addressed should the City decide to implement this request. These include the following: · Should or does parking need to be prohibited along such trails? · Should the center line of the road be moved over to create this lane? · If the centerline is moved to accommodate the bicycle lane there will be less space for pedestrians walking on the opposite side of the street. This may force pedestrians and cyclists to share the same designated space which can create conflicts. · The bicycle lane will create a situation where bicyclist will be riding opposing on coming traffic a portion of the time which is contrary to traffic law. Assistant Public Works Director Olson advised because of the concerns and issues outlined above staff recommends that the Public Works Committee recommend the City Council deny the request for the creation of a marked bicycle/pedestrian lane along Waco Street, and that such marked on road trails need to be reserved for interim use on high volume roadways as a temporary measure until off road trails can be constructed. Councilmember Cook stated this section of Waco Street is in a higher density area and the bicycle trail should not be on the road at all. He stated there should be a recommendation to put a sidewalk through on one side of the road. Councilmember Olson concurred. The Committee discussed the current trail system. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood advised the only dicey section in this area is south of 147th Avenue to 142"a Avenue. Chairperson Elvig suggested a sidewalk be installed on this portion of Waco Street. He noted the City is in discussions with Lord of Life Church regarding a land swap, and there could be a connection point to the trail through this land swap area. Public Works Committee / September 20, 2005 Page 2 of 9