HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-2004 special
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
August 9, 2004 5:00 PM
Council Chambers
MINUTES
On August 9, 2004, the Auburn City Council met at 5:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street for the purpose of
discussing bike trails and routes and the City's non-motorized plan with David
Hiller of the Cascade Bicycle Club. Mayor Lewis and the following
Councilmembers were present: Rich Wagner, Sue Singer, Gene Cerino, Nancy
Backus, Bill Peloza and Roger Thordarson. Councilmember Lynn Norman was
excused. Staff members present included: Planning and Community
Development Director Paul Krauss, Police Chief Jim Kelly, Finance Director
Shelley Coleman, Traffic Engineer Laura Philpot, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid
Gaub, Transportation Planner Joe Welsh, Parks and Recreation Director Daryl
Faber, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, Utilities Engineer Duane Huskey,
and City Clerk Danielle Daskam.
The meeting began with a brief overview of the proposed non-motorized
transportation plan, which is part of the City's Six Year Transportation
Improvement Program. Traffic Engineer Philpot reviewed the proposed projects,
including the West Valley Highway pedestrian trail project that extends from
Peasley Canyon to 15th Street SW; the Auburn and Pacific Trail which runs along
C Street SW from 15th Street SW to the City of Pacific city park; and West Main
Street streetscape.
In response to a question from Councilmember Peloza, Public Works
Director Dowdy responded that the City would follow the National Safety
Standards when establishing a bicycle route. Transportation Planner Welsh
added that in order to improve streets for bicycle traffic, the City would need to
provide some sort of separation from traffic. The City has not designated a
bicycle route in the City. The Council briefly discussed the City's liability
associated with designated bicycle routes.
Mr. Hiller, a member of the Cascade Bicycle Club, addressed the Council
regarding bicycle access in the City of Auburn. Mr. Hiller stated that 0.5% of the
country's population utilize a bicycle for transportation, and design standards and
Page 1
City of Auburn Council Meetina Minutes
Auaust 9.2004
land use zoning have created barriers for bicyclists thereby contributing to the
lack of growth in bicycle transportation. He suggested that collector/distributor
streets warrant bike lanes.
Councilmember Singer noted that the Council's vision map includes
several bicycle routes and trails. The "Auburn Narrows" is not included in the
Council's vision. Mr. Hiller described the "Auburn Narrows" as a major
recreational route for bicyclists. It is identified on the County's bicycle route map
as a desired route.
Councilmember Cerino recalled that the County attempted to create a trail
along the Green River valley several years ago; however, the proposal met with
opposition form the adjacent property owners and was never accomplished.
In response to a question from Councilmember Wagner regarding railroad
crossings and their safety for bicyclists, Mr. Hiller stated that the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railroad has not been responsive to bicycle accidents at their
crossings.
Mr. Hiller briefly discussed bicycle lane demarcation. He stated that a
four-foot bicycle lane is preferable. A three-foot shoulder demarcation would
narrow the travel lane and assist with controlling the lateral movement of motor
vehicles.
Mr. Hiller spoke about multi-use paths. He stated that if the paths connect
origins and destinations, they could be good travel routes. However, he stated
that multi-use paths pose hazards (strollers and pedestrians) for bicyclists.
In response to a question from Councilmember Backus regarding the
priorities from the bicycle community, Mr. Hiller suggested that the City utilize the
its maintenance program to establish new cross sections and restripe under-
utilized four lane streets to three lanes. He also recommended linking origins
and destinations and filling in bicycle route network gaps.
Councilmember Peloza spoke about the need to educate bicyclists on the
rules of the road and described a recent incident where a bicyclist did not stop
for a red light. Mr. Hiller admitted there are some bicyclists that knowingly do not
obey the rules of the road. He stated that enforcement is a key motivator for
violators.
Mayor Lewis spoke regarding the constraints of the City's budget relating
to providing additional bicycle facilities. Mr. Hiller acknowledged the lack of
funding sources for bicycle lanes and conveyed his organizations commitment to
lobby the county and state for funding.
Page 2
City of Auburn Council Meetina Minutes
Auaust 9.2004
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
APPROVED THIS
-7 \ ,\ -- DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2004.
~~
~SJi~J
Danielle Daskam, City Clerk
Page 3