Metro East Sun

City of Edwardsville Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee met July 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Edwardsville Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee was held at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall located at 118 Hillsboro Avenue in Edwardsville, Illinois.

I. ROLL CALL: 

Present

Jo Gibson, Chair

Susan Hume, Vice Chair

Mary Vandevord, Secretary 

Danielle Adair

Greg Brumitt

Musonda Kapatamoyo

Emily Morrison

Stephanie Robbins

Steve Stuart

Breana Buncher, Staff 

Cathy Hensley, Staff 

Clare Iott, Staff

Absent

Paul Brazier 

Jason Stacy

II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Hume made a motion to approve the minutes of June 7, 2023, with correction that Clare Iott was not present and numbering corrections are needed; second by Brumitt. Motion passed unanimously.

IV. OLD BUSINESS: 

a) BPAC Budget 2023-2024: Breana Buncher provided the approved budget for BPAC. She noted that the Bike & Hike event was over budget by $746. A consideration for the committee is to determine where that deficit for that line item will be re-allocated from. The committee discussed Bike & Hike budget needs for next year and concerns about the fiscal year timing with the event. Morrison suggested seeking a city tourism grant in the future, which could cover up to $8,000. Breana will contact James Arnold at the City who handles those grants. Breana also mentioned that the city is currently transitioning to a new accounting system, and thus, information about the budget is limited right now.

b) Bike/Walk Bus Report: Jason Stacy was not present but provided a written update to the committee. Cathy Hensley mentioned creating a webpage for the effort to have more information and have a route. Cathy also passed out flyers in progress. Robbins said that signs at the "bus" stops will be needed. Stuart said the information about the bike/walk bus can be included in District 7 emails to parents and on social media.

c) Bike Friendly Business Program Update: No update this month.

d) Policy Development: Adair, Morrison, and Hume came up with three potential policy areas to focus on:

i. Leading pedestrian intervals - The trio prepared a list of priority intersections including: Main and Vandalia, Buchanan and Vandalia, West and St. Louis Street, and Schwarz and Main.

ii. Crosswalk enforcement - The groups would like to start getting the word out about crosswalk regulations. Hume made a list of social media posts for the city to share once a week in July. The posts are focused on state laws associated with pedestrians. In August, focus will be on back to school and in April or May can focus on bicycles. The group would also like to meet with the Police Department about crosswalk enforcement (i.e., cars yielding to pedestrians in the crosswalk), to see if they would host an event to build awareness, similar to a seatbelt enforcement event. Hume noted an example from Eugene, Oregon. Buncher will arrange a meeting with the Police Department and committee members Gibson and Hume.

iii. Crosswalk painting – Adair and Morrison noted that some crosswalks that were scheduled to be painted have not been yet. Buncher will check in with Eric Williams. Hume noted that the nature trail at Chancellor Drive and Esic was one example.

Adair asked for an update on the bike parking ordinance. Buncher stated that it has been a lower priority for the staff, as other projects have had a more urgent need. There is currently no set deadline for completion.

Gibson would like to have a future discussion on speed limits and traffic calming. She also asked how people can submit concerns about traffic speeds in the city. This topic can also be brought up at the Police Department meeting.

Bike & Hike to Breakfast Event Working Group Discussion: Representatives from the Goshen Market thought the event was successful but noted that sales weren't necessarily up because of the event. Marketing for next year should discuss the market or raffle to encourage market participation. Brumitt is also exploring bike parking to be closer to the tent.

f) BPAC Letter of Support for a PARC Grant for land acquisition near Richard's Woods - Gibson noted that the committee missed the deadline to submit but will share support in the future. Vandevord said that a good time would be when/if the grant is awarded and the city has public discussions on use of the site or any future grant applications.

V. NEW BUSINESS: 

a) Partnerships with other City Committees and Area Entities: Gibson mentioned that the Tourism committee invited BPAC to their meeting. Gibson check with the committee members, who agreed, that she should attend other city committee and group meetings as a resident and BPAC member.

b) Discussion of Drive-thrus – Gibson sent an article to the committee about a drive-through with no walk-in business. Brumitt noted that some cities are banning drive-thrus. Morrison noted that some aldermen were not in favor of the drive thru only business. The committee had significant discussion about drive-throughs. Gibson mentioned writing a letter to the Council members expressing concerns. This item will be a topic of discussion at the next meeting. Vandevord asked if the city's Comprehensive Plan had guidance on the area in question (Troy Road area) being a pedestrian-focused area. Buncher indicated it did not and noted that the Comprehensive Plan was going to be updated soon. Gibson said that the committee would like to have input in the plan.

At the next meeting, Buncher will provide a presentation on how Special Use Permits go through the process.

VI. ADJOURNMENT: 

With no further business to discuss, Vandevord made a motion to adjourn the meeting; second by Morrison. Meeting adjourned.

https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07052023-3048