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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2007 RTBC 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. FILE ~JCCOG rrii.... m e m 0 MEETING NOTICE JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 4:00 PM Iowa City, City Hall- Lobby Conference Room AGENDA Call to order, recognize alternates, consider approval of minutes Public Discussion Update on the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan section of the JCCOG Long-Range Multimodal Transportation Plan update Discussion on identifying a designated bicycle route from Creekside Park to downtown Iowa City Update on regional trail projects Update on 2007 Iowa Bicycle Summit Update on Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee Update on new wayfinding/guide signs for the regional trails system Discuss updating the urbanized area trails map Other business 4:00 PM Adjournment Attachments: 1. Draft minutes from the November 28, 2006 RTBC meeting 2. Map regarding designated bicycle routes 3. Regional trails projects update memorandum 4. February 14, 2007 Press Citizen article "Coralville projects to accept bids" 5. February 23, 2007 Press Citizen article "Possible trail plans in Highway 1 upgrade" 6. Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee member roster 7. Update to Iowa City City Council on efforts to enhance the regional trails system Contact Kent Ralston, JCCOG Assistant Transporlation Planner, at 319-356-5253 with any questions. Jccogtp/agd/3-27 -0 7 rtbc-mtgnot. doc Preliminary 1}J'aft Subject to Approval MINUTES JCCOG REGIONAL TRAILS AND BICYCLING COMMITTEE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2006 IOWA CITY CITY HALL LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Greg Kovaciny, Mike Lehman, Terry Dahms, Karin Dils, Michelle Ribble MEMBERS ABSENT: Erling Anderson, Terry Trueblood, Sherri J;>roud, Shelly Simpson OTHERS PRESENT: Mark Wyatt, Del Holland, Greg Parker STAFF PRESENT: John Yapp, Kent Ralston, Nikhil Sikka CALL TO ORDER Ralston called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 7, 2006 MEETING Kovaciny made one typographical change on the first page second paragraph. PUBLIC DISCUSSION Ralston asked for public input on items not on the agenda. Dahms stated that the gate on Sycamore Trail near the soccer park had been an issue for quite some time and needs to be addressed. Lehman noted there could be a policy established regarding park hours at that location. Holland said he would rather see the gate open at all times. Dahms stated he thought it served as the perimeter fence for the treatment plant. Yapp replied that there is a separate gate to the sewer plant. Ralston noted that he would follow up on this matter with Terry Trueblood. AGENDA ITEM #3: DISCUSS THE DRAFT BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN SECTION OF THE JCCOG LONG -RANGE TRANSPORT A TION PLAN UPDATE Ralston stated that JCCOG is currently updating the JCCOG Long Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan. Ralston stated that Yapp has drafted the pedestrian and bicycle section. Yapp stated that other sections of the Long Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan would include an arterial street plan, transit plan, population projections, and land use planning. Yapp noted that issues like the Forevergreen Road extension between North Liberty and Coralville show how important it is to be involved in long range planning. Yapp mentioned that this committee is the first group to comment on the bicycle and Preliminary Dr'aft Subject to Approval pedestrian section. He stated it would be sent out for general public input in the near future. Yapp stated that the plan includes some history on what has been accomplished since the early 1990s. He stated that 40 miles of trails and about 30 miles of sidewalks have been constructed since that time. Yapp explained that recently JCCOG has focused on looking at road corridors in greater detail. He stated that JCCOG is also working on the sidewalk deficiency map which would show gaps in the existing sidewalk system. He noted that the map would help focus attention on already developed areas that don't have pedestrian accommodations. Yapp stated that the JCCOG periodically reviews bike rack locations in downtown Iowa City, and that the plan discusses parking in general. Kovaciny noted that Iowa City has an ordinance regarding bike parking in apartment complexes. He asked whether the ordinance has been monitored. Yapp replied that it is one of the check-list items on Iowa City building permits for multi-family and commercial properties. Holland noted that he would prefer to see covered bike racks as these locations. Holland asked if the plan could encourage the vision of having covered bike parking. Yapp replied that it could be included as a statement, but JCCOG could not require covered bike parking; only individual municipalities can require bicycle parking. Yapp asked for any other comments about the content of the plan. Ralston noted that this section of the long range plan would be posted on JCCOG website. Yapp added the site will have different sections of the Long Range Multi Modal Transportation Plan, but staff is still working on formatting these sections. Dahms noted that the plan should include more background regarding the number of miles of sidewalks and separated trails. He noted that the Complete Streets Policy would have a significant impact on the amount of trails in the area. Dahms commented on the 'Emphasize Connectivity' subsection of the plan. He noted the issue now is connectivity of trails in the county. Dahms asked about the trail along Muddy Creek between Coralville and North Liberty. Yapp replied it has been in JCCOG's trails plan for years but no one has applied for grant funds to construct it. Dahms commented on sidewalk projects along arterial streets such as Hwy 1, Hwy 965, and Hwy 6. He noted that the plan should identify specific segments along these arterial roads. Wyatt asked what the life expectancy of this plan is. Yapp replied it is a thirty year plan but will be updated every five years. Dahms commented on the 'Site Design' section of the plan. Dahms noted that schools are not included in this section. Yapp replied the plan has a separate section for schools but that it could be included in this section if needed. Dahms stated that business parks should also be included in this section. Dahms further commented on the first portion of the 'Site Design' section; proposing that it should contain the phrase 'public services' to be a catch-all term for businesses such as barber shops, law firms, and accounting firms etc. Preliminary D,"aft Subjed to Apprmal Dahms commented on the 'Safe Route to Schools' section of the plan. He noted that the plan talks about new schools but leaves out rhetoric on existing schools. Yapp explained that typically new schools need more planning and have more 'issues' than existing schools. Dahms stated he would like to see more emphasis on existing schools in the plan. Wyatt noted that existing schools are often located in the middle of neighborhoods but most new schools are located on the urban fringe making it difficu,lt for children to walk or bike to school. Dahms asked what vertical pedestrian infrastructure means. Yapp replied that it includes street lighting and cross walk signals etc. Dahms stated that acquiring funding should be included in the 'Goals and Strategies' portion of the plan. He noted that funding projects has always been problem. Dahms further suggested that we have to keep in touch with our elected officials. He suggested that elected officials have to be informed and involved in all the stages of planning to make progress. Holland stated that there should be a line item for th~ maintenance of trails in the budget. Holland noted that in terms of strategies we need to be looking at encouraging a maintenance plan that should be coupled with the long range plan. Lehman mentioned that the county has added a line item for funding maintenance in their budget. Yapp noted that parks and recreation departments are responsible for maintenance. Wyatt noted there is an emphasis on extra-wide sidewalks in the long range plan. He suggested that the plan should also emphasize safety on the sidewalks. ,Wyatt noted that Coralville has done some interesting studies on access control. Ralston noted that JCCOG has a policy regarding access control and agreed that it should be included in the plan. Kovaciny noted that not all loop and video detectors at intersections are working properly. Yapp asked for particular locations. Kovaciny noted the camera at the intersection of Burlington Street and Summit Street doesn't work effectively. Yapp stated that he would follow up on this matter. Ribble stated that statements regarding education for bicyclists and motorists should also be included in the plan. Lehman asked about the 'means of travel to work' table on the first page of the plan. Yapp noted that the figures are based on the census survey data. AGENDA ITEM #4: DISCUSS LEVEL-OF-SERVICE MODELS FOR BICYCLISTS Ralston noted that Terry Dahms requested a discussion on Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) and Bicycle Compatibility Indices (BCI). Yapp stated that JCCOG had done some research on BLOS and BCI and that they are similar. Yapp explained these concepts to the committee and presented the criticisms of these measurements. AGENDA ITEM #5 : UPDATE ON SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATIONS Ralston indicated that the Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) program is funded at $612 million dollars nationally through the FHW A FY2005-FY2009. Ralston explained that this means Iowa would receive approximately $1 million to distribute per year through the course of the program. Ralston explained that the goal of the program is to allow Prdimina,"y D."aft Subject to Approval children to walk and bike to school safely and to generally promote healthy and active lifestyles in the process. Ralston indicated that the City of North Liberty applied for approximately $100,000 in order to construct an at-grade pedestrian crossing during the future construction of the Gulf View Drive connection at the CRANDIC railroad tracks. Ralsto,n noted that this would allow children to access Van Allen Elementary School and North Central Junior High School safely from the west. He explained that children currently cross the tracks illegally and that this project would alleviate this issue. Ralston stated that the City of Coralville requested approximately $90,000 in funding in order to help construct a pedestrian bridge over Morrison Creek. He noted that the construction of the bridge would allow children to access Kirkwood Elementary School and Northwest Junior High School from the west. Currently children have to travel either to the North or South of the school on busy streets in order to access the school locations. He explained that the bridge would alleviate this situation. Mark Wyatt noted that the Iowa Bicycle Coalition requested funds for a statewide education and encouragement program. He noted that this would certainly benefit the area if those funds are received. AGENDA ITEM #6: UPDATE ON THE COMPLETE STREETS POLICY Ralston noted that on October 25th the JCCOG Urbanized Policy Board adopted the Complete Streets Policy. He stated that the policy was adopted as recommended by the RTBC with one caveat. He noted that the third exception 'When alternative, nearby bicycle and pedestrian accommodations already exist' was not accepted by the board. Ralston reviewed the policy with the committee, and explained what the policy was meant to accomplish. Ralston noted that the policy language can be found on the JCCOG website and that the policy would be included in JCCOG funding -applications and included in the long range plan. AGENDA ITEM #7: UPDATE ON NEW W A YFINDING/GUIDE SIGNS FOR THE REGIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM Ralston explained that new wayfinding/guide signs for the regional trails systems have been delivered to each of the municipality's parks departments. He stated that the signs should be in place by spring and that the parks departments will be installing them as time permits. Ralston noted that the Bicyclists of Iowa City had made a generous donation to each of the participating municipalities and thanked them for the generous donation. He further explained that the donation covered roughly 50% of the total cost for each municipality. Mark Wyatt stated that press coverage of BIC and their donation would be appreciated. Ralston explained that press coverage would be released once all of the signs have been installed. Prcliminal'Y Draft Subjt'ct to Approval AGENDA ITEM #8: UPDATE ON REGIONAL TRAILS PLANS Ralston stated that on May 22nd elected officials met to discuss a proposed trail that would link the City of Cedar Rapids with the City of North Liberty. He explained the two options that were discussed at that meeting and noted that a preferred option had been selected at a similar meeting held on August 24th. Ralston explained that the preferred alignment for the trail generally follows Mehaffy Bridge road from North Liberty to Solon, and the abandoned Rock Island Railroad corridor from Solon to Ely and on to Cedar Rapids. Ralston stated that it is up to both Linn and Johnson Counties to proceed with plans for the construction of the trail. Parker explained that applications for the Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee are being accepted at this time. Lehman handed out application materials. AGENDA ITEM #9: UPDATE ON THE 2006 NATIONAL TRAILS SYMPOSIUM Ralston noted that he attended one day of the trails symposium this year and that he attended some interesting seminars. He stated he is willing to discuss those seminars with anyone interested. OTHER BUSINESS Ralston stated that the packet included correspondence with Stuart Anderson at the Iowa DOT. He noted that the letter to Mr. Anderson was meant to bring the DOT up to date with the progression of areas trail system and can be seen as a marketing tool. Yapp agreed. Dils noted that a 60' bridge which will help connect Coralville with the City of Tiffin is now in place. She noted that it was named the 'Centennial Bridge'. 'Yapp stated that there is only about a one mile gap in the Clear Creek Trail route between Coralville and Iowa City that remains unfunded. Ralston adjourned the meeting at 5:05. ~JCCOG rr..... m e m 0 Date: March 19, 2007 To: JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee From: Kent Ralston, Assistant Transportation Planner ~\L. Re: March 27,2007 RTBC meeting Agenda Item #3: Update on the JCCOG Long Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan At the November 28th meeting we reviewed a preliminary draft of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan section of the JCCOG Long Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan update. After reviewing and integrating comments received at the November 28th meeting into the draft section and reformatting the document, we placed it on the JCCOG website for review. We have also incorporated comments from Iowa DOT and Federal Highway Administration staff as much of the content in the Long Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan is required by the Federal Highway Administration. The draft section of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan can be found at the following web address http://www.iccoq.orq/whatwedo/transportation/lrmmtp.htm or a hard copy can be mailed to your home address if requested (committee members only). Please review the content of the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan section and direct any comments to Kent Ralston at kent-ralston@iowa-citV.orq or 319-356-5253. The entire Long Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan is open for a 60-day public comment period through May 12. Requests for substantive changes to the plan will be forwarded to the JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board for consideration. Agenda Item #4: Discuss a preferred route from Creekside Park to Downtown Iowa City At the request of Iowa City City Councilor Dee Vanderhoef, JCCOG staff has conducted preliminary research to identify several routes that may be used by bicyclists to safely navigate between Creekside Park and downtown Iowa City. This request comes in light of the future Court Hill Trail which will be constructed in FY08. The Court Hill Trail will connect the east side of Iowa City to Creekside Park, and then ultimately connect Creekside Park to downtown Iowa City by way of identified routes through existing neighborhoods. We have identified several routes that could be used by bicyclists to navigate between Creekside Park and Downtown Iowa City. We have also identified several methods that could be used to mark these roads as recognized bicycle routes. I have attached a map which may be helpful for discussion. I would like to discuss these options in the context of how best to direct bicyclists through existing developed neighborhoods to destinations, in order to encourage some consistency in the metropolitan area. Agenda Item #5: Update on regional trail projects I have attached a memo highlighting several trail projects of significance in the community. This includes several extensions to the Clear Creek Trail, ongoing construction of sidewalks on 2 Highway 6 and 1st Avenue in Coralville, construction of the future Court Hill Trail, the completion of the IRP Dam and Pedestrian Bridge, and others. Agenda Item #6: Update on 2007 Iowa Bicycle Summit On Thursday, February 1st, and Friday, February 2nd, I was able to attend the 2007 Iowa Bicycle Summit. The focus of the all-day workshop held on Thursday was designing streets with bicyclists in mind, and Friday's discussion covered a wide-range of topics including Safe Routes to Schools and Bicycle Level-of-Service. For those of you who were unable to attend this year's summit, or were able to attend but would like further information, feel free to contact me at kent-ralston@iowa-citV.orq or 319-356-5253. I also have a brief PowerPoint presentation I gave at the summit that I am willing to share if you are interested. The presentation addresses JCCOG's recently adopted Complete Streets Policy and Bicycle Level-of-Service calculations. Agenda Item #7: Update on Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has recently formed a Trails Advisory Committee to oversee trails projects within Johnson County. The committee is comprised of members from a variety of groups in effort to bring mixed perspectives to discussions on trail related issues. The committee will meet as-needed, and is comprised of twelve members that will serve two year terms. The committee will offer advice and recommendations on trail funding priorities, maintenance, signage policies, and other trail related issues to the Board of Supervisors. I have attached a list of the Trails Advisory Committee members and affiliations. I have been asked about the difference between the JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee and the Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee. The RTBC is intended to promote coordination and communication between JCCOG member communities and the University of Iowa; RTBC membership reflects this. The Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee will focus on unincorporated Johnson County. JCCOG will facilitate communication between the two groups. Agenda Item #8: Update on new wayfinding/guide signs for the regional trails system New wayfinding/guide signs, directional arrows and trail name markers for the regional trails system spanning Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty are being installed by area parks departments and will be completed this spring. All trails maps have been updated and a standard format has been chosen in order to make navigating the trails system easier for the user. The new trail signs are made out of a high pressure laminate material that is resistant to fading, cracking, and vandalism. Agenda Item #9: Discuss updating the Urbanized Area Trails Map JCCOG is currently updating the existing version of the Urbanized Area Trails Map for summer 2007. I have provided a copy of the current map in your packet, and it is also available on the JCCOG website http://www.iccoq.orq/. Please review the map and send any suggestions or necessary changes to 319-356-5253 or kent-ralston@iowa-citV.orq by April 6, 2007. 3 Keep in mind that the trails map is intended to give the user a "broad" view of the trails system and is only meant to illustrate the larger developing trail systems in the community. As such, many of the smaller parks, trail segments, and sidewalks are not shown on the map. 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East Tiffin Trail: Tiffin will extend its East Tiffin Trail in FY08. Tiffin recently received $161,000 in JCCOG Transportation Enhancement funds to extend this trail further east to Jasper Avenue. The East Tiffin Trail not only provides access to the Tiffin City Park and athletic fields, but is also part of the larger planned trail system between Coralville and Tiffin. The trail extension to Jasper Avenue will likely occur in 2007. B. Liberty Centre Pedestrian Tunnel and Trail: The Liberty Centre pedestrian tunnel under Highway 965 in North Liberty was completed in 2006. This $560,000 tunnel provides a safe crossing under the highway from west North Liberty to the North Liberty Community Center and Pool and the east side of North Liberty. The Liberty Centre Trail was also completed in 2006. The trail loops around the pond adjacent to the highway and extends to the Deerfield Subdivision to the north. Approximately $480,000 was invested in the trail project. Both projects were funded through a combination of local funds and Vision Iowa funds. C. Coralville Clear Creek Trail Phase IV: Phase IV of the Clear Creek Trail (diagram attached) was opened for bid in February 2007 and is slated for constructed this summer. Although relatively short, the trail will have several interesting features such as an underpass under Highway 6, a box culvert under the Interstate Railroad tracks, and a boardwalk over the wetlands south of Highway 6. The trail will serve as an important link between Iowa City and Coralville, and is planned to ultimately connect with the Peninsula Neighborhood and Dog Park via the pedestrian bridge over the Iowa River. D. Coralville Clear Creek Trail extension: The City of Coralville has received a $450,000 federal earmark for extension of the Clear Creek Trail west to Deer Creek Road. No timeline for this project has yet been established. A private developer will be funding the extension of the Clear Creek Trail from its existing terminus at 25th Avenue to Coral Ridge Avenue. E. Highway 6 Coralville wide sidewalks: This spring, the Highway 6 phase 7 project will commence between 12th Avenue and 22nd Avenue. This project will include wide sidewalks on both sides of Highway 6, similar to Highway 6 between the Clear Creek Bridge and 12th Avenue. F. First Avenue Coralville 19th Street intersection: Wide sidewalks on both sides of First Avenue have been installed as part of the First Avenue / 9th Street intersection reconstruction project. Wide sidewalks will also be included as First Avenue is reconstructed between Highway 6 and 9th Street. 2 G. IRP Dam & Pedestrian Bridge: The Iowa River Power dam and pedestrian bridge is complete. The bridge is a key link in the growing trail systems on the Iowa City and Coralville sides of the Iowa River. The pedestrian bridge portion of the project cost approximately $850,000, jointly funded by Coralville and Iowa City, supported by approximately $90,000 in Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) funds. Future trails are being planned to connect to the Iowa River Landing property. H. Court Hill Trail: Iowa City received $305,000 in Transportation Enhancement funds toward construction of the Court Hill Trail, a trail between Creekside Park and Court Hill Park in east Iowa City. This is part of a larger sidewalk / trail network between Creekside Park and Scott Park. Initial ground survey work has been done with construction planned for 2008. Jccogtp/memos/kr-agenda item_3.doc 2 press-citizen. com I Local News local news IOWA CITY PRESS-CITIZEN Page 1 of2 Customer Service: Subscribe Now I Pay Bill I Contact Us the p-c II news II sports II columns II opinion II entertainment II obits II nationlworld I features II Cll press-citizen.com kM. News via RSS: Em! Local News Em! Hawkeyes Elml GolowaCity EIml Sports What is RSS? mJjirjij weather calendar cars real estate apartments classi jobs Search the Iowa City area: IAII ~. I Wednesday, February 14, 2007 Coralville projects to accept bids Council to spend more than $2M to improve area By Kathryn Fiegen . Iowa City Press-Citizen Reader services . E-mail tHis story... . Print this story... . Subscribe to newsletter... . Comment on this story... . Email us . Subscribe to newspaper... ADVERTISEMENT The estimated cost is $1.5 million, assistant city engineer Scott Larson said. The improvements will include a drainable rock base unl the paving and some new water mains. "All these things are needed and important," he said. The bid opening on the projects will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 27 at City Hall, 1512 Seventh St. http://presscitizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20070214/NEWSO 1 /702140302/1 079 STOtn'CHATl Post comment CORALVILLE -- The City Council voted Tuesday night to open bids for Coralville's Clear Creek Trail Phase IV and roads projects. The estimated $548,000 trail project will connect Clear Creek Bridge on Highway 6 south to the Mormon Handcart Park parking lot and other trails, said Sherri Proud, Coralville Parks and Recreation director. Proud told councilors Tuesday night the project should be done by September. The other project will reconstruct portions of three roads in the city, most of which have not had any significant repairs in 40 years. Roads to be reconstructed include: . 19th Avenue from 10th to 13th streets. . Sixth Street from First to Sixth avenues. . 10th Avenue from Seventh to Eighth streets and 10th Avenue from Eighth Street west to 12th Avenue. 2/14/2007 press-citizen. com I Local News Page 2 of2 In other council news: · City Councilor John Lundell reported that Coralville's annual Basket Auction on Sunday more than $8,000 for the city's 4th Fest. One of the top sellers was a basket donated by the families of Lundell, Coralville City Ad Kelly Hayworth and City Finance Officer Terry Kaeding. The basket, called "Dinner Cruise on the Titanic," sold for $6205 and gave the top bidder I pontoon boat the three families own together. Your comments This article does not have any comments associated with it Add Comment e Harmony., c) GAINtI' IA Copyright 1999-2004 Iowa City Press-Citizen Use of this site signifies your agreement to the terms of service (updated 2/1/2003) contact us at online@press-citizen.com http://presscitizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20070214/NEWSO 1/702140302/1 079 2/14/2007 press-citizen. com I Local News Page 1 of2 local news IOWA ern p.u 55- C IT LEN Customer Service: . Subscribe Now I Pay Bill I Contact Us the p-c II news II sports II columns II opinion II entertainment II obits II nation/world I features II Cll press-citizen.com mWI1Am News via RSS: Em! Local News Em:! Hawkeyes Em! GolowaCity Em! Sports What is RSS? ~jIr5~ weather calendar classi' jobs real estate apartments cars Search the Iowa City area: IAII .1 Friday, February 23, 2007 Possible trail plans in Highway 1 upgrade By Rachel Gallegos Iowa City Press-Citizen STORYCHAT, Post comment Since the Iowa Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing work on the Iowa City to Solon portion of Highway 1 in 2009, local officials and trails enthusiasts met with DOT representatives Friday to see if a separated trail could become part of the plan. Reader services . E-mail this story... . Print this story... . Subscribe to newsletter... . Commen,t on this story... . Email us . Subscribe to newspaper... Regional leaders at the city, county and state level have said a trail connecting Linn and Johnson counties is one of their joint goals. Linn County is farther along on their trails, working from Cedar Rapids down through Ely to the county line. ADVERTISEMENT Wtl(Omt TO "What we really thought we had here was a potential opportunity," supervisor Rod Sullivan said. "We want to make sure we're not just so married to a plan that we can't react to opportunities that present themselves. " Johnson County has added more than 40 miles of separated trails during the past 10 years thanks to the Johnson County Council of Governments standard for an 8-foot separated sidewalk addition to arterial streets, trails enthusiast Terry Dahms said. "We are getting separated trails much faster through arterial street design than we are through separated trails," he said, encouraging the DOT to adopt a similar design standc Since the Highway 1 work will be a resurfacing project, not reconstruction, the DOT is nc a separated trail in its plans, said Jim Schnoebelen, DOT District 6 assistant engineer. But thanks to federal highway safety funding, the road will have 6-foot wide paved shoull instead of 4 feet on each side of the 12-foot lanes. "Those paved shoulders provide significant safety benefits," Schnoebelen said. http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=120070223/NEWSO 117022300811... 2/27/2007 press-citizen. com I Local News Page 20f2 County and DOT officials disagreed on which group would create Highway 1 plans that i trail. Since the road work design is under the DOT's jurisdiction, Sullivan asked if the DOT we willing to put in the extra work. "I still think it may be appropriate to have a local lead to this," Schnoebelen said. Johnson County is planning to set aside $200,000 in the fiscal year 2008 budget for trail: recently created a trails advisory committee as part of the Johnson County Shared Use - Since local officials said they favored an eastern trail route rather than along Highway 9E enthusiasts have been looking for route options, Dahms said. The committee will meet for the first time next month, committee member Dahms said. T committee will determine trail priorities for the county and help apply for state and federa funding for the projects. Your comments This article does not have any comments associated with it Add Comment e} GANIIm ,. Copyright 1999-2004 Iowa City Press-Citizen Use of this site signifies your agreement to the terms of service (updated 2/1/2003) contact us at online@press-citizen.com http://www.press-citizen.comlapps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20070223/NEWSO 117022300811... 2/27/2007 COlJNTY TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Origin: Resolution 11-02-06-05 Number of Members: Twelve (12) members Term: Initially, six members will serve a one-year term and six members will serve two- year terms. At the end of the first year, members will then serve two-year terms. Appointed by: The Johnson County Board of Supervisors Duties: County Trails Advisory Committee is responsible to give advice and recommendations on trail funding priorities, maintenance levels, signage policies, and other trail-related issues. Meetings: On an as needed basis. COUNTY TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS CONSERV A TION BOARD TERM BEGINS TERM EXPIRES Harry Graves Conservation Director 2048 Highway 6 NW Oxford, Iowa 52322 Feb. 1 2007 Dec. 31 2007 EAST CENTRAL lOW A COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Mary Rump Feb. 1 Dec. 31 ITfTransportation Planner 2007 2007 East Central Iowa Council of Governments 700 16TH Street NE, Suite 301 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401 (2) COUNTY RESIDENTS John Thiede Feb. 1 Dec. 31 4013 140th Street NE 2007 2007 Solon, Iowa 52333 Douglas Moore Feb. 1 Dec. 31 3744 Whitetail Lane NE 2007 2007 Iowa City, Iowa 52240 LINN SCENIC TRAIL Ron McGraw Feb. 1 Dec. 31 1221 Robinwood Lane NE 2007 2007 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 SNOW MOBILE CLUB Melvin Rinehart Feb. 1 Dec. 31 345 North George Street 2007 2007 North Liberty, Iowa 52317 COUNTY TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS BICYCLISTS OF IOWA CITY TERM BEGINS Del Holland 1701 East Court Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245 Jan. 1 2007 (2) CITY OR TOWN Christopher Lutz 313 Stephans Street Tiffin, Iowa 52340 Jan. 1 2007 Janelle Rettig 110 Shrader Road Iowa City, Iowa 52245 Feb. 1 2007 FRIENDS OF THE lOW A RIVER SCENIC TRAILS Terry Dahms 3086 Sycamore Trail NE Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Jan. 1 2007 PLANNING AND ZONING Rick Dvorak Planning and Zoning Administrator 913 South Dubuque Street, Suite 204 Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Jan. 1 2007 SECONDARY ROADS Chris Henze Roadside Vegetation Manager Secondary Roads 4810 Melrose Avenue West Iowa City, Iowa 52246 Jan. 1 2007 TERM EXPIRES Dec. 31 2008 Dec. 31 2008 Dec. 31 2008 Dec. 31 2008 Dec. 31 2008 Dec. 31 2008 ~JCCOG r ...~ ---.... m e m 0 Date: March 14,2007 To: Iowa City City Council From: John Yapp, Assistant Transportation Planner Re: Update on efforts to enhance the trail system As the metropolitan trail system has grown larger and more interconnected, we have taken several steps to provide more information to trail users. This is an update of these efforts by the JCCOG Transportation Planning Division. Distance and Directional Signs In 2003 we implemented distance and directional signs to provide trail users with information related to the direction to destinations and landmarks, and how far it is to these destinations. These signs were implemented after hearing from visitors to the community that they wanted better information about distances to landmarks on the trails. ,''lli'9'" d10 Downtown Iowa City "O.5Klle Universit V Hospitals 05 Mile" Trail Identifications Signs We have been naming and identifying our longer trails with signs. This is done so people are better able to name the trail they are on, which enhances way-finding for trail users and emergency service personnel if necessary. The Iowa River Corridor Trail was the first to receive name and identification signs in the mid-1990s. We now have added identification signs for the Willow Creek Trail, Sycamore Greenway Trail, and Clear Creek Trail (a portion of which is in Iowa City), as well as the North Ridge Trail and North Liberty Trail in Coralville and North Liberty respectively. WILLOW ~ CREEK Trail SYCAMORE GREENWAY Trail March 14,2007 Page 2 Trail Map Signs We recently acquired trail map signs with financial assistance from the Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty Parks and Recreation Departments, and the Bicyclists of Iowa City. These map signs are in the process of being posted at key locations along the trails to provide users with "you are here" information, as well as the location of nearby streets and parks. These maps help answer questions such as "where does this trail go," and .can I get to a certain destination using this trail?" The first trail map signs for the Iowa River Corridor Trail were implemented approximately five year ago; we have now added these map signs to all of our longer metropolitan trails. CrroG ~ .. (;;) ;g}= no......... ~fj' .~~ ~.- ..~~ ~- l~ " !"o...;: r~- ~," (. - ~~~:" --, ~ '\\ . - "-.:' - - - _,,\Jl- ,,:,.:_. ~~.~..- ~. --- [t ~.~ - . \:\~ !:!xroG ~ . ~ ~~ ........u ~ C:.-w....lull ~ ~ - ....:.;.~ . ~ ~.-:: ....-l~ . ~~ --8 ~-"""W--" "... 71:'- ~~~:-. ... -," , , -....- ..... "-... . v.~ vi _\5. ~~ /, i..": Mile Marker Stencils For several years, we have been painting mile marker stencils every one-quarter mile on all trails over two miles in length. These mile markers are valuable to walkers and joggers keeping track of their mileage. We implemented the one-quarter mile spacing of mile markers to assist emergency service personnel who may be seeking an injured trail user near a specific mile marker. We are using painted stencils instead of mile marker posts because as the trail system continues to grow, the location of certain mile markers may change. JCCOG Trail Maps For the past five years, we have been producing trail maps for the Iowa City Urbanized Area including Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, and University Heights. These trail maps have been distributed free of charge through the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Parks and Recreation Department offices, libraries, and local bike shops. The maps provide information about trail location, as well as future planned trails. As a JCCOG undertaking, our efforts have focused on the metropolitan trail system. There are many smaller trails within parks and neighborhoods which are not connected to the larger trail system and are not included on our maps and signs. These smaller trails tend to be well known by nearby residents. We have discussed adding maps within kiosks in neighborhood parks to show nearby trails, sidewalks, and other nearby landmarks; any effort like this would have to be undertaken with assistance from the appropriate Parks and Recreation Department. cc: Jeff Davidson Terry Trueblood Kent Ralston jccogtplmem'council-trailsystem.doc Rielly-Noble Transportation Tour 2007 March 15 and 16; and March 22 and 23, 2007 Iowa Senator Tom Rielly, chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Transportation, and Iowa Senator Larry Noble, ranking member of the Senate Standing Committee on Transportation, have announced that they plan to hold meetings (listening posts) throughout the state that focus discussion on projects and needs for highway and other modes of transportation. The public is invited to attend anyone or more of the scheduled meetings. Individuals that attend may sign up at the meeting to speak. Otherwise, there is no speCific agenda. This is an excellent opportunity for Iowans to share their views about Iowa's transportation needs and the recommendations contained within the Road Use Tax Fund report. Meetings Schedule Rielly-Noble Transportation Tour 2007 Due to the weather, the tours scheduled for March 1 and 2 have been rescheduled to March 15 and 16 at the same times and locations. Thursday, March 1 (now March 15): 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Iowa Bankers Association 8800 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston 6 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Citizens Central Senior Center 617 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge Friday. March 2 (now March 16): 9 a.m. -11 a.m. Senior Citizen's Center, Correctionville 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Rand Center 100 South 4th Street, Missouri Valley 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Terrible's Lakeside Casino Resort Room Lakeside #1, Osceola Thursday. March 22 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mahaska County Courthouse 106 S 151 Street, Oskaloosa 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Reinig Community Center 1007 S Prospect Drive, Toledo Friday. March 23 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Clinton Chamber of Commerce ---_...=<,,~_.,.,._~^~-~,,_..._"-_."--~---,--"----'~-~._-~<_.,~,.'-""" Main Meeting Room 721 South Second Street. Clinton 1 0:30 a.m. - noon Chamber of Commerce 1225 6th Avenue, Marion 1 :30 p.m. - 3 p.m. INRCOG Center INRCOG Board Room, 3rd Floor 229 E Park Avenue, Waterloo, IA Contact Information E-mail: tom.rielly@legis.state.ia.us Home Address: 113 N Market, Oskaloosa, lA, 52577 Home Telephone: 641-673-0359 Home Fax: 641-673-2957 E-mail: larry.noble@legis.state.ia.us Home Address: 8915 NW Polk City Dr., Ankeny, lA, 50023 Business Telephone: 515-964-7521