State Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Committee Annual Meeting Minutes - September 29 and 30, 2013 Brainerd - Cragun’s Resort and Hotel Members present: Jenny Smith, Jason Artley, Pete Connor, Tom Engstrom, Benita Warns, Dan Breva, Danny McCullough, Paul Frenz, Steve Sanders, Nick Mason, Andrew Korsberg, Amber Dallman, and Mark Vizecky Members absent: Andy Mueller, Steve Brisendine, Emma Pachuta, Randy Oppelt, Muhammad Khan, Rich Tauer, Anne Johnson, Gayle Junnila, Steve Elmer, Kelly Wosika, Shannon Swanson, and Tim Anderson Staff present: Tim Mitchell, Liz Walton, Lisa Austin, Greta Alquist, Nicole Campbell, Jasna Hadzic, Kathleen Mayell, Stephen Hannon, and Michelle Musser Pooler Sunday, September 29, 2013 Welcome and introductions Dan Breva welcomed and thanked those that were present. He explained that the committee is the only credible and recognizable internal citizen voice for non-motorized transportation needs. The group needs to look at next steps and new opportunities. Pete Connor and Jason Artley moved to approve the June 2013 meeting minutes. SNTC future Tim Mitchell explained the expiration of the committee at the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2014. Paperwork has been submitted to renew the group. However, MnDOT staff needs rationale as to why the committee should continue. An equal and collaborative effort needs to be put forth by all parties involved. The expiration of the committee marks an opportunity. Paperwork has been submitted to extend the group until 2017. The SNTC will be the
Transcript
State Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory CommitteeAnnual Meeting
Minutes - September 29 and 30, 2013Brainerd - Cragun’s Resort and Hotel
Members present: Jenny Smith, Jason Artley, Pete Connor, Tom Engstrom, Benita Warns, Dan Breva, Danny McCullough, Paul Frenz, Steve Sanders, Nick Mason, Andrew Korsberg, Amber Dallman, and Mark Vizecky
Members absent: Andy Mueller, Steve Brisendine, Emma Pachuta, Randy Oppelt, Muhammad Khan, Rich Tauer, Anne Johnson, Gayle Junnila, Steve Elmer, Kelly Wosika, Shannon Swanson, and Tim Anderson
Staff present: Tim Mitchell, Liz Walton, Lisa Austin, Greta Alquist, Nicole Campbell, Jasna Hadzic, Kathleen Mayell, Stephen Hannon, and Michelle Musser Pooler
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Welcome and introductionsDan Breva welcomed and thanked those that were present. He explained that the committee is the only credible and recognizable internal citizen voice for non-motorized transportation needs. The group needs to look at next steps and new opportunities.
Pete Connor and Jason Artley moved to approve the June 2013 meeting minutes.
SNTC futureTim Mitchell explained the expiration of the committee at the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2014. Paperwork has been submitted to renew the group. However, MnDOT staff needs rationale as to why the committee should continue. An equal and collaborative effort needs to be put forth by all parties involved.
The expiration of the committee marks an opportunity. Paperwork has been submitted to extend the group until 2017. The SNTC will be the first standing agenda item at all MnDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Section staff meetings. However, we all need to work together to be most effective.
- Citizen representative breakout meetingGeneral discussion followed regarding the opportunities for the committee to succeed, member responsibilities and accountability.
Members suggested staff assistance: - Provide training to engineers and planners
- Offer materials so that representatives - Maintain better relationships with district staff- Facilitate discussions with the MnDOT State Aid
Staff noted that business cards and introduction letters will be provided to district representatives. In addition, meetings will be scheduled with district staff.
- Agency representative breakout meetingMembers and staff discussed how to better utilize agency representatives.
Suggestions include: - MnDOT and the group support non-motorized projects in other areas of the state- How can the group assist other state agencies - offer feedback and provide recommendations
Staff offered to schedule an agency representative meeting to discuss alignment of goals and responsibilities.
- Group exercise Participants answered the following questions: 1. Write down the priorities and/or tasks you would like the committee to accomplish this year2. What are your perceived roles and responsibilities as an SNTC representative3. What roles and responsibilities do you want as an SNTC representative4. Besides the commissioner of transportation, who is the current SNTC audience5. Whose actions should the SNTC try to affect
Staff organizational structureKathleen Mayell presented a marketing brochure that she recently completed. The document provides an overview of the bicycle and pedestrian section, which identifies current programs, projects and other activities. Staff information and recent highlights are also included
Bike MN updatesNick Mason provided updates on recent activities of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. Present initiatives include:- Bike MN recently celebrated a fifth birthday- Much work has been done in northern Minnesota regarding bikeable communities- Successful Train & Trail Tour - 140 cyclists participated - Bicycle friendly community applications- Provided assistance with all metro open streets events- Excellent participation for the following events: Tour of Saints, Tour de Fat and St. Paul Classic
Bike MN priorities: - Bicycle manual- Systematic bicycle and pedestrian education
- State bicycle summit- Regional bike education center
Nick also passed on a message from Dorian - transportation does not need to compete. Let’s make Minnesota a world class state.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Work group breakout sessions and updatesAfter some discussion, it was determined that two of last year’s work groups would carry on - technical and Share the Road and education. In addition, MnDOT staff needs assistance with the state bicycle map. Share the Road and education- Facebook advertising- Create public service announcements- Develop a one-pager on how to use STR materials- Utilize the Minnesota Newspaper Association- Create a PowerPoint on STR campaigns for representatives and others to use- Concentrate on the local level - civic groups, city staff, schools
Technical (bicycle drivers manual)- Review bicycle drivers manuals from other states - Michigan- Develop an outline and table of contents
Open discussion forum - CycletracksMelissa Barnes explained that FHWA is initiating a research project on Cycletracks. Until that time, MnDOT will not take a stance on the facilities. Once the research project is completed, MnDOT will decide how proceed as an agency.
- Conflicts in rural areasConflicts between bicyclists and motorists are occurring rural areas. It was suggested that the group reach out to local media - radio stations, newspapers and cable television.
- Bicycle treatmentsHow can representatives inform roadways users of new bicycle treatments. Participants agreed that the City of Minneapolis’ information should be utilized.
- Share the Road signageThere are only six Share the Road signs on the MnDOT system. The advocacy organization in Delaware asked Delaware DOT to stop using and remove existing the Share the Road signs. The signs are confusing and offer no information. Consider using other signs such as, bikes may use full lane.
- Bicycle detoursGuidance is being created to identify bicycle detours. A communication list will also be developed to notify the public and others of alternative routes. This topic will also be included in the rewrite of the bicycle manual.
