HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 4-28 PBR minutesPHOVED
o Caldwell Pathways and Bike Routes Committee Regular Meeting
Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Held via Zoom & at Planning & Zoning621 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell
I. Call to Order: Chair John Ottenhoffcalled the meeting to order at7:03 p.m.
Members present in oflice: John Ottenhoff-Chair, Mark Pemble-Vice Chair, Ann Manning,
Marc Bybee, Jerome Mapp-City representative, Emma Hill-City representative, Melinda McAlister-
City representative.
Members present via Zoomz Cheyne Weston, Paul Mann, Garrett Petersen.
Members not present: Sharon Hubler, Diana Register.
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Action ltem: Approve minutes of the February 24,2022 meeting.
John Ottenhoff asked for a motion to the February 24,2022 minutes.
MOTION: Marc Bybee SECOND: Paul Mann MOTION PASSED
II. Audience Participation :
None
III. Presentations:
None
IV. Old Business:
1) Hwy 55 Underpass Update:
Jerome Mapp, City of Caldwell-Planning & Zonrng, commented that Robb MacDonald, City
of Caldwell-Engineering, has a meeting scheduled with Idaho Transportation Department on June
10ft. Robb was emailed this aftemoon that the underpass at 10th and that area is not going to happen.
Because the parcel that is attached to that, the church's property, is labeled as historical. ITD will be
starting construction on Hwy 55 next year. It had been scheduled for 2025 but due to the money
coming from the state, this has been moved to 2023. However ITD advised that they this committee
look at an underpass closer to Farmway. This is specifically for the underpass along Hwy 55 at
Farmway. He advises looking at the pathway plan to see if there is a good connection for that
location. This needs to be in their comprehensive plan.
Paul Mann commented that a few weeks ago he got a questionnaire from Highway District 5
regarding the upgrades for pathways along both sides of Farmway. This would be from Simplot
Blvd. all the way to Hwy 55. This also includes four traffic lanes, and some questions if the person
would want roundabouts or stop lights. He feels it would be beneficial to get an underpass at Hwy 55
and Farmway junction.
Jerome responded that he would talk to Robb about that.
John Ottenhoff commented that he got the same survey as well, and he feels that is a very
positive option for pathways along Farmway.
Cheyne Weston stated that he sees Farmway has being particularly in the impact area and
part of it outside of it. He wanted to know if that matters.o
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o Jerome responded that it does not, but he will double check.
John asked Jerome that at a previous meeting Robb has mentioned that he was looking into a
pathway that would go west of the Seventh Day Adventist property.
Jerome responded that is still an option and that staffis meeting with the church on May 10th,
with their land use chair person. He thinks the meeting will go well, and that they need to have this
option as it would line up very well with the Vallievue pathway.
Ann Manning commented that it would be ideal to have both pathways. Especially because
of the safety aspect with all the new construction going on in those areas.
Jerome commented that Robb had mentioned that puffing in an over pass somewhere,
however Jerome feels that an underpass is more reachable on the budget as an overpass is more
expensive.
Paul commented that during the FACTS meetings at the rate things were happening they
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2) Fiscal Year 2023 Budget:
Jerome started by making an announcement of his retirement from Planning &Zorungatthe
end of July. He commented about the open positions available within Planning & Zorung.
Regarding the budget, this committee needs to make sure they make themselves known to the City
Council especially the new members. June 10th is the night he makes the PBR presentation to the
City Council and he requests that every member who can be there, to be please attend. There will be
a 10 minute presentation opporhrnity and this committee utilize that to request more funding than
$40,000 ayear. But the challenge is that P&Z doesn't have a lot of staff, and that it has a lot of time
still devoted to development.
Ann Manning asked for clarification for the meeting, and it was discovered that the meeting
is June 6th and not the lOth. Ann last did a presentation to the City Councllin2020.
Jerome stated that he'll be providing more information regarding the pathways cost to Hwy
55 during the upcoming meetings.
3) Update regarding negotiations with Pioneer on the drains:
John got an email from Robb MacDonald with City of Caldwell Engineering that there hadn't
yet been any updates. He asked if Jerome has anything to add.
Jerome stated that they are still waiting on things to get passed in Congress. The City has no
jurisdiction over the drains. All the paperwork is in the hands of Congress to sign off on.
4) How can the city better connect with various pathways in private developments throughout
the city and surrounding areas?:
John commented that this is something he's very interested in seeing happened and he's
curious to see if there's been any updates. He asked if Emma has any updates.
Emma stated that can share a view of a map via screen share in Zoom. She explained that
there is one map, but you have to zoom in very close to see the details. She is working with the City
Engineering department regarding an update to the webmap that city staff use, and that is still in
progress as far as what the public can see. She showed where existing pathways are located on the
webmap, and which ones are purposed.
Jerome commented that he's asked Public Works & Engineering to work together regarding
the gaps he's found where paths haven't been correctly connected.
Ann commented that this is something that back in 2011 was discussed about the schools.
That there were gaps in the pathways between the schools.
Mark commented that was Elaine Kleg who did that for the committee.o
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o Paul asked Ann if what she is referring to was "Safe Routes to School".
Ann responded yes.
Jerome commented that this grant opporlunity that John found can be used towards a grant
project that provides for bicycle path, sidewalks, and pathways and that is sent in to "Safe Routes"
because if the committee can find these missing sidewalks and gaps, this can be used as a project.
Ann commented that the report done by Braden Cervetti with COMPASS might have also
included some of these gaps around the schools and would be worth looking at again.
John agreed, and added that he recently went to a webinar that was sponsored by the Walk-
Bike Alliance where they were talking about that the state has ten-million dollars available for
Children, Pedestrian, and Safety grants. The maximum award is $250,000 and the deadline for
applications is June 8th. Caldwell did receive one of those grants back in 2018 for $109,000 towards
children who were going to Sacajawea Elementary. So he agrees the committee should look again
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Arur asked if this sort of grant could be used to build a tunnel under Hwy 55, and helping to
connect Vallirue High School, Gem State Academy, and Vallivue Middle School with all of the
people who live on the south side of 55?
John stated that $250,000 would only get you maybe avery small portion of that.
Ann stated that it might just get a very small pathway up to that point.
Marc asked Jerome if there's been development of working with the developers to also help
out with this.
Jerome responded that yes and that the one that they are look for does go through the church
property. He continued that he'd rather there was a tunnel there, but a pathway would be a start.
John asked if there is anyone connected in the schools who would be helpful in saying where
the areas ofgreatest need are as far as for children safety.
Jerome replied that city staffdoes have a good connection with Vallivue School for
discussing development and pathways and he will call them about this.
John asked if the committee does want to move forward with one of these grants, what is the
best method to start this as there isn't a lot of time.
Emma commented that yesterday Jerome had her go out and look at schools that are near
where the Hwy 55 underpass would be, so she went to Vallievue High & Middle schools. She did
look for broken sidewalks orpathways that could be connected.
John stated that he'd be happy to work with her regarding grants for these.
Jerome commented that he has a phone call into the superintendent regarding another issue
and he'll bring this also up with her when she calls back.
Ann commented that Panther Pathway is supposed to go behind Jefferson Middle School.
And it would connect our route #1, which goes along Dixie Drain, to Stonehedge neighborhood, to
the Ustick Wal-Mart area. She thinks that the Caldwell district hasn't been approached about that but
it's been discussed about for a really long time.
Paul stated that Bill Gregory had commented at the last FACTS (Foundation for Ada/Canyon
Trail Systems) meeting has been expressing a great deal of concern for HOA's in subdivisions if they
are to fail. People filed some quit claims for the areas left open now that they are no longer under a
HOA. Pauls' question is does the city have any sort of agreements with the developers if the HOA's
fail in order to protect the lands used for pathways? Is there anything the city has set up to look at
these? He thinks it's a discussion that needs to be held with the city attorney to protect these
pathways. Mainly because this is going to come up at the next FACTS meeting, and its going to be
asked, and he'd like to have an answer about what Caldwell is doing about this situation.
Cheyne commented that he'd like to attend that meeting.
Marc responded that he's pretty familiar with that issue as both he and Bill have had to deal
with these. He thinks apart of the conversation should be what repercussions or built in mechanismso
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for sqmeiflhosc eaDs.
o do we have for the City of Caldwell within city code to deal with if an HOA fails and what's going to
happen to those common spaces. His understanding is they are considered as common lots and not
city right of ways, and that does fall on the HOA to maintain as a part of their subdivision. He
encourages that there be some mention within city code that if an HOA was to fail about preventing
that from happening. But if they do fail can the city charge fees to the properly owners or does the
city lien the properties. The one situation they are dealing with they are looking at amending city
code, and maybe giving the land back to the land owners.
Jerome commented that Cheyne brought this up about this in the City of Boise. The concern
with city staff is that there isn't the staffto deal with this or the money to take over the care of the
land. There was just a request from an Industrial Park to dissolve their HOA.
Marc commented it's know that the city doesn't have the staffor the funds to take care of
HOA lands but it's the cities discretion to hire someone to go in and take care of the land. The city
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would be dispersed to the rest of the city. Just like water, sewer or garbage fees and so now there'll
be a new code for something like common space maintenance fee. Its just a thought and Jerome
should have this conversation with the city attorney.
VII. New Business:
l.) 2022 meeting dates, changes, and timeline:
Jerome commented that City Council has changed meeting days, and that they are going from
Monday evenings to Thursday evenings starting in July.
John asked if that means if meetings will be going back to quarterly only or if meetings will
remain the same.
Jerome responded that it will remain quarterly, and that meetings will still be offered via
Zoom as well as some members being present ntheP&Z conference room. Jerome showed via
screen share where meetings are to be happening as well as each committee's responsibilities. What
Jerome would like is that when he came on board there was no direction about what PBR does and
how they do it. Jerome mentioned about the 5 year goal list. After the meeting in May, there is
meetings in August and then November. He reminded the committee about the budget balance and
that upcoming projects will most definitely be going over that.
Ann asked for suggestions from Jerome about how to keep the focus going and to keep
moving fonrard with accomplishing the goals.
Jerome stated that he called this special meeting, and that can be done by him or by the
committee Chair at any time. So the current proposed meeting schedule doesn't have to be it, and
that the committee can meet more frequently.
Cheyne commented that if someone was to look at the minutes is that the committee does a
lot of work, and that if the committee waits to have meetings further out the momentum will be lost.
And missing out on these meetings could cause the committee to miss out on deadlines like with
ITD, Hwy 55 etc.
Jerome commented that the committee only needs to meet when there is something to do, and
not to have a meeting just to meet up for nothing specific.
Ann asked what the process is for requesting a special meeting, and it sounds like this might
just have to be something that is frequently asked for.
Jerome stated that the notice for a special meeting he believes is 2 weeks but he'll look into
that.
Melinda McAlister stated that staffhas to post the agenda at least one week prior to the
meeting and so that two weeks' notice in the very least would be ideal.o
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o Jerome commented that it's not diflicult but ideally it shouldn't be done at the last minute.
And that the next meeting is May 26th andthat one will be going on as planned.
Paul asked if special meetings are specific to one topic or does it have to be an agenda.
Jerome replied that it has to be on an agenda, and that the meeting needs to stick to the
agenda. He commented that it's still a regular meeting, and needs to follow the requirements for
notification.
Marc Bybee commented that discussions need to be made to the Chair about topics to be
discussed about ahead of time via email etc. before the agenda starts gettingorgantzed.
Jerome stated that members need to communicate to the Chair about what they would like to
talk about. And he'll make sure that his predecessor has a clear format about how to organize all this
for the future of the committee.
Jerome announced that he has indicated to the Mayor that he'll be retiring this year, and his
last day will be July 29th. If in the happenstance that a replacement is not found and hired in time, he
will not leave the department, nor this committee, without direction or assistance.
3) Pathway Budgets in other cities:
Jerome shared a slide showing other local cities and what their budgets are, and what those
costs cover or provide. [n previous meetings it was discussed about stafls time and budgets. He
didn't include the one for Caldwell, and he'll share that one later with the committee. He shared
what the other cities have and where it comes out of. Jerome feels it's important to see where the
starting point is and where it can build to. He will share with city council at the upcoming meeting
about as the city grows, so does the population's expectations from city leaders for services and
certain amenities. And certain things will be more important to citizens, such as pathways that will
take them from all areas of the city. Currently Caldwells budget for pathways comes out of the
General Fund.
Cheyne asked on the impact fees, for every subdivision that is done that's over 50,000
population, doesn't the city charge an impact fee from that subdivision on behalf of the parks?
Jerome responded that he doesn't believe the city currently does that.
Cheyne stated that is something that is reasonable once that population mark is reached, and
so that is something the city should consider implementing on behalf of having a bigger budget.
Jerome stated that as you know impacts fees is an interesting term. He will look into this but
Planning is not in charge of collecting impact fees at this time.
Marc asked what impact fees are being collected at this time.
Jerome responded police and fire. Maybe parks, but if Robb was here he would know.
Emma responded that she does believe it is also parks. She's fairly certain the only one that's
not collected is schools as that was discussed in a recent meeting.
4) Utah State University Urban Planning Project:
Jerome commented that the Utah State University is willing to come to Caldwell to help with
some design projects. This won't happen until the Fall of 2023. They will need to budget for this for
$25,000 over 2 years, but they are not sure which department this cost will come out of. The project
he talked to them about ponds and gravel areas along those ponds. And the question that came up
was the question of pathways and amenities along the ponds. It will take some time for the City to
confirm some right of ways along those areas, but he was under the impression that the right of ways
had already been secured. However there is no master plan on what it would look like and how it
would function. But the idea is how thatpathway would work from the city center down to the
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o ponds and then the Boise River. They talked about the bridge pylons. He asked that Paul has
mentioned these before but he is not sure exactly where those are.
Paul commented that they are where the old trolley car tracks used to go. But that on the land
that the city owns north of the silver bridge if you go to the end of that properly you can see those
concrete pylons in the river.
Am commented that they are on the land near the river off of Curtis Park.
Jerome commented so that could be tied into future projects, and this can be discussed further
in the May meeting. This would be another example to show how this committee is important.
Ann asked who leads this project, is it a student led project.
Jerome responded yes, and that he spoke to them about 3 different projects. Some of them do
not have anything to do about pathways.
Marc asked if that they've already committed to come here and that if Jerome has asked them
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Jerome responded yes. And he did speak with the Mayor and about what the budget will be.
As well as a few other partners like Destination Caldwell. He thinks that connection downtown will
be a good connection for the city. This project would be a multi-agency cooperation between
Planning, Urban Development and Destination Caldwell.
John asked so it's possible that the $25,000 cost won't have to come out of the PBR budget.
Jerome responded correct. Destination Caldwell may partner with some of that so the details
won't be known until everyone sits down to talk more about it. The University did send him a
confirmation email this morning about moving forward on it.
Paul commented yesterday Toni Tisdale gave a presentation about IIJA (Infrastructure
lnvestment and Jobs Act) that has been passed by Congress. There is a section in there called
Equality Reconnecting Communities. So there may be an opporlunity for funds from grants in what
he thinks was Section 40.
Jerome commented that he will report back in May with the progress of various projects and
the funds. He stated that Cheyne asked him yesterday if the committee would want to research about
contacting the properly owners to try to move along the process quicker. Jerome said he would share
that with the Mayor to see what he wants to do.
John commented that the Committee needs to keep moving forward with the next round of
FLAP (Federal Lands Access Program) grants. They do them every other year and the committee
just missed this last one that would be for 2023. They need to continue talking to the Highway
District and to COMPASS this year to get things lined up in time. Supposedly there's FLAP money
to do work from Orchard to Riverside to Indiana. And then up lndiana to the refuge.
Paul commented that in participating on two different federal projects that they don't want to
see any projects that are less than several million dollars. This is because it takes them the same
amount of Administrative oversight for a $100,000 project as it does for a $1,000,000 project. So his
thinking with that is that the committee ought to collaborate with Highway District 4 and 1 along
with the City ofNampa to see how much of that Lake Lowell plan the committee can get
implemented. And the committee and keep talking with COMPASS because they have all the
experience with writing the various grants and how to find them etc.
John commented that he'll reach out to Toni to see if she has some sort of schedule that the
committee wants to get in on for the writing of the FLAP grants.
Jerome commented that he will check with the Mayor and see if he can get a meeting with
him and the PBR committee about the interest this community has with bike routes and pathways.
He doesn't think the new Mayor has ever met with this committee.
Cheyne stated that they previously worked with the University of Idaho for the pathways
along Indian Creek. He knows that Jerome has already spoken with the University of Utah, but
Cheyne is curious if he also reached out to the University of Idaho.o
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to alsclook at$ese-other+rqiects-
o Jerome responded that the reason why he went to the University of Utah is because one of
their graduates works & lives in Boise, and that person reached out to their former classmates and
encouraged them to work with the City of Idaho for various projects.
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asked surveyors he saw out working near his home, what their tasks were and they told him it was for
the roadway and they were with the highway district.
John commented that he read if that FLAP grant was approved they would be putting in
paved shoulders similar to the ones they've done on Riverside, over the lower dam, and that would
go up Orchard to tndiana. And then up Indiana to the refuge. He encouraged everyone to get in there
and put in their comments. Especially for how dangerous Karcher road is to cross for bicyclists and
pedestrians.
Marc commented about seeing all the other comments in the same areas he's had personal
issues with that he's not alone with dangerous intersections.
Mark commented that he put in notations all the way to Hwy 16 on this map.
John asked what the time limit was.
Marc responded that it shows May 1lth.
VII. Committee and Staff Reports:
l) COMPASS Education Series-Road Safety Plans:
John commented to look at the links provided at the end of the agenda packet. He'd like the
committee to look at all of these and consider them as documentation of the importance of this
commiffee in response to the amenities that community members expect from their city. The
summary of this education series was about the deaths that occur on roadways, and that cities should
work towards no injuries or deaths caused to non-motorists on roadways.
Ann commented that there's a link for "Complete Streets" that needs to be looked at.
Mark commented that all COMPASS meetings are live streamed and you can view them
from home, as well as send in questions or comments. If they can answer them, they will.
Marc commented that ITD has adopted new standards that all their road improvements are
going to include some sort of barrier to protect non-motorists.
Jerome commented that it was ACHD and not ITD.
Marc commented that then it is Ada County is ahead of Canyon County as far as getting
ahead of some sort of concrete or some type of barrier along the road way to protect bicyclists.
John asked if this should be a discussion to bring someone in from COMPASS to talk about
what good practices are and what can be done as far as barriers and increasing safety awareness.
Marc would like to add this to a future discussion to better educate everyone involved in
decision making within Canyon County about protecting those who use these pathways. And this
would include the fact that people other than motorists using these roads are daily subjected to the
dangers, and sometimes intentionally, by motorists who don't want to share the road or are just
lacking in the knowledge of safety rules.o
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5) Caldwell Are Transportation System Plan-Public lnvolvement Comment Map:
John commented that the map is very nice, and helpful. He has placed some comments on it,
and he's been looking at the various other comments. He feels this is a good method for this
committee to get our concerns out there in front of the rest of the public. Especially for things like
where they made new pathways even narrower and more dangerous.
Marc commented that they improved the roadway, but they narrowed the paved shoulder. He
was hoping that they were putting in bike lanes, but it was roadway improvements only. He feels
this will get other citizens to say the same things the committee has been saying all along.
-Chayne commenteilthaltheflAP-graffjs part of extending s6mqloadways over-others-Jle
o VII. Adjournment
John Ottenhoff asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
MOTION: Marc Bybee SECOND: Paul Mann MOTION PASSED
Next regular Planning & Zoning Committee meeting is on May 26,2022, Any person needing
special accommodations to participate in the meeting should contact Planning & Zoningat 208-455-
3021 prior to the meeting. The agenda packet and minutes can be viewed on the City of Caldwell's
website: www.cityofcaldwell.org. Cualquier persona necesitando comodidades especiales para
participar en la reuni6n debe contactar al las oficinas de la Ciudad o llame a 208-455-3021 antes de
la reuni6n.
MINUTES APPROVED AND SIGNED BELOW BY JOHN OTTENHOFF ON THE DATE
NOTED BELOW:
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Chair Date
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For detailed minutes, please request a copy of the digital recording.
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