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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-09 KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 1 - February 9, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee met on this date commencing at 4:07 p.m. Present: Ms. M. Generoux, Ms. G. Mitchell, Messrs. M. Boos, T. Boutilier (Chair), L. Chandler, D. Hoshowsky and D. Kropf. Staff: Mr. D. Pimentel, Traffic Project Coordinator Ms. M. Bird, Active Transportation Student 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF JANUARY 12, 2016 On a motion by Mr. D. Hoshowsky – It was resolved and carried: meeting “That the minutes of the January 12, 2016 be approved.” 2. BOOK-MO-BIKE PRESENTATION Liana Kreamer, Juanita Metzger and Trent Bauman made a presentation to the committee regarding their project, KW Book-Mo-Bike, a library on wheels. The presentation was approximately 20 minutes long followed by 10 minutes and question and answering. The team from KW Book-Mo-Bike presented a background on the concept and included the logistics and the role the committee would have. The concept is currently used in other cities in North America. The team has already developed art, created by local organizer, Meg Harder. The concept is building off the popular local “Little Libraries”. The team wants the product to be a fun community resource that will help develop creative place-making. The team suggests that the KW Book-Mo- Bike could be used at festivals and other local events such as Bike Fest and Neighbour’s Day. The team suggests the KW Book-Mo-Bike could be an art catalyst, promoting local artists and writers. The team reports that 24% of adults in the Waterloo Region have low literacy and they believe the KW Book-Mo-Bike could be used to increase access to reading material could improve literacy. The project timeline is currently in the fundraising phase, as the budget is $6000. The plan on seeking support from other organizations and are reaching potential audience via email and website. The team wants the committee to support the project for the following reasons: - Promotes the idea and ease of cycling awareness - Promotes the Bike Kitchener brand - A resource for communications and events - Promote cycling infrastructure - Connection to creative place making - Cycling is a way to gather and bring people together, engage year-round - Synergy between the two entities - Partner-use Bike KW Book-Mo-Bike approached the committee for the following resources: - Half the budget, $3000 KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2 - February 9, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER - Potentially insurance - Secure bike parking - Affiliation with Bike Kitchener including promotional opportunities After the presentation, 10 minutes was put aside for questions and answers. Many questions were asked and are summarized below. Questions are bolded and asked by various committee members and staff and answers included were answered by the KW Book-Mo-Bike team. Who rides the bike? - Bike is geared low, anyone can ride the bike. Potential for training session before the user rides the bike. Where do the books get stored? - User is required to supply books. Where will the books be sourced from? - Giveaways are a potential idea or trading books How will you know where the bike is? - Via social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter or e-newsletters that will promote the events that the bike will be at Is the project affiliated with the Kitchener Public Library? - No – looking for a broader approach. But the library is aware of the concept and idea. No formal meeting has been made yet, there is interest but prefer to be exclusive Will there be enough books? - Yes – donations will likely be large Is the $3000 a onetime cost? - Yes and full cost recovery if an entire fleet (more than 1 bike) is purchased Is there a fee for the user? - No What are the mechanics of the bike? Repairs and such? - The box is bolted to the bike frame but the bike is narrow and can fit through a standard door frame. To repair the bike it will need to sit forward on the box oppose to a bike stand The biggest question was the support the committee is able to provide. Mr. D. Pimentel explained to the KW Book-Mo-Bike team was that the Kitchener Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee do not have a budget, but the budget is processed through the City of Kitchener under Bike Kitchener. Mr. D. Pimentel suggested that the team have a separate meeting with the city staff to discuss the logistics. Insurance was another topic of interest. Mr. D. Pimentel advised the team that insurance would be difficult to obtain through the city. Ms. M. Generoux advised the team that Ontario Cycling Association is a possible avenue for non-profits and clubs to purchase insurance. Mr. M. Boos recommends that the team goes into an agreement for the bike storage. On a motion by Mr. D. Kropf. It was resolved and carried: "KCTAC provides its strong endorsement and encourages staff at the City of Kitchener to investigate funding and storage for the Book-Mo-Bike program.” 3. TRAILS MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW Mr. M. Parris was absent requiring the discussion to be postponed until March 2016. KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3 - February 9, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER 4. COLDEST RIDE OF THE YEAR DEBRIEF Mr. M. Boos and Mr. D. Hoshowsky address the committee on the “Coldest Ride of the Year” that took place Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 1:00pm. Despite a date/time mix up in the paper, 20 people showed including Waterloo City Councillor Diane Freeman. Overall, the event was successful and concluded at the Berlin Bicycle Café. 5. STAFF/NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS UPDATES Mr. D. Pimentel spoke to the changes in the organization. Justin Readman, former director of transportation is the Interim Executive Director of Infrastructure Services, making Ken Carmichael, former Manager of Transportation, Interim Director of Transportation. Mr. D. Pimentel is now the permanent Active Transportation Planning Project Manager. Mr. D. Pimentel will be supported in the summer by an additional marketing and events planning student. Mr. D. Pimentel advised the committee that 6 applicants have applied for the committee member vacancies. By March or April at the latest, new committee members will be selected. 6. POLICE MEETING UPDATE . Mr. D. Pimentel has planned a meeting with the Waterloo Regional Police Services Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm on . The location is to be announced, but will likely be a Kitchener City Hall in the Conestoga Room. Mr. D. Pimentel asked the each subcommittee come up with 3 questions to pose to the officers and have those ideas ready for next meeting, March 8, 2016. Mr. M. Boos asked Mr. D. Pimentel if townships will be included. Mr. D, Pimentel agreed with this idea and said to include them. 7. KITCHENER BICYCLE ACCOUNT/REVIEW UPDATE Mr. D. Pimentel presented the current Kitchener Bicycle Account. He advised the committee that this account would be updated every 2 years. He explained that this account is more of an infographic representation with flashy graphics where the report would be more of a technical document. The Kitchener Bicycle Account could be used a promotional device, given away at events and uploaded online. The account is on hold currently as trails data and future project information needs to be added. The report will be going to council in March or April. KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 4 - February 9, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER From this discussion, other infrastructure points were raised. Mr. D. Pimentel explained the possible intent to improve the Fix-It Stations as the high rates of theft are causing high expenses. The issue was raised when the Region of Waterloo expressed their interest in a Fix-It Station that could be provided by the Lions Club. Mr. D. Pimentel mentioned that currently staff is researching and considering retrofits or relocation of the Iron Horse Trail stations. Ms. G. Mitchell suggested engraving the tools and Mr. T. Boutilier suggested moving the stations to a safer location like a community center, police station or fire hall. Mr. M Boos and Ms. M. Generoux brought up bike counting especially on King St. concerning the sharrows. Mr. D. Pimental explained that ways to improve counting is being discussed within staff. 8. BIKEFEST PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION Mr. D. Pimentel presented a document that outlined the main components of the 2015 Bike Fest to the committee. The date was discussed and deliberated. The committee came to a conclusion that Sunday, May 29, 2016 will be the date for Bike Fest 2016. This date avoids any conflict with larger events such as Becel Ride For Heart – Heart and Stroke (Toronto). Mr. D. Pimentel suggested and advised the following items: - Road closure possibilities to provide ample space on King St. between Gaukel St and College St. - Booked Zehr Square and Kitchener City Hall Rotunda - Fix a Flat workshops - Bike Valet - Approaching Kool FM – MC the event as they did last year - Marketing through Jon ‘Bearface’ Johnson Mr. D. Pimentel asked the committee to be involved in the following ways: - A committee booth to promote membership - Spread the word - Focus more on bike related activities - Being present at the event to assist volunteers Comments were provided by the committee including: - Ms. G. Mitchell suggested “Rescue Dogs” a vegan hot dog vendor from St. Catharines. Theme of Bike Fest is good, no distractions at the event. She mentioned that Phil Martin had a great presence and that local clubs should continue to be encouraged to setup booths. - Mr. T. Boutilier suggested including the Book-Mo-Bike KITCHENER CYCLING AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 5 - February 9, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER - Mr. M. Boos asked about booths and the equipment provided. Mr. D. Pimentel advised him that the City of Kitchener provides two chairs and table to each applicant and that there is the potential for tents as well. Mr. D. Pimentel provided an approximate expense report for Bike Fest 2015. The event cost $2100 and Bike Kitchener brought in $375; therefore the event was approximately $1700. Expenses included but are not limited to posters, designs, barricades, St. John’s Ambulance, and licensing requirements. Education, Safety and Promotion subcommittee agreed to be the lead on Bike Fest 2016 with the help from the other two subcommittees. 9. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES Planning, Evaluation and Governance subcommittee is in the process of creating a report based on the Cycling Master Plan. This review will assess what has and has not been done in regards to the recommendations provided by the Cycling Master Plan. No other updates at this time. 10. QUESTIONS AND OTHER ITEMS Ms. G. Mitchell announced that on Thursday, February 18, WTF (Women Trans and Non-Binary Folk) will be holding a ‘decorate your bike’ night from 6:30 – 8:30 at Recycles Cycles. Mr. D. Hoshowsky advised the committee of a dangerous path for cycling over Freeport Bridge. Mr. M. Boos spoke on the subject of the super sharrows on Waterloo Regional roads that are not being treated in the winter. He asked to get in contact with the Region of Waterloo to discuss this conflict. 11. ADJOURNMENT - On a motion by Mr. T. Boutilier, It was resolved and carried: 5:27pm “The meeting adjourned at .”