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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-09 CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER The Cycling Advisory Committee met on his date commencing at 4:02 p.m. Present: Messrs B. Forwell (Chair), M. Arges, S. Burek, D. Class, D. Hilker, T. Kenyon, B. Laube, N. Mehés, and Ms. P. Ji-Taylor. Staff: Messrs. R. Schirm (Committee Administrator), P. Wetherup and Ms. K. Reinert (Recorder) Regrets: Councillor J. Gazzola and Mr. T. Müller Special Guests: Mr. Jason Leach - City of Cambridge, Mr. Phil Hewitson - City of Waterloo, Mr. John Hill - Region of Waterloo, Ms. Jane Mitchell - Region of Waterloo, Ms. Paula Rowe - Region of Waterloo (RCAC), Mr. Mark Vidler - Region of Waterloo (RCAC), Mr. Bruce Hawkings (RCAC). Mr. Bart Forwell (Vice-Chair) welcomed all new visitors to this meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. That the minutes of the January 12, 2010 meeting be approved. Motioned by Mr. Michael Arges Seconded by Mr. Duncan Class REGIONAL WEBSITE 2. Mr. Ron Schirm commented that special guests were invited to this meeting to discuss the cycling website and introductions followed. As background, Mr. Schirm explained that Mr. Leach, Mr. Hill and himself had met to brainstorm different initiatives and found that there was a similar collection of activities among them and, because the cycling public is not concerned with political boundaries, why not combine efforts to try to make cycling better for the region as a whole. One specific issue that should be of interest to all of those in attendance is the lack of a cycling portal on the internet for this geographic area. To deal with fairness and content issues, the cycling website would be for the regional geographic area and would be standalone, separate from any Municipal site. Mr. Schirm felt that this is a good project for this committee to work on. Further, Mr. Schirm has ascertained that the City of Kitchener Information Technology (I.T.) department has the ability to physically house the website. One issue to consider is who would maintain the website. Mr. Schirm posed the following questions to the attendees; ? Is everyone interested? ? If so, what should be on the website? ? How to make it physically happen and by when? CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2010 - - CITY OF KITCHENER 2 REGIONAL WEBSITE 2. – cont’d Discussion took place and the general consensus was that it was a good idea. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo is finalizing an agreement with Google Transit and, as soon as it is signed, the Region will be able to provide an on-line interactive regional map, possibly as early as this year. Suggestions for inclusion on the website are as follows; ? links to cycling club websites ? ride maps ? cycling facilities ? multi-modal mapping ? feature for external input on ride ranking, i.e. “good”, “easy” ride ? links to trails ? links to upcoming races/related events The City of Kitchener I.T. webmaster would maintain the regional website from a technical standpoint and discussion ensued on the most effective way of maintaining the content. It was suggested by Mr. John Hill that a formal resolution be made to support a region-wide cycling website. Recommendation : That the Kitchener Cycling Advisory Committee create a small “r” regional website. Motioned by: Mr. Tim Kenyon Seconded by: Mr. Michael Arges Mr. Bart Forwell made the suggestion that representatives from each committee could start a sub-committee and possibly meet in two weeks. Mr. Forwell thanked the delegations for their attendance and a five minute break was scheduled at 4:45 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 4:58 p.m. COMMUTER CHALLENGE 3. This item was discussed at the January meeting with recommendation to be discussed again at either this or a following meeting. Mr. Bart Forwell did not receive any further suggestions via email as requested and this topic is open for discussion. Mr. Forwell commented that, as a committee, one option should be chosen from the following: a) Amazing Race, b) Walking School Bus, c) Green Gears – City of Kitchener initiative but could expand to all staff in downtown. CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2010 - - CITY OF KITCHENER 3 COMMUTER CHALLENGE 3. – cont’d The suggestion of having Council involvement was deemed a good idea and expanding further with the challenge of Kitchener against Waterloo. Discussion ensued on possibilities of the bus/car/bicycle challenge or Mayor’s bike challenge from city hall to city hall. Although members of the committee may or may not be taking part in the actual event, the committee’s support in the organization and delivery of the event would be welcomed. Mr. Tim Kenyon commented that the tri-modal event would be 1) a great opportunity for the committee of the whole to show their support, and 2) get people out of cars. ACTION: . Mr. Ron Schirm to contact Grand River Transit and the City of Kitchener councillors Recommendation : That the bike/transit/car race be part of the Commuter Challenge this year. Motioned by: Mr. Duncan Class All in favour ND FEBRUARY 22 COUNCIL MEETING 4. The Harmonized Sales Tax (H.S.T.) report went to Development and Technical Services (DTS) Committee on February 8, 2010 and was approved with the following amendments by Mayor Zehr; a) since the report was ambiguous with the retail sales tax and harmonized sales tax, it should be the principle of the harmonized sales tax, and, b) wording change to City of Kitchener from C.A.C. Mr. Ron Schirm confirmed that it would be possible for the Committee to make a presentation nd with regards to the H.S.T. report and letter at the February 22 meeting. Mr. Tim Kenyon will make a five minute presentation dedicating a significant portion of the presentation on the goals and current projects of the Committee. Recommendation : That the Committee introduce itself at the upcoming Council Meeting on nd February 22 and speak to the DTS report regarding the H.S.T. Motioned by: Mr. Bart Forwell CYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2010 - - CITY OF KITCHENER 4 SUB-COMMITTEES 5. Mr. Michael Arges requested that this item be placed on the agenda. He felt that having two or three people volunteering as a sub-committee on a project would be beneficial in that committee members would know who is taking ownership for that particular project and the sub-committee would bring back information to the Cycling Advisory Committee. This would also ensure more than one person is helping to get the job done. This was acknowledged as an excellent idea and a good opportunity to commence with the Commuter Challenge. SIGN PILOT PROJECT 6. Mr. Ron Schirm informed the committee that he is investigating the possibility of a L.E.A.F. grant to deflect some of the costs for this project. The cost is expected to be in the range of $2,000 to $4,000 for the way finding signs. The signs for this project are to offer direction to a destination that a cyclist might not normally take. Mr. Bart Forwell asked the committee to specify a route to be chosen for this project so it can be looked at by the C.M.P. team in the spring and be in place this summer. Mr. Tim Kenyon suggested Victoria Park to the Fairview Park mall as the pilot project, in particular, the end of the Iron Horse Trail to the destination point. Discussion took place and the decision was unanimous for the Victoria Park to Fairview Park mall sign pilot project. ACTION: Committee members to look at how they would travel this route and consider the most direct, comfortable and safe route to take and bring their perspective to the March meeting for discussion. ACTION: Mr. Ron Schirm to bring examples of signs to the March meeting. MEETING REFRESHMENTS 7. Mr. Ron Schirm mentioned that with the impending closure of the City of Kitchener cafeteria, refreshments will still be provided but purchased differently and asked the committee for any special requests. ADJOURNMENT 8. On motion of Tim Kenyon and seconded by Mr. Duncan Class, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Ronald Schirm Committee Administrator