TRANSPORTATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE UNAPPROVED
APRIL 17,
2007
REGULAR MEETING SYNOPSIS
Session 07-04, a Regular Meeting of the
Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order at 5:35 p.m. on April 17,
2007 by Chair Marquardt at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located
at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.
PRESENT: COMMITTEE MEMBERS MARQUARDT, ZAK
COUNCILMEMBER: STARK
ABSENT: COMMITTEE MEMBER SMITH (EXCUSED)
STAFF: DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE
ZAK/STARK – MOVED TO APPROVE THE
AGENDA.
There was no discussion.
The Agenda was approved by
Consensus of the Committee.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Discussion followed regarding
subsidizing sidewalks/trail development in new developments for developers.
Commissioner Zak is in favor of discussing and submitting something to the
Council with a motion. It was noted that not many subdivisions are built by
developers. Encouragement from the TAC would be helpful. Comment was made that
installation of sidewalks was costly and variances would be applied for and
granted; that this is an important issue and deserved the full committee’s
attention. There have been proposals regarding various percentages. Chair
Marquardt was of the opinion that there are a few items to be worked out, such
as criteria, costs and funding scenarios. Agreement was reached that this
should be discussed when the full committee is present at the next meeting. It
was recommended that this discussion would be postponed until next month. Chair
Marquardt is quite pleased with the document overall. He does not believe there
is any new information to be added to the document. He is anxious to see a
final draft. Recommendation was offered to make this apply to all public
trails, not just ones built by developers.
Brief review of the prospect of
ADA accessible trails. Might consider the additional cost when regarding the
installation of new trails. There are many factors when trying to determine
which trails are built to ADA Standards. Appreciation was given for all the
work that Planning Technician Engebretsen did to the HART document and ADA
requirements.
ZAK/STARK – MOVED TO POSTPONE
DISCUSSION TO THE MAY MEETING WHEN FULL COMMITTEE IS PRESENT, INCLUDING STAFF.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
There was no discussion.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Discussion ensued regarding
actual funding now has been directed for Trails, there should be more attention
devoted to them and a priority list is necessary. Councilmember Stark commented
that he could get additional funding from the Legislature next week when in
Juneau, and would like to see the Senior Access Trail, connecting the Senior
Center to Pioneer Avenue as the first trail selected. The general agreement was
that there should be more discussion on the Beluga Slough Trail rebuild, widen
and boardwalk, as it was agreed that it would be a very costly project. There
is a question of ownership of this trail and would have to be verified before
placement on the list. A couple of the trails listed have been on an action
list for quite some time. The suggested Fairview to Reber Trail would be a nice
feeder into the upper City limits, however it was a steep trail and would
definitely not work as a ADA trail. It was suggested that Tamara Hagerty, as
the Parks Maintenance Coordinator, would be the most likely choice to oversee
the Trail portion of HART. Chair Marquardt inquired if the Trail Committee was
still functioning and “given its marching orders.” Assurance was given that
they were still active, and consulted by City Council on topics, such as this
one to get their input. Selecting trails for ADA accessibility requires more
scrutiny in selection due to the additional costs required for slope, signage,
etc., during construction.
None.
A. Homer
Comprehensive Plan Update Public Workshop
B. Comprehensive
Plan Consultants Memorandum
A gentleman, who did not
identify himself other than as a citizen, businessman and property owner in
Homer, spoke on the trails, referencing Planning Technician Engebretsen’s
Memorandum. He felt there was a need for additional public input. He would like
to have the committee consider utilities for the trails, especially lights on
specific trails such as the senior trail. He also wanted to offer his
appreciation for the work done on the trails. Asked if there was a priority
list for sidewalks, as he lives in Old Towne and there are no sidewalks so the
children have to walk in the street and there is no shoulder as there are
ditches on each side of the road. He expressed his belief that makes this more
hazardous for the children, pedestrians and motorists. He recommended upgrading
the criteria for roads and sidewalks. He also mentioned Main Street getting the
attention compared to other much more needed roads.
None.
STARK/ZAK-MOVED TO CHANGE
TITLE OF LINE ITEM #12 TO READ COMMENTS OF THE COMMITTEE for future meetings.
Councilmember Stark wanted
to change topic #13 to read Comments of the Committee. He did not feel the
position of Councilmember should be singled out or put ahead of Commissioners.
VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.[1]
Councilmember Stark also
noted that Chair Marquardt’s term was up, and if he had put in a request to the
Mayor for reappointment.
Chair Marquardt apologized
for his absence and promised to be up to speed for the next meeting. He would
like to change the date of the next meeting if required to accommodate the
Commissioners and Councilmember’s schedules. The HART topic is very important
and he would like as much as possible to have every member in attendance,
including staff. Commissioner Zak said he will not be in town on next scheduled
date as shown. Councilmember Stark will have prior commitments for the entire
month of May, but should have exact dates by the first. Deputy City Clerk
Krause will check on the Council Chambers availability. He noted that he would
check with the City Clerk regarding his term.
COMMENTS OF THE
COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Zak would like
to see each section reviewed, and comments, or suggestions from the public and
Commissions put into a 20-30, question format to the Comprehensive Plan consultants.
Then request from the Consultants recommendations, Action Item Plan and/or
strategies to complete, implement and enforce this plan.
ADJOURN
Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I
Approved:
[1] This Motion and Vote are Out of Order and considered Void. Agenda
Guidelines were adopted by City Council by Resolution 06-132. http://clerk.ci.homer.ak.us/resolutions/reso06132.htm