Non-motorized Transportation Committee Meeting
April 9, 2003
Members Attending: Ann Bennett (At-Large), Bruce Wright (Hunter Mill District), Donald Emerson (Providence District), Walter Brodtman (WABA), Jenny Pate (FCPA), Wade Smith (Dranesville District), Kevin Brugman (Mt. Vernon District), and Evelyn Tomazewski (Braddock District).
Staff Attending: Sheng-Jieh Leu (DPZ), Chris Wells (DOT), Mimi Murray (DOT)
Call To Order: Chairman Bennett called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
March Minutes: Adopted with modifications.
Staff Reports
Sheng-Jieh Lieu distributed tax maps for each District. He invited committee members to use these maps for identifying missing segments on the 16 priority trails previously selected by the committee.
Sheng-Jieh Leu passed around information on the Star Spangled Banner Historical Trail to be developed by the National Park Service.
Chris Wells introduced Mimi Murray who will be assisting him on county trails matters.
Chris Wells and Mimi Murray reported on the Council of Governments' Bike and Pedestrian Subcommittee meeting. COG's 1997 map of existing bike routes is to be updated later this year. Members were asked to review the map and provide updates at the May meeting, including both "official" and "unofficial" bike routes. Copies of the 1997 map and instructions will be distributed to all members.
Chris Wells reported on the Route 1 Richmond Highway Public Transportation Development Program that is identifying strategies to improve bus ridership and pedestrian safety. Related materials were distributed. Pedestrian efforts are oriented to making bus stops more accessible. The total program is estimated to cost $45 million, of which $10 million is in hand. Chris asked Kevin Brugman and Bob Michie to assist in identifying priority trail/sidewalk segments in the Route 1 corridor.
In response to a question from Ann Bennett, Chris Wells reported that the Board matter on the Pedestrian Task Force is likely to go to the Board in May.
Budget
Ann Bennett delivered our letter to Chairman Hanley, who was pleased to see the information we provided on the status of the sidewalk construction projects. It was suggested that members speak with their Supervisors about our request for $2 million in FY 2004.
Chair's Report
- Ann Bennett asked members to get their reports on the status of priority trail segments to Sheng-Jieh Leu as soon as possible. Chairman Bennett promised Chairman Hanley that we would submit our priority trail list to the Board this summer.
- Ann Bennett reported that she had discussed our letter on clearing snow from sidewalks with Chairman Hanley. Item 2 of the letter (Fairfax County should change the current policy of removing snow at County-owned facilities) may be possible.
- Ann Bennett reported that she had attended a Transportation Advisory Commission meeting and had briefed the TAC on our activities.
- Ann Bennett inquired about the County Fair. At the May meeting we will determine the members who are interested in staffing a booth.
Old Business
None
New Business
- Kevin Brugman announced that a ground-breaking ceremony had been held for Mason Neck Trail.
- Jenny Pate announced a Laurel Hill trail workshop on April 24, preceded by an April 17 walking tour. Interested committee members were invited to participate in either or both.
- Kevin Brugman announced that VDOT will hold a public meeting on its Route 1 corridor study on April 29.
- Jenny reported that Trails Day is June 7.
- Wade Smith reported on the HJR 276 Committee. VDOT has money to survey missing segments in Tysons Corner, and is seeking matching funds for the $800,000 already in hand.
- Wade Smith also reported on Governor's initiative for quick fix projects. Several trails projects within the county were submitted.
Adjournment at 8:56 PM.
Minutes taken by Don Emerson
