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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-07Clarington Meeting: Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Date: April 7, 2021 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting MINUTES Draft minutes not yet approved by Committee Present: Jim Boate, Bart Hawkins Kreps, Phil Haylock, Connor Houston, Councillor Janice Jones, Connie Kobelka, Belva Lukacsovics, Arnold Mostert, Richard Oldfield, Rick Stockman, Jeanne Winters Regrets: Melissa Claxton-Oldfield Staff Present: Rob Brezina, Kristin Bullied, Laura Knox, Erica Mittag, Slav Potrykus 1. Agenda Moved by Jim Boate seconded by Arnold Mostert. That the agenda be altered to add Federal funding program and Camp 30. Carried 2. Minutes of January 14, 2021 Moved by Bart Hawkins Kreps seconded by Arnold Mostert. That the minutes of the ATSR meeting held on January 14, 2021 be revised to correct grammar errors in section 4.19 and 4.16. Carried 3. New Committee Member Introductions Welcoming four new committee members: Connor Houston, Phil Haylock, Belva Lukacsovics and Connie Kobelka. 1 Clarington Active Transportation Committee Minutes of April 7, 2021 4. Election of Chair Election of Chair moved by Jim Boate seconded by Bart Hawkins Kreps. Rick Stockman was nominated, agreed to stand, and was elected the Chair of the ATSR Committee. Election of Vice Chair moved by Rick Stockman seconded by Jim Boate. Bart Hawkins Kreps was nominated, agreed to stand, and was elected Vice Chair of the ATSR Committee. Carried 5. Discussion Items 5.1. Accessibility Trail Update Erica Mittag, Community Development Coordinator, Diversity and Inclusion, announced the Municipality received $58,760 in funding to install charging stations for mobility devices on trails and in parks. Staff aim to install up to eight accessible charging stations, some where power is readily accessible and others that would be solar -powered. Several locations have been proposed and staff are reaching out to this committee, as well as the Accessibility Advisory Committee, for feedback. Potential locations include: • Tooley's Mill Park, Courtice (powered location) • Courtice Community Complex, Courtice (powered location) • Harry Gay Park, Courtice (powered location) • Courtice Shores, Courtice (solar unit) • Rotary Park, Bowmanville (powered location) • Memorial Park, Bowmanville (powered location) • Soper Creek Park, Bowmanville (solar unit) • Guildwood Park, Bowmanville (powered location) • Port Darlington East Beach Park, Bowmanville (powered location) • Samuel Wilmot Nature Area, Cobbledick Rd entrance, Newcastle (solar unit) • Lakebreeze Drive, Newcastle (solar unit) • Bond Head Parkette, Newcastle (powered location) • Newcastle Public Library, Newcastle (powered location) • Orono Park, Orono (powered location) 2 Clarington Active Transportation Committee Minutes of April 7, 2021 Committee members raised the following questions/considerations: • Locations should be accessible by mobility device. Tooley Mills Park has accessible parking spaces, but is not accessible by sidewalk. • For charging station locations on a trail, consider including an information board beside the station so trail users know how far/where they can go. • When sourcing solar powered units, it's important to know how much of a charge they can store and how long it takes for the solar battery to recharge so someone using a mobility devise isn't stuck and/or waiting too long if the unit's battery isn't fully charged. • The location of solar powered units should not be too remote. If the unit's battery isn't charged, someone using a mobility devise should be able to return to their vehicle without too much difficulty. • The charging stations should be able to charge a variety of devices. • Consider including lighting at the charging stations. • Question raised about the cost of each station. Erica stated the cost varies depending on the need e.g., powered, solar, existing bench, etc. Additional questions/comments from the Committee can be sent to Erica by April 14. 5.2. Trail Project Updates Construction has begun Farewell Creek Trail Phase 2A and is expected to be complete by the end of August. Staff recently provided a report to Council for Phase 2B route options, Report PWD-017-21, where Council supported route 2C which is a flat route that follows along the north side of the creek and will be constructed later this year. The Bowmanville Creek Valley Trail will be extended from Baseline Rd, under HWY 401 and the CNR line to the Water Front Trail (WFT). A pedestrian signal will be installed to cross Baseline Rd. Construction should be complete by the end of the year. This project is tied into the Bowmanville Ave bridge reconstruction project, just south of the 401. The bridge will not be closed during construction. The map on the WFT website indicates the construction. A three meter wide trail will be constructed connecting Rhonda Blvd to Bowmanville Ave. This trail will connect to a future multi -use path (MUP) on Bowmanville Ave. The Soper Creek Trail will extend to Haines Street. 3 Clarington Active Transportation Committee Minutes of April 7, 2021 A MUP will be constructed on HWY2 from Bowmanville Ave to Roenigk Dr. Another MUP may be constructed on Bloor St from Townline Rd to Prestonvale Rd. In -road cycling lanes will be constructed on Nash Rd from Hancock Rd to Solina Rd. Darlington Blvd. improvements will include active transportation infrastructure, likely a MUP. Clarington staff have reviewed and provided comments on the Draft Regional Cycling Plan. Committee member indicated that Whitby recently released their Active Transportation Master Plan. Committee member mentioned the WFT at Port of Newcastle was closed Fall 2020 for work related to the Water Treatment Plant and is still closed. 5.3. Durham Active Transportation Group — Update Durham Active Transportation hosted a meeting of the local transportation groups to discuss common challenges and opportunities to improve connectivity across the Region. The Region wants to move forward with the Cycling Plan by the end of the summer. 5.4. Information Tent/Kiosk — Waterfront Trail Committee member suggested the Committee set up the ATSR tent for a couple hours on the WFT where we can give out information and promotional materials. Can also potentially partner with other cycling clubs. If/when we move forward with this event, the Committee would first have to get approval from Financial Services to ensure insurance coverage. Tourism can also assist with promotional material and online presence. Committee member suggested the Committee work with Tourism to create an online cycling challenge for residents to participate in. 5.5. Goal Setting Committee member suggested that the ATSR Committee concentrate on a few key items/goals. Committee members to consider the following options and discuss at next meeting: Clarington Draft Active Transportation Master Plan A systematic review of areas of the plan via email and/or a meeting to discuss. 11 Clarington Active Transportation Committee Minutes of April 7, 2021 Bike Friendly Communities Committee can consider submitting an application to Share the Road/Bike Friendly Communities. Applications can be submitted in one of four categories: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Evaluation & Planning. If the Committee does not want to submit an application, it is still beneficial to review the information. E-bike Policy Oshawa has a wealth of information, but did not reach a conclusion. MTO has criteria regarding ebikes. After some discussion, committee members thought this might not be an ideal goal to focus on. 5.6. Maintenance The Committee was happy with winter maintenance on trails and would like to see this continue. Members also received similar feedback from the community. Moved by Jeanne Winters and seconded by Jim Boate That the Municipality permanently undertake winter maintenance and consider expanding the program to trails located throughout Clarington to allow residents to take advantage of the trail network year-round. Carried 5.7. Trail Maintenance Detours Committee member would like to ensure the Municipality does what it can to provide a marked detour route when a trail is closed for maintenance, construction, flooding, etc. Consider procedure for detours. Especially important for cyclists who are not familiar with the trail network. If there is no safe detour route, it would be helpful to put up a sign indicating a `trail closure ahead'. Some Committee members expressed they can, and should, assist staff in helping find the best detours as they are familiar with the routes. Staff indicated the Municipality signs detours, however detour routes can be challenging depending on location. Some areas of trail are not well linked to safe road alternates, e.g., the WFT traverses industrial areas, Clarington is bisected by HWY 401, and there are no arterial roads south of HWY 401. The Active Transportation Master Plan will assist in identifying alternate routes. Staff would welcome input on alternate routes from Committee members. Staff also communicate with the WTF Trust so closures are posted on their website. 61 Clarington Active Transportation Committee Minutes of April 7, 2021 Clarington Tourism can assist with trail signage. Staff are aware of grant opportunities for permanent signage e.g., directional, welcome to Clarington, way -finding, etc. Clarington has information signs at the eastern and western gateways of the WFT and it would be beneficial to upgrade these signs. Suggested we reach out to Ontario by Bike to refresh the signage by June. Tourism will follow-up with Ontario by Bike as well as the way -finding grant to get more details. Consider consistent signage throughout the Region. This is an option for the Region/Municipalities to approach collectively as long as the trail traverses the Region. Would be beneficial to have signs along the WFT indicating routes into various downtown areas. Could be a partnership between this Committee and the BIAs. Jim Boate and Bart Hawkins Kreps volunteered to form a sub -committee to coordinate with Tourism regarding signage. The sub -committee will report back to the next ATSR Committee meeting. The signage for the WFT connection to the Greenbelt trail will be delivered to Public Works soon and the committee recommended they be installed before the summer season. 6. Other Business 6.1. Updated Terms of Reference The Terms of Reference (TOR) have been updated as discussed in the previous meeting and outlined in a report to Council. Council approved the revisions and the final TOR is attached for the Committee's review/reference. 6.2. Funding Program Federal Government announced a $400M five-year funding program for active transportation infrastructure. A Committee member has contacted the Planning Department and Councillor Jones will follow-up. 6.3. Camp 30 Committee member raised concerns about hazards at Camp 30. The Municipality is aware of some concerns and has notified the land owner. 0 Clarington Active Transportation Committee Minutes of April 7, 2021 7. Next Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday July 8, 2021 at 7:00pm via Microsoft Teams. 8. Adjournment Moved by Bart Hawkins Kreps seconded by Jim Boate. That the meeting adjourn at 10:08 PM Carried 7 Clarbgtoa If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext 2131 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Terms of Reference A. Background Through various surveys and consultations with the public, Clarington residents have indicated a need to increase the number of recreational trails and cycling facilities in the municipality. The Strategic Plan for 2015 - 2018 includes as its fourth strategic priority the statement "Enable safe, efficient traffic flow and active transportation". An advisory committee comprised of Clarington residents, staff and a Council liaison will provide advice on Active Transportation and Safe Roads issues. B. Mandate of Committee The Clarington Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee ("the committee") will advise Council on matters related to active transportation, trails, cycling networks, pedestrian connectivity and transportation safety. The committee will also provide input into the implementation of The Clarington Transportation Master Plan and encourage, promote and participate in the planning of active transportation policies, programs and facilities. C. Scope of Activities of Committee Serve as a liaison between the community and the Municipality on matters pertaining to active transportation and safe roads; 2. Provide input into the implementation of active transportation components of the Transportation Master Plan and to take action to influence the progress, as necessary; 3. Advise staff in the development of transportation plans, policies, and programs to promote and encourage safety for all road and trail users; 4. Advise on the development, delivery and maintenance of active transportation policies, programs and facilities; 5. Educate residents and businesses regarding the environmental, social, economic and health benefits of active transportation; As of February 2021 Page 1 of 7 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Terms — Terms of Reference 6. Encourage citizens to use forms of active transportation through public outreach, education programs and events (e.g. monthly walks, etc.); 7. Educate the public on the benefits, necessities and safety aspects of active transportation and Safe Roads; 8. Support active transportation as an economic driver; 9. Collaborate with adjacent municipalities and the Region of Durham to support and coordinate active transportation initiatives; 10. Promote and enhance continuous and integrated cycling and leisure trails (i.e. trails, sidewalks, bicycle lanes) within Clarington and with its neighbouring municipalities; 11. Encourage legislation and policy changes that support and strengthen active transportation; 12. Provide an increased understanding of active transportation and Safe Roads issues and concerns within Clarington; 13. Advise on new or improved transportation initiatives for all road users including pedestrians and cyclists; and 14. Assist in monitoring the effectiveness of all transportation and safety initiatives. D. Membership and Representation The committee shall be comprised of a minimum of eight voting members to a maximum of ten voting members who must be Clarington residents, and one voting member of Council, with quorum being five members. Appointments will run concurrent with the term of Council or until their successors are appointed. Clarington's appointee on the Durham Active Transportation Committee be appointed to the Clarington Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee as a voting member in addition to the resident appointees and the Member of Council. Appointments may be revoked at any time at the discretion of Council. The citizen appointments should represent a broad diversity of the community including, cyclists, hikers, runners, seniors, etc. Given the complexity of the potential concerns and solutions, stakeholder groups could attend meetings as needed to provide expertise related to a specific topic, or provide additional information regarding a topic of discussion. As of February 2021 Page 2 of 7 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Terms — Terms of Reference E. Staff Resources The Public Works Department shall provide clerical, administrative and technical assistance to the Committee, as deemed appropriate by the Department Head, to ensure the proper functioning of the Committee. Specifically, Staff will provide the following resources to the Committee: • preparing and forwarding meeting materials to members; • preparation of summary meeting minutes and Committee correspondence (including assistance in drafting); • professional advice on matters within the mandate of the Committee; and • assist the Committee in participating in events and activities related to its mandate. Generally, Committee members are selected to be able to carry out the mandate of the Committee. Staff resources are provided only to assist the Committee in undertaking its mandate. Additional requests of resource staff, such as original research or organization of events shall be at the discretion of the Director of Public Works and within staff, time and budget constraints. Public Works will be the lead department as most of the issues will relate to the responsibilities of Public Works. Representatives from the Public Works Department, and Planning and Development Services shall serve as staff liaisons to the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee. Staff from other departments and/or members of agencies that are not on the committee may attend meetings to provide expertise, as required. The committee may form sub -committees as necessary to investigate or report on specific issues and then report back to the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee. The members of the sub -committees would schedule their meeting(s) as needed, at a time and location that is convenient for all members. F. Committee Chair and Vice Chair The Chair shall be elected by a majority of committee members for a two-year term at the first meeting of every second calendar year. The Chair's role is to provide guidance and leadership to the committee in the completion of its mandate and conduct of meetings. The Chair shall set the agenda for each meeting in consultation with the staff liaison. The Vice -Chair shall be elected by a majority of committee members for a two-year term at the first meeting of every second calendar year. The Vice -Chair acts in the Chair's absence and assumes the role and responsibilities of the Chair. If the position of Chair becomes vacant, the Vice -Chair shall assume the responsibilities of the Chair until a new Chair can be elected. As of February 2021 Page 3 of 7 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Terms — Terms of Reference If the position of Vice -chair becomes vacant, the Chair may appoint a member of the committee as Interim Vice -chair until a new Vice -chair can be elected. Elections, when required, shall be held at the next meeting of the Committee. If the Chair and Vice Chair is not present, members will select an acting Chair to serve in the same capacity for the duration of the meeting. Members of Council and municipal staff sitting on the committee shall not be eligible to serve as Chair or Vice Chair. G. Councillors A member of Council shall be appointed to the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee to fulfill the responsibility of acting as the liaison between Council and the Committee; respond to Committee members' questions; interpret Council's direction to the Committee; and to provide updates on Council activities to the Committee. H. Responsibilities and Obligations of Members All Committee members shall abide by the Terms of Reference for the committee as approved by Council. The Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee members shall contribute time, knowledge skill and expertise to the fulfillment of the Committee's mandate; research issues relevant to their Committee's mandate as required; work with staff to implement Council's decisions relevant to the Committee's mandate and commit to attending regular meetings during the year. The Chair or a spokesperson appointed by the Committee may speak on behalf of the Committee to Council or the public. Other members shall not act or speak on behalf of the Committee without prior approval of the Committee. The Committee or its members shall not issue petitions, resolutions or position papers on behalf of the Committee, unless specifically authorized by Council resolution. The Committee and its members shall also not act outside of the mandate and advisory capacity of the Committee. Should the Committee wish to comment on an issue that is within the mandate of another Council committee, the Chair shall consult with the responsible liaisons and the Chair of the other committee. The Chair may eject any Committee member from a meeting if, in the opinion of the Chair, that person is being disruptive or disrespectful. The Committee shall also have the right to censure members that, in the Committee's opinion, are misrepresenting the Committee and may request Council to remove that person from the Committee. As of February 2021 Page 4 of 7 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Terms — Terms of Reference Members unable to attend a Committee meeting shall notify the staff liaison at least 24 hours in advance. Members unable to attend a meeting cannot send an alternate. The Chair shall advise the Municipal Clerk in writing of any member who is absent from the meeting for three successive meetings without being authorized to do so by a resolution of the Committee and may request that the member be removed from the Committee. Members who wish to resign shall notify the Chair in writing of their decision who, in turn shall notify the Municipal Clerk in writing of the resignation. Council shall appoint new members to the Committee to fill any vacancies as required. I. Decision Making and Voting Where possible, decisions will be made by way of consensus. When a vote is necessary, a motion must be moved and seconded prior to voting. A resolution is deemed to be carried if the majority of members present vote in the affirmative. Recorded votes shall not be permitted. The committee shall not reconsider a previous motion, unless directed by Council. J. Quorum As noted above in Section D, the Committee requires five voting members to meet quorum. Recommendations and decisions reached by the committee shall be based on consensus, wherever possible. In the event that a consensus cannot be reached and there are divergent opinions on an issue, the Chair may call for a formal vote by a show of hands. Decisions shall be carried by a simple majority of the voting members present. Each member of the Committee has a vote. A member of the Board is permitted to participate electronically in a meeting and may be counted in determining whether, or not, a quorum of members is present at any point in time. All, or some, members may participate electronically in meetings. Meetings can be held in person when Public Health restrictions permit; and For clarity, a Member of the Board may also participate electronically in a meeting that is closed to the public, if the meeting is properly held in closed session ( i.e. the deliberations are permitted to be conducted in closed session, moving from open session to closed session, and then rising and reporting, and maintaining minutes of both the closed and open portions of the meeting). K. Conflict of Interest Members of the Committee must abide by the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. As of February 2021 Page 5 of 7 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Terms — Terms of Reference L. Public Participation All Committee meetings are open to the public. Members of the public are not permitted to participate in Committee discussions but may appear as a delegation before the Committee. Delegations shall be for a maximum of 10 minutes. Those wishing to appear as a delegation at a Committee meeting must so advise the staff liaison a minimum of five working days before the meeting. The Chair may eject any member of the public from a meeting if, in the opinion of the Chair, that person is being disruptive or disrespectful. M. Reporting and Communications The Committee is to serve as an advisory body to Council. The committee does not have any delegated authority. Recommendations requiring implementation, expenditures, reports or staff actions must be first considered by staff and/or Council. Reports regarding matters related to the mandate of the committee will be made to the General Government Committee. The draft minutes of all Committee meetings shall be reviewed by the staff liaison and forwarded by memorandum to the Municipal Clerk for inclusion on the next Council Agenda and, at the discretion of the Department Head may be posted on the Municipal website. The minutes of Committee meetings shall generally not attribute comments to a specific member of the Committee. N. Meetings The Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee shall establish the regular meeting time and location at the first meeting of each term. It is expected that the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee will meet quarterly. Sub -committees may be formed with meetings scheduled as necessary. As of February 2021 Page 6 of 7 Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee Terms — Terms of Reference O. Budget The Public Works Department shall be responsible for the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee budget and will present a draft budget for review by the committee on an annual basis, prior to submission to Council for approval. The citizen members of the Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee are strictly voluntary and remuneration would not be provided. P. Term of Committee The term of the Committee shall coincide with the term of Council or as otherwise indicated in the specific Terms of Reference for the Committee. In general, a Committee shall not meet between the time of the municipal Council elections and the appointment of a new Committee by Council, unless considered necessary by the relevant liaison. As of February 2021 Page 7 of 7