HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-14 MinutesCity of Fayetteville
Sidewalk and Trails Task Force
Minutes
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
City Administration Building, Room 326
Members Present: Bob Davis, Cynthia Kalke, Laura Kelly, Sam LaFoy, Scott Mashburn,
Sumendm Singh, Craig Mauritson
Public/Staff. Ginny Apperson, Terry Gulley, Steve Hatfield,.Chuck Rutherford, Charlie
Motasch ..
Meeting called to order by Bob Davis.
Sam LaFoy made a motion to approve the February 2004 meeting minutes'::.'Laura Kelly
gave a second and the motion passed
A new member, Surendra Singh, was. introduced to t6i Sidewalk and Trails Task Force.
He has been appointed by the City Council. He is Professor of Physics at the University
of Arkansas and has lived in Fayetteville.for approximately YS. years.
Steve Hatfield distributed some recent photos illusuathigthe progress on current trail
projects
The West Mud CreekTrail is
followed by the actual asphat
the soil dries out, base will be applied
structures arecompleted. The
The Senior Center Traillii locatcaut the new Community Senior Center at Walker Park.
This trailluops around the!Senim Center and also ties into Walker Park near the Skate
Park locati6 ;,, This trail will;provide a link between 150 Street and 70 Street. The
constntction'i§`steadily progressing on this project.
Steve gave an update:on Walker Trail, which is located within Walker Park. This trail
runs from 150 Stteet;,Just east of Highway 71B, along the creek and up to70 Street, tying
into College Avenue near the north parking lot in Walker Park. Construction on this trail
is well underway, with most of the trail already to sub -grade or within several inches.
The remaining process will involve compaction, base application, followed by the
asphalt. The construction on this trail has been steady and will continue to progress
quickly.
The Lake Fayetteville Bridge project is scheduled for bid opening near the end of this
month.
Sidewalk wad Trails Task Fame Meeting Miv Page 2
The Center Prairie Trail bid is complete and the award went to Sweetser Construction.
They have been given a notice to proceed with a date of May 3, 2004. Mayor Coody has
suggested having a ground betaking ceremony for the Center Prairie Trail. The
ceremony is tentatively scheduled for May 5, 2004 at 4:00 pm.
Steve Hatfield reminded the Task Force that National Trail Day is on June 5". He asked
members for input or ideas for the recognition of this day. An idea was proposed of
having some trail grand openings on this day. They may choose to schedule multiple
openings consecutively over the few weeks prior to National Trail Day. The Task Force
was unanimously in favor of this idea Committee members also favored the idea of
generating public awareness and publicity for the new trails. Details for this event will be
worked out in the near future.
A suggestion was made for signage identifying trail projects while they are under
construction. This would inform the public as to whattype of consthiction is taking place
and advise them of future trails that will be available for use.
Laura Kelly raised a question of whether or not we are applying for any funding through
the Trails for Life grant program, which utilizes fundsmade available to the Arkansas
Department of Health through the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act.
Laura Kelly gave an update on the Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks. They want to
promote education for cyclists on safety and the rifles of the road. They will be hosting a
\Safety Rodeo on Sunday May 16, 2004 for children ages 3 = 12 years.
1 Terry Gulley gave anLpdate on sidewalk construction. The Transportation Division has
constructed 3,500
feet of new sidewalk so far this. year. Woolsey Avenue should be
completed by the end of next week. Upon completion ofthe Woolsey project, they will
begin working onClebum Street and Vaiitieventer Avenue. The Transportation Division
will be holding a Neighborhood Meeting tomorrow evening for residents on E. Prospect
Street add Willow Avenue, They�}gill be discussing the sidewalk that will soon be
installed at:that location. The project came about as a result of water and sewer repairs,
which wilfalso include drainage work, new curb and gutter, and paving. Following E.
Prospect Street -and Willow.4venue, a project will begin on 6t° Street near Walgreens
which will include:draina to work and sidewalk construction.
Sam LaFoy raised questions regarding whether or not crosswalks would be installed as
part of the work done near Wilson Park. Terry Gulley explained that we will evaluate the
area and consider crosswalks, but we will have to take many elements into consideration
when making that decision due to the complexity of traffic issues that arise when
crosswalks are installed
Scott Mashburn asked for an update on the possibility of using OMI lands for trails and
recreational use. Steve Hatfield reported that the issue is still being researched.
Meeting adjourned.