Novemebr 18 Meeting

Monument Community Partnership

TRANSPORTATION ACTION TEAM

Meeting Minutes

Date: November 18, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94520
Facilitator: Mary Lou Laubscher

WELCOME: ROLL CALL: Eric Anaya, Stan Hansen, Dave Pitman, Mary Lou Laubscher, Wes Laubscher, Luz Palomera - Sierra, Catalina Wright,

Announcements
* Our Park Trail Grant from State Park Funding was not approved, however the trail in a reduced form will still be built. Jeff Rogers, City engineer will resubmit the park grant proposal and to different funders.
* Keller House will be closed for holidays December 24th through January 4th, 2011.
* MCP Posada Celebration - December 18, 6:30 p.m., Frisbie Ct. Concord.
* Great safety improvements being completed on both Monument Blvd. and Clayton Rd.
* Kingdom Riders Motorcycle Group are interested in volunteering with MCP.
* Concord Police Department Traffic Bureau has been recognized for its traffic safety program by the California Office of Traffic Safety. It is one of 10 in the State so honored.
* The Iron Horse Corridor Commission Hearing on MCP "Buldge Garden" Project will be held February 2, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. at the Community Room at Brookview Park, 2100 Monument Blvd.
* The Housing Element Report of Concord's General Plan was approved by on the Council on November 16th. It includes progressive transportation elements.

Report from Ray Kuzbari, Concord Transportation Manager

Status Update on Phase 1 and 2 Trail Projects from Monument Blvd. to Market Street
* Anticipate starting design on both projects by January 2011 which will probably take 3 to 6 months to complete.
* Construction on both projects is anticipated to occur in 2012.

Monument Blvd. Corridor Streetscape Urban Design Study and Design Guidelines
* A traffic analysis is currently underway by a consultant to address the issues that came up during the July 2009 City Council study session.
* Not sure how soon the analysis will be completed, Staff doing all we can given our limited staffing resources.

Ray is interested in MCP plans for a replacement vehicle and will talk with Bryan Balch, our Executive Director.

Dave Pitman Report

Dave requests each member of TAT send an E-Mail to Senator Barbara Boxer urging her to lead the way in making roads safe for all users (Complete Streets).

Pedestrian facilities during the hour around sunset can as much as quadruple from normal rates during the weeks after Daylight savings time in the fall.

It's high time for a "complete streets" policy that ensures safe road access for everyone - including pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, and others. Congress can make complete streets part of the new federal transportation bill, which would be a huge step towards making our roads safe all year!

The group empowered Dave to write a letter to Barbara Boxer in our name regarding timely legislation for Complete Streets.

Group Discussion on Encouraging more bike riding

Do a local survey on bike riding, bike trails, bike routes.
Evaluate routes for safety.
See if there is an interest in establishing a local bike shop
See if there is interest in a regular bike repair day for kids in area
Hold a bicycle forum
Explore Lesher Grant feasibility

Discussion on SCUFI, Sustainable Commercial Urban Farm Incubator: SCUFI offers training for Concord residents in planning and operating an urban farm. It will bring healthy food choices to the community and support other related businesses. Monument residents would eat healthier because of the fresh produce produced nearby. Sign Ups for the SCUFI training which starts in January are encouraged. Call the Chavez Center.

The SCUFI BART Project:
Preliminary design has begun on two sites suitable for SCUFI projects, the 7 acre BART site between San Miguel Road and Monument Blvd. The SCUFI project at the BART site has passed BART Design Review and is ready for a meeting with the City Planners.

The Bulge Community Garden Project:
The 1.8 acre site called "The Bulge" is located at the end of Mayette Ave. near the Walnut Creek Channel on land owned by Contra Costa County. The Bulge parcel, which has an opportunity for a community garden, is included in the Counties Iron Horse Trail Improvement project. Our committee members are currently researching utility easements and other information, for the Bulge project, in preparation for a Februay 2nd. presentation to the Iron Horse Corridor Management Program Advisory Committee (IHCMPAC).

MEETING FEEDBACK:
Positive
* Dave's presentation on Complete Streets and letter to Sen. Boxer
* Eric representing bikers
* Good discussions

Could Be Improved
* More attendees
* Kingdom Riders representative needed

NEXT AGENDA:
* Evaluate TAT efforts in 2010
* Plan goals for 2011
* Monument Trail updates from Ray Kuzbari, City Transportation Manager
* Update on community funding opportunities for the Monument Trail Project.
* Invite Kathy to give update on the progress of SCUFI projects at the Bulge and on the BART site.
* MTC Public Participation Plan, How will the community become involved?

* NEXT MEETING

January 20, 2011, at the Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord, CA





Transportation Action Team Vision Statement: By the year 2015 The Monument Transportation Action Team will have planned and implemented a "local" transportation system that will serve all residents of the Monument area who need it. It will be affordable, sustainable, safe, coordinated, environmentally sound, and get riders and walkers where they need to go in a reasonable time