2013-04-13 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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traffic in the road. In addition, Councilmember Leonard questioned how to increase bicycle traffic on the trails. Mr. Barr responded the bicyclists can legally ride on the road, you cannot force them on the trail, and there is a considerable amount of use on the trail other than during main commute hours. Councilmember Clausen suggested directional signage encouraging the use of the trail. Mr. Barr advised staff would look at signage. Councilmember Martin requested signage for S. Broadway, as well, due to the same concern. Mayor Rigby suggested passing an ordinance to require bicyclists to utilize trails when available and commented he believes there are currently enough trails. Councilmember Leonard agreed. Councilmember Martin commented he hears positive comments about the trails being utilized, and he would like the City to move forward. Mayor Rigby commented he is not opposed to moving forward, just not at the present time. Councilmember Moser commented the City should look at the cost. Councilmember Martin agreed. Councilmember Mosteit commented citizens should be kept informed of the status of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System. Mr. Barr advised staff will review priorities; wait until Sens Road is completed, which will connect to Bay Area, adding more bicycle traffic, and may alleviate Councilmember Leonard's concern. City Manager Corby Alexander requested Council advise staff if there are priorities for the Trail System. Councilmember Leonard questioned how to justify the usage of the Trail System. Mr. Barr responded there is more usage of the trail system than sidewalks in the City. Councilmember Kaminski questioned if the trails were cleaned. Mr. Barr responded yes. Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr advised staff would come back with priorities. G. Streets & Utilities Multi -Year Plan — Mayor Rigby (D. Mick) Dave Mick, Public Works Director, discussed a multi -year plan for streets and utilities and recommended an annual Utility Capital Improvement Program of at least $2 million. Councilmember Moser requested Mr. Mick forward to him a list of concrete street repairs for District 4 in addition to requesting staff to substitute Type D asphalt for Chip Seal. Council directed staff to estimate resources available for the next five years for a possible Utility Capital Improvement Program. Mayor Rigby recessed for lunch at 11:33 a.m. Mayor Rigby reconvened the special meeting at 12:12 p.m. Councilmember Leonard left the table during the break and did not return until after the meeting was reconvened. H. Golf Course Fairway Upgrades — Mayor Rigby (T. Leach) Assistant City Manager Traci Leach discussed fairway upgrades at Bay Forest Golf Course. Ms. Leach informed Council that the back nine will be upgraded first. Page 6 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council special Meeting Minutes