After the camera issue was resolved, Chairman Felipe Arballo called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. https://t.co/1T6QMVC9Pi

A moment of silence was held to remember Vice Chair Melanie Ruvalcaba, who passed away from cancer. “It’s not the same without her, we will always remember her,” said Chairman Arballo.

The Committee approved the meeting agenda and meeting minutes from November 30, 2022.

Mr. Gonzalez presented an update regarding the Blackstone/McKinley Grade Separation project. The last update was provided during summer 2022.

“There will be 2 travel lanes in the underpass. There will be bike lanes on either side but will be separated from the sidewalks.” https://t.co/ARPrmSCma8

Committee member Sean Zweifler said “This is already not safe for pedestrians.”

Mr. González said “It is if they follow the rules.”

Jill Gormley w/ the City of Fresno said this project is part of the Southern Blackstone Avenue Smart Mobility Strategy.

Committee member Sweifler said “As the City continues on the progress, to keep in mind that housing projects that will be built at the corners of the i intersection.”

The City representative said “This is a work in progress.”

Committee member Laura Gromis asked “What is the timeline for this project?”

The project will start in 2025 and be done by 2028. “Utilities will need to be relocated temporarily and after the project is completed. We also need to acquire right of way.”

Committee member Matthew Woodward provided an update on the Event Planning Task Force. https://t.co/6ij8CmexOu

Chairman Arballo said “May is Bike Month. We will start the process in March. People have until 3/31 to submit nominations. We will vote on the awardees in April and recognize them in May.”

Committee member Woodward brought up the Disability Advisory Committee. “A committee in Arkansas had a ADA advocate on their committee. We could all benefit in doing so.”

Chairman Arballo said “We have 3 vacancies on our committee. We can invite them to become members.”

Committee member Zweifler brought up a proposal on a resolution for responsible vehicle use. “Larger vehicles are more likely to hit pedestrians. As a City, we can’t control what vehicles are on our streets. But I was thinking the City can limit their purchase of large vehicles.”

Committee member Woodward asked if this is in regards to when a police vehicle ran & killed a pedestrian. Committee member Zweifler said this got him thinking about this resolution.

Committee member Bradley said “This city is really dark. It’s a lot easier to hit pedestrians.”

Chairman Arballo said “You can write a letter of support to your council member and those who want to sign it can sign it. This can be on behalf of BPAC as opposed to submitting a resolution.”

Committee member Zweifler said “We are transitioning into electric vehicles. They might be potentially heavier, are silent. I would like to be on top of this before those purchases start.”

Chairman Arballo said “I talked to the Mayor about naming a part of the Midland Trail in honor of Melanie Ruvalcaba. I will keep you updated.”

Committee member Zweifler said “I am committed. I want to see BPAC succeed. To be honest, I don’t know what the Vice president does. I do bike every day and am a pedestrian.”

Committee member Bradley said “I am retired and work part time for my business but I am available. I want to be more involved with BPAC on day to day. This is big shoes to fill in.”

Chairman Arballo said “I have been the chair for the last 3 years, I started right when the pandemic started. There is work I still want to do. But I also understand that change happens. And I don’t know anyone else that would do a good job than Laura.”

Committee member Gromis said “I grew up on my bike. I got involved 6 years ago. I helped work on our charter. I would like to be chair so we can accelerate making this city safer. I have 2 little kids & I would like them to ride their bicycles safely. I am able to run meetings.”

Roll call vote:

Secretary:
- Gabriel Lozano, 6-0

Vice Chair:
- Sean Zweifler: 4-2
- Steve Bradley: 2-4

Chair:
- Felipe Arballo: 3-3
- Laura Gromis: 3-3

Chairman Arballo said “To be fair to both of us, I will get clarification from the city attorney for the next meeting.”

A motion was made to continue the vote for the Chair of the BPAC Committee for the next meeting in February.

Jill Gormley said “We don’t have results for vision zero. We are working on a lot of grants right now. We have a new grant writer, she started in December.”

It was reported that the city is looking into purchasing a bus (looks like a trolley) that will run between Fresno State to downtown. This is a result of preventing young people from drinking and driving.

A Police Department Enforcement and Collision Report was shared. https://t.co/Qe7InOCi7A

The BPAC Workplan was shared:

https://fresno.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=11593079&GUID=5FD5EEC0-ED5F-48D0-97AF-8AF36B92C30C

Jill Gormley said “We will have the topic of pedestrian safety a standing agenda item. The Mayor asked BPAC on ideas on how to improve safety around the schools in the city.”

Suggestions: add speed bumps, red lights, PD motor bikes, parents to drop off kids 15 minutes sooner, educating the public on how to stay safe

Jill brought up the new policy regarding virtual meetings.
• Members need to be present at all meetings, with exceptions such as sickness, out of town for duties related to the group.
• Quorum will need to be met in person.

This is an evolving policy.

With no further discussion, Chair Arballo adjourned the @CityofFresno Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting at 8 p.m.

For more public meeting coverage from the @fresnoland Documenters, visit: https://fresnoland.org