South Hadley Bike/Walk Committee
southhadleyma.gov/bikewalk
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email: [email protected]
South Hadley Bike/Walk Committee (BWC) Minutes
February 15, 2017
Present: Mariann Millard (Chair), Nancy Bozek, Larry Dubois, Lucia Foley, Marilyn Gass, Margaret Jodoin. Doris Dubois
(meeting observer)
Guest Speaker: Mike Sullivan, South Hadley Town Administrator
The February Bike Walk Committee meeting was called to order by the Chair, Mariann Millard, at 7:05 P.M. Minutes of
the January 4, 2017 BWC meeting were reviewed and approved by a unanimous vote of those present.
Presentation and Discussion by guest speaker, Mike Sullivan:
Master Bike-Ped Report
Mariann Millard, Chair of the BWC welcomed South Hadley Town Administrator, Mike Sullivan, as guest speaker of the
Committee. The initial focus of the conversation was the Master Bike-Ped report which has been received and will be
utilized in future planning sessions. Based on an earlier discussion at the January BWC meeting, Mariann suggested that
there should be a working advisory group established by the Town, which would include the BWC as a member, for the
purpose of reviewing the Bike-Ped Report and determining how the Town should act on the report. Mike was not ready
to approve or reject this suggestion, but he did state that the role of the BWC should be as an advocate, having a seat at
the table by doing things like River Roll and Stroll or Bike Share. He stated that it is very important to have events, since
they drive home to potential developers and grantors, such as River and Range Grant, the importance of rediscovering
South Hadley. Mike went on to clarify his role saying that the job of the Town Administrator is to be the conduit to all
Town Committees taking on opportunities and seeking funding. Again he stressed BWC's job to be an advocate. Larry
Dubois said that he wanted to be sure that an advocacy group would keep the vision alive. Mike stressed that the BWC
was very instrumental in getting the Town to allocate monies and seek grants. He saluted the group for that initiative.
Later in his presentation Mike returned to the role of BWC as advocate offering two specific suggestions of things to be
done. Building on Mariann's earlier suggestion that BWC focus on the future of the Toth Property, Mike readily accepted
her suggestions and included in his comments that the BWC could make recommendations for the Toth Property and
provide narrative and details for the Dale Street connection. Mike stated that it will be important for BWC to make
decisions within the Committee and twice a year to come before the Select Board with recommendations.
Mariann went on to stress that she agreed with Mike's statement that BWC is an advocacy group, but that she sees BWC
also as a group active in sponsoring /holding events and networking activities. These include monthly treks during the
year and River Roll and Stroll, which are a step beyond being just an advocacy group and moves BWC into the additional
realm of facilitator and doer.
Street Improvements
The overarching issues under this topic include connectivity, signage, and bike racks. Signage for bike share streets,
chevrons on roads, and round about locations are a sampling of the tasks to be accomplished. Mike reported that street
and sidewalk projects are being carried out throughout the Town by Jim Reidy and the DPW staff.
The Complete Streets Policy, a State initiative, has resulted in such things as expanding shoulders of the road on Alvord
Street, and considering possible future expansion of extending sidewalks on Ferry Street to meet the River to Range
Project, all instrumental in making South Hadley a more walkable community. Mike also feels that events like the River
Roll and Stroll celebrates the bridge access between South Hadley and Holyoke, as well as the redevelopment potential
of the Falls neighborhood.
Finally, Mike addressed additional bike initiatives: the placement of bike racks, the Portland, OR Yellow Bike Program,
bike racks on the Tiger Trolley and bike safety such as cutting hedges, and placing surveillance cameras.
Town Committees/Commissions Update
Lucia Foley reported on the January 19, 2017 meeting of the Redevelopment Authority Advisory Board. Notes of that
meeting including long range plans for biking and walking paths were distributed to each BWC member.
Trek Sub-committee
A short recap of the January Trek at The Ledges indicated a successful, well-attended event on a perfect day with no
snow. Plans for the February 19, 2017 Trek to view the LeBlanc Conservation Area will also include a short walk of the
adjacent Stone Silo Maple Syrup Farm led by owner Maurice LaFlamme. There are tentative plans for a March Hidden
Gems Trek at Mount Holyoke College.
Marilyn Gass reported on her February meeting with Leslie Hennessey, Director of the Council on Aging, and possible
plans for a BWC collaboration with the Council on Aging for a Senior Trek in September with a focus on the sight
impaired. Marilyn also shared a sampling of the extensive information she has received from the State and private
sources regarding trails for the sight-impaired.
Valley Bike Share Update
Mariann and Mike Sullivan reported briefly on the successful Valley Bike Share (PSA) videotaping. As a result of Mike's
recommendation to the PVPC, Mariann, as Chair of the BWC, was approached to tape this public service announcement
which was successfully completed in January 2017.
Mike also commented on bike rack locations: at the Beach grounds, and at future sites in the Center at the South Hadley
Common area and at Mount Holyoke College in addition to the rack that is in place at the Gaylord Memorial Library.
Marilyn suggested that the bike rack at the Council on Aging Senior Center include some Easy Boarding Bikes by Biria.
Particularly "friendly" for people with hip arthritis, the frame of these bikes is six inches off the ground allowing the rider
to step right in.
River Roll & Stroll Event Update
Plans for the River Roll and Stroll event on May 7, 2017 continue. Various sub-committees are in place. Additional
sponsors are being sought. Mariann reported that 50 volunteers will be needed on the Memorial Bridge during River Roll
& Stroll. This may be an opportunity for church groups and community organizations to help.
Administrative Tasks
Mariann will contact Mike Sullivan to ascertain if the River to Range Grant includes trails and accommodations for the
sight-impaired.
The next meeting of the BWC will be on March 15, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. at the South Hadley Public Library and will focus on
the Toth Property. Larry Dubois will send maps to BWC members of the Toth Property area to help our focus on
connectivity.
Further discussion of the BWC advocacy role will be added to the March agenda.
Larry has proposed that Canal Park be designated as a National Monument site which he will discuss with Mitch Resnick,
chair of the Canal Park Committee, and report to BWC in March. If favorable, Mariann will speak with Mike Sullivan
concerning the FLAP grant, and report on this at the March meeting.
Margaret Jodoin or Lucia Foley will serve as March meeting Secretary.
Other Business
Mariann Millard, Lucia Foley and Marilyn Gass will attend the Pioneer Valley Cycling Advocacy Gathering in Holyoke on
March 2, 2017 at 6 P.M.
BWC 15Feb2017 Minutes
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Discussion of the Town Reminder's request for a monthly BWC column will be deferred to the March meeting of BWC.
The April BWC meeting will include a discussion of the Bike Rack location map.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the meeting, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:45 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Gass
BWC 15Feb2017 Minutes
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