Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Bike and Pedestrian Committee met March 12

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chair Schmitz called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Members and attendees did self-introductions. The following BPAC members were present: Alex Garbe, Michael Krass, Mary Carol MacDonald, Carl Schoedel, Max Schmitz and Jennifer Siegele. A quorum was present. The committee welcomed Mr. Krass to his first meeting.

The following BPAC members were absent: Declan Cook, Carrie Homewood, Sam Kraft.

Others present included City of Geneva staff Brian Davids and Matt Buesing, and James Kafer of SPAC.

3. Amendments to the Agenda

No amendments to the agenda were proposed.

4. Approval of Minutes: February 12, 2025

On a motion by Schoedel, second by Garbe the minutes were approved as presented.

Motion passed unanimously.

5. Bike and Pedestrian Committee

a. Reappointment of Members: 2-year reappointment

Moving forward, the committee will follow a staggered re-appointment process where half of the members are appointed each year. In May 2025, the following seats are up for reappointment: Schoedel, Garbe, Marks, Homewood, Cook. Schoedel and Garbe have indicated interest in being reappointed.

The remaining seats will be up for reappointment in May 2026: Schmitz, Siegele, MacDonald, Krass, Kraft.

Potential candidates may have applications on file with the City for SPAC, BPAC or various other committees. Additionally, coordination with the High School is appropriate to seek a student member of the BPAC when Declan Cook moves on for his university engagement.

b. Bike Rodeo 2025: Finalize details for event; Active Transportation Alliance Stipend Application; Park District Special Use Permit Application

The committee discussed plans for a Bike Rodeo to be held on May 4, 2025 from 12 noon to 2 p.m., tentatively at Wheeler Park. Various community groups have expressed interest in participating: Northwestern Medicine (helmet checks), Fire Department (signs), Police Department (officer), Fox Valley Ski & Bike Club, Illinois Prairie Path, School District. We will also seek participation from a bike mechanic.

SPAC is also invited to participate.

Buesing reviewed the Park District permit application with the committee.

The committee also discussed promoting the event through various channels and the need to communicate on change/cancel plans in case of weather or other last-minute changes.

The rodeo is also an opportunity to promote the Bike Bus to Concerts in the Park which will tentatively be July 9 and July 16.

Buesing also discussed an Active Transportation Alliance stipend of $200 which he will pursue on behalf of the City to help defray costs of hosting this event.

c. Bike Friendly Community: General Discussion

Davids gave a quick recap of the feedback received on our Bike Friendly Community application with the League of American Bicyclists. BPAC will plan to begin following up on each of the recommendations. Davids plans to attend the Illinois Bike and Walk Summit on May 7 – 8 in Springfield. He plans to attend sessions on developing a Complete Streets Policy among other things.

d. Communications: “Sharrow” Spring newsletter article; Bike Rodeo Promotion

Davids displayed an infographic describing the application of Sharrows throughout the City. This will be used in communications with the public. This is already posted on the BPAC section of the City website which also includes more detailed links that address frequently asked questions.

e. Activities: Earth Day; Future Activity Planning

Davids reviewed City plans for infrastructure improvements in 2025. Resurfacing will include Lewis Road, Northampton and a portion of Fargo Boulevard. Pavement markings will be applied in the western part of the City, generally south of the railroad tracks. The city will also be lead agency on a large Federal-Aid project for East State Street which was recently bid. This project is anticipated to take three construction seasons to complete with utility relocation (primarily on the south side of the street) to begin in 2025.

BPAC plans to participate again in the Earth Day event on April 19, 2025. Jen Siegele reviewed the requested information from the NRC/Park District.

The Community Resource fair at the library was conducted in March. The schedule of possible future activities include the Earth Day (April), Rodeo (May), Bike to Work / Bike to School Days (May), Swedish Days (June), Concerts in the Park (July), Festival of the Vine (September), Walk & Roll (October).

6. Public Comment

None.

7. New Business

None.

8. Adjournment

The next meeting date is scheduled for April 9, 2025. The committee adjourned by consensus at 7:31 p.m.

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03122025-2500