Napoleon Area City Schools

Transcription

1 Napoleon Area City Schools SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN DECEMBER 2013 OHIO SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN

2 Table of Contents Section 1: Our School... 3 Section 2: Our SRTS Vision... 6 Section 3: Current Student Travel... 7 Section 4: Key Issues Impacting Safe Walking and Bicycling to School Section 5: Recommended SRTS Countermeasures Section 6: Public Input Section 7: Final Plan Pledge of Support List of Appendices Appendix A: Student Radius Map Appendix B: Countermeasures Map Appendix C: Public Meeting Materials 2

3 SECTION 1: OUR SCHOOL Napoleon Safe Routes to School Program The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is a federally funded program designed to inspire local action to initiate safe, convenient, and fun opportunities for children to bicycle and walk to and from schools. The program has been designed to reverse the decline in children walking and bicycling to schools, and to help address the alarming nationwide trend toward childhood obesity and inactivity. A SRTS Team representing diverse sectors of the Napoleon Area City School District has met regularly during 2013 to develop a SRTS Travel Plan for the Napoleon Area City School District. Designed as a forward action plan- and encouraged by the Ohio Department of Transportationit is the goal of the SRTS Team to begin implementing the plan before the opening of the new unified school complex in In March of 2012, Napoleon voters approved a 5.8 mil property tax levy for the $46MM project to remodel the high school, add a junior high onto the high school, and construct a new elementary school. The district is partnering with the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) to accomplish the three building projects. The SRTS Team used the five E s : Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Encouragement and Evaluation to identify how current conditions could be improved to make it safer and more conducive for children to walk and bike to school. Engineering refers to infrastructure projects that improve the pedestrian and bicycle environment within two miles of the school complex. The other E s refer to non-infrastructure programs that are designed to influence behavior and produce a safer and more productive school pedestrian mobility environment. 1A. Identify Target Schools: School District School Name School Address Grades served Napoleon Area City Schools Napoleon Elementary School 725 Westmoreland Avenue (next to Middle / High School campus) Napoleon, Ohio Napoleon Area City Schools Napoleon Middle School 701 Briarheath Drive Napoleon, Ohio Average Daily Student Enrollment Napoleon Elementary School Napoleon Elementary School Students Black, non- Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Asian or Pacific Islander Hispanic Multi- Racial White, non- Hispanic Economically Disadvantaged Limited English Proficient Pre K Students with Disabilities Migrant

4 Average Daily Student Enrollment Napoleon Middle School Napoleon Middle School Students Black, non- Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Asian or Pacific Islander Hispanic Multi- Racial White, non- Hispanic Economically Disadvantaged Limited English Proficient Students with Disabilities Migrant NOTE: Beginning in the 2015/2016 school year the school district will consolidate all elementary schools (grades K-6) into one new elementary school adjacent to a new middle school (attached to the current high school) on the campus where the high school is currently located. The aforementioned enrollment information for the elementary school is a combination of Napoleon s three existing elementary schools (CD Brillhart, Central, and West). It is anticipated that the school demographics will not change when the consolidation occurs. If so, this portion of the School Travel Plan will be updated once new data becomes available. 1B. Community Stakeholders and the Safe Routes to School Team: School Representatives: Name address 5 E Role: Dr. Steve Fogo, Superintendent steve.fogo@napoleonareaschools.org Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Evaluation Mike Bostelman, mike.bostelman@napoleonareaschools.org Education, Evaluation Treasurer Community Representatives: Name address 5 E Role: Julie Reese julierees73@gmail.com Education, Encouragement Amy Dietrich amy.dietrich@napoleonareaschools.org Education, Encouragement Local Government Representatives: Name address 5 E Role: Chad Lulfs, PE, PS, Director of clulfs@napoleonohio.com Engineering, Evaluation Public Works Jon Bisher, City Manager jbisher@napoleonohio.com Enforcement, Evaluation Education Representative: Name address 5 E Role: Wendy Nashu, Principal wendy.nashu@napoleonareaschools.org Education, Encouragement Adam Niese, Teacher adam.niese@napoleonareaschools.org Education, Encouragement 4 Health Representatives: Name address 5 E Role: Anne Goon, County Health Commissioner agoon@henrycohd.org Education, Encouragement, Evaluation Bethany Wachter, Health Dept bwachter@henrycohd.org Education, Encouragement

5 Public Safety Representatives: Name address 5 E Role: Chief Robert Wietzel rweitzel@napoleonohio.com Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Evaluation Doug Palmer, doug.palmer@napoleonareaschools.org Encouragement, Evaluation Transportation Manager Other: Name address 5 E Role Glenn Grisdale, AICP, GISP glenn.grisdale@reveille.me Evaluation, Engineering 1C. The lead contact for the STP and SRTS Team is: Name: Chad Lulfs, PE, PS, Director of Public Works Affiliation: City of Napoleon Phone Number: (419) address: clulfs@napoleonohio.com Mailing address: 255 West Riverview Avenue, Napoleon, OH

6 SECTION 2: OUR SRTS VISION Our SRTS Vision: The mission of the Napoleon Area City School District is to help all students Lead, Learn and Live in the pursuit of excellence. The Safe Routes to School program is a part of this excellence - health and safety. By making this City-wide commitment to work collaboratively, the City of Napoleon, Henry County Health Department, Napoleon Area City School District, and SRTS Team wants to create a thriving pedestrian mobility culture that: Provides active transportation routes to the unified Napoleon Area City School District Campus. Nurtures a community of pedestrians, especially within the K-8 target audience, who will use the sidewalks to reach the campus classrooms, playgrounds and walking areas. Allows for the addition of pedestrian safety infrastructure to ensure a safe and active pedestrian experience. Instills walking and biking as a primary means of transportation to school, especially in light of the change in policy to no longer bus students that live within.75 miles of the campus. 6

7 SECTION 3: CURRENT STUDENT TRAVEL 3A. How many students live within walking and bicycling distance of school? Distance From School Number of Students % of Student Body Within 1/4 mile of school % Within 1/2 mile of school % Within 1 mile of school % Within 2 miles of school % The Safe Routes to School program defines a reasonable distance to walk to school as one (1) mile and bike to school as two (2) miles or closer. To better determine the potential amount of students walking and bicycling to school, the table above lists the amount of students living within specified distances from the school. This information is approximated from the enrollment data provided by the school district as visualized on the Safe Routes to School Radius Map, provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation. A copy of the map is provided in Appendix A. 7

8 3B. How many students are currently walking and bicycling to school? What are the primary walking and bicycling routes? Information for this section is not yet available because the new elementary and middle schools are not yet constructed and operational. This data will be collected when these facilities are operational and used to adjust policies and programs identified in this School Travel Plan. The new middle school is being constructed adjacent to the existing high school located on Briarheath Avenue and the new Pre-K / 6 th grade elementary school will be sited directly west on property located on Westmoreland Avenue. It is anticipated that the STRS targeted audience (K-8) will utilize many of the same walking / bicycling routes as students that attend the high school, especially when these routes are properly accentuated with the infrastructure to promote safe pedestrian mobility. Number of students (morning trips) Number of students (afternoon trips) Primary walking/bicycling routes Walk Bike School bus Family Vehicle Carpool Public Transit Other N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A From the north: Glenwood Avenue to Clairmont Avenue. From the south: Glenwood Avenue to Kenilworth / Westchester Avenues; Bales Road to Briarheath Avenue From the east: Proposed bike path from Clairmont Avenue to Westmoreland Avenue. Westmont/Westchester/Kenilworth Avenues to a path in the middle of the campus of middle/high school property to the elementary school; and, Bales Road. From the west: Jahns Road/County Road P (Bales Road) to Westmoreland Avenue 8

9 3C. Are there any school or district policies that impact students walking or bicycling to school? School District Bus Policies Policy: The Napoleon Area School District will provide transportation services to students at all grade levels living outside.75 miles of the Napoleon Area City School s Campus. Parents of students living within the.75 mile radius may request to meet with the Transportation Supervisor and Superintendent to appeal the denial of transportation services. How it affects student travel modes: The policy will force many students, who now ride a bus, to walk or ride a bike. Consequently, it is critical that a School Travel Plan is developed and these children travel in a safe environment with appropriate sidewalks and bike paths. The district will also need to foster a greater participation rate in students walking or riding a bike to school to reduce potential congestion and vehicle traffic traveling to and from campus. School Travel Policies Policy: Safe and appropriate pathways will be designated for students to walk and bike to the campus with the collaboration from the Napoleon Police Department and Napoleon City Engineering department. How it affects student travel modes: The travel policy will allow students to have safe, monitored routes to school. Many of these students have used the district s transportation system previously, and educating them and their parents as to the appropriate pathway to school will be critical. 9

10 3D. School Arrival and Dismissal Process. Do school buses and parent vehicles use the same driveway for arrival and dismissal? Yes, all vehicles use the same driveway. No, there are separate driveways for family vehicles and school buses. Do all students use the same entrance to the school building in the morning? Yes, all students enter the building at the same location. No, students can use different entrances. Describe how students enter the building: Students walking or biking to school will enter through the front entrance and with the bused students. All other vehicle traffic, including students being dropped off by their parents, will occur at the rear main entrance. This policy will add an additional layer of pedestrian safety. Are all students released at the same time during dismissal? Yes, all students are released at the same time. No, we use a staggered release process (walkers are released first, bus riders second, etc.). Describe how dismissal is staggered at your school: Students being bused will be dismissed before students waking or being picked up. This will allow the school district to maximize its staffing resources to ensure the proper staff monitoring of crosswalks and the promotion of pedestrian mobility safety. Staggered release times will also help to reduce the level of vehicle traffic mobile students will face. Is school staff involved in either arrival or dismissal? Yes, we have school staff help students enter and exit the campus safely. No, school staff is not involved in either arrival or dismissal. Describe how school staff are involved in school arrival and dismissal: School district personnel will be involved heavily in the safe entrance and departure of students. They will be responsible for supervising crosswalks, students boarding/deboarding buses, and students safely getting in and departing from a parent s car. Are there any adult crossing guards located along student walking routes? Yes, we have at least one adult crossing guard that helps students on their walking routes. No, we do not have any adult crossing guards serving our school. List the locations for each adult crossing guard: Adult (staff) crossing guards will be used at all street and bike path crossings abutting the elementary school. Are there police officers that help with arrival or dismissal procedures at this school? Yes, we have at least one police officer helping direct traffic around our school. No, we do not have police officers who help direct traffic around the school. If yes, in two sentences or less, explain how many officers help and what role they play in arrival or dismissal: 10

11 Are students involved in any arrival or dismissal process (i.e. student safety patrol)? Yes, we have a student safety patrol. No, we do not have a student safety patrol. If yes, in two sentences or less, describe the role of the student safety patrol at both arrival and dismissal: 3E. Parent Attitudes towards walking and biking. Due to the school not being developed at the time of the development of the school travel plan, parents were not surveyed. It is anticipated that parents of the K-8 grade students will be surveyed as part of ongoing SRTS planning efforts in promoting walking and biking to the school campus. The SRTS team did discuss the potential issues of walking and biking to the new school complex, and these issues were used in helping to develop solutions and countermeasures. These issues are discussed in Section 3F. 3F. Safety Issues and Concerns. Summarize traffic safety issues and concerns that are gathered anecdotally from the team, parents and the community at large. Record your summary in the space below in 100 words or less. The primary safety concerns voiced by those involved in the school travel planning process include: The distance and location of the new school complex within the community may be perceived as being too far; the lack of pedestrian crosswalks; the lack of school crossing guards and safety patrols; the volume of and speed of traffic along Glenwood Avenue and other main routes; and, the students ages (being too young to walk or bicycle to school). Weather and climate issues are other reasons that were mentioned. Relevant traffic crashes. Since the new school complex was not open during the time frame that crash data is available, crashes throughout the City were evaluated. A twomile radius from the school complex site encompasses most of the city. There were no crashes related to children walking to/from school. There were no fatalities involving pedestrians or bicyclists. All three crashes involved non-incapacitating injuries. Crash data reports were recorded for the most recent three (3) years for which data was available ( ). Traffic crash totals were obtained from ODOT s GCAT system and cross-referenced with data recorded by the City of Napoleon s Police Department. The results are summarized below: There were 86 total crashes within the STP study area. The crashes resulted in 19 injuries and 0 fatalities. The number of crashes that involved bicycles was 5. The number of crashes that involved pedestrians was 4. 11

12 Walking and bicycling encouragement activities at the school. Identify and describe activities at your school that support or encourage walking and bicycling. Safety Town Curriculum Activity How it encourages walking or bicycling (1-3 sentences) Incoming kindergarteners can participate in this educational event hosted annually by the City and Police Department in the late spring. It teaches about general safety related to walking, automobiles, buses and strangers. Students learn in health and PE classes about the benefits of physical activity, including walking and biking to schools. 12

13 SECTION 4: KEY ISSUES IMPACTING SAFE WALKING AND BICYCLING TO SCHOOL Issue/Description 1. Issue: Distance The new elementary and middle schools will be located on or adjacent to the high school on one unified campus, and thereby putting an end to neighborhood elementary schools and making distance to the campus a concern. The location of the existing (but soon to be closed) elementary schools and middle school are adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Although this location is approximately.5 mile from West Elementary school, some parents may perceive or believe this distance is further than it actually is. 2. Issue: Safety of crossing streets and intersections There is an overall lack of signed and signalized crosswalks, and lack of crossing guards and safety patrols. The topography and road alignment at Westmoreland Avenue and Bales Road (CR P) may severely restrict pedestrian traffic from the west unless physical improvements are made. Possible pedestrian traffic from the southern neighborhoods could be restricted from the south due to similar road alignment- as well as rail crossing issues- at the intersection at Glenwood Avenue, W. Washington Street, and Bales Road. 3. Issue: Lack of sidewalks and pathways in some areas Most areas in Napoleon have sidewalks, but some sections without sidewalks do exist. Some of these areas are adjacent and/or near the school complex on Bales Road, Westmoreland Avenue, Clairmont Avenue, Briarheath Avenue, and Glenwood Avenue. While some of these holes will fill in as development ensues (all developments must have sidewalks), some gaps along existing routes do exist. 4. Issue: Amount of traffic along certain routes While traffic on many local and residential east-west feeder streets contain light traffic, some arterial streets like Glenwood Avenue and Bales Road (CR P), and Woodlawn and Westmoreland Avenues may have higher traffic volumes, especially during peak hours. Some parents of younger students may feel apprehensive in allowing their children cross these streets, especially in the absence of signed and, possibly monitored, crosswalks. 5. Issue: Past busing policies suppressed pedestrian mobility The school district s recently changed policy of busing all children regardless of distance helped to suppress the walking behavior of children that would have otherwise walked and / or biked to school had the busing policy been different. Many students, along with their parents, do not know proper walking and bicycling behaviors. It is hoped that a new School Travel Plan, implemented properly, will help to change this behavior. 13

14 SECTION 5: RECOMMENDED SRTS COUNTERMEASURES This section discusses issues that impact walking and bicycling to the Napoleon School Complex, and proposes countermeasures to addressing them. The issues identified herein were identified through discussions with the SRTS Team; walk audits and field surveys; evaluation of school district plans, policies, and programs; and community feedback. In order to emphasize the multifaceted approach necessary to address identified issues, countermeasures are categorized based on the 5 Es (education, enforcement, encouragement, engineering, and evaluation). Non-infrastructure countermeasures represent four of the 5 Es (education, enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation). The last of the 5Es, Engineering, is also represented. A calendar is provided to show the month anticipated to implement the non-infrastructure countermeasures planned for the next 12 months. Tables were established and categorized by Non-Infrastructure and Infrastructure and provide details on the approximate cost, priority, and a general timeframe anticipated for the implementation of each task. 14 5A. Non-infrastructure Countermeasure Recommendations EDUCATION COUNTERMEASURES: The table below provides a list of the education strategies the SRTS Team plans to implement in the next 12 months: Issue Distance Perception Healthy Lifestyles Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety. EDUCATION Countermeasure Target households within one mile of the school complex and inform them of the new programs and infrastructure that will provide for safe walking to school. Work with the City of Napoleon Parks and Recreation Department and County Health Department to promote the benefits of healthy choices. Bike Rodeo Safety Town BMX Riders School Assembly Show ODOT s Every Move You Make, Keep it Safe video. Incorporate SRTS Curriculum with health and fitness into PE and health class curricula. The medium and long term strategies undertaken beyond 12 months are: 1. Continue to incorporate pedestrian and bicycle education activities into the curriculum.

15 2. Continue to promote the safety and bike rodeo programs. 3. Continue to monitor students and parents for the effectiveness of programs and pedestrian mobility infrastructure (crosswalks, sidewalks, etc.). ENCOURAGEMENT COUNTERMEASURES: The table below provides a list of the encouragement strategies the team plans to implement in the next 12 months: ENCOURAGEMENT Issue Countermeasure Bicycle and Walking Encouragement Develop a Frequent Bicycle/Walker Rewards Program and /or a mileage club to encourage competition. The school district currently has a program that rewards students for distance walked in PE Classes. This program could be modified to account for distance accumulated from walking and bicycling to school. Walking School Bus Walk to School Day Create and Deploy Safety Patrols Develop travel teams (by neighborhood) to encourage walking in groups. Addressing Distance Perception Issues and Promoting Safety Walking School Bus Park and Walk Remote Drop-off Provide students with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags so parents know their children have arrived at school. These can also be used for other encouragement activities like mileage clubs. (Visit for more information.) The medium and long term strategies undertaken beyond 12 months are: 1. Continue to incorporate pedestrian and bicycle encouragement activities in school and community programs (frequent walker and bicyclist rewards program, bicycle club, walking club, etc.). Engage parents frequently. 2. Team with local businesses to establish a program that provides incentives in way of coupons and other prizes to children that walk and bike to school. 3. Continue to invest in new programs and infrastructure that give parents and children the courage to believe that walking is safe, expeditious, and fun. 15

16 ENFORCEMENT COUNTERMEASURES: The table below provides a list of the enforcement strategies the team plans to implement in the next 12 months: ENFORCEMENT Issue Creating a safe environment for students to bike and walk to school Countermeasure Place speed trailers in school zones Target enforcement-speeding in school zones Increase pedestrian yield and school zone signage Utilize Safety Patrols The medium and long term strategies undertaken beyond 12 months are: 1. Pursue the feasibility of deploying safety patrols at key intersections and crossings. 2. Continue to work with parents through meetings and the PTO to implement the School Travel Plan. 3. Monitor and adjust enforcement strategies. EVALUATION COUNTERMEASURES: The table below provides a list of the evaluation strategies the team plans to implement in the next 12 months: Issue School Travel Plan Sustainability and Effectiveness EVALUATION Countermeasure Utilize parent and student surveys to track the effectiveness of mobility and infrastructure programs Conduct walking audits to ensure safety Take walking counts during the spring and fall of each school year Conduct an annual SRTS Team meeting to address current issues and trends. The medium and long term strategies undertaken beyond 12 months are: 1. Evaluate and update the School Travel Plan, as needed, to ensure the current issues and trends are mitigated by the most effective and timely strategies. 2. Continue to conduct parent surveys and develop methods to promote greater involvement of parents. 3. Continue to monitor the placement, timing and efficacy of the various tools employed to promote safe, expeditious and enjoyable pedestrian mobility to school. 16

17 5A. Non-Infrastructure Activity Calendar. This calendar shows the anticipated schedule for the planning and implementation of the recommended non-infrastructure activities in the next 12 months. The Henry County Health Department will provide support to help encourage healthy lifestyles and with the activities noted below. The District recently completed a Community Health Improvement Plan that builds upon Healthy People 2020, The Community Guide to Preventive Health Services, and the National Prevention Strategy. The Plan outlines the steps taken to select obesity as our focus, as well as the action steps and strategies identified for implementation, like biking and walking. Non-Infrastructure Countermeasure Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Every Move Your Make, Keep it Safe PLAN Lead: Doug Palmer, Encouragement IMPLEMENT Walk to School Month PLAN Lead: Anne Goon, Education IMPLEMENT Conduct student travel tallies and PLAN Parent Surveys Lead: Doug Palmer, Encouragement IMPLEMENT BMX Rider s Assembly PLAN Lead: Amy Dietrich, Encouragement IMPLEMENT Bike Rodeo PLAN Lead: Adam Niese, Encouragement IMPLEMENT School Travel Teams PLAN Lead: Doug Palmer, Encouragement IMPLEMENT Walking School Bus PLAN Lead: Doug Palmer, Encouragement IMPLEMENT Bicycle and Walkers Rewards PLAN Program Lead: Julie Reese, Encouragement IMPLEMENT Park and Walk PLAN Lead: Doug Palmer, Encouragement IMPLEMENT Safety Town PLAN Lead: Chief Wietzel, Education IMPLEMENT Speed Trailers PLAN Lead: Chief Wietzel, Enforcement IMPLEMENT Target Enforcement PLAN Lead: Chief Wietzel, Enforcement IMPLEMENT Safety Patrols / Crossing Guards PLAN Lead: Dr. Steve Fogo, Enforcement IMPLEMENT

18 5B. Infrastructure Countermeasure Recommendations The team has identified engineering strategies that are appropriate and feasible. The table below summarizes this information and provides a preliminary cost estimate. Each strategy is classified by timeframe, priority and estimated cost: Timeframes indicate the time it will take to implement the strategy (Short Term: 0-3 years, Medium Term: 4-7 years or Long Term: 8+ years). The priority of the project was determined through public input, and classified as High, Medium or Low Priority. The estimated cost of the project include design fees, and is classified as high, medium or low cost (Low Cost: $20,000 or below, Medium Cost: $20,000 to $150,000 and High Cost: $150,000 or above). A map of the recommended infrastructure countermeasures is provided in Appendix B. Map ID A B C Location Issue Countermeasure Timeframe Priority Intersection of Glenwood and Woodlawn Avenue Glenwood Avenue (west side), from Woodlawn, north across US 24 to northern city limits Intersection of Glenwood and Clairmont Avenue Lack of pedestrian accommodations: Cyclical traffic volumes may make it difficult for students to cross safely. Lack of pedestrian accommodations: Lack of sidewalks and pedestrian linkages. Lack of pedestrian accommodations: Standard crosswalk area is outdated. Upgrade existing crosswalk and install a Rapid Flashing Beacon; install Stop Here for Pedestrians in Crosswalk signage across Glenwood Avenue. Install approximately 2400 linear feet of sidewalks to US 24 Overpass. Realign and restripe bridge to create a pedestrian lane on west side of bridge. Install approximately 1200 linear feet of sidewalk to the city limits. Upgrade existing crosswalk and install a Rapid Flashing Beacon and install Stop Here for Pedestrians in Crosswalk signage across Glenwood Avenue. Jurisdiction Responsible Short Term High City of Napoleon Short or Medium Term High City of Napoleon Short Term High City of Napoleon Low Estimated Cost Medium Low Possible Funding Source Napoleon CIP ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon CIP CDBG (for sidewalks) ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon CIP ODOT SRTS funds Status 18 D Intersection of Glenwood and Kenilworth Avenue Lack of pedestrian accommodations Install crosswalk and a Rapid Flashing Beacon; install Stop Here for Pedestrians in Crosswalk signage across Glenwood Avenue. Short Term High City of Napoleon Low Napoleon CIP ODOT SRTS funds

19 Map ID Location Issue Countermeasure Timeframe Priority Jurisdiction Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Source Status 19 E F G H I J Juncture of Glenwood Avenue, W. Washington, and Bales Road Glenwood Avenue (east side), from W. Main to W. Washington Street Intersection of Bales Road and Briarheath Avenue West side of Briarheath Avenue, from Bales Road north to existing sidewalks Briarheath Avenue, at Kenilworth Avenue North side of Clairmont Avenue, from Briarheath Avenue, west to Westmoreland Avenue Lack of pedestrian accommodations: Cyclical traffic volume, a rail crossing, and an awkward road alignment, as exists, are not pedestrian friendly and could make it difficult for students to cross safely. Lack of sidewalks and pedestrian linkages. Lack of pedestrian accommodations. Lack of sidewalks and pedestrian linkages. Lack of pedestrian accommodations. There is no path provided for students to walk that is separate from vehicles. Install N-S crosswalk at W.Washington. Appropriate pedestrian crossing signage and lighting should be added for this crossing. Pursue the installation of rail crossing gates and/or lights in coordination with railroad officials. Install approximately 140 linear feet of sidewalk on the east side of Glenwood to connect the sidewalks between W. Main and W. Washington. Install E-W crosswalk across Briarheath Avenue Appropriate pedestrian signage should be added. Install approximately 600 linear feet of sidewalk on the west side of Briarheath to connect to existing sidewalks on school campus. Install crosswalk and a Rapid Flashing Beacon; install Stop Here for Pedestrians in Crosswalk signage across Briarheath Avenue. Install approximately 1325 linear feet of 5 wide sidewalk on the north side of Clairmont Avenue on school property. Short Term High City of Napoleon Short Term High City of Napoleon Short Term High City of Napoleon Short Term High Napoleon Area City Schools Short Term High Napoleon Area City Schools City of Napoleon Short Term High Napoleon Area City Schools Low Low Low Medium Low Medium Napoleon CIP CDBG (for sidewalks) ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon CIP CDBG (for sidewalks) ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon CIP ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon School District Funds ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon School District Funds ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon CIP Napoleon School District Funds ODOT SRTS funds

20 Map ID Location Issue Countermeasure Timeframe Priority Jurisdiction Responsible Estimated Cost Possible Funding Source Status K Intersection at Clairmont and Westmoreland Avenue Lack of pedestrian accommodations. Install crosswalk and a Rapid Flashing Beacon; install Stop Here for Pedestrians in Crosswalk signage across Westmoreland Avenue. Short Term High Napoleon Area City Schools City of Napoleon Low Napoleon School District Funds ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon CIP L M N Intersection at future campus sidewalk and Westmoreland Avenue Napoleon School Campus (From Briarheath to Westmoreland Avenue) Intersection at Woodlawn and Clairmont Avenue 0 Former West Elementary School Lack of pedestrian accommodations. Lack of pedestrian accommodations. Existing crosswalks are in need of updating to encourage and promote walking among the SRTS target audience. A remote drop-off location may be needed to help reduce vehicular school traffic and to promote additional pedestrian mobility tools. Install crosswalk and a Rapid Flashing Beacon; install Stop Here for Pedestrians in Crosswalk signage across Westmoreland Avenue. Install approximately 600 or more linear feet of sidewalk across the middle of campus (connecting existing sidewalks) that allows pedestrian traffic to connect to the Napoleon Middle and Elementary School. Existing crosswalks could be upgraded to include new signage, stripe, and lighting. Analyze the intersection for a flashing beacon, and install Stop Here for Pedestrians in Crosswalk signage. Pursue the feasibility of using West Elementary School as a remote dropoff location. The school will be vacated in Short Term High Napoleon Area City Schools City of Napoleon Short Term High Napoleon Area City Schools Short Term High City of Napoleon Medium or Long Term Low to Medium Napoleon Area City Schools City of Napoleon Low Low Low Low Napoleon School District Funds ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon CIP Napoleon School District Funds Napoleon CIP ODOT SRTS funds Napoleon School District Funds Napoleon General Revenues 20

21 SECTION 6: PUBLIC INPUT The School Travel Plan was developed by an eight month planning process in which members of the school district were able to participate and comment. Key feedback from this outreach is outlined below and materials highlighting the public outreach are included in Appendix C. Public Input Process: SRTS meetings Dates: February 1, 2013; June 25, 2013;October 4, 2013 Audience: Parents, teachers, school district staff, SRTS members, City of Napoleon officials, and other interested parties Key Input Received: Several meetings were held with staff from the school district, City of Napoleon and Henry County Health Department. Items and tasks discussed during the meetings included: Selection of the SRTS Committee. Overview of SRTS and the STP. Provided opportunity for comments and suggestions. Gathered Information for potential Non-Infrastructure and Infrastructure Countermeasures. Discussed planned arrival and dismissal procedures. Conducted a walk audit of the school campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Reviewed steps of the SRTS Process. Public Input Process: Presented at publically-announced SRTS meeting Date: December 11, 2013 Target Audience: Parents, teachers, school district staff, SRTS Team, City of Napoleon officials, and other interested parties Key Input Received: The draft School Travel Plan was presented to the SRTS Team and public. After an overview of the program and summary of the recommended countermeasures, the public had an opportunity to comment on the Plan. Comments made during the meeting included: A representative from Napoleon Triathlon indicated that the organization would help to assist in implementing the school travel plan. A Rivera Heights resident inquired about any countermeasures that could be embraced to provide linkages from her neighborhood to the school site. A new sidewalk will be placed on the site of the new elementary school on the west side of Westmoreland. Clairmont Avenue is currently owned by the school but will be donated to the City of Napoleon in the future. Wayfinding and additional signage should be used to inform students and parents of designated school travel routes. No left hand turns will be allowed in the elementary school

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23 APPENDIX A: STUDENT RADIUS MAP 23

24 Napoleon Schools - Napoleon Area City - Henry Co HALEY AVE (CR-501) SR-108 k T-R RD T-14B RD C-R RD (CR-0) SR-108 C-13A RD (CR-13) T-R3 RD T-Q1 RD T-P1 RD T-16 RD US-6 T-15A RD tu 24 C-15 RD (CR-15) C-15 RD (CR-15) k C-14B RD (CR-14) GLENWOOD AVE (CR-14) US-6 SCOTT ST 108 WOODLAWN AVE (CR-500) tu 6 OAKWOOD AVE (CR-13) E CLINTON ST (CR-500) INDEPENDENCE DR (CR-1027) 110 T-P3 RD MAUMEE AVE SR-110 APPIAN AVE (CR-11) C-P RD (CR-0) US RIVERVIEW AVE W MAUMEE AVE (CR-0) T-O2 RD C-803 RD (CR-803 ) C-Z RD (CR-0) C-14 RD (CR-14) C-O RD (CR-0) T-16B RD T-N4 RD k School Students Roads by Type Interstate Route US Route State Route Freeway Ramp County Roads Township Roads Radius (Miles) City Boundary County Boundary State Boundary Date: 8/12/2013 Total Enrollment = 1789 q Feet ,500 3,000 4, Minutes to Walk

25 APPENDIX B: COUNTERMEASURES MAP 24

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27 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC MEETING MATERIALS 25

28 Napoleon Area City School District SRTS Public Meeting December 11, 2013 Agenda 1. Introductions 2. What is Safe Routes to School? 3. Developing the School Travel Plan 4. Overview of the School Travel Plan 5. Meeting Participant Comments 6. Next Steps, Adjourn the Meeting Open comment period until Friday, December 20, 2013 Send comments to: Glenn Grisdale, AICP, GISP, Reveille

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30 2 Monday, December 9, 2013 Northwest Signal, Napoleon, Ohio Local (fax) Obituaries Berneda M. Nofziger Dec. 6, 2013 Berneda May Nofziger, 95, of Archbold passed away Dec. 6. Survived by sons, Larry (Sally) Nofziger, Lynn (Maggie) Nofziger; daughters, Elaine (David) Schnitkey, Nedra (Richard) Fredrick, Helen (Ron) Leu; 14 grandchildren; 20 greatgrandchildren; three greatgreat-grandchildren; sister, Pauline (Paul) Short; brother, Ronald Sonny (Shirley) Wyse. Preceded by sister, Helen (Wyse) Kauffman; grandson, Bradley Nofziger; son, Lonnie Nofziger; husband, Dale A. Nofziger. Visitation 1-8 p.m. today, services 11 a.m. Tuesday, both at Zion Mennonite Church. om. Sadie V. Stuckey Dec. 7, 2013 Sadie V. Stuckey, 92, of Archbold passed away Dec. 7, Survived by children, Jane Stuckey, Terry Stuckey, Randy Stuckey; grandchildren, Matthew (Ashley) Stuckey, Leah Stuckey; cousins, Maxine Bowman, Donald Heishman, Roy Heishman; half-siblings, Irvin Heishman, Rhoda Martin, Carol Parker. Preceded by her husband, Orville Shorty ; brother, Rosco Heishman; half-brother, James Heishman. Memorial services Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Lockport Mennonite Church, visitation 3-8 p.m. Tuesday at Fairlawn Chapel. om. Deborah A. Lewallen March 27, 1962 Deborah A. Lewallen, 51, of Liberty Center passed away peacefully at St. Luke s Hospital in Toledo, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Port Clinton March 27, 1962, to Kenneth Pearson Sr. and Carol Andre. Visitation Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., services 10 a.m. Thursday, both at Barnes Funeral Chapel, Delta. Online condolences may be made at Jean Blasingim Dec. 6, 2013 Jean Blasingim, 59, of New Bavaria, Ohio, died Friday, Dec. 6 at Brookview Nursing Home, Defiance. Funeral arrangements are pending at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon, Ohio. Northwest Signal obituary policies The Northwest Signal observes a paid obituary policy for any listing over 75 words. Obituary costs are calculated based on word count. This does not include the deceased s name and dateline appearing at the top of each obituary. Obituaries will run exactly as they are sent to the newspaper. For more information, contact Aaron Auzins at or obits@northwestsignal.net. Filling Homes facilitates Christmas Cheer Christmas Cheer, Henry County s annual food drive for those in need during the holiday season, will set up its sorting and distribution center in Filling Homes Therapy Center gymnasium this week. Filling Homes was called in to fill the void, when LeRoy Helberg, Christmas Cheer Chairperson, was informed that they would not be able to use the facility that they had in the past. I ve been involved in Christmas Cheer for many years, but this is my ninth year A public meeting has been scheduled to review the draft Safe Routes to School Travel Plan, a joint project between the Napoleon Area School District and the City of Napoleon. The meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the board conference room at Napoleon High School. A Safe Routes to School (SRTS) team representing diverse sectors of the Napoleon Area City School District met over the last several months to develop a school travel plan for the school district and city. The SRTS team used the five Es - engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement and evaluation - to identify of being in charge, said Helberg, Using Filling Homes facility came up in a conversation I had with Kevin Gerken (maintenance for Filling Homes). We serve on several other boards together. Filling Homes is so happy to provide the space and equipment that the Henry County Cheer program will need to sort and distribute donations, said Sarah Jackson, recreation therapist for FH and also the coordinator for the project on Filling Homes end. Being our first year involved with Christmas Cheer, we ve just tried to prepare by alerting our employees of the increased traffic in and out of the facility that week and then getting the equipment that they will need ready, like tables, dumpsters and the forklift. Henry County Christmas Cheer has been helping families in need for the past 31 years. This year has seen an increase in need according to Helberg. We have already received 550 reservations for Christmas baskets, said Helberg, We ve been collecting throughout the county since the first barrels went out to the area schools on Oct. 29 to meet this need. More than 60 volunteers, including 20 students from Napoleon, are expected to show up to help sort the donated food items and toys on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday is a regularly scheduled activity day for people from Hope Services, said Jackson. We are excited to have this opportunity for them to help with the sorting. It could mean more involvement for Filling Homes and our residents and clients in the future. (Information courtesy of Filling Homes.) Public meeting set for Safe Routes to School at Napoleon STRYKER - Audrey Benner from Stryker and Arlene Cole from Liberty Center were introduced as guests at a recent Quadco Rehabilitation Center board meeting. Benner is part of the janitorial program, food service program and does production work. Cole has worked for more than 30 years at QRC and is presently at Northwest Products. Cole told the board members, I like everything about Quadco. When not working on production work, people participate in a number of programmatic activities. Program how current conditions around the school complex could be improved to make it safer and more conducive for children to walk and bike to school. Designed as a forward action plan, it is the goal of the STRS team to begin implementing the plan before the opening of the new unified school complex in In March 2012, Napoleon voters approved a 5.85 mills property tax levy for the $46 million project to remodel the high school, add a junior high onto the high school and construct a new elementary school. An approved School Travel Plan is required for further funding requests from Coordinator Jessica Douglass said there have been groups participating in the art club making some gifts for the holidays and for the benefit. She said a group recently heard Training Specialist Bobbi Schlosser, who leads the art club, tell them about a book she wrote and illustrated about a cat she found near Thanksgiving that she named Pilgrim. She then read the book and showed the crowd the pictures she had drawn. Her husband, Dave, came in for the presentation and everyone got to meet Pilgrim and their dog, Lucy. Program Director Philip Photo courtesy of Filling Homes The Filling Homes Therapy Center will serve as the sorting and distribution center for Henry County Christmas Cheer this year. Pictured are Sarah Jackson, recreation therapist and coordinator of the project for the Filling Homes, and Kevin Gerken, maintenance for the Filling Homes, prepare the facility s therapy center. the Ohio Department of Transportation for programs and infrastructure that improve pedestrian mobility to schools. The Safe Routes to School program is designed to create safe, convenient and fun opportunities for children to bicycle and walk to school. In 1969, nearly 50 percent of students walked or biked to school. Today, that number has dropped to 13 percent, and the rates of childhood obesity and inactivity are overwhelming. Parents consistently cite traffic hazards as the largest barrier to biking or walking. These are environmental issues that can be addressed given the right tools. Quadco board hears from workers HICKSVILLE - The Board of Defiance County Commissioners Thursday reviewed the November update for the county s recorder office. Recorder Cecilia Parsons reported the following instruments were recorded in November: deeds - 157, an increase of 14 from November 2012; mortgages - 162, a decrease of 36 from 2012; releases - 125, a decrease of 98 from 2012; powers of attorney - nine, a decrease of three from 2012; leases - one, an increase of one from In November 2013, there were total receipts of Zuver said the baseball club ended after the World Series, but the football club has started up at Northwest Products and is a popular one there. He said people are weighing in and sharing healthy recipes and lifestyle tips in the Healthy Choice club. He also reported a new group has formed around the popular TV program, Duck Dynasty. The next QRC board meeting will be held Jan. 28, when the administrative board holds its annual organizational meeting. (Information courtesy of Quadco Rehabilitation Center.) Defiance commissioners review recorder s report for November $23,392.75, of which $11,321 went to the housing trust fund and $10, went to the general fund. Compared to November 2012, this is a decrease in total receipts of $5, (Information courtesy of Defiance County commissioners.) Character First! Photo courtesy of John Kuser United Way of Henry County s Character First! program and Napoleon Middle School recently recognized students for displaying the character trait of enthusiasm. Pictured (clockwise from top) are Levi Olvera, Olivia Sherman and Thomas Curtin. Students awarded for showing enthusiasm The United Way of Henry County s Character First! program, in conjunction Napoleon Middle School, recently awarded students with certificates recognizing the good character (enthusiasm) they displayed during the month of September. Seventh grader Levi Olvera was awarded by Ashley Miller, who said, Levi comes to class with a big smile on his face and an enthusiastic attitude. Even when I see him in the hallway, he tells me hello with a huge grin. Levi s excitement is contagious and always brightens my day! Eighth grade student Thomas Curtin was selected by Mallary Weaver because, There is never a dull moment with Thomas. From the moment he walks into the room to the moment he leaves, he displays enthusiasm. Whenever I need a volunteer for some form of a charade, Thomas is the first to volunteer. Sometimes it seems that his excitement and energy take away from his learning, but he never fails to amaze me when he recalls all of the information we learned in class. Thomas always has a smile on his face and he goes out of his way to spread his enthusiasm with others. Heather Villagomez chose eighth grader Olivia Sherman, saying, Olivia is the most enthusiastic student I have had in a long time. She is very outgoing and always has a smile on her face. I have seen her brighten the mood of the most melancholy student time and time again. (Submitted by United Way of Henry County.) Board of health to meet The Henry County Board of Health will hold its regular meeting Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at 1843 Oakwood Ave. in Napoleon. The meeting is for the purpose of conducting regular business. Those needing accommodations to attend this meeting should contact Julie McHugh at