2014 Annual Meeting Minutes

Transcription

1 2014 Annual Meeting Minutes February 21, 2015 Attending: Fran Sandwith, Pat Malberg, Don Malberg, John Kirrene, Ron Kolbe, Heidi Kolbe, Charles Houtz, Sara Schrichte, Fritz Schrichte, Gus Schrichte, Henry Schrichte, Jim Christol, Sue Busby, Chris Parker, Lorna Knoblauch, Jim & Kim Dobrinski, Alex Medveczky, Greta Foster, James Foster, Norm Saylor. I. Call to order Fran Sandwith, President called to order the annual meeting of the Donner Summit Area Association at 4:40 P.M. on February 21, 2015 at Royal Gorge s Summit Station. Ms. Sandwith introduced the Board members present and the Administrator. II Board Election Ron Kolbe, Vice President conducted the Board election. John Kirrene made a motion to nominate the entire slate, Fran Sandwith seconded. The motion carried unanimously with 22 votes. By a show of hands, the membership elected the entire slate of returning Board members: Jeanne Appelbaum, Tom Appelbaum, Charles Houtz, Patricia Malberg and Jim Wiggins were elected to a two-year term III Annual Report Fran Sandwith, President and other Board members gave updates on the work of DSAA s committees in 2014 and their plans for Ms. Sandwith encouraged members to get involved with the committees or consider serving on the Board. IV. Community Planning Session Pat Malberg, Past President gave an overview of the planning process and what we ve done so far. In addition to the planning sessions conducted by the County, DSAA has conducted two neighborhood walks, given written support for the roads improvement grant application, and remains in close contact with both Nevada and Placer County planning departments and other regional stakeholders. 1

2 Today s small groups yielded a few takeaway points in several categories. DSAA will continue to work with Nevada County to refine these points into language for the Soda Springs Plan. A small team is working now to survey the Area Plan section and the proposed Donner Pass Road improvement area to assess potential repairs and the feasibility of bike lanes, parking and pedestrian amenities. Roads We agree our roads are in need of repair. The prospect of federal funding to improve and modernize Donner Pass Road is an opportunity to provide economic revitalization and increased stability for our businesses and residents. 1. Repairs a) Pedestrian bridge near DSL b) Bridge over S. Yuba at Soda Springs road c) Eroding culvert north side of Old 40 east of Tinker s d) Improper drainage across Old 40 in Norden 2. Maintenance a) Snow removal across white line no berm zone 3. Traffic a) Manage speed b) Manage mixed use c) Enforcement needed, especially on busy days d) Resorts participate in traffic management plans 4. Lincoln Highway/Van Norden Road a) Connects Soda Springs/Norden/ to Tri Lodge area, Sugar Bowl & Donner Ski Ranch, Lake Mary and PCT b) Only viable dog walking space in the zone c) Managed by county? 2

3 d) Resorts restrict access e) Direct vehicle traffic to paved roads, except in emergencies f) Make a multi-use trail and connect to public foot path through town Non-motorized use We understand that visitors and residents want easy access to the commercial area and recreation areas. Non-motorized paths connecting these resources can improve visitor experience, attract real estate investment and limit our carbon footprint. 1. Increase walkability of community core initiatives like the existing traffic management plan and the potential for higher snowplowing standards could have an immediate impact. 2. Non motorized path along the river connecting Donner Summit Lodge, General Store, up to Soda Springs and connecting with Lincoln Highway to Sugar Bowl is universally desired. 3. Crosswalks seem natural at/near DSL, General Store and at the Soda Springs Rd intersection in addition to the improved crossing at Soda Springs ski hill. 4. We are unsure of best practices for separating high speed road cyclists from other non-motorized users 5. Visitors need direction on where to go and how to use the area 6. Connected trail system would have positive economic impact and would support the needs of the Area s resident population. Public Transportation We understand that properly managed public transportation can improve the visitor experience and attract more visitors while supporting the needs of our working residents. In our ideal community, public transportation connects us to our commercial center, existing resorts and lodges and to the greater Tahoe region. 1. TART a) Local resorts participate in bringing a bus several times a day through the winter, which helps employees living at Donner Summit Lodge or in Truckee and beyond, to have transportation to and from work and their daily errands. b) Current ridership doesn t seem to be too high. 3

4 c) An ideal bus route would also serve additional parts of the Summit. d) Living on Donner Summit without a car is extremely isolating. e) Regional public transportation initiatives rarely include Donner Summit. 2. Amtrak a) Encourage any efforts to re-establish the DSL bus stop 3. Greyhound a) Encourage any efforts to re-establish the DSL bus stop 4. Transportation Hub is envisioned at DSL a) Public parking b) Shuttle stop/ TART stop c) Amtrak stop d) Greyhound stop e) 20 mile Museum f) Access to walking trail Public Safety and Traffic Calming We are concerned about pedestrian/bicycle safety and safe routes to school. There is a desire to manage traffic in a way that improves the visitor experience and increases safety and access for residents. We hope to learn more about best practices from County Planners. 1. School Bus stops a) Encourage school bus stops inside the zone as well as at Serene, Norden and Pla Vada. b) Improve and support safety conditions around school bus stops i) Crosswalks/crossing guards ii) No Smoking zones 4

5 iii) Plowed parking iv) Proximity to businesses employing sexual offenders has been a concern 2. Change to Red/Yellow/Green traffic signal at intersection of DPR and Soda Springs Rd. 3. Speed control along Donner Pass Road a) 25 mph across both counties b) Circles, cameras, speed bumps or other permanent structures that are speed deterrents that don t require enforcement c) Lighted speed sign and radar 4. Permanent crosswalks a) At General Store b) At DPR/Soda Springs Road intersection c) At Soda Springs Ski Area d) Connecting any non motorized paths to parking lots, etc. 5. Railroad crossing safety a) Improve vehicle and pedestrian safety at crossing b) Over/underpass c) Integrate railroad crossing safety into existing traffic management plan (on busy days, cars have been stopped on the crossing waiting to exit onto Donner Pass Road) d) What is being shipped on the trains? Do we need to establish emergency plans in the case of a hazardous spill? 6. Safe path to school bus stop 7. Safety concerns at bus stop a) Proximity to Sugar Bowl employee housing/parties 5

6 b) Proximity to freeway and gas station 8. Narrow bridges force pedestrians into the road 9. Improper drainage floods across Donner Pass Road, creating ice patches. Utilities/Infrastructure We are working to understand improvements and needs in our public infrastructure. We understand there are unmet needs for residents and seasonal workers. Improvements in quality and access to public infrastructure is viewed as a having positive economic impact. a) New wastewater plant i) Rates are high (they qualify this area as an underprivileged community, 4.5% of the median household income) ii) how much capacity is left for new development? b) New water treatment for the Soda Springs/Norden area c) Broadband improvements are still needed d) PublicWi-Fi is seen as an economic driver e) Streetlights f) Improved striping on road g) Monument or similar near the freeway h) Public trash and restroom facilities i) Rural Center should have space for Community Center & Park i) Is there a way to combine public and private funds to purchase land for these amenities? 6

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9 V. Adjournment Fran Sandwith, President adjourned the meeting at 6:40 P.M.. 9