LOUPathways Meeting Summary Wed 09/13/2006

1 Bids for construction of phase 1 (Railway Conversion - McElroy Drive)
  Low Bid from Mike Bennet was accepted Tues 9/12!!!!
  A few weeks for MDOT and Federal? approval and 120  "working" days and we should have a Rail/trail.

2 Summary of TEA Proposal to MDOT for Phase 2
   Tim Akers says no word yet, MDOT has 80 proposals

3  Report on University Meeting with Vice Chancellor Kellum
      University is on board in principal.
      Will invite Ian Banner, Director of Facilities Planning to next meeting

4  Discuss Unified Signage - Sketches from Vivian Neil
      I lost Vivian's beautiful sketches, discussed Maps on Pathway signs.

5 Hwy 314 From city limits to Toby Tuby Creek (4.5 miles) will be transferred to
      city/county control from MDOT. MDOT will add bike lanes with next resurfacing.
      Time frame uncertain, likely years rather than months.

      City Athletic Fields, will be constructed on 314 ~ 3 miles from town
      (just before the hills).  Discussed the possibility of including a BMX course
      or Bike trails

6 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program - Deadline Dec. 1, 2006
  MDOT has $1million/yr for 5 yrs, to promote walking and biking to
school to promote wellness and alleviate traffic and congestion.

Subsequent Activity -
 UM professors Greg Easson (Traffic), Mark Loftin(Childhood Obesity),
Jeff Hallam (Healthy Lifestyles), Matt Zuefle(Parks and Rec) have
signed on to help with the proposal, Patrick Gunnin of the Boys and
Girls Club is also on board.  The Oxford School board will discuss the
proposal at its next meeting Monday Sept 25.


7 MDWFP Recreational Trails Program
      $10-100k  20% match required.  Deadline October 31, 2006.
      2 options were discussed -
              1. a short accessible trail in town, through the wooded area
              adjacent to the railway between the city swimming pool and Jackson Ave.

              2. The BMX course on 314.
Subsequent Activity -
Presented preliminary plans to Oxford Park Commission Board Sep 20.
Contacted Jeff Williams to discuss the athletic complex site layout.
Brad Cannon, Kate Kellum, Kevin Stuart and Matt Zuefle are collaborating.

8 Set agenda for Next Mtg, 10/11/2006 (2nd Wed of Oct).
      Three priorities
      1. Come to a decision on the Rec. Trails proposal.
              Get a group together - Park commission, Oxford Bike Club Trail builders,
              Kevin Stuart (BMX expertise), Jeff Williams (Engineerfor Athletic complex),
              Mike Mossing, Tim Akers
      2. Initiate work on SRTS proposal
              Convene a working group -
               Parents, District Officials, Traffic and Wellness experts from UM
              Hold a public Meeting Present initial plans, accept community input
      3. Plan Opening ceremonies for the Railway Conversion.


There are plenty of  opportunities to get involved.
Please contact me if you are interested. I am especially
interested in ideas concerning "big splash" events/activities to
celebrate the opening of phase 1 pathway next spring.