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The CPC was joined by Dick Upton of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Mr. Upton thanked Ms. Behm, Mr. Sonnichsen, and Ms. Mello for representing the CPC on ODOT's Community Advisory Group. He distributed copies of his presentation. Mr. Upton provided the CPC with the background leading to the replacement of the I -5 Bridge at the Willamette River. He described the project using a large aerial photograph of the affected area. Members asked questions clarifying the details of the project, including its impact on bicycle and pedestrian paths, the noise from construction, the number of piles that would be placed in the river, the demolition of the old bridge, potential changes in hydrology, ODOT's accommodations for boat traffic, ODOT's plans to create restoration plans, and ODOT's plans to control noxious weeds and its use of pesticides. Mr. Sonnichsen discussed the positive experience that the CPC had in working with ODOT. He recalled the motion passed by the CPC supporting the de- industrialization of the non - aesthetic look of the canoe canal under - crossing, which was subsequently supported both by the Community Advisory Group and ODOT. The result would be a two -phase straightening of the bicycle path, relocation of the Prefontaine Trail closer to the new water level of the canoe canal, and much more aesthetic look to the sloped siding leading down to the canoe canal. He understood the experience was precedent- setting for ODOT and he thought the community advisory process was working remarkably well. Mr. Upton invited input on the amount of signage that ODOT planned to install in the area of construc- tion, noting, in response to a question, that the signs would be in place for four years, including during the next Olympic Trials. Mr. Biggs suggested that ODOT install the minimum number of signs necessary, and include a contact number on each one so people could call to suggest additional sign locations. Ms. Morrison asked that the Signage Committee be given time to make a recommendation. Mr. Upton agreed. He noted that the issue needed to be resolved by mid - February to ensure that the locations were in the initial plan sets. Ms. Behm questioned whether other messages such as "Keep Dogs on Leash" could be included on the signs. Mr. Upton indicated that ODOT had some flexibility in that regard but thought that people's expectations of what should appear on such signs should be kept in mind. Ms. Morrison left the meeting. 5. Announcements and Points of Information There were no announcements. 6. Reports on Subcommittees a. Wildlife/Habitat Ms. Brand said she did not think that the City's agreements with EVBMX spoke to RV parking in the BMX area at football games, yet those areas were being used for non -BMX related activity with a potential detrimental impact on the natural area. She wanted to know who approved that use and if the use was clearly included in the contract. She did not think it was appropriate. Mr. Richardson indicated he would follow -up. Ms. Brand said she spoke to Jackie Marlett, who conducted nature walks for the City, to encourage more walks in the natural area. Ms. Marlett had suggested that the CPC talk to Nearby Nature about the MINUTES — Citizen Planning Committee for the January 22, 2009 Page 2 Whilamut Natural Area