Mayor & Commission Meetings

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE Thursday, December 7, 2023 City Hall Conference Room 301B Committee Members Present: Committee Members Absent: Commissioner Carol Myers, Chair Commissioner John Culpepper1 Commissioner Jesse Houle Commissioner Ovita Thornton2 Commissioner Allison Wright Staff: Niki Jones, Assistant Manager Bruce Lonnee, Planning Sherrie Hines, Deputy Chief Attorney Doug Hansford, Building Permits & Inspection Courtney Davis, Attorney Shirelle Hallum, Transportation & Public Works Stephanie Green, Sustainability Office Sarah George, Recorder Stephen Bailey, Transportation & Public Works Rani Katreeb, Transportation & Public Works Commissioner Myers called the meeting to order at 1:04 p.m. A. Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Thornton made a motion to approve the November 2, 2023 minutes. Commissioner Houle seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. B. Public Input: There was none. Commission Identified Items of Interest: C. Review and update Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Assistant Manager Jones summarized the past meeting discussion on this topic. He shared that the Committee previously discussed modifying the name of the policy to Residential Traffic Management Program to be more in line with the purpose of the policy. He also noted that staff has provided a gray-shaded version of the policy to denote all suggested changes. Assistant Manager Jones also noted that staff has prepared a recommendation for the criteria that will be shared during the meeting, and he explained that staff would request that the Committee hold off on discussing the opt-in voluntary request-based policy until this policy is completed. Staff reviewed the recommended weights for criteria for evaluating application of the policy. Interim Transportation & Public Works Director Rani Katreeb explained that staff understand the Committee’s interest in incorporating an emphasis on crash data but would advise that the crash data that is collected is based on facts, so there would not be any data captured regarding near- misses. He further explained that near misses are usually captured with speed and volume, which is why the Committee will see staff’s recommendation focus on those two criteria. Staff also provided and discussed scenarios based on different options for weighting of criteria and 1 Arrived at 1:18 p.m. 2 Left at 1:58 p.m. Returned at 2:14 p.m.  how the changes would impact the prioritization of roadways. The Committee discussed the staff recommended weights for criteria. Commissioner Houle inquired about any recommendations staff had to address outlier cases that are very highly ranked under one weighting scenario and very lowly ranked under another. They also explained that the question in their mind is whether or not the Committee thinks they should prioritize residential density or equity a bit more; they shared that they do not have a strong opinion, and their inclination is that the Committee should probably stick with what staff recommends. Assistant Manager Jones shared that he had asked staff the same question, but, after discussing it, the purpose statement led staff to recommend speed be the highest weighted, as speed is the most likely to lead to fatalities. Shirelle Hallum added that the main purpose of all of the countermeasures that are included under this program is to reduce speed; therefore, it is important to identify the roads that are most suitable for the program. Commissioner Wright shared that she believes the solutions need to be aligned with the weighted criteria. She noted that residential density and volume seem to be aligned. Residential density would not account for visitors, and she noted that, in her district, there are thousands of people traveling to and from the University of Georgia campus. She shared that there is not a solution to residential density in the program, and she inquired about whether or not the criteria should be aligned with the solutions that are available. Commissioner Myers shared that there may be other areas where residential density would account for the number of people walking. Rani Katreeb noted that scenario 1 had a residential density weight of 5% compared to scenario 2 that had a residential density weight of 0%; ultimately, the change to the priorities were minimal. The prioritization of the program, however, would be drastically changed if residential density is weighted at 10%. He advised that staff does believe that residential density is important, but it is not as important of the other weighted items. Staff also shared a prioritization list based on projects with status and notes. Commissioner Wright shared that the complaints she hears the most from constituents is in regard to speeding. Commissioner Thornton shared that they will need to be prepared to share the rationale behind the recommendations that are being made to the policy, as there may be questions when it comes forward to the full Mayor and Commission. Commissioner Houle also noted that they anticipate other commissioners may want to ensure that changes to the policy would not back track on what has already been voted on by the Mayor and Commission; Commissioner Houle requested confirmation that, if the Mayor and Commission adopts this new policy, staff would continue to move forward on the roads that have already been identified and approved. Shirelle Hallum confirmed that was correct for the projects denoted in red or green. Commissioner Thornton requested clarification on what would happen to a project denoted in blue, which denoted that there was no funding available, and if they would have to go back to the beginning of the process. Shirelle Hallum explained that the projects denoted in blue were part of the last group that tried to go through the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program; however, they were not successful in gathering signatures. In the policy, it will be based on the data. Commissioner Myers suggested the new policy have something that defines that more rather than just calling the policy “data-driven”. She recommended having some language that refers back to the source of the data in plain language that would be easily understood by residents. Shirelle Hallum explained that they did not put the specific source of the data, because the source may change. Rani Katreeb recommended incorporating the data table shared by staff with the definition that has the description. Commissioner Wright made a motion to accept the staff recommended weights for the criteria. Commissioner Houle seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Legislative Review Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 120723  Commissioner Houle made a motion to accept the policy with the criteria chart added. Commissioner Houle withdrew their motion. Commissioner Thornton shared that she had a question or comment regarding the prioritization list based on projects. She explained that, to her, the projects that were included in Commissioner Houle’s commission defined option that were shown in the blue should be in the brown, because it is not their fault that the policies have changed. The three streets that were not funded under the old policy, because there was not funding, should be included with the pilot program streets. Commissioner Myers expressed interest in obtaining more information on those three streets in blue. She explained she would like to understand the difference between these items, including how many signatures were obtained. Assistant Manager Jones requested clarification on the projects that were funded on the list. Rani Katreeb explained that the projects denoted in brown were those for permanent infrastructure. They have a request for proposals (RFP) out for bids for those projects. The projects denoted in green are to be determined and is for the pilot program as included in the approved commission-defined option. The projects that are denoted in blue are the remaining studied streets that did not move forward; these could be considered backlog from the old policy. Rani Katreeb further advised that the Mayor and Commission will need to decide how to move forward on the backlogged streets that did not move forward. Assistant Manager Jones recommended that the Committee make a recommendation to the Mayor and Commission on how to move forward with these streets in conjunction with the recommended policy changes, give they are already on the list. Commissioner Culpepper explained that staff has already spent time and effort in studying the streets, and he requested confirmation that there was an effort also made from residents to get the streets on the list. Shirelle Hallum explained that someone had to request the traffic study. She also noted that what these streets did not meet was the 65% neighborhood support. Commissioner Culpepper agreed with Commissioner Thornton that he would hate to start the process all over for those streets. Commissioner Myers requested more of an analysis of those three streets at the next meeting. Staff reviewed the recommended changes for the policy. Commissioner Wright suggested modifying the purpose statement to be “to reduce crashes, traffic volumes, and/or speeds, thereby improving pedestrian safety in residential areas”. The Committee agreed. Commissioner Wright made a motion to strike “and creating more pleasant neighborhoods” and put “in residential areas”. Commissioner Thornton seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Commissioner Myers recommended striking out “for the residents” and leave only “in residential areas of Athens-Clarke County”. The Committee agreed unanimously. Commissioner Wright suggested including another phrase to capture other motorized devices, like scooters. Commissioner Houle suggested including the phrase “and other micromobility devices”. Deputy Chief Attorney Hines advised that the Committee may want to be cautious, because some micromobility devices are not allowed on various streets. Commissioner Houle made a motion to change the language of section 3(a)(1) to say “speed controls to allow for shared use of the street by pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, and other micromobility devices as permitted by law”. Commissioner Wright seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Shirelle Hallum explained that one of the more significant changes to the policy included changing the roadway classifications to align with GDOT roadway classifications and defining a residential street. Commissioner Wright suggested removing “owner-occupied” from the Legislative Review Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 120723  definition of the residential zoning districts. Shirelle Hallum advised that she is not sure the definition is needed at all. Commissioner Houle requested clarification as to whether or not the residential zoning district definitions included in the policy were an interpretation of the Code. Shirelle Hallum and Assistant Planning Director Bruce Lonnee confirmed that the residential zoning district definitions were pulled straight from the Code of Ordinances. Commissioner Houle inquired as to whether or not the policy could refer to the zoning categories, recognizing that, if they refer to the category, it will include whatever is currently in the Code and whatever may be modified in the future. The Committee agreed. Shirelle Hallum noted that there is already a footnote in the policy that links to the Code of Ordinances. Commissioner Myers suggested modifying it to say, “There are two residential zoning districts: single family residential (RS) and Mixed Density Residential (RM).” Commissioner Culpepper made a motion to incorporate Commissioner Myers’ suggested modification to the residential zoning district language. Commissioner Houle seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Bruce Lonnee noted that throughout the policy the word “neighborhood” has been struck in its entirety; however, it is still listed in section 3(g)(2). Commissioner Houle made a motion to strike and replace section 3(g)(2) with “resident engagement”. Commissioner Culpepper requested clarification on whether the phrase “resident engagement” would include resident engagement for the whole county and if something may need to be added to localize it to the area. Commissioner Houle withdrew their motion. Commissioner Houle made a motion to strike and replace section 3(g)(2) with “resident engagement in the project area”. Commissioner Wright inquired as to whether or not the residential parking pass policy might have a definition that would be helpful to define the project area. Staff shared that the residential parking pass policy would apply to any person on the affected street. Commissioner Myers suggested changing “engagement” to “support”; this is an opt-out process, so people may just get a letter, which is not what she thinks of with the word “engagement”. To her, she explained, that the word “engagement” implies that there would be two-way communication and possibly a meeting, which is why she would like a less active word. Commissioner Wright noted the section describes what the effectiveness of the program is dependent upon, and the words “notification” or “support” may not fit there. Commissioner Houle withdrew their motion. Commissioner Houle made a motion to strike entirely section 3(g)(2). Commissioner Wright seconded the motion. The motion was approved 4 – 0 (Commissioner Thornton was not present). Bruce Lonnee recommended the word “homeowners” be replaced with “property owners” throughout the document. He explained that some of the corridors have properties that are not homes, and this will likely increase as we increase mixed-use on the corridors. Shirelle Hallum advised that the definition for “renter” is not needed in the policy, so it could be removed. Commissioner Myers inquired as to whether or not any of the definitions were needed. Shirelle Hallum explained that the only definition that is used is “absentee homeowner”. Rani Katreeb agreed with replacing the word “homeowners” with “property owners”. Commissioner Myers suggested striking the whole definition section, as it is confusing. Commissioner Houle made a motion to strike section 4 (definitions). Commissioner Wright seconded the motion. The motion was approved 4 – 0 (Commissioner Thornton was not present). Legislative Review Committee Meeting Minutes Page 4 120723  Commissioner Wright suggested modifying section 5(b)(3) to say “close to a school” and remove the reference to walking, as students could be using bicycles, coming in vehicles, or using other micromobility devices. Commissioner Wright made a motion to modify section 5(b)(3) to say “close to a school”. Commissioner Houle seconded the motion. The motion was approved 4 – 0 (Commissioner Thornton was not present). Commissioner Wright made a motion for the chart that outlines the weighted criteria be added into the policy where staff feels it is appropriate. Shirelle Hallum inquired if she could modify the data source to be plain language like “street light” for example. The Committee agreed. Commissioner Houle suggested motioning to add the chart without the data source column. Commissioner Myers, in keeping with Commissioner Houle’s suggestion, suggested that they remove the data source column and add an asterisk underneath that provides a simple, user- friendly information about the data source. Commissioner Houle inquired as to whether or not, for a policy they pass, the Commission needs to worry about the data source staff is using. The Committee agreed. Commissioner Wright amended her motion to remove the data source column from the chart. Commissioner Houle seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Houle made a motion to add the project prioritization chart as modified to section 5(2). Commissioner Wright seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Wright made a motion to modify “absentee homeowner” in the section on neighborhood notification to say “property owner”. Commissioner Thornton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Wright made a motion to accept all changes to the Residential Traffic Management Program policy. Commissioner Houle seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Houle recommended the motion recommend the Residential Traffic Management Program policy as the Committee modified to the Commission for adoption. Commissioner Wright explained that she believed that the Committee should not send the policy to the Commission until the Committee completes the other portions of the topic, including discussion of the project list and the voluntary opt-in policy. Commissioner Myers suggested getting a clean copy of the policy with the changes incorporated at the next meeting. She also requested staff provide an evaluation of what is going on and a recommendation on how to move forward with the three street projects denoted in blue. D. Schedule/Agenda Changes The next LRC meeting is scheduled for January 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Commissioner Wright made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Houle seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 2:26 p.m. Legislative Review Committee Meeting Minutes Page 5 120723