Committee of the Whole Meeting

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE City Hall – Council Chambers March 1, 2021 The Committee of the Whole met at City Hall at 6:05 p.m. on March 1, 2021, with the following Committee persons in attendance: Mayor Robert M. Green, Frank Darrah (via video conference), Kelly Dunn, Simon Harding, Daryl Kruse (via video conference), Mark Miller, and Dave Sires. Susan deBuhr was absent. Staff members attended from all City Departments as well as members of the community teleconferenced in. Mayor Green called the meeting to order and introduced the only item on the agenda, 2009 and 2013 Complete Streets Review. David Wicke City Engineer stated the complete streets concept was first brought to the City with the Blue Zone initiative. It was first adopted in 2009 and was intended to be used on all new and reconstructed streets. Mr. Wicke stated it was updated in 2013 with changes needed in order to qualify as a Blue Zones Certified Community. He explained the 2009 policy looked mainly as design elements of the roadway, and the 2013 policy clearly defines the design elements and incorporated additional elements for an ideal Complete Street Policy. He said there are 10 elements in the 2013 Complete Street Policy and Engineering reviews these during design of new and reconstructed streets. Mr. Wicke stated the engineers look at budget, safety, lifecycle cost and have a code of ethics they must follow too. Mayor Green opened it for council discussion. Mr. Wicke answered questions from the council members; he said he doesn’t believe the two Complete Street Polices differ much from the end goal. He said they still look at the design economics or feasibility during the review, and there are times that not all elements are implemented. He said the check list was added to the 2013 policy. Ron Gaines City Administrator stated council receives a recommendation from engineering staff and it is council’s decision on the feasibility of the design, you still have the final say. Mayor Green opened it for public comment. Andrew Shroll 930 Newman Avenue and Chairman of the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee said this review is an opportunity to bring awareness to the Complete Streets Policy; this helps with connectivity and helps us remain competitive with other cities. Roger White 2303 Greenwood Avenue supports the 2013 Complete Street Policy, it allows better flexibility. Jim Skain 2215 Clay Street doesn’t feel the Complete Street Policy addresses roundabouts, they aren’t supportive of the policy, and it is hard for bicyclist and pedestrians to maneuver them. There being no further business, Mayor Green adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m. Minutes by Lisa Roeding, Controller/City Treasurer