AGENDA #4p
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Response to Planning Board Petition Regarding Process for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan
DATE: October 27, 2003
On September 22, 2003, the Council received a petition from Mr. Tim Dempsey, Chair of the Planning Board, regarding the process for developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan. The Council referred the petition to the Town Manager for comment.
We recommend that the Town Council invite the Transportation Board, the Planning Board, the Greenways Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Historic District Commission to appoint a liaison to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board to provide communication among the respective boards and commissions during the preparation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan.
PETITION
Mr. Dempsey approached the Council on September 22, 2003, with a petition from the Planning Board regarding the process for developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan. The Board’s recommendation is as follows:
“On September 8, 2003, the Council adopted a process and schedule which calls for the preparation of the Plan by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, with input from other Town advisory boards.
At its September 16, 2003 meeting, the Planning Board voted unanimously (9-0) to recommend that the Town Council consider having the Transportation Board partner with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board in developing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan. The two boards would have joint accountability and responsibility for developing the draft Plan for the Council’s consideration. Additionally, the Planning Board recommended that the group also include a liaison from the Planning Board. The Planning Board recommends that Nancy Milio serve in this capacity, should the Council select this option.
The Planning Board also recommended that the staff review team include an appropriate representative from the Police Department, who would review the Plan for safety aspects.
Finally, the Planning Board discussed the alternate possibility of the Council convening a “working group” committee composed of members from the Transportation Board, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board and the Planning Board to develop the Plan.”
DISCUSSION
On February 24, 2003, the Council adopted a set of goals and priorities for 2003-2004. Bicycle/Pedestrian Goals were given the highest priority and include the preparation of a Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvement Action Plan.
On September 8, 2003, the Council adopted a process and schedule for the preparation of the Plan by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, with steps in the process for consultation with the Planning Board, the Transportation Board, the Greenways Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Historic District Commission (please Attachment 1).
In consideration of the Planning Board petition, we suggest the Council consider inviting the Transportation Board, the Planning Board, the Greenways Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Historic District Commission to appoint a liaison to work with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. We agree that enhanced communication among the respective boards and commissions is desirable and would help produce a plan that includes a variety of perspectives. This would add five liaisons to attend the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meetings about preparing the Plan.
During preparation of the Plan, Town staff from the Engineering, Public Works, Transportation, Police and Fire Departments would be called upon as needed.
RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that the Town Council adopt the attached resolution inviting the Transportation Board, the Planning Board, the Greenways Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Historic District Commission to each appoint a liaison to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board to provide communication among the respective boards and commissions during the preparation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan.
ATTACHMENTS
A RESOLUTION INVITING THAT LIAISONS BE PROVIDED TO THE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE PREPARATION OF A BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACTION PLAN FOR THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL (2003-10-27/R-10)
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan calls for development of a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle network; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill adopted a set of goals for 2003 which includes the preparation of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Council adopted a process and schedule on September 8, 2003, for preparation of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Council heard a petition from the Planning Board on September 22, 2003, relating to the process for the preparation of the Action Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council invites the Transportation Board, the Planning Board, the Greenways Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Historic District Commission to each appoint a liaison to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board to provide communication among the respective boards and commissions during the preparation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan.
This the 27th day of October, 2003.