Title
Study Session Summary of May 6, 2014 - Joint Study Session with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission to Discuss Recent Updates to the City's Sidewalk Standards
Summary
Call to Order:
Vice Mayor Jim Davis called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
City Councilmembers Present:
Mayor Jim Griffith
Vice Mayor Jim Davis
Councilmember David Whittum
Councilmember Pat Meyering
Councilmember Tara Martin-Milius
Councilmember Glenn Hendricks
Councilmember Gustav Larsson
City Councilmembers Absent:
None
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commissioners Present:
Vice Chair Jackson
Commissioner Angela Rausch
Commissioner Kathy Switzer
Commissioner Richard Kolber
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commissioners Absent:
Chair James Manitakos
Commissioner David Jones
Commissioner Kyle Welch
Study Session Summary:
Assistant Director of Public Works Manuel Pineda presented information about recent updates to the City's Sidewalk Standards and a PowerPoint slide presentation. Assistant Director Pineda explained that recent updates to the standards generally increased the minimum width of sidewalks to create a better environment for pedestrians. Examples of how the new standards would apply in different situation were illustrated with photos.
Councilmembers and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commissioners asked questions, made comments and requested additional information.
Public Comment:
Patrick Grant raised concerns about how the standards would apply to areas where sidewalks are adjacent to obstacles such as trees, fire hydrants, signs and street lights.
Steve Scandalis suggested that changes to the Municipal Code be made to clarify minimum sidewalks widths. Scandalis distributed a redline version of SMC 18.12.160 with suggested changes.
Councilmember Whittum moved to have staff analyze the suggested Municipal Code changes and return to Council with an information item. Motion carried unanimously.
Adjournment:
Vice Mayor Jim Davis adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.