October 30, 2012 City Council Meeting

TL;DR

The City Council unanimously approved the revised MAPS 3 Sidewalk Master Plan, which outlines the construction of 25.8 to 36.5 miles of sidewalks. This is a significant reduction from the original 70-mile promise, primarily due to increased costs for 5-foot sidewalks and ADA-compliant driveway construction. Council members expressed concerns regarding the reduced mileage and the prioritization criteria, advocating for more focus on high-need areas, especially those near schools.

Key Decisions & Votes

Approval of MAPS 3 Sidewalk Master Plan

Not Available

The City Council unanimously approved the resolution for the MAPS 3 Sidewalk Master Plan, which details the prioritized locations and estimated costs for sidewalk construction. The plan was previously sent back for revisions and now includes refined cost estimates and adjusted rankings for connectivity.

Approved

Financial Matters

MAPS 3 Sidewalk Program Budget

The total program budget for MAPS 3 sidewalks is $9.190 million, with $6.8 million allocated for actual construction.

$9.190 million

Sidewalk Construction Cost Estimates

Sidewalk construction costs are estimated to range from $35 per foot (average of low bids) to $50 per foot (average of all bids).

$35 to $50 per foot

Potential use of MAPS 3 Contingency Fund

Discussion occurred regarding the possibility of utilizing the MAPS 3 contingency fund or general fund balance to increase the miles of sidewalks built to meet the original 70-mile promise.

Public Comments

1 citizen spoke

Hal McKnight, a member of the MAPS 3 Trails and Sidewalks Subcommittee, spoke in favor of the master plan but urged the council to find additional funding to meet the original promise of 70 miles of sidewalks, emphasizing the safety and health benefits for citizens and the obligation to voters.

Sidewalk safety Health and wellness Fulfilling voter promises Additional funding for sidewalks

Coming Up

Watch For

Policy for addressing shortfalls in MAPS 3 projects, including the convention center and sidewalks
Coordination with the Transit Department regarding bus routes, stop data, and bus shelter placement
Re-evaluation of residential sidewalk width standards (4-foot vs. 5-foot)
Consideration of using MAPS 3 contingency funds or general fund balance for additional sidewalk construction
Review of sidewalk prioritization criteria to better serve high-need areas, particularly those with elementary schools

Agenda Summary

8h

Resolution approving a MAPS 3 Sidewalk Master Plan, detailing prioritized sidewalk alignments, revised cost estimates, and projected mileage.