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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3725 ResolutionRESOLUTION NO. 3 7 2—!S— A S A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY WITHIN THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON. WHEREAS, the "Complete Streets" concept promotes streets that are safe and convenient for all users including motor vehicle drivers and passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and WHEREAS, promoting pedestrian, bicycle and transit travel as an alternative to automobiles reduces negative environmental impacts, promotes healthy living and is less costly to the commuter, and WHEREAS, the development of a more complete transportation network or "Complete Streets" can improve pedestrian safety, increase the transportation network's capacity, and promote improvements in public health, and WHEREAS, studies have found that providing more travel options, including public transportation, bicycling and walking facilities, is an important element in reducing congestion. Many studies show that when roads are better designed for bicycling, walking, and taking transit, more people do so, and WHEREAS, transportation costs can be reduced when local infrastructure encourages active transportation, which helps families replace car trips with bicycling, walking, or taking public transit. When roads are redesigned and maintained to attract pedestrians, the local economy improves and diversifies from increased buyers, which creates job growth and increased investment in the area, including surrounding property values, and WHEREAS, the Washington State legislature has passed complete street legislation that encourages the Washington State Department of Transportation and local governments to consider all users in transportation -related projects; and WHEREAS, the City of Pasco is committed to the safety and health of its residents and visitors NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO: That the City of Pasco adopts the Complete Streets Policy. Section 1. To the extent feasible, the City of Pasco will incorporate Complete Streets considerations and practices as outlined in the City's Complete Streets Policy found in Section 2. Section 2. City of Pasco Complete Streets Policy Purpose The purpose of the Complete Streets Policy is to ensure all users are considered in the construction of all City transportation improvement projects as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan and detailed in the adopted Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The Complete Streets Policy will help to increase the overall health of the community in Pasco as well as supporting the economy by increasing the desirability of Pasco real estate, all while increasing the safety of all travelers in Pasco. This policy affirms Pasco's commitment to the safety and health of its citizens. Definitions Complete Street — a roadway that is designed to be safe for users of all ages and abilities including drivers, cyclists, transit vehicles and riders, and pedestrians. Street Project — the construction, reconstruction, retrofit, maintenance, alteration or repair of any street. Includes the planning, design, approval, and implementation processes, except minor routine upkeep such as cleaning, sweeping, mowing, spot repair, or interim measures. Users — vehicles or individuals that use streets. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, trucks, automobiles, emergency vehicles, transit vehicles and riders, and people of all ages and abilities including children, youth, families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Implementation All street projects including new construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation shall include Complete Streets elements in order to create an interconnected, integrated network of inclusive facilities. This network may include sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting, transit accommodations, or crosswalks as on -street accommodations as well as multi -use paths. The implementation of various Complete Streets elements will call on the latest and best design criteria and technology. The design of various complete streets components to be implemented shall be based on a context sensitive approach, recognizing that transportation needs vary, considering the street's existing conditions and the present/future needs for all users. This policy will also be implemented through the development of various transportation plans for the City. These plans include the Transportation System Master Plan, Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and the Comprehensive Plan. Exceptions The following scenarios provide an exception to the Complete Streets Policy: 1. The associated cost for accommodation is not economically feasible by being excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use or more than 20% of the project cost. 2. The accommodation is not physically feasible; i.e. projects currently slated for or in construction or areas where there is not enough space to construct the accommodation. 3. At the discretion of the Public Works Director or designee. Performance Measures The performance of this policy will be monitored and addressed through the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and reporting process. Section 3. This resolution shall be effective immediately. Passed by the City Council of the City of Pasco this 6`s day of September, 2016. Matt Watkins, Mayor ATTEST: 00�—� k 0 0 —/ Debra L. Clark, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Leland B. Kerr, City Attorney