AgdaPkt 2008-04-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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78 Page 2 The Working Group was ~nformany structured to anow many res~nts to participate with limited impact upon staff resources. Given this informal status and structure, certain limitations were inherent and have become evident during the pilot program~ . Meeting attendance varies as there are 26 members-at-Iarge, which complicates both decision making and focus on long-term objectives . The Working Group does not have a chairperson to guide the agenda or the decision-making process, nor does it have a formal secretary, thus meeting notes are informa~ . There is more emphasis on bike issues rather than pedestrian topics, due to the Working Group's composition and the interests of its members . The informal group structure may not be recognized by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) or the State for submitting grant applications; a formal Council-appointed committee would be recognized . The Working Group's scope of responsibility is not formally defined There are many benefits of continuing a stakeholder I advisory group. Redwood City is committed to implementing and enhancing alternative means of transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and ensuring equal access and mobility for everyone, both drivers and non-drivers alike. With the growing interest in alternative circulation and transportation options beyond the automobile, more grants are becoming available. In some cases, the grant application and review process may be tied to formation of a formal committee. For example, C/CAG's recent Call for Projects for the Transportation Development Act (TOA) Article 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program assigned higher points to project applications submitted by cities whose bicycle/pedestrian committees approved and supported the application. The available funding for this TDA grant cycle is $600,000. The new Measure A Expenditure Plan allocates 45 mimon doUars to provide safe paths for bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition to making grant recommendations for bicycle and pedestrian projects, C/CAG's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) serves as a countywide forum for information on bicycling issues for local committees. Redwood City now has a representative on C/CAG's BPAC (Council Member Ian Barn), and the City anticipates being more involved and proactive regarding bicycle and pedestrian mobility. A San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan was prepared for C/CAG in 2000. The Plan's short-to-mid-term "top recommended projects" include bikeway signing, signal detectors, and on-street bikeway improvements in several cities, including Redwood City. An Advisory Committee may assist staff in researching and implementmg these priority projects. C/CAG recommends that Redwood City's proposed Advtsory Committee be operating by Fall of 2008 in order to qualify for the next round of TOA grant funding. This allows the Advisory Committee enough time to research grant projects and help prepare a grant application for the January 2009 submittal. C/CAG further recommends that the Advisory Committee include community members ("consumers"), including some with an interest or expertise in pedestrian issues (C/CAG's target is to apply 30-40% of funds toward pedestrian projects). Staff requests Council's broad input to structure and develop the scope of work of the proposed Advisory Committee. Staff recommends Councit appoint three peopte (one