AgdaPkt 2009-01-12 clsd and reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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7A Some cities expressed the concern that their bicycle and pedestrian committees tend to Page 3 focus primarily or exclusively on bicycle issues, with minimal time spent discussing pedestrian issues. As a result, Redwood City's Advisory Committee will be required to balance the needs of all users, including pedestrians of all abilities and motorists. The Advisory Committee will focus primarily on policy, to create roadways in Redwood City that enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for pedestrians, bicyclists, and all users. A secondary focus is to provide staff with recommendations for pragmatic and specific user solutions. A third focus area is to serve as a conduit for community input, such as a request for bicycle detectors at a specific intersection, and to consider these requests and provide recommendations to staff. Similar to other City boards, committees, and commissions, the Advisory Committee is advisory to City staff. It is intended to be comprised of team players who will respect, consider, and seek to balance the mobility needs of all community members, including motorists. In doing so, the committee will help move Redwood City toward more bike- and ped-friendly choices. It is intended that the Advisory Committee will provide added value and be a proactive resource for staff, therefore staff may bring significant projects to the group to get its input early in the planning process in order to prevent project delays. A recent example of this is when engineering staff members requested input from the Working Group regarding proposed roadway restriping. A committee will strengthen the City's position when applying for bike/ped project grants, leading to potential financial savings and enabling bike/ped project opportunities and enhancements that would not otherwise be financially feasible. A notable local example is the recent $440,000 grant award for design and construction of improvements to Laurel School as part of the Federal Safe Routes to School program. Menlo Park was the lead agency in this multi-jurisdictional project that included the City of Menlo Park, County of San Mateo, Town of Atherton, and the Menlo Park City School District. A five-member committee structure is recommended, including members with an expressed expertise or interest in recreational bicycling, commute bicycling, pedestrian issues, and issues related to under-represented groups such as school children, seniors, and individuals with mobility constraints. Meeting structure and selection of members would follow the format of existing Redwood City boards, committees, and commissions. Committee members will be residents of Redwood City, electors, and will be appointed by Council. It is proposed that committee meetings be scheduled on a monthly basis, although meetings may be held less frequently when appropriate as determined by the Committee Chair and City staff.