(A) The city shall view complete streets as integral to everyday transportation decision-making practices and processes. Toward this end, the policy shall be implemented through the following directives.
(1) Complete Streets Task Force. A Complete Streets Task Force will be created within six months of policy adoption to serve as an objective observer, information resource, and collaborative partner for elected officials, municipal staff, all city boards, committees, commissions, and community stakeholders.
(2) Revisions.
(a) Plans and policies. The city and other relevant departments, agencies, or committees will incorporate complete streets principles into all existing plans, manuals, checklists, decision-trees, rules, regulations, and programs as appropriate. This should include, but not be limited to, the Code of Ordinances, the comprehensive plan, the transportation plan, and the bicycle and pedestrian master plan;
(b) Existing design standards. The city and other relevant departments, agencies, or committees will review current design standards, including subdivision regulations and new roadway construction guidelines, to ensure that they reflect the best available design standards and effectively implement complete streets.
(3) Inventory. The city will maintain a comprehensive inventory of the pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure and will prioritize projects to eliminate gaps in these networks.
(4) Funding. City staff will actively seek sources of funding to implement complete streets.
(5) Project selection criteria. City staff shall recommend improvements to existing transportation project selection criteria to better support complete streets creation.
(6) Coordination. The city shall continue to utilize inter-departmental project coordination to promote the better use of fiscal resources for activities that occur within the public right-of-way.
(7) Staff training. The city shall encourage staff professional development training on non-motorized transportation issues through conferences, classes, seminars, and workshops.
(8) Education. Every complete streets project shall include an educational component to ensure that all users understand and can safely utilize the complete street.
(9) Reporting. An annual report will be made to the City Council showing progress made in implementing this policy. The Complete Streets Task Force and other relevant departments, agencies, or committees shall report on the annual increase or decrease for each performance measure contained in this subchapter compared to the previous years.
(B) The implementation of complete streets shall begin through the consideration of the following identified projects and initiatives that will be considered starting points:
(1) Incorporate policy into the comprehensive plan;
(2) Implement pilot projects identified in the 2013 Stellar Community Award, 2016 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, 2016 Active Living Workshop, and 2017 Indiana University Sustaining Hoosier Communities Complete Streets Initiative:
(a) Opening of the Milwaukee Depot;
(b) Downtown streetscape improvements;
(c) Develop J Street Trail;
(d) Develop Limestone Trail- Downtown Connector Loop;
(e) Complete Harp Commons Park scaping;
(f) Install downtown art murals;
(g) Develop North Bedford Community Garden site;
(h) Design Milwaukee Trail connectors;
(i) Install bike lanes on I and J Streets;
(j) Install bike racks on TASC buses;
(k) Install wayfinding signs for parks and trails; and
(l) Install murals on 16th Street overpass above Milwaukee Trail;
(3) Work on connections to and between trails, including improved signage;
(4) Seek funding support through all identifiable sources;
(5) Ensure that all bridge projects include sufficient pedestrian and bicycle accommodations;
(6) Distribute this policy to INDOT, local utilities, and other key agencies;
(7) Ensure consistency in street projects to create broader community benefits;
(8) Preserve and further maximize on- street parking for both convenience and commerce;
(9) Build intersections right the first time, with a vision for the present and future, and correct existing issues whenever possible;
(10) Work with the North Lawrence Community School System to develop a safe routes to school program;
(11) Participate in the U.S. Department of Transportation Mayor's Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets;
(12) Pursue certification as a walk friendly and bike friendly city; and
(13) Begin work on a vision zero policy aimed at preventing all traffic injuries and fatalities.
(Ord. 10-2018, passed 4-10-18)