Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS-2014-006-R-141 /7/2014 1 /27/2014 6-R-14 A RESOLUTION To Provide for the Consideration of Complete and Green Network Approach in Construction Projects within the Public Right -of -Way and Public Spaces WHEREAS, the City of Evanston seeks to address the livability and environmental needs of our community with comfortable corridors that focus on various users including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation riders, which is commonly referred to as the "Complete Streets" concept; and WHEREAS, increased walking and bicycling offers the potential for cleaner air, greater health of the population, reduced traffic congestion, less reliance on fossil fuels, more efficient use of right-of-way space, and assist in the management of stormwater runoff and encourage permeable surfaces, which are more commonly referred to as the "Green Streets" concepts; and WHEREAS, the City seeks to institute a combined Complete Streets and Green Streets principles into an integrated approach for projects involving the rights -of - way and public spaces in various phases of work from the planning, design and/or construction for each applicable project within the City of Evanston (the "Complete and Green Network"), NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS: 6-R-14 SECTION 1: The foregoing recitals are incorporated herein by reference as though fully restated. SECTION 2: The City endorses and supports the Complete and Green Network approach for appropriate public works right-of-way and public space projects. SECTION 3: The City will follow a Complete and Green Network approach which has the following elements: (A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall have the following meanings: PROJECT The construction, reconstruction, retrofit, alteration, or repair of any public way, including the work related to planning, design, approval, and implementation processes, improved timing of traffic control signals, new or improved signage, pavement markings, re -configuration of travel lanes and any permanent infrastructure that promotes the pedestrian, bicycle and/or transit environment in harmony with safe and efficient motor vehicle travel. Projects do not include minor or routine upkeep on the public way such as sweeping, mowing, spot repair, or interim measures on detour routes. USER People of all ages and abilities that use corridors, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle drivers, public transportation riders and drivers. (B) Purpose. The City of Evanston will implement in all phases of public works Projects an integrated and connected transportation network to encourage increased use of alternative modes of transportation other than a vehicle, and consider all Users of the right-of-way and public space for Projects. (C) Policy. Decisions regarding the public right-of-way shall promote comfortable and effective use by pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit, and motor vehicles, taking into account the surrounding community context and land uses. The principles guiding these decisions shall be known as "Complete and Green Network". The Complete and Green Network can be achieved through a linkage of level improvements, integration into single location Projects, or incrementally, though a series of small improvements or maintenance activities. (D) Guidelines. 1. The Public Works Department and other appropriate City personnel will take into account Complete and Green Network practices in decisions —2~ 6-R-14 regarding the use of limited public right-of-way and public spaces, with consideration given to context and land use. 2. Future right-of-way and public space Projects will be used as opportunities to improve safety, access, and mobility for users of the public way and to further integrate bicycle, pedestrian, and transit modes into the transportation network. 3. The Public Works Department and other appropriate City personnel will consider Complete and Green Network as one of the City's priorities in right-of-way and public space planning and funding decisions. (E) Exceptions. This policy shall not apply if the Director of Public Works makes a written finding that one or more of the following conditions apply: 1. Financial Hardship to the project sponsor. Financial hardship exists when compliance with Complete and Green Network guidelines constitutes a minimum of twenty (20) percent of the total project cost, but in no event more than one million dollars; and 2. Existing structures or corridors do not allow for implementation of Complete and Green Network elements. 3. The scope of the relevant Project is limited to maintenance activities intended to keep the right-of-way and public spaces in serviceable condition. 4. There is sufficient documentation that there is no feasible way to accommodate improvements for non -vehicular traffic within a Project's scope. (F) Reporting. The Director of Public Works may provide an annual progress report to City Council on the implementation of the Complete and Green Network policy to new and/or continuing Projects and other related improvements to ensure consistency with this title. SECTION 4: Nothing in this Resolution 6-R-14 shall be construed or held to abrogate or limit the City's immunities under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act, 745 ILCS 10/1 et seq. SECTION 5: That this Resolution 6-R-14 shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law. -3- 6-R-14 Elizih B. Tisdalil, i y G eene, City Clerk Adopted: 97 , 2014 Mayor