Report Prepared by: Michael Hren, Principal Planner, Development Services Department, Planning Division
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider Amendments to Chapter 2.52, “Bicycle Advisory Commission” of the Merced Municipal Code to Expand the Role of the Bicycle Advisory Commission to Include all Modes of Active Transportation
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the expansion of the Merced Bicycle Advisory Commission’s scope to include all modes of Active Transportation, in accordance with the recommendations made in the City’s adopted Active Transportation and Safe-Routes-to-School Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion introducing Ordinance 2513, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, amending Chapter 2.52, “Bicycle Advisory Commission” of the Merced Municipal Code.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by the Bicycle Advisory Commission and staff; or,
2. Approve subject to modifications as specified by the City Council; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion).
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Section 13.38.040
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Traffic and Pedestrian safety, as well as Safe Routes to School - Childs Ave., are listed as elements of Priority 4- Local Streets.
DISCUSSION
As a result of the ongoing discussion of the Bicycle Advisory Commission regarding its scope and jurisdiction, Caltrans’ support for Active Transportation as a whole, and per the recommendation of the adopted City of Merced Active Transportation and Safe-Routes-to-School Plan, staff has provided a draft Ordinance expanding the role of the Bicycle Advisory Commission to include all modes of Active Transportation. This change would allow for a more holistic approach to the Commission’s review of the City’s Active Transportation needs, particularly as those needs pertain to pedestrian activity and other active modes that are currently beyond its jurisdiction, which presently only includes bicycle-related matters.
The proposed Ordinance also expands the non-voting ex-officio positions from two to four, in order to allow for more experts from local schools, organizations representing individuals with disabilities, and organizations supporting other Active Transportation modes to take part in the Commission’s duties to advise the City Council. The proposed Ordinance also modifies the structure of the newly renamed Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission to include District representation, in keeping with the practices of the City Council and other Commissions in the City.
On October 22, 2019, the Bicycle Advisory Commission voted to recommend the draft Ordinance to the City Council, 4-0.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Ordinance