3.
Council Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 05/04/2020
- TITLE
- Miscellaneous Sidewalk Program Policy Discussion
- Department:
- Public Works
Presentation:
Yes
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The Miscellaneous Sidewalk Program has been a part of the city's annual construction projects for over 20 years. This program is based on Resolution 18-10719 which was approved by the City Council in May 2018. Prior to this resolution, there were two other similar resolutions approved by previous councils in 1999 and 2004 that governed the program. The goal of the program is to repair or replace defective concrete and to install sidewalks along streets that currently do not have sidewalk. MCA 7-14-4109 gives the city the authority and requirements to order in concrete infrastructure and assess property owners for the improvements.
The main focus of this agenda item is to discuss the missing sidewalk portion of this program versus the repair or replacement. Historically, the city installed sidewalk in areas where small gaps existed, one or two lots, but it was determined in 2018 that the city wanted to take a more proactive approach to missing sidewalk and try to complete larger areas of missing sidewalk. The priorities are missing sidewalks on arterials, collectors, school routes, and areas of high pedestrian traffic.
City staff reviews areas of missing sidewalk each year and submits a resolution ordering in improvements to the City Council that addresses areas of priority. If the resolution is approved by the City Council, staff proceeds to a construction phase to install the sidewalk. The installation of sidewalk in existing neighborhoods can be very difficult given encroachments that have been installed in the right of way and sometimes lack of right of way. City staff works with every individual property owner to try to design a sidewalk that meets the needs of the public while also improving the property. The design approach has been to install 5 foot sidewalk beside a 5 foot boulevard. This approach is based on design guidelines to create a walkable community. If the preferred design can not be installed due to lack of right of way; existence of major encroachments such as walls, trees, etc.; grade issues; or other reasons, a narrower boulevard is considered. If there are still issues, staff will plan to install a 7 foot wide walk at the back of the curb. There are occasions where even a 7 foot curb walk will not fit so the design reduces to the widest curb walk that can be constructed.
The assessments for the installation of the sidewalks is in accordance with the resolution and MCA 7-14-4122.
Staff will present information about existing policies, practices, design guidelines and the assessment structure.
The main focus of this agenda item is to discuss the missing sidewalk portion of this program versus the repair or replacement. Historically, the city installed sidewalk in areas where small gaps existed, one or two lots, but it was determined in 2018 that the city wanted to take a more proactive approach to missing sidewalk and try to complete larger areas of missing sidewalk. The priorities are missing sidewalks on arterials, collectors, school routes, and areas of high pedestrian traffic.
City staff reviews areas of missing sidewalk each year and submits a resolution ordering in improvements to the City Council that addresses areas of priority. If the resolution is approved by the City Council, staff proceeds to a construction phase to install the sidewalk. The installation of sidewalk in existing neighborhoods can be very difficult given encroachments that have been installed in the right of way and sometimes lack of right of way. City staff works with every individual property owner to try to design a sidewalk that meets the needs of the public while also improving the property. The design approach has been to install 5 foot sidewalk beside a 5 foot boulevard. This approach is based on design guidelines to create a walkable community. If the preferred design can not be installed due to lack of right of way; existence of major encroachments such as walls, trees, etc.; grade issues; or other reasons, a narrower boulevard is considered. If there are still issues, staff will plan to install a 7 foot wide walk at the back of the curb. There are occasions where even a 7 foot curb walk will not fit so the design reduces to the widest curb walk that can be constructed.
The assessments for the installation of the sidewalks is in accordance with the resolution and MCA 7-14-4122.
Staff will present information about existing policies, practices, design guidelines and the assessment structure.
RECOMMENDATION
This agenda item is intended to provide information on the existing policies and practices of the city regarding the Missing Sidewalk Program. There is not formal action associated with this agenda item, however, discussion with the council may lead to subsequent items being brought before council for action.