Title
Resolution Regarding Community Engagement and Approval Processes for City Related Improvement Projects
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Whereas, Public engagement and citizen participation are core values of Ann Arbor government, and pedestrian safety (particularly near schools), reduced vehicle speeds in neighborhoods, and smooth traffic flow/limited congestion on major corridors are all quality of life considerations important to Ann Arbor residents/neighborhoods;
Whereas, In the Spring of 2018, there were three city street-related projects/initiatives (Maple Road lane reduction, bumpouts on Prairie, Bluett Traffic Calming) where community engagement/communication was inadequate or non-existent;
Whereas, In an effort to improve community engagement and citizen participation in city street-related projects impacting neighborhoods, City Council approved resolution R-18-275 Resolution Regarding Citizen Input and Process for City Street-Related Improvement Projects on July 2, 2018 which directed the City Administrator to "develop and implement a process for street improvement actions (excluding routine street repair, maintenance, re-surfacing) that ensures up-front neighborhood input is obtained and notification is provided prior to implementation of any permanent street improvement";
Whereas, The City staff response to resolution R-18-75 (Communication Item AC-2 for October 1, 2018 Council meeting) outlined the community engagement process for the several types of street improvements that was largely based on the City's Community Engagement Toolkit which provides general guidance and wide latitude to city staff with regard to the nature, breadth, and timing of citizen engagement;
Whereas, Prior to approval of resolution R-18-275 on July 2, 2018, Council amended the initial resolution on a split vote to eliminate the 3rd resolved clause which stated, "City Council directs the City Administrator to seek Council approval prior to implementing any lane reduction actions on major s...
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