Title
Resolution to Promote Safe Social Distancing Outdoors in Ann Arbor
Staff
Prepared by: Stephen K. Postema, City Attorney
Body
Whereas, Due to the coronavirus pandemic, at least 6-foot social distancing is necessary;
Whereas, Ann Arbor strives to provide the safest environments for 6-foot safe social distancing in our community;
Whereas, Sidewalks, pathways and the public right-of-way should provide an opportunity for safe social distancing for pedestrians, cyclists, and other modes of transportation;
Whereas, Nighttime illumination is imperative for safe social distancing in the roadway;
Whereas, Safe social distancing can be enhanced when the complete width of sidewalks, pathways and bike lanes are free of obstructions, such as potholes, trip hazards, overgrown vegetation and construction debris;
Whereas, Residents report that congestion points exist at bridges and near food stores that challenge, and even prevent, safe social distancing for pedestrians and cyclists; and
Whereas, Staff will utilize professional safety standards when implementing pilot programs and Council acknowledges such pilot programs are by their nature experiments and may result in some complaints;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator request staff to identify the feasibility and methods to use part of City streets to expand safe social distancing for pedestrians and cyclists, through shared or dedicated roadways;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator request staff to review best practices of social distancing to sidewalks, bike lanes, and local roads, including such application by other cities;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator request staff receive input or requests on lane or street re-configurations on residential streets;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator direct that staff implement as soon as possible pilot lane or street re-configurations on residential streets based on resident requests (and possible pilot lane or street-reconfigurations on non-residential streets) with public safety as a priority and the six E’s framework (Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Evaluation and Equity) as part of the solution; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator shall notify Council and receive Council approval in advance of implementing any lane or street re-configurations on non-residential streets with public safety as a priority and the six E’s framework (Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Evaluation and Equity) as part of the solutions.
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator request staff to develop recommendations and implementation strategies on comprehensive lane or street re-configurations (and report as soon as possible concerning these recommendations and strategies), including the possible cost of such options, the research conducted, and public input received, and other relevant data; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator shall solicit input from willing Ann Arbor merchant associations in the process of establishing social distancing as it affects the DDA district.
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor, Councilmembers Griswold, Eaton, Nelson, Grand and Smith
As Amended by Ann Arbor City Council on May 4, 2020