Title
Resolution - A Resolution to Adopt the On-Street Bicycle Master Plan and Fund the Initial Implementation Plan (Year 1 - 3 projects) in the Amount of $100,000 Per Year for the First Three Years for a Total of $300,000
Requested Action
Consider adopting the On-street Bicycle Master Plan and funding the initial implementation plan (Year 1 - 3 projects) in the amount of $100,000 per year for the first three years.
Recommendation
Adopt the On-street Bicycle Master Plan and fund the initial implementation plan (Year 1 - 3 projects) in the amount of $100,000 per year for the first three years.
Description/History
The Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corporation's (MPFDC) 2009 Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Spaces Master plan approved by the MPFDC and City Council in January of 2010 included a general overview of proposed bicycle routes and trails throughout the City of Mansfield.
The Master Plan provided a broad overview of all the proposed routes for pedestrian traffic including trails and on-street routes. This more comprehensive look at bicycle and pedestrian routes including on-street bike lanes would include data gathering, site research, site analysis and documentation, visioning sessions, benchmarking, program development, concept development for on-street lanes, preliminary master planning and concept design, and culminated with a final bicycle and pedestrian trail and on-street bike lane plan.
On June 20th, 2013 the MPFDC approved the proposal from Kimley-Horn for preparation of the On-Street Bicycle Master Plan and on July 8th, 2013 the City Council approved the proposal.
Public input sessions were held in October with a focus group on October 15th, a joint City Council and MPFDC work session on October 28th, and an open forum, public meeting on October 30th.
A draft plan was passed out at the January 21st MPFDC meeting for review prior to the City Council MPFDC joint work session on January 27th.
January 27th Council and MPFDC held a joint work session to discuss the draft plan and gave direction to staff for recommended changes. On February 6th a public meeting was held for additional public input on the draft plan. At the regular meeting on February 13th, MPFDC held a work session to discuss changes to the plan and update the Board on the overall plan, its components and justifications for plan profiles.
During the work session with MPFDC on Feb 13th, the board recommended additional changes and asked staff to present the changes to Council for review. City Council was updated on February 27 under staff comments on the items presented to the board and a brief overview of the discussion. City Council and MPFDC held a joint work session March 17, to review the information in more detail and provided additional direction and changes to the plan
The revised On Street Bicycle Master plan was discussed at the March 20th MPFDC board meeting. MPFDC decided the overall plan should be considered for adoption, with the three year implementation plan discussed at the joint work session with City Council on March 17.
On May 15 the final plan was presented to MPFDC for consideration. The plan includes revisions based on input from the Mansfield Parks Facility Development Corporation, City Council and the public. The plan includes an initial three year implementation plan and a funding option of $100,000 per year for the first three years. The plan does not include any proposed road diets. It also, states that this plan is not a funding document, but it provides a recommended implementation strategy that can be applied as funding is made available and as demand and interest for on-street bicycling increases. MPFDC approved the plan 7-0.
Justification
The MPFDC allocated funds for a study of bike lanes in the FY12-13 and FY13-14 budget. City staff retained Kimley Horn and Associates to work with the Board, City Council and other City Departments and outside Stake Holders to formulate a proposed On-Street Bicycle Master Plan for the City of Mansfield as outlined in the MPFDC's Strategic business plan. Staff utilizes Master plans for guidance on both development and capital improvements. This plan makes specific recommendations for the locations of bicycle facilities on or adjacent to streets to supplement the Trails Master Plan included in the Parks, Recreation, Opens Spaces and Trails Master Plan adopted in 2010. This plan supports current citizen requests, ongoing grant activities, future thoroughfare development and the quality of life initiatives that attract new residents and development to the City while maintaining Mansfield as one of the top places to live. By having an adopted plan additional funding sources can be considered such as future residential developer commitments for side paths, neighborhood shared lanes, or other bike facilities, and also, an adopted plan has the potential for future grant opportunities.
Funding Source
Half Cent Sales Tax
Prepared By
James Fish, RLA, CPSI, Sr. Park Planner, Community Services
817-804-5794