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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinances - 20-1 - 01/06/2020 - Complete Streets Policy CITY OF MCHENRY MCHENRY COUNTY STATE OF ILLINOIS Ordinance 20-1 An Ordinance Adopting the Complete Streets Policy Passed by the Mayor and City Council Of the City of McHenry McHenry County State of Illinois January 6, 2020 Published in pamphlet form by authority of the Mayor and City Council of the City of McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois this 7th day of January, 2020. ORDINANCE NO. 20-1 An Ordinance Adopting the Complete Streets Policy WHEREAS, the City of McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois, is a home rule municipality as contemplated under Article VII, Section 6, of the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the passage of this Ordinance constitutes an exercise of the City's home rule powers and functions as granted in the Constitution of the State of Illinois; WHEREAS, safe accommodations for all users and a connected network are important needs of any transportation system; and WHEREAS, Complete Streets are defined as improvements that provide safe, connected transportation networks for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, freight, emergency services, and motor vehicles including but not limited to bicycle facilities, streetscaping, pedestrian treatments, refuge islands, access control and lower speeds on local roads; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes the need to accommodate all modes of transportation because of the associated improvements to safety, the environment, quality of life, health, and economic development; and WHEREAS, many jurisdictions within McHenry County and the Chicago region have already adopted Complete Streets policies; and WHEREAS, by adopting a Complete Streets policy the City is helping to implement the region's ON TO 2050 Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the CITY COUNCIL of the CITY OF McHENRY, McHenry County, Illinois, as follows: SECTION 1: The City adopts the Complete Streets Policy attached hereto as Exhibit A. SECTION 2: If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, sentence or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged by any Court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, invalidate or nullify the remainder thereof, which remainder shall remain and continue in full force and effect. SECTION 3: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. SECTION 4: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage, approval and publication in pamphlet form (which publication is hereby authorized) as provided by law. Passed this 6th day of January, 2020. Ayes Nays Absent Abstain Alderman Devine a' Complete Streets Policy, Page 1 Alderman Glab 4r Alderman Harding k Alderman Mihevc —� Alderwoman Miller Alderman Santi Jr Alderman Schaefer 1r Wayne J t , Wyor Trisha amel, City 6erk Complete Streets Policy, Page 2 CERTIFICATION I, Monte Johnson, do hereby certify that I am the duly appointed, acting and qualified Deputy Clerk of the City of McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois, and that as such Clerk, I am the keeper of the records and minutes and proceedings of the Mayor and Aldermen of said City of McHenry. I do hereby further certify that at a regular meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of McHenry,held on the 6th day of January,2020,the foregoing Ordinance entitled An Ordinance Adopting the Complete Streets Policy, was duly passed by the City Council of the City of McHenry. The pamphlet form of Ordinance No. 20-1, including the Ordinance and a cover sheet thereof, was prepared, and a copy of such Ordinance was posted in the City Hall, commencing on the 7th day of December, 2020, and will continue for at least 10 days thereafter. Copies of such Ordinance are also available for public inspection upon request in the office of the City Clerk. I do further certify that the original, of which the attached is a true and correct copy, is entrusted to me as the Deputy Clerk of said City for safekeeping,and that I am the lawful custodian and keeper of the same. GIVEN under my hand and seal this 71h day of December 2020. 716..-a. Monte Johnson, Deputy Clerk City of McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois (SEAL) Complete Streets Policy, Page 3 CITY OF McHENRY Complete Streets Policy January 6, 2020 I. VISION Complete Streets provides significant health, safety, environmental, economic, and social benefits. By accommodating all users of our transportation system,including pedestrians,cyclists,transit users,freight trucks,and single-occupancy vehicles,the City can capitalize on the numerous other benefits of Complete Streets. The City supports the creation of amenities that enhance the quality of life of residents and improve the physical and social environment in ways that attract businesses and workers.The purpose of this policy is to, first and foremost, ensure that all users of the transportation system Complete Street are accommodated. This policy directs the City to develop and maintain a safe and equitable transportation system that anyone can access, utilize,and enjoy.This policy shall be observed when planning, designing, „ —, JA •• constructing, and operating City streets. t"• �� Cross-section of a Complete Street. The street accommodates bus riders, Goals cyclists,pedestrians,and motor vehicles. • Enhance roadway safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles • Provide a variety of choices for active, non-motorized transportation to routine destinations • Increase the capacity and efficiency of the transportation network, reduce traffic congestion,and improve air quality by improving mobility options • To create a comprehensive, integrated, and connected transportation network • To recognize the need for flexibility to accommodate different types of streets and users • Promote environmental benefits such as preserving the natural environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions • Improve the local economy by creating quality of life resources for the City residents and promoting sustainable development • Improve health and physical fitness among residents • Create aesthetically beautiful and physically pleasant streets for all modes • To ensure that the Complete Streets design solutions fit within the context(s) of the community II. DIVERSE USERS The City shall ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of the transportation system are accommodated,including pedestrians,bicyclists,transit riders,people of all ages and abilities,motorists, emergency responders,freight providers, and adjacent land users.Vulnerable users in particular will be prioritized.Those with disabilities and senior citizens shall be given extra consideration in the design and planning processes. When there are conflicting needs among users and modes,the following prioritization will apply: A. Above all, safety is paramount, followed by mobility B. Among modes, pedestrians shall come first citywide C. Seek balance among all modes involved It is recognized that all modes cannot receive the same type of accommodation and space on every street, but the overall goal is that everyone —young, old, and of varying ability— can safely and conveniently travel across the network using whatever mode they choose. III. PROJECTS AND PHASES The City shall approach every transportation project phase as an opportunity to create safer, more accessible streets for all users. These phases include, but are not limited to: planning, programming, design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, construction engineering, reconstruction, operation and maintenance. Other changes to transportation facilities on streets and rights-of-way, including capital improvements, re-channelization projects and major maintenance, must also be included. IV. EXEMPTIONS There may be a number of reasons why implementation is not feasible. The following are considered reasonable exemptions from policy implementation: • The cost of providing full accommodation would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probability of use, now or in the future; • Accommodation is not practically feasible because of severe topographic constraints or significant adverse impacts to the natural environment, historic or cultural resources, or neighboring land uses; • The project is under construction or in the final design stages at the time of the adoption of this Policy !�!".!!I;!0. 4 q -� ti„� • A reasonable and equivalent alternative already exists for certain users or is programmed as a separate project Iou • The existing and planned population, employment Currie Street densities, traffic volumes, or level of transit service around a particular roadway, as documented by the [appropriate plan/s], is so low as a to demonstrate an absence of current Adelaide Railway Station 4., j and future need Adelaide Oval 10— • The Public Works Director or his designee issues a It Rundle Mail 5 documented exemption concluding that the application of Complete Streets principles is unnecessary, unduly cost prohibitive, or inappropriate because it would be contrary to public safety When projects are exempted from the Policy, a greater effort Wayfinding is an essential part of Complete shall be made to accommodate affected users elsewhere, Streets. including on adjacent streets and on streets that intersect with the street or facility. V. NETWORK This Policy shall result in a comprehensive, integrated, and connected transportation network for all modes.This ensures that the needs of all users are met, regardless of mode. VI. JURISDICTIONS This Policy shall apply to all city(or village) owned transportation facilities in the public right-of-way including but not limited to: streets, sidewalks, alleys, bridges,trails, parking lots,and all other connecting pathways. Looking to the future, the City shall also foster partnerships with other agencies that further the City's vision of a connected, integrated transportation network that reaches beyond city borders. Partners should include but not be limited to: • Illinois Department of Transportation • McHenry County Division of Transportation • Township Highway Departments • School Districts • Local businesses • Private developers • Neighboring communities VII. DESIGN GUIDANCE&FLEXIBILITY The City shall consider the latest design standards available, including but not limited to: existing design guidance from the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO), state Departments of Transportation, the Institute of ^' f,. Transportation Engineers (ITE), the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility .� Guidelines (PROWAG). The City shall maximize design flexibility and innovation for balanced user and modal needs in our community. This includes a shift toward designing at the human scale for the needs and comfort of pedestrians. Design criteria shall be at the discretion of the City and shall not be purely prescriptive but shall be based on the thoughtful application of engineering, architectural, urban and rural design principles. VIII. LAND USE&CONTEXT SENSITIVITY The City shall implement Complete Streets solutions in a manner that is sensitive to the local context and character, aligns transportation and land use goals recorded in the City Comprehensive Plan, and recognizes that the needs of users may vary by case, community or corridor. IX. PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA The City shall consider accepted or adopted design standards, including but not limited to,existing design guidance from: • Active Transportation Alliance (ATA) • State Department of Transportation • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidance (PROWAG) • American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials o Guide for Planning, Design,and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities o Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities • National Association of City Transportation Officials—Urban Bikeway Design Guide • The Access Board—Pedestrian Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines X. IMPLEMENTATION The City shall view Complete Streets as integral to everyday transportation decision-making practices and processes.Toward this end,this policy shall be implemented through the following directives: 1) Revisions. The City and other relevant department, agencies, or committees will incorporate Complete Streets principles into all new projects and improvements. It will consider this policy when designing new roads or facilities. 2) Inventory. The City will maintain a comprehensive inventory of the pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure and will prioritize projects to eliminate gaps in these networks. 3) Funding. City staff will actively seek sources of funding to implement Complete Streets. 4) Coordination. The City shall continue to utilize inter-departmental project coordination to promote the better use of fiscal resources for activities that occur within the public right-of-way. 5) Education. Every Complete Streets project shall include an educational component to ensure that all users understand and can safely utilize the Complete Street. The implementation of Complete Streets shall begin r through the consideration of the following identifiedt projects and initiatives that will be considered starting points: 1) Incorporate Policy into the City Comprehensive Plan (if applicable) 2) Work on connection to and between trails, including improved signage 3) Seek funding support through all Federal, State, Separated bike facilities ensure safety for drivers and cyclists,like this bike lane above. and local sources 4) Ensure that all bridge projects include sufficient pedestrian and bicycle accommodations where economically feasible 5) Ensure consistency in street projects to create broader community benefits 6) Preserve and further maximize on-street parking for both convenience and commerce 7) Build intersections right the first time,with a vision for the present and future,and correct existing issues whenever possible 8) Work with the School District to develop a Safe Routes to School program where economically feasible.