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<br />twice; the Traffic Commission; the Green Practices Commission; the Parks Commission; <br />the Urban Forestry Commission, and it is his belief that it has passed in every single one. <br />He noted that this process had actually been very useful, because three main issues were <br />raised and possibly addressed. First issue was going through the streets of a private <br />subdivision, which potentially raises very complicated issues. Mr. Kraft stated that this <br />resolution addressed those issues by clearly stating that no bike paths will go through a <br />subdivision, unless the subdivision decides that they want a bike path. He said the wording <br />was very clear, “Before a private subdivision is included with the implementation of a <br />Bicycle and a Pedestrian Master Plan the City Manager will secure all necessary approval <br />from trustees or other relevant authorities”. The next issue was cost, and the good news <br />was that tonight’s plan spends no money. Like any other plan, it is simply a plan. UCity <br />has a Parks Master Plan wherein Council recently approved an updated and detailed plan <br />for Lewis Park, and separately approved match money that would implement a portion of <br />that plan. Similarly, Council will approve or reject individual parts of the plan and approve <br />or reject necessary funding for implementation. He stated that the final issue was whether <br />we really need a Master Plan, because Council can just approve little pieces at a time. <br />Council will improve the implementation a little piece at a time, but a Master Plan was <br />needed to compete for funding. UCity will be asking for regional money from the .03 or .08 <br />cents sales tax that passed last spring. The state provided funding for a bridge in UCity <br />because it connects to other roads in the region. Similarly, monies for these projects will <br />become available when it is clear to the funders that our paths have been designed in a <br />way to connect to other communities, thus the need for a Master Plan. Clayton, Olivette <br />and the City of St. Louis all have Master Bike/Walk Plans, and cities with a plan will have a <br />higher priority for funding. Mr. Kraft then reemphasized the fact that a vote against this plan <br />is a vote against our fellow citizens who push strollers, are in wheelchairs and our children <br />who bike to school. <br /> <br />Ms. Carr stated that her view of this plan is perhaps a little different than that of her <br />colleague Mr. Kraft. So while she would like to thank the Plan Commission for conducting <br />the public meeting, they are only an advisory board and do not have the authority to <br />address what happens on or in private areas. Nor can any statement or whereas in the <br />resolution guarantee any behavior or promise any action to those private entities or <br />subdivisions. It is nice that the Commission addressed the issue, but their statements on <br />how the private streets might be considered hold no legal water, because it is what is in the <br />plan that will be implemented, not the resolution. Ms. Carr stated that she would also like to <br />thank the Mayor’s Task Force on Bike and Walkability for their effort, enthusiasm and <br />commitment. She said they have produced an interesting plan that has invoked <br />provocative discussions. Unfortunately, it is impossible for her to vote for approval on the <br />conflation of a Bike Plan with the largest and most comprehensive transfer of power in the <br />history of UCity, no matter how much she liked biking, or how much biking and UCity are a <br />good match. Ms. Carr stated that she was deeply disappointed in staff’s presentation of the <br />plan and questioned where was the authority to agree to maintain private streets. Council <br />has not granted that authority to either Mr. Walker or Mr. Wilson, and this statement violates <br />city policies. Further, neither the City Manager nor the Director of Public Works has ever <br />been granted that authority in any document that she has ever seen. Ms. Carr noted that <br />Mr. Wilson advocates for Council to adopt this plan which gives him or the City Manager the <br />authority to maintain private streets or portions thereof. In the meeting summary Mr. Wilson <br />stated that the city would be responsible for clearing bike paths and working out <br />agreements with private subdivisions, but that authority has not been granted. She said a <br />frequently asked question was who would pay to maintain the bike route if it were to be <br />constructed on a private street? City’s answer; after all conceptual approvals have been <br />obtained from the trustees is that an agreement would be executed. But again, he does not <br />have the authority to tell you that. The city would pay the 20 percent local match and that <br />is the use of public funds for a private entity that does not involve health and welfare. The <br />explanation from staff is that the plan includes taking over private street maintenance, so <br />11 <br /> <br /> <br />