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she has some problems with these misrepresentations. Further in the summary it states that “While none of the written comments were against the Draft Plan,” in reality neither did many of the comments express support. The responses ranged from “Keep it out of my neighborhood,“ to “I want traffic lights to be set so that pedestrians can cross” and “I want you to address the street grades”. Ms. Carr stated that she had read every one of the letters, but probably the most salient comment was made by Christine Albinson, who said “The plan as presented does not clearly address the current issues related to biking as a means of transportation versus recreational activities for residents of UCity”. The plan still has in its adoption complete livable streets, so if we adopt the plan as written we are agreeing to the impending Complete Livable Streets Ordinance. We are also saying that we will transfer our policymaking authority to city administration. This is not just a vision, because it spells out what the speed limits are going to be and which streets should be designated as bicycle streets; even if they are not wide enough to accommodate such an action. An important question would be how will this be funded? She said there was a suggestion that we can raid other local funding sources like taxes, parks and storm water; the ones supported for Centennial Commons and Economic Development Retail Sales Tax. Ms. Carr stated she did not vote for that to be used for a bike path but rather to support the redevelopment on Olive, so the funding causes her to worry. We can look at the Capital Improvement budget, set-asides, developer impact fees, CIDS and special bond issues. She asked if this was going to raise your taxes. Monies that should be spent on fixing our infrastructure, redevelopment and parks can be diverted without Council approval if this plan was passed. She referred to a flow chart as a reference. This flow chart was prepared by staff and given to her by the City Manager. And you should note that once a plan is approved by staff it triggers them to decide which projects will be implemented and seek funding, either by grants or by putting them into the city’s budget. Ms. Carr stated that the only other chance that Council has to weigh-in, according to these flow charts, is when we vote to approve a contract that was greater than $25,000. In 2005 the city adopted its last Comprehensive Plan, which was amended in 2007. Then Councilmember and now Mayor Shelley Welsch, worked to establish a special committee; the Advisory Board on Economic Progress, ABEP, which produced a report, parts of which were included in the 2005 Comprehensive City Plan. Council could have adopted the ABEP Plan in total and attached it to the Comprehensive Plan verbatim, but it did not, specifically because of the problem related to the development of a shopping center at Ames Place. So instead, they asked that certain non-objectionable sections be recommended for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan. But now we are being asked to attach something that has never been mentioned before. Let us look at the way Ms. Welsch brought it forward in 2005. She did a magnificent job. The situation with the Draft Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan is similar to the report from the Advisory Board on Economic Progress; there are parts that are objectionable and should not be included, and other parts that may fit well with the next Comprehensive Master Plan being developed. But once the whole plan is approved, staff will be charged with its implementation whether or not we have anticipated the consequences. It will be like writing a blank check unless we clearly understand that most, if not all, will be implemented and put in our budget as a result of our approval of the plan. Mr. Carr said certain portions can be incorporate into the next Comprehensive Plan, which would give Council the option of approving or disapproving a suggested project. Ms. Carr suggested that the Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan be treated in the same manner, by including specific modifications to the Comprehensive Plan as determined by City Council, and allowing this body to direct the City Manager to develop a priority and feasibility list of bike walk projects, including accessible sidewalks, for their approval and implementation. She said these are actions that would not be possible if we choose to adopt the entire plan. This would protect the intent of our Council/Manager form of government/charter, and to effectively develop bike walk projects in our city. 12