By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City Council is being driven to make changes in its Complete Streets efforts.
During a Committee of the Whole meeting prior to the council meeting Monday evening, it was decided that efforts to add accommodations for bicycles must come earlier in the planning process. The timing problems came to light earlier this fall when decisions on Conneaut and Fairview avenues had to be rushed due to bidding requirements.
The rush led to decisions being made by the Transportation and Safety Committee, rather than the entire City Council. That did not sit well with some council members, who pointed out that the entire body should be part of decision making when it involves big sums of money.
“We just need to be aware enough of the timing issues,” so council can weigh in on the projects, council member Bob McOmber said.
Mike Aspacher, council president, reminded that the purpose of council committees is to help facilitate conversations with staff and then make recommendations to the full council.
John Zanfardino, chairman of the Transportation and Safety Committee, agreed but added that “there was a rushed element at the end.” He said council will be more aware of bid deadlines in the future. “I think we learned this year.”
But planning for Complete Streets may still be difficult, since city officials will not know how much funding they have to work with till later in the year. Public Works Director Brian Craft said his office can give council a list of streets to be repaved at the beginning of the year, but the funding won’t be determined till later.
Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter said it would be helpful to discuss plans before the city gets too far into the budget process.
In an attempt to avoid the rush experienced this fall, council wants to meet on the topic in January. Zanfardino suggested council also discuss the YaY Bikes initiative, which focuses more on education of bicyclists and motorists and less on expensive construction projects.
“This appears to be a possible cost saver for the community,” council member Sandy Rowland said.
But council member Daniel Gordon questioned why so many other communities are building bike accommodations, if the YaY Bikes initiative is the best route to pursue. He suggested that the city collect data to substantiate its decisions.
Aspacher said the YaY Bikes program is quite new, as are bike route requirements that some communities are investing a lot of money in.
The next meeting on Complete Streets is planned for Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. The city’s Bicycle Safety Commission, which also meets at that time, will be asked to join council’s meeting.
