2023 6 20 City Council Agenda Packet

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PUBLIC WORKS lien

MEMORANDUM
TO: Mike Keith, Interim City Manager
FROM: Ben Burchfield, Public Works Director

DATE: June 8, 2023
SUBJECT: Stantec Pedestrian & Bicycle Masterplan Adoption

The Public Works Department is pleased to present to Council the Athens Bike & Pedestrian
Master Plan. As a brief reminder, the plan was funded jointly by TDOT and the City through the
Community Transportation Planning Grant (CTPG) program that the City has taken advantage of
during the last few years. The state covered 90% of the cost of this plan; the City was
responsible for 10%. This plan was developed by Stantec and the City with input from staff,
focus group, online surveys, as well as residents that attended the public meetings. This plan is
the culmination of the efforts of many.

The Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan further refines many of the recommendations and concepts
originally developed in the Community Mobility Plan (CMP). It touches on all facets of multi-
modal infrastructure and policy. It establishes existing conditions, details the means and
methods of public engagement that were undertaken to understand the needs of residents and
business owners, provides tangible recommendations based on need and utilitarian metrics,
and provides insight on funding needs and sources the City can target to steadily implement the
plan over the coming months and years.

The plan acknowledges that advancing multi-modal availability in Athens extends beyond
purely “brick-and-mortar”, the City-must also pursue changes in policy. | look forward to
continued discussion on the particulars of this plan in the coming years, and even more so to
making the ideas contained herein a reality for our residents to enjoy with their families,
whether for work or play.

In conclusion, the Public Works Department would request that Council formally adopt the Bike
& Pedestrian Master Plan as presented and committing to its implementation as able. This
resolution to adopt the plan will complete the obligations of the City as required by TDOT as

part of the CDBG grant award.
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