04-03-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-April 3, 2006 3055 7. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, Authorize chairman to sian Resolution #2006-6, adoptina metropolitan bike and pedestrian plan Kajari Laskar, Transportation Analyst from the Fargo Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG), was present. She provided a presentation on the 2006 Metropolitan Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which is updated every five years. The intent of the plan is to promote non-motorized means of transportation and improve and enhance the facilities promoting them. She said since 2000 there has been a significant increase in the usage of pedestrian and bicycle paths. One purpose of the plan is to program relevant projects and support their eligibility for state and federal funding. She noted that costs for county bike and pedestrian pathways are usually included in road construction and improvement projects. The plan also includes a request to either re-word or repeal the current North Dakota side path law that requires skilled cyclists to use bike paths, not roadways. She said when skilled cyclists use side paths, it endangers the other citizens using the bikeway; therefore, Metro COG is encouraging a change in the law. Mr. Vanyo asked about the level of cooperation from other communities regarding the plan. Ms. Laskar said those governmental entities that have reviewed the plan are in favor of its approval. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to approve the 2006 Metropolitan Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan as presented by the Fargo- Moorhead Council of Governments; and to authorize the chairman to sign Resolution #2006-6, adopting the plan. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION #2006-6 WHEREAS, the Cass County Commission is the duly elected governing body responsible for the planning and development of safe and functional transportation systems including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. WHEREAS, the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments, as the metropolitan planning organization is designated by the Governors of the North Dakota and Minnesota to maintain the metropolitan area's transportation planning process in accordance with federal regulations; WHEREAS, the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments has undertaken the task of updating the Metropolitan Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which is a vital element of this planning process, and which makes transportation related bikeway projects eligible for future federal funding; WHEREAS, the metropolitan bikeway and pedestrian planning process was directed by the Metro Trails Committee composed of a wide cross section of bicycle and pedestrian interest groups including elected leaders, park district representatives, police officers, bike club members, local school and higher education officials, technical staff and various interest groups; WHEREAS, the 2006 Metropolitan Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was prepared using an extensive planning process; and projects or strategies proposed in the short-