City planning briefs committee on GIS parcel work, FEMA floodplain changes and Safe Routes grants; Vision Zero to follow

Planning and GIS staff told the Public Service Committee they are updating parcel data, helping homeowners respond to new FEMA flood-insurance mapping, and advancing federally funded pedestrian and bicycle safety projects. GIS and assessment coordination: a city GIS staff member said she has been reconciling parcel layers used by the assessor and the state, correcting registry and deed discrepancies and upgrading files for compatibility with current ArcGIS software. FEMA floodplain mapping: planning staff said the council updated the city's floodplain ordinance to align with recently issued FEMA FIRM maps. The planning speaker said several residents have inquired after receiving mortgage company notices that their properties now appear in the floodplain; preliminary review indicated many structures appear not to be in the floodplain, and planning staff have helped residents navigate available information. Safe Routes grants and Vision Zero: staff described two Federal Highway Administration grants. The Safe Routes to School project will reconstruct Elm Street (Cross Street to Lawrence/Temple) and will include road, sidewalk and drainage work; crews will do underground utility and drainage work this fall and return in spring for surface work. The transcript records that the Safe Routes for All grant (awarded in 2023) required extended federal grant-agreement negotiations but is now executed by the mayor and pending federal signature. That grant was cited at about $280,000 with a city match of $57,000; staff said a separate state matching program awarded $57,000 to cover the city match, so the project will be at no cost to the city. Staff said they will set up public information sessions and a stakeholder committee to develop a Vision Zero policy aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities, and may test demonstration projects such as restriping and signage to qualify for larger implementation funds. Conservation/MVP: planning staff said they are preparing materials for a public information panel for an MVP (Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness) grant for a Keys Road culvert project and are tentatively scheduling an October 22 panel for nearby stakeholders. No formal committee votes were taken on these items at the meeting; staff asked for support in assembling committee stakeholders and public-notice steps.