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Trustees direct staff to develop Complete Streets policy after amending resolution language
Summary
Board approved a resolution directing staff to produce a Complete Streets policy and return it to the trustees for final consideration, after discussion about scope, staff leadership and code implications.
The Carbondale Board of Trustees voted to direct staff to develop a Complete Streets policy and bring it back to the board for final consideration and possible adoption, after trustees and staff amended the draft resolution to avoid prescriptive code changes and to clarify staff leadership of the effort.
The board’s action follows a request from the Bicycle and Pedestrian (BikePed) Commission and supporters to formalize a framework that treats pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and drivers as part of a shared transportation planning approach. Supporters said a formal policy would help ensure those modes are considered consistently when the town plans streets, capital projects and development reviews.
Matt, a member of the BikePed Commission, described Complete Streets as a framework that “helps every town meet their objectives around bike‑ped mobility issues” and said the commission sees the policy as a way to elevate multimodal considerations in decision making. Jared, a town staff member, and Lauren, the town manager, told trustees staff supports developing a policy but recommended a staff‑led, multi‑stakeholder process that includes input from planning and public‑works staff and from multiple boards and commissions.
Trustees debated how prescriptive the resolution should be. Several trustees voiced concern about language in the draft that would have required immediate modification of all existing town plans and regulations; they asked that the resolution instead direct staff to convene an effort and return a finished policy for the board’s approval. The board adopted that approach: the resolution as approved directs staff to develop a policy—drawing on the principles attached as Exhibit A to the packet—and to present the completed policy to the trustees for review and potential adoption.
Community supporters said the resolution is intended to create accountability and accelerate work already reflected in the town’s comprehensive plan and MAP Carbondale recommendations. Nikki, a community advocate, said adopting a resolution to begin the process signals the town’s commitment and helps coordinate stakeholders and volunteers.
Staff and trustees discussed timeline and staffing. Staff said the work will be led by public‑works and planning staff with contributions from an ad hoc group of commission and community members and expects to bring a draft policy to the trustees for consideration at a future meeting; the resolution includes no immediate regulatory changes and sets no firm deadline.
The motion to approve the resolution as amended was made by Trustee Chris and seconded by Trustee Khan. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.
