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Council approves active-transportation planning contract and a utility-box art program
Summary
Council approved a $308,000 grant-funded contract to prepare a citywide Active Transportation Plan and approved an adopt-a-box public art program to enhance Old Town aesthetics; both items received public support and brief debate over scope and funding.
Orange — Two staff-recommended items cleared the Oct. 28 agenda: a contract to develop a citywide Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and a utility-box art and sponsorship program.
Active Transportation Plan: Council approved the professional services agreement with Mark Thomas & Company (motion moved by Councilmember Dimitrio and supported by colleagues). Staff said the ATP will identify pedestrian and bicyclist safety improvements, align with the Complete Streets grant funding (approximately $308,000 federal grant plus transportation system improvement funds), and take about two years to complete. Public commenter Jake Comer (Orange Sustainability Group) urged a data-driven plan tied to safety hotspots and coordination with the San Diego Creek strategic plan.
Utility-box art program: Council also approved an adopt-a-box utility art and sponsorship program designed to paint and sponsor electrical/utility boxes to improve aesthetics. Staff said the program could involve local schools for competitions; councilmembers recommended outreach and sponsorship solicitations once program guidelines are finalized.
Next steps: staff will execute the ATP contract and begin outreach; for the art program staff will finalize guidelines and solicitation materials and circulate them to the council.
