Committees adopt 'complete streets during construction' guide and direct staff to add sign‑placement rules

Staff presented a draft "complete streets during construction" guide that would require contractors and private developers to submit plans showing how pedestrian and bicycle access will be maintained during street work. The guide is intended to be incorporated into contract documents and street‑opening permits as appropriate.

Committee members raised concerns about where closure signage is placed, midblock signage for projects longer than a block, and enforcement for private developers who do not follow the guidance. Kirsten and others cited a recent closure of the North Mendota Path that left users with no safe crossing and urged mandatory placement of signs at safe crossings or provision of temporary rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs) or other mitigations.

Staff and the city engineer noted that some enforcement tools already exist for certain topics (e.g., erosion control), but that additional ordinance language or developer‑agreement provisions may be needed to give staff teeth on private projects. Committees asked staff to draft language on sign placement (emphasizing safe crossings and midblock signage for closures longer than a block) and to explore mechanisms — including developer agreements and potential ordinance revisions — to enforce the guide for private developments.

Both committees voted to approve the draft guide with the understanding that staff will develop specific sign‑placement language and implementation options; staff will return with amendments and suggested enforcement language.