CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION requesting the Seattle Department of Transportation develop policy options for the maintenance of existing sidewalks, create a public education program on snow and ice removal responsibilities, and develop a program to enforce snow and ice removal requirements by private property owners.
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WHEREAS, The City of Seattle (“City”) is committed to investing in improving all modes of transportation; and
WHEREAS, safe places for people to walk and roll are an integral part of our transportation network; and
WHEREAS, most of us are pedestrians at some point during our daily routines, whether crossing a parking lot, rolling to a bus stop, or walking a dog around the block; and
WHEREAS, from toddlerhood to old age, walking and rolling provide a critical link to our communities; and
WHEREAS, our sidewalks should be well-maintained so that everyone can walk and roll safely; and
WHEREAS, in Seattle, private property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks, but in practice the City is rarely able to enforce this responsibility; and
WHEREAS, the City budget has very limited funds for sidewalk maintenance, so it will take multiple centuries to address the ~156,000 repair issues that the City is aware of; and
WHEREAS, uneven, obstructed, or ice/snow-covered sidewalks pose extreme mobility challenges to people with disabilities and create tripping hazards - especially for elders; and
WHEREAS, sidewalk repair can be expensive and should not place undue financial strain on low-income families; and
WHEREAS, the City has no method to subsidize the cost of repairing sidewalks for low-income property owners; and
WHEREAS, the City’s current policies result in wealthier areas being able to better maintain their sidewalks; and
WHEREAS, all people deserve places to walk and roll safely and with dignity; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:
Section 1. The City Council requests that the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) prepare a report of options for new sidewalk maintenance policies and programs. The report shall include, but is not limited to; an assessment of strategies to implement an equitable cost sharing program including an evaluation of the City of Denver’s program; options for do-it-yourself maintenance and hiring an approved contractor; point of sale and lien options; a policy scan of other options; and a plan for community outreach. The report should include a recommended course of action and any proposed legislation necessary to implement the recommendations. The City Council requests that SDOT submit the report in writing to the City Council by March 31, 2020 for review and subsequent legislative action.
Section 2. The City Council requests that SDOT create a public education program educating residents and property owners about their responsibilities for snow and ice removal under Section 15.48.010 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
This public education program should begin no later than November 1, 2019 and should explore distributing information through utility bills, as well information distributed on social media and through traditional media sources.
Section 3. The City Council requests that SDOT prepare a report describing how the department enforces Section 15.48.010 of the Seattle Municipal Code under the provisions of Chapter 15.91 of the Seattle Municipal Code. The City Council requests that SDOT consider ways to emphasize clearing of sidewalks by commercial property owners within 12 hours of a snow event. The report may include a Director’s Rule articulating SDOT’s policies, if appropriate, and any legislative proposals necessary to strengthen enforcement of Section 15.48.010. The City Council requests that SDOT submit the report in writing to the City Council by January 1, 2020 for review and subsequent legislative action.
Adopted by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2019, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this ________ day of _________________________, 2019.
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President ____________ of the City Council
The Mayor concurred the ________ day of _________________________, 2019.
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Jenny A. Durkan, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2019.
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Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk
(Seal)