Transportation Commission recommends updates to its ordinance to avoid "stalemate" on street geometry

Staff delivered a detailed review of proposed changes to the Transportation Commission ordinance, and the Commission voted by unanimous consent to recommend the edits to the Council.

Traffic and policy staff member Christophe presented the package, describing two core themes: a new process for street-geometry decisions designed "to eliminate the potential for stalemate" when TC, Board of Public Works and Common Council differ, and a set of cleanups and clarifications to the commission's powers and approval lists. Christophe told the commission the changes "are mostly bringing this in alignment with the way things are already operating," and that the intent was to give the Commission a way to register disagreement while keeping projects moving.

Key changes outlined by staff:
- Add a mechanism that allows Board of Public Works or Common Council to refer a matter back to the Transportation Commission with direction; the Commission can approve, or put objections on the record and delegate detailed approval to staff so the project continues moving toward Council action.
- Clarify which transit and bus-service changes require TC review ("significant" changes), and make route realignments a clear TC responsibility.
- Add mobility devices to the list of transportation elements the Commission may review (members questioned whether a formal definition is needed).
- Stagger alder appointments by setting one-year terms for alders serving on commissions; remove duplicative provisions (budget recommendations and an annual report found redundant with existing records).

Motion and vote: Commissioner Chris moved that the Commission recommend approval; Alder Martinez Rutherford seconded. The chair recorded no objections and noted the motion carried unanimously.

Context: Several commissioners asked for clarifications about the new referral/delegation process and said staff should update handbooks and guidance so commissioners, Board of Public Works members and staff understand the new flow. Staff said the proposed change is intended to preserve TC's role and record while avoiding procedural standstills.

Next steps: The Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to Common Council for final action; staff will draft the formal resolution and update implementation handbooks as the ordinance proceeds through Council review.