amy walsh      2/1/2012 4:33 AM
planting trees

I think that the worst street to walk along is North Street; because there is no shade. It is like walking up and down an airplane runway.

Bennett      1/30/2012 4:22 AM
Ernst Trail

I think Ernst trail is a great asset and I love cycling and running there. The only problem is that riding there on my bicycle from downtown is stressful because I have to navigate major intersections/fast-moving traffic with little shoulder room. Additionally, if I cross the 322 bridge on my bike I prefer to ride in the street (a narrow point with cement barriers on either side) because the sidewalk railing is short enough that if I were to crash I would possibly fall off the bridge altogether (though I don't mind a dip in French Creek now and then). Anyway, I would love to see a safe, established route to get to the Ernst trail from the Meadville residential areas.

Bill Harry      1/25/2012 9:21 AM
Comprehensive Plan

I am happy to see that a blue-print is in the development and happy to see that there is forward thinking and vision planning appears to be prominent in the minds of you all. Thank you for what you are trying to accomplish.

Scott A Sjolander      1/25/2012 9:21 AM
City website is important and municipal facility space co-occupation

Kudos to the administration of the current website. I suggest we place permits, ordinances, and transaction systems on the website to gain the greatest advantage to the city. I recommend that the city develop GIS layers and management systems as they prove advantageous. Kudos to the City for decisions to lease out 984 Water Street and move as find it to advantage. I hear suggestions and agree that the city, county, and townships could gain advantage in occupying some spaces together. I applaud the cooperation of purchase and use agreements for supplies and equipments among the several adjacent municipalities of city, county, and townships where it proves advantageous. I am having trouble with the security codes tonight.

Scott A Sjolander      1/25/2012 9:21 AM
Downtown Mall is important

I suggest that the Downtown Mall is an important commercial and governmental community center, although at a challenging time in the mall service life, as they seem to go. Still the investment is made, and is to be encouraged. As i recall, it replaced a blighted section of town. having trouble with your security codes on the submittal form.

Scott A Sjolander      1/25/2012 9:21 AM
Public transportation and sustainable transportation options

1.It is important to continue CATA programs, to encourage individual motor vehicle traffic and offer transit alternatives. Personally, I ride at least twice a week, and find ridership is increasing from casual observation. Kudos to the CATA program, including administrators and personnel. I find the drivers to be very accommodating, creative in solution to rider challenges, and always courteous. Kudos to CATA for using bicycle racks on the buses at least during the summer. 2. I suggest encouraging a commercial natural gas and an electric fueling station in an existing establishment as it becomes profitable. 3. I suggest the city and perhaps CATA operate at least 1 natural gas vehicle in the fleets as it becomes practical. 4. I have heard the suggestion of operating at least one "park and ride" lot in a transit corridor hub along the current CATA route on the return line to the city center. This can ease day-long and extended stay center city parking. Hours of the park and

Scott A Sjolander      1/25/2012 9:21 AM
Incorporate green infrastructure in stormwater management

Important to integrate trees and shrub plantings where appropriate to increase surface permeability and shade canopy in stormwater and air quality regulatory compliance. Detention basin and riparian maintenance should avoid reliance on total mowed lawn landscape emphasis. Review weed laws and other ordinances to minimize conflicting governence tools. In the past, street landscaping sometimes incroached on engineering line of sight at street intersections. Mistakeks like these are best avoided in sustainable solutions.

Viki M Allin / Creative Crust Bakery      1/25/2012 9:21 AM
Park & Parking

My message is totally dependent on the answer to one question. Who owns the land south of the 5th Ward along French Creek? There is a corridor of land along the creek that seems to be vast and has a lot of potential. It falls within the city limits! My proposal is that the land be made into a Park & Ride site for the downtown. The parking area would be landscaped with islands of green space between each row of parking. Along French Creek would be a paved path then a grassy area with lots of trees and picnic tables. It would be broken up into different areas of interest. The Fish and Game would build a Put-In for kayaks and canoes. A defined area for a secure play ground. A running track around the perimeter of the Park & Parking Grounds. CATA would offer a loop that would take people from their car to the downtown and back. The Art Department at the college can apply for grant money to work on wet landscape like the did at Shady Brook Park. The high school shop class ca

Anonymous      1/25/2012 9:21 AM
Electronic and credit card payments of refuse and taxes

I would like to suggest that the city offer residents the opportunity to pay their refuse bills by credit card or through online means. For example, sewer and water customers can elect to pay their bills through Auto Pay or by credit card. Online customers can elect to have their statements sent online, saving postage costs. I personally find paying my refuse bill problematic because every other utility bill I pay is online or credit card. I have been impressed by the options MAWA offer its customers. They offer a number of options that appeals to a broad spectrum of customers I would also suggest the ability to pay certain taxes online or by credit card, if laws would permit. I think per capita is a good option for online payment. Real estate taxes maybe more problematic for customers that pay through escrow accounts with their mortgage.