HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-046 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2008/03/17RESOLUTION NO. 08-046
RESOLUTION AFFIRMING SUPPORT
FOR ACTIVE LIVING HENNEPIN COUNTY
WHEREAS, Hennepin County is one of three communities contracted by Blue Cross and
Blue Shield of Minnesota to create Active Living initiatives;
WHEREAS, representatives from Hennepin County; the cities of Bloomington, Brooklyn
Park, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Independence, Minneapolis, and St. Louis Park; McGough
Companies; Metropolitan Council; Park Nicollet Health Services; Robbinsdale School District;
Target Corporation; and Three Rivers Park District have guided the county's Active Living process
since the Fall of 2006;
WHEREAS, physical inactivity and poor nutrition are leading causes contributing to
increasing rates of obesity and other chronic diseases, and adult obesity was declared an epidemic in
2007 by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
WHEREAS, health problems associated with physical inactivity and poor nutrition affect
Hennepin County and its communities through reduced quality of life and higher medical costs —
over $1 billion in Hennepin County per year;
WHEREAS, a 2007 countywide assessment and survey on active living clearly indicated
both resident and official desire for increased opportunities and fewer barriers to physical activity;
WHEREAS, increased pedestrian and bicycle activity will reduce vehicle emissions and air
pollution, thereby decreasing asthma attack rates and emergency room visits and promoting
environmental sustainability;
WHEREAS, public rights-of-way can be designed, constructed, and maintained for
automobiles as well as for walking and biking;
WHEREAS, residents of St. Louis Park often face physical and perceptual barriers that limit
their ability and willingness to walk and bike to destinations within the county;
WHEREAS increased pedestrian and bicycle activity in St. Louis Park neighborhoods can
enhance social cohesion, increase neighborhood economic viability, and improve safety by having
more eyes -on -the -street;
WHEREAS, St. Louis Park strives to be a leader in non -motorized transportation,
environmental, and public health initiatives; and,
WHEREAS, active living is a way of life that integrates walking and biking into daily
routines;
WHEREAS, St. Louis Park is home to a broad group of talented and committed city
employees and residents interested in promoting active living;
Resolution No. 08-046 -2-
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Louis Park City Council supports
the Active Living Hennepin County vision "Hennepin — Active, Fit, and Healthy;"
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the St. Louis Park City Council supports the Active
Living Hennepin County mission to "Plan, provide and promote active living environments and
opportunities for everyone;"
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the St. Louis Park City Council supports the Active
Living Hennepin County principles:
a. Physical activity improves health and quality of life in our communities;
b. Places should be designed to provide everyone — regardless of age, gender, language,
ethnicity, economic status or ability — with a variety of opportunities for safe, convenient,
and affordable physical activity;
c. Development patterns should encourage mixed uses, compact designs, and a variety of
transportation choices that link roads, transit, bicycling and walking;
d. Buildings and their landscapes should be designed with features that promote opportunities
for active living and active transportation, including highly visible stairs, orientation to
streets and sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and transit stops at main building entries;
e. Transportation systems, including transit and trails, should provide safe, convenient, and
affordable access to destinations such as housing, employment, schools, and community
services;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council directs staff to prepare Active
Living policies for City Council consideration that relate to physical infrastructure and programs in
St. Louis Park, and to identify funding resources to support active living infrastructure priorities;
and,
and o
Revi
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that St. Louis Park will partner with Hennepin County
ties in the county during 2008 to develop and implement Active Living strategies.
inistration
Adopted" .y . e City Council March 17, 2008.
City Manag
Attest:
Tyger.1-4d-c
Mayor