Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 03/07/2001 RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE,
Date DI 10 °
MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR By ke. Time 0:3C
THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
OF
MARCH 7,2001
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Don Vann Brad Altman - excused
John Burrus Ronnie Awtry- excused
Tim Hertel Henry Oliver- excused
Elaine Bourgoin
Lt. Karl Lillie
Clyde Williford
Jody Wade
Joe Clement
Al Sutko
Forrest Ward Jr.
Davis Powell
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT
MSgt. Jim Zillweger Councilor Dan Shine
VISITORS
The March meeting and workshop of the Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission
was called to order by Chairman Jody Wade at 10:00 A.M.
Lt. Karl Lillie gave the invocation.
Page 1
Chairman Wade welcomed the commission members to the first workshop for the
commission. The commission addressed the list of discussion items and assigned
committees to work on each project for the year.
WORKSHOP DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. School Zone Safety
A. Safety Patrol Coordinator Training
Trooper Joe Clement explained that there is a need for training for the
coordinators at each campus to ensure that the patrol participants are taught the
proper safety techniques, proper care of their equipment, obtaining parental
permission cards, and proper clerical procedures to maintain the program.
There is an average of 15 students per campus and 20 campuses within the
program. The commission also discussed the possibility of offering incentives
for the schools with the best results. Trooper Clement, Don Vann,Patsy Walls,
and Rick Culler will work with the various campuses for additional training and
evaluation.
B. Public Service Announcements on school zone safety.
Added as an agenda item for the April meeting.
2. Residential Speeding
A. Speed Alert Trailer
Chairman Wade addressed the need for the trailers that would show the posted
limit and the actual speed of the passing motorist. The trailers would serve as a
reminder in school zones of the reduced speed limits and could also be used in
construction areas or high volume accident areas when needed. Chairman
Wade suggested the commission be proactive in approaching the council for
partial funding and also the possibility of having a fundraiser to help with the
cost. John Burrus offered information on a different type of sign that also
notifies the motorist of their actual speed. John Burrus,Joe Clement,Jody
Wade, and Karl Lillie will work on possible recommendations for the funding
and equipment best suited for the project. The committee will also address the
image that city employees portray within the community and suggest that this be
addressed in the city safety meetings.
B. Public Service Announcements on residential speeding.
Added as an agenda item for the April meeting.
3. Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety
Trooper Joe Clement and Patsy Walls are currently presenting programs at
various schools addressing this topic. They will also check on the schools using films within
their curriculum and the PTA's to help promote the issue.
Trooper Joe Clement and Patsy Walls will serve as the committee to work on
this project.
Page 2
4. Red Light Violations
The commission agreed the most effective tool would be additional enforcement.
The commission also acknowledged the shortage of police officers and the demand
that traffic violations puts on the officers on the street. John Burrus and Lt. Lillie
will work on the possibility of other aids in addressing this problem.
5. Pending Legislative Actions
Elaine Bourgoin offered letters for the commission's approval in support of
several pending legislative items that would impact traffic safety within the area.
The commission approved and Jody Wade signed the letters for mailing to various
legislative members in support of the following items:
Senate Bill 268 House Bill 794
House Bill 56 House Bill 1133
House Bill 620
6. Public Service Announcements on accident areas
Added as an agenda item for the April meeting.
7. Preferred School Routes
John Burrus advised the commission that as the studies are completed at each
campus, he would like for the commission to review the proposed school routes
prior to it being covered with the individual campus. The commission's support
would be beneficial in promoting the programs. Commission members agreed that
they would like to review the proposals in the future studies.
8. Public awareness and involvement in traffic safety issues.
Added as an agenda item for the April meeting.
9. Review of the Commission By-laws and Ordinance
Review of additional entities to the commission membership
The commission suggested that three additional entities be added to enhance the
overall effectiveness of the commission. Suggested entities are the Wichita
County Sheriff's patrol department, the Transportation Industry (school
transportation), and the Insurance Industry. The possibility of the quorum
being changed would also need to be addressed. The commission also suggested
that items J & K also be added back to Section 29-203. Elaine Bourgoin will
arrange for the corrections to be made for submission to council.
10. Accident Traffic Enforcement
Lt. Lillie explained how he schedules and manages the limited number of traffic
officers to cover all areas of the city. The explanation satisfied members of the
commission that the best possible use of the officer's time is being utilized and all
areas of concern are being addressed.
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Chairman Jody Wade moved the commission members into the normal agenda for
the March meeting at 1:30.
The financial report and minutes for the February meeting were approved as
written.
The accident statistics were circulated for review.
City Traffic Report
Nothing to report.
State Traffic Report
Mr. Tim Hertel reported that the bridge construction from Kemp to Fairway on
Kell will begin soon. The interruption to traffic should be minimal.
Unfinished Business
1. Item 00-04: Commission Workshop Item closed.
2. Item 01-01: Hill Request
John Burrus reported that the stop bars have been painted on Castle at the
intersection of Missile Rd.
John Burrus reported that the signs are ready to be posted on the
bicycle/pedestrian trail as soon as the plans are completed for the sidewalks and lighting.
Elaine Bourgoin reported that the trees in the median of Missile Rd. have
now been trimmed.
Lt. Karl Lillie advised that the brick wall and the corner of Castle and
Missile Rd. will be torn down in the near future.
Trooper Joe Clement advised that the committee is still working on the safety
seminars.
Item to remain open.
New Business
None
Items of Discussion
Jody Wade suggested the commission take a look at the speed limits on East
Scott. This will added as an agenda item for the April meeting.
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There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned
at 2:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Jody Wade Elaine Bourgoin e)
Chairman Secretary/Treasurer
Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission
WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FINANCIAL REPORT
March Balance $ 6046.22
Total $ 6046.22
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NOTICE OF MEETING
MEETING: WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
DATE: APRIL 4, 2001
..
TIME: 1:30 P.M.
LOCATION: CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM - MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM
AGENDA: A. CALL TO ORDER
B. INVOCATION
C. RECOGNITION OF NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS
D. FINANCIAL REPORT FOR MARCH 2001
E. MINUTES OF MEETING OF MARCH 7,2001
F. ACCIDENT STATISTICS
G. CITY / STATE TRAFFIC REPORT
H. COMMITTEE REPORTS
I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. ITEM 01-01: HILL REQUEST
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. ITEM 01-02: PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
2. ITEM 01-03: EAST SCOTT SPEED LIMITS
K. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
L. ADJOURNMENT
Wheelchair or handicapped accessibility to the meeting is possible by •
using the handicapped parking spaces, ramp and elevator located off the
East parking lot on 6th St. entrance. Spanish language interpreters,
deaf interpreters, Braille copies or any other special needs will be
provided to any person requesting a special service with at least 24
hour notice. Please call the City Clerk's office at 761-7409.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin
board at Memorial Auditorium, Wichita Falls, Texas, on the day of
, 20 , at o'clock (a.m. ) (p.m. ) .
City Clerk