Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 06/06/2001 RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date O ' v�(
MINUTES OF THE MEETING F I1y - I Time 8'
THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
OF
JUNE 6, 2001
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Al Sutko Joe Clement- excused
Jody Wade Henry Oliver- excused
Clyde Williford Brad Altman - excused
Elaine Bourgoin Ronnie Awtry- excused
John Burrus Don Vann - excused
Paul Harper Forrest Ward,Jr. - excused
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT
MSgt. Jim Zillweger- excused
Councilor Linda Ammons - excused
VISITORS
Robert Powers - Midwestern State University
Dan Williams - Midwestern State University
Jack Murphy- Director of Parks and Recreation
Patsy Walls - Texas Department of Transportation
The June meeting of the Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission was called to
order by Chairman Jody Wade at 1:35 P.M.
Clyde Williford gave the invocation.
Chairman Wade welcomed guests Robert Clark& Dan Williams with Midwestern
State University, Jack Murphy, Director of Parks & Recreation, and Patsy Walls with the
Texas Department of Transportation.
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The financial report and minutes for the May meeting were approved as written.
The accident statistics were circulated for review.
City Traffic Report- Mr. John Burrus reported that the request for funding for work at
the intersection of Scott& Kell has been added to the budget request for next year. He is
also requesting funding for the speed zone trailer in the next budget. The commission
agreed to send a letter of support to Mr. Berzina for the trailer request.
State Traffic Report
Mr. Clyde Williford reported that the overhead project is still ahead of schedule.
Nothing else to report at this time.
Unfinished Business
Item 01-01: Hill Request
Mr. Burrus reported that the surveyors are working on plans for the paths to
be installed at the park. Will try to have more information for the next meeting. Item to
remain open.
Item 01-02: Public Service Announcements
Patsy Walls with the Texas Department of Transportation provided members
with scripts of PSA's that are being run on radio stations at this time. She also announced
plans to have a local PSA made targeting child safety which will feature pictures of Mrs.
Hill's daughter that was killed in a recent accident. Elaine Bourgoin and Patsy Walls will
coordinate with the Public Information office to air PSAs on Channel 11. Item to remain
open.
Item 01-04: Speedway/Harrison Traffic Controls
Item to remain open.
New Business
Item 01-07: Safety Patrol Incentives/Training
Item to remain open due to Trooper Clement's absence.
Item 01-08: MSU Bike Trail Proposal
Mr. Dan Williams advised the commission that he and Mr. Clark are
requesting the commission's suggestions and ultimately their support for the Sikes Lake
Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail project that is being considered for funding. Mr. Williams
provided a map of the proposed trail and addressed the safety issues that have been
addressed in the project. The trail will be lighted and offers amenities for the public. The
one area of concern was noted at the entrance to the trail on Taft Blvd. Mr. Williams
requested flashing warning lights and signs to notify traffic of pedestrian crossings. The
commission voiced their concerns due to the fact that pedestrian crossings offer a false
security to pedestrians and can prove to be hazardous in themselves. Different possibilities
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were discussed to alleviate the safety concerns. The commission suggested that the trail end
at Taft Blvd. rather than extending across the street. The public will then not be
encouraged to cross the street at that point rather than-crossing at the intersection as they
would under normal circumstances. Mr. Williams agreed they would take a closer look at
that area and make adjustments.
The commission voted to send a letter of recommendation and support in favor of
the project. The commission agreed that the project fits beautifully with the city trail
project and will certainly be an enhancement for the community.
Item closed.
Item 01-09: Carr-Construction Complaint
Chairman Jody Wade explained that Mrs. Carr had called him regarding a
complaint about Morath Construction. He called Morath to try to find a solution to the
complaint and encouraged the two parties to try to reach an agreement. By Mrs. Carr not
being at the meeting today, hopefully, the matter has been resolved. Item closed.
Items of Discussion
Mr. Jack Murphy, Director of Parks & Recreation requested the commission to also
take a look at a funding request for the city's extension of the hike & bike trail. The
extension links two federally funded systems that are now existing. The proposed project is
the area of Holliday Creek. Commission members voted to continue their support of the
project which began in 1994.
Mr. Al Sutko advised the commission that two different individuals have contacted
him regarding the lights eastbound on Southwest Parkway. The left turn signals and the
signals for through traffic are confusing to out of town people as well as citizens not
familiar with the area. Mr. John Burrus explained that eventually all signals will be
elevated rather than on existing ground mounts. Mr. Clyde Williford will take a look at the
area to determine possible remedies since it is a state highway.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned at 2:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
th_,Jody Wade Cheig_ Elaine Bourgoin
Chairman � Secretary/Treasurer
Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission
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WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FINANCIAL REPORT
June & July Balance $ 6046.22
Safety Patrol Swim Party - 250.00
Total $ 5796.22
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NOTICE OF MEETING
MEETING: WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
DATE: AUGUST 1, 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 JUNE & JULY 2001
E. MINUTES OF MEETING OF JUNE 6, 2001
F. ACCIDENT STATISTICS
G. CITY / STATE TRAFFIC REPORT
H. COMMITTEE REPORTS
I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. ITEM 01-01: HILL REQUEST
2. ITEM 01-02: PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
3. ITEM 01-04: SPEEDWAY/HARRISON TRAFFIC CONTROLS
4. ITEM 01-07: SAFETY PATROL INCENTIVES/TRAINING
J. NEW BUSINESS
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 6Y° 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