Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 09/07/2011MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR
THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
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SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Beauchamp
Phil Golden
Charles Grady
Karl Lillie
Laney Oliver
Stan Horton
Dennis Marquardt
Clyde Williford
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Annetta Pope- Councilor- At- Large
David Rhomer Tx Dot
Chris McDonald (SAFB)
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Charlie Byars (Excused)
Tim Turner (Excused)
David Brock (Excused)
Tim Hertel (Excused)
Toby Catlin (Excused)
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EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT
Phil Golden called the September 7th meeting of the Wichita Falls Traffic Safety
Commission to order at 1:30 p.m.
Members and visitors introduced themselves. City Attorney Miles Risley was
present.
The minutes were approved for August 2011.
The financial report for September was presented by Stan Horton. Balance is $0.00.
Accident Statistics:
Karl Lillie of WFPD advised the total crashes for August 212 of which 41 were
injury accidents. There have been 6 fatalities for 2011. Also, he added there have been 70
accidents to date that alcohol was involved and 134 DWI arrests made to date.
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City Traffic Report
Mark Beauchamp advised all projects are all about the same but in different stages.
1. Callfield and Lawrence Rd. realignment project has started. The City has
purchased the property necessary to accomplish this upgrade to the intersection.
Currently, the level of service for this intersection is Level D and will be
upgraded to a level B upon completion. Construction may begin January 2012.
2. The 6th st off ramp has had many updates in an attempt to keep traffic from
crossing over the median to make unsafe left turns. There may still be some
complaints but these will be addressed as they arise.
3. Kemp and Southwest Pkwy systems update with new signal controls and
upgrading the communications system. Mark advised that the police department
has given traffic the full mobile data band which will allow the traffic division to
make faster adjustments to needed areas of interest. This will be a total
dedicated network for traffic.
4. Windthorst Rd. overpass has been considered for rebuild by the state.
State Traffic Report
No report at this time.
Committee Reports
Unfinished Business:
1. "Safe Routes to School ": Mark Beauchamp advised the project is
in the design stage now and should be let next summer. The City
has met all their requirements and is ready to proceed. Also,
Crocket and Fowler schools are requesting upgrades.
1. Item 03 -10: Cell Phone Texting While Driving — City Attorney
Miles Risley advised that Governor Perry vetoed the Texting bill. At
the request of the TSC, Mr. Risley presented copies of city ordinances
adopted in other cities close to our size for consideration and
discussion. Discussion followed as to the ability of an officer to
enforce this law or ordinance. By majority vote, The TSC decided
this was not a subject to pursue further at this time. This decision was
based on the technology of cell phones to date and the officer truly
being able to testify in a court of law that a person was texting and not
using another application on his or her phone. Item closed.
2. All signs referencing the "Hospital Gate" at Sheppard have been
removed.
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New Business:
The TSC wants to address alcohol awareness. Discussion followed with ideas of
signage at city functions. Mark Beauchamp advised he would try to design some signs that
would work for us.
Items of Discussion:
None
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned
at 2:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Phil Golden tan Horton
Chairman Secretary /Treasurer
WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FINANCIAL REPORT
September Balance $ -0-
Expenditures $ -0-
Total $ -0-
An audio recording of the above meeting in its entirety
will be kept on file for future reference.
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