Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 03/07/2007�
MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR
RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE Date
By Time , 10 A
THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
OF
March 7, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Beauchamp
Laney Oliver
Brad Hardin
Charles McMillan
David Brock
Tim Hertel
Ryan Matthews
Charles Byars
Tim Turner
Jesse West
Joe Clement
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Schaffer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Don Vann - excused
Elaine Bourgoin - excused
Clyde Williford - excused
Brenda Chuleewah - unexcused
Kevin Callahan - unexcused
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT
Councilor Rick Hatcher
Chairman Mark Beauchamp called the March Traffic Safety Commission meeting
to order at 1:30 p.m.
Jesse West offered the invocation.
The financial report and minutes for the February meeting were approved as
written.
Accident Statistics
Lt. Brad Hardin presented the accident statistics. Lt. Hardin reported there were
237 accidents for the month of February - no fatalities. The ten intersections with the most
accidents for the month of February were reviewed. There were no more than 3 accidents
at any of the top ten intersections. Lt. Hardin reviewed information concerning a minor
pedestrian accident in front of the Fowler Elementary School.
Page 1
City Traffic Report
Chairman Mark Beauchamp advised the commission that the City is basically
working on the same projects as reported last month. The work at the intersection of
Midwestern Parkway and Jacksboro Highway should be completed this week. The speed
limit changes for Scott Street are still in Austin for consideration and approval.
State Traffic Report
Mr. Tim Hertel advised that the Loop 11 extension project is scheduled for
September 2007. Progress is being made on the right -of -way purchases. Mr. Hertel also
advised the overhead project is still ahead of schedule.
Unfinished Business
Item 06 -09: Northbound Overhead Traffic Concerns
Mr. Tim Hertel reported there was a meeting with the consultant on
Monday. The preliminary findings and recommendations were given concerning the
Highway 281 tie-in and exits for the Falls Flyover. Recommendation was to have 1000 ft.
per lane as a buffer for lane changes. Mr. Hertel said they are reviewing the plans to see if
they can get approximately 1700 —1800 ft. as there are two lanes involved. If this is
feasible, this will be the plan of action taken. Item will remain open.
Item 07 -01: Solicitation Ordinance
Chairman Mark Beauchamp advised he had received additional information.
He spoke to a representative in Amarillo, TX about the ordinances they adopted. The City
of Amarillo was challenged and the ordinance was then reworded. He also spoke with a
representative in Richardson, TX to ask how they arrived at the age limit of 18 concerning
who could solicit, but no one could explain it. Chairman Beauchamp distributed copies of
an excerpt of an opinion written by Dan Morales, Attorney General of Texas. Mr. Morales
advised that traffic safety is paramount and is considered first, yet he does not want to
impede constitutional rights. Chairman Beauchamp also distributed copies of a letter he
received from the Chief of Police for the City of Wichita Falls who advised he supports the
age limit of 16. After discussion, the Commission recommended the following points be
considered for the ordinance:
1. Keep the age at 16 — no one under this age will be allowed in a traffic lane or median
to solicit
2. Required to wear an orange or green fluorescent safety vest
3. Limited to streets controlled by traffic lights
4. Solicitation cannot occur BEYOND 300 ft. of the intersection
5. Restricted to streets with a posted speed limit of 40 mph or less
6. Restricted to daylight hours only
David Brock made a motion to send these items to Assistant City Attorney Kinley
Hegglund so a new draft on the ordinance can be written and returned to the Commission
for review. Charlie Byars seconded the motion. Motion carried. Item to remain open.
Page 2
New Business
Item 07 -02: Traffic Congestion around Ben Milam
Tim Turner advised that the architects may correct this problem with the
school redesign. Mr. Turner said construction will begin in the fall of 2007 and be
completed in the fall of 2008. Chairman Beauchamp advised due to this, the item will be
closed.
Items of Discussion
David Brock expressed concern of traffic backing up near the Love's Truck Stop.
He said trucks are stopping and blocking both lanes of traffic on the service roads and even
the bridge. The suggestion was made to add signs stating "No stopping, standing, or
parking." Lt. Hardin asked about the possibility of widening the bridge. Tim Hertel stated
he will check into this.
Chairman Beauchamp advised he was contacted by a representative of the Alamo
Elementary School concerning traffic and congestion around the school. Chairman
Beauchamp advised he has monitored this and for the most part, drivers are obeying the
signs and congestion is not at a point to require action.
Chairman Beauchamp advised he was also contacted by a representative of the
Fowler Elementary School due to the motor vehicle accident that occurred there. The
concern is that the crosswalk on Cypress is somewhat blinded. Chairman Beauchamp
stated they are addressing this and parking may be restricted 100 -150 ft back from the
Ridgecrest intersection.
David Brock explained there are no signs around Wichita Falls Old High School
advising if streets are one -way or not. Chairman Beauchamp will look into this.
Ryan Matthews stated there is maintenance needed on the railroad track across
Southwest Parkway as part of the track has lowered and creates a drop -off. Tim Hertel
will check into this.
Chairman Beauchamp advised Joe Clement sent a letter of resignation to the
Commission effective 5 -4 -07. Mr. Clement states a replacement will be chosen for him.
There being no further business before the commission, the meeting was adjourned
at 3:05 P.M.
Page 3
?ark ful submitted,
eauchamp
Chairman
Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission
Elaine Bourgoin v
Secretary/Treasurer
WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FINANCIAL REPORT
March Balance $ 2700.56
Current Balance $ 2700.56
Page 4
NOTICE OF MEETING
MEETING: WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
DATE: Wednesday, April 4, 2007
TIME: 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION: City Council Conference Room
AGENDA: A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
R.
L.
Call to Order
Invocation
Recognition of New Members & Guests
Financial report for March 2007
Minutes of the Meeting of March 7, 2007
Accident Statistics
City / State Traffic Report
Committee Reports
Unfinished Business
1. Item 06 -09: Northbound Overhead Traffic
Concerns
2. Item 07 -01: Solicitation Ordinance
New Business
1. Item 07 -03: Safety Patrol Observations
Items of Discussion
Adjournment
"Wheelchair or handicapped accessibility to the meeting is
possible by using the handicapped parking spaces and ramp located off
the east parking lot on the Sixth Street 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 hours 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