Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 01/08/2003CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR
THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
OF
JANUARY 8, 2003
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Davis Powell
Darron Leiker
Al Sutko
Jody Wade
Elaine Bourgoin
Brad Altman
Sgt. Brad Hardin
Don Vann
Tim Hertel
Joe Clement
Ken Parker
John Burrus
Ty Walker
Tom Walls
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Charlan Towsley
VICiTnRC
MEMBERS ABSENT:
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT
Councilor Linda Ammons
Diane Niederfringer - Citizen
Steve Seese - City Planning
James Zillweger - Ground Safety Manager SAFB
Chairman Jody Wade called the January meeting of the Wichita Falls Traffic Safety
Commission to order at 1:35 p.m.
Trooper Joe Clement gave the invocation.
The financial report and minutes for the November meeting were approved as
written.
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The accident statistics were circulated for review. Sgt. Brad Hardin advised the
commission that the traffic unit would be working the accident locations in the coming
month.
City Traffic Report
John Burrus reported to the commission that his department has been
working the traffic at the coliseum and traffic is moving well during events. Mr. Burrus
provided the commission with a list of projects that his crew has been assigned for the
upcoming months. Mr. Burrus also reported that all detectors have now been installed
within the city except for the downtown area and the Brook St. area.
State Traffic Report
Mr. Tim Hertel reported that the Kell project should be completed within the
next two months. His department has begun the project to widen FM 2380. The Seymour
Hwy. project is progressing well and the I44 project is also underway.
Committee Reports
None.
Unfinished Business
Item 02 -08: State Funding Request.
Mr. Davis Powell reported that the grant request has been submitted for a
possible $30,000 for the school zone projects. The commission was provided a copy of the
grant request. Mr. Powell advised that he would be working with John Burrus and Darron
Leiker to determine possible projects for next year's proposal. Item closed.
Item 02 -12: Fall Safety Patrol Party
Elaine Bourgoin advised the commission that the skate party was successful
and thanked members of the commission for their participation. The members did an
exceptional job of traffic control and keeping the traffic flowing smoothly. Item closed.
New Business
Item 03 -01: Traffic Control Audit
Mr. Darron Leiker explained that some of the traffic lights in the downtown
area no longer meet state warrants and are scheduled for removal. Mr. Leiker has given
the information to the Information office for listings on the City TV channel and will be
published in the newspaper as well. Commission members approved of the proposed
changes and advised Mr. Leiker to proceed as planned.
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Item 03 -02: Sidewalk Ordinance
After discussion of the sidewalk ordinance as it is written, the commission
agreed that a committee should be assigned to formulate a Safe to School route citywide.
Chairman Wade appointed Mr. Ken Parker, Mr. John Burrus, and Mr. Darron Leiker to
work with Mr. Steve Seese in the city planning department on the map project. Item to be
closed and reopened under Safe School Route on the next agenda.
Items of Discussion
Ms. Diane Niederfringer addressed the commission on her concerns in the
area of Seymour Rd. The road is four lanes in some areas and then changes to two lanes.
The public continues to use it as a four lane road and Ms. Niederfringer feels it is a safety
hazard. Mr. Burrus advised the commission that he had previously done striping and
placed signs in the area. However, people still continue to use it as a four lane street due to
the width of the road. Sgt. Hardin advised Ms. Niederfringer that his officers would work
the area to try to alleviate any hazards. Mr. Niederfringer also advised the commission
that she feels that cell phones should be outlawed when driving. Mr. Leiker advised Ms.
Niederfringer that she should contact her legislators for possible changes to the law.
Mr. Al Sutko advised that he had been contacted regarding the signage at
Kell West and Lebanon. There is an exit sign, then a yield sign, and then a stop sign. Mr.
Davis Powell advised he would review the area to determine the proper signs needed. Mr.
Sutko also questioned the sequencing of the traffic light at Southwest Parkway and Rhea
Rd. Mr. Burrus advised that particular area is on a detector and is controlled by the
traffic flow.
Elaine Bourgoin advised the commission that there are three vacancies on the
commission membership. District 1, 2, and 5. Mrs. Bourgoin encouraged members to
recruit new members for those positions.
Mr. John Burrus questioned if the commission will be holding the annual
retreat workshop. Chairman Wade advised the members to bring a list of projects to the
February meeting that they feel would be beneficial for the workshop. Item to be added
for the February agenda.
Chairman Wade questioned if solicitors on the city streets were all issued
permits. Mr. Wade feels that it creates a traffic safety issue in addition to an undesirable
image of the city. Item to be added for the February agenda.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned at 2:50 P.M.
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Respectfully submitted,
i =IJ.�D
f111- Jody Wade
Chairman
Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission
rN
Elaine Bourgoin
Secretary /Treasurer
WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FINANCIAL REPORT
January Balance $ 4913.74
Total $ 4913.74
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