Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 05/05/2010MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR
THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
OF
May 5, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mark Beauchamp Tony Fulton (Excused)
Don Vann
Stan Horton
Lt. Richard Garza
Dennis Marquardt
Laney Oliver
David Brock
Phil Golden
Tim Turner
Tim Hertel
Charles Byers
Clyde Williford
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT
Glenn Barham – City Council
Chris McDonald (SAFB)
Visitors
Tracy Hennan – Outpost Safety Awareness Coordinator
Miles Risley – City Attorney
John Burrus — City TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION
Phil Golden called the May meeting of the Wichita Falls Traffic Safety
Commission to order at 1:37 p.m.
Mark Beauchamp offered the invocation.
Members and visitors introduced themselves.
Guest: Tracy Hennan - Outpost Safety Awareness Coordinator
The minutes were approved for April 2010.
The financial report for March was presented by Stan Horton. The balance is
$1,012.93.
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Date -- -- — - --
Item 10 -02: Motorcycle Warning Signs — "Share the Road Signs"
Tracy Hennan showed the TSC samples of signs being requested to be installed at different
locations in the city to bring awareness to motorcycle traffic and safety.
Mark Beauchamp advised the sign being requested could not be used as they were outside the
scope of the MUTCD manual. Mark advised that if the sign was square and brown, it could be
considered a recreational sign. Mark advised he would check into that and advise.
Tim Hertel suggested that TX DOT may be able to put awareness stickers on the fold up signs
located on the bridges and overpasses that are in existence. Tim advised he would check into
that. Discussion followed in reference to getting the local TV and radio stations to help publicize
the awareness program. David Brock made a motion for Phil Golden and Mark Beauchamp to
work on signage solutions and use of other forms of the media to increase awareness. The
motion was seconded and passed unanimously. No other information on this subject was shared.
Accident Statistics:
Lt. Garza reported there were 218 total accidents for April 2010. 45 injury accidents
were reported with one resulting in a fatality which involved a motorcycle. This accident
happened at Sheppard Rd and Airport Dr. The fatality is still under investigation and no final
results or conclusions have been determined. Discussion followed in reference to this particular
intersection. Phil Golden advised he had been involved in a crash at the same intersection and
has had feedback from fellow coworkers in reference to near accidents in the same location.
John Burrus advised he felt this location warranted a survey to determine any
improvements that may help with the visibility or safety in this particular area.
David Brock made a motion that a committee be formed to evaluate this intersection and
report back to the TSC its finding. Mark Beauchamp, Tim Hertel and Richard Garza were
nominated to form this committee. The motion was seconded by Tim Hertel. The motion passed
unanimously.
City Traffic Report
Mark Beauchamp discussed the following:
Mark advised his crew is rebuilding the intersection at 6ffi and Broad St. — just
clean-up due to it being outdated. They will be realigning the signal head and a few
other minor things.
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State Traffic Report
Tim Hertel advised they are planning the Kell striping project. The project will
start eastbound approaching the direct connect. As you approach US 287, the progression
will better define the lanes as they change the flow of traffic. Also, a new project has
been let for maintenance on US 287. Because of wet weather and a drainage problem,
accidents have increased at the bottom of the overhead. This project will improve the
drainage and should help with driving conditions in wet months. The illumination
projects for Spur 325, I44, and Hwy 287 interchange has let and is scheduled to start
soon.
Committee Reports
Safe routes to school will appear as a committee report in the future after it is adopted.
Safe routes to school are still in the works and hope to be completed soon.
Unfinished Business:
01- 10Spring Safety Patrol Party
All agreed to have the Spring Safety Patrol Party at Skate Whirl. Chairman Phil
Golden later confirmed the date: Thursday May 20th 4 -6 pm. Mark Beauchamp advised
he would provide the traffic cones for controlled access and exit. Discussion also
followed on the end of year Pizza Party - no firm plans were made on this subject.
New Business:
Mark Beauchamp advised he has been contacted by Lamar Elementary School in
reference to installing a crossing guard. Mark advised he has evaluated this area in the
past but will monitor it some in the future to look into upgrading this location. Tim
Turner advised he would be willing to help with the evaluation and assist however
needed to further advance safety for this location.
This was discussed again and it was the opinion that this area may not need any other
control but will be monitored for awhile to ensure no other safety measures need to be in
place.
David Brock made a motion for the TSC to gather data from other cities in reference to
accidents involving cell phone texting while operating a vehicle inside the city limits.
This was discussed as an effort to moving forward in adopting ordnances for safer driving
conditions for our citizens. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Items of Discussion: None
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There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned
at 2:30 P.M.
Phil Golden
Chairman
Secretary/Treasurer
Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission
WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FINANCIAL REPORT
Expenditures include
March Balance $ 1,012.93
Expenditures -0-
Total $ 1,012.93
An audio recording of the above meeting in its entirety will be
kept on file for future reference.
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