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Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 01/06/2010MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OF January 6, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mark Beauchamp Tim Hertel Dennis Marquardt Lt. Richard Garza Stan Horton Laney Oliver EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: Glenn Barham — City Council MEMBERS ABSENT: David Brock Tony Fulton Don Vann Phil Golden Clyde Williford Tim Turner Charles Byars EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT Sgt Chris McDonald (SAFB) Laney Oliver called the January meeting of the Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission to order at 1:30 p.m. Mark Beauchamp offered the invocation. Members and visitors introduced themselves. David Rhomer from TX DOT was in attendance. The minutes were approved for November 2009. The financial report for January was presented by Laney Oliver. The expense for the skate party was $300 and will be deducted from the remaining balance. Accident Statistics Lt. Richard Garza reported there were 284 total accidents for December 09. 53 injury accidents were reported with two major accidents that resulted in three fatalities. All accident stats provided will be attached to this document. Lt. Garza gave a very brief overview of the major accidents as they are still under investigation. He also provided a copy of other accident statistics for viewing reference. PAGE 1 City Traffic Report Mark Beauchamp discussed the following: 1. Safe routes to school projects are a top priority at this time. We are still waiting for approval on the grant. 2. Mark advised they are working on a RFP project that if approved will allow the replacement of about 1000 lighting fixtures with new LED lighting. State Traffic Report Tim Hertel and David Rhomer discussed the following projects: 1. The illumination projects for Spur 325, Hwy 281, and Hwy 287 interchange have been approved and should be let in April or May of 2010. Mark Beauchamp explained that this area has been using the same equipment for over forty years and is in bad need of the new equipment. An estimated 200 poles with lighting are scheduled in this project. 2. Discussion followed on the resources and efforts used during the blizzard of 2009. Glenn Barham raised the question if the equipment and manpower were directed towards the I44 — Hwy 287 problem areas. He advised that Hwy 281 had some very tough conditions and asked if resources would be considered for it in the future. Tim Hertel advised they did concentrate on I44 — Hwy 287 due to the high volume of traffic but was aware of the problem on Hwy 281. He also stated that every area will be evaluated in the future so if this should ever occur again. Dennis Marquardt asked what type of priority procedures were used for city emergency personnel. Mark Beauchamp advised fire and rescue vehicles were given top priority and the exits to buildings and housing types of buildings were cleared as a first priority. Glenn Barham also advised that in cases such as this, police vehicles are directed to central garage for snow chains upon indication that roads may be covered or restricted due to ice or snow. Mark Beauchamp agreed and advised that the line formed early that morning for police cars needing chains. Committee Reports Safe routes to school will appear as a committee report in the future. Unfinished Business: Laney Oliver advised the Fall Skate party went well with 161 children in attendance. Traffic problems resulted again when the parents picked up their children. Although several ideas were discussed, no solution for traffic relief was determined. V, PAGE 2 New Business: Lt Garza brought it to the attention of the TSC that he had received several citizen complaints on the red and green light timing at several intersections in the city. Lt Garza advised that two issues should be looked at when evaluating these areas for both safety and the fuel consumption. Mark Beauchamp advised if he is given the intersection and the problem that citizens are experiencing, adjustments can be made if needed. Several problem areas were pointed out as areas of concern. Mark advised he would address the matters as they were reported. Discussion followed in reference to other intersections. Items of Discussion: No Items at this time. There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 2:31 P.M. R c lly submitted, Phil den Chairman Stan Horton Secretary /Treasurer Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION FINANCIAL REPORT Expenditures include January Balance $ 1,312.93 Expenditures $ 300.00 Total $ 1,012.93 An audio recording of the above meeting in its entirety will be kept on file for future reference.