Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 06/03/2009MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR
THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
OF
June 3, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Beauchamp
Phil Golden
Charlie Byars
Lt. Richard Garza
Tim Hertel
Stan Horton
Laney Oliver
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
Glenn Barham — City Council
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Kevin Callahan
Tony Fulton
David Brock
Ryan Matthews
Tom Ostovich
Tim Turner
Don Vann
Clyde Williford
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT
Tsgt Shaundana Major (SAFB)
Laney Oliver called the June meeting of the Wichita Falls Traffic Safety
Commission to order at 1:43 p.m.
Mark Beauchamp offered the invocation.
Members and visitors introduced themselves.
The minutes and financial report for May were approved as written.
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RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Da �; er
By Time
1
Accident Statistics
Lt. Richard Garza advised there were 288 total accidents reported for May. There
were 80 injury accidents and 50 of them had major injuries. A total of 64 hit and run
accidents were reported. Also, there was one fatality accident bringing the total for the
year to five. This involved a pedestrian and a vehicle.
City Traffic Report
Mark Beauchamp discussed the following:
1. The very first ever school crossing guard pedestrian accident occurred in
Wichita Falls. The accident occurred at Maurine St. and Ridgeway. The
crossing guard was following procedure. It was relayed that the minor
pedestrian went around the guard without instruction and was struck by a
vehicle. The minor suffered only minor injuries. The driver did state that she
saw the crossing guard but failed to stop. An accident report was completed
but no charges were filed in this case. Due to this incident, a refresher course
will be given to all the crossing guards to ensure that any new and up to date
rules and or regulations are made available.
2. Midwestern Parkway and Louis J. Rodriguez — this is being finished up
this month. This is a pedestrian intersection which will have very high -tech
equipment. Upon pushing a button to request a safe crossing, the individual
will receive a verbal confirmation that the walk sign is on and they may
proceed. It is also equipped for the hearing impaired as the peg buttons will
vibrate to signal safe or unsafe crossing.
3. All other ongoing projects are on schedule. No other information at this
time.
State Traffic Report
Tim Hertel discussed the following projects:
1. The last slab has been laid for the last ramp on the direct connect. Rail work
is being finished and all should be completed in August.
2. Loop 11 is in the final stages - almost complete
3. Kell has made progress with 70 % paving complete. They are still behind
schedule but are not falling farther behind. Should be finished in September.
4. Highway 281 paving on frontage Rd progressing well. They are currently
completing some concrete patch work.
Committee Reports
Mark Beauchamp advised no committee reports at this time.
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Unfinished Business:
1. Item 09 -01: New Safety Vests Needed for Crossing Guards
Councilman Barham advised the assistant city manager Matt Benoit stated the
city was willing to handle the costs of the new vests. Councilman Barham
advised all that was needed was an invoice for payment. Mark Beauchamp will
follow up for purchase.
2. Item 09 -02: Red Light Cameras Project
Mark Beauchamp advised the project is still in the research phase due to the
technicalities of enforcement and funding issues.
3. Item 09 -03: Traffic Safety Skate Party
The skate party went well but the child count was down considerably from last
year due to 6th grade class graduations. Laney Oliver suggested that the party be
backed up a week for next year.
4. Item 09 -04: Southwest Pkwy between Taft and Stone Lake
Mark Beauchamp advised a stop sign has been installed on the driveway
approach to Lake Park Dr. Also, Tex Dot has installed "No U Turn" signs on
Southwest Pkwy at the driveway entrance of the fire station. No other accidents
have been reported after the upgrade in signage. Visitor John Antee, owner of
Antee's Pools, expressed his concern in reference to the new signage. He advised
that he may lose some business due to the "No U Turn" sign on Southwest Pkwy.
He explained this will cause an inconvenience for his customers that exit his
business and want to proceed west on Southwest Parkway. He suggested the sign
be removed. The board took this under advisement. No motion was made to ask
for any change in signage. This item will remain open so that members of the
Committee can personally visit this area and then further discuss.
New Business:
1. Dorothy Roberts Burns, District 2 council member, was asked if the City of
Wichita Falls is going to maintain the divider fence on I -44 between the area of
Loop 11 and Maurine Street. Tim Hertel advised the fence was state property
and would not be maintained but would stay up as long as it was not a hazard.
2. Mark Beauchamp suggested the city attempt to implement a new ordinance
banning the use of cell phones in school zones. Discussion followed. Item will be
added to the agenda next month.
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There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned
at 3:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Z Lae ( v
Y
Chairman
Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission
H
Secretary /Treasurer
WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FINANCIAL REPORT
Expenditures include
1. Ben Franklin Pizza Party $ 151.30
2. End of Year Skate Party $ 400.00
June Balance $ 1,312.93
Total
$ 1,312.93
An audio recording of the above meeting in its entirety will be
kept on file for future reference.
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