Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 02/06/2008J
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING FO
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date 2- 0 Q R
By �TTime,106
THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
DID
February 6, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Beauchamp
Lt. Brad Hardin
Tim Hertel
Clyde Williford
Laney Oliver
Charles Byars
David Brock
Charles McMillan
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT:
A1C Jamie Neppl — SAFB
VISITORS
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Don Vann
Tony Fulton
Elaine Bourgoin
Tim Turner
Kevin Callahan
Ryan Matthews
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT
Rick Hatcher, Councilor
David Rhomer, TXDOT
Chairman Laney Oliver called the February meeting of the Wichita Falls Traffic
Safety Commission to order at 1:32 p.m.
Mark Beauchamp offered the invocation.
Chairman Oliver had the members introduce themselves and welcomed visitor
David Rhomer of TXDOT.
The minutes and financial report for November were approved as written.
Page 1
Accident Statistics
Lt. Brad Hardin reported there were a total of 308 accidents for the month of
December. There were 79 injury accidents and no fatalities. There were 19 fatalities for
the year of 2007 — possibly the most ever.
Lt. Brad Hardin reported there were a total of 329 accidents for the month of
January. There were 104 injury accidents. There were 2 fatalities. One occurred on Spur
325 and the other on Jacksboro Highway near the Flying J exit.
City Traffic Report
Mark Beauchamp advised the commission that they are primarily handling
maintenance issues. There was an issue with the intersection of Harrison and Hampstead
that has already been corrected. They are also looking at the intersection of Galveston and
Holliday Road. The traffic characteristics have changed. One traffic count study was
completed and another is being scheduled. Mr. Beauchamp also stated information
concerning the intersection of Hiawatha and Arrowhead may be brought to the commission
next month for a recommendation. This is dependent upon a traffic count and full study
which is being done.
State Traffic Report
Tim Hertel stated construction on the Loop 11 project has not begun as they are still
working through some utility issues. Mr. Hertel advised the construction at Kell West and
FM 369 is ongoing. In regard to repairs to the Falls Flyover, Mr. Hertel stated the change
order is in place for removal of the necessary decking on the NB Highway 287 connection
to Westbound Kell. After the decking has been removed, they will assess the situation for
the next step.
Committee Report
Mark Beauchamp advised the committee has not been able to be active yet this year
due to other obligations. However, filming of the Public Service Announcement (PSA)
could take place within the next couple of months due to better weather. Chairman Oliver
advised she has received permission from State Farm to use vehicles for the PSA.
Unfinished Business
1. Item 07 -01: Solicitation Ordinance
Mark Beauchamp advised the commission needs City Legal to draw up
information showing a Type 2 safety vest must be worn. Once this is added
to the ordinance, this item will be closed.
Page 2
2. Item 07 -05: Spring Safety Patrol Party
Mark Beauchamp advised the party will be at Skate Whirl. We were not
able to get an available date for the winter party through Kay Yeager
Coliseum for ice skating. Item will remain open to set a date when it is closer
to time.
3. Item 07 -10: Areas of Concern on School Crossings
Mark Beauchamp advised this item will remain open for quite awhile. They
will be studying 5 or 6 crossings, but are waiting for better weather when the
pedestrian traffic increases.
New Business
1. Item 08 -01: Kell/Scott/Walnut Railroad Safety Project
David Rhomer of TXDOT presented a chart of this intersection. It currently
is a 5 leg intersection. The proposal is to close off Walnut Street access to
make it a more conventional 4 leg intersection. They will also upgrade the
signals. Mark Beauchamp stated Walnut Street poses several problems. The
commission needs to give advisement to the City Council to close off Walnut
Street as it is a safety issue. Charles Byars made a motion that a
recommendation be sent to the City Council to support the proposal to close
off the Walnut Street access through the 100% funded TXDOT project.
Clyde Williford gave a second. Motion carried.
2. Item 08 -02: Kell Blvd. Pedestrian Ordinance
This item was brought up at a town hall meeting. The ordinance goes back
to 1968 when Kell Blvd. was a 2 lane road with no sidewalks and nowhere for
pedestrians to walk. Discussion followed. David Brock made a motion to
forward information to the City Council to remove the ordinance. Charles
Byars gave a second. Motion carried.
Items of Discussion
David Brock asked about status of the speed limit increase on East Scott. Mark
Beauchamp said he spoke with TXDOT and the increase has been approved. The change
should be enacted soon.
Brad Hardin stated the Motorcycle Awareness Committee (MAC) gave a motorcycle
safety awareness presentation that he attended. He stated it was very informative and
definitely of interest to this commission. Mr. Hardin will try to arrange a presentation at
our commission's meeting within the next couple of months.
Page 3
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned at 2:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
n OlWer
Chairman
Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission
Elaiur oin
g
Secretary/Treasurer
WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FINANCIAL REPORT
January Balance $ 2700.56
Total
Page 4
$ 2700.56