Traffic Safety Commission Minutes - 02/03/1999MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR
THE WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
wwmw
Lt. Gerald Todd
Clyde Williford
Bob Parker
Brad Altman
Dave Westen
Elaine Bourgoin
Don Vann
Penny Henderson
OF
FEBRUARY 3,1999
Ronnie Awtry - excused
Jody Wade - excused
Joe Clement - excused
EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT:
Lt. Col. Bill Doyle
Councilor Don Johnston
VISITORS
Lee Pierson - City Prosecutor
Judge Larry Gillen - Municipal Court Judge
The February meeting of the Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission was called to
order by Chairman Dave Westen at 1:30 P.M..
The invocation was given by Lt. Col. Bill Doyle.
Chairman Westen welcomed guests Lee Pierson, City Prosecutor and Judge Larry
Gillen, Municipal Court Judge.
The financial report and minutes for January were accepted and approved as
written.
Page 1
The accident statistic reports were circulated for review. Lt. Gerald Todd pointed
out that the intersection of Lawrence Rd. and Gregory was the number 1 area for accidents
for the year of 1998. The Police department and the Texas Department of Transportation
will be reviewing the area for possible solutions.
City Traffic Report
Mr. Bob Parker reported that a total of 28 radio controllers have now been installed
along Holliday and Broad. The controllers are controlled simply and quickly to ease traffic
congestion in the area due to accidents or construction activities. The new equipment will
be useful during the coming months of road construction.
State Traffic Report
Mr. Clyde Williford advised there was nothing to report at this time.
Unfinished Business
None.
New Business:
Item 99 -02: School Zone Signs
Clyde Williford advised that all of the signs have now been changed to
correspond with the new school schedules. Item closed.
Item 99 -03: Brook St. Parking
Lt. Gerald Todd advised that upon further investigation, the parking signs
that now exist on Brook conform to state and local law. The law allows for parking on
streets that meet certain specifications in width. Due to the width of the street in that area,
parking would be allowed. There is no need to increase police patrol due to the allowances
made within the existing laws. Item closed.
Item 99 -04: Construction Zone Violations
Penny Henderson thanked Lee Pierson and Judge Gillen for attending
today's meeting. Mrs. Henderson expressed the views of the commission regarding the
issuance of tickets in the construction areas. The law allows for the fines to be doubled to
try to deter speeding and other violations which could endanger the lives of workers and
the public. Robert Parker explained that due to the size and length of the upcoming
project, traffic conditions will be hazardous and the commission feels it is important to try
to influence the public to observe warning signs to minimize possible dangers.
Judge Gillen explained that he will consider each case on an individual basis
and rule accordingly. Judge Gillen explained that his decisions can not be influenced by
any public group, boards or individuals.
Page 2
Elaine Bourgoin assured Judge Gillen that the commission is not trying to
influence any judicial decision. The commission is asking the legal department to file the
tickets as construction zone violations and therefore the invitation to attend today's
meeting was extended to the legal department. The commission felt it important to express
their concerns regarding the issue.
Lee Pierson advised he will express the commission's concerns to the City
Attorney and consider the proper method of filing the cases. He will advise the commission
by the next meeting.
Item to remain open.
Items of Discussion
Penny Henderson questioned the signs and/or road markings at Kell and
McNeil. There is a lot of congestion in the area due to motorists trying to go north on
McNeil from the lane designated for turn only. Mr. Parker advised he will check the area
and possibly add more signs or stripes on the roadway to try to designate proper travel
lanes.
Chairman Westen advised there is a problem on Enterprise due to parking on both
sides of the street by the Bingo hall. Mr. Parker will check the area for possible solutions.
Mr. Westen also advised there have been some concerns regarding the speeding
problems near City View school. Lt. Gerald Todd advised he will have the officers work
the area more heavily to try to control the problem.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned
at 2:21 P.M..
Respectfully submitted,
4
vi sdon Westen
Chairman
Elaine Bourgoin
Secretary/Treasurer
Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission
WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FINANCIAL REPORT
FEBRUARY BALANCE $ 6302.43
RECEIVED IN
CI s a C/L1ERK'S OFFICE Page 3
Date 7�l
BV _ Time
NOTICE OF MEETING
MEETING:
WICHITA FALLS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
DATE:
April 7, 1999
TIME:
1:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
AGENDA:
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. INVOCATION
C. RECOGNITION OF NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS
D. FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FEB. `99
E. MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 3, 1999
F. ACCIDENT STATISTICS
G. CITY / STATE TRAFFIC REPORT
H. COMMITTEE REPORTS
I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. ITEM 99 -04: CONSTRUCTION ZONE VIOLATIONS
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. ITEM 99 -05: SPRING SAFETY PATROL ACTIVITY
K. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
L. ADJOURNMENT
Wheelchair or handicapped accessibility to the meeting is possible by
using the handicapped parking spaces, ramp and elevator located off the
east parking lot on 6`h St. entrance. Spanish language interpreters,
deaf interpreters, Braille copies or any other special needs will be
provided to any person requesting a special service with at least 24
hour notice. Please call the City Clerk's office at 761 -7409.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin
board at Memorial Auditorium, Wichita Falls, Texas, on the day of
, 19 , at o'clock (a.m.)(p.m.).
City Clerk