400 WEST SAFETY ISSUES

Steve Thacker, City Manager, explained that staff have spent considerable time and effort in reviewing intersections throughout the city since the complete of the pedestrian safety study that was done for 400 West Street. The 400 West study recommends various measures to help address some of the safety concerns that exist along that street. There are several opinions among staff members as to what should be done at the intersection of Chase Lane and 400 West. Randy Randall, Public Works Director, supports the recommendation to re-stripe the traffic lanes and have a no parking zone on the southeast corner and northwest corner of 400 West and Chase Lane to help increase the sight distance at the intersection. Chief Worsley supports the construction of a bulb-out on the northeast corner of the intersection to line the intersection up better, which will also increase the sight distance. He also supports the no parking restrictions suggested by Mr. Randall. A third recommendation includes the no parking restrictions and the installation of either a pre-programmed or a pedestrian-activated flashing light sign in lieu of a bulb-out. Members of the Jennie P. Stewart Elementary Community Council and PTA were present and expressed the following:

Pauline Bowen, Community Council Stewart Elementary, supports all the recommended solutions, but really likes the pedestrian activated flashing light.

Debbie Merkley, PTA Stewart Elementary, stated that the bulb-out solution will help the drivers, but that a pedestrian=activated flashing light would better help the school children crossing in this intersection. She also inquired about a four-way stop or a constant flashing light.

Chief Worsley explained that all the traffic studies that have been done on this intersection do not warrant the installation of a four-way stop. The City’s traffic consultant has stated that there just is not enough traffic on Chase Lane to justify a four-way stop. Council member Cutler asked about cost participation by the school or residents for the installation of a pedestrian-activated flashing light. This would help cover costs if other schools ask to have the same type of pedestrian-activated flashing light installed around their school. The Council agreed that some improvements need to be made, but expressed concern about the high cost of a bulb-out and believed some of the other less expensive options may be just as effective.

The traffic study also recommended a new crosswalk be installed at 1375 North on 400 West. This will require the installation of a handicap ramp on the west side of this intersection. Staff agrees with the installation of the handicap ramp, but believes the installation of a new light is not justified. On 1250 North additional striping will be added on the pavement in advance of the crosswalk. At Chase Lane, additional line markings and striping will be added to better align the traffic lanes through the intersection. The Council asked staff to locate where a flashing light sign is being used and go see it in operation. Staff will proceed with improvements they do agree on, but hold off on a bulb-out or flashing light sign.

STREET MAINTENANCE PLAN

Randy Randall, Public Works Director, showed a graph illustrating how the Street Master Plan (or Maintenance Plan) has improved the condition of the streets in the city in the last ten years. He also identified the streets not paved in the past three years that were recommended for paving in the Plan due to budget constraints. He stated that some of the gas tax revenue that comes into the city to help with road maintenance has decreased from past years. Another contributing factor was that for a few years the cost to repair roads was heavily inflated and the budgeted funds did not go as far to complete projects.

Depending on how the Council decides to allocate the budget for street improvements will determine how much of the Street Master Plan will be completed. Mr. Randall anticipates reworking the Street Master Plan to keep up on the most necessary maintenance for streets. Mr. Randall responded to questions from the Council regarding top priority street projects. He added that if utility improvements are made, this could move a project up in priority. Looking into the future, Mr. Randall estimates that there is much more work for street improvement than funding available. Mr. Randall expressed a need for the Council to help find funding for street projects. Mr. Randall will use the money he gets for street improvements to accomplish as much work as possible to improve the roadways in Centerville.

AT 6:55 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.

5-18-2010
Marilyn Holje, City Recorder Date Approved

Karrie Carlson, Recording Secretary