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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 03/22/1993 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE p i MINUTES 1cd 25 LS�r'� (for the meeting of March 22, 1993) 1' 1993 �1 C? L !17 Meeting was called to order at 2:00 pm. Messers. Braselton, Hecht, Bosquez and Denlle were absent. Minutes of the February 22, 1993 meeting were approved.with the following changes: Ac ion on Absent ,rr' Members for February meeting should read January meeting. Discussion was held on the Attend,a,!Ice Rcord.,?' changes to which Mr. Seiler stated that a corrected copy was being handed out at the meeting andilhai-the' City Secretary's office had been notified of Mr.Bosquez's automatic resignation and requesting that the City Council appoint someone to fill his position. Mr.Brandup mentioned that on Page 2 of the minutes the word "reading"should be changed to "ready". CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Due to Mr. Pillinger's need to leave at 2:15 pm, (for jury duty) he presented his Chairman's Report, commenting on the MPO meeting held on February 25th on a proposed study of the J. F. K. Causeway to include an analysis of aesthetical, environmental and safety issues. Mr. Pillinger moved forward to Staff recommendations when a quorum was present with the arrival of LCDR Michael Williams. TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORT Captain C.H. Byrd presented this report. Since the last meeting on February 22, 1993, there have been no additional fatalities to report. So far this year,there have been four fatalities,compared to six this time last year. The Police Department has arrested 257 persons for DWI to date. This time last year,there had been 289 arrests,a decrease of 11%. MONTHLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE REPORT Summarizing Attachment"B", Mr. Seiler reported that 637 traffic accidents had occurred during February, 1993,representing a 7%decrease in traffic experience from last year. Injury accidents dropped by 14%,during month of February for a total of 403 accidents. However,the total of injuries for month of February was 342 • - (646 total for year),an increase of 6%, Fatal traffic accidents shows 3 of 4 were alcohol-related,or 75% of the total compared to 42% alcohol-related fatalities during 1992. Regarding high-accident locations,the vast majority of accidents at SPID and South Staples are not occurring at traditional peak hours;but between other time periods. Most of the accidents are rear-end related and on main roads not feeder roads. Regarding PSI, "development,Mr.Seiler is still struggling"with Caller-Times in setting up meeting with Mr.Hecht,Ms.Hoist, Mr.Seiler and City Editor for news stories on pertinent traffic safety concerns. Will also report next month on the progress of construction on the SH 358 frontage road improvements at Staples and Everhart. DISCUSSION ITEMS ° DWI Legislative proposals City Council support of proposed DWI legislation was discussed by Mr. Seiler. He stated that on 3/9/93 the City Council endorsed Senate Bills 10, 11, 51 and 52 (filed by Senators Zaffirini and Sibley) and House Bill 102 (filed by Representative Hill) and asked the Transportation Advisory Committee members for their input and opinion. Discussion chaired by Mr.Brandrup was the concern held by the committee that automatic suspension was not a condition on first DWI offense if the probation was fulfilled. The offender is placed on administrative probation and the first offense is not considered an conviction if all fines,etc. are met. There is no probation on the second offense.The committee unanimously supports the DWI legislation and forward the recommendation to resubmit legislation to the City Council. SCANNED Update on petition by residents of Livingston Park Subdivision for installation of a Traffic Barrier on Everhart Road near Center Drive Discussion was held regarding the above mentioned. Mr. Seiler stated that no firm decisions have been made,options are still open on alternatives. A public meeting for Staff presentation would be placed on the Transportation Advisory Committee agenda and has been tentatively scheduled for May 24, 1993 to obtain input from residents. Mr.Seller commented that long-term solutions have been considered perhaps an Everhart Road extension immediately abutting Lamar Park. This project could be included in the next Capital Improvements Program to be submitted for voter approval. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRING COMMITTEE APPROVAL Reduction of speed limit at Up River Road between Violet and Harney and between Harney and Sharpsburg Road as shown in Attachment"E"was presented to the Committee. After discussion regarding support from the Constable Precinct 6 office, a letter from a representative of the Police Department was handed out to the Committee. Mr. Seiler mentioned that a 2-3 minute video demonstrating the area in question could be shown if the committee desired prepared by Mr. Walter Jarrin. Mr. Brandup moved, seconded by Mr. Pillinger that the Committee support the recommendation for reduction of speed limit on Up River Road. Further discussion commenced,with Mr.Routh stating his continued opposition to decreasing the speed limit based on his discussions with local enforcement constables in this area. Mr.Pillinger stated that he drove the area in question and supports the Staff recommendation. Motion carried 4-1 with Mr. Routh opposing recommendation. Item B under Staff recommendation is the speed limit reduction on Saratoga Blvd from 50 mph to 45 mph from a point 300 feet west of Weber Road to Kostoryz Road. Mr.Pillinger stated his strong support of the staff recommendation. After continued discussion among the Committee members,Mr.Seiler and Capt.Byrd confirmed that most of the accidents in this area involved vehicles making a left turn leaving the church parking lot and most of them occurring during the week during school and church service hours. Motion was made by Mr. Pillinger;passed by Committee 4-1, opposed by LCDR Mike Williams. At this time,meeting was turned over to Mr.Brandrup since Chairperson Pillinger was serving as a juror and needed to leave. ACTION ON ABSENT MEMBERS FOR FEBRUARY MEETING Attendance records were corrected to reflect Ms.Hoist absence in December to "absence during December, 1992 meeting(not regularly scheduled)". PREVIOUS CONCERNS NEW CONCERNS There were no previous concerns. LCDR Michael Williams announced that the Air Show featuring the Blue Angels would be held May 15th and 16th beginning at 11:00pm at Naval Air Station,Corpus Christi. ADJOURN Meeting was adjourned at 2:48 pm.