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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-2001sp SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 5, 2001 6:00 PM COUNCIL WORK AREA CROSSWALKS MINUTES I. Call to Order The special meeting of the Auburn City Council to discuss crosswalks and crosswalk maintenance was called to order at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers located in Auburn City Hall. Mayor Charles A. Booth and the following Councilmembers were present: Rich Wagner, Pete Lewis, Fred Poe, Jeanne Barber, Trish Borden, and Stacey Brothers. Councilmember Sue Singer was excused. Staff members present included: Finance Director Diane L. Supler, City Engineer Dennis Dowdy, Street Supervisor Steve Pasztor, Public Works Director Christine Engler, City Attorney Michael J. Reynolds, Planning and Community Development Director Paul Krauss, Associate Planner B. Sanders, Fire Chief Bob Johnson, Personnel Director Brenda Heineman, Transportation Planner Joe Welsh, Parks and Recreation Director Dick Deal, and City Clerk Danielle Daskam. Also present were Attorney Andy Cooley and Traffic Engineer Consultant William Haro, P.E. II. Introduction Mayor Booth introduced this evenings presenters, Mr. William E. Haro, P. E. and Attorney Andy Cooley. Finance Director Supler explained that purpose of this evenings meeting is to receive a presentation with regard to crosswalks. III. Discussion of Crosswalks and Crosswalk Maintenance - Presentation by Attorney Andy Cooley Mr. Cooley stated that he has represented the City of Auburn as a member of Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) for approximately ten years. Through various studies, WCIA has determined that cities are generally sued when a bad accident occurs and there is insufficient insurance or a lack of insurance to cover the injuries. Steps can be taken through risk management to reduce liability in connection with roadway and pedestrian accident cases. Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Crosswalks and Crosswalk Maintenance March 5, 2001 Page 2 Mr. Cooley noted that studies have proven that the indiscriminate marking of crosswalks actually increases the number of pedestrian accidents. Some engineers argue that marking a crosswalk will double the risk of fatalities. Various studies have concluded that the marking of a crosswalk does not increase pedestrian safety and may increase pedestrian danger. Some of the arguments are that marking a crosswalk encourages pedestrians to cross or causes pedestrians to let down their guards causing them to exercise less caution when crossing. Some communities have programs to remove existing crosswalks. Traffic engineers have determined that solutions for pedestrian crossings are very complicated. A disciplined engineering evaluation needs to be conducted within the regional corridor. Additional features for crossings could include pedestrian refuge islands with offsets, overhead markings, advanced warning signs, or signal timing. Mr. Cooley noted that many cities have been investigating in-ground flashing crosswalks and the City of Kirkland is a proponent of these devices. The City of Kirkland was involved in a federally approved experiment with regard to the use of flashing crosswalks. Mr. Cooley advised that in-ground flashing crosswalks should not be installed until there is a consensus of engineering sciences that this type of installation improves safety. Mr. Cooley spoke of the difficulties for public officials in dealing with constituent issues, requests, and needs with regard to crosswalks. Mr. Cooley recommended distribution of informational handouts or brochures relating the pros and cons of crosswalks and the indiscriminate marking of crosswalks. Some cities deal with citizen requests for other deterrents such as stop signs or speed bumps by engaging citizens in progressive involvement. Studies have shown that heavy traffic enforcement of cars failing to yield to pedestrians has a short term effect. Mr. Cooley concluded that any changes that occur should involve engineering, education, and enforcement. Mr. Cooley introduced Mr. William Haro, Traffic Engineering Consultant. Mr. Haro distributed an outline covering the highlights regarding the decision to install crosswalks. Mr. Haro stated that he has studied the theory as well as the technicalities behind traffic engineering. Mr. Haro explained that City Councils are pressured by citizens to install crosswalks when, from their viewpoint, it seems it is the right thing to do and it is a quick and inexpensive remedy. Many times this is the wrong decision as crosswalks can increase the likelihood of an accident. Vehicle/pedestrian accidents are the most serious type of accident as they only require about a five mile per hour speed to cause a fatality. Installing crosswalks may distract or Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Crosswalks and Crosswalk Maintenance March 5,200'~ Page 3 direct attention away from finding better solutions and can become a major liability to a city. Mr. Haro stated that crosswalks can give a false sense of security to pedestrians. Many times vehicles do not see the pedestrian regardless of the color of clothing the pedestrian wears or the crosswalk lighting. An incorrectly located or marked crosswalk can make an area less safe than it was before being marked. Installation of crosswalks should be based on sound engineering principals. Mr. Haro explained that the five principles for effective Traffic Control Devices are as follows: · Fulfill a need - don't install unwarranted devices · Command attention - make drivers aware · Convey a clear, simple message - don't over mark an area · Command respect of road uses - don't overuse devices · Give adequate warning for response - locate and mark correctly Mr. Haro stressed that Traffic Control Devices should not be installed without an appropriate traffic engineering study by a traffic engineer or a qualified technician and should not be used where they are not needed. Mr. Haro enumerated the various details that should be included in a complex traffic engineering study that included an on-site inspection, tracking the speed of the vehicles, calculation of the sight distance approaching the crosswalk, determination of the number and adequacy of gaps in traffic, and street parking. Mr. Haro read a list of thirty elements considered by traffic engineers when determining the need and method of marking and signing crosswalks and traffic control measures that may affect pedestrian safety. Mr. Haro reviewed the benefits of crosswalks including the following: · They can channel pedestrians to a safer crossing locations · They can increase the likelihood for compliance at a specific location where drivers are likely to stop · They can increase driver compliance and driver awareness that a specific crosswalk is a likely location · Pavement markings and signage have more emphasis when used sparingly where pedestrians are most likely to be crossing · They can assist in creating gaps in traffic where few exist · They can assist in identifying crossing locations on school walking routes Special City Council Meeting Minutes - Crosswalks and Crosswalk Maintenance March 5, 2001 Page 4 Mr. Haro concluded that installation of crosswalks is an engineering decision and evaluation and should be determined by staff rather than a political body. Recommendations should be presented and based on principles prior to installation, however, the Public Works Director, City Engineer, and Traffic Engineer have authority under state law to install and remove crosswalks without Council action. Engineering decisions are legally defensible in connection with crosswalk placement whereas Council action is not. In response to questions by Councilmember Wagner, Mr. Haro stated that suspended overhead lighting for crosswalks clearly identifies that there is a crosswalk but does not illuminate the pedestrian any better. They may or may not reduce speed depending upon the time of day and events that may be occurring at that time. Mr. Haro recommended using the same type of lighting at all crosswalks. Discussion followed regarding various methods for placement, marking, lighting, and signage of pedestrian crossings and pedestrian and vehicle driver responsibilities. IV. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM. Approved this /~ ~ day of March, 2001. Charles A. Booth, Mayor lie Daskam, City Clerk 2001 m03-05special.doc