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