Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 2002-06-27RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 27, 2002 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 27th day of June 2002. Committee: Chairman Gillette, Trustees Jeffrey -Clark and Newsom Attending: All Absent: None Also Attending: Town Administrator Widmer, Police Chief Richardson, Fire Chief Dorman, Police Administrative Commander Filsinger, Public Works Director Linnane, Construction Manager Sievers, , Deputy Clerk van Deutekom Chairman Gillette called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Richardson introduced Officer Cinnamon Messinger who was hired on June 12t. REPORTS 25 MPH Speed Limit — Summit Dr. Chief Richardson and Director Linnane explained that the current speed limits on Summit Dr. and Old Ranger Rd. are too high based on site distance, hill slope, and width of roadway that result in unsafe road conditions for each. Staff is requesting the speed limits be reduced to 25 MPH on both streets to improve safety. As a result of the neighborhood meeting held in May, Director Linnane reported that a speed table will be constructed on Summit Dr. in September, similar to the one in front of the elementary school. The Committee recommends reducing the speed limits on Summit Dr. and Old Ranger Rd. to 25 MPH. Elementary School Traffic Control. Chief Richardson and Director Linnane briefed the Committee on a meeting between Principal John Waller, parents, and Town staff regarding safety concerns relative to traffic volume around the schools. While researching possible solutions, it was revealed that in 1998 the Town retained the services of Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig, traffic engineering consultants, to study the traffic issues for the entire school campus area; included in that study was the elementary school. The consultants presented a series of recommendations to the Town, several of which have been implemented. Director Linnane noted the final recommendation addressed the possible need for a crossing guard; however, an engineering study of vehicle gaps would be required prior to any action being initiated. After reviewing the engineering study and conferring with Director Linnane, staff recommends the following: 1. Conduct an engineering study in 2003 of the vehicle gaps located at the crosswalk in front of the elementary school. 2. Involve and include the R-3 School District as a partner in the problem solving process and implementation of solutions concerning student safety at the elementary school. Areas discussed include budget impacts, crossing guard requirements, additional potential crossing guard sites, and increased fines in school zones. Concluding all discussion, the Committee recommends staff proceed with the vehicle gap study at the crosswalk in front of the elementary school as presented. The study will be conducted while school is in session to ensure accurate data. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee — June 27, 2002— Page 2 35 MPH Speed Limit — Hwy 7. After receiving numerous calls, Director Linnane reported that staff requested the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) review the speed limit from Lexington Ln. south to Peak View Dr. to determine if the 35 MPH posted speed limit is appropriate. Larry Haas/CDOT Traffic Engineer noted that the Town can make recommendations regarding speeds on state highways; however, CDOT ultimately is responsible for determining appropriate highway speed limits. In this particular case, preliminary results of a traffic study support the conclusion that the 35 MPH speed limit currently posted appears to be too low. The final report is anticipated within the next six weeks. Employee Panic Alarm System. Construction Manager Sievers updated the Committee on the status of the Employee Panic Alarm System: all the alarms have been installed and provide a means to signal Dispatch of an emergency situation from the following locations: Finance, Police Lobby, Administration, Engineering, Planning, Board Rm., and Advertising. FIRE DEPARTMENT (EPVFD) Dannels Fire Station Remodel — Approval Request. Chief Dorman explained that the second floor of the Dannels Fire Station was left unfinished for use as future quarters for firefighters. Due to increases in call volume/services, and the desire to reduce response times, the Dept. is preparing for the eventuality of having firefighters working shifts at the fire station. This remodel request includes construction of sleeping quarters, bath/shower and kitchen facilities, a fitness area, and a lounge. Additionally, the members of the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Dept. have expressed interest in installing a fire pole. Materials are either being donated or purchased at a reduced rate by the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. and the Fire Dept. volunteers are donating the labor. The only budget impact will be costs for Water Dept. fees ($2,300) which can be budgeted in the year 2003 and possibly the Upper Thompson Sanitation Dept. fees ($1,280). These figures are based on the number of water fixture units for a kitchen and one bath. The Committee recommends approval of the remodel request as outlined above. REPORTS Emergency Operations Plan and Evacuation Procedures. In response to concerns regarding recent wildfire activity, Chief Dorman and Commander Filsinger briefed the Committee on the existing Emergency Operations Plan and Evacuation Procedures. Areas discussed include evacuation guidelines, incident command structure, information dissemination, and the neighborhood coordinator program. There being no further business, Chairman Gillette adjourned the meeting at 8:29 a.m. YGVVI healdrirt--• Rebecca van Deutekom, CMC, Deputy Town Clerk APPROVED 1 JUL - 9 2002 TOWN OF ESTES PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES