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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 1994-08-18BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee August 18, 1994 Committee: Chairman Gillette, Trustees Dekker and Marshall Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Klaphake, Police Chief Racine, Fire Chief Rumley, Clerk O'Connor Absent: None Chairman Gillette called the meeting to order at 8:00 A.M. POLICE DEPARTMENT. Municipal Court Procedures. Administrator Klaphake reported that he has been reviewing the previous history of court cases with Judge Brown, Town Attorney White, Chief Racine and Police Officers relative to municipal court operations. The team is of the opinion that it is now appropriate that most cases be written into municipal court in lieu of Loveland County Court. This policy change should provide improved access for Estes Park citizens and be more cost effective for the Town. Judge Brown commented that Estes Park's Municipal Court is becoming very active, and the addition of Lt. Filsinger, who attends all court sessions, is very effective in resolving cases. Court is scheduled every 1st and 3rd Wednesday evening; should the need arise, additional evenings could be scheduled. Administrator Klaphake noted that the 1995 Budget will reflect staff's proposal. Chief Racine commented that this suggestion has obvious benefits to the officers plus far-reaching benefits to the Town, relative to savings in over -time compensation, and the potential ability to expend funds on training, equipment, etc. With regard to the Budget, Judge Brown urged the Town consider budgeting funds for support programs. Sentencing for minors currently includes substantial fines and/or community service; Judge Brown prefers alternative awareness programs (ie: substance abuse counseling). There being no further discussion, the Committee directed the Police Department to amend their current policy and, with reasonable exceptions due to special circumstances, summons be hereby written into the Estes Park Municipal Court. Northbound Lexington Lane. In a letter written to Chief Racine, Marshall and Carole Hesler, 1065 Lexington Lane, called attention to an existing traffic problem at the corner of Lexington Lane and "northbound" Lexington Lane. The Heslers requested a stop sign (or at least a yield sign) be installed on said intersection. Public Works Director Linnane reported that he and Chief Racine conducted an on -site inspection. Prior to the installation of a stop sign, it must first meet established criteria as contained in thene Marnual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) (where the following occur): the application of the normal right-of- way is unduly hazardous, a street enters a through -street, and a combination of high speed, restricted view and serious traffic accident record. Upon a site inspection, staff verified a 9% through -street slope, which, during icy road conditions, does create a hazard; also verified was a site distance of less than 50'. This 50' site distance is BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee - August 18, 1994 - Page 2 adversely affected by a thick grove of trees. In addition, if the road were located in a new subdivision, a stop sign would be installed to meet MUTCD standards. A review of accidents in the past 18-month period revealed five accidents in the area and 2 at this intersection which were attributable to grade and restricted view. The Committee recommends a stop sign be installed at the corner of Lexington Lane and "northbound" Lexington Lane, with the "northbound" Lexington Lane" being the stop point. The Committee applauded Mr. and Mrs. Hesler for bringing this situation to the Town's attention. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Hazardous Material (haz-mat). Chief Rumley requested this time be continued to the October meeting as the Department has not received pricing information. Fire Station Study. Chief Rumley reported on a meeting held with Fire Chief Minor and his representatives from the Loveland Fire Department. The representatives were instrumental in the design and construction of their Fire Station #4, and they shared information, including direction on where funding could be preserved. Pursuant to this meeting, the Department researched the ISO rating given the Town and measured a 2-mile radius to help plan and project growth relative to future fire stations. Station #3 was identified in the Fish Creek/Carriage Hills area, and Station #4 was cited in the Windcliff/YMCA area. In addition, an incident map was prepared and presented that identified incidents from 1989 through July, 1994. By means of colored markings, structure fires, fire -related calls that did not include a structure, medicals, and haz-mat spills were identified. Fire Stations 4 and 5 would be 2-bay satellite structures. Concerning the current study, Thorp Associates prepared a conceptual floor plan which was reviewed by the Committee. The plan contains five bays across and 2 deep with doors at each end to avoid backing movements, training room, reception area, offices, two restrooms--one with a shower, medical supplies, apparatus bays which would be isolated from the general public, storage and parking. The Fire Department is currently reviewing the floor plan and forwarding their suggestions to Mr. Thorp. The fire stationand anill be a metal - entry feature. frame structure with veneer, landscaping Staff noted that the potential relocation me examples f the lng og fire ..he hall and those of the future are prime to retain its reasoning behind the Town seekingapproval excess sales tax dollars (TABOR). Additional information on the Fire Station Study will be forthcoming. REPORTS. The Committee reviewed the correspondence summary for April -August, 1994. An article entitled "Crime Decreases in 1993" published in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin was presented --according to preliminary Uniform Crime Reporting figures, the number of serious crimes reported to law enforcement agencies decreased 3% in 1993. BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Publio Safety Committee - August 18, 1994 - Page 3 The Monthly Reports were unavailable at this time; however, they will be distributed to the Committee in the near future. Staff commended the summer traffic officers for jobs well done this season. Chief Racine anticipates the majority of these officers will return in 1995. There being no further business, Chairman Gillette adjourned the meeting at 8:43 A.M. o Vickie O'Connor, CMC, Town Clerk AUG 2 3 1994 W11'.\IJ VY Mi,WEES