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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 1991-01-24BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS âś“PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE January 24, 1991 Committee: Chairman Garrett, Trustees Aldrich and Habecker Attending: All Also Attending: Trustee Dickinson, Town Administrator Klaphake, Police Chief Racine, Clerk O'Connor Absent: None Chairman Garrett called the Committee meeting to order at 2:01 P.M. ESTES PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR CROSSWALK. 100 BLOCK ELKHORN AVENUE/CHERI HOUSER. Cheri Houser briefed the Committee on the history of the crosswalk formerly located in the 100 Block of Elkhorn Avenue. Said crosswalk was not replaced following the 1982 Flood as the Colorado State Highway Department (CDOH) was not in favor of the walk's location. On May 31, 1984, the Committee recommended approval of the replacement; staff cited traffic congestion and safety concerns and advised that the State Highway Department had jurisdiction on Elkhorn Avenue. However, the Committee recommendation was not approved by the Board of Trustees at their meeting June 15, 1984. In Ms. Houser's opinion, pedestrians could cross safely between the two controlled intersections (between the streetlights on Elkhorn/ Moraine and Elkhorn/Riverside), this is the only commercial block without a crosswalk, and she questioned the funds allocated to provide a crosswalk from the Municipal Parking Lot to Barlow Plaza. Diane Seybold endorsed Ms. Houser's comments, commenting that forcing pedestrians to walk to the corner of the street was inconvenient. Trustee Dickinson concurred with Ms. Houser's comments, and stated that, in his opinion, the Town could override CDOH should they desire to replace the crosswalk. Discussion included the length of the Municipal Block as compared to the 100 Block of Elkhorn, and public safety, with the Committee recommending staff obtain a traffic study from CDOH, research similar crosswalks in other communities relative to pedestrian accidents, and review past records in order to prepare traffic and liability viewpoints for the Committee. HAYRIDE SPECIAL EVENT FEBRUARY 16 AND 17 - REQUEST APPROVAL OF ROUTE. As a community special event Valentine's Day Weekend, hayrides are being proposed. The rides will depart the Transit Center and make a loop, heading north on MacGregor Avenue to the Bypass, and return to the Center. The rides will be operated by Aspen Lodge with a charge of $3.00/person, and they should enhance this special event. The Stanley Park Committee has approved this event which was included in the 1991 Special Events Calendar. The Town is sponsoring the event, and will, therefore, manage the risk through CIRSA. The Committee recommends approval of the hayrides in conjunction with the special event planned February 16 and 17, 1991. TRAFFIC PROJECTS. Staff reviewed the CDOH letter dated December 29, 1990 concerning various highway projects, physically inspected the locations contained in the letter, and provided a report for the Committee: Pedestrian Signal from Municipal Parking Lot to Barlow Plaza. CDOH is recommending a yellow -flashing beacon signal light on both sides of East Elkhorn Avenue be installed at the aforestated location. If the Town conducts a "warrant study" during the summer season, evidence should support the installation of a standard 3-color pedestrian -activated 1 BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee - January 24, 1991 - Page 2 signal. CDOH has agreed to supply a signal controller and overhead electrical work in the amount of $4,500; the Town would face an estimated $9,500 in the remaining work and materials. Chief Racine read in full a letter dated January 21, 1991 submitted by Richard Barlow requesting the crosswalk be located where the sidewalk comes to the street at the east side of the new library building. In addition, Mr. Barlow is suggesting the walk be painted with "crosshatch" marks to clearly identify said walk. Staff commented that if the walk is placed at Mr. Barlow's suggestion, it would present a traffic problem in the turning movement from the parking lot. Discussion followed including future completion of the Riverwalk, Brownfield Parking Lot, and soil -testing project on the associated municipal property, with the Committee recommending approval of the project: (1) subject to an adjustment to the 1991 Budget, (2) withhold implementation of the project pending receipt of the soil test report as mentioned above, and (3) receipt of any additional data concerning actual placement of the signal from CDOH. Access from U. S. Highway 36 to Lot 44, Little Prospect Mountain Addition. Proposed development of this property necessitating further review by CDOH and staff was acknowledged, thus this item was tabled. Stanley Avenue/U. S. Highway 36 Intersection. Staff has submitted to CDOH a proposal of a raised traffic island at this location; CDOH will allow construction at the Town's expense. CDOH is recommending Stanley Avenue be made a one- way street from Highway 36 to Stanley Circle, with the direction of travel to the south. However, due to the impact the conference center will provide, the additional monitoring of traffic, or conversion into a one-way street, staff is recommending construction of the island be delayed. The existing "no left turn" sign has improved the traffic hazard at this location and it is an adequate solution pending further monitoring. To provide an opportunity for staff to review the impacts of the conference center, Highway 7, and Moccasin Trail, the Committee recommends this item be tabled, urging the Department to increase awareness of violations that may be occurring at the "left turn only" intersection. Intersection - East Elkhorn/East Riverside. Acting upon the Committee's suggestion, staff is recommending a "right turn on green arrow only" sign and green allow signalization light be installed on an existing mast arm on the north side of the intersection. Flexible bollards will be used to outline the lane and create a visible barrier - an estimated expense is $500. The Committee recommends approval of the recommendation, requesting staff investigate whether a sign could also be attached that would advise motorists that they are "merging." Moraine Avenue approach to East Elkhorn. Staff is suggesting the northbound lane of Moraine Avenue from a block south of Rockwell Street to East Elkhorn be striped for two (2) lanes. There is no associated cost, and CDOH is in agreement with the suggestion. The Committee recommends approval of this modification. Public Works Director Linnane reported that CDOH may be receptive to a cost -sharing approach to use epoxy paint to strip the 100 Block of Elkhorn. The Public Works Department has been very satisfied with the epoxy paint application. BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee - January 24, 1991 - Page 3 BICYCLE LICENSE - REOUEST AUTHORIZATION TO IMPLEMENT. Acting upon Donna Hubach's (Communications) suggestion, Chief Racine suggested implementation of a bicycle registration program. The Department processes a number of stolen and/or recovered bicycles every year. Maintaining a cross-reference file should enable the Department to locate the owner. A $2.00 license fee would allow the program to be self supporting. Satellite stations located inside Town limits could assist the citizens and Department, and said locations would receive $0.50 of the license fee. The Committee commended Ms. Hubach for her suggestion, and recommends approval of the program as presented. DOG LICENSE - REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH SATELLITE LICENSING LOCATIONS. Mary Thacker, Animal Control Officer requested authorization to establish satellite dog licensing locations at local veterinarian offices, etc. This procedure should increase the number of dogs being licensed and provide a convenience for the community, while keeping the citizenry informed of the dog ordinance. The satellite locations would be authorized to retain $1.00 of the licensing fee which currently ranges from $5.00 - $15.00. The Committee recommends approval of the request, directing Town Attorney White to prepare an ordinance for review by the Town Board February 12, 1991. In addition, the Committee suggested the Department inform the Pet Association of this action. The Committee welcomed Ms. Thacker in her new position as Animal Control Officer. PATROL CAR - AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE. The Committee reviewed a state bid in the amount of $13,551.14 for a 1991 full size Chevrolet Caprice patrol car. The Department operates 7 other vehicles. The local vendor was contacted, however, a full-size vehicle could not be provided at this time. The Committee recommends approval of the state bid for $13,551.14. Chief Racine commended the excellent performance by the Fleet Division in servicing all patrol vehicles and keeping them on the road. REPORTS. The Committee commended the Police and Sheriff's Departments in successfully tieing both departments into one office. A true sharing of facilities/personnel should result in sound fiscal management, while enhancing service to the public. The Committee reviewed correspondence received, particularly a letter submitted by Michael J. Martin, Special Agent-in- Charge/Bureau of Land Management. In reviewing the Pistol Qualification Report, it was noted all officers are scoring in the high percentage rate of 80-90. A monthly course is being provided, and training is conducted by Officer Hurley. ESTES PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT. No report. There being no further business, Chairman Garrett adjourned the meeting at 3:09 P.M. Vickie O'Connor, CMC, Town Clerk F 8121991 U- aIoe TRUSTEES