MINUTES

TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING

WEDNESDAY, May 7, 2008

Voting Members Present: Don Spencer, Graham Kenneweg, Chris Gluck, Ken Martis, Paul Steel, Roy Nutter, Betty McClain, Dennis Bidwell

Non-Voting Members Present: Dave Purkey, Lt. Mike Lantz

Members Absent: Peter Schuster, Terry Hough

MATTER OF BUSINESS:

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Roy Nutter.

Minutes were approved from April 2, 2008 meeting.

BICYCLE BOARD:

Frank Gmeindl, Bicycle Board Chairman, gave status report on the Bicycle Board activities. 

Pedestrian Safety Board:

Pedestrian Safety Board is to review sidewalks to create a priority list.

Traffic Calming Sub-Committee:

Chris Gluck stated that the South Park Traffic Calming is ready to be presented to the South Park Community.

Monthly Updates:

Dave Purkey reviewed Monthly Update spreadsheet.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Willowdale Road:

Dr. Ron Eck is to review information and advise Traffic Commission on further action.

Vangilder Road:

Engineering to bring Map of proposed line painted to June meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Laurel Street:

Roy Nutter asked if Jenny Dinsmore would like to speak on behalf of the Mountain Line Transit.

Jenny Dinsmore, Mulberry Street, stated that Mountain Line Transit does use the Laurel Street Bridge as a cut through three times a day to Unity Manor.  However, when the bridge was closed they used an alternative route and can go back to using that different route.

Don Spenser expressed his concern on where the traffic would go.  He said it would be unfair to create problems on neighboring streets. 

Betty McClain expressed her concerns.

Chris Gluck moved to move the issue to City Council. Recommending to City Council to close the bridge on a trial basis (6 months, part of the summer and fall, July 15 – December 15) while studies are conducted.  Dennis Bidwell seconded the motion.

Don Spencer amended the motion to implement the Traffic Calming  Plan for Tacoma and Baldwin.  Also installing a round about for Collins Ferry Road, University Avenue and Baldwin be concurrently addressed. The amendment was accepted by both Chris Gluck and Dennis Bidwell. 

Move the issue to city council for closing the Laurel Bridge for a trial period of six months (July 15 – December 15) while studies are conducted, a Traffic Calming plan to be implemented   for Baldwin and Tacoma and a round about for Collins Ferry and University and Baldwin to be concurrently addressed.  Motion approved.

Narrow Streets:

Gram Kenneweg made a motion to  request a representative from the Fire Department speak at next Traffic Commission meeting.  Betty McClain seconded motion.  Motion approved.

COMMISSION COMMENTS:

Don Spencer moved that the temp closing of Laurel Street incorporate foot travel also.

Betty Seconded motion.  Motion approved.

Ken Martis – I would like Fire Department  to come with specific information with respect to the street widths.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

ADJOURNMENT:

May 7, 2008 Traffic Commission Meeting adjourned at 8:30