HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works May 26 2009WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Safety Committee
May 26, 2009
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
L. Ward Nelson None
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Also Present:
Bob Kelly
Carl Weimer
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE SPEED LIMIT STUDY COMPLETED FOR THE
PORTION OF HAXTON WAY BETWEEN SLATER ROAD AND KWINA ROAD
(AB2009 -259)
Mike Donahue, Public Works Department, gave a staff report.
The following people spoke:
• Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, answered questions.
• Henry Cagey, Lummi Nation Chairman, stated the Lummi Nation would like
the speed reduced, because there have been many accidents. Changing the
speed will require a behavior change. It's a dangerous road for kids and
elders. Many people are using the road more often because of the growing
population.
• Curt Vinish, Lummi Nation, submitted information (on file) and stated the
number of deaths on Haxton Way is significant. The State and County have
many options for reducing deaths on a road, but they are all expensive.
Wetlands in the path of the pedestrian trail increased the cost of the project,
and they had to make adjustments. The goal is to protect the pedestrians as
much as possible. Reducing the road speed significantly reduces the
likelihood that someone will die in a crash.
• Ramon Lanos, Lummi Nation Consultant; the right -of -way has been
negotiated without guardrails. Neighbors may be required to share
driveways, which will be a problem. Enforcement must ensure that people
drive the speed limit.
Discussion included the speed at the intersection; the traffic count along Haxton
Way; the reasons for the staff technical information; a guardrail requirement at 50 miles per
hour; State and federal funding; the cyclist and pedestrian pathway; the possibility of
making the speed limit change as the road work is done; the number of tickets that Lummi
Police have issued at the section of road that is 35 miles per hour now; installing a speed
display to educate drivers of the speed change, and; the number of properties with access
on this portion of Haxton Way.
Public Works and Safety Committee, 5/26/2009, Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
Caskey- Schreiber moved to ask staff to prepare an ordinance to change the speed
limit from 50 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour, effective at the completion of the trail
project on Haxton Way.
Motion carried 2 -1 with Nelson opposed.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION TO CONSIDER VACATING A PORTION OF EDWARDS DRIVE
(AB2009 -260)
Brenner asked for a better location map.
Caskey- Schreiber moved to recommend approval of the resolution to the full
Council.
The following person answered questions:
• Frank Abart, Public Works Department Director
Discussion included the road vacation process.
Motion carried 3 -0.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
Jill Nixon
Transcription
�� Y • C 0(i'''%
. ••SHAT• ��,
OX COUNTY C?s ; =_
S O
a Bre)4r1JMyi9, Cov$cil Clerk
/111n11111100
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Brenner, Committee Chair
Public Works and Safety Committee, 5/26/2009, Page 2