HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works January 30 20071 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Public Works and Safety Committee
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4 January 30, 2007
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6 Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:36 p.m. in the
7 Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
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9 Present: Absent:
10 Laurie Caskey - Schreiber L. Ward Nelson
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12 Also Present:
13 None
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16 SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINE�
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18 1. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR (AS2007 -022)
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20 Caskey- Schreiber nominated Barbara Brenner.
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22 Nomination carried unanimously.
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25 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
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27 1. CONSIDERATION OF SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION ON THREE SECTIONS OF THE
28 "Y" ROAD (AB2007 -033)
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30 Joe Rutan, Public Works Director, stated staff put traffic counters in this area for the
31 study. He submitted information (on file) about the results of the study. There is
32 opportunity for enforcement. He will recommend that the Sheriff's Office enforce the area.
33 One recorded accident was a person who was driving under the influence (DUI) violation
34 that ran through a stop sign. The 85th speed percentile is 42.3 miles per hour, which is very
35 good. It is low for a road signed for 35 miles per hour (mph). Squalicum Lake Road has
36 stop signs on it both north and south bound. Y Road has free movement. Nothing indicates
37 that a four -way stop would be appropriate at that location.
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39 Brenner asked about accident history. Rutan stated he looked at four years of
40 history at this intersection. There was one DUI, which just recently happened. However,
41 that's one reported accident. There may have been unreported accidents.
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43 Caskey - Schrelber asked the recommendation. Rutan stated that if they dropped the
44 limit to 35 miles per hour, the speed wouldn't change. Enforcement will change. He will get
45 the Sheriff's Office to do emphasis patrols. During those patrols, the deputies will report
46 anything that the Public Works Department may be able to address. The area is in an urban
47 growth area. Growth is happening. People are moving into the area. Traffic will increase.
48 This is one of many areas in the county that they must keep an eye on. As the volumes
49 change, the staff needs to be aware of it.
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51 Caskey- Schreiber stated the speed for the current volumes is probably appropriate,
52 but the road is dangerous. As soon as they see the volume increase, they will need to lower
53 the speed limit because the road is dangerous.
Public Works and Safety Committee, 1/30/2007, Page 1
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Rutan stated they will do education, enforcement, and will keep an eye on the area.
OTHER BUSINESS
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE POSSIBLE DRAFTING OF A LETTER TO BE SENT TO
THE WSDOT REQUESTING INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS AT I -5 EXIT 270
(AB2007 -032)
Brenner stated she didn't write this letter two weeks ago, so she'll bring it forward.
tonight. She was told by Public Works Director Jeff Monsen that the Public Works
Department will support the letter.
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, stated the department will continue with that
promised support.
ADIOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
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ncWClerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Brenner, Committee Chair
Public Works and Safety Committee, 1/30/2007, Page 2