HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Minutes - 05/07/2013 WKENT
Kent City Council Workshop
May 7, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 5:39 p.m. by Council President Higgins.
Councilmembers present: Higgins, Boyce, Perry, Ranninger, Ralph, and Albertson.
Council President Higgins discussed the addition of three items to the agenda.
Traffic Safety. City Attorney Tom Brubaker introduced Andy Cooley, a senior
attorney from Keating Bucklin & McCormack. He noted that he will be discussing
traffic safety in areas where the City does and doesn't have discretion.
Mr. Cooley presented his credentials. He discussed the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (MUTCD) and noted that it is the authority for traffic engineering. He
discussed "warrants" and how the term is used in traffic engineering. He reviewed
traffic calming initiatives like speed bumps and traffic circles. He highlighted that
there is conflicting research and standards about marked crosswalks. Based on this,
he stated that the "gold standard" for marked crosswalks is to have a full-signalized
intersection. He discussed the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) "Safety Effects
of Marked versus Unmarked Crosswalks at Uncontrolled Locations" study done in
2002, which was published in 2005, and its results. He also noted other results that
were published in 2006 which state that there doesn't need to be a crosswalk if less
than 10 people cross per hour or if there is a streetlight crossing less than 300 feet
away. He continued and discussed High Intensity Activated Crosswalks (HAWK) and
its advantages and challenges. He continued and discussed the Roving Eyes Animated
Sign which he stated did not work because the vehicles didn't stop for it.
Public Facilities District Board Vacancy. City Attorney Tom Brubaker
communicated that the Public Facilities District (PFD) is a separate entity and the
positions are appointed by the Council. He noted that the Council can appoint a
member for the first two positions, but a Councilmember cannot sit on the board. He
also noted that it is possible to have the other three positions filled by a
councilmember if they are nominated by a public organization such as the Chamber of
Commerce, etc. He stated that it is very clear that the first two positions can't be
filled by a Councilmember.
Councilmember Albertson communicated that the Council isn't receiving good
feedback from the PFD,
Councilmember Perry inquired if the Council can have a non-voting member at the
meetings.
Council President Higgins said he would like to get someone appointed by the next
workshop.
Councilmember Perry stated that she thought there were going to be people
evaluated by a council committee.
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Kent City Council Workshop Minutes May 7, 2013
Mr. Brubaker noted that the position can be advertised on the web and the cable
channel. He suggested it be open until filled.
Councilmember Perry noted that it would be good to have a pool of people who are
interested. Councilmember Albertson noted that the information concerning boards
and positions be placed on the website and publically noted.
The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
Ronald F. ore, Mmt
City Clerk�
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