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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-16 Bicycle & Pedestrian_PACKETCITY OF ASHLAND BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION Agenda Thursday, February 161", 2006 @ 5:15 P.M. Siskiyou Room @ 51 Winburn Way Community Development & Engineering Services Building CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 19t", 2006 III. PUBLIC FORUM - Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Limited to 5 minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total.) IV. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Introduction of New Member: Paul Rostykus Budget Update/Status of Bike Swap Funds Requests for Funding_ • Pastors for Peace Cuba Caravan request for support (Brad Jones) • BTA annual request for support from Program Funds • BTA request for recommendation that the Parks Foundation expend Bike Swap funds (Egon Dubois) + Purchasing Helmets for sale through the Parks Dept. (Bike Swap subcommittee) ArtWalk! Car Free Street Fair (Sommer) Multi -Use Path (Marvin) DRAFT Letter to Council on Density versus Sprawl (Severson — will bring draft to meeting) Bicycle Friendly Community Application (Renewal deadline is 3/17/06) Subcommittee & Liaison Reports (Any new information from Subcommittees; the Public Works/Engineering, Planning, Police, or RVTD staff liaisons; or from the High School, Southern Oregon University, or Traffic Safety Commission) New Business V. ADJOURNMENT Upcoming Meetings Next Regular Meeting - Thursday, March 7.6th, 2006 at 5.45 P.M. I coal p!imIco with. Me AnI(l Hcam wit II Dkaht itic :`; [�, if You nccd.spcc yid assistazIee to p',)rti�.ipaIv in tilis :uiceti�I.` , ph,._ se Contact the ( il". Amid nistnito s i}zi eS. <it (41) 488-600 (1 TV 1)Itom, num ber 1.. -T� In 0,o xt?nn ;a;<x �vNP <ua(aMe, f�a Cklk era saa rx £:n xv.�xc ia.�.xle£rx 11�Tt_lBl;elllm,,i's to clisuro auessiNNIV to the naccth€ _ (28 CFR 35.I a2-35,104 ATM Title City of Ashland Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Membership Roster (Updated January 2006) 1, 4.30.2006 Christina Lacy 535 Carter Lane 482-3449 Secretary foudesoif@yahoo.com 2. 4.30.2006 Selene Aitken 446 Helman Street 482-7567 aitken @sou.edu 3. 4.30.2006 Paul Rostykus 436 Grandview Dr. 482-2823 or 601-9709 sherpa@mind.net 4. 4.30.2007 Tracy Harding 334 Bridge Street 488,7884 reclamation @riseu .net 5. 4,30,2007 Julia Sommer 573 Scenic Drive 552-1942 (510-684-3284 cell) Vice Chair iuliasommer@yahoo.eom 6. 4,30.2007 Tom Marvin 499 Iowa Street 482,5310 or 552.6488 marvin@sou.edu 7. 4.30,2008 David Young 747 Oak Street 488-4188 dyounq@ieffnet.org 8. 4,30,2008 Dylan Robbins 78 Pine Street 210-3325 Chair rrdy1an a()msn.com Youth Liaison (AHS) Cory Lescher 347 High St. 482.4477 Traffic Safety Liaison Colin Swales 461 Allison St 488-0939 colin@mind.net City Council Russ Silbiger 562 Ray Ln. 482-6907 Liaison russcity@mind,net Planning Staff Liaison Derek Severson 51 Winburn Wy. 652.2040 seversod @ashland.or.us RVTD Liaison Paige West 3200 Crater Lake Ave 608-2429 Medford, OR 97504 p,west@rvtd.orq transportation options @ gmail,com Youth Liaison (SOU) Nathan P. Meyerson 950 Glendower St. 488-5578 meyersonn@students.sou.edu Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission January 19th, 2006 Regular Minutes Roll Call Tracy Hai -cling (absent) Tom Marvin Chair Dylan Robbins Selene Aitken Council Liaison: Russ Silb€ger (absent) Staff: Derek Severson, Assistant Planner Rachel Teige, Recreation ,Si.rperintendent RVTD liaison: Paige West, RVTD/TDiVf Planner High school liaison: Cory Lescher (eihseni) Call to Order Chair Robbins called the meeting to order at 5:22 p.m. Secretary Christina Lacy (absent) David Young Vice Chair Julia Sommer Steve McLennan, Police Officer (absent) SOU liaison: Nathan Meyerson Approval of Minutes — October 20th Sommer/Marvin cols to approve the minutes of October 20`h, 2005 as presented. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Public Forum Brad Jones (2295 Tolman Creels Road, 482-8915) noted that be works with the IFCO/Pastors for Peace program which runs a humanitarian aid caravan to Cuba. He noted that bicycles and bicycle parts are delivered along with other humanitarian aid supplies; and added that they were looking for help from the community. Ile explained that lie has[ met with United Bicycle Institute (UBI), and was hoping that the Commission could commit: 1) any left -over bicycles or parts after the Bike Swap in May; 2) any mechanical or repair skills to help build and repair bicycles between now and June; 3) any other bikes to donate; and 4) a donation of financial support of at least $100. Members asked that a formal request be made and that this item be placed on next month's agenda for discussion. Paul Rostykus noted that lie had applied for appointment to the commission and was in attendance again in hopes of appointment. Severson noted that Rostykus' application had been received and forwarded to the Mayor some time ago, and that lie would follow-up with the Mayor to make him aware that there was still interest in the position. Egon Dubois, Bicycle Safety Instructor for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA), thanked the Commission for its support on his own behalf and for the BTA. He discussed the value of the bicycle safety education program in the local schools and noted that it is noticed in town. Iie explained that lie was asking for funds in the amount of $1600 in addition to the annual request for financial support made by the BTA to support. He went on to note that the cost for conducting a class was $800, and noted that there are currently classes in Walker Elementary School and "Talent Middle School, with a program due at Ashland Middle School in the spring. He added that if Talent drops their program due to finding, there would be two classes in Ashland in the fall, for a total of three elementary schools and one middle school program in a year. He clarified that there were not classes in every grade. Dubois explained that there were Bike Swap funds leftover from last year still to be spent, and that given the difficulty in finding financial support for the program and the intended use of Bike Swap funds for bike education programs lie believed this was an appropriate use of these funds. Severson clarified that the Bike Swap funds were held by the Ashland Parks Foundation, a non-profit affiliated with the Parkas and Recreation Commission to support Parks Department programs. He explained that these funds were separate from, and not under the control of, the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission. Recreation Superintendent Teige explained that while these funds were held by the Foundation, they were generated from a Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission supported event and it was her understanding that the Foundation would rely on the recommendations of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission for the expenditure of these funds, Teige agreed to check on the exact amount in the account and verify the details. Members asked that a formal request for use of these funds be made 2000-0119 Bike & Ped minures Page I of 4 and that this item be placed on next montln's agenda for discussion. Dubois stated that he would prepare a formal request for next month. Severson noted that the annual request from the B A had not been received to date, and added that this was later than usual. Dubois indicated that a request would be forthcoming. MQUARD Skateboard Rack Discussion Severson provided brief background on this item, noting that members had previously agreed to purchase two SkSGuard skateboard racks in addition to the two that were being donated in order to provide skateboard parking facilities in tine downtown. Sornnner/Marvin m/s to purchase two SK8GUARD racks at a price of $300 each to supplement the two racks being donated free of charge by SK8GUARD. Discussion: After discussion, it was agreed that the most appropriate locations for placement were two racks on the plaza with the bike parking and two racks at tine library (one near tine front entrance, at street level, and another at the rear entrance). Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Budget Update Annual Budget: $ 3300 Program Funds; $750 Commission Funds Severson noted that besides the $600 just committed, $500 had been committed to Car Free Day, and that to date only $65.64 had been expended from Program Funds, He added that $150 was committed to purchasing helmets, lights, etc. but noted that no request had been made for those funds. Liaison Reports West noted that a bike parking capacity study was underway at SOU, and the target is to survey 50% of the student body by phone in order to get an idea of the split between the various modes of transportation used on campus. She stated that there was on -going discussion of bus passes. She reported that signage was being placed on 10 shelters as well as the buses, and that schedules would be placed in the shelters as well. West stated that Walker Elementary School was taking the lead in Safe Routes to School (SR2S) activities, and noted that Wendy Connor at Walker was doing wonderful work on walking, Wednesdays as an extension of the SR2S program progression. She noted that they are seeing great success in the program, and that they will be doing a walkability study in the vicinity of the schools and would like to have city staff (both an engineer and a planner) assist in this effort. West explained that the Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) is in the process of reprioritizing their Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program. She stated that because of this reprioritization, she will be able to attend fewer meetings in order to focus more on land use and state funding. She added that the focus of the program is trying to better address transportation and land use. She noted that she would need to pull back on coming to meetings, but that Car Free Day was a priority and she would continue her work on that event but that she would not be able to take as strong a role in the Bike Swap as she would like. Meyerson noted that the first transportation meeting at SOU would be on January 20"'. He added that he was just getting involved in the bike clinic/bike library. He stated that there would be a work party tine first weekend in February that would include an education clinic. Dubois volunteered to assist in this effort, Meyerson reported that the student fee committee is hoping to reinstate their financial support for RVTD and establish a permanent funding mechanism for that support. Car Free Day Spring 2006 Sommer suggested that the commission might piggy -back oil a First Friday Art Walk to close off Oak and Pioneer streets between Main and Lithia for the duration of the walk (5-8 pm), and perhaps one hour before and after. She suggested Friday, June 2, after the Bike Swap and when the weather is good, and offered to approach the Ashland Gallery Association about such a co -production. She mentioned that she had spoken to Suzanne Heinrich, administrator of tine Association, who thinks it's a great idea. Sommer noted that the Gallery Association distributes 1,000 walk maps and does considerable advertising for its monthly art walks, and that Bike & Ped could piggy -back on this. Sommer suggested that if the commission and the Gallery Association is supportive of this proposal, Standing Stone and Tabu/Abajo be approached to provide street dining, and that all merchants on these two blocks 2006-8119 Bike & Ped minwes Page 2 0(4 be approached for their support, and perhaps street booths. Booth possibilities were discussed. Sommer will report on the Gallery Association response at the next commission meeting. West suggested reminding the Gallery Association that the advertising should emphasize a car free focus to the event, and should note that buses would be free until 7:30 p.m. She recommended that the advertising include a press release and stories in the "hidings. Marvin asked that additional events be considered as part of the day, and recommended an essay contest. Aitken suggested having art bikes on display. Young expressed some concern that a closure of downtown streets in the peak of tourist season may be a problem. Severson questioned whether the timing of this event was so close to the September International Car Free Day event that planning efforts for .Tune 2"r might detract from the September event. fie also noted that planning the last event had taken a small group close to a year; and questioned whether members were willing to take on the additional time commitments to carry a larger closure out in a much shorter tiniefraine. West noted that the commission might be able to co-sponsor the ArtWalk and provide bike parking and bus service without a street closure. She also noted that it would be a question of whether planning this event would compete with the Bike Swap in May. Sommer indicated that the closure was an important element and that the street cafes were crucial in drawing people into the street and the event. She stated that she would follow up with the Gallery Association board and report back next month. Dubois indicated that lie was willing to help with this event, and Robbins stated that he could help make contact with merchants. Bike Swap Discussion It was noted that the event was to be held on May 13"', from 12 to 4 p.m., with bikes to be dropped off from 7 to 11 a.m. Logistics and fees were discussed. Young/Sommer m/s to eliminate the per -item registration fee structure and charge a flat fee of 15 percent of all sales, with the budget for the event coming from, and any funds generated going to, the Parks Foundation's Bike Swap account. Discussion: Teige noted that they are working to assemble food vendors and give the event a party atmosphere. Site asked that any and all volunteers be sent to her. Meyerson indicated that he could bring several volunteers. Marvin expressed concern with treating the event simply as a fundraiser, and urged that the fees be kept at 10 percent. He emphasized that Ire was concerned with getting caught up in "money -thinking" rather than looking at what the event should be about, especially when the funds would be going to an account members weren't even aware existed. West indicated that she had been aware of the account and the funds available there. Roll call vote: Sommer, Robbins, Young, and Aitken, YES. Marvin, NO. Motion passed 4-1. West noted that RVTD would be providing S 1,000 in advertising, plus bus signage. David En wichtlTratfic Calming Training Discussion Severson noted that this was intended as an informational item only, since the training had been previously discussed. lie noted that Engwicht would soon be releasing a DVD, which was described in the packet information, intended to help resolve neighborhood traffic issues, and lie suggested that the commission consider purchasing a copy for information when it was released. North Main Street Multi -Use Path Solution Marvin provided some background on this item; he noted that his proposed path would be a bi-directional tnulti-use path on the uphill side of North Main Street, from the city limits to the downtown. He indicated that North Main is currently the worst stretch of road for cyclists in the western hemisphere, and suggested that the multi -use path he was proposing was a solution. He noted that the path would be of varying width and would undulate and meander according to how much additional right-of-way could be acquired. Marvin indicated that lie had spoken to John Vial of the Oregon Department of Transportation and that Vial recognized the need for such a solution and suggested that it should be pursued. Marvin stated that the next steps were: 1) to lift the ordinance prohibiting bicycles on the sidewalks in the city; 2) determining and addressing the cost; and 3) determining whether Vial's statement that no additional right-of-way was available. He also recognized that a barrier design and crossing at Jackson Road needed to be addressed. Marvin stated that he would follow-up further and report back next month. 100G-011913ike & Ped ❑cinwes Page 3 of4 Young recounted the previous barrier ODOT had installed along North Main, known to those who opposed it as "The Will of Death". Ile explained that a concrete barrier had been placed on the downhill side of North Main in the stretch proposed, and it effectively trapped cyclists in the vehicle travel lane by cutting off any possibility of using additional space to evade obstacles. It was removed after a strong outcry fi-om citizens and this conuniission, which he was serving on at the time. New Business Sommer noted that the Rogue Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RVMPO) Public Advisory Council needs one more Ashland representative. She noted that they meet the third Tuesday, every other month, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Smullin Center oil the Rogue Valley Medical Center campus in Medford, with the next meeting scheduled for March 21" at 5:30 p.m. Dubois and Robbins both expressed some interest ill serving. West suggested looking at priorities for the Bike Swap funds, and added that there may be some matching grant opportunities for community facilities rather than limiting them to education. West discussed the recent regional problem solving effort looking at planning land -use and transportation allocations until 2050. She emphasized that Ashland was the only city within the MPO that had not proposed expanding its urban growth boundaries. She suggested a letter of support from the commission to the city council emphasizing the need to hold firm to the longstanding commitment to maintaining a compact urban form around a dense urban core and relying on density and in -fill to accommodate growth rather than looking to expand the urban growth boundary and potentially contributing to urban sprawl. Members asked that Severson prepare a draft letter to this effect. Agenda Items for Next Meeting General discussion of Bike Swap Funds; Requests for Funding : Pastors for Peace Cuba Caravan request for support; BTA annual request for support from program funds; Egon Dubois/BTA request for recommendation that the Parks Foundation expend Bike Swap funds; June ArtWalk! Street Fair; Multi -Use Path; Draft Letter to Council on Density versus Sprawl Adjournment Sommer/Aitken m/s to adjourn at 7.23 p.m. Voice vote: All AYES. Motiori passed. Upcoming Meetings: 5:15 P.M. Thursday, February 16f' - Regular Meeting in the Siskiyou Room 2006-0119 Bike & Ped minifies Page 4 of4 Bike Swap Minutes February 1, 2006 Present: Rachel, Nathan, Trace, Egon, David Absent: Dylan Police Bikes: Police bikes have been donated to the Bike Swap. They are currently being stored at Willow Wind, Donations/Raffle: Rachel has been in touch with local bikes shops in Ashland for Raffle prizes for the drawing. No one confirmed yet. Sims Cycle has been added to the list of potential donators. Bike Registration: Rachel will contact the PD to see if they are interested in being on site to register bikes after they are purchased. Food: No update. Trace and Egon still looking into this. Helmets: Parks Department volunteered to sell bike helmets. The Bike & Ped Commission will need to discuss and get the details worked out for purchasing them. Bicycle Races: Egon will be coordinating bicycle races. A cruiser race and an adult race on smaller bicycles. Stunt Riders: Rachel will contact Dave Nore to see if he is interested in doing a stunt show during the event. Parkin€Z: Discussion was had regarding parking and discouraging people from driving. It was decided that when sellers drop off bicycles that they will drive up to the "holding area", check in their bikes and then go and park their car outside of the Grove parking lot. We will have a volunteer do check in and check out of the "holding area". Set up of Bike Swap: Rachel will bring a sketch of the Grove Parking lot for the next meeting so we can work on where to place vendors, bikes, entertainment etc. Next Months meeting will be Wednesday March V at 5:15pm at the Standing Stone. Be prepared to discuss the Schedule of events and set up. See you there! BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION 2005-2006 BUDGET UPDATE February 161", 2006 PROGRAM FUNDS 2005=2006 PROJECTS AMOUNTS APPROVED TO: IRATE Bike Safety Education/Safe Routes ??? Car Free Day $500 Bike Swap ??? Helmets $150 Skateboard Racks $600 Maps ??? Other ??? TOTAL BUDGETED FOR FY 705.06 $3 300 0'U $500 approved for Car Free Day promotion ($65.64 expended to date) $150 approved for helmets, etc. No expenditure to date. $600 approved for four Sk8Guard skateboard racks in the downtown COMMISSION FUNDS $750 in Commission Funds available in addition to the $3300 in Program Funds. These are set aside for subscriptions, conference attendance, etc. BIKE SWAP FUNDS Funds generated from past Bike Swaps are held in account by the Ashland Parks Foundation, a non-profit affiliated with the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission to support Parks Department programs. As of September 7t" 2005 there was $4,501.87 available in this account. These funds are separate from, and not under the management or control of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission. It appears that the Ashland Parks Foundation is willing to rely upon the recommendations of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission for the expenditure of these funds. Staff would strongly recommend that any motions for the use of these funds be framed as recommendations to the Ashland Parks Foundation in order to avoid any confusion about the status of these funds or the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission's role in managing them under Oregon state budget law. CITY OF ASHLAND Memo DATE: February 8, 2006 TO: Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission FROM: Derek Severson, Assistant Planner RE: Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) Request for Funds I just wanted to provide some brief background to supplement BTA's request for support for those of you who may not be aware of the full history behind the request. This commission tried unsuccessfully for several years to implement a bicycle safety education program in Ashland Schools. In 1999, there was an opportunity to partner with the BTA, a bicycle advocacy group headquartered in Portland. We were able to realize a long -held goal through this partnership, and the commission has supported their Ashland bicycle safety education programs each year since then. In previous years, there have been some difficulties with fund raising and not all agreed upon programs have been carried out in every school. There have also been some lapses in conimunication between the BTA and this commission about the status of the program, although I would emphasize that communications have been greatly improved since Egon Dubois came on board as the instructor of these programs. The commission has been fairly specific in their motions in order to ensure follow through and communication; last year's motion was "to approve the $750 per school funding request front BTA, with the condition that payment be contingent on BTA providing a proposal detailing specific performance elements with a timeline, providing regular detailed updates on progranc status, and completely carrying out the program within the proposed timeline." In past year's, the Traffic Safety Commission has joined us in supporting the BTA programs, so that each commission would provide $1500 to provide the $750 program in each of the four schools where it was being presented. It appears that the current request is for three schools in Ashland (a total of $2,250 or $1125 per commission) and I have again passed the request along to Traffic Safety in hopes that they will again consider partnering with us in supporting these programs. Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Tel: 541-552-2040 51 Mnburn Way Fax: 541-552-2050 W A Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900 )a ��-w.ashlajid.or.us r b w W January 30, 2006 City of Ashland Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission C/o Dereck Severson, Assistant Planner 20 E. Main Street Ashland, OR 97520 Dear Ashland Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, 0 i,,_,_`1`V FEB Q 3 20OU City of Ashland EJ Hold [D@(lice [J County Your support has been a cornerstone in the success of Ashland's Bicycle Safety Education program. It is with great appreciation that I write to request your continued financial support to run the Bicycle Safety Education (BSE) program in 2006. As you know, our intensive ten-hour Bicycle Safety Education program includes six hours of on - bike practice and reaches kids at a critical stage in their life. It teaches ten to twelve-year olds bike riding skills, self-confidence, and a sense of community. As Oregon faces record childhood obesity and diabetes rates, our class encourages kids to live an active, healthy lifestyle and gives kids the skills they need to gain independence through responsible mobility. Since 1999, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) has taught the BSE program to more than 1500 Ashland youth. BTA has also helped organize Walk + Bike to School Day in Ashland schools for the past two years. This past October, five Ashland schools participated in the event and had record turnouts of kids walking, biking and skateboarding to school. In fall 2005 we taught I I classes at Ashland M.S. and Helman E.S. We anticipate another busy year in the Rogue Valley. Four classes will be conducted this spring at Walker E.S., and we hope to serve Ashland M.S. and Helman E.S. in the fall. Community support for the program is strong, as evidenced by Ashland M.S.'s agreement to provide storage of the bicycle fleet in the off-seasons, and by the transportation support of the Ashland School District's Maintenance Department. BTA is seeking Commission support for our unique program in the amount of $750 per school, payable after each school is served. In the past, this amount has come as a joint contribution with the Ashland Traffic Safety Commission. This will be the eighth year BTA has served schools in Ashland. We're thankful for the Commission's past support of our programs and would be thrilled to continue our partnership with you as we teach traffic savvy and bicycle safety skills to the youth in your community. If you have questions regarding our work, feel free to contact me. I can be reached at anna@bta4bikes.org or. (503) 226-0676 x19. Warm regards, Anna Scalera Youth Programs Coordinator OPENING MINDS AND ROADS TO BICYCLING BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE P.D. BOX 9072 PORTLAND OR 97207-90,72 503/226-0676 FAX 503/226-0498 WWW.BTA4BIHES.ORG I # # # # n \ \ § E § O 0 \ § ■ q 7 ] \ \ 2 2 $ f § m &CL f m K 7 f ) = c x n m 2 2 \ /CL J j / / / � 0 CD ƒ m E � \ C.0 7 \ 7 a ® 7 2 ƒ CD /® w 2 / _ ® = CL 0 o \ \ co7 0 & ) F r_ § k / % \ & e \ _ m m 0 o \ d / ® $ + © ^ w / E a \\w CL �@ CD/ \ \ 0)N ol E 7 Rco (31 _ & (71 � w _x co o o \ q \ \ k f / / U) CD a \ 0 a � � § Q \ / ƒ 2 « ._. ` .. Derek Severson Re: [Fwd Bicycle Friendly Community Application Renewal] Page From: David Chapman <DavidChapman@AshlandHome.net> To: <bill@bike[ eague.org>, Derek Severson <dereks@ashland.or.us>, Tracy Harding <reclamation@riseup.net>, Dylan Robbins <dylanrobbins87@hotmail.com>, David Young <dyoung@jeffnet.org>, Russ Silbiger <russcity@m ind. net> Date: 1/27/06 7:43:48 PM Subject: Re: [Fwd.- Bicycle Friendly Community Application Renewal] Bill, Thank you for the reminder. I am going to forward this to Derek Severson our Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission's city staff member (and some other members), since I am no longer on the commission. Thanks, David Chapman Ashland City Council 390 Orchard St. Ashland, OR 97520 >-------- Original Message -------- > Subject: Bicycle Friendly Community Application Renewal > Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2006 15:37:29 -0500 > From: Bill Nesper <bill@bikeleague.org> > To: DavidSusan@AshlandHome.net >David Chapman >Ashland Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission >318 Wrights Creek Dr. >Ashland, OR 97520 >Dear David: >Hello, this is Bill Nesper from the League of American Bicyclists. This >message is a reminder to renew your Bicycle Friendly Community application. >The Bicycle Friendly Community award presented to Ashland in May 2004 will >expire this May. We trust you've enjoyed celebrating your status and are >eager to report any progress that your community has made. The deadline for >renewal applications is March 17, 2005. >With your renewal, we're looking to see the changes that have taken place >since your initial application. Please start by reviewing your original >application (available at www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/applyonline; >USERNAME: DRC; PASSWORD: ABPC. >Rather than writing over the original application, please create a new >profile (Username/Password) and complete a new application in which you >only respond to questions that require updating since your original >application. Of course, if you would prefer to submit an entirely new >application, please feel free to do so. In either case, please distinguish >it from the previous application by filling in your Community Name and >adding (2005) e.g. City of Portland (2005). Again, next deadline for Derek Severson - Re: [Fwd: Bicycle Friendly Community Application Renewal] Page 2 >applications is March 17, 2006. Thank you for all of you efforts in >creating a bicycle friendly America. We look forward to hearing about your >progress. >Please contact me directly if I can assist you in any way. >Sincerely, >Bill Nesper >Program Manager >League of American Bicyclists www.bikeleague.org >bill@bikeleague.org >p. 202-822-1333 >f. 202-822-1334 >Your email: DavidSusan@AshlandHome.net >Previous Award Level: Bronze > Funding Options for Transporation Choices: SAFETEA-LU and Other Resources By Constance E. Beaumont Looking for ways to make it safer for children to --calk to school - and easier for everyone to make short trips by foot' Interested in providing better connections between local shops and neighborhoods — or ill creating hike lancs and pedestrian paths? "Thanks to Congress' recent enactment of SA.h`ETEA-LU, the S286.5 billion federal transportation bill, and upcoming grant rounds planned by two state programs, local governments in Oregon will soon have the opportunity to obtain funds for a variety of pedestrian and bicycle projects that cotild improve transportation choices. Corrrnivnitics ready to nnovc fon yard -with well -conceived, community -backed projects -sill stand the hest chance of getting the money. SAFETI A-LU, the federal Safe, Accoamtable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity fact: A Legacy for Users enacted by Congress last sumrnner, created a new Safe Routes to School program and extended the popular `Transportation hnhancernems Program. AMean-+chile Oregon's Transportation Enhancements and Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs are gearing up to make more grants in 2006. Children enjoy a safe route to school. Safe Routes to School SAI' ETF.A-LU's five-year, M 12 million Safe Routes to School rSMSj Program is a congressional response to growing national concerns over deaths and inji.rries to .students getting to and from school. The program aims not only to make biking and-valking to school safer and more appealing, but also to reduce traffic scar schools. Nationwide, the pci-centage of students betwccn ages five and 15 who walk or bike to school fell from 40 percent in 1969 to less than 16 percent in 2001. School -related trips can increase morning rristi-hour traffic by as much as 30 perccut, and 50 per ernt of children who are hit by cars near schools are hit by cars drivea by the parents of other students, according to a U.S. l;nvirozninerntal Protection Agency report. For these and other reasons, connanunitics all ever the coi.mtry are working to provide safer routes to school for children_ In this state, the Transportation Safety Division at the Oregon Department ofTransportation (ODOT will administer the SR2S program. The Division expects approximately S3. % million in federal funds to be available for SR2S projects between 2006 avid 2010. The Division is currently setting up a special advisory committee to guide the program and help develop grant criteria. While SR2S funds may not become available until late 2006, school districts and local governments call enhance their prospects of obtaining funds by starting now to identify barriers to walking to school and ra-ays to overcomc them. Nonprofit organizations as well as state, regional, and local. public agencies are eligible for SR2S funds_ Between 10 and 30 percent of the state's allocation must go toward education and advocacy projects. Examples of such projects include traffic education, safety enforcement near schools, and public wvareness campaigns -vith outreach to press and comnnunity leaders. Tlie balance of the state's SR2S monies can support infrastructure projects These may innclude building sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, bike_ parking facilities, and traffic calming innprovenicnts. An important consideration in boosting tlx: ability of students to walk or bike to school is the location of the school itself. The SR2S legislation clots not address the problem of poorly sited schools — e.g., schools on remote sites too faraway for anyone to walk to — hilt Bob Charnncey, director for policy analysis cif. the National Ccintcr for Bicycling and Walking, helievcs that local safe routes programs should inchnde advocacy for better school siting practices "illany schools say. `Let's just build where land is cheap,' brit they dou't consider the long-term costs of busing or driving students to distant locations," says Chauncey. -Iaybc the SR2S program could help people to rethink school siting cicc.isions and their ]orrg-tcrann costs." Oregon's SR2S coordinator is Julic A. Yip in ODOT's Transportation Safety Division. Oregon Planners' Journal <,;'. Fekunry / lAurch 2006 Transportation Enhancements Program SAFl:l'I1A- U also cxtenclecl the popular Translx>rtation l:.rahartctntents (I"1'i Prclgrant, which has supported mfut)' h1CwC1( Md pedestrian improvements since its creation in 1 t)�) I . {.:ouunuuities have used TL grants to develop walkable down owns, create bike paths, restot-c historic Inrildings, and protect scenic vistas. Under Sr11�1'TI?A Ll ; every state must reserve at least tell percent of its Surf;wc'J.'ransportation Program Binds for "transportation enhancelnents" — projects that improve communities and enhance tile experience of traveling. Examples of- eligible enhanceinent projects include: • Sidewalks and hike lanes • Pedestrian amenities, includilIg street landscaping, benches, lighting and public ar-t • Conversion of abancloned rail corridors to recreational trails • Golltrol and/or removal of illegal outdoor advertising, such as billboards • Acquisition of scenic or historic eascmeuts and sites, and • ReAuration of historic transporruion ftcilities, such as railroad depots, bus stations, lighthouses and bridges. ,;Sec wtis-w.enhancen�cnts.org 1'or details on eligible 'I'F, activitics-) All TE, projects must relate to surface transportation ill some way, Questions asked to cicterrlline whether such a relationship exists include: 1. Does the project serve a current or past u-ansportation purpose' 2. Does it enhance the aesthetic or culhu-al aspects of the travel experience? Notable TE projects in Oregon include Main Strcet streetscapcs in jo.seph, 1-1cppner, and Lakeview; the Grants Pass Pedestrian and Bikeway BT-idge; sections of the Springnvater Trail and Bear Greek Grecnway ''rail; and restoration of Vista House in the Columbia Gorge. In Oregon, existing `I, lands have already been comrrzitted to projects schechdcd for construction through 20083 but between SB rnillion and S9 million a \,car is expectcd to be approved soon for now TE projects. `J.,he selection process for these projects should get under way in early 2006. TE Prograrn i•Mauager PatriciaFisher expects that notices will go out to local governments in 1'6111ary 2006 inviting than to apply for crlbancenlent frrracls. Late June is the likely deadline for applications. TE awards generally range between S200,000 all([S 1 rnillion, and recipients must contribute at least 10 percent of a project's total cost. A street bench in Ashland gives pedestrians a place to rest (top). Joseph's Main Street has been enhanced by street trees and landscaping (bottom), Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Meanwhile, the Oregon Pedestrian and Bicycle Program is expected to provide approximately S5 rnillion for pedestrian and bicycle irnprovernents in Oregon communities. According to Tv ichact Ronkin, bicycle and pedestrian program manager at ODOT, bike/ped grants typically range from $80,000 to $500,000 and may be used for a variety of projects: pedestrian islands, bike lane striping, crosswalks, etc. Projects funded through this program Must lie Within the right -of -edgy of streets, roads, and highways. Roman expects that the next grant cycle for bike/ped projects will be announced around April 1, 2006 and encourages jurisclictions interested in applying to contact him. Planning for Transportation Choices Besides funding existing programs and inaugurating new ones, SAE'L'TEA-LU left intact the important planning principles inaugurated some 15 years ago the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). These core principles include the idea that transportation systenns shotrld be balanced and multi -nodal and that planners should consider the effects of roads and highways on communities and their duality of life - See 5AFETEA-LU, Page 15 Oregon Planners' Journal A February / March 2006 AFETEA-LU, continued from page S Getting Ready With major fitudirrg opportuarities,pust around dW corner; it's not too early fi)r local jurisdictions to fine-tune their plans I<n- the pedestrian and bicycle and other projects dIey'd like to sec built ill their communities. (..ornpctitiou I'm- f mo-k- is keen, so a jurisdictiotr's early and thorough preparation is key to Obtaining funds. Some thitrgs to think al)out in preparing to take advanitrge of dress opporttuiities: Check y--oitr local Transportation System flan. Local TSPs ty,J)ically include project lists that reflect agreed -upon community needs. Most programs described above. rcquire that projects be identified in the relevant city or county'TSI' as a planmd project eligible for fiulding. Build community support. Projects with Strong mmmunit�; support from civic, husines_t, and neighi)o1-1lood or;-anu'ations stand out over other pr(,jectS that arc just "good ideas." Scope out project details, including trlatching funds. "I'rojcct-lv.adincss'� is It factor; so communities shortid do their homework to show that their project is well tliought our, realistic budgcis and timetables are important. Aithough most programs uotcd above don't require final clesigus or engineering, preliminary work addressing major isseaes — e.g.; needed rights-o1=way or draining improvements -- Carl help to demonstrtrre that the project is ready -to -go. In short, well tlzougl)t 01.tt plans, clear objectives, and evidence of local support will boost a comnuurity's chances of getting clesired improvements finauccd. 1,61. more ill fc3rmatiorr: • I^or more information oil TGM and other resources for improving transportation choices: w�,a"tooregon.gov/LGD/TGN-I/iraclexslItml • On Sale Routes to School:,Jtilic.A.Yipaestate.ot-.us; http://egMf)regon. gov/ODO'T'/'f'S/saferoutes.slitrnl and Nvww.flnva.clot.gov/safctealu/ f;.actshce is/saferott tes.lrtm • On Transportatioti ?nhancements: patricia.r:fisher dodot.statc.or.us; wt�nv.oregon.gov/ODC)'I'/hI�'VY/LGS/enhancemcrrt.shtml; and w wow. enhancements.nrg/"l'I _basics.asp • On Oregon Bicycle and Peclestrian Program: llichael.PRonkin@state. or ils; w%viN-.or•egos.gov/ODOT/IIWY/BIKEPED • On Oregon's Recreational Trails Grants: http://ego��oregou.gov/ OPRD/GRANTS/trails.shttnl • On Oregon Transportation & Growth lWarragenrom (TGNI) Program: r��w-w. or-egon.gov/ I,CD/"I'G 1�I1 i ndcz. shtrnl • On SATE EA-LU: hetp!//www.fhwa.clot.gov/safctealu/indcx.htm • On Portland State University's Center for Transportation ,Studies research agenda: wxvw.cts.pdti.edu [ onstanre Beaumont is education and oulrrrrch rnaruager fo tke Oregon 7rmrsjmrlolzon and G'rawila allanagernent Program, a partnerskijl belween the Oregon Department of Land Conservation & Deuelopmonl and Lhc Oregon Departmew of Tansporiation. PIAivNIM; SERVICf.S, i.t_C I -and • People - Places Scot Siegel, AICP Prrncrp,4 Scrvin; towns & cities throughout the West. Phone: (503) 699-5850 www.siegelplanning.com D C 5 I G N I N C. piAMY.efS • • IANF,.K:ApF . ;;;RVPY(F75 Gre.Ointcrowcl & Tim brooi<5 • Princinala � � {Jrlr<an Grawlai 1.4ana �c.TcnC 7 0-10011• S�eciric.Arct Plans lNatuml Kc �ourcc Plans t 0# A U H I T Y t"SA, Wetlands, Goal g Coml�lia;,cc RESOURCE f7:eelnPnrntCtxc� lministr tion ? t A H H I H 0 50�.SZ%.9-9�22 ivw4v.svini;crl�rook�lannin�.com Oregon Planners' Journal r!. February/ March 2006 ASHLAND TRAFFIC:_SA,--M- COMMISSION AGFNDA 7:40 PM, THt1.R5DAY, JAN.UARY 26, 2406 COUNCIL CHAM.BkkS, 1i75 MAIN STREET Derek Severson Planning Department I. CALL TO ORDER 7:Up PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 9, 2005 II. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION A. PUBLIC FORUM B. REVIEW OF TRAFFIC REQUESTS/PROJECTS PENDING/ACTION REQUIRED 1. Traffic Concerns on Faith Avenue and Clay Street 2. Traffic Concerns of Meade Street 3. Bike and Pedestrian Issues and Concerns (Bike & Ped Agenda w/minutes) C. Follow —Up on Previous Traffic Actions D. Traffic Safety Education 1 "Designing Streets for Bicycles," February 17, OSU 2. "Designing Streets for Pedestrians," March 16 & 17, OSU E. Development Review 1. Planning Commission Agenda 2. Hearings Board Agenda G. Capital Projects Update — See Memo H. Other - Results of Radar Speed Display Sign Miscellaneous Communications III. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - Traffic Safety Connection IV. ADJOURN NEXT MEETING: FEBRUARY 23, 2006 Please call Dawn @ 488-5347 if you will be unable to attend In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102--35.104 FID.4 Title 1). G:\pub-wrks\eng\dept-admin�TRAF\AGENDAS12006Vanuary 26 06.doc Ashland Traffic Safety Commission Minutes December 8, 2005 Members Present: Patti Busse, , Pam Hammond, Doris Mannion, Alan Bender, Colin Swales, Keith MassZz ie Staff Present: Jim Olson, Dawn Lamb, Tom Cook Members Absent: Terry Doyle, Russ Silbiger, Noal Preslar I. CALL TO ORDER --- II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 27, 2005 Minutes approved as written, III. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: A. PUBLIC FORUM ITEMS: Nancy Seward, 115 Church Street, reported that she and Alan Bender had met to discuss how to approach the neighbors. Seward had talked to several neighbors and most favored the installation of speed bumps. Seward felt she was successful in relaying the cons of installing speed bumps. Setting a date for a meeting with all the neighbors seems to be more advantageous after the holidays are over. Seward has found several recommendations in the literature that would be fairly inexpensive to initiate, but needs to know if they would be acceptable to the City. Some of the ideas include doing flags along the street by putting in PVC pipes and doing inexpensive flags, or hanging a banner across the street. Olson would like to see a list of suggestions prepared by the neighbors that could be run through some of the departments to ensure they would not be in any violation. There are some funds available that the commission could designate for this project. The Church Street neighborhood will be considered a pilot project for some of the traffic calming features. Church Street could be a template for other neighborhoods and recommendations from the neighbors would be routed through the public works and planning departments for any violations. Seward and Bender will try to meet in January and bring back recommendations. B. REVIEW OF TRAFFIC REQUESTS / PROJECTS PENDING/ACTION REQUIRED 1. Request for Parking Limitations on A Street Allan Sandler, developer of the A Street Marketplace, requested that a two hour parking limitation be implemented along the north side of A Street adjacent to his building. The A Street Marketplace has operated for several years and its use and popularity continue to grow. The development also includes a 43 space parking lot dedicated to the Marketplace. In addition, parking is available along A Street adjacent to the building. Currently there are no time limits for the on -street parking and all day parking is permissible. To provide better access to the Marketplace it is requested that parking along the north side of A Street adjacent to the building be marked as two hour parking. There is approximately 284 feet (12 parking spaces) of frontage. The westerly end of A Street is predominately commercial and is in fact zoned E-1 with a residential overlay. We are again faced with the problem of enacting rules and regulations where there is no enforcement to back it up. We have considered a similar request on Third Street, Second Street and Oak Street. Although there may be a logical need, here we are in the same position as previously discussed. Discussion: Allan Sandier, 1260 Prospect Street and owner of the A Street Marketplace, was approached by 16 of his tenants for help with the parking situation. The problem is a hardship for the businesses. Employees of the area park for extended amounts of time leaving little available parking for shoppers F;1Qec 8 55'TSC.doc Page 1 of 7 who are making quick trips into the stores. The Maketplace has an adjacent parking lot and Sandler has hired an attendant to ensure that parking remains for customers and is not all filled by the employees of the area, Sandler discussed the situation with Olson and understands A Street is beyond the parking patrol, but would still like to try and see if the signs help the situation. He is willing to help pay for the expanded area if the signs are not enough and enforcement becomes necessary. He sees a real benefit to having both sides of A Street marked as 2 hour parking. The parking restriction would be in effect for the same time limits that are in the downtown area; 9 AM to 5 PM, whatever would be consistent. The attendant is only in the parking lot from 8 AM to -around 4 PM and Sandler has been staggering his schedule to keep the enforcement unpredictable. Bender asked how the Food Co -Op was enforcing their two hour limits, and Olson informed him that the Co Op was not enforced. Gary Smith, 37 A Street, Ploughman's Wine and Cheese Buffet (?), agrees with the installation of the two hour parking limits. All the cars parked there is beneficial because the stores look busy and full, but one problem is that the large trucks like UPS and other delivery drivers have a hard time negotiating the narrow street and sharp corners like at Pioneer Street. If the cars are moving around and switching out it may help with the maneuvering of the large trucks. Smith notices that day visitors are usually in and out of the stores and feels that having the limit lifted at night would be beneficial because in the evenings he likes to encourage customers to linger. He feels sorry for the employees at the hardware store and other places. This area is part of the downtown though, not part of A Street or the Railroad District and hope that the City will bring them in to the enforcement area. Sandler has been very supportive of the businesses and the parking lot is a required parking place for the A Street Marketplace employees. Alan Carlson (?), Glass blowing business, wanted to reiterate that they would like parking on both sides of A Street from Oak to First, this was misstated in the request. He agrees that parking is taken by mostly employees and customer parking is scarce. Smith commented that some employees of the Ace Hardware store will move to the new store when it is complete, but only a small number. He is very thankful to Sandler for his efforts in freeing up the parking. He is very fair to the customers. It is frustrating to see campers in the parking lot overnight and Sandler has put a lot of effort in to being a good neighbor to all businesses along A Street. Massie recalled that several months ago or longer, Olson was going to approach Finance about expanding the Diamond Parking area. It is hard to deny someone when parking sign are so close to their area. How likely is it that the boundaries can be reconsidered by Finance. Olson reported that Finance does the administration of the contract and has along with that inherited all the problems of complaints and court issues. They are not very receptive to expanding the area. Massie felt that if the signs are put in without enforcement, people will quickly ignore the signs, Massie made a motion. Bender asked how the parking areas around town were installed if there was no enforcement. Back a few years ago all parking was enforced by the police department who had little "golf carts" to travel around town in. The City then decided to outsource the enforcement and to limit it to an area referred to as the Central Business core. Since then, other parking areas have been neglected unless the police officers are noticed about particular areas. Massie felt since this area is so close to existing enforced areas, it should not be a burden to do a sweep of the area once or twice a day. Olson commented that Smith was correct in saying that A Street Marketplace is part of the downtown area. That was a designation during the planning process. Swales felt this was reasonable to approve since we approved a similar commercial request just up the street for Brent Thompson a few months ago. Mannion felt this should not be approved when other similar requests have been denied because there would be no enforcement. Bender felt that A Street is becoming a major shopping destination and thinks it is of a similar scale as the Co Op or same ballpark. It is of a magnitude that it requires our FADec 8 05 TSC.doc Page 2 of 7 r,;o:�:R;-rrrrr;.�r �-r.rz„ ,m-„s,:^r:n-r ,.r,r ;r+r>.:n�.' r„r., r�:nxs-xcr -,a. -rn ,r t n.:r-,r�orn,%s;via�a'v:er,.x-.v-� _ ,:,r..,... _ _..%r-nr..�z,�-:ur ;,s,,.s ,� . �. ,•rr-r paying attention even if in the past we have denied other requests. Busse agreed that this is part of downtown like Olson said and the commercial aspect is strong. Decision: Massie motioned for the TSC to direct staff to ask for the boundaries of the downtown region to be reconsidered in the Diamond Parking contract. Bender seconded the motion. Vote carried four in favor and two opposed; Hammond and Mannion. Swales motioned to approve the request for two hour parking installed along both sides of A Street from Oak Street to First Street. Seconded by Massie. Vote passed four in favor and two opposed, Hammond and Mannion. 2. Traffic Concerns on Faith Avenue and Clay Street Greg and Liz Jones and Joanie Keller -Hand expressed concern regarding traffic on Faith Avenue and Clay Streets and requests that the TSC review the area particularly as to their following six listed areas of concerns: 1. Faith Avenue carries more traffic than normal streets and traffic moves faster than 25 mph. 2. Traffic speeds on Ashland Street increase from 30 to 35 mph at or near the Faith Avenue intersection. 3. West bound traffic on Ashland also speeds up at this intersection and the vegetation in the median blocks views of oncoming traffic. 4. The median does not provide a merge area for traffic entering Ashland Street and there is no crosswalk at Faith. 5. The intersection of Clay and Faith is poorly designed. 6. Vegetation at the northwest corner of the Faith / Ashland intersection blocks views. As indicated in the letter, this commission reviewed this intersection in August of 2002. Site observations show that most of the original problems that existed in 2002 are still prevalent including: 1. A general disregard of the stop sign on Clay Street. A brief count of 20 vehicles approaching the stop indicated that only 8 vehicles came to a complete stop while 12 merely slowed down or completely ignored the sign. 2. A large number of the vehicles turning onto Faith Avenue from the westbound lane on Ashland St cut the corner encroaching into the stop position (when not occupied) at Faith Ave. 3. A majority of the southbound Faith Avenue traffic turning into Clay Street also sharply cut the corner encroaching into the northbound traffic lane. Although Jones and Keller -Hand do make some good points in their letter, not all can be supported. Following is a response to each of the six specific concerns: 1. The traffic volume on Faith. Avenue in 2002 was 1054 VPD. A current count shows 1086 VPD, a 3% increase. The Clay Street traffic went from 1325 VPD in 2002 to 1189 VPD, a 10% decrease. Neither of these volumes is unusually high and in fact are average for neighborhood collectors. 2 & 3. The speed limit actually changes near Normal Avenue, not at Faith, so the speed through the intersection is 35 mph. Speeds are expectantly harder to control on the steep approach grade of the railroad overpass structure. Additional police enforcement may help to slow the faster moving traffic. 4. The median was specifically designed to eliminate the long oblique merging of traffic that is so common in unbroken center medians. The purpose of the median is to provide a temporary refuge for vehicles making turn movements and should never be allowed to be used as a merge lane. 5. There is virtually nothing that could be done to revise the configuration of the intersection of Faith and Clay that would not involve the acquisition and possible condemning of several residences and Park's land. FADec 8 05 TSC.doc Page 3 of 7 i::<l,.G';iY��9,'!f F-'.l!!"%v: /Y.( J.'.�S//.� F"„ ,. ; 'i .;.,-.:'�. �,'.�,M.J. - ,/. ,. �, ,.�/.....f. ! 7-�1�, � »f.!/-.. i:.f,: ..'.C.;.. � -i .✓_,r..F ,_ ..,�, 1.. i. ..._/ _ �... /l.- /./. .. i.. .i5 n , ,....A 1,-- n..� 6. The Cedar tree at the southwest (not northwest) corner of the intersection again needs to be trimmed of some of the lower branches; however, the center median does not appear to present a vision obstruction. As pointed out in the letter, some of the directed changes from 2002 were never implemented and the centerline stripe that was installed on Faith Avenue was obliterated with the recent street overlay. It is recommended that the solutions identified in 2002 be completed as soon as possible. The installation of a stop sign on Faith at Clay may have some benefit to help eliminate some queuing at the Ashland Street stop, but it may also introduce some additional safety problems especially with the high incidence of disregard of the stop sign on Clay Street. Discussion: Olson told commission that the persons who requested this action could not attend tonight's meeting and asked if the commission would mind delaying the decision until more people are able to attend the meeting next month. Zoe Abel, 566 Faith Avenue (?), can see the intersection from her house. The stop sign is often disregarded and this is very unsafe because you are not confident the other vehicle will stop. Vehicles appear to be speeding down the street and this is a challenge because many children cross the street to go to Gay Street Park. Traffic has increased since the Waldorf School has moved into the area and there are also a number of new developments off of Takelma Way. She is in support of the crosswalk across Hwy 66 to Faith, but feels it should be considered further down Hwy 66 by Sherwood Road. That way cars would not be stopping on the downside of the overpass lessening the chance of someone being rear ended because they could not see over the rise and it surprised the driver. Ruth Goldberg, 566 Faith Avenue, sees the intersection differently because she is a pedestrian and bus rider not a driver. She appreciates having the median refuges along Hwy 66. Before the improvements crossing Hwy 66 was like crossing the freeway. She asked if the signage about reduced speed could be moved before the overpass to give drivers a visual cue that they were about to enter an area where pedestrians were. She also asked if the speed could be reviewed again. Olson said that a speed study was conducted by ODOT at the Commission's request a few years ago and the speeds had been reduced at that time. Goldberg appreciates the flashing light at Hwy 66 and feels that the crosswalk being down by Sherwood would be acceptable. The bus stop is on the other side of the street along with the bike path and the middle school. These are pedestrian generators and attract children too. Drivers tend to still be in freeway driving mode when they come over the overpass and she would appreciate at least the signage being installed to alert the drivers sooner. Busse concurred with the freeway driving mode and finds herself speeding down Hwy 66 and has to consciously make herself slow down. Mannion felt that it would be prudent to ask ODOT to look at the speeds again after the Ace Hardware and the development on Clay Street is built out. Massie asked if the intersection of Faith and Clay could be looked at for the possibility of moving the curb into the intersection by a couple feet to narrow up the travel lanes. It would have a slowing affect. Maybe Ray Smith could do a mock up to see if it would work. Olson thought the minimum radius would be too close but he will look into it. Massie also suggested putting some kind of tactile warning in the middle of the intersection to keep cars from angling across the intersection. Olson said that may be a consideration because the S curve is not held too. Before the street was overlaid there was a middle lane stripe that was not repainted. The actions that were taken a few years ago need to be revisited. Decision: FADea 8 05 TSC.doc Page 4 of i Commission will look into this matter further next month when more public can be present. 3. Status of School Zones on Beach Street and Siskiyou Boulevard The Engineering Division received several requests to remove the school zones on Beach Street and on Siskiyou Boulevard, which formally supported Lincoln School, Beach Street Beach Street is a local street with a 25 mph speed limit and therefore the school zone adjacent to Lincoln School is 20 mph at all times. The zone extends from Henry Street to Siskiyou Boulevard, a distance of 425 feet. Lincoln School is no longer an active public or private school and no longer be designated as a school zone. Unless there is some compelling reason to the contrary, the speed zone signs should be removed. Siskiyou Boulevard A school zone, approximately 450 to 500 feet in length exists on Siskiyou Boulevard between Beach / Morse and Mountain Avenue. The school zone was installed to protect the mid -block crosswalk at that location and the crosswalk was established as a protection for students crossing between Lincoln School and Ashland High School. The crossing was mostly used by high school students using the Lincoln School cafeteria. An overhead sign and flashing beacon was also installed. Since the Lincoln School building is no longer used as a school, the crosswalk is seldom used and the beacon has been turned off although it will remain in place, The primary reason for the existence of the school zone is no longer viable and since high schools do not generally require school zones, it is recommended that the Siskiyou Boulevard school zone also be removed. Discussion: Olson spoke with Juli DiChiro, School Superintendent and she had no strong opposition or favor to keeping or losing the school zone. The mid -block crossing was more for the grade school not the highschoolers. They are trying to discourage the highschoolers from using the Lincoln parking lot and crossing Siskiyou. Massie commented that the school sign on Manzanita had not been removed yet either. Jan Craighey, 689 Beach Street, rides her brakes all the way down Beach Street because of the 20 MPH. It is a great inconvenience. She finds it extremely frustrating when the school is empty and she has to drive 20 MPH. She made three calls to the City to no obvious avail. She is so frustrated with driving through town she wishes she could get straight onto the freeway and not have to drive through town at all, When she does have to go to town, she prefers to walk although that limits how many things she can carry home up the hill. She is sorry this has taken so long to be taken care of. Busse commented that the speed on the residential streets would increase to 25 MPH and the speed on Sisikiyou would then be increased to 30 MPH, Decision: Massie moved to eliminate the school zone signs on Beach and Siskiyou Blvd. Seconded by Bender and passed unanimously, 4. Proposed Use of Sheriff's Department Volunteers to Help Enforce Handicap Parking (Tom Cook) The Ashland Police Department requested that the commission review and discuss the pros and cons of using the Jackson County Sheriff's Department volunteers to patrol and enforce handicap parking on streets and public areas. F:0ec 8 05 TSC.doo Page 5 of 7 Officer Cook reported that the County Sheriff's department offered this service to Ashland free of charge. The volunteers have the power to issue tickets to offenders. The handicap zone has to be legally marked and up to current standards for the court to be able to enforce the ticket. They would enforce any handicap parking spot on public land. Busse asked why this service was never taken before and Cook said that the Administration did not move forward on accepting the offer before. Massie asked if a six month trial could be done. The City of Ashland may not be receptive to Sheriff's cars issuing tickets in town. Busse felt some publicity should be done if this is accepted. Olson will do press release before program begins. Decision: Massie motioned to take the opportunity offered by the Sheriff's Department to have volunteers enforce handicap spaces in Ashland for a six month trial and have Officer Cook report in six months to report back to the commission on the results. Seconded by Swales, passed unanimously. 5. Final Recommendation from the North Mountain Avenue Subcommittee Doyle was not present at the meeting and Olson felt he should report next month on the results, 6. Bike & Pedestrian Commission Issues and Concerns Swales reported that the Mayor had assigned David Young to the Bike and Ped commission and not Swales, Swales will continue to attend the meetings ad report back with any concerns. C. Follow -Up on Previous Actions — No discussion. D. E. Development Review: 1. Planning Commission Agenda 2. Hearings Board Agenda F. Capital Projects Update: No discussion. G. Other: 1. Council Goal Setting Massie was talking with Councilor Chapman and they were discussing making a goal of traffic safety. This has been a goal but there is no plan for traffic calming and Massie thought it would be beneficial to propose a program similar to the sidewalk goal. The City should make a commitment. Massie suggests having Traffic Safety hire a consultant to look at the older residential areas of town for engineering recommendations. The major arterials seem to be done; Oak Street, Tolman Creek Road, but the older areas where the streets are wide or steep are the ones we hear from repeatedly. If a consultant was hired to suggest 2 to 5 areas of problems that would be better than doing spot check fixes. Oak Street seems to be a great success even though it was such a pain in the beginning. Olson commented that this has been a goal for three years and he has argued for a related budget line item to do some work each year to no success. Most projects are funded through LIDs or through grant money. Oak Street was a grant and Nevada Street is an LID. The Council will be evaluating the LID system in April and there is some fear that those projects will not be funded now. Busse asked if Olson felt a study would be supported. Olson will try and have it added to the budget for next year. He estimates the projects will run about $50,000 to do. engineered physical changes to the older streets. The new developments are being designed and built with more traffic calming in mind. Decision: Massie motioned for the Traffic Safety Commission to recommend that a neighborhood traffic calming be a priority and that money be allocated for a consultant for neighborhood studies. Seconded by Busse. Passed unanimously. FADec 8 05 TSC.doc Page 6 of 7 N. Adjourned 8:30 PM F:`aec 8 05 7SC.doc Page 7 of 7 O � O v � E ra �o H m v v a o q C o o � u s CDO "0 w°cr c Z iA o Q w a) o in O Ln CD V) 0 0 v) 0 L6 0 v +� p o 0 v O � o 0 0 0 > v v f F I f- F v O O O O b 'O _0CL O CL F w ro t4 CL fu d O O O v 4 O O O p a Z a ¢ [� @J I ¢ n ¢ sa Q o_ n ¢ n n a a u C] ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ Z Q to i LU C C L Ln N � N y C m C V 0 7 r6 +'C.+ C C ) v �o c I F- vt in E O U7 7 Y O 0 0, v aJ al !- in O V c O 0 V a v Lno aj o Co Y C Q UJ N Q a C o C ° = v c N w O u o c c o c o e 0 a c o O' Oa a O c C 0 fp 0.. C � Q C (n �- d C Q C O i0 .Y U C v C a; V 0. Y ro C O C C V7 v7 C � C o C a V} d u- e C o rt7 a V v v V V) o w o w 0 0 0 o c u 0 c o o U 0 w cn � � }D n in w u �zi v uco , N ru 6�w a v a a) v Q a -le m O != G7 n a U)i V) a � gy a Q UJ w; v w v v o:. a) inicli O U aJ i > C Ln c 5 t c ;ti V V Z) . v a n:. L in ca 0> to 7 p ro p Q L �ncn p O � g o ro cs o y p as U' o 0 o v 4 0 o o 'o v � a y CL o L s o o ¢ o o o v >p a a OL � Z ¢ ¢ Iv 0 OL OL i C Q O O LW p p to c Qj v V VQ1 o sin a�i `� Y v c�pn � �[ to f H _ (i � o U n p V) cn >: co m 4 y j O O (� vt r O b v O m iR ur U > v m m n n ;o � o > V) a� 6 _ ..aG m 0. d :if) CQ '= a ui v o _ s; L b E d i IA b - T Ln i E4, .Q n LL L p V O d O U a p d V) C d H Ql V V Q1 Q1 [,� ip '�' V Ib fp m Z [� co Le LLJ V a O .: Vl FF a 'u2 Y f0 0 7 Q) s.+ rt ro p _ yy tt IV iL'. = Nv cOn n . co ul o O ' d @ 0, .. Y_ I O pU L L L cu y cn mb LII..0 �q SHLAND. October 20, 2005 Lynn Mutrie ACTS Oregon 405 W. Arlington Street Gladstone OR 97027 RE: AMENDMENT TO FINAL REPORT FOR 2005 MINI GRANT Dear Lynn: Enclosed is the amendment to the final report sent to you on October 20, 2005. We are very pleased with the new sign and the positive results we have experienced. Thank you again for all your support and assistance. Sincerely, �'--I �I/ �J ames H. Olson Project Manager OC : Joe Strahl Ray Smith Engineering Tel: 541/488-5347 20 E. Main Street Fax: 541-1488-6006 �� Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 8001735-2900 YNM. ash land. or.us G:Ipub-wrkslengldept-admin\TRAFIGrants12004 Building Safer Grant Amended Final Report Cover L;r 1 06.doo ADDENDUM ' TO THE FINAL REPORT FOR THE 2004-05 BUILDING SAFER COMMUNITIES MINI -GRANT Prepared: January 9, 2006 SITING DETAILS Through assistance from ACTS Oregon, the City of Ashland purchased a single "Speed Check 1520 USC" speed display sign for use in several of Ashland's school zones. The unit was received on May 12, 2005, but due to problems in acquisition of base components the sign was not actually activated until November 3, 2005. The sign was first displayed near the Walker Elementary School and measured traffic in the northbound lane. The sign has currently been relocated to its second planned location on Walker Avenue near the Ashland Middle School and monitors the souhbound lane. It is anticipated that the sign will be moved every 4 to six weeks and will be displayed at the following locations: I. Walker Avenue at Walker Elementary School — east side of street (first location); 2. Walker Avenue at Ashland Middle School — west side of street (second location); 3. Tolman Creek Road at Bellview Elementary School — both sides of street; 4. Helman Street at Helman Elementary School — both sides of street; 5, Laurel Street at Helman Elementary School — both sides of street; Several requests from citizens suggesting additional locations for the sign have been received and are being considered. Each suggestion is chosen with the following criteria in mind. I . The location should be within a school zone; 2. The sign should be on a local street; 3, The sign should be open and visible to motorists several hundred feet in advance; 4. The location should have good overhead clearance and access to sunlight for optimal use of the solar panels. EDUCATION ELEMENT The activation of the display sign signified the beginning of a concentrated educational effort to call attention to speeds within school zones. The attached news release was sent to the Ashland Daily Tidings, Medford Mail Tribune and local television channels 5, 10 and 12. Channel 12 and the Daily Tidings both did articles on the new sign. The story was also printed in the City of Ashland "City Source" which is included with the City's utility bill and mailed to all Ashland utility customers. The article was also posted on the City website. 45 G:\pub-wr[eslengldept-adnunlTRAR(3mnts12004 Building safer Grant Amended Final Report 1 Kdoc Follow-up articles will be published at a later date to ensure that the sign remains in the public consciousness as much as possible. EFFECTIVENESS The engineering staff has run before and after speed studies at the locations of the signs and have documented modest speed reductions. The studies, however, have spanned both lanes of traffic while the sign mainly impacts one lane only. In future studies, a single lane could be taken before and after the sign placement to more accurately judge the impact of the sign. A similar study was conducted by the City of Bellevue Washington showing some significant reductions in speed over one and two years. A copy of the results in graph form is enclosed. CONCLUSION The City of Ashland has experienced some very positive results from the use of the display sign. It has proven to be a solid reminder to motorists to slow down in our school zones and it has provided the City with a good opportunity to educate drivers of the need to travel slowly within our school zones. The City wishes to thank the hard working staff of ACTS Oregon for this grant aid and for all its past support. Attachments New Release Copy of Daily Tidings Article from November 22, 2005 Copy of the December Issue of the "City Source" Copy of the City of Bellevue's Sign Effectiveness Study q4 0:1pub-wrksettgldept-adtnin\TRAFIGrants12004 Building Safer Grant Amended Final Report 1 06.doc Page 1 of Ray Smith - Speed Study: Walker Avenue From: Ray Smith To: Dawn Lamb;, Jim Olson; Nancy Slocum Date: 1/11/2006 2:52 PM Subject: Speed Study : Walker Avenue CC: John Peterson; Mike Bianca; Rich Walsh; Steve MacLennan; Teresa Selby; Teri Desilva; Tom Cook As per request, I performed a speed study (re-count) on Walker Avenue, between East Main Street and Iowa Street: Total number of vehicles in study: 3,072 (48-hoer study) Average Speed : 19,9467 mph (20 mph zone) Average 85th % : 26.1333 mph # of vehicles over 30 mph : 94 of vehicles over 30 mph : 3.06 % # of vehicles over 40 mph ; 6 of vehicles over 40 mph : 0.195 % Top Speeds Recorded: 48 mph - 01/11/06 5:55a 43 mph - 01/11/06 2:17a 43 mph - 01/11/06 : 9:03a 42 mph - 01/09/06 1:02p 41 mph - 01/10/06 7:16p 41 mph - 01/10/06 9:22p 39 mph : 01/09/06 5:20p 38 mph : 01/10/06 : 2:12p There appears to be relatively good compliance with the school zone during school hours, especially in the lane where the reader board is displayed, but speeds tend to pick up after hours. Optimum time for increased enforcement would be between 4:00 - 7:00 pm. 441 file://C:1Documents and Settingslsmithr\Local Setting slTernp\GW100001.HTM 1/11/2006 0 DECEMBE€2, 2005 Solar Powered War Signs The City of Ashland recently acquired a solar powered radar speed display sign that automatically detennines and displays the speed of approaching cars. In Novem- ber the sign was in place on Walker Avenue near the Walker Elementary School. The sign will serve as a con- stant reminder to motorists that this area is a school zone with a maximum speed limit of 20 mph. Speeding in Ashland& school zones is a major con- cern of the school district, parents and students of our (See Solar Powered Radar Signs, Page 2) THE CITIZEN'S SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE CITY OF ASHLAND Ashland Round Up Many of Ashland's low-income residents have difficulty paying their basic monthly utility services. The City of Ashland's Round Up program allows Ashland utility customers to voluntarily round up their utility bills to the nearest dollar. The additional funds accumulated will be devoted to assisting low-income Ashland residents with their monthly utility bills. Customers who qualify for low-income assistance are screened to determine eligibility using the current Federal pov- erty guidelines. In addition, I occasionally customers who don't necessarily qualify as low-income may need some assistance due to personal difficulties. (See Ashland Round Up, Page 2) City Receives dean Water Awat+d The City of Ashland received the Pacific Northwest Clean Water award for its "contribution in the area of water pollution control and prevention„ as a result of upgrading the existing secondary wastewater treatment plant and adding tertiary treatment. Each year the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association reviews nominees for the Municipal Water Protection Award recognizing municipalities that have contributed to control or prevention of water pollution through construction of pollution abatement facilities; reduction of pollutant discharges; research and development on waste control or elimination, Including monitoring the Influence of pollut- artts on receiving waters; and building public understanding and cooperation, The City of Ashland recently upgraded its existing secondary (two step) wastewater treatment process to a tertiary (three step) treatment (See Clean Water Awarid, Back Page) �o � City�� Ashland Round Up Continued from Page I These funds will be used to assist qualified, low-income customers and can be used In an emergency to help others on a one time per year only basis. Please join the Ashland Round UP program by completing the coupon below and returning it with your utility payment. T ASD Community Forums The Ashland School District has scheduled five Community Forums to share the results of the mechani- cal, engineering, architectural and seismic assessments completed this summer and to gather comri unity input on the prioritization of facility needs. Funding for the projects would be by a general obligation bond proposed to the voters in November 2006. Please attend any of the following forums: © Monday, January 9 Ashland Middle School Commons 7:00 p.m. C) Tuesday, January 10 Mountain Meadows 3:00 p.m. ❑ Tuesday, January 10 Historic Ashland Armory 10:00 a.m. © Tuesday, January 10 Historic Ashland Armory 7:00 p.m. Cl Wednesday, January 11 Ashland High School Commons 7:00 p.m. For more Information about this Effort and the public meetings scheduled for January please visit www.ashlandAl2.onus/facility V Solar Powered Radar Signs Continued from Page 1 three elementary schools as well as our middle school. Studies have shown that speeding is most oven a result of driver Inattention. Motorists who travel the streets on a regular basis often become accustomed to the same sights and signs thereby losing concentration. They are often surprised to notice that they are traveling well over the speed limit. The speed display sign Is Intended to interject something different into the streetscape and provide a posi- tive reminder of our traveling speed versus the speed limit. To avoid becoming an unno- ticed background object and to provide benefits to all of the elementary schools, the speed display sign will be periodically rotated among the four school zones. The Public Works De- partment is constructing bases for the sign on Walker Avenue (four locations) , Heiman Street (two locations), and Tolman Creek Road (two locations). The solar powered radar speed display sign was funded in part through a grant from the Alliance for Connnunity Traffic Safety in Oregon in conjunction Join the Ashland Round Up Program Yes, please round up my monthly utility bill to the nearest dollar. I understand the funds will assist needy Ashland residents with their utility bill. Name Signatu Service Address: Account Number: Phone Number: Include this form with your utility payment or drop it off at City Ball, 20 E. Main Street. with the Ashland Traffic Safety ConwMasion and the Ashland Public Works Department. The Engineering Division will moni- tor traffic speeds before, daring and after placement of the sign to determine its effectiveness in stowing traffic speeds and rnak- Ing our school zones safer. News Notes 71 ft of the year In November the Tree Commission is announced the 2005 Tree of the Year ---- the Giant Sequoia -- Sequoladendron giganteurn — located at the corner of Bush and Almond, 165 Almond Street. Not even a bolt of lightening could lessen the most awesome sight of this majestic Sequoiadendron giganteurn firmly grounded at the corner of Bush Street and Almond Street. As you drive up Bush Street take a breath before the end of the street because the tree's beauty will take that breath away. With a height of at least 70-feet (who knows how tall it might have been had the lightening not struck its top) and a trunk diameter of approximately 6-feet one must wonder what this tree experience throughout its 150+ year existence. The presence of this tree on the corner of Bush and Almond creates an incredible backdrop for the neighborhood, Weil -deserving of the honor to be chosen "Tree of the Year", this Big Tree is a tree to be Uvasured for many years to come. The Tree Commission will dedi- catel a plaque at the site honoring the tree next spring during annual Arbor week events. This was the eighteenth Tree of the Year winner. The Ashland Tree Commission would like to thank Ashland residents who took the time to submit nominations and to vote for Tree of the year. Sanding and Snow Removal Following snowfall, streets are cleared and sanded in the follow- ing order: Ll Arterial streets including Siskiyou Boulevard, North Main, Highway 66, Lithia Way, Maple Street (hospital), school zones etc, are always cleared first. ❑ Collector streets such as Moun- tain Avenue, East Main, Hersey Street, Park Street, Beach Street etc. are cleared next. ❑ Residential streets are cleared last and are prioritized based on volume of vehicular traffic and grade. Residential streets with heavy volume such as Morton Street, Strawberry Lane, Wiener Street, Church Street, Granite Street, etc. are attended to first. Low priority is given to streets with low vehicular traffic. The Street Department reminds motor- ists that a plowed and sanded street does not guarantee the street Is free from ice, Motorists should still exercise caution when travel- ing cleared streets and use com- mon sense when deciding to drive on non -cleared residential streets. Tire chains are always a good Idea on Ice and snow, when in doubt chain up, For more information, contact John Peterson at the street department at 488-5313. 30 Ashland Daily Tidings:: Online Newspaper Edition -Your Community News Source Sin... Page 1 oO Subscribe - S�aCt Us S�tB-Card MMAND pl�s� an a QNLINE inIFN .Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Us Weather Subscrll National City,, Visit Las today! Mortgage We're Right in Your Backyard! � t • 1 %k r •. November 22, 2005 Speed signs put in near schools By Jennifer Squires Ashland Daily Tidings To keep speeds down around local schools - a Move that could make parents more comfortable allowing their children to walk c bike to school -- the City of Ashland purchased a solar -powered radar speed display earlier this month. The city will "use it to kind of reinforce the school zones," according to Jim Olson, the staff liaison to the traffic safety committee. "We do have some safety concerns with parent drivers because we have to make sure they're not driving too fast," Heiman Elementary School Principal Susan Hollandsworth said. Those concerns led the Ashland Traffic Safety Commission to seek out a grant from the Alliance for Community Traffic Safety in Oregon to purchase the sign, according to Information from. ACT awards $5,000 traffic - safety mini -grants to local agencies throughout the state. The Public Works Department chipped in about $500 to the cause and the city was able to purchase the solar. -powered model, malting It possible to transfer the sign from location to ,location Without Worry about locating a power source. ;his speed sign was recently bought by the city to keep motorists mindful of their speeds in school zones Is solar powered and will be moved around to various spots In the city. 31 I Type c B�sine cosy Medf Fie Site <, It http://w-", v.dailytidings.coln/2005/1122/112205n2.shtrnl 11 Ashland Daily Tidings:: Online Newspaper Edition Your Community News Source Sin.,. Page 2 of 3 The display will be rotated between eight Orville Hector I Ashland baily Tidings locations near the Walker, Bellview and Heiman elementary schools to tell drivers what "your speed" is compared to the speed limit, All schools zones are 20 mph when children are present and those In residential neighborhoods always remain 20 mph areas. RI "We get a lot of complaints from teachers and parents about speeding in school zones, Mall. particularly on Walker Avenue," Olson said. ODC However, the sign will be a reminder to drivers, not an enforcement tactic. "It's just passive," Olson said, "It just senses the speed of the approaching vehicle and displays the speed," Creating a safer environment around schools may also inspire more parents to not drive their children to school, but instead let the kids walk, bike or skateboard. Some parents fear that it's not safe because there are too many cars around, according to Wendy Conner, an Ashland mother and the organizer of Walk or Bike to School Day, "They're not realizing that they're contributing by being in one of those cars," Conner said. Bases for the speed sign have been built at four locations on Walker Avenue, two on Heiman Street and two on Tolman Creek Road. The sign will be periodically moved from one spot to another to allow all three elementary schools_ ahid the middle-school.to' beriefiit from the awareness created. Changing the sign position will also prevent it from becoming an unnoticed background object. Staff writer Jennifer Squires can be reached at 482-3456 x 3019 or jsquires@da#ytidings.com. Dail_yT€dingixom Home Page Archives I Revels I Classifieds I Real Estate Guide i Weatf�er I Subscribe I Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Id adveirtlsi Deep M€rscle Stimglator_ Free Mus€c Downloads Sl�pers � . Ceramic PEgpy Banks Qniine Cas€nos FREE Entertainment Guide Calendars 2006 Calendai_ Women's & Mews Sli ers Accelerate 16el9M-L0ss Products best online casino cortisol, weight loss Diamonds Vegas Travel Guide, Search Edna 0 timization Southern Oregon Loans Sportsbook Ztech. Media Hosting Studentl_oans _H_ote� &_Airline Reservations African Safari Helzberg (]€amonds Online Casinos Community_ Student Loans i3 tLw Casino ink cart__ iaAes Mot_._. t e C_afcuiator Si C�Lfty Systems Ma€lin Lists Canadian Pharmacy �+� CasinGa o mbling Sites I.J[ http://www.dailytidiilgs,coil,i/2005/1122/112205n2,shtinl 11 /29/2005 G:I .'i' Y (.F SL. . - News -Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE DATE: November 8, 2005 CONTACT: James Olson, Staff Liaison for the Traffic Safety Commission, 488-5347 Email: olsonj@ashland.or.us TRAFFIC SPEEDS IN SCHOOL ZONES The City of Ashland recently acquired a solar powered radar speed display sign that automatically determines and displays the speed of approaching cars. The sign is currently in place on Walker Avenue near the Walker Elementary School. The sign will serve as a constant reminder to motorists that this area is a school zone with a maximum speed limit of 20 mph. Speeding in Ashland's school zones is a major concern of the school district, parents and students of our three elementary schools as well as our middle school. Studies have shown that speeding is most often a result of driver inattention. Motorists who travel the streets on a regular basis often become accustomed to the same sights and signs thereby losing concentration. They are often surprised to notice that they are traveling well over the speed limit. The speed display sign is intended to interject something different into the streetscape and provide a positive reminder of our traveling speed versus the speed limit. City of Ashland 20 East Main Street Ashland, Oregon 97s2o www.ashland.or.us Tel: 541-488-6002 Fax: 541488-5311 TTY: 800.735.29oo G,, pu wrkslengklept-admin\TRARTSMadar Reader Press Release 1 i 05.doc To avoid becoming an unnoticed background object and to provide benefits to all of the elementary schools, the speed display sign will be periodically rotated among the four school zones. The Public Works Department is constructing bases for the sign on Walker Avenue (four locations), Heiman Street (two locations), and Tolman Creek Road (two locations). The solar powered radar speed display sign was funded in part through a grant from the Alliance for Community Traffic Safety in Oregon in conjunction with the Ashland Traffic Safety Commission and the Ashland Public Works Department. The Engineering Division will monitor traffic speeds before, during and after placement of the sign to determine its effectiveness in slowing traffic speeds and making our school zones safer. END City of Ashland Tel: 541-488.8002 20 East Main Street Fax: 541.488-5311 Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-785.2900 � Mrs www.aWand or us . G:dub-wft\engldept-admin\TRAF1TSCWadar Header Press Release 1105.doo