11/10/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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I of the reaso~s, subject to appeal to the Manager and the Council. Assistant Manager added that review of the capital projects list by the, Budget Comndttee dictated for which projects funds would be appropriated. Councilwoman Shirey noted there were safety hazards for children going to and . from school in the Chambers Street area also. Sh~ asked for clarification of the School District's role with regard to responsibility for the children's safety, whether th'e bussing of students might be considered regardless of the, distance they lived from the,schools. Manager answered that it was his understanding the bussing of students living farther than a mil~ from school was required by law. He said he would make inquiry about the District's policy in this regard. Councilman Bradley asked whether a lfK)bile flashing unit or some other device could be installed as a temporary measure - or perhaps the Council would consider changing the speed 1imi ts on that street. Assistant Manager answered that the staff recommended continuance of the present types of temporary installations - painted crosswalk, development of a safer landing on each end of the crosswalk, etc., plus the bussing by the School District. Traffic Engineer explained that this street was on the list recently forwarded to the State Speed Control Board but no change was made. It is posted at 25 mph in the vicinity of the school. He added that the matter of posting speeds was reviewed at length when that list was discussed by the Council. He reiterated his belief that posted speed has no bearing on the actual speeds traveled, although it was recognized that the presence of children has the greatest effect on the speeds at which drivers travel. Phyllis Early, vice-president of the South Hills Neighborhood Association, ,said that group was not aware of the School District bussing activity. She took note e of the various measures that had been accomplished since the circumstances existing at the intersection were brought to the city's attention. It was understood that manager would acknowledge the petition and Comm express the hope that the action of the School Board in bussing 11/5/75 the students would successfully alleviate the hazard at 46th and, See Willamette. action below Councilman Bradley wondered if a six-lfK)nthreview should be scheduled, but the Mayor thought that residents of the area would bring the matter back to the Council should it be necessary. Manager added that the intersection would be discussed as a matter of course in hearings on street improvement projects in the spring. Connie Wilson, 435 Lockmoor Place, with others acknowledged temporary measures. taken but 'expressed concern about the speed limit at the intersection. She said. some ch1ldren. w~re now riding the bus, but new regulations limited school bus transportat1o~ to those 11v1ng farther than one mile from the school. As a result, large numbers of ch1l~ren would still be crossing that intersection in the future. She recommended reduct~on of th~ speed limit on Willamette from Donald to Coachman Drive ~o 25 mph. 'Also~ 1nstallat1on of a temporary yellOW flashing light to be activated dur1ng school c:oss1ng hours. Ms. Wilson recommended also installation of an overpass when street 1mprovements ~re considered because of the ,number of children crossing to Edgewood School. She sa1d there were not large groups crossing at anyone time, adding to the dange: from fast- moving cars. Neither was the school building visible be7au~e of a curve m the road. . With regard to the present speed limit of 45 mph, she sa1d 1t was hazardous beca~se of the grade and curve and because it was in a major residenti~l.area. The street.1s ~sed as a major route to town, she said, because of the 45 mph hm1t, thereby :esult1ng 1n more vehicles for the children to watch out for. She said a speed reduct10n to 25 mph would cost nothing, and a temporary flashing light could be changed when a better solution was found. 597, 11/10/75 - 22