Public Works & Transporation Committee Meeting Minutes - October 3, 2001

Date:

Wednesday, October 3^rd, 2001

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Acting Mayor Lyn Greenhill, Chair
Councillor Kiichi Kumagai
Councillor Harold Steves

Absent:

Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Bill McNulty

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, September 19^th, 2001, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

2.

AUTHORITY TO AWARD CAPITAL PROJECTS UP TO $500,000 TO CITY FORCES
(Report: Sept. 21/01, File No.: 6340-01) (REDMS No. 472209)

The Chair advised that the General Manager, Engineering & Public Works Jeff Day was not in attendance at todays meeting, and because he wished to speak on the above matter, the report would be dealt with at a future meeting of the Committee.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

3.

WESTMINSTER HIGHWAY BETWEEN NO. 3 ROAD AND MINORU BOULEVARD PEDESTRIAN AND TRAFFIC SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS
(Report: Sept. 17/01, File No.: 6450-09) (REDMS No. 504987)

The Manager, Transportation Planning Victor Wei reviewed the report and proposed pedestrian and traffic safety measures with the Committee. In response to questions he advised that the closure of the existing mid-block eastbound left-turn bay would not affect access to the Gulf & Fraser Credit Union. He further advised that although the safety measures were not scheduled for implementation until March, 2002, the work could be completed sooner if work crews were available.

Concern was expressed by the Chair about the proposal to install overhead flashing yellow pedestrian crossing lights and the safety of the pedestrians who choose to cross at that location. Discussion ensued among Committee members and Mr. Wei on this issue, during which information was provided that a U.S. report had indicated that use of these types of crosswalks should be supplemented by a "Three Es" Program Engineering, Education and Enforcement. He stated that staff would be submitting a report to the next Committee on the use of these crosswalks and their safety. Mr. Wei stated that studies have shown that following the implementation of a "Three Es" Program, compliance levels at overhead flashing yellow pedestrian crossing had doubled and accidents had decreased by 50%.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the following pedestrian and traffic safety measures on Westminster Highway between No. 3 Road and Minoru Boulevard, (as described in the report dated September 17^th, 2001, from the Manager, Transportation), be approved for implementation by March 2002.

(a)

installation of an overhead illuminated pedestrian crossing with amber flashers and pedestrian-activated push button on the west side of the Richmond Centre entrance;

(b)

extension of the existing westbound left-turn bay at Minoru Boulevard; and

(c)

closure of the existing mid-block eastbound left-turn bay at 7831 Westminster Highway by restoring the centre median with landscaping planters.

(2)

That the above recommended pedestrian and traffic safety enhancements be funded jointly by ICBC as part of the 2001 Traffic Safety Improvement Program and the City through the 2001 Traffic Signal Installation Program.

CARRIED

In speaking further on the above matter, the Chair requested staff to complete the project as soon as possible. A brief discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on the setting of priorities for work projects and whether these priorities can be changed.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:14 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, October 3^rd, 2001.

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Acting Mayor Lyn Greenhill
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant