Title
Discuss and consider an update regarding school zone safety and the efforts of the School Zone Traffic Safety Team.
Summary
Last summer, City Manager Brandon Wade issued a directive to staff forming the school zone traffic safety team whose charge was to evaluate 1-2 school zone areas per semester with consideration toward implementation of recommendations within the city's Safe Routes to School Plan adopted in 2008. The team consists of the Police Chief, the City Engineer and the Managing Director of Operations. The purpose of this item is to provide the City Council an update of these efforts.
Among these efforts are the following:
- Established website (http://www.cityofpflugerville.com/index.aspx?NID=1473) and issued media release to promote point of contact for residents
- Railroad Avenue at Pfennig Lane (Signal modifications)
- Railroad Avenue at Pflugerville Parkway (Signal modifications)
- City and PISD proclaimed October 2010 as walk to school month, and October 6, 2010 as walk to school day
- Engaged in future school site discussions
- Applied unsuccessfully for a Safe Routes to School Mini-Grant
- Embarked on annual summer maintenance of school zones throughout the community
Status
Currently staff is focused on working with PISD to mitigate the elimination of a number of bus routes serving neighborhoods within 2 miles of elementary and / or middle school campuses, and evaluating efforts suggested by PISD to improve conditions for students to and from school. The district has also expressed an intent to cost participate on most of these items.
Prior City Council Action
This item was requested by Councilmember Cooper as a future agenda item on May 25, 2011.
Deadline for City Council Action
None.
Projected Future City Council Action
None at this time.
Fiscal Impact
Costs associated with the completed signal modifications at Railroad Avenue at Pfennig Drive, and Railroad Avenue at Pflugerville Parkway were about $8000 and paid for through the Engineering budget. Maintenance of the school zones this summer is anticipated to be of nominal cost and is funded through the Streets Department budget.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends the team continue to work diligently toward improving the operation and safety of school zones in Pflugerville.
Drafter
Trey Fletcher, AICP
Managing Director of Operations