City Council

CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA HON. MARY KATHERINE GREENLAW, MAYOR HON. WILLIAM C. WITHERS, JR., VICE -MAYOR, WARD TWO CITY COUNCIL HON. KERRY P. DEVINE, AT-LARGE HON. MATTHEW J. KELLY, AT-LARGE HON. JASON N. GRAHAM, WARD ONE HON. DR. TIMOTHY P. DUFFY, WARD THREE Council Chambers, 715 Princess Anne Street HON. CHARLIE L. FRYE, JR., WARD FOUR Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 Council Work Session October 8, 2019 School Working Group Discussion Planning Issues The Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia held a work session on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall, Executive Suite. Council Present. Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw Presiding. Vice-Mayor William C. Withers, Jr., Councilors Kerry P. Devine, Timothy P. Duffy, Charlie L. Frye, Jr. (6:17) Jason N. Graham and Matthew J. Kelly. Also Present. City Manager Timothy J. Baroody, Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley, Assistant City Manager Doug Fawcett, City Attorney Kathleen A. Dooley, Chief David Nye, Community Planning and Building Services Director Charles Johnston, Business Development Manager Angela Freeman, Transportation Administrator Erik Nelson, Public Information Officer Sonya Cantu and Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey. Downtown Pedestrian and Vehicular Traffic Safety Measures – Current and Potential. Staff presented a PowerPoint which discussed the current downtown environment, enforcement issues, potential future actions, and the role of everyone in improving safety. (See Attachment I for more information.) City Attorney Dooley explained the proposed amendments to the “pedestrian in roadway” code section. The purpose for this section was to facilitate normal flow of traffic on public streets and highways and to promote the safety and convenience of motorists and pedestrians on public streets. Ms. Dooley also discussed its impact on speech activities. (See Attachment II for more information.) Councilor Graham said he would like to see greater enforcement for yielding to pedestrians He also asked for clarification on when the speed tables would be completed at Sophia and the Riverfront Park. Mr. Fawcett said the plan was to resurface Sophia Street and install them at that time. Councilor Graham asked if there was any way not to do the speed tables because they could be 1 hard for kids to get around and Mr. Fawcett said he would take that into consideration. Councilor Graham said he was in support of staff’s recommendation of no red light cameras. Councilor Duffy asked what the ideas were to promote pedestrian/vehicle safe behaviors. Chief Nye said they did a “Feet First” promotion which emphasized people walking. Mr. Fawcett said they would work on the education piece. Councilor Graham asked if there was any interest in the 3D crosswalks and Mr. Fawcett said they were not consistent with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Parking Actions Related to Start of Riverfront Park Construction. Mr. Fawcett explained that the Executive Plaza lot would convert to public parking (approximately 39 spaces). He addressed the mud which was coming from a lot that was not actually a lot but people have been using it. He said it would be lost because it is a part of the Riverfront Park. Mr. Fawcett said there is parking along the front of Riverfront Park was all parking and it was very lightly used. He said they would be extending the parking in the garage from three free hours to four hours free. Mr. Baroody said that would give approximately 72 parking space. Councilor Kelly was concerned that there would be an issue with parking on the weekends and as the Chatham Bridge work begins. Mr. Fawcett explained that there may be some that will have to move into the parking garage and that was the reason for extending the hours of free parking from three hours to four hours. Mr. Baroody said they would be talking with Main Street to try and find a good balance. Councilor Duffy asked if this could be sent to the Parking Advisory group to take a look at it. Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Council at this time. Mayor Greenlaw declared the session officially adjourned at 7:08 p.m. _Tonya B. Lacey _______ Tonya B. Lacey Clerk of Council City of Fredericksburg 2