Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee

Town of University Park Council Committee on Police, Traffic and Public Safety August 30, 2018 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Meeting notes Committee Members present: Martha Wells, Council Member, Ward 6; Linda Verrill, Council Member, Ward 4; Joe Schultz, Council Member, Ward 2 and Committee Chair Guests: Lieutenant Daniel Enig, University Park Police; Len Carey, Mayor, University Park; Roy Alvarez. The agenda was approved with no changes. 1. Establish a regular time for this committee to meet each month. The committee agreed to meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, beginning in October 2018. Additionally, at Mayor Carey’s request, the committee scheduled a meeting for September 25, 2018, to begin a formal review and discussion of proposed repairs and improvements to town streets, sidewalks, and paths. 2. Update from Mayor Carey on planning re. sidewalk and street improvements/repairs. Mayor Carey shared a work-in-progress outline of street repaving, major sidewalk and park path repairs, and possible new sidewalk and park path projects. He noted that interest rates remain low but show signs of rising, and that he therefore intends to propose that the town council approve an infrastructure bond issue to finance repairs and improvements as soon as possible. Town staff continue to refine the list of potential projects, and an updated proposal will be presented to this committee at its September 2018 meeting, so that it can commence a formal review and discussion. 3. Discussion There was consensus among the committee members present that traffic calming and enhanced walkability/bikeability should be factors in planning for upcoming streets/sidewalks work. Planning documents from other jurisdictions may be a source of useful information as the committee undertakes a detailed evaluation. Examples from the Virginia Dept. of Transportation and the Town of Carrboro NC focusing on traffic and speed management in residential neighborhoods were noted specifically. Improving connectivity with surrounding areas via bike trails and pedestrian ways emerged as a particular focus. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM Submitted by Joe Schultz, Chair