Board of Public Safety

Meeting Minutes of the BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY September 9, 2021 6:30 pm Via Zoom 16860 Main Street APPROVED Committee Members in Attendance: Marshal Scott Collier Board Member Chris Preston Board Member Vince Loyal Also Present: Rick Brown, Director of Public Works Police Liaison Captain James Mundel, St. Louis County Police John Bradley, Assistant Chief of the Metro Fire District Steve Cross, City Administrator Absent: Council Member Liaison Dave Bertolino Board Member Jeff Baker I. ROLL CALL A roll call was taken at 6:30 pm, with the above noted as present and absent. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Marshal Scott Collier made a motion to approve the minutes from the July meeting. Vince Loyal asked that the City amend the record from the July minutes to change Joe Haeffer’s title, in the attendance record, from Captain to Battalion Chief. Vince Loyal made the recommendation to approve the minutes with the correction. All vote aye and the motion passed III. PUBLIC COMMENT A. Mr. Kinkel, at 474 Thunderhead Canyon Drive stated that he felt that the City has ignored the issue of speeding on Thunderhead Canyon. He said that posting a police officer there seemed reactive and that other things could be done to mitigate the problem. He asked about additional stop signs, reducing the speed limit, and whether anything besides additional traffic surveys were implemented. He would like to have a plan laid out for the residents on Westglen Farms so they know something is moving forward. He asked what steps the City will take. B. Bryan Aston, resident of Dartmouth Crossing Subdivision, spoke about parents of Lafayette High School students, parking on Dartmouth Crossing Drive. He stated that the neighbors appreciate the City’s recommendation for new signage and is requesting they be attached to the existing signage on the West side of Dartmouth Crossing Dr. and on the East side they can be attached to 1  the Ameren light poles if there is not already an existing sign there. The neighbors are in favor that the signage should read for new hours as recommended, with the caveat that one sign that reads “No Parking from 8:00-9:00 am” should read, “No Parking 8:00-10:00 am” to accommodate for late start days. IV. FOR INFORMATION A. No items V. OLD BUSINESS A. Truman Road at Westglen Farms Drive Traffic Study 1. Truman Road runs parallel to Route 100, and left turners from Truman have difficulty making a left turn onto Westglen Farms to access 100. The City hired Lochmueller Group to view conditions and make recommendations. 2. Lochmueller felt traffic was light, although it is likely they were not there when traffic was departing from the ballpark. They expressed concern that the westbound left and southbound left were very close to Route 100. The final recommendation was to modify the intersection so that it becomes a “right in right out” condition. They recommend that the westbound and southbound left turns be restricted, and to install a raised concrete median island. In the interim, flexible delineator posts could be installed, on the centerline of Westglen Farms Drive. 3. This report has been forwarded to the City of Ellisville and to Ryan Pearcy at MODOT who have indicated support for the changes. 4. MoDOT approval for safety installments and funding was questioned and discussed. Board Member Vince Loyal questioned whether ballpark traffic could be directed toward Ellisville Town Center during events. Captain Mundel suggested that installing the raised concrete island or flexible posts will reduce the need for police intervention. 5. Board Member Vince Loyal put forth a motion to approve the recommendation of the City staff for this intersection. Board Member Chris Preston seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion passed. B. Thunderhead Canyon Drive Traffic Concerns 1. Rick Brown explained that Thunderhead Canyon is a collector street that serves to provide connections from Clayton Road to Route 100. The volume is about 2100 cars per day. Complaints seem to occur when volume goes above 1000 cars a day. In studies from 2020, the amount of “cut through” during peak hours vehicles was 4%. 2. To track speeding traffic, the Wildwood Precinct has completed seven (7) speed surveys on Thunderhead Canyon Drive, dating back to 2015. 3. The Department is recommending the installation of “Keep Kids Alive - Drive 25” signs, which allow for double fines, for the entire length of Thunderhead Canyon Drive. These signs were previously installed nearby on Westglen Farms Drive and Prospector Ridge. 4. The Department is recommending the installation of a permanent LED radar sign at Thunderhead Canyon, on the southbound down grade, near the residence at 426. 2  5. Discussion on the recommendations was held by the Board. 6. Board Member Vince Loyal made a motion to support the recommendation by Rick Brown, to change the signage and fines on Thunderhead Canyon. He asks if a notice about fines doubling be posted in the signage. Board Member Chris Preston seconded the motion. All members voted aye and the motion passed. 7. Board Member Vince Loyal made a second motion to support the recommendation that a qualified engineering firm be hired to analyze the traffic problems on Thunderhead Canyon Road and recommend possible solutions. Board Member Chris Preston seconded the motion. Marshall Scott Collier and the Board discussed the issue. The motion was eventually withdrawn with the caveat that it would be discussed on the next agenda. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Lafayette High School - Student Pickup in Dartmouth Subdivision 1. The reduction of bus service this fall by Rockwood School District has created an increase demand for parent pick up at Lafayette High School. As a result, some parents have begun to use Dartmouth Crossing Drive as a meeting place, to save time. Captain Mundel and the Wildwood Precinct has been responding to the situation and the Wildwood Precinct have installed temporary “No Parking” signs on Dartmouth Crossing Drive. In addition, Captain Mundel has conversed with the principal, and Wildwood Precinct Officers have met with Lafayette High School staff about this problem. (Previously, “3 hour Parking Only” signs were installed in Dartmouth subdivision to address student parking.) 2. The Department is recommending new signage that would restrict stopping or standing in the morning arrival period and in the evening departure period. This would be implemented from Dartmouth Crossing down to the T intersection. In addition, a no U- Turn sign would be installed at Dartmouth Crossing and Dartmouth Crest. If additional signage is requested that can be addressed in a future meeting. 3. Marshall Scott Collier proposed the motion from the City to proceed with the signage. Board Member Chris Preston seconded the motion. There was discussion as to whether the signage will be temporary or permanent. The temporary signs will be replaced by permanent ones. All members voted in favor of the motion and the motion passed. IX. OTHER A. October Meeting Rescheduled to Thursday, October 14th 1. This meeting date has been changed to accommodate 2022 police services contract budget review. 2. Marshall Scott Collier and the Board approved of the date change. B. Emergency Help Signs Captain Mundel shared a new Emergency Help Sign that will be located in recreation areas. X. ADJOURNMENT Board Member Vince Loyal made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Board Member Chris Preston. All members voted in favor of adjournment, and the meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM. 3 Respectfully Submitted, Michelle Scherer Administrative Assistant for Public Works 4