City of Kalamazoo - November 18, 2024 Committee of the Whole

Updated about 18 hours ago

During the Committee of the Whole Meeting on November 18, 2024, the commissioners discussed traffic safety with Dennis Randolph, Public Works Division Manager. The meeting highlighted significant achievements in reducing crashes within the city through various traffic calming measures and engineering solutions. Randolph presented data showing a reduction in crash rates and improvements in pedestrian and bicycle safety. Commissioners engaged with Randolph on the challenges faced during construction projects and the impact on traffic flow, as well as the importance of community communication. The meeting concluded with discussions on future safety enhancements and the role of engineering in improving city infrastructure.

Chapters

Welcome and Greetings (00:00:29)
Commissioner colleagues, attorney, manager, and clerk welcomed to the meeting on a rainy evening.

Good to see my commissioner colleagues here. And the attorney and manager. And clerk. Great to be with you here again on this cool and rainy evening as we're heading into a big weather change.
Call to Order (00:00:56)
Committee of the whole meeting called to order, beginning the official proceedings.

Let's get this meeting started. I want to call this committee of the whole meeting to order.
Roll Call (00:01:05)
Roll call conducted for commissioners. Commissioner Wilson excused from the meeting.

Clerk, please call the roll. Commissioner Cooney, right? Commissioner Decker, present. Commissioner Hoffman, present. Commissioner PRL, present. Wilson, vice mayor Hess, present. Mayor Anderson, here. Thank you. Commissioners, may have a motion to excuse commissioner Wilson from the meeting this evening? Moved.
Approval of Motion to Excuse (00:01:21)
Motion made and supported to excuse Commissioner Wilson from the meeting. Approved unanimously.

Motion made by vice mayor Hess and supported by commissioner Decker to excuse commissioner Wilson from the meeting. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. Thank you.
Public Comments (00:01:55)
Opportunity for public comments limited to two minutes. A speaker discusses family and the foster care system.

Now is the opportunity for public comments for the committee of the whole meeting. Public comments at the committee of the whole meeting are limited to two minutes. Elisa Weir speaks about family and the kingdom, the role of mothers, and effects of the foster care system.
Presentation on Transportation Safety (00:02:26)
Dennis Randolph presents on transportation safety, crash data, and efforts to improve traffic conditions in Kalamazoo.

Manager: This evening, we're going to receive a presentation from Dennis Randolph, our public works division manager and traffic engineer. Dennis Randolph discusses transportation safety, crash statistics, and the impact of various measures taken in Kalamazoo.
Traffic Data Presentation (00:31:44)
Presentation on traffic data showing speed changes and compliance improvements in Oakland.

The presentation detailed the analysis of traffic data in Oakland, showing how the implementation of new measures has changed the average speed on roads and improved the percentage of drivers obeying speed limits. The impact on traffic compliance without police presence was highlighted.
Traffic Calming Measures Discussion (00:32:32)
Discussion on the effectiveness of traffic calming measures in different neighborhoods.

A discussion on the various traffic calming measures implemented in neighborhoods like Chevy Chase and Winchell. The discussion covered the effects of these measures on traffic speed and volume, and their success in reducing crashes and improving safety.
Public Comments and Questions (00:34:34)
Commissioners and the public raised questions about traffic safety and calming measures.

Commissioners and members of the public raised questions and comments about traffic safety initiatives, the use of traffic data, and the impact of traffic calming measures. Specific concerns about crash statistics, neighborhood safety, and community engagement were discussed.
Discussion on New Signal Equipment (01:00:52)
Discussion on the installation and benefits of new signal equipment that adjusts timing based on queue length, enhancing traffic flow.

The discussion focuses on the implementation of new signal equipment that adapts to traffic conditions by adjusting timing based on the number of cars in the queue. The equipment is being installed in areas such as the stadium in Howard and is showing positive results in traffic management.
Traffic Safety Measures Near Schools (01:01:50)
Addressing concerns about pedestrian safety near schools, highlighting new lighting solutions to enhance crosswalk visibility.

The meeting addresses concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly for young people crossing near schools like Howard Hill and Portage Road. New pedestrian-focused lights have been installed to improve visibility at crosswalks, significantly reducing traffic speeds. The discussion includes collaboration with Western Michigan University for pedestrian lighting research.
Impact of Traffic Changes on Local Businesses (01:06:02)
Discussion on how changes in traffic patterns affect local businesses and strategies to mitigate negative impacts.

The meeting discusses how traffic pattern changes have impacted local businesses, including accessibility issues that have led to closures. The city is exploring ways to support businesses by addressing these challenges and ensuring smoother traffic flow to critical business areas.
Neighborhood Traffic Diversion and Management (01:08:10)
Exploration of traffic diversion issues into neighborhoods and methods to manage and mitigate these effects.

The conversation explores how traffic diversions are affecting neighborhoods, with concerns about increased traffic through areas not designed for high volumes. Solutions include installing stop signs and four-way stops to manage flow and give police tools to enforce speed limits.
Conclusion of Work Session (01:11:00)
The work session concludes with no further questions or comments from commissioners.

The work session concludes after addressing the agenda items, with a reminder about the opportunity for commissioner comments during the upcoming business meeting. No additional comments are made, and the meeting is adjourned.