pages: TransportationCommission/2012-04-25.pdf, 8
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TransportationCommission | 2012-04-25 | 8 | Staff Khan replied the pedestrian counts are listed on page 2 on the 4th paragraph. When they counted, there were 70 pedestrians and bicyclists in the morning and 79 pedestrians and bikes in the afternoon. Commissioner Miley asked if the Safe Routes to School funding had enough funds to hire crossing guards. Staff Khan replied the crossing guards are paid for by the police department. However, in the Safe Routes to School Plan, there is a Walking School Bus Program. Commissioner Miley asked what are the criteria for placing a crossing guard at the intersection. Sergeant Simmons, Alameda Supervisor of Traffic Unit, explained the only requirement for locating a crossing guard is that they be used for elementary school students only. Regarding the budget, there are 24 crossing guards and that maximizes his budget. The guards are distributed to 17 locations throughout the City and he does not think they have enough guards. If he were to deploy a crossing guard at this location, that would take a guard away from one of his double staffed positions. There are two Speed Traffic Trailers that were obtained through grant money and they are moving them throughout the City to make motorists aware. As for enforcement, there is only one traffic officer. They have five police officers and because the situation of the jails within the county they have to have the prisoners at North County Jail at 8 am, which means getting them ready for transport at 7:30 am and that is the time most kids are going to school. Ultimately, they are doing the best they can with what they have and they have seven officers on duty in the evening. Commissioner Moehring called for public comment. Lisa Shannon, Haight Avenue resident, she has three children 5,8 and 11 years old who attend Patton Elementary and walk everyday. They cross Santa Clara Avenue and 4th Street in the morning and the evening. Parents and children already walk together so a walking school bus is already occurring. It seems that a City representative was able to survey the intersection for only one day. However, the other days paint a picture that is quite different because there are accidents and near misses that commonly occur. First, two young girls were nearly struck by a vehicle when crossing Santa Clara Avenue on their way to school. Secondly, on two occasions her children were nearly hit when crossing 4th Street. She understands that City costs play into the decision, but having a potential lawsuit is worse. Mary Jo Casey, Santa Clara Avenue resident, she wanted a stop sign to make the community safer and prevent accidents. Since she lives so close to the intersection, she is able to see cars cross the intersection. She has lived in the house for nine months, works from home, and has witnessed two accidents. Liz Warmerdam, Haight Avenue resident, has three children 15, 10 and 8 years old and they cross the intersection frequently in the morning. She presented a document outlining pictures of the intersection to the Commission and spoke about the dangers of the street approach to the Page 8 of 14 | TransportationCommission/2012-04-25.pdf |