05-06-87 Safety Comm Minutes1.
SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
MAY 6, 1987
Chairman Schindler called the meeting to order at 4:20 P. M attending were
committee members Saverud and Grainger, Mayor Kennedy, Chief Stefanic, and
briefly: Jeanna Kennedy, Manager Kalispell Center Mall; Cal Barringer, Mall
Security Officer; John Gunnerson, Northwest Telephone Systems; Ed Gallagher
and Roger Hopkins.
Northwestern Telephone Area Parking Problems/Motion
C. Schindler reported that the phone company has requested that parking be
eliminated at one section of the north side of Washington Street.
Gunnerson stated that since they have moved there, the traffic problem has
become unbearable. After discussion of the situation, C. Saverud moved to
recommend to Council to eliminate the one parking space, seconded by
Councilman Grainger.
Kalispell Center Mall Parking Lot
C. Schindler referred to a letter received from the mall requesting
something be done about their parking lot traffic problems. Ms Kennedy
stated that they needed suggestions in how to avoid the lot being used
as a major thoroughfare, she was concerned that the speed and damages could
result in serious problems. Schindler pointed out thdt the problem was'that
the developers didn't take our suggestions when the lot was planned. Ms
Kennedy explained that she was the new manager and was not aware of those
suggestions.
Several possibilities of traffic control were discussed, Mayor Kennedy
pointed out the safety factor at the railroad crossing. Chief Stefanic
defined reckless driving as opposed to careless driving and stressed that
the mall people must file complaints with the Police Department. Ms Kennedy
said that another problem they have is with teenagers hanging out in back of
the mall, with alcohol and drug instances.
It was decided that a traffic study must be requested from Public Works by
the committee to see if stop signs are warranted. Ms Kennedy will let the
Mayor know how many signs will be needed. She will also mention the problem
of lack of sidewalks around the mall to the developers; Mayor Kennedy
reported complaints from pedestrians on this.
Handier Parking on Corners/Motion
A request was received on relocation of handicapped parking spaces for rear
loading vehicles. Discussion of location of present spots and placement of
new locations followed. C. Saverud moved to authorize Chief Stefanic to
locate the handicapped parking spots and make whatever changes are required.
He sees no reason why all the zones would have to be relocated -the present
ones can be left as is and locate a reasonable number of parking spots where
this application would work safely. Motion seconded by C. Grainger.
There was a brief discussion on handicapped parking being required to comply
with time restrictions and tickets being issued to people without
handicapped stickers.
•
i
Mt elve flour Parking Limit
Discussion of extending this to 72 hours: the snow removal ordinance must
be complied with, problems of rechecks by officers going off duty. Chief
Stefanic stated that the most common offenders are those parking excess
vehicles and those dealing in vehicles. All agreed that the 72 hour
extension would be agreeable, an ordinance must be written to accomplish
this.
Dog Problems:
Discussion of having the city judge increase fines on dogs traveling at
large; if she doesn't want to, the present ordinance can be amended to
include a range of fines. C. Schindler will be checking with the judge to
see what latitude she is willing to do, otherwise will bring back to
committee and go from there.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 P. M.
Markie Sabol
Recording Secretary
•
40