ITEM NO. 3:

18th & Indiana 4 way STOP request

Staff Presentation:

David Cronin gave a presentation on 18^th & Indiana 4 way STOP request with a staff recommendation to approve a temporary 4-way STOP and temporary crosswalk markings at the intersection of 18^th & Indiana.  He provided project history with the neighborhood and the traffic calming project.  The temporary STOPs are being recommended because of a current senior at Lawrence High that is visually impaired and walks through this intersection.

Commission Discussion:

Commissioner Steve Evans spoke in favor of the STOP signs and the public process.  He spoke about how drivers yield to traffic calming circles and said that he did not know if signage was an answer to assist drivers as they operate vehicles.  He spoke about artwork possibly being placed in traffic calming circles.

Commissioner Charlie Bryan asked about the number of traffic calming circles.

David Cronin stated that there would be 17 traffic calming circles after the completion of the University Place traffic calming circles.

Commissioner Charlie Bryan asked if in road yield signs in the crosswalk would be used

David Cronin said that the signs are typical at marked mid-block crosswalks.  The placement of signs outside of the wheel path may be difficult at residential intersections.

Commissioner Chris Storm asked about stop bars being used at all legs of the intersection.

David Cronin said that the stop bars were not used when crosswalks were not used.

Commissioner Michelle Dillon stated that much of the traffic would be local and they may be able to adjust to this intersection having stop signs while others do not.

Public Discussion: 

Brendy Latare made the request on behalf of her son.  She thanked city staff for explaining standards and following through with the request.  She requested that all 4 legs of the intersection have crosswalks placed as a temporary item to help with driver expectations.

Carol Bowen spoke in favor of 4 crosswalks.  She asked the commission to represent all people including ADA.

Dietrich Earnhart asked why all traffic calming circles do not have pedestrian markings.

David Cronin said that crosswalks are used on school routes and on high pedestrian routes and that they could be used but maintenance and costs are considered.

Commissioner Chris Storm asked if it was a general rule that crosswalks are used at signaled intersections.

David Cronin said that was generally true but that they are used in other places as well.

Commission Discussion:

Commissioner David Hamby asked if staff felt that having crosswalks at two legs of the intersection was appropriate and no crosswalks at the other two legs.

David Cronin stated that he did not have any concerns.

Commissioner Chris Storm requested that all four legs include crosswalks with stop bars.

Moved by Commissioner Storm, second by Commissioner Ziegelmeyer, to recommend a temporary 4-way STOP and temporary crosswalk markings including stop bars at all four legs of the intersection of 18^th & Indiana.  The motion carried, 10-0.