Ark Valley News - City explores flashing lights for crosswalks

City explores flashing lights for crosswalks
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: July 20, 2017

Valley Center is looking at a new way to get the attention of drivers around crosswalks.

The city council July 18 agreed to begin a project to install a so-called rapid-flash beacon system at the newly created crosswalk at Emporia and Fifth.

The flashing beacons are activated by a push button or motion detector, warning drivers that a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.

City council members favored the beacon system over the more expensive standard red-light system. Council members also agreed that drivers likely would grow numb to a continuous flashing light over time, opting instead for a system that can be push-button or motion activated.

While the project moves to the design and bid stage, the council discussed the possibility of using the new system as a pilot project to determine whether it would prove useful at other crosswalks, such as those on Meridian near the intermediate school and middle school.

"I worry about crosswalks," said council member Ben Anderson, who said he picks up his children at school all the time. "People don't stop. … I've seen too many people blow through crosswalks."

The city's engineer, Josh Golka, estimated such light systems to cost between $15,000 and $20,000.

The Emporia sidewalk was installed this spring and connects East Main Street with McLaughlin Park and the schools on Meridian.

Golka said the current crosswalk markings meet all the requirements for the intersection, but additional lights and signs would enhance safety.

"We don't need to wait for somebody to get hit to do something about it," he said.

Golka said the flashing lights are "annoying" and attract drivers' attention.

"It's going to be very prominent, especially at night," he said.

In other business July 18, the council:

•Held a public hearing and then voted 8-0 to approve the city's 2018 budget. It includes a slight property tax decrease and raises more than $2.6 million in property tax revenue. No one spoke during the public hearing.

•Gave final approval to an ordinance that increases the fine for a seat belt violation from $10 to $30, mirroring a state law that took effect July 1.

•Accepted the city's financial audit report. As part of the audit, the books for the library were inspected. The auditor recommended that the library separate duties of cash handling and making deposits. It also noted that there was an error in reporting a deposit as the library's when it belonged to the Friends of the Library. No deficiencies were found with the city's finances. Council member Marci Maschino requested a written response from the library board about how it will resolve the cash handling procedures.

•Approved spending $17,480 to finish the water meter replacement project across the city. The funds were budgeted for 2018, but will be taken out of 2017 water reserve and returned next year.

•Approved a bid of $13,315 from Burks Waterproofing for improvements to the roof of the old Public Works building at 521 W. Second. Funds will come from surplus equipment the city has sold over the past six months.

•Discussed the possibility of reimbursing departing employees for sick leave days not used. The city council informally decided not to pursue a proposal.

•Approved the sale of part of Third Street Terrace property to the school district for $1. The property will be used to create a bus turnaround for West Elementary.

•Approved the donation of $500 to the Valley Center Community Foundation.

•Met in executive session for 15 minutes to discuss an employee's performance evaluation.

•Learned the city received a complaint of someone conducting dog training sessions in Lions Park.

•Heard council member Al Hobson report that the former All Saints Building at the northeast corner of Main and Park will soon be occupied by an office with about 10 employees. He didn't specify the company.

Mayor Laurie Dove was not at the meeting. Maschino led the meeting in her absence.