Tuesday, July 15, 2008

No 4 way stop at 43 avenue and 20 street.

At the Council meeting of June 23 on a motion by Coun. Beardsell seconded by Coun. Gilroy, and by a unanimous 6-0 vote (Mayor Lippert absent) Council instructed staff to proceed with a the following motion:
"THAT Council directs staff to proceed with a four way stop at the intersection of 43 Avenue and 20th Street, and report back on the compatibility of a signalized pedestrian crosswalk combined with the four way stop intersection;
AND FURTHER, refer the question of a signalized pedestrian crosswalk to the meeting that takes place with the City of Vemon, Ministry of Highways and the School/ District, to determine if there is a need at this intersection."

At yesterdays Council meeting by a 5-2 vote (Beardsell and Cochrane against the reversal) the Council accepted the reasoned and passionately expressed safety concerns of Traffic Specialist Lorne Holowachuk and rescinded their decision to go to a four way stop. They elected to proceed with the original plan of installing traffic calming chokers and a solar powered pedestrian operated flashing warning system at the intersection.

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Don Quixote Note: Only time will tell if this will prove to be the best solution for this particular intersection. These type of decisions that involved the safety of the public (and especially the children that use this crossing daily) is one that must be agonizing to any Council Member that is confronted with this responsibility. For this type of decision and debate, no matter how they voted the Council truly earn their Pay.

For the staff member(s) who prepares a report for the Public Record that causes a reversal in Council's previous vote is commendable and courageous. The staff is there to provide a pathway of reason, logic and facts to a Council who are charged with a responsibility to make a reasoned, logical and debated decision. There is nothing wrong if the belief in his recommendation of the expert staff member is openly displayed.

Kudos to Council and staff .

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