tldrgov

Public Works Committee

Tuesday, May 31, 2022 · 4:00 PM AM · Council Chambers/Virtual

TL;DR

The Public Works Committee met to discuss Louisville's Vision Zero traffic safety initiative, which aims to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2050. After extensive discussion about street safety, traffic engineering, and implementation strategies, the committee ultimately tabled the ordinance to allow for further review.

Key Decisions

  • Vision Zero Traffic Safety Initiative Ordinance Tabled
  • Cooper Chapel Road Extension Project Condemnation Recommended for Approval
Agenda PDF Minutes PDF

Agenda

  1. Call to Order

    Chair George called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

  2. Roll Call

    Chair George introduce the committee members and non-committee members present. A quorum was established. *NOTE: All committee members and non-committee members present attended in Chambers, except Committee Member Dorsey, who attended virtually.

  3. Pending Legislation
  4. 1. AN ORDINANCE IN SUPPORT OF LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT ADOPTING A TRAFFIC SAFETY INITIATIVE KNOWN AS VISION ZERO (AS AMENDED).
    Ordinance
    Action: recommended for approval

  5. 2. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY ATTORNEY TO BRING A CONDEMNATION ACTION AGAINST THE OWNERS OF CERTAIN PROPERTY, PARCEL NO. THIRTY (30), IN JEFFERSON COUNTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE COOPER CHAPEL ROAD EXTENSION PROJECT.
    Resolution
    Action: recommended for approval

    A motion was made by Committee Member Piagentini, seconded by Committee Member Hollander, that this Resolution be recommended for approval. The following spoke to this item: - Committee Member Piagentini - Mike Penick, Public Works - Vice Chair Benson - Chair George The following was discussed: - The property is approximately 38,000 square feet on .89 acres - Metro Government needs an additional 11,000 square feet for drainage - An appraisal was done and counter-offers were made, but none of them were supported by a third-party appraisal - The land is needed to complete the project - Metro Government has been negotiating with the property owner since the summer of 2020 - Question about whether any condemnation cases have gone to a jury trial - There have been a two jury trials involving right-a-way cases The motion carried by a voice vote and the Resolution was sent to the Consent Calendar.

  6. Adjournment

    Without objection, Chair George adjourned the meeting at 4:59 p.m.

  7. Note: Items sent to the Consent Calendar or Old Business will be heard before the full Council at the Metro Council meeting on June 9, 2022.
  8. page break
  9. Clerk(s)

    Cheryl Woods, Assistant Clerk Lisa Franklin-Gray, Assistant Clerk

  10. Support Staff

    Jason Fowler, Jefferson County Attorney's Office Anne Scholtz, Jefferson County Attorney's Office

  11. 1. AN ORDINANCE IN SUPPORT OF LOUISVILLE METRO GOVERNMENT ADOPTING A TRAFFIC SAFETY INITIATIVE KNOWN AS VISION ZERO (AS AMENDED).
    Ordinance
    Action: tabled

    A motion was made by Committee Member Hollander, seconded by Committee Member Piagentini, that this Ordinance be recommended for approval. Amanda Deatherage, Public Works, gave a presentation (see attached). The following spoke to this item: - Chair George - Committee Member Piagentini - Amanda Deatherage - Dirk Gowin, Public Works - Committee Member Ackerson - Committee Member Hollander - Committee Member Flood - Jeff Brown, Public Works The following was discussed: - Vision Zero has a set goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2050 - The Director of Public Works shall prepare a report on the needs of progress every12 months - Vision Zero aligns with Metro Government's Complete Streets Policy - Question about who funds Vision Zero - Question about what doors would be open if Vision Zero is funded - Question about whether the groups that are funding this organization have any conflicts or ulterior motives - Question about whether the four-lane roadways should be converted to three lanes - Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Kentucky Office of Highway Safety have invested $6 million into safety programs - Public Works will collaborate with Emergency Services, Public Health and Wellness, Louisville Forward, and Louisville Metro Police Department with implementing a plan and evaluation of performance measures - Question about whether more stop signs are needed - Stop signs are traffic control devices - Stop signs assign a right-a-way - Question about whether speed cameras are needed - Questions and concerns about whether to modify streets to make them safer and reduce the number of fatalities - Public Works' Visual Safety Report for Vision Zero is based on four Es; Engineering, Enforcement, Education and Emergency services A motion was made by Chair George, seconded by Vice Chair Benson, that this Ordinance be tabled. The motion to table carried by a voice vote.