RESOLUTION NO. 20240718-092  WHEREAS, in February of2024, a deadly crash occurred at a local hospital, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures at medical facilities;  and  WHEREAS, a KXAN investigation found that similar incidents have happened more than 300 times across the country in the last decade, with 28,014  crashes tracked involving any. storefront since 2014; and  WHEREAS, compared to other commercial buildings, medical facilities present additional, unique risk factors due to drivers potentially being on medication, in distress, injured, or suffering from medical emergencies; and  WHEREAS, vertical security posts, called bollards, can prevent vehicles  from crashing into buildings or people, thereby enhancing safety; and  WHEREAS, many hospitals in Central Texas do not use bollards at their  entrances; and  WHEREAS, the installation of crash-rated bollards at hospital entrances can  save lives and prevent injuries; and  WHEREAS, no state or federal regulations currently require installation of  bollards; and  WHEREAS, City Council aims to ensure the safety of patients, families,  employees, and visitors at medical facilities; NOW, THEREFORE,  Page 1c of3    BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: City Council initiates amendments to City Code, including Title 25 (Land. Development), to require the installation of crash-rated bollards or other similar safety barriers to prevent vehicle-into-buil.ding crashes at the pedestrian  entrances of medical facilities with nearby vehicular traffic.  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:  When proposing amendments initiated by this Resolution, the City Manager  is directed to explore:  1.t the feasibility ofr requiring safety barriers in public right-of-way areas adjacent to medical facilities to enhance pedestrian safety and prevent  vehicle crashes;  2. whether permit applications to expand, remodel, or upgrade existing facilities can trigger this requirement to install safety bollards; 3. incentives for existing facilities to voluntarily comply with new City  requirements to install bollards;  4.1 recommendations for the City's state and federal legislative agenda; and 5. any other necessary changes that achieve the objectives ofthis resolution.  BE ITI FURTHER RESOLVED:  The City Manager is dirécted to engage with stakeholders, including medical facility operators, with the goal ofbringing about compliance with any new  requirements City Council adopts.  Page 2 of3    BEITFURTHER RESOLVED:  The City Manager is directed to bring forward proposed changes that achieve the objectives oft this Resolution to City Council by October3 31,2024.  ADOPTED:  July 18  2024 ATTEST:  Myrna Rios City Clerk  S3  Page 3 of3