MINUTES City Council Public Safety Committee Monday, May 27,2025 - 3:30pm Planning Board Conference Room Members Present: Aaron Baker, Chair, Council Member Mac Morrow, Vice Chair, Council Member Kevin Gallo, Citizen Member Mayor Maureen Copelof, Ex-Officio Member Staff Present Wilson Hooper, City Manager Tom Jordan, Police Department Mark Norton, Brevard Fire Department Selena Coffey, Assistant to the City Manager A. Welcome & Call to Order Committee Chair Aaron Baker welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 3:30pm. B. Certification of Quorum Assistant to the City Manager Selena Coffey certified that a quorum was present. C. Approval of Agenda Mr. Morrow made a motion to approve the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. Gallo. All voted in favor. D. Approval of Minutes - April 28, 2025 After Mr. Gallo requested that "Jailhouse Road" be clarified to North Broad Street in last month's minutes, Mr. Gallo moved to approve the amended minutes. This was seconded by Mr. Morrow and all voted in favor. E. Update on Traffic Calming Measures Mr. Hooper shared that the traffic calming staff work team had not met due to a death in the family of one of the team members but had prepared some recent data that had been collected on some ofthe streets that the committee has been discussing. Mr. Hooper and Mr. Jordan went on the share the following information: Three recent areas of focus: Fisher Road/McLean (specifically near Crestwood Drive). The McLean location is near Crestwood Drive, where a hill affects traffic speed and visibility. Fisher Road data was collected just past the site ofa a recent accident, on the right- hand side of the road extending toward Asheville. Mr. Jordan shared the following traffic volume and speed data: McLean was less of an issue than Fisher with 11% and 13% enforceable violations recorded, averaging 12%. Fisher Road was noted as a greater concern because recorded speeds of 43 mph and 50 mph. 53% of vehicles in one section and 47% on another were found in violation ofthe speed limit. Fisher Road is identified as an area requiring a high level of enforcement due to the high percentage of speeding vehicles. On Carolina Avenue the average speed is 25 mph, with only 6 cars recorded going 46 mph-50 mph. The data collection boxes are in place for more detailed readings. School traffic patterns were discussed, and the following issues were shared with the committee: During school hours, traffic volume is higher, but speeds are lower. Higher speeds are observed outside of school hours, including late at night. The straightaway nature of Fisher Road is believed to contribute to excessive speeding. Emergency vehicles (rescue squads) may account for some high-speed readings, but not the majority. After-school activities may also influence traffic patterns. The following pedestrian infrastructure and safety concerns were noted: Main Street and Galloway: Complaints about speeding on a big hill with no sidewalks; covert speed monitoring devices are being used. Crosswalks and ADA ramps are being installed at several locations: Gallimore Road and Hwy 276: Crosswalk and light installation in progress, prompted by requests related to the Boys and Girls Club and elementary school. Staffis awaiting delivery of a metal arm post, after which installation will proceed. Rice Street: New crosswalk planned to address jaywalking near the farmer's market. Direct crossing by the church was not approved due to ADA ramp requirements, SO the crosswalk will be placed where feasible. Minutes - City Council Public Safety Committee Meeting - May 27,2025 Page 2 of 4 Caldwell and King: ADA ramps installed; marked crosswalk with RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) to be added soon. This project has been in discussion for several years and is now moving forward. Discussion of RRFBs for other crossings, including Rosman Highway Trail and Asheville Highway, as part of ongoing safety improvements. The committee noted that the installation oft these features is dependent on DOT schedules and the arrival of necessary equipment. The committee also felt that it would be appropriate to consider traffic calming measures on Oakdale. F. Update on Traffic Schedule Mr. Hooper then updated the committee on updates to the traffic schedule. He noted that council had approved a four-way stop for Morgan, Hamlin, Oaklawn and Carver intersection, as well as Oaklawn and Main Street. He noted that the specific signage placement will determine how successful these intersections will be. He shared that work would continue in these areas to ensure appropriate and safe sightlines at these intersections. Mr. Baker asked about the possibility of using cable-mounted signs to improve visibility. Mr. Hooper responded that he would ask the city's traffic consultant to evaluate this possibility along with other options for placement. Mr. Jordan suggested changes to Railroad Avenue due to cars parked on both sides from Whitmire to McLean, which reduces the road to one lane, creating safety issues. He proposed making this stretch of road a section with no parking on either side ofthe road. He also noted that there were significant problems on Galloway Street recently with festival parking on both sides, which caused congestion. He suggested that the city specify no parking on at least one side oft that section due to narrowness and frequent use by emergency vehicles. The committee discussed the need for clear signage and enforcement to prevent congestion and ensure emergency access. Mr. Hooper shared a brief overview of work currently being undertaken by the Downtown Master Plan Committee, sharing that they have discussed restriping on Jordan Street. He added that the committee had recommended the use oftemporary paint for parking and loading zones, with a loading zone moved to Quixote until the parking study was complete. He stated that there had been ongoing issues with delivery trucks parking on Jordan Street and that the suggestion was to move handicapped parking to improve access. The committee noted that the restriping plan should be tested with temporary markings before making permanent changes, and that feedback from businesses and the public should be considered. Minutes - City Council Public Safety Committee Meeting - May 27, 2025 Page 3 of4 G. Public Comment Morris Jenkins spoke commending the committee on its work to ensure public safety with the speed cushions on Probart Street. Linda Gallo thanked the committee for looking at additional streets to install speed calming measures. H. Set Date for Next Meeting The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2025, at 3:30pm in City Council chambers. I. Adjourn There being no further business, Mr. Morrow made the motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Gallo. The vote carried and the meeting was adjourned at 4:46pm. Minutes Approved: June 23, 2025 X 1 - hlw Aaron Baker, Chair, Council Member or Mac Morrow, Vice Chair, Council Member / X lina / AL - Selena D. Coffey Assistant to the City Manager Minutes City Council Public Safety Committee Meeting May 27, 2025 Page 4 of4