City of Trussville, Alabama
Public Safety Committee
Minutes
May 27, 2010

Meeting was called to order at 7:12 p.m.

Present were: John Griscom, Mayor Melton, Bill Morrison, Dr. Nafziger, Councilman Plant, Chief Sivley  

There were no guests present

There were no minutes to be approved.

OLD BUSINESS

The vicious dog ordinance regarding specific breeds of dogs was discussed. Dr Nafzinger, Bill Morrison, Don Sivley and Mayor Melton participated in the discussion. It was decided that the existing ordinance was sufficient to address the issue. div>
 
An Ordinance to prohibit trains from blocking crossings was discussed. Dr. Nafzinger, Bill Morrison, Councilman Plant Capt Jerry Catalto (for Chief Ledbetter) and Don Sivley discussed the ordinance. Sivley indicated there were a couple of questions he would like clarified by the City Attorney as well as the fact he had been in contact with Norfolf Southern Railroad who was interested in sitting down with the committee and working together to resolve the issue. After extended discussion a motion was made by Mr. Griscom that the ordinance be recommended to the council for adoption at the 2nd meeting in June. This would allow the opportunity for the City Attorney to research the questions regarding enforcement of the ordinance as well as Railroad personnel to meet with public safety personnel and the council. The motion was seconded by Dr. Nafzinger and passed by unanimous vote.

At the last meeting of the PSC the committee recommended a resolution to prohibit left turns off Linden Street onto Chalkville Road. The recommendation was declined by the council with a plan to have Skipper and Associates review the problem and make a suggestion. Skipper examined the intersection and proposed an alternate solution. Mayor Melton was asked to explain the plan, which will involve the restriping of Chalkville Rod, adding signage, a crosswalk at Chalkville and Linden and a speed cushion jest before the intersection to slow Southbound traffic in the turn lane. This solution was accepted by the council. .    
 
NEW BUSINESS
 
A parade permit for an 8K run was approved for Whoever Ministries.
 
Hidden Trace Homeowners Association has requested to be allowed to purchase speed cushions for use on streets in their subdivision. Traffic surveys have been completed and there will be a recommendation by the police department as to where the cushions are to be placed based on the date from the surveys. The request was discussed at length with all members present having input. A motion was made that an agreement be drawn up between the City and the Homeowners Association wherein the Homeowners Association would provide the funds to purchase and install the cushions in accordance with the recommended locations .The City would purchase the cushions and contract for their installation. At that point the City would assume responsibility and ownership of the cushions. This motion was made by Dr Nafzinger and seconded by Mr. Morrison. The vote passed by a unanimous vote.
 
Councilman Plant had recommended the Committee look at an ordinance regarding banning texting while driving. There were two possible ordinances submitted for discussion. One banning texting the other addressed numerous forms of distracted driving. There was exhilarating discussion of the pros and cons of such ordinances by all members of the committee. After this in depth discussion it was decided that all forms of distracted driving should be addressed and a motion was made by Mr. Griscom that a recommendation be made to submit the ordinance regarding distracted driving to the City Attorney for his review and suggestions. Upon which time it would be reviewed by the committee via email for possible recommendation to the Council. This motion was seconded by Mr. Morrison and passed by unanimous vote.
 
There was a request from Mr. Turner for a three way stop sign at the intersection of of Water Oaks Drive and Post Oak Circle and Water Oaks Drive and Post Oak Circle. The signs at these intersections were discussed. It was also discussed that there were trees and shrubs on the right of way obstructing vision that needed to be trimmed. The Mayor advised he would get with the Street Department regarding the brush. A motion to approve the stops signs was requested. There was no motion, therefore the request will not be recommended to the Council.
 
There was a request made by a Will Street resident through the Street Department Superintendent for a stop sign at the intersection of Will Street and Birdie Street. This intersection was discussed and there was a request for motion to approve installation of the stop sign. There was no motion made, therefore the request will not be recommended to the Council.
 
MEMBER COMMENTS
 
Having no additional business requiring immediate attention a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. John Griscom.
 
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.