Minutes 11-05-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Board considered approving a resolution supporting public and private efforts to increase safety awareness between motorists and bicyclists, roadway safety improvements for bicyclists, and authorizing next steps. Abigaile Pittman, Orange County Planning and Inspections, said staff was directed to bring this item back to the Board of County Commissioners this fall. She reviewed the recommendations included in the abstract, as well as the proposed resolution. She noted that the recommendation regarding a task force is not supported by the County Manager's Office. Bonnie Hammersley said she wanted to elaborate about not recommending a task force. She said she had conversations with the Sheriff, and the County has accomplished most of that over which the County has jurisdiction. She said setting up a County task force without jurisdiction will lead to failure. She said the State Patrol does the enforcement, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for County roads. Commissioner Pelissier referred to page 2, saying a lot of it refers to what DOT does. She asked if requests have been made to DOT for any of these improvements. Bonnie Hammersley said these items have been discussed with DOT at past meetings. Abigaile Pittman said DOT is aware of this report and the bicycle safety group has met with both the DOT and the Sheriff's office. She said DOT is willing to review some of these improvements but it has to be for more than just bicycles. Commissioner Rich referred to page 2, item number 3. She asked if there are current enforcement efforts that are seeking to be enhanced. Abigaile Pittman said the County does not have such authority and these efforts would fall under the Sheriff's office. Bonnie Hammersley said the Sheriff feels that he does not have as much authority as the Highway Patrol, regarding citations. Commissioner Rich asked if the enhancements would be more of an educational campaign. Abigaile Pittman said the County can forward this resolution to the DOT and the Sheriff's office in order to partner with bicycle education and to add information to their present quarterly meetings, and also add pertinent information to their website about bicycle safety. Commissioner Rich said all bicycle riders must follow proper road safety. Commissioner Dorosin said enforcement efforts are different than raising public awareness. He said the Sheriff can enforce traffic safety issues and the Sheriff's office knows where the more critical spots are. Commissioner Price asked if there could be a sub-committee of the Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard), which could meet with residents to continue the conversation and bring information back to the BOCC. John Roberts said yes. Commissioner Price asked if a staff person would have to be tasked to this group or could just the sub-committee meet. Bonnie Hammersley said this is not about staff. She said one option would be a sub- committee that has staff available to provide support but the County leading a task force over which it does not authority would be a challenge. Bonnie Hammersley said she could take this information to the Chair of the OUTBoard. PUBLIC COMMENT: Paul Speight said he is the Deputy Chief of the Orange Grove Fire Departments. He said about six weeks ago he and the Fire Chief were responding to an EMS call. On the way, the Chief passed a bicyclist and Paul Speight was following about 500 feet behind. He said as he approached the bicyclist, the cyclist made an abrupt turn, which caused Paul Speight to