2015-05-11 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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(a) Discussion or other action regarding amending Chapter 70 "Traffic and Vehicles" of the Code of Ordinances in connection with comprehensive review and update to truck route regulations — C. Alexander— City Manager Corby Alexander introduced Phil Stillman, Chair of the Ad Hoc Trucking Committee; and he presented recommendations for changes to Chapter 70 "Traffic and Vehicles" of the Code of Ordinances. Committee member Maggie Anderson spoke and advised the committee worked really hard updating the truck route regulations and asked Council to think about the truck route because the traffic will be increasing. Mayor Rigby commented the item is being presented to Council to approve what's been submitted, amend what's been submitted, or to send it back to the committee. Councilmember Zemanek requested comments and a point of view from Assistant Fire Chief Donald Ladd. Mr. Ladd commented he agrees with most of what the committee suggested; but one section he is against is opening the section on Bay Area Blvd. between Fairmont Parkway and Spencer Hwy. Mr. Ladd commented Spencer Hwy is the main corridor for the La Porte Fire Department with one of the fire stations being located on Spencer Hwy. In addition, Mr. Ladd commented traffic will increase at Spencer Hwy and Highway 146, and he would like it taken off from consideration. Councilmember Earp asked Mr. Stillman what the rationale is on the Spencer Highway corridor. Mr. Stillman responded the rationale is to get hazardous materials from 16th Street east to Hwy. 146 and those down 16th Street to Wharton Weems Blvd.; and the committee believes some of the traffic south of Fairmont to Bay Area Blvd. up to Spencer Hwy would help alleviate traffic congestion. Councilmember Earp questioned the daily truck and vehicle volume. Mr. Stillman responded from the Fred Hartman Bridge to Hwy 225 there are 33,000 commercial vehicles coming into La Porte. Councilmember Earp commented the comprehensive plan has a vision for the City and addresses the truck issues and anticipated truck loads. Councilmember Zemanek commented the City needs to keep the one main east/west artery free of trucks and questioned why Spencer Hwy west of 16th Street was ever on the truck route without an origin or destination. Councilmember Zemanek also commented he understands the concerns of emergency services, and the City needs to work with Harris County to improve Fairmont Parkway into three lanes each direction. In addition, Councilmember Zemanek commended the committee on their efforts. Councilmember Martin asked if there were any thoughts to allowing all trucks on the proposed hazardous truck route. Mr. Stillman responded yes, the thought was to take the Haz Mat away with the synchronization of lights and signals in the area and allow all trucks along the route. Councilmember Martin agreed with Councilmember Zemanek to work with Harris County on expanding Fairmont Parkway. City Manager Corby Alexander advised the City has spoken with Harris County regarding the need to eliminate traffic congestion along Fairmont Parkway, and they agreed there is a problem. Mr. Alexander advised synchronizing lights is the first step to solving the traffic congestion. Mayor Rigby commented he would like to thank the committee regardless of the outcome tonight and advised the City is still working on the heavy haul corridor concerns. Page 6 of 8 May 11, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes