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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10. 20-434 OCTOBER 27, 2020 20-434 RESOLUTION (CARRIED 7-0 LOST LAID OVER WITHDRAWN ) PURPOSE: ACCEPT GIFT OF RECTANGULAR RAPIDLY FLASHING BEACONS & ASSOCIATED SIGNAGE FROM WINNEBAGO COUNTY AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER TO BE USED FOR CROSSWALKS ON SOUTH WASHBURN STREET AND WEST 9TH AVENUE INITIATED BY: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WHEREAS, Winnebago County wishes to make a donation to install rectangular rapidly flashing pedestrian beacons and associated signage at the crosswalks associated with the roundabout at South Washburn Street and West 9th Avenue; and WHEREAS, the donation is consistent with the City's Gift Policy in that it is a municipal improvement, suitable for the location and may assist pedestrians to cross safely in this area; and WHEREAS, the City's Gift Policy allows the City to take on future maintenance costs related to a gift upon consideration of the community's need or desire for the donation; the ease of maintenance and repair; and whether the annual maintenance cost is so low as to be negligible; and WHEREAS, city staff has evaluated the proposed donation and has determined that the utility and maintenance costs may be absorbed into the current electric division operating budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED,by the Common Council of the City of Oshkosh that the City accepts with gratitude and appreciation the generous donation from Winnebago County of funds to acquire rectangular rapidly flashing pedestrian beacons and associated signs and equipment for placement at the crosswalks associated with the roundabout at South Washburn Street and West 9th Avenue and that the proper City officials are authorized and directed to take those steps necessary to accept this donation and to properly maintain such donation during its useful life. TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Jim Collins, Transportation Director DATE: October 23, 2020 RE: Accept gift of rectangular rapidly flashing beacons (RRFBS) from Winnebago County Aging and Resource Center to be used for the crosswalks on south Washburn and West 9w Avenue. BACKGROUND Over the years, Winnebago County ADRC members have been interested in upgrading the visibility and safety of the crosswalks at roundabouts particularly those on Washburn Street. These crosswalks were installed along with the construction of the roundabouts and meet all current design standards and include features such as refuge islands; additionally, the city added pedestrian flags a few years ago. ANALYSIS The city gets frequent requests for upgraded pedestrian crossings with flashers especially at the roundabouts. We evaluate the requests based on several criteria including: frequency and number of pedestrian crossings, benefit to the public and budgetary impact. Installing RRFBs at all the roundabouts makes some sense however; we have been unable to do so due to limited budgets and high costs. It is also questionable as to how effective the RRFBs are. However, Winnebago County ADRC has agreed to fund RRFBs at this location based on the potential benefits to their clientele and others. FISCAL IMPACT Winnebago County will fund all the equipment and supplies for this project which are estimated at $65,000. The city will provide the labor to install and maintain these RRFBs. This will ensure the RRFBs are uniform with others throughout the city. RECOMMENDATION I recommend acceptance of this donation. Respectfully Submitted, � ub`� Jim Collins, Transportation Director Approved: Mark A. Rohloff, City Manager City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 http://www.d.oshkosh.wWs