Print Staff Summary Report

10.G.

CITY OF FLAGSTAFF

STAFF SUMMARY REPORT

To:

The Honorable Mayor and Council

From:

Stephanie Santana, Transportation Engineer Sr. Lead

Date:

03/27/2024

Meeting Date:

04/02/2024

TITLE:

Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-12: An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, amending the Flagstaff City Code, Title 9 Traffic, Chapter 9-01 Traffic Code, Section 9-01-001-0002 Specific Speed Limits; providing for penalties, repeal of conflicting ordinances, severability, and establishing an effective date.

STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:

At the April 2, 2024 Council Meeting:
1) Read Ordinance No. 2024-12 by title only for the first time
2) City Clerk reads Ordinance No. 2024-12 by title only (if approved above)
At the April 16, 2024 Council Meeting:
3) Read Ordinance No. 2024-12 by title only for the final time
4) City Clerk reads Ordinance No. 2024-12 by title only (if approved above)
5) Adopt Ordinance No. 2024-12

Executive Summary:

During the May 23, 2023 Special Meeting/Work Session, Council tasked Transportation Engineering Staff with conducting a speed limit study along Butler Avenue, between Milton Road and Sawmill Road, to determine the appropriate speed limit.

During the February 27, 2024 Work Session, Staff presented the findings of the Butler Avenue Speed Zone Evaluation to Council. To summarize, the results of the study had shown that the existing posted speed limits are appropriate because the posted speed limit matches the design speed, which also matches the operating speeds. Council, using their authority, directed Staff to lower the posted speed limits on Butler Avenue as follows:

Milton Road to Lone Tree Road from existing 35 mph to 30 mph
Lone Tree Road to Sawmill Road from existing 40 mph to 30 mph
Sawmill Road to Ponderosa Parkway from existing 40 mph to 35 mph

The process for changing these speed limits includes adopting an Ordinance to change the Flagstaff City Code Section 9-01-001-0002 Specific Speed Limits. This section contains specific locations where the posted speed limit is set forth by means other than following Arizona Revised Statutes.

Financial Impact:

There are approximately ten (10) posted speed limit signs along Butler Avenue from Milton Road to Ponderosa Parkway. Assuming all sign posts and foundations are in good condition, it will cost approximately $2,300 to remove the existing signs and install new signs, including material and labor. The City's Transportation Section will submit a Work Order to the Streets Section in the Public Works Division to replace the speed limit signs.

Policy Impact:

Adopting this Ordinance will amend the Flagstaff City Code Title 9 Traffic, Chapter 9-01 Traffic Code, Section 9-01-001-0002 Specific Speed Limits, to add specific posted speed limits along Butler Avenue between Milton Road and Ponderosa Parkway.

Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:

The results of the Butler Avenue Speed Zone Evaluation study were presented to the Transportation Commission, the Bicycle Advisory Committee, and the Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The recordings from these three (3) commissions/committees can be viewed on their respective City of Flagstaff websites.

Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:

The City Council may adopt, modify, or deny the proposed amendments to the City Code.

Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:

Provide, manage, and maintain effective infrastructure for multimodal and active transportation.

Connection to Regional Plan:

Policy T.1.3.Transportation systems are consistent with the place type and needs of people.
Policy T.1.5. Manage the operation and interaction of all modal systems for efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and to best mitigate traffic congestion.
Policy T.2.3. Provide safety programs and infrastructure to protect the most vulnerable travelers, including the young, elderly, mobility impaired, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:

DD-2 Create inclusive networks for walking and biking that are continuous, attractive, safe, comprehensive, and convenient for people of all ages.
DD 3 Encourage Flagstaff residents and visitors to walk, bike, roll and take the bus.

Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:

None

Attachments:

Ord. 2024-12

Presentation Butler Ave Speed Limit Changes