[Vision2020] Challenge to the City

[Michael Curley]

Unfortunately the City does not control state highways.  They are 
working on a fix in conjunction with ITD.  I don't know the cost of a 
hanging, blinking light, but if there is some pedestrian control, I 
assume you are asking for a regular red/green/amber signal--$150,00 
out of the city coffers for each intersection.  Yes, safety is 
important, but all the costs have to be balanced overall.  

While I'm expending my post for the day, I'd like to add a word about 
the former council.  I don't know everyone who has now departed as 
well as I know former Councilman Jon Kimberling, so, I will only 
speak about him.  Jon and I disagree about many issues that came 
before the City while he was a council member (twice, you will 
recall).  We have argued passionately and at length, yet without 
personal invective or losing our friendship. 

Jon is a lifetime Moscowan.  He cares deeply about the City and 
County.  He served with honor and, clearly to me, without any view to 
personal benefit.  I will not speak for him, but it is my personal 
belief that Jon would like to have voted to deny the zoning complaint 
against New Saint Andrews.  He did not vote his heart, but his 
conscience, when he followed the clear mandate of the law--
articulated by the City Attorney--and upheld the complaint.  Someone 
in an earlier post suggested that former council members might have 
trouble sleeping at night with their consciences.  I'm sure that 
isn't true of Jon.  Nor do I think that Jon let the staff run the 
show from his perspective.  He gave us the best insight and reasoning 
he had.  While I might have disagreed at times, I never questioned 
his honesty and integrity--nor am I saying Wayne is making that 
accusation either.  This is just a response to the several verbal 
thrashings that former Council members have taken on 2020. In my 
opinion the integrity of some new Council members has been unfairly 
maligned in the press and on 2020.  I hope that stops.  I hope that 
when others disagree, they attack the issue and reasoning, not the 
people.  And, thus, I think it only fair that we treat former council 
members similarly.

Mike


From:           	"Art Deco" <deco at moscow.com>
To:             	"Vision 2020" <vision2020 at moscow.com>
Subject:        	Re: [Vision2020] Challenge to the City
Date sent:      	Thu, 2 Feb 2006 11:24:39 -0800

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J,

That this whole problem has been ongoing for several years never
ceases to amaze.

First though, I am glad that at least enough progress has been made 
to
place two additional crosswalks at strategic points.

However, the amount of complaints it took to get this small action
done boggles the mind.  I agree more needs to be done to protect the
pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.  Perhaps the new city council
will set policy and give direction to the city staff rather than the
opposite as in the past. Questions need to be asked and the accuracy
of the answers tested.  Some personnel housecleaning may be needed.

Perhaps, a pedestrian controlled blinking red overhead light is 
needed
at both the new crossings.  I hope the council sees that this expense
would be mitigated for the safety improvements wrought.

Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)
deco at moscow.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J Ford" <privatejf32 at hotmail.com>
To: <vision2020 at moscow.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2006 11:12 AM
Subject: [Vision2020] Challenge to the City


> Once again, the "sign" that was placed in the middle of the road on
> Pullman Road, which I can only gather was meant to be seen by
> drivers as some kind of attempt to mark a walk-way crossing, is not
> only ineffective, but dangerous, ignored by the students crossing
> that road, way too thin to be noticed until you are just about on
> top of it and in a word - useless.
>
> Is there any reason the City can't make it out there to paint a
> walk-way crossing like those that are on the corners of most
> downtown streets? Then place signs before the crossing, on both
> sides of the road, telling drivers to be aware of possible
> pedestrian traffic ahead?  And another sign directing the students
> to use the designated crossing?
>
> Is that too much to ask?  I watch each day as drivers try to avoid
> the sudden appearance of walkers who are trying to "reach the other
> side", almost causing accidents and possibly doing a lot of damage
> to the drivers as well as the pedestrian.
>
> Or is this going to get referred to the IDT, too?  Guarantee, when
> (yes, I said WHEN) an accident occurs there it will be the CITY
> police and ambulance who responds - not the state.  Seems to me the
> CITY should do the responsible thing before something tragic
> happens.
>
> J  :]
>
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