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CASSELBERRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of April 22, 2019 — Regular Meeting Page 7 of 10 10. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES No items were presented for consideration on this agenda. 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS No items were presented for consideration on this agenda. 12. OTHER ITEMS A. Discussion: Guidance Regarding Brick and Textured Crosswalks Staff Presentation: Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer Kelly Brock stated that due in part to recent recommendations from transportation consultant Mr. Mark Fenton, staff was seeking guidance from the City Commission regarding the use and maintenance of brick and textured crosswalks. Although brick crosswalks do call attention to the crossing areas and are aesthetically pleasing, the unintended consequences of those are potential maintenance problems, trip hazards and discomfort to anyone needing a wheelchair to cross. Staff found that to be the situation on all of the walking audits they had done on various streets throughout the City, so they were now recommending that use of brick pavers, concrete pavers, and other textured features within actual crossing paths be avoided in all future public projects to ensure smooth, safe, and accessible crosswalks, including projects for which design is already underway. Use of these materials on actual paths should also be discouraged in private developments. Instead, the actual crossing paths in crosswalks should be constructed of asphalt or concrete, and brick and/or texture accents may be used outside crossing paths if desired. This would not prohibit the use of color (e.g., paint, thermoplastic, or colorized concrete) on crossing paths, as long as it does not result in unacceptable texture, safety, maintenance, or accessibility concerns. Existing crosswalks composed of brick and other texture materials may remain, but when they are due for maintenance (such as a resurfacing project), the crossings should be evaluated and modifications should be considered. Dr. Brock explained that the reason for requesting guidance at this time is that there were projects currently in progress or planning stages, including upcoming resurfacing projects which would be affected by a decision not to use brick in the crosswalk areas. In response to questions from the City Commission, he explained that brick could be used as accents along the crosswalks, as long as it was outside of the crossing path. He added that there were options for colorizing the smooth crosswalk surfaces which could be addressed on a case by case basis for each project, if desired. Budget Impact: There is no impact to the City Budget, Recommendation: Staff recommends that use of brick pavers, concrete pavers, and other textured features within actual crossing paths be avoided in all future public projects to ensure smooth, safe, and accessible crosswalks, including projects for which design is already underway. Use of these materials on actual paths should also be discouraged in private developments. Instead, the actual crossing paths in crosswalks should be constructed of asphalt or concrete, and brick and/or texture accents may be used outside crossing paths