Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Modifying the School Zone and Repealing Section 62-235 of the Code of Ordinances Establishing the Parking Restrictions at Dowell Middle School
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
MEETING DATE: October 20, 2015
DEPARTMENT: Development Services/Engineering
CONTACT: Robyn Root, PE, PTOE, Traffic Engineer
Gary Graham, PE, PTOE, Transportation and CIP Engineering Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of this Ordinance
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This Ordinance will accomplish the following:
o Modify the school zone for Dowell Middle School on Ridge Road to reflect the recommended changes to the length of the reduced speed school zone.
o Rescind the Ordinance (Section 62-235) establishing the parking restrictions on Ridge Road adjacent to Dowell Middle School (hereby allowing any modifications to be made under the authority of the Traffic Engineer).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• In early 2015, McKinney ISD made changes to the parking layout and drive entrance for Dowell Middle School. The new school entrance on Ridge Road is outside the limits of the existing school zone.
• This modification of the school zone will extend the reduced speed school zone to include the new school entrance on the south end of the school, but shorten the length of the reduced speed school zone on the north end of the school where it is not necessary.
• Research has shown that vehicular speeds do increase within a reduced speed school zone the longer the school zone length is. To be the most effective the length should be as short as practical.
• City Staff worked with McKinney ISD Staff to determine the new length of the reduced speed school zone for Dowell Middle School.
• The location of the proposed reduced speed school zone on Ridge Road is shown in the attached exhibit.
• In 2008, City Council delegated to the Traffic Engineer the authority for parking regulations within McKinney.
• The existing parking regulations at Dowell Middle School was established prior to 2008 by an ordinance specific to this area. In order for modifications of the parking regulations to be made under the authority of the Traffic Engineer near this school, it is recommended the parking Ordinance be repealed.
• Although there are no parking modifications planned at this time, repealing the parking Ordinance will eliminate the need for additional action by City Council on this matter in the future.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Funds for this item are available in the operating budget of the Engineering Department.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A