Committee agrees in principle to traffic intake form, seeks clarifications

The Chair presented a two-page traffic intake form developed with engineering to standardize referrals and ensure that requests for traffic studies arrive with sufficient background and goals. The form is intended to require requesters (alderpersons or constituents) to clarify what they are asking for and whether prior studies exist so staff can avoid duplicate work.

Committee members asked for clarifications including a plain-language definition of "traffic calming," a box noting whether the area has been studied in the past five years, and whether engineering could include projected cost ranges (for studies and subsequent signage). Darren said engineering could provide round estimates and suggested moving some review items to the engineering review side of the form. "Traffic studies aren't free," the Chair said in urging requesters to justify study requests; another member said, "I'm not sure what a traffic calming request is," underscoring the need for a glossary or staff guidance.

Members agreed to use the form and iteratively refine it as it is put into practice; there was no formal vote to adopt the form at this meeting.