Resolution 14-061(A) Request to DOT/PF to Lower the Speeed Limit on East End Road Near Kachemak Bay Equestrian Horse Park

RESOLUTION 14-061(A)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, REQUESTING THAT THE ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES (ADOT/PF) LOWER THE SPEED LIMIT ON EAST END ROAD EASTWARD FROM THE CURRENT 35 MPH SPEED ZONE PAST THE KACHEMAK BAY EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION ROAD AND PAST JACK GIST PARK (ADAMS DRIVE) ALL THE WAY TO THE WESTERN INTERSECTION OF BEAR CREEK DRIVE AND EAST END ROAD, PLACE A CROSSWALK IN THE AREA TO ACCESS THE BIKE TRAIL, AND INSTALL SIGNAGE INDICATING TO MOTORISTS THE PRESENCE OF THE HORSE PARK.

               WHEREAS, The Homer City Council recently adopted Ordinance 14-23 which conveyed title to five lots in the Scenic View Subdivision No. 6 to the Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association so that the Kachemak Bay Equestrian Horse Park complex could be expanded and accommodate additional facilities and improvements; and

               WHEREAS, The Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association has developed a horse park which has been very successful, receives heavy use, and hosts equestrian events; and

               WHEREAS, The success of the Horse Park has created safety issues on East End Road due to increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic and slow moving vehicles hauling horse trailers; and

               WHEREAS, The entrance to the Horse Park is close to the entrance to Jack Gist Park on Adams Drive; a recreational area which is also seeing increased use and elevated traffic concerns; and

               WHEREAS, The Equestrian Association has requested that the City advocate for a reduced speed limit and a crosswalk in the vicinity, and signage indicating the presence of the Horse Park.

               NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Homer City Council hereby requests that the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities lower the speed limit on East End Road eastward from the current 35 mph speed zone past the Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association road and past Jack Gist Park (Adams Drive) all the way to the western intersection of Bear Creek Drive and East End Road, place a crosswalk in the area to access the bike trail, and install signage indicating to motorists the presence of the Horse Park.

               BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to submit the necessary paperwork and work with ADOT/PF to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety in this area.

               PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL this 9th day of June, 2014.

                                                                                          CITY OF HOMER

                                                                                          ______________________

                                                                                          MARY E. WYTHE, MAYOR    

ATTEST:

____________________________

JO JOHNSON, MMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note:  N/A