Cross_cutting

58:53 I'm Chris Olinger, the city's utility engineering manager. And tonight we received some comments from Department of Health on Friday evening after close of business. And when we were reviewing them this morning, we realized that the red line version that was sent for review had some incorrect track changes noted in that. And with that, while we're addressing Department of Health's comments, we would like to ask council if they would remand the ordinance back to staff to make those corrections and bring this forward public reading and second hearing for July 20th.

59:49 - In July 20th, thank you. I'll entertain a motion to remand this item back to staff with the second reading and public hearing on July 20th. Paulson seconded by? - Perez. - Perez, any other comments? All those in favor say aye. - Aye. - Opposed? Motion passes, thank you, Chris. All right, let's move into item number 11, public hearing. Item 11, this is an ordinance of the city of Vancouver amending Vancouver municipal code section 7.04.020, pedestrian interference, providing for severability and setting an effective date. And staff, oh, hello. - Yes, I'm Aaron Landy tonight. Good evening, councilors, I'm Tyler Chavers, the city's homeless response program manager

1:00:49 and a retired Vancouver police officer. It's my privilege to be with you all this evening to engage in the civic process of helping to make Vancouver a safer place for all. In the creation of this ordinance, I'd like to acknowledge the support and efforts of the Vancouver Police Department, City Attorney's Office, Targets Zero Program, Washington Traffic Safety Alliance, and many others who have contributed to enhancing the safety of pedestrians, motorists, bicycles, and other roadway users. In order to meet the city's strategic goals for a safe and prepared community, as well as transportation and mobility goals, we wanna provide our law enforcement with tools which will prevent tragedy before they occur. Currently, state law and local ordinances do not regulate pedestrians in spaces

1:01:48 which are dangerous for them, motorists, and other roadway utilizers. Collision data from within the city limits without going into the gravity or the gory details would support public safety reasons for regulating these dangerous spaces. The new ordinance provides for early intervention by prohibiting a person from remaining in spaces that are not intended for pedestrian use and improve safety for all the roadway users. Officers can provide warnings and directions prior to someone stepping into a roadway or after a collision has already occurred. The new ordinance does not regulate signage, speech, it does not restrict lawful pedestrian crossing, or the permitted use of sidewalks or other pedestrian facilities. In summary, the new ordinance provides

1:02:48 a preventative measure rather than reactive ones by closing a gap in the laws and is consistent with the city's transportation and safety goals. I believe that it will make Vancouver safer for all by reducing serious injuries and saving lives. Thank you. - Thank you. Okay, Councilors, do you have questions of Mr. Chambers? Let's go ahead, oops, sorry, Councilor Fox, go ahead. - I just wanna thank staff for addressing some of the specific questions that have been raised in the last few meetings on this topic. And so really appreciate the amendments to the staff report. For me, it made it a lot more clear to your point in this particular presentation of what this ordinance does and doesn't do. So I appreciate all of that. - Let's go ahead and open the public hearing. I have Todd Boulanger.

1:03:45 - Yes, thank you, Council. I'm here to provide testimony on this item. I believe the intent is the correct intent. I just found the analysis weak. There was no direct tie except for one case out of 47 regarding the existence of a median, an island, and such. So I think that's challenging. I mean, when you ask for council to make an ordinance, especially one with police powers, that you need to do your homework. And secondarily, they can tighten up the language in the ordinance.

1:04:43 And I've made some suggestions in the hard copy I gave out. So I believe the intent is a good one. It's just how we get there. - Thank you. I'll close the public hearing, bring it back to council. Do we have documents to be shared?

1:05:07 - The written testimony I submitted online, it's limited to 600 characters. And so it's very difficult. - Todd, thank you. You may be seated. We've closed the public hearing. We'll give councilors a moment.

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