Minutes 03/23/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 23. 2010 Background: . There is a persistent traffic problem associated with drivers blocking intersections in the vicinity of entrances to 1-264 when the Downtown Tunnel is congested. There is no specific state or city code making it illegal to block an intersection. The police currently cite drivers blocking intersections under State Code Section 46.2-830 (failure to obey a highway sign or marking) or City Code Section 22-561 (a) (dangerous stopping on highway). These violations are punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. . The current codes grant the City Manager general supervision and control over the management and direction of all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Discussion: . Recommend amending chapter 22 to prohibit drivers from entering an intersection or marked crosswalk, unless there is sufficient space beyond such intersection or crosswalk to accommodate their vehicle without obstructing the intersection or crosswalk. . Recommend a fine of $250 for blocking intersections or crosswalks. Financial Impact: . None. The purpose of these changes is to better manage traffic impacts - not to generate revenue. Recommended Action: . Approve the attached ordinance amending Chapter 22. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Post appropriate signage at problem intersections, initiate police enforcement. 1. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky, 2713 Sterling Point Drive, spoke in support of this item but felt that the amount of the fine was excessive. Motion by Ms. Psi mas, and seconded by Mr. Whitehurst, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 22 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (2006) BY AMENDING SECTION 22-3, BY ADOPTING A NEW SECTION 22-564.1, AND BY REPEALING SECTION 22-471 THROUGH 22-579 PERTAINING TO TRAFFIC INFRACTION PENALTIES, AND THE BLOCKING OF INTERSECTIONS AND CROSSWALKS IN THE CITY." Ayes: Heretick, Psi mas, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: Moody, Randall - City Manager's Report - 10 - 136 - Adoption of an ordinance appropriating from funds previously allocated to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Asset Forfeiture Account the sum of $60,000 in the FY 2009-2010 General Fund for Commonwealth's Attorney's Office full time salaries to offset funds lost through state and local budget cuts. Vision Principle: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community. Background: . The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), through the asset sharing and agreement program, provides a percentage of funds from the sale of seized property and funds from individuals arrested and convicted for the distribution of Narcotics in The City of Portsmouth.