Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Steve Geller
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
title
A. MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance authorizing the use of speed detection systems to enforce speed limits on roadways maintained as school zones within the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD).
(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)
ACTION: (T-10:40 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 9-0.
B. MOTION TO DIRECT Public Works Department and Traffic Engineering Division staff to reevaluate the current school zone improvement program and present a revised program for Board discussion and consideration that (i) adds the installation of flashing beacon assemblies for school zones on low volume roadways where only static signs currently exist; and (ii) prioritizes the installation of overhead flashing beacon assemblies on roadway approaches to school zones that have two (2) or more lanes. (Commissioner Geller)
(Transferred to the Consent Agenda.)
ACTION: (T-10:40 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 9-0.
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Why Action is Necessary
Board direction is required for the Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances and to provide direction to staff.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the required direction to the Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance and to County staff to research options and provide recommendations to the Board.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
On January 23, 2024, the Board discussed safety in school zones and directed staff to (i) research options for increasing safety in school zones, including the use of speed detection systems and the implementation of acceleration and deceleration zones; (ii) determine the costs associated with the identified options; and (iii) provide recommendations for the possible drafting of an Ordinance enacting any measures approved by the Board. In response to this direction, Traffic Engineering Division staff prepared a memorandum recommending various measures to increase safety in school zones, including the enactment of an Ordinance implementing Chapter 2023-174, Laws of Florida, which authorized counties and municipalities to install speed detection systems within school zones under their jurisdiction.
In order to install speed detection systems within school zones in the BMSD, the County must: (i) consider traffic data or other evidence supporting the installation and operation of each proposed school zone speed detection system; (ii) make a determination that each school zone where the speed detection system is to be placed constitutes a heightened safety risk that warrants additional enforcement measures; and (iii) enact an Ordinance authorizing the placement or installation of the speed detection system(s). This item directs the drafting of the proposed Ordinance that will be presented to the Board at such time as County staff collects the required traffic data or other evidence.
This item also directs the Public Works Department and Traffic Engineering Division staff to reevaluate the current school zone improvement program and present a revised program to the Board that provides for the addition and prioritization of flashing beacon assemblies in certain school zones.
Source of Additional Information
Jacqueline Garcia-Arteaga, Chief of Staff, Commission District 5, 954-357-7005
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance.