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Baker council adopts "safe systems" transportation resolution, backs $160,000 federal grant application
Summary
City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution endorsing a “safe systems” approach to street design and authorized submission of a $160,000 federal grant, with a $40,000 match pledged by LeaderCORE.
The Baker City Council on June 24 adopted a resolution committing the city to a “paradigm shift” in transportation planning and authorized submission of a $160,000 federal grant application to fund local safety planning. The council voted to give the mayor authority to execute documents necessary to submit and accept the grant if awarded.
The resolution endorses the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “safe systems” approach, which the council said shifts focus from moving cars quickly to designing streets that protect all users. "In a nutshell, this is a federal grant that the city of Baker is applying for, and the nonprofit agency, LeaderCORE is submitting it on their behalf," said staff member Darryl Blatchard during the presentation.
Under the grant described by Blatchard, the $160,000 would pay for project management, two staff positions and a planning process that will convene a committee and draft a safety plan over an 18‑month period. Blatchard said the funds would support improvements aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries by addressing safe vehicles, safe speeds, safe roads, safe road users and post‑crash care. The project will include recommendations tailored to Baker and is intended to accompany the city’s grant application.
Blatchard also said the city is asking for a $40,000 match from LeaderCORE, described in the presentation as a subentity working with the regional effort. The resolution language references the Capital Region Planning Commission and the federal safe‑systems framework.
Council President Charles Vincent moved the resolution; Councilman Robert Young seconded. The motion carried on a unanimous recorded voice vote. The council noted the resolution will be filed with the grant application and that any future capital work would follow required design and public‑notice processes.
What happened: council adoption of a policy resolution and authorization for the mayor to submit and accept a specific federal grant application. What didn’t happen: no design contracts or construction funding were approved at the meeting; the grant application and future planning activity were the immediate actions.
The council’s action makes Baker eligible to proceed with the planning work if the grant is awarded; staff said further public outreach and committee meetings will follow as part of the 18‑month planning timeline.
