Committee seeks quotes for timed flashing lights at three Sudden Valley bus stops; county crosswalks discussed

The Sudden Valley Safety Committee discussed proposals to install flashing, timed lights and beacons at three school‑bus stop locations — Gates 1, 5 and 9 — and agreed to gather multiple contractor quotes and site surveys, members said at the Feb. 20 meeting.

Elaine, who presented the school‑bus safety update, said initial vendor pricing in committee materials reflected equipment purchase costs and that installation costs would be additional. She told the group she had begun reaching out to local electrician firms, including Mac and Mac, to assemble quotes and installation estimates.

Elaine said the committee is considering 1 double‑sided sign per location and that Gate 1 likely will require signs on both sides of the road because children wait on both sides; some sites could require two fixtures where children cross on both sides. She recommended collecting at least three estimates, including installation, before bringing a recommendation to the board.

Committee members raised the possibility of a county‑installed crosswalk and flashing signage on Lake Whatcom Boulevard, where higher speeds and county jurisdiction make local installation and enforcement more complicated. Members noted county approval and budget inclusion in a public‑works plan would be required for that work.

On cost, a presenter described a rough figure of about $10,000 for the three locations in the committee notes as the purchase cost for equipment; the meeting stressed that amount did not include installation and site work. Members asked staff to help identify available electric service at each location and to obtain contractor surveys for installation needs and final cost estimates.