Committee debates meeting time, attendance rules and Division Street safety; cancels July session

The National City Traffic Safety Committee discussed changing its regular meeting time, reviewed its attendance rules, and heard member concerns about recurring crashes on Division Street and parking pressure from new housing. The committee voted to cancel its July meeting and agreed to resume in August.

Members debated whether a later start would increase public attendance. Several members said a 2 p.m. start would be more convenient for some and that occasional later meetings for presentations (4–6 p.m.) could improve community participation. The committee agreed to place a time‑change proposal on a future agenda and to notify members per the committee’s posting rules.

The chair read the committee’s attendance policy aloud. "Membership of the committee shall terminate if a member has 3 consecutive unexcused absences from meetings," she said, reciting the language as written in the membership rules; members discussed how excused absences and longer leaves (for example, a medically related absence) would be handled and asked staff to prepare any needed waivers or agenda items so absences are documented.

Separately, members raised traffic safety and parking concerns on Division Street and nearby corridors. Committee members said gas‑line work and other construction will alter traffic patterns through August and noted rising housing density along East Fourth Street and D Avenue will likely increase long‑term parking demand in adjacent neighborhoods. Staff suggested continued reporting through the city's click‑fix system and coordinating with the Navy or property owners where military personnel's vehicles regularly occupy curbspace.

On a procedural motion the committee voted to cancel its July meeting and to resume in August; staff will publish the calendar change and coordinate future agenda items about meeting time, attendance waivers and Division Street crash data.