Farr West council backs formation of traffic and transportation committee

The Farr West City Council voted unanimously to support the formation of a traffic and transportation committee after a resident outlined a data-driven plan to study safety and efficiency across the city.

The committee, proposed by resident Jason Anderson, will gather traffic counts and speed data, study problem areas and bring recommendations to the City Council. Anderson said the group would include representatives from emergency response, public works, the City Council, the Planning Commission and regular resident participants.

Council members and staff emphasized the committee would be advisory. City legal counsel said the body would not require a formal resolution or ordinance as long as it does not receive decision-making authority. "You don't have to create a resolution or an ordinance for this committee if you're not gonna give them authority to make decisions on their own," said Liam, identified in the meeting transcript as the city attorney.

Anderson described current and prospective data sources: existing speed reminder signs, a portable radar/trailer the city is seeking to budget or borrow, and data sharing with Weber County and state agencies. "We'd have at least somebody from emergency response representation there. Public Works, City Council and probably Planning Commission and then, of course, a few residents," Anderson said.

Council discussion covered likely meeting frequency, goals and staffing. Anderson recommended meeting once or twice a month to start and suggested short meetings (about 30 minutes) if the work load allows. He told the council he would lead initial efforts: "I'd be driving it to get started," he said. Councilmember Tim volunteered to be the council's ongoing contact and asked for regular progress updates.

Councilmember Tim made the motion to support the committee; the motion was seconded by Councilmember David and passed unanimously.

Council members asked the organizer to return with a written mission and objectives so the committee's scope is clear as membership changes. The draft objectives Anderson referenced in the meeting are: collect and analyze data; research and recommend solutions; educate residents; and collaborate with partners including other cities and UDOT.

The council asked that the committee coordinate use of county equipment while the city budgets for its own trailer and to provide periodic reports to the council on findings and recommended actions.

Traffic and transportation concerns discussed at the meeting — including a state highway that runs through the city and a requested pedestrian-flag pilot at a state intersection that UDOT declined — will be among the issues the new committee could study and bring back to the council for action.