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Committee considers budget request for temporary traffic-calming equipment but asks staff to vet liability and engineering
Summary
Chair proposed buying a cache of temporary traffic-calming devices (bollards, speed cushions) for short-term pilots. Members asked staff to consult public works, engineering and legal (city staff) before making a recommendation, citing liability and installation questions.
The committee discussed a proposal to purchase a cache of temporary traffic-calming devices—examples included removable speed cushions, bollards and separators—that could be deployed as short-term tests where complaints arise.
Members welcomed the idea as a low-cost way to test solutions, but several raised risk-management and engineering concerns. One member noted the Salem-Keizer School District and Safe Routes to School already have some equipment for school-related deployments. Another member warned temporary installations carry liability and must be engineered and installed properly.
The committee directed the chair to arrange meetings with staff liaisons (including Mike Griffin and Bill Lawyer) and public works to review engineering, legal risk and budget implications and asked staff to report back to the committee in January before any formal recommendation to council.
"This is my presentation of, hey — this is what I'm thinking. What are your thoughts?" the chair said. Members agreed that staff review should precede a budget ask.
