Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 9 of the City Code denoting school zones for Frasier Middle School along Peachtree Road, Memorial Boulevard and Scyene Road (SH-352) which school zones will also include protection for West Mesquite High School and Seabourn Elementary School since all three schools are in the same area, effective August 19, 2018.
Body
The purpose of a school zone is to allow children to safely cross a street at a marked crossing. Staff proposes extending existing school zones along Peachtree Road, Memorial Boulevard and Scyene Road, for the new Frasier Middle School, which will open in August of this year.
James Huckaby, Safety Officer, Mesquite Independent School District (MISD), has initiated discussions with staff concerning the need for new school zones and crossing guards for Frasier Middle School. Approximately 1,200 students are expected to attend this school, beginning August 2018. The proposed school zone extensions include (a) extending the existing school zone on Peachtree Road from 400 feet south of Picadilly Boulevard to Scyene Road, (b) extending the existing school zone on Memorial Boulevard from Brunswick Lane to Peachtree Road and (c) extending the existing school zone on Scyene Road from Rollingwood Drive to Peachtree Road. Deployment of school crossing guards at the existing school crossing at Scyene Road and Fielding Drive, and at the proposed crossing, with the installation of a multiway stop at the intersection of Peachtree Road and Memorial Boulevard, is also recommended for approval. MISD staff supports these recommendations.
Financial Implications
The two additional new school zone flasher units equipped with a two-way radio system will cost $8,314.00. By a prior agreement, MISD participates in 50 percent of the cost of new flasher installations, with MISD’s participation in the amount of $4,157.00. Remaining funding is available in the approved Traffic Engineering Division budget to cover the installation of the school zone flashers and signs. The cost to provide crossing guards at any crosswalk is funded 50 percent by MISD and the City of Mesquite. The annual cost to provide crossing guards at this location is $4,000.00 for each entity.
Recommendations/desired action
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance.
Attachments
Ordinance
Location map
Drafter
Srini Mandayam, P.E.
Head of Department
Matthew Holzapfel, P.E.