Traffic Safety Committee

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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	July, 2005	Return to newsletter index

In the early 1970's, the Saco City Council routinely handled all traffic regulatory concerns. This area of concern often became bogged down in the political process and was not serving the community with optimum efficiency. The response was to create the Traffic Safety Committee and give it limited legislative powers. The goal was to expedite the process of dealing with traffic related issues, increase the level of professional influence in the decision making process while ensuring that citizen representation and participation remained secure.

Deputy Police Chief Charlie Labonte and Doug Howard, General Superintendent of Public Works discuss traffic issues.

To accomplish this, the committee was created to include the following seven members: two members of the City Council; the City Administrator; Fire Chief; Police Chief; Public Works Director and a Traffic Safety Officer. Due to the nature of the mandates and authorities provided to the Police Chief in the City Charter, the primary responsibility of managing the processes of this committee fell on the Police Department. To ensure protection for the democratic process, any council member serving on the committee may appeal any action taken by the committee to full council for review and final disposition.

Typically, traffic safety related concerns are directed to the Traffic Safety Officer for evaluation. In cases where the situation is seen as causing a public safety problem, the issue is placed on the agenda of the next meeting for consideration and action. Prior to any meeting, the agenda is mailed to any potentially affected member of the public. Public participation is encouraged and welcomed to ensure that all public safety concerns are considered in the decision making process.

During an open, public meeting the issue is discussed by Committee members and public participation is allowed. Following commentary by members and the public, appropriate motions are made and voted upon, and adopted by the Committee if passed.

Upon action by the committee, directives are forwarded to the Public Works Department to post any new regulatory signs or take any other steps to advise the public of expected compliance, and police personnel are notified of the changes and directed to take appropriate enforcement action.

This process has served Saco well over the years. It has added professionalism and consistency to the consideration of new traffic ordinances and allowed a forum for comment that is a bit less formal and intimidating for those wishing for input on matters that affect their safety. These meetings are held approximately every other month and are open to the public. Interested persons can check the City Hall meeting schedule for information on the next meeting. We hope to see you there!