The 2020 budget included $65,000 for pedestrian safety projects. At the December 3rd public safety workshop Chief Asmus estimated $140,000 for the installation of RRFB crossings at seven intersections. His estimate did not include the intersection at Bitterroot @ Mission, their number one priority, nor did it cover design and field costs, related utility needs or possible conflicts.
Asmus identified several unknown costs when installing RRFBs which include:
- Design cost
- Infrastructure assessment and potential installation or relocation of utilities
- Street lighting at each of the intersections
- Improvements to pedestrian access (ramps, sidewalk extensions)
- Availability of internal resources for procurement and installation
Four options were presented
- Utilize the $65,000 to complete Bitterroot @ Mission
- Utilize the $65,000 to retain a design consultant to provide cost estimates for each of the priorities. Consider a budget amendment once a cost estimate is available
- Council provides a “not to exceed” budget and city staff would design and construct up to that total based on priorities.
- Open to other ideas from the Mayor and City Council
The City Council recommended assessing and getting true cost estimates for each of the priorities prior to making any budget amendments.
Liberty Lake City Council – December 17, 2019 Meeting / Public Hearing
