Laserfiche WebLink
The Committee returned to discussing the potential pilot traffic calming project on Marlowe. <br />Mayor Summers noted that the speed tables would have to be removed from the street before <br />December due to interfering with snow plows. <br />ORDINANCE 05-19 - AN ORDINANCE to take effect at the earliest period allowed by law <br />enacting Section 331.346, Using Mobile Telephones while Driving, of the Codified <br />Ordinances of the City of Lakewood in order to update the Code so as to regulate the use of <br />st <br />mobile phones while driving in the City. (Placed on 1reading and referred to Public <br />nd <br />Safety 1/22/19; 2reading 2/4/19) <br />President O’Leary discussed his rationale for introducing the ordinance and why he feels it is <br />necessary in addition to the City’s current ordinance requiring drivers to devote full-time and <br />attention to driving. First, the ordinance would make use of a handheld phone while driving a <br />primary offense. Second, it would define use of a handheld phone as per se distraction. <br />Currently, a driver could argue in court that while they were using their phone, they were not <br />being distracted by it. As written, the ordinance includes any and all use of a phone as a <br />violation, including talking. He asked for the committee’s favorable consideration. <br />Chief Malley clarified that the ordinance would not allow for a phone to be confiscated and <br />searched to prove phone use. Officer observation would be sufficient to issue a citation. <br />Director Butler clarified that state code allows for home rule in this area. The violation is <br />considered a primary offense unless specifically called out as secondary. <br />Chief Malley suggested that the ordinance go further to ban all distracted driving and to provide <br />specific examples such as use of kindles, ipads, smart watches etc. He noted that the current full <br />time and attention ordinance does not call out any specific actions as distracting and that <br />specificity would be helpful and easier to prove. He also suggested a higher penalty. <br />ector Butler stated that as currently written, a violation would be a minor misdemeanor with a <br />Dir <br />$150 fine plus court costs. He also suggested striking 331.346 (d) (2) (c) to prevent confusion. <br />Councilmember Bullock noted that the use of devices is increasing and so it is helpful to revisit <br />the topic of distracted driving. He asked for more clarity about what is safe and appropriate use <br />of devices while driving. He agreed that talking on a hand-held phone should be prohibited. He <br />also suggested strengthening the penalties. <br />Director Butler and Chief Malley will discuss the possibility of increasing the penalty. <br />President O’Leary expressed support for the suggestion to strike subsection C. but hesitated to <br />increase the penalty. He asked for clarification on the other suggested changes. <br />Councilmember Bullock asked for language that would clarify if GPS use was allowed, if a <br />mounted device was permitted, and what kind of built-in technology is allowed to use or not use. <br />rd <br />He requested that a substitute be prepared by the June 3meeting. <br />2 <br /> <br />