City manager introduces Sgt. Travis Henderson as city’s new law enforcement administrator
In one of the periodic “Deep Dives” into a city issue, the Buellton City Council in its Thursday, March 27, meeting learned the ins and outs of the “traffic-calming” devices of speed humps (which are different from speed bumps) and the possibility of installing them on Buellton’s city streets.
However, any residents expecting the installation of such humps moving forward anytime soon are going to be disappointed.
In the first Business Item on the meeting agenda, City Manager Scott Wolfe made the presentation on the speed humps as a traffic-calming measure. In starting the presentation Wolfe, pointed out he was doing so as a “non-engineer/non-expert” in traffic engineering in lieu of Public Works Director Rose Hess, who was absent from the meeting. The city manager said Hess would be the best person to answer some of the more technical questions on the humps and other traffic measures.
Wolfe state there has been a lot of talk in town about ways to slow down traffic in Buellton, especially in residential areas.
“There have been questions from neighborhoods about people speeding through their streets; it’s not uncommon, but it’sbeen coming to a head lately,” he said. “The typical request is for speed bumps, or humps.”
Wolfe explained to begin with, while many call the traffic devices “speed bumps,” actual speed bumps are the kind found generally in parking lots and aren’t permitting on actual roads. They measure 3.5 inches high and 18 inches long. Speed humps, on the other hand, are 3.5 inches high and 12 feet long, enough in many case to contain a crosswalk if need be.
Wolfe continued that although speed humps are usually suggested as a solution by residents concerned about speeding, it is one of many, and also not one that’s popular among many cities’ leader and staff members.
“All the cities I have ever worked for have the same disinclination to install speed humps as a general rule,” he said.”While they sound good, the detriments tend to outweight the benefits.”
Wolfe said that if the city should decide to pursue the addition of speed humps, it should make sure to establish a city policy explicitly allowing them to install the humps. He noted that two neighboring cities have had policy allowingthem to build the humps.
“Lompoc installed a few back in 2014, I believe, but by 2019 decided not to allow any more to be installed,” Wolfe said. “Solvang still has a policy for them but only installs them on local roads with a 25 mph speed limit.”
Finally, Wolfe point out the policy of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, which he said takes no formal position, but states that before they are installed, jurisdictions must have them approved by traffic engineers, make sure regulations are followed, and establish a resolution allowing them.
During questions and comments, the councilmembers said they were more interested in exploring other options to calm traffic, of which Wolfe said were many. Traffic officers and the “speed trailers” that track the speed of passing cars were two that were mentioned.
Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis was the first to voice opposition to the humps.
“I’m not a fan of bumps/humps,” she said. “I think we should concentrate on getting a motor officer in Buellton. That’s a better deterrent.”
Later on, Councilmember John Sanchez was even more adamant in his opposition to the idea.
“I haven’t talked to anyone who likes speed bumps,” he said. “I’ve read articles on joggers tripping on bumps. I don’tsee anything good about this, and I don’t want to waste money on this. I like speed trailers. In fact, I’m willing to make policy prohibiting bumps.”
Councilmember Hudson Hornick, however, reminded his colleagues it’s not necessary to pass any policy against the humps.
“This doesn’t call for us to do anything,” he said. “I’m a fan of properly placed speed humps, but we don’t need to take action now.”
Mayor David Silva said he’s open to speed humps, but only if the city has a policy backing it up; however, he agrees there are other ways.
“I feel humps is the only solution residents seem to be aware of, but there are more creative solutions,” he said. “I don’twant any bumps without policy backing it up, so I guess I’m against them in general. We can just educate public on other solutions; we’re still addressing the issue.”
Listening in on the traffic discussion was an audience member with a vested interest: Sheriff’s Sgt. (and “soon-to-be-Lt,” according to Wolfe) Travis Henderson. Earlier in the meeting, Wolfe introduced Henderson as the person who would be Buellton’s new police chief, replacing the retiring Lt. Frank Valencia.
Henderson had a chance to address the council after the Councilmember Comments segment.
“I’ve been with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s for almost 20 years,” Henderson said. “Getting this assignment, I couldn’t be happier. The Valley is my home, and where my heart is. I’m excited to start this next chapter.”
In other business:
- Council approved a 5% Cost of Living Adjustment for city employees to ensure salaries remain competitive and aligned with inflation.
- Council also OK’d a few mid-year budget amendments for the fiscal year 2024-25.
The City Council meets next on Thursday, April 10, at 6 p.m.
