June '10 Nevada Government—City of Henderson Column

City Of Henderson Installs Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Signal

June 24, 2010 – Henderson, NV – The city of Henderson will be the first Southern Nevada municipality to implement a flashing yellow arrow left-turn traffic signal, to replace the traditional “dog house” green circular signal currently used throughout the valley. The new signal will begin operation on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Van Wagenen Street.

The most common type of traffic accident occurs when a motorist fails to yield to oncoming traffic while making a left turn. Federal Highway Administration studies show motorists have fewer accidents with flashing yellow left-turn arrows than with traditional green circular signals. The flashing yellow arrow is more intuitive to motorists and results in fewer incorrect decisions to turn.

“Henderson is actively pursuing programs and services that foster a safe community,” said Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen. “Installation of this new type of signal will greatly improve the safety of Henderson intersections for both motorists and pedestrians.”

Flashing yellow arrow traffic signals will eventually be installed at 80 intersections throughout Henderson, for a total cost of $263,000.

These flashing yellow arrow signals will also improve traffic flows, providing more options for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada’s Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation (FAST) division to coordinate signal lights and move traffic more efficiently across the valley. FAST is currently responsible for coordinating more than 1,000 traffic signals throughout Southern Nevada and it is supportive of the city’s implementation of the flashing yellow arrow traffic signals.

“We’re confident that the flashing yellow arrow signals will reduce accidents and we’re looking forward to the signals being installed throughout the Las Vegas Valley beginning later this year,” said FAST Director Glenn Grayson. “They will save lives and will be a valuable tool for FAST as we work to provide smoother commutes to area motorists.”

Motorists can learn more about the flashing yellow arrow traffic signal by visiting the city’s website at cityofhenderson.com or the Nevada Department of Transportation website at nevadadot.com/safety/improvements/TurnSignal.asp.

To learn more about FAST, visit the RTC’s Web site at rtcsnv.com.

City Of Henderson Mayor And Council To Vote On City Union Contracts

July 1, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Three union contracts representing five bargaining units and 1,253 employees will go before the Henderson City Council for approval next week.

The contracts, representing every bargaining unit in the city, will be on the agenda to go before the city council at their Thursday, July 8 city council meeting. The mayor and council will receive a report in a public hearing from City Manager Mark Calhoun on the details of each tentative agreement prior to the council vote on the contracts.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our union representatives for their hard work to hammer out these contracts,” said Calhoun. “They’ve shown great leadership and worked with us in a true spirit of collaboration to make sure we have real cost savings. These contracts will go a long way towards helping us through these difficult financial times without having to significantly impact essential services.”

Police Union President Gary Hargis said that the ultimate goal for the police union was to be a part of the solution to ensure that public safety remained undiminished for the residents of Henderson.

“We felt it was important to work with the city in support of our cost saving efforts,” said Hargis. “Ultimately our goal is to efficiently maintain a safe community for the residents of Henderson and we were proud of our members for continuing their commitment to do that in tough times.”

The Henderson Police Officers Association ratified a three year extension to their collective bargaining agreement which extends their previously negotiated zero percent increases in base wages and benefits for the next two fiscal years.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1883 ratified a two year extension of their 2008-2010 contract agreement. With the extension, IAFF members agreed to give up a previously negotiated 1.25% base wage increase for each of two years. Approval of this agreement will net the city almost $2.9 million in savings for the fiscal years 2010 through 2015.

“The most important consideration for Henderson firefighters is that we continue to provide the highest level of medical and fire fighting response to our community,” said IAFF President Dan Pentkowski. “We face the same financial challenges as any other city or county government. It’s through the combined leadership of the City Council and Union that we ensure our community’s safety is not impacted by the economic downturn.”

The Teamsters Local 14 opened negotiations early and ratified contract modifications in the third year of their current four year contract. Teamster members agreed to give up a previously approved base wage increase of 1% in 2010 and 1.25% in 2011. Approval of this concession agreement will net the city over $10.3 million in savings for the fiscal years 2010 through 2015.

“We are proud that our members stepped up to the plate to do the right thing and help be a part of the solution here,” said Larry Griffith, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 14. “The City of Henderson and Teamsters leadership have done a great job working to come up with an agreement that really accomplishes what is best for everyone.”