ATSSA The Signal Nov/Dec 2019

The Signal | November/December 2019 43 The Sign Committee meeting introduced two new members, Mike Egan of ORAFOL Americas Inc. and Bill Korman, a repre- senting proxy for Sarah Korman-Boutwell of Korman Signs Inc. Highlights during the meeting hadMichael Conoscenti of the Digital Print Sign Manufacturing Accreditation Program Task Force providing a status recap and follow-through of a work- shop to be presented during 2020 Convention & Traffic Expo, entitled “A Guide to Purchasing Compliant Digitally Printed Traffic Signs.” The focus of this initiative is to place attention on a digital printing guide that stresses the significance of sign fabricator certification, to help members adopt robust sign purchasing requirements that incorporate the latest technologies. This task force report was later followed by guest presenta- tions from Dale Heglund, PE/PLS, of the North Dakota LTAP, who spoke on this subject aswell as his RoadWarriors Program, and Camille Abou-Fadel, PE of Caltrans on recent local initia- tives. Concluding the overall meeting, Angel Ramos of ATSSA, introduced a new FHWA sponsored ATSSA Retroreflectivity Members of ATSSA Sign Committee listen to one of several discussion on digital signs, the Road Warriors Program, and several local initiatives. Sign Committee for Sign Inspectors training program, described as an assess- ment tool designed to guide DOT or third party contractors in the conduct of their sign inspections, based on standards of the MUTCD. Strategic Highway Safety Plan Council The Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) Council began with self-introductions, Illinois DOT and California DOT were repre- sented. The council was updated that their new staff liaison is David Bell, ATSSA director of government relations. Thomas Schriber, state traffic safety engineer from Caltrans gave a presentation on Caltrans SHSP development and imple- mentation. The presentation prompted dialogue regarding the establishment of priorities in the reduction in annual fatalities and the roles of enforcement, emergency response, and education interests in developing the plan. It was felt that the roles of these “outside interests” or non-industry groups were valuable and represented serious stakeholders in the process. Caltrans has had extensive involvement fromATSSA members in their process and served as a model for other agencies. Filiberto Sotello of Illinois DOT provided an overview of their SHSP and discussed their 16 areas of emphasis in their plan development. They recently held a Safety Summit with all stakeholders that was attended by over 300 people. Their plan is heavily data driven and has had active support and participation by Illinois ATSSA Chapter membership. Friends of the Council provided updates on the SHSP process in their states including Indiana, Arizona, Alabama, andKansas. The topic of a draft mission statement for the council was raised. A request was made of members to provide topics and potential language for a council mission statement which will be an agenda topic for the next meeting. Priscilla Tobias of Arora and Associates PC was nominated and approved for the open position of Secretary of the coun- cil. This procedure will be repeated at the next meeting when a quorum is present. New business included the task force recommendations developed in the Chapter President’s Council session earlier on August 21. Member Engagement