The Rohnert Park City Council Tuesday rejected a claim for damages by the parents of a 2-year-old who was killed Dec. 1 when she was struck by a car in a Snyder Lane crosswalk.
In their claims, Jeff Murray and his wife Ling Murray, who was also severely injured in the accident, alleged the city failed to "provide proper warning signs and other warning devices, creating a hidden trap" at the crossing.
Their daughter, Calli Murray, was killed as she and her mother walked in the crosswalk at Medical Center Drive.
The city's rejection of the claims, which occurred with no public discussion, lays the groundwork for the Murrays to sue the city in civil court should they decide to.
The accident prompted city officials to commission a traffic safety study. This month, the City Council adopted a first phase of a citywide traffic safety improvement project recommended by the study.
It includes short-term improvements, including fresh crosswalk paint, to be added along Snyder Lane where Ling and Calli Murray were struck.
The driver of the car, Kaitlyn Dunaway, 18, has been charged with misdemeanor manslaughter. Police said she was using a cell phone and distracted when she struck the mother and daughter.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: