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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_111390 (unsigned)TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVII~IBER 13, 1990 2:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order at 2:05 p.m., by Chairman Vara in Conference Room 3, at the Civic Center, Ukiah, California. Members present were: Beard, Budrow for Keplinger, Fernandez, Goforth, Tindle, Turner, and Chairman Vara. Absent: Harris. Others Present: Mike Sequiera, Trinity School for Children. APPROVAL OF MINU'T'ES ON A MOTION by Turner, seconded by Beard, it was carried by the following vote to approve the minutes of the Traffic Engineering Committee meting of October 9, 1990. AYES: Beard, Budrow, Fernandez, Turner, and Chairman Vara. NOES: None. ABSENT: Harris. ABSTAIN: Goforth and Tindle. Committee manlier Harris entered the meeting at 2:10 p.m. 3. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS Chairman Vara introduced Mike Sequiera of the Trinity School for Children. He stated Mr. Sequiera sent a letter addressed to the Traffic Engineering Coimr~ittee asking the Committee to consider designating two parking spaces, for school use only, in front of the Administration Building located at 915 West Church Street. Mr. Vara requested that this item be added to the November 13, 1990 agenda for discussion. ON A MOTION by Tindle, seconded by Turner, to add Trinity School Parking to the November 13, 1990 agenda. AYES: Beard, Budrow, Fernandez, Goforth, Harris, Tindle, Turner, and Chairman Vara. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Mr. Sequiera stated that it is the interest of the school to designate two (2) parking spaces for company Vehicles to park in front of the Administration Building. The Vehicles are used by staff to take children to appointments for doctors, haircuts, eye doctors, dentists, etc. On occasion, the Vehicles have been parked at least two (2) blocks away due to the increasing number of emq~loyee Vehicles parked within the area. Chairman Vara asked how many company vehicles are involved. Mr. Sequiera responded there are two vehicles. He also mentioned there a re 63 children that live at the school and another 18 children live in various group homes. Chairman Vara noted that if a parking space is not available in front of the Achninistration Building, and the vehicle is parked two blocks away, the next employee who uses the vehicle has to locate the vehicle. Roy Tindle asked if there is any off-street parking adjacent to the playground. Mr. Sequiera responded there is off-street parking next to the shop area that is used for maintenance vehicles and staff parking. It is also the furthest point from the Ac3ninistration Building. He further determined the area located by the playground on Church Street is a red zone area. Mr. Sequiera responded the south side of Church Street is marked as a red zone area. Ken Budrow asked if children are in classes located to the east of the Administration Building of the school facilities. Mr. Sequiera responded only during the morning until 9:00 a.m. and this section of the school is located on Spring Street. He also mentioned that staff takes the child out of class, walks to the Ach[unistration Office, obtains the vehicle keys from the office, and then locates the vehicle. Upon their return, the keys are returned to the Achninistration Office and staff walks the child back to his or her class. Ken Budrow asked if there is vacant land adjacent to the school. Mr. Sequiera responded there is vacant land next to the apartment complex. William Fernandez asked where the vehicles are parked during evening hours. Mr. Sequiera responded they are parked on public streets in front of the Administration Building and there are three vans parked on Barnes Street. The two vehicles to be designated for the two front parking spaces are Ford Escorts. Chairman Vara mentioned that he had previously talked with Mike Sequiera and explained to him that it is not the policy of the City of Ukiah to designate parking spaces in front of a business or organization. However, he felt that the Coianittee could review this situation for a possible solution. Chairman Vara asked if the vehicles will be parked for long periods of time. Mr. Sequiera responded yes. Roy Tindle asked if the Vehicle Code had information pertaining to this type of situation. Ken Budrow responded the Vehicle Code states "prohibits parking that may be too close to an intersection," and per 22507 City Vehicle Code "A Resolution may include a designation of certain streets upon which differential parking privileges are given to residents and merchants adjacent to the streets for their use and the use of their guests under which residents and merchants may be issued a permit or permits which exempt them from the prohibition restrictions of the ordinance or resolution." Mr. Sequiera noted that the vehicles parked on the public streets are employee vehicles of the Trinity School, and do not occupy the parking of other businesses. He also noted that the Administration Office sent aninter-office MINUPES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 13, 1990 PAGE 2 mennrandtun asking staff to cooperate in leaving those two parking spaces vacant. Chairman Vara suggested marking the spaces as a loading zone. He noted that the City of Ukiah parking enforcement officers work the daantown area and that Trinity School is out of their jurisdiction. Roy Tindle asked how many staff manbers are employed at the school. Mr. Sequiera responded approximately 150. He also noted that there are split shifts. Roy Tindle asked if the building located by the pool is currently being used by the school, and if there is a driveway that leads to a parking area, Mr. Sequiera responded that the building is being used for storage, and that there is a driveway that leads to a parking area. The parking area is occupied by the maintenance crew, Discussion ensued regarding the spaces being marked as a loading zone, school bus zone, or issue parking stickers to employees. Chairman Vara asked what the distance is where the maintenance vehicles are parked from the front of the Administration Building, and if the two vehicles could park there. Mr. Sequiera responded the distance is approximately 600 to 700 feet. There are six maintenance employee vehicles, two school vehicles, and vehicles requiring repairs are also parked there. He noted the area is a very small paved area. Bill Beard asked if there are any school emblem markings on the side of the vehicles. Mr. Sequiera responded no. Chairman Vara suggested that the Committee further review this situation. Chairman Vara explained to Mr. Sequiera that this is to be continued to the Decemiber 11, 1990 meeting. Ken Budrow quoted from the Vehicle Code, "A school bus is any motor vehicle designed, used or maintained for the transportation of school pupil at or belay the 12th grade level to or from a public or private school or to or from public or private school activities except the following: carrying manber of the household, of the owner, a motor vehicle designed for and when actually carrying not more than 10 persons. 545 California Vehicle Code. Committee member Harris left the meeting at 2:50 p.m. 3A. Review of "Yield Signs - Mendocino Drive and Spring Street - Mendocino Bill Beard stated that the City Code does not discuss Yield signs. However, it does mention that the traffic engineer can install traffic control signs. Roy Tindle asked if there is not a provision for Yield signs, why are they there. Mr. Beard responded the signs have been there for sane length of time. Roy Tindle asked if stop signs should be installed at Mendocino Drive and Gardens Avenue. Chairman Vara stated that a letter was received from Frank Bean requesting a stop sign be installed at the north end of Mendocino Drive and Gardens Avenue. This was discussed at the October 9, 1990 meeting. MIN[fI~S OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 13, 1990 PAGE 3 Roy Tindle asked what is the vehicle traffic accident status at Mendocino Drive and Gardens Avenue, and Mendocino Drive and Spring Street. Chairman Vara stated that no vehicle traffic accidents have occurred at either intersection during the last three years. Discussion followed. Chairman Vara asked Bill Beard if he is recaanending the installation of control signs at either of the locations or el; m;nate one of the current Yield signs. Mr. Beard responded no. Chairman Vara expressed that he does not have a problem with the Yield signs. 3B. Left Turn Lane, Gobbi Street, West bound at State Street Lane appears to Bill Beard reported that the left-turn pocket located at East Gobbi Street and South State Street is short. He also advised if the left-turn pocket is extended, it will eliminate the east exit from Safeway and the west exist from the shopping center. William Fernandez noted that at least five vehicles can pull into the left turn pocket on East Gobbi Street. Ken Budrow noted that the area has been congested with traffic backed up to Main Street, and that the traffic does pull over to the left to allow the other flow of traffic through. Bill Beard mentioned that to change the block there should be two pockets, back to back, one for east-bound traffic and one for west-bound traffic. This change will affect the north-side driveway of the shopping center and the Safeway left turn exit. Ted Goforth asked how many additional vehicles could pull into the pocket if changed. Bill Beard responded approximately 2 additional vehicles each way. Ken Budrow asked what would happen if there was adouble-double yellow line the entire block. Bill Beard responded currently it is a double yellow stripe. Bill Beard asked Ken Budrow what is the possibility of having a double-double yellow striping with 2 pockets back to back which would allow Police the authority to cite vehicles crossing the yellow line from Safeway and the shopping center. Ken Budrow stated vehicles currently making a left-turn exit from the shopping center and crossing a solid yellow line can be cited. Discussion followed regarding a double-double yellow line, a broken yellow line, ingress and egress from the shopping center and Safeway, and the extension time of street signal light. Bill Beard noted that the traffic signal light located on Gobbi Street and South State Street is set to allow more time to South State Street. He also stated that it is currently being considered to hire a consultant to do a study of all traffic signal timings within the City of [7kiah. The study will be based on changes that have taken place in the Commtnity, the increased MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 13, 1990 PAGE 4 traffic volume, and traffic patterns. This study will show what changes could be made in the traffic light timing. Ted Goforth noted that the double-double yellow will work. Discussion ensued. 3C. Railroad Crossing at Airport Road and Commerce - No warnin li hts. Ted Goforth reported that there are no crossing signals, street light, street markings or reflectors at the railroad crossing at the City yard. He recommended that this matter be referred to the Electric Department to install street lighting at the intersection on both sides of the track. Ken Budrow asked if it is the responsibility of the railroad to install lights within the City of Ukiah. Bill Beard responded under certain PUC rules the railroad is required to install flashing lights at the crossing. At rural situations he is not sure if lights are required. Ted Goforth noted the Public Works Department will install the appropriate railroad crossing signs and appropriate street markings on Airport Road. Ken Budrow noted "railroad warning-approach signs should be erected by local authorities upon the right hand side of each approach of every highway within the jurisdiction to a grade crossing of a railroad or electric interurban railway at a reasonable distance from the crossing." City Code 21362 Chairman Vara asked if there are any other railroad crossings with the same situation. Bi11 Beard responded there is one south of the corporation yard. However, it is an access into private property. ON A NKYPION by Beard, seconded by Vara, it was carried by the following voice vote to have Ted Goforth discuss with the Electric Department the feasibility of installing street lights on both sides of the railroad tracks at Airport Road and Commerce, and to contact the railroad regarding the installation of required railroad crossing signals. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: 3D. Beard, Budrow, Fernandez, Goforth, Tindle, Turner, and Chairman Vara. None. Harris. None. Ted Goforth stated this was reported by members of the Public Works Staff. On Washington Avenue and Washington Court there are no stop signs and no street name signs. Chairman Vara asked if installing a stop sign requires going before the City Council. Bill Beard responded that to install a stop sign, the location should be in a resolution adopted by the City Council. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING CONIl~IITTEE NOVEMBER 13, 1990 PAGE 5 Steve Turner mentioned there is a large retirement home opening at Washington Street and South Dora Street. A driveway access to the parking lot is on Washington Street which will generate more traffic crossing Washington Street. ON A MO'T'ION by Goforth, seconded by Budrow, it was carried by the following voice vote to recoacriend to the City Council to establish a stop sign at Washington Avenue and Washington Court. AYES: Beard, Budrow, Fernandez, Goforth, Tindle, Turner, and Chairman Vara. NOES: None. ABSENT: Harris. ABSTAIN: None. Chairman Vara asked what reasoning behind installing a stop sign at Hospital Drive and Orchard Avenue. Ken Budrow responded it is a T shape intersection, the increase of traffic from Blue Shield and traffic leaving the hospital and using Hospital Drive to Orchard and Orchard to Perkins. It is difficult to make a left turn from Hospital Drive to Perkins with the amount traffic. He also stated with the opening of Mervyn's the traffic has increased on Orchard Avenue. Ted Goforth mentioned that Orchard Avenue is wide enough to change to a four lane street. Discussion followed regarding the installation of a stop sign on Hospital Drive at Orchard Avenue, any future construction on Orchard Avenue to the undeveloped areas, and the increased traffic from Hospital Drive to Ford Street. Ted Goforth noted that in commercial areas stop signs are required, and that this is the only commercial area with no stop sign. ON A MOTION by Goforth, seconded by Beard, to recommend to the City Council to establish a stop sign on Hospital Drive at Orchard Avenue. AYES: Beard, Budrow, Fernandez, Goforth, Tindle, Turner, and Chairman Vara. NOES: None. ABSENT: Harris. ABSTAIN: None. MISCETSANEOUS ITEMS Chairman Vara asked that Miscellaneous Items be limited to short discussion items. A11 major discussion items are to be placed on the Agenda. Roy Tindle mentioned that the No Parking signs located in front of Ford Street Guest house are facing in the wrong direction and cannot be read from the street. He also suggested that a red-curb be placed on the street to help prevent parking. Chairman Vara referred this item to the Public Works Department for review of the signs and possible red-curb markings. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 13, 1990 PAGE 6 Roy Tindle mentioned the possibility of a freeway on/off ramp at Brush Street and suggested that the Committee discuss this possibility with Caltrans. Chairman Vara stated that it is not the responsibility of Caltrans, but the the responsibility and cost of the City. Discussion followed regarding an on/off ramp at Brush Street due to the increased traffic flow on Perkins Street and Talmage. Chairman Vara stated that in the Growth Management Plan there are various c:amtittees, and that there is a committee responsible to review traffic. He also stated that he will pass the co[m~nts onto the Growth Management committee. Ted Goforth noted that there are plans for a traffic signal light on Talmage when Wal-Mart is built. Ken Budrow mentioned that he contacted Merton Rice regarding stop signs at Beacon Lane and Beacon Way. He mentioned that behind the Beacon Restaurant it is a one-way access lane and a blind intersection. He also stated that he agreed with Mr. Rice, that the Committee should review this situation. It was also noted that customers of the restaurant are double parking on State Street. Ted Goforth mentioned the pedestrian hazard between Clara and the west side of Orchard Avenue. He noted the areas is very dark and recommends pedestrian right-of-way signs. It is recoirmended that the Engineering Department review this intersection for pedestrian right-of~way signs and street lights. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m. George Vara, Chairman Kathy Kinch, Recording Secretary R:TEC TEC MINVPES 11/13/90 MINUI~S OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 13, 1990 PAGE 7