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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_121394TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room 3 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 DECEMBER 13, 1994 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT BUDROW, Kenneth FORD, Steve HARRIS, Michael KENNEDY, Rick LOONEY, Jim TURNER, Steve -Chairman STAFF PRESENT Kathy Kinch Recording Secretary MEMBERS ABSENT FERNANDEZ, William OTHERS PRESENT Howazd Henly Louise Gomes The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Turner at 5:30 p.m. Roll was called with the results listed above. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -SEPTEMBER 13. 1994 Member Harris advised under Members Present he is listed twice. Member Kennedy advised on Page 3, Paragraph 6, change the word east to west, the sentence to read: "The bus drop-off area will be moved from the present location on South Dora to the north side of Mendocino Drive west of Alice Drive." On Page 4, Paragraph 6, change the word east to west, and delete the words east of Alice Avenue, the sentence to read: "ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Budrow, it was cazried by an all AYE vote the Traffic Engineering Committee approve the request to install a crosswalk on Mendocino Avenue, west of the intersection of Mendocino Avenue and Alice Avenue. Red curb or appropriate signage in both directions as determined by the Public Works Department, from Alice Avenue." MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ~ DECEMBER t3, 1994 On Page 4, Pazagraph 2, delete the Triple A and add California State Automobile Insurance -AAA, the sentence to read: "Member Woods inquired if there will be crossing guazds. Mr. Beckstrom responded the School has contacted California State Automobile Insurance -AAA to train high school students to be crossing guards." Member Budrow made a correction on Page 3, Paragraph 3, delete the word link, the sentence to read: "Discussion followed regarding curb on both sides of the driveway, no sidewalk; handicap parking requirements; the possibility of installing a chain fence across the new driveway to eliminate the parking lot as a thoroughfaze from State ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Budrow, it was carried by an all AYE vote to approve the minutes of November 8, 1994, as corrected. ABSTAIN: Member Ford. ABSENT: Member Fernandez. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Turner read "Audience Comments on Non-Agenda Items" to those present Erik Larsen, 123 Clara Avenue, member with the Neighborhood Group which deals with traffic in the Wagenseller neighborhood submitted a written proposal to Robert Sawyer, Planning Director, as an addition to or amendment to the new General Plan. The written proposal has been submitted to the Planning Commission. The proposal request for the creation of Neighborhood Traffic Management and Policy. It addresses the traffic problems in and around the neighborhoods in the City. The goal is to preserve and enhance the small town character and integrity of all residential neighborhood streets. The City shall provide for the mitigation of adverse impacts from unwazranted volumes of traffic or excessive speed in residential areas. During the short-term planning period the City shall develop and implement a Neighborhood Management Plan or Program. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: NEW BUSINESS b. Request for Multi-way Stop (4-Way) on South Dora Street at Wabash Avenue -Howard Henly Mr. Howazd Henly, 1321 Laurel Avenue, advised he is representing the Neighborhood Watch, and in a survey of the neighborhood it was agreed there is a need for a stop sign at South Dora and Wabash Avenue. There are 116 families living in the general area of Yokayo, Rose, Laurel and the cul-de-sac. The traffic at the intersection has increased due to the new County Clinic and the Adventist Church located within the area. There are children walking to and from Nokomis School. There are vehicles parked on Dora, both sides, making it difficult to see on-coming traffic in both directions. He is requesting easier access onto Dora from Wabash Avenue. Member Kennedy advised the intersection is currently atwo-way stop for east and west bound traffic on Wabash. From a review of the most current SWITRS report, one traffic accident was reported to occur neaz this intersection within the 12 month period from July 1, 1993 to June 30, 1994. The incident involved a vehicle backing into a parked car on Wabash 100 feet east of South Dora on May 12,1994 at 4:30 p.m. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ~ DECEMBER 13, 1994 As indicated from a Volume Count Repoli prepared by the County Public Works Department in July of 1991, the average daily traffic on South Dora between Tedford and Wabash is 4,019 with hourly volumes exceeding 300 vehicles per hour for 3 to 5 hours in the afternoon. Traffic counts on Wabash, east and west of South Dora aze not available. From the information known at this time, it can be determined that wazrants 1 and 2 for a multi-way stop (multi-way an interim to traffic signal and accident wazrants) are not met. Without traffic volumes on Wabash, it can ~ be determined if the minimum traffic volume wazrant has been satisfied. It is noted that the Dora Street corridor is a primazy north/south collector route for traffic west of State Street. Along most of its length, the posted speed limit is 30 m.p.h. and there are a limited number of multi-way stops along its length within the City limits from Tedford to Grove Avenue. Those locations are as follows: I. Tedford 2. Washington 3. Observatory 4. Gobbi Street 5. Mill Street 6. Clay Street 7. Perkins Street 8. Walnut 9. Grove It is highly recommended that further traffic engineering studies be conducted prior to making any recommendation that amulti-way stop be installed as requested. Member Budrow advised in a meeting he attended with the Office of Traffic Safety for the State of California, the City of Ukiah has been granted to receive a mobile trailer to be placed in various locations that will display the posted speed limit and the traveling speed of vehicles. An Officer will be assigned to the trailer to work traffic and write citations. During the meeting it was discussed the possibilities of other grants for bicycle safety programs, crossing-guazd programs, and other related traffic programs. Discussion followed regarding a traffic engineering study on Wabash. The purpose of a four-way stop is to provide drivers on a secondazy street the opportunity to enter into the main traffic stream on the primary street. If the traffic on the primary street is so heavy, vehicles ont he secondary street cannot access onto the primary, afour-way stop is warranted. Traffic Engineers and Police Officers have found stop signs (four-way stops) installed without meeting warrants, citizens do not make full complete stops, they roll through the stop signs. ON A MOTION by Member Kennedy, seconded by Member Harris, it was carried by an all AYE vote the Engineering Department perform avehicular/pedestrian traffic study, and evaluate the pazking situation for adequate sight distance on South Dora Street at Wabash Avenue, in both directions. This information is to be brought back to the February 14, 1995 meeting. ABSENT: Member Fernandez. d. Request for Speed Limit Sians on Lorraine Street between Talmage Frontage Road and Marlene Street -Louis Gomes Louise Gomes, 18 Lorraine Street, is requesting speed limit signs on Lorraine Street to slow down traffic, and additional traffic enforcement. Traffic has increased due to Wal-Mart at Airport Park Boulevazd. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE ~ DECEMBER 13, 1994 However, he felt with the new mobile trailer granted to the Ukiah Police Department will help slow down traffic. Member Kennedy advised Lorraine Street is within a residential district as defined in the Vehicle Code and the speed limit is 25 M.P.H. pursuant to Section 22352 of the Code. Speed restriction signs may, but need not be erected upon any road at the entrance into the residence district pursuant to Section 21357. The "pre and post Wal-Mart" traffic counts within the residential subdivision north of Talmage verify that the amount of through traffic utilizing Lorraine Street has increased substantially since the extension of Orchazd Avenue to Mazlene Street and the signalization improvement to Talmage and Airport Pazk Boulevazd intersection. It is most probable that this through traffic is exceeding the prima facia speed limit. The condition and pavement width of Lorraine Street does not justify a speed limit greater than the limit of 25 M.P.H. Pursuant to the Wal-Mart Development Agreement, the City is required to install traffic diverters within the residential neighborhood of Lorraine, Betty, Cooper and Marlene Streets should traffic volumes be increased within this neighborhood by reason of the Wal-Mart Project. The type and proposed locations for the traffic diverters will be discussed with the residents in the near future. A possible diverter or deterrent to be discussed are speed bumps. Concerning the immediate problem of speeding vehicles on Lorraine Street, it is doubtful that speed signs will rectify the problem. This Staff member has in the past (Sutter County) installed speed pavement markings on residential streets in an attempt to remind motorists of the speed limit; however, after traffic speed studies demonstrated that the markings were ignored. This Staff member recommends spot speed enforcement on Lorraine Street. Chairman Turner inquired if it is possible to reprogram the traffic signal at the intersection of Airport Park Boulevazd and Talmage Road to discourage north bound traffic from Airport Park Boulevazd into the neighborhood, and have a left and right turn cycle only with no through movement. Member Kennedy responded the residential area has greatly been impacted by increased traffic from the Wal-Mart area, and the extension of Orchard Avenue to Marlene. The Agreement between the City of Ukiah and Wal-Mart, the City must try traffic diverters within the residential azea (Betty, Lorraine, Mazlene, etc.) Bill Beazd, the previous City Engineer, had discussions with citizens, and a petition was signed by many of the residents in the azea wanting a diversion t another location. The City Engineer would like to survey the residents within this area regarding traffic diversion or speed hump, or perhaps discuss the possibility of eliminating the south bound movement to Wal-Mart at Airport Park Boulevard. ON A MOTION by Member Hazris, seconded by Member Looney, it was cazried by an all AYE vote, the City Engineer meet with the neighbors in the area relative to the circulation issue, but no specific action be taken other than to request that additional spot speed enforcement on Lorraine Street in his report. The City Engineer is to return all information back to the Committee. ABSENT: Member Fernandez. Member Budrow advised a written request to the Operations Division of the Ukiah Police Department indicating there is a concern on traffic speed within this area, list all areas of concern, and perform speed enforcement within those area. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGUIEER[NG COMMITTEE A DECEMBER 13, ]994 a. Request for NO PARKING ZONE (red curb) between Fire Hydrant and Drivev~ ADnroach in Front of 1349 South Dora -Alfred Carter Member Kennedy advised a request for red curbing denoting "NO PARKING" between the fire hydrant and the southerly drive approach to the Ukiah Convalescent Hospital located at 1349 South Dora has been made by Alfred Carter. According to the requestor, vehicles have been parking between the fire hydrant and the driveway obstructing site distance for vehicles exiting from the Hospital parking lot. The distance from the fire hydrant and the southerly transition wing of the driveway approach is 23 feet. On, Wednesday, December 7, 1994 a navy blue Mazda, Nevada license plate 197-FSP, was pazked at the referenced location with the reaz bumper within seven (7) feet of the fire hydrant. It is noted that pursuant to Section 22514 of the California Vehicle Code, "No person shall stop, pazk or leave standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant except as follows: (a) If the vehicle is attended by a licensed driver who is seated in the front seat and who can immediately move such vehicle in case of necessity. (b) If the local authority adopts an ordinance or resolution reducing that distance. If the distance is less than 10 feet total length when measured along the curb or edge of the street, the distance shall be indicated by signs or markings. (c) If the vehicle is owned or operated by a Fire Department and is cleazly mazked as a Fire Department vehicle. No municipal ordinance section or resolution reducing the clearance distance of IS feet has been found. There aze no signs posted adjacent to the fire hydrant indicating a clearance distance of less than 10 feet. Therefore, it is physically impossible to park a motorized vehicle, excluding a motor bike, or electric cart, between the fire hydrant and driveway without encroaching within the required cleaz zone for the fire hydrant. In lieu of painting the curb red, would the same result be achieved through traffic enforcement of Section 22514 of the Vehicle Code. ON A MOTION by Member Hazris, seconded by Member Budrow, the Public Works Department red curb the east side of South Dora from driveway to driveway, past the fire hydrant, located in front of 1349 South Dora AYE: Members Budrow, Ford, Harris, Looney, and Chairman Turner NOES: Member Kennedy ABSENT: Member Fernandez ABSTAIN: None. c. Reouest/Inquirv Regardine the Removal of Restricted Parking Hours on the East Side of Live Oak Avenue between Grove Avenue and Dora Avenue -Pat with Realty World Member Kennedy advised an inquiry regarding the possible removal of restricted pazking hours on the east side of Live Oak Avenue between Grove Avenue and Dora Avenue has been made by Realty World on behalf of a prospective buyer of a residential home along this block. Both sides of Live Oak Avenue MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE S DECEMBER 13, 1994 from Walnut Avenue to Park Boulevazd aze posted to restrict the pazking hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. This restricted pazking was established by the passage of Resolution No. 81-18 on August 6, 1980. The preamble set forth in the resolution states that late night traffic and vehicle parking near and around Todd Grove Pazk contributed to noise and congestion detrimental to the peace and quiet of the adjacent residential neighborhood. It would appeaz that the residents of the adjacent residential neighborhood requested the restricted pazking. It is noted that the following number of houses are situated with their front doors facing Live Oak Avenue and the number of driveways having access to Live Oak. Between Walnut and Grove 3 driveway cuts 3 front doors Between Grove and Dora 1 driveway cut 4 front doors Between Dora and Cypress 1 driveway cut 3 front doors It is advisable that prior to recommending any removal of the restricted pazking the residents in the neighborhood should be surveyed as to their position regazding this matter. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Budrow, it was carried by an all AYE vote, this item be cazried to the February meeting and the City Attorney be requested to provide interpretation of normal residential parking. A survey of the neighborhood be conducted by the City Manager and Community Services Department and review for its original intent. Send a copy of the Ordinance highlighting "these restrictions shall not apply to normal residential parking" to the party making the request, and a letter explaining Staff is pursuing a clearer meaning of normal residential parking. Member Budrow advised the Ukiah Police Department recommended the Pazk side of the street only. Member Kennedy advised the Public Works Department will survey other residents regarding the removal of restricted parking. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Request for Red Curb on East Side of Bush Street South of Garrett Drive Member Kennedy advised Ms. Betty Hartnett has inquired about her request fora "NO PARKING ZONE" (red curb) along the east side of North Bush Street south of Garrett Drive and has provided us a copy of a letter of request to Mr. Bill Beazd dated April 28, 1993. According to a copy of the minutes of Traffic Engineering Committee's May 4, 1993 meeting, the MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE / DECEMBER 13, 1994 Committee approved the request to establish a NO PARKING ZONE (red curb) on the east side of North Bush Street, 20 to 30 feet south of the light standard at 1171 Bush Street. There is no upper limit noted in the motion made and approved. On another motion, the Committee directed the Engineering Division to send a letter to the residents located within the subject azea of the ro os red curb to receive their input regarding the red curb. This second motion implies that there was second thoughts on the first motion that was passed. As previously relayed to the Committee, the east curb of Bush from the southeast curb return at Garrett to the north driveway transition in front of 1191 Bush Street has been painted red. To my knowledge, the residents have not been surveyed as to their desire for red curbing in front of 1181 and 1171 Bush Street. Ms. Hartnett mentions in her letter of April 28, 1993, that many residents have more vehicles than can be pazked in the two car driveways and must utilize on-street pazking. It is verified that the neighbor just north of Ms. Hartnett has at least five (5) vehicles: I have observed several times two (2) vehicles in the driveway and three (3) along the street or one (1) in the gazage, two (2) in the driveway and two (2) parked on the street. Before any on-street pazking within a residential azea is eliminated and the needs of some residents curtailed, it is recommended that the Committee further consider all circumstances so that any action to reduce pazking is justified and/or a compromise can be reached that meets the overall needs of the Community. It is acknowledged that vehicles parked on the street adjacent to intersections does obstruct the drivers line of vision down the intersecting street. In all of these cases, the minor leg of the intersection is stopped and the motorists on the minor leg who is entering into the intersection must pull forwazd to obtain adequate sighting of oncoming vehicles on the major leg before proceeding through the intersection. From a review of the S.W.I.T.R.S. report, no vehicular accidents at this intersection have been reported. The requestor has witnessed and experienced "many close calls" or neaz hits at this location. Does the fact that there was time to react to avoid the collisions imply that the intersection is safe as is? Should restrictive traffic control devices and pazking restrictions be implemented on perceived dangers or should they be implemented where there is a true/actual accident history. Discussion followed regazding on-street parking within this azea and sight distance. ON A MOTION by Member Budrow, seconded by Member Looney, it carried an all AYE vote, that all previous motions be stricken and that the request for a red curb in front of 1171 and 1181 Bush Street be denied because there is no safety problem. b. Review/comment on Proposed Questionnaire to Residents on and near Hiehland Avenue Re+zardine Barricade or No Barricade. and Two-Way Traffic Member Harris inquired on Paragraph 2, "Unmovable solid obstructions, walls or gores within a vehicles possible path are not permitted within the right-of-way for liability reasons." He inquired what is a gore? Member Kennedy advised a gore is a concrete abutment. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERII4G COMMITTEE ~ DECEMBER 13, 1994 Member Harris also advised a map showing the three proposed locations should also be attached Paragraph 1, change the first sentence to read as follows: "The City of Ukiah's Traffic Engineering Committee is requesting your opinion and comment to a request by an area resident to eliminate Highland Avenue as a through street by installing a barricade in a location where the road reaches its most upper elevations along our west hill." Member Kennedy suggested place the survey in the Ukiah Journal and receive further input on the proposed barricade. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS None MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS None. AD.TOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. ~~; r ~ 1 __ Steve Turner. Chairman '~ 1L .U 1.1 ~ )~ t '11~~~ Kathy Kinch, Recor g Secretary eavec MI21394 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMTITEE ~ DECEMBER 13, 1994