Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecp_111495TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room 3 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 NOVEMBER 14, 1995 3:00 P.M. AGENDA KENNEDY, DEWEY, FERNANDEZ, FORD, HARRIS, LOONEY AND TURNER I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 12, 1995 III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS The Tratfic Engineering Committee welcomes input from the audience. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments to three (3) minutes per person and not more than 10 minutes per subject. The Brown Act regulations do not allow action to be taken on non-agenda items. IV. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: NEW BUSINESS a. Request for Eastbound and Westbound Bus Stop on Washington Street West of State Street- Steve Turner, M.T.A. b. Request for Uniform Time Restriction on Limited On-Street Parking within Downtown District -Public Works c. Request for Short-Term Parking Spaces (Green Curb) in Front of Henne's Candy and Ice Cream Store at 582 North State Street OLD BUSINESS a. Status Report on Beacon Lane Resident Survey b. Status Report on Downtown Parking Improvement Program c. Status Report on the Request for a Stop Sign on Mendocino Drive at Gardens Avenue OLD BUSINESS Icnntinuedl d. Status Report Regarding the Request for Stop Sign Control at Arlington and Elm, Burlington Drive and Elm, and Carlton and Elm e. Status Report Regarding Request for Limited Parking on South Main Street from Mill Street to Gobbi Street V. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS VI. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS VII. ADJOURNMENT R: l \TEC A111495 300 SE~aVE., UKIAH, CA 95482-5400 • ADMIN. 707/463-6200 PUBLIC SAFE7Y 963L242/6274 • FAX R 707/46}6204 October 11, 1995 Steve Turner MENDOCINO TRANSIT AUTHORITY 241 Plant Raod Ukiah, California 95482 Dear Steve: The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting of October 17, 1995, has been canceled due to no agenda items. The next Committee meeting will be held November 14, 1995. In the meantime, please feel free to call me at 463-6214 if you have any questions, comments, or would like to place a topic on the agenda for discussion. incerely, ick Kennedy Director of Public Works/ ity Engineer e:n7Ec LCOMMBTEE "We Are Here To Serve" TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room 5 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 SEPTEMBER 12, 1995 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT DEWEY, Chris FERNANDEZ, William HARRIS, Mike LOONEY, Jim TURNER, Steve WOODS, Larry (for Rick Kennedy) FORD, Steve -Chairman OTHERS PRESENT Shaun Hoffman Kathy Kinch Gary Pedroni MEMBERS ABSENT KENNEDY, Rick STAFF PRESENT Marge Giuntoli Recording Secretary The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Ford at 5:32 p.m. Roll was called with the results listed above. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by an all AYE vote to approve the Minutes of April 11, 1995 with the following correction: Page 4, 5th Paragraph, 1st Sentence, change to read "West Standley Street, west of its intersection with Dora Street." ABSTAIN: Members Ford and Woods. ON A MOTION by Member Turner, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by an all AYE vote to approve the Minutes of August 8, 1995 with the following correction: Page 2, Paragraph 2, last Sentence, change to read "the west side has deer present." ABSTAIN: Members Harris, Looney and Woods. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE September 12, 1995 Page 1 AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Ford read "Audience Comments on Non-Agenda Items" to those present. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: NEW BUSINESS Because the applicants were present for two of the requests, and Jan Ledbetter of O'Day travel was absent, the agenda items were presented in the following rearranged order: b. Request for Stop Signs for Arlington Drive and Burlington Drive at Elm Street c. Request for Stop Signs on Eastbound Mendocino Drive at Gardens Avenue a. Request for Two Bus Stops on Hospital Drive e. Consider Change of Meeting Time for Traffic Engineering Committee d. Request for Change in Time Limits to Parking on South Main Street North of Gobbi Street b. Request for Stop Signs for Arlington Drive and Burlington Drive at Elm Street -Shaun Hoffman - Century Cable TV Member Woods read the written request. The concern is that cars do not yield, and enter the intersection where they are a danger to traffic up and down Elm Street. There is a sight distance obstruction of a large plant at Arlington Drive. The only traffic accident occurred in 1994, and involved a bicycle and a car at Arlington. There have been no accidents reported at Burlington. Discussion followed regarding unsigned intersections within the City. On some of the residential streets there is no necessity for stop signs as many of the streets are not through streets. Shaun Hoffman, Century Cable TV, stated she lives on Magnolia and uses Elm. Traffic increases once the high school is in session. She has almost been hit although she drives slowly, and in the last six years the situation has deteriorated. There are many children in that area. Even a yield sign would be helpful. Chairman Ford asked Member Dewey what the experiences of the Police Department were at those intersections. Member Dewey indicated there were no enforcement efforts in those areas. They need a sign at Carlton if one is put at Burlington. Discussion followed regarding signage at the various intersections and what impact there would be on the neighborhood if one intersection was signed and the others were not. Ms. Hoffman stated there is more parking on Arlington and Burlington. Further down on Carlton it is not as condensed. Member Harris asked if the residents have been notified of the potential of putting a stop sign at Arlington and Burlington. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE September 12, 1995 Page 2 Ms. Hoffman said no. Member Turner advised that they apply the warrant standards to stop signs, and can only recommend stop signs to the City Council. City staff should look at the warrants at Arlington and come back to the committee with a recommendation. Warrants would also relate to the volume of traffic. He further stated that people cut through the neighborhood because of the gridlock. Recently he was driving in the neighborhood and zigzagged on Arlington and took Lockwood north. Many people cut through the neighborhood to get away from north Bush Street; no one wants to go back to Low Gap and Bush. The warrants apply to the morning and late afternoon, with the rest of the times fairly quiet. Member Dewey stated there is a lot of traffic at Frank Zeek. Chairman Ford stated Elm is not designed as a through route. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Looney, it was carried by an all AYE vote to recommend the matter be referred to the Public Works/Engineering Department for evaluation of the warrants, and the matter be returned to the November Traffic Engineering meeting so the committee has some basis for recommendation. And further, that the information be referred to the Police Department for location of the radar trailer in preparation for enforcement in the neighborhood. Notice shall be mailed to residents at Arlington, Burlington, and Carlton. c. Request for Stop Signs on Eastbound Mendocino Drive at Gardens Avenue -Gary Pedroni. 261 Mendocino Drive Member Woods read the request, which involves a "T" intersection where traffic may decide on their own whether they have the right of way. There is a slight sight distance problem because of a fence on the parcel just to the west of the corner parcel. Eastbound traffic either cannot see northbound traffic or vice versa. Member Harris stated there is a provision in the zoning code that nothing should be growing more than three feet high in the 20 toot setback. Member Woods said he found no record of reported traffics accidents but there was a recent one that was unreported. Gary Pedroni, resident, stated they are just requesting a single stop sign coming down the hill to Mendocino. Cars coming eastbound tend to gather a little more speed. The configuration is deceiving in the plan. It is not a tight "T" intersection. A driver can make the turn both ways at 45 mph and people do it regularly. His concern is for the children. Yokayo and St. Mary's let out the same time every day at 3 p.m. People park down on the other end of Mendocino and use Gardens rather than Dora. Children use Gardens and try and go up Mendocino. There has been one bicycle accident in the last ten years that resulted in a suit against the City. Chairman Ford stated the stop sign ends up being used like a yield sign at T-intersections. The configuration is similar to Empire and Elm and to Magnolia and Oak. Empire goes through and Elm stops. Magnolia stops and Oak goes through. There are no clear markings as to what the through street is. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE September 12, 1995 Page 3 Member Turner stated there is a yellow line on Empire at Elm as a control device to try and keep people on their own side of the road. Chairman Ford stated odd configurations make problems, but are tine if there is no traffic. Member Looney stated drivers going westbound on Mendocino Drive are not sure who has the right of way because it is a T intersection. Member Harris asked if there were issues with warrants at this location. Chairman Ford replied if they were going to put in a stop or yield sign there would be Member Looney indicated these were confusing areas of indecision. Member Turner stated they should be considering where the through street is. He questioned the placement of the stop sign. Mr. Pedroni stated he wants to stop traffic coming down the hill ON A MOTION by Member Turner, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by the following roll call vote to recommend to the City Council, irregardless of the warrants, the stop sign on Mendocino Avenue, eastbound where it intersects Gardens, and also the delineation of the center line on Gardens that follows around the curved intersection, as a proactive safety device. Discussion followed regarding the warrant situation. It was suggested that the residents be surveyed as the Council will want to know the neighborhood's feelings. It should be designated which is the through street and which are the legs. The warrants on stop and yields are rather loose, making the decision based on which street best matches the warrants. It was determined that both streets have problems but they will go with the neighborhood recommendation for the sign. Member Dewey indicated he would see a difficulty in enforcing the current situation because of which car would have to yield. Chairman Ford indicated determining responsibility in an accident report is problematic. Mr. Woods stated there is a phrase in the warrants regarding sight conditions. Member Harris stated he was uncomfortable with the lack of information, and would vote against a yield sign. Member Fernandez indicated a stop sign was needed MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE September 12, 1995 Page 4 Chairman Ford stated he wants information to back up the request to the Council AYES: Members Dewey, Fernandez, Looney, Turner, Woods NOES: Members Harris, Chairman Ford ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: Member Kennedy Member Turner advised Mr. Pedroni and Ms. Kinch to get the support of their neighbors. a. Request for Two Bus Stops on Hospital Drive -Steve Turner. MTA Member Turner indicated that previously there were approved bus stops at this location, but the busses were rerouted to different streets and the signs removed. The Community Clinic has located the First Caze Clinic at the old Blue Shield building near the intersection of Hamilton and Hospital Drive. MTA is proposing to move the route to Hamilton to Hospital Drive, come in front of the Clinic, hit Orchard and continue south until somebody decides to develop the property. He is seeking permission to put the signs there to serve the Clinic until such time as they need to he removed. Member Harris asked if MTA wanted to put a pad there. Member Turner answered yes. The pad would he on private property. All that is needed is a small pad for a bench, and a landing Held for wheelchairs. The bench would he located on the south side stop and the north side stop would be up closer to the intersection. The intersection of Hamilton would be where the natural crosswalk would he. They don't want to tempt the passengers to cross the street. Member Looney stated Public Works wants to he notified when the stops are abandoned. Discussion followed regarding signs and pulling up posts. Member Harris asked if this Committee was allowed to authorize the stops. Member Turner answered that they did have that authorization. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by an all AYE vote, to authorize two bus stops on Hospital Drive as requested by Mendocino Transit Authority to coincide with the First Care Clinic at 415 Hospital Drive. ABSTAIN: Member Turner. Discussion followed regarding the location of other stops. e. Consider Change of Meeting Time for Traffic Engineering Committee -Steve Turner_ MTA Member Turner stated he would like to change the meeting time for the Traffic Engineering Committee to 3 pm. It had been discussed a few years ago to change the committee to a commission and have night meetings to allow for more public access. He asked if the public access had improved by scheduling evening meetings. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE September 12, 1995 Page 5 Discussion followed regarding the validity of the evening meetings ON A MOTION by Member Turner, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by an all AYE vote, to hold the Traffic Engineering meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 3 p.m., unless there is strong opposition to the rescheduling. The matter will be referred to Acting City Manager Candace Horsley and the City Council. d. Request for Change in Time Limits to Parking on South Main Street North of Gobbi Street -Jan Ledbetter. O'Day Travel Jan Ledbetter, O'Day Travel, was not present for the meeting. Member Woods advised that the O'Day Travel location was developed as a commercial site in 1989, at which time their on-site parking requirements were set at seven parking spaces. O'Day thinks the travel agency across the street, Worldwide Travel, which came in front of the Traftic Engineering Committee the first of this year to eliminate parking on Main Street, is now using some of the spaces as employee parking during the day to divert customers from one agency m the other. Chairman Ford asked how many on-site parking spaces Worldwide Travel had. Member Woods replied quite a few. Discussion followed regarding parking around the area and the difficulty of signing just a few spaces as opposed to an entire block. It was determined that posting the entire area from Clay to Gobbi would require at least ten signs. Further discussion followed regarding how long the time limits should be, and the need for eliminating overnight and long term parking. The area has the highest incidence in the City of abandoned vehicles. Member Harris stated he would like to survey adjacent properties for input prior to making a recommendation. Discussion continued regarding the other businesses along the street that have off-site parking. There was agreement that both travel agencies are probably using the on street parking for employees so customers will be able to use the parking in their lots. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Turner, it was carried by an all AYE vote that the matter he referred back to City staff regarding implications for downtown parking, and that the adjacent property owners be notified of the potential of making it a two hour time limit from Gobbi to Mill Streets. And turther, the matter be returned to the Traffic Engineering Committee at the November meeting. Discussion followed where it was confirmed that the property manager would be the individual contacted for the apartment complex. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE September 12, 1995 Page 6 Further discussion determined that an analysis of what the potential would be for Marshall was needed, and the residents on Marshall should also be alerted with the same letter in order to analyze the impact of all day parking in front of those residences. OLD BUSINESS N/A COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS None. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS a. "Slow--Children At Play" Bien Chairman Turner reported there is still a "Slow--Children At Play" sign on the upper end of Standley Avenue which is on private property. It needs to he removed as it is not an official traffic control sign. b. Intersection at Empire and State Member Dewey asked if there had been any input to the Planning Commission regarding the intersections at Empire and State, at the site of the new McDonald's. Member Woods answered there has been talk about major improvements to that intersection but it would entail major expenditures. Member Ilarris stated it had been approved by the Planning Commission. The intersection, but not the Discovery Inn, is in the City limits. State Street is in the County and Empire and the property is in the City. Discussion followed regarding what is and what isn't in the City limits. Member Dewey indicated he has concerns about the traffic circulation at the McDonald's intersection. It was the consensus of the group there will be problems with the traffic circulation on Empire. Member Woods will check with the Planning Department. c. School Crosswalks Member Dewey stated his concerns regarding school crossings. Oak Manor and Nokomis schools have yellow cones in the center of their crosswalks. The PTA at Oak Manor is talking about speed bumps before and after crosswalks in front of schools. He updated the Committee on the crossing guard situation, stating that he has authorized two adult school crossing guards at Low Gap and Bush, and Gobbi and Dora. Nokomis will use student guards. Part time student aides will supervise the students. He has a crossing guard program in four schools, but the schools are looking at other ways to control traffic that are not really legal and could come back on the City. He would like to see a solution to the problem. He voiced his support for speed bumps. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE September 12, 1995 Page 7 Member Harris stated that City Engineer Rick Kennedy is in favor of speed bumps but Berkeley eliminated them because they are ineffective. There is a problem putting something in the right of way. He recommended a good school guard crossing program as a solution. The rest of the time it is a City street and must operate as such. Chairman Fard stated they are not really speed bumps, but rather two undulations in a row. The EMT people dislike them because they offer obstructions. They are also hard on drivers who have osteoporosis. Member Harris suggested the topic be agendized, and will request such for the November meeting. Discussion followed regarding the uniformity of the process within the district, and the effectiveness of cones and visual tools to remind drivers of school crossings. AD.IOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7; 7 p.m. i Steve Ford, Cha rman C CG~'l , - ~ f " Ma a Giuntoli, Recording Secretary R:1\TEC M091295 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE September 12, 1995 Page 8 City of Ukiah ~~~ ""~~//~ / ~ L` Meeting: ,~[~;1~',Y"/~rc ~~z~~~,rcL.,l. Date: VOLUNTARY SIGN-IN SHEET (Please Print) 3`El~c~i ~'~ n ~~,~ _ iti , r _ ~ ~l -,.LS ~~ Gt,~i36 E2 ~ d~A I~G vl~~ ~-~ C~ A- ~c~i ~~' % 1t~1 ~ l ~7`~ ~ ~ ~~r11'JT ~IyYI° )F - ~ ~1 hf~ f'i~' ~ / lG~c; ~ /~ ~ ~iT ~~ ('~-, Qr~ /,~ , tr ,. ~.l~c.' ~~Y X e ..L , Y ~C To: Rick Kennedy, City Engineer/Director of Public Works From: Robert S. Hall, Bus Stop Coordinator, MTA Subject: Request for bus stops on Washington Street Date: November 13. 1995 Effective December 3, 1995, MTA will be servicing the Community Clinic on Laws Ave with regular bus service. The service to the Community Clinic provides a way for many citizens throughout the city and county to conveniently get medical attention. The bus route for the Local 9 has been re-routed to include service on Washington Street and a section of South Dora St. I would like to install bus stops at the following locations: Site #1. On South State Street near the northwest comer of Washington St. See Figure # 1(Following Pages.) This location would serve customers going to Wal-Mart and other businesses on S. State St. It is also wheelchair accessible. Site #2. On Washington St. in front of the "Liquor and Food" convenience store. See Figure # 2. The passengers mentioned in Site #1 would wait here for their return trip north. Site #3. On Washington St. near the northeast corner of S. Dora St. See Figure # 3. This location would service the General Hospital, the Medical Center at 1165 S. Dora St., Nokomis School, and surrounding residential area. Permission is being sought from Brookside Retirement Residence for their permission to install a small cement landing and bench. Site #4. On Washington St. near the southeast corner of S. Dora St. See Figure # 4. The passengers mentioned above in site #3, traveling north would be accommodated by this bus stop. Your approval of these sites would be appreciated. If you have further concerns please do not hesitate to call. 241 Plant Road -Ukiah, California 95482 - (707) 462-5765 Mendocino Transit Authority FIGURE 2 Washington St. at "Liquor and Food" Convenience Store South Side SovrH ISTArE STRE1~r E ~~ ' ' iN T S / -WLf~> Ln~VG~INV (~S~) VV _ _..v ELEO No NE rb[E P Ep s s~w~lk (~~') $ET'wcEN" ~ j IAUDSCAainG DRNE~S DAN j CIRCLE K SCA~t D~vtumy(as~) The Proposed Bus Stop will be located three(3) feet west of the telephone pole located in front of the "Liquor and Food" convenience store. There is thirteen(13) feet of red curbing at the proposed site. (~E+iNv~N cr>v ~T FIGURE 4 Washington St. near S. Dora St. South Side '~'- µ E f away _ S~oP S 0 T M H Z Ol Z _) Ex isfln9 30 ~i. P, .519N The proposed Bus Stop may be affected to the existing thirty m.p.h. speed limit sign or installed eight feet west of the existing speed limit sign. Sov~n ~OkA ~: DR~vt~Ay I ~ iK/I ~/S~~ 8V5 SO M•~•M•O•R DATE: November 14, 1995 A•N•D•U•M TO: Candace Horsley, City Manager FROM: Kathy Kinch, Administrative Secretary RE: CHANGE OF MEETING TIME FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE This is to inform you the Traffic Engineering Committee at their September 12, 1995 meeting, unanimously voted to change the meeting time from 5:30 p. m. to 3:00 p. m. on the second Tuesday of the month. A copy of the minutes is attached for your review. Thank you. M•E•M•O•R•A•N•D•U•M DATE: October 25, 1995 TO: Rick H. Kennedy, Director of Public Works/City Engineer FROM: Jim Looney, Public Works Superintendent , RE: PARKING LIMITS At present there are variations in the hours of the day that limited parking is effect. As you pass from one block to another, parking time limit restrictions can change from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p. m. on one block to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on another. Also, on some streets the time restriction includes 1:00 a. m. to 5:00 a.m. with 8:00 a.m. to 5;00 p.m. In other areas the time of restriction may vary on different sides of the same street. These variations in enforcement hours can be very confusing to the public. In order to provide an adequate supply of signs for maintenance I am having to duplicate my inventory for example, fora 2-hour limit sign, I need one each for 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Parking Enforcement Officer, with a work shift from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is required to leap frog through the parking district for morning enforcement. In order to make parking restrictions less confusing to the public and more efficient for enforcement and maintenance, I recommend a resolution be submitted to the City Council adopting the hours of enforcement for streets with limited parking restrictions be enforced 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays. R:INW MKFNNFDY.9 TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION DATE: OCt 17,1995 FROM: Mr. C. W. Webster Henne's Candy and Ice Cream store 582 N. State Street 462-5661 (Work) 462-2354 (Home) RECEIVED BY: Larry J. Woods SUBJECT: Request for change in time limits to parking on South Main Street north of Gobbi Street. FOR CONSIDERATION AT MEETING DATED: Nov 14, 1995 at 3:00 PM in Conference Rm #5 COMMENTS BY THE REQUESTOR: In the 68-foot long parking area in front of the store is currently signed as 2-hour parking limit. Mr. Webster has noticed that the parking enforcement officer turns at Norton Street and rarely enforces the parking limits north of Norton Street. This has been happening even though he has made several requests for enforcement. Since vehicles park in the area in front of the store for extended periods of time, and since the nature of the candy and ice cream store is to have customers who need only short term parking, Mr. Webster would like to have the curb painted green from the cross walk to the driveway (a distance of 68 feet). STAFF BACKGROUND INFORMATION: I suggested to Mr. Webster that the equivalent of 3 parking spaces painted green may be excessive since it may have an effect on the O'Haru Restaurant south of the store. He said that if green curb were limited to one or two parking spaces, then it would be preferable that the space or spaces be located closest to the driveway. A diagram showing the location of this request is attached. Requestor has been notified of the meeting date and plans to attend the meeting. ten-9.req N, ~%u7C r 1 •'1 '~ S; ~ ~. ~. N :~ ~1~ 1 nQ V ' l Qr~ih9 v2 our ,(,~h,~~ l ~~~~~ ~ 5 iI ~r ~ ~ N `l 1~ ~1 `l 9 ~ ~n ~0 5 Prr7 G Tul ~i/9s ~~~~ ~ ~ s ~r ~ ~ , G+/~; /,~ ~ o~ (~~' ~;~~ Ur 58z, C~ARA ~ r _ ~ S ~7 11\y Ul Q -.' Q F- N a Dear Beacon Lane Area Resident: The City of Ukiah's Traffic Engineering Committee is seeking your opinion and comment to a request made by several residents of the Beacon Lane area, that Beacon Way be modified or made aone-way street. This request came to the City's attention by way of a petition signed by 26 residents. The petition listed three (3) options to be considered: 1. East Beacon Lane should be a dead end street at the property line of Suburban Propane (near the location where the road narrows), or 2. Beacon Lane be widened to accommodate two (2) lanes of traffic, or 3. East Beacon Lane be designated as a one-way street for east bound traffic only (entrance onto Beacon Lane from State Street would be prohibited). The Traffic Engineering Committee does not support Option No. I since it would restrict multiple access to the Beacon residential area for Public Safety response vehicles (Police, Fire, and Ambulance). Option No. 2 would require the acquisition of additional right-of-way and considerable expense in improvements. The City could support this Option if the residents petitioned For an Assessment District to finance the acquisition of the rights-of-way and completion of street improvements. All costs for this Option would be born by the residents residing within the established District through property assessments. This method of financing street improvements is well established and the steps and procedures can be found in the Improvement Act of 1911 (Division 7 of the California Streets and Highways Code). The Traffic Engineering Committee supports a modified version of Option No. 3 which would make the narrow portion of Beacon Lane east of Beacon Way aone-way street. This would facilitate convenient two-way travel for the residents living along Beacon Lane and the cross streets of Beacon Way, Berkeley Way and Ranee Lane. The narrow portion of Beacon Lane between Beacon Way and State Street would be designated one-way for either east bound or west bound traffic. The Committee would like to receive your preference as to which direction of vehicular travel would be permitted. Make narrow portion of Beacon Lane one-way travel for west bound traffic only. Residents would have to use Dora Street for exiting the Beacon residential area. There would be no exit onto State Street. Make narrow portion of Beacon Lane one-way travel for east bound traffic only. Would permit residents to exit onto State Street from Beacon Lane. There would be no entrance onto Beacon Lane from State Street. Keep Beacon Lane as it currently is. The Committee asks that you indicate your preference to one of the choices above and return this form to City Hall by December 1, 1995. You may hand deliver to the Public Works Department at City Hall or mail to: TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE City of Ukiah 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 ATTENTION: Rick Kennedy The Traffic Engineering Committee will forward a recommendation to City Council after their December 12th meeting when this matter will be considered. It will also be necessary [o forward the recommendation to the County Board of Supervisors for their action, since the south half of Beacon Lane is within the unincorporated area of the County; the City/County boundary line is 20 feet north of the residential fences along the south side of Beacon Lane. Thank you. ~~J ick .Kennedy Director of Public Works/City Engi r cc: County of Mendocino Public Works Department B:1\TEC LOEACON <a~~~s ~< v<~~ ~ ~ ~--~ 0 •' "~ i ~ ~ ~~ i(!yr/ l~~7~Xa'a8 y ---+---- 1 a~LS `~ i~~i~o~- ~ h ~, 11, r I ,l v, L N v ro Q11F >> C ro Oro ro Y r 3 J ~ r i ~ 1 r N 4- C 4- J N O O O 4- I U L i~ ro >,rooL a~ }~ •r N Olm •r Y U O L i 4 Y O N OJ i 'O L L O C 1-~ Y ++ C ro N v v too-vT`+- +~ +~ O L +~ ~.~o ~ ~ N r N O C . i-~ I~ Z W q to L i~ C L i~ O O Y N VI 3 J •~- i Qt ro O Y O ro In ~•~ ~a a O -O Y v 'D N ^ C L vQ L01 O ~ C d-> O r N iU In r Vf VI v v•~30.- TL 41 i ~ C i i-~ C D '9 N v > •,- v E s o r ^ ++ v +~ in .-+ ro vl 3 of U ro ~ NLE"O Q1 UH N+~ N C .. "O O L N UJ O i-~ i • U to IF v ~ c ro In 4-n N 30 r v N i N K Ql C v v (.~ y- O an C a N •r •r r O K V1 L r L r F- U O v > +~ C r-i C •r r ro O "d E ~ ~ ~ ~ c r o > in v >> E >,m~v In ai }~ Y .~ •r N r O U 3 t ro U Y F N +~ Q) W f O Z ,LS r, oSClyo/iL ~ (/' ~ ITEM f 9e p ~~~(~ DATE: October 18. 1995 ~' I ,ol AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM At the March 15, 1995 meeting, the City Council considered the Downtown Parking Improvement Program and its implementing resolution. During the course of discussions, several issues of concern were raised by the Council regarding employee parking, enforcement, 24 minute space allocations along School Street, bicycle parking, and provisions for increased Conference Center and Plaza parking. Since the March 15 meeting, staff has met with a number of downtown groups and individuals, parking enforcement staff, County Administration, and Courthouse staff. Our discussions with these groups have produced what staff believes to be workable solutions to the questions raised by Council. Employee parking is by far the most crucial issue to be addressed by the Program, and it will be essential for this single issue to be resolved before downtown revitalization can attain any further success. To that end, staff has been discussing with Mendocino County Administration the potential for County sponsored permits for employees. Deputy Administrator, Jim Anderson, has conducted a confidential survey of employees who are not provided on-site parking. Responses to that survey (Continued on Page 2) RECOMMENDED ANION: Adopt resolution approving Downtown Parking Improvement Program ALTERNATIVE COUNCIL POLICY OPTIONS: 1. Determine Program requires further revision and remand to staff. 2. Determine Program adoption is inappropriate at this time and take no action. Acct. No. (if NOT budgeted): N/A Acct. No.: Appropriation Requested: N/A (if budgeted) Citizen Advised: N/A Requested by: N/A ~ Prepared by: Larry DeKnoblough, Assistant Redevelopment Director ,~. Coordinated with: Candace Horsley, City Manager Attachments: 1. Resolution APPRO`JED`. ~y Candace Horsley, City Manage R:4/CMASRDPP of this fluctuation in demand, it is impossible for the Parking District to dedicate spaces for the sole use of jurors. Rather, the Parking Program establishes the foundation and provides direction for staff to coordinate with the Jury Commissioner and Downtown Merchants to develop a program specifically for jurors. Essentially, the two methods suggested in the Program are complimentary, or validated parking, if possible. This issue was very important to the Downtown Master Plan Committee, as they felt it was essential forjurors visiting Ukiah to have as positive an experience as possible. Should the Program be adopted with this provision in place, staff will initiate a series of meetings with the Jury Commissioner's office and merchants in an effort to develop a program for the Council's consideration. Other issues brought forth by the Council at the March 15 meeting, were to request minor revisions to bicycle parking requirements and allocation of 24-minute spaces. "Policy J" has been amended to include the phrase "or 15% of the required parking, whichever is greater." "Policy C" has been amended to limit the number of 24-minute spaces to "two per side of each block" of School Street. As was presented to the Council in March, the Parking Program is a project completed by the Downtown Master Plan Committee, reviewed extensively by the public, and recommended for approval by the Traffic Engineering Committee and Planning Commission. Staff believes this public process, coupled with the input received from Council review, has produced a document which should address a longstanding problem. More importantly, the Parking Program will provide the basis for a series of implementing ordinances which will specifically address individual issues which have helped to inhibit downtown development. The direction provided by the Program is in direct response to the needs of downtown visitors, shoppers, and business owners. For these reasons, staff recommends approval of the Program and adoption of the Resolution Adopting the Downtown Parking Improvement Program. 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10, 11 12 13 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 RESOLIITION NO. 96- RESOLIITION OP' THE CITY CODNCIL OS THE CITY OF IIRIAH APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, on June 5, 1992, the City Council and the Ukiah Redevelopment Agency adopted the Ukiah Downtown Revitalization Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the Master Plan identifies an inefficient utilization of existing resources and calls for improved management of those resources through the development of a Parking Improvement Program, of which various elements are defined within the Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Master Plan Committee has continued to convene and subsequently completed the proposed Downtown Parking Improvement Program, as defined in Exhibit "A" of this document; and WHEREAS, extensive public input from downtown merchants, businessmen, and employees, as well as the City of Ukiah Traffic Engineering Committee, Planning Commission, and general citizenry, has been sought and included in the Program. NOW, THERESORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to directives established in the Downtown Revitalization Master Plan, the City Council does hereby approve and adopt the Downtown Parking Improvement Program. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of October, 1995, by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Fred Schneiter, Mayor ATTEST: Cathy McKay, City Clerk 4:Res:Parking Introduction This program is intended to implement the policies and directives identified in the Downtown Revitalization Master Plan, adopted by the City Council and Ukiah Redevelopment Agency on June 5, 1992. While the Master Plan identified resources in excess of 1,400 parking spaces in the downtown, it also identified a number of deficiencies in the use of those resources. Collectively, these findings indicate the most efficient and cost-effective method of improving downtown parking is to maximize the utilization of existing resources, while remaining vigilant and responsive to increasing demands resulting from successful revitalization. This finding has become the foundation of the Program, and has led to the formation of the following goals, objectives and Program policies: Program Goals Goal 1. Maximize the utilization of existing parking resources. Goal 2. Provide flexibility and creativity in solving the parking problems associated with downtown revitalization. Goal 3. Enhance and diversify the parking scheme in the downtown. Goal 4. Increase pedestrian, bicycle, and mass transit access. Goal 5. Increase off-street parking resources in response to demand from new development and Redevelopment projects. Program Obiectives O-1. Utilize the existing parking lots for designated downtown employee parking. O-2. Provide Incentives to ensure use of the existing parking lots by employees. O-3. Enhance identification of off-street parking lots. O-4. Establish designated juror parking for the Courthouse. O-5. Provide alternatives to individual vehicle use through the increase and enhancement of pedestrian, bicycle, and mass transit access, services, and parking facilities in the downtown. 1 Downtown Parkins Prostram Policies Policy A: Business Owner and Emolovee Parkin It shall be the primary policy of the Downtown Parking District to ensure employee parking within the downtown core be concentrated off-street whenever possible, and that parking permits be available upon request. Downtown Parking Permits shall be issued on a specific location basis. Permits for off-street spaces may be made available in the areas designated in Exhibit "A." Policy B: Permit and Meter Fees The City Council may from time to Ume consider, adopt, and/or revise ;a Fee Schedule for metered and permitted public parking. Said Fee Schedules shall be reviewed by the Council during the annual budget process for the purpose of considering fee adjustments, or at such other times as the Council deems necessary. A volume discount shall be Integrated into the adopted Fee Schedule for businesses, organizations, and/or agencies seeking to secure a minimum of six (6) or more parking spaces within the Parking District on an annual basis. Every effort shall be made to research and develop incentives for ridesharing to induce carpooling among downtown employees and shall also be incorporated into the Fee Schedule. Policy C: Time Zones Time zones within the Parking District are enforced Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. only, and on-street parking within these time zones shall remain unmetered and free to the public during non-enforcement hours. The Parking District may, however, enforce parking regulations, time limits, and/or fees within off-street municipal parking facilities, seven (7) days per week, 24 hours per day in response to increased demand on resources. Parking regulations within each municipal facility shall be so posted and approved by the City Council. The Downtown Master Plan identifies the need for some short-term parking times within the Parking District to meet the specific needs of businesses and create high turnover of parking spaces. Time zones must be balanced to accomplish this goal while not overburdening enforcement and still creating the opportunity for "browsing" in the downtown. To enhance the availability of parking resources and create tumover for the destination customer, 24 minute spaces shall be established along each block of School Street. The number of spaces so designated shall be determined by business needs and the overall number of spaces available within that block. In no case shall the number of 24-minute spaces exceed two per side of each block. Policy D: Metered Parklna Metered parking shall be limited to the area of the District east of Pine Street; with the exception of School Street, between Smith and Clay Streets. On-street meters shall provide for up to a five (5) hour maximum, and off-street meters shall provide for a ten (10j hour maximum. This action is to encourage centralized long-term parking off-street. Pollcy E: Handlcaaaed Parklnst Handicapped parking shall be placed within all municipal parking facilities at a ratio of one handicapped space per 25 standard spaces. On-street handicapped parking shall be provided on School and Main Streets, at the rate of one space per 500 lineal feet of curb frontage. This requirement may be satisfied by the provision of additional spaces within appropriately located municipal lots. Pollcy F: Parking Resource Improvements Parking facility improvements include landscaping and aesthetic upgrades, and the acquisition and the eventual construction of new facilities. Improvements to existing facilities shall be accomplished through the streetscape improvement Program and will include low intensity decorative security lights, enhanced pedestrian walkways through the lots, perimeter Landscaping, and interior tree planters. All parking lot improvements will be completed in accordance with the Downtown Design Guide. On-street parking resources shall be increased where possible through the elimination of unnecessary loading zones, no parking zones, and the realignment of parallel spaces to diagonal spaces. The Redevelopment Agency will initiate negotiations with applicable property owners along the west side of Main Street for the purpose of securing long term leases on underutilized poorly configured parcels and inaccessible existing private lots. Acquisition of leases on these properties will allow the Agency to improve these properties through consolidation, coordination of circulation, and aesthetics. The net effect will be the creation of additional resources on currently undeveloped and highly underutilized properties, maximizing existing resources, while minimizing large acquisition costs. Pollcy G: Public Awareness The public awareness Program shall include an active campaign to promote not only identification of facilities but usage as well. City lots are currently identified by signage, however, landscape improvements should provide spotlighting of those signs along with security lighting throughout the lots. Informational flyers and brochures, inGuding maps and type of parking available, shall be developed and distributed to downtown businesses, inserted in local publications, and distributed through utility billings. Workshops with downtown businesses should include counseling employees to promote a positive image of downtown shopping and parking. Pollcy H: Jurv Parklnst Every effort shall be made to develop and maintain a Program which provides convenient, available, and if possible, complimentary parking for jurors encouraging them to shop and eat in the downtown while on jury duty. A specific Program shall be completed in cooperation with the Jury Commissioner's office and forwarded to the City Council for approval. Policy 1: Requirements for New Development Parking requirements for new construction within the Parking District shall be calculated at one space per 350 square feet of net leasable space, eliminating hallways, closets, elevator shafts, restrooms, and mechanical equipment areas from the Calculations. An in-lieu parking fee shall be established within the Parking District to assist development of private parcels and provide for future resources. The purpose of these fees is to allow property owners in possession of parcels too small to support development with on-site parking, to "purchase" off-site spaces. By opting for an in-lieu fee, these owners can increase the square footage of a project, making it economically feasible, while funding future improvements to public facilities to offset project impacts. This should facilitate new development on many of the smaller parcels which currently would require a cumbersome, and difficult to attain, variance. Policy J: Blcvcle Parkins The Downtown Parking Improvement Program provides for the addition of new bike racks strategically placed along downtown streets and within public lots. In addition, the adoption of this Program will provide developers with a parking requirement exemption for new construction at the rate of three bike spaces per vehicle space, not to exceed the exemption of two (2) spaces per parcel, or 15% of total parking requirement, whichever is greater. Bicycle parking amenities will be incorporated into the landscape and pedestrian areas as well as within municipal lots. Bicycle traffic will be encouraged along all downtown streets. Bike lanes shall be included in future street improvements wherever possible. Policy K: Future Improvements Off-street parking facilities are lacking south of Church Street. This area should be targeted first for future parking expansion. Additional off-street parking may be needed north of Church Street, contingent upon development and/or revitalization of the Palace Hotel and the completion of potential restaurants in this area. Further improvements and increases in resources may include expansions of existing facilities and should be based upon demand created by future projects and the success of the revitalization effort. The Master Plan calls for close monitoring of parking demand, and development of resources in response to increases in that demand. With improvements in the impact of employee parking, the need for additional resources should be assessed at a future date. The City of Ukiah and Ukiah Redevelopment Agency shall, in cooperation with the Mendocino Transit Authority, initiate a public transportation Program for the downtown. This Program shall include a designated shuttle service connecting the Redwood Business Park, Perkins Street Shopping District, and the Downtown Shopping District. Every effort shall be made to create this service through apublic/private partnership with direct funding being provided through businesses and retailers within the service area. Rider charge to the public for this shuttle service should be complimentary, if possible. Future improvements identified in this Program are intended to ensure greater availability of both on- and off-street parking resources and provide the foundation to meet any increasing demands in axordance with the Downtown Master Plan. Policy L: Administration Parking development, Implementation, and administration of the Parking District will be the responsibility of the Redevelopment Agency in the course of carrying out the responsibilities of the Downtown Master Plan. Enforcement will remain the responsibility of Public Safety and the Redevelopment Agency will coordinate with the Traffic Engineering Committee in parking Issues which may result in impacts to traffic circulation. .ax~r.,wrp • Fiav:ta595 EXHIBIT "A" On-Street Permit Locations .~ ~~~~ S4c '.: ~1T~FiE-~1' 70 VI'~ ~ .'~AC~ tL y . ~I'A~ * Oak Street (Between Chinch & Seminary) 25 100% * School Street (Seminary to Clay) 5 45% (Henry to Smith) 12 63% Pine Street (Henry to Smith) 5 45% (Smith to Standley) 5 41% (Perkins to Church) 5 41% (Church to Stephenson) 5 45% (Stephenson to Clay) 5 41% Bush Street (Smith to Standley) 10 71% (Standley to Perkins) 5 50% (Perkins to Church) 7 50% * Seminary (State to School -median) 14 100% postable (School to Oak -median) 14 100% pestable (School to Oak -curbside) 9 69% * Clay Street (West of Oak) 10 50% * Perkins (Oak to Pine) 4 57% (Pine to Bush) 4 50% * Standley (Oak to 1?ine) 7 64go Smith Street (Oak to Pine) 2 40% (Pine to Bush) 4 57% TOTAL- 157 ~.. * Prime locations to be utilized first ®'Z ~ BUSif ~' STREET ~ ~ d h ~ ~ ~1 STREET x M z _~_ K Cf/ M I H H ~ 0 ^ I~^~~ LJ^~ \\ MEMORANDUM DATE: Mazch 1, 1995 TO: Rick Kennedy, Director of Public Works/City Engineer FROM: Larry J. Woods, Senior Civil Engineer ~~~ SUBJECT: Status Reports on requests reviewed at the Sept 12, 1995 Traffic Engineering Committee Meeting Limited review has been done on the following two requests that were tamed over from the September Traffic Engineering Comrnittee meeting. This is the result of a very heavy work load in the Engineering Division in combination with a reduction in staff. Staff was reduced by two technicians in July as part of a reorganization of the Division. Another engineer is scheduled to be hired in December. Attached is a copy of the warrants for stop signs at a "T" intersection. Warrants numbered 1, 5, and 7 aze the only ones that could apply. Amore extensive check of the reported accidents in this azea indicates that there was only one accident at Elm St. and Arlington Dr., one accident at Elm St. and Burlington Dr., and no accidents at Elm St. and Cazleton Dr. in the last three yeazs. Persons living in this neighborhood has not been done notified of the consideration of stop sign installations. The Police Department may have obtained some speed information in this neighborhood with the radar trailer. Staff has not reseazched implications of downtown pazking and adjacent property owners have not been notified of the potential of making a two hour limit from Gobbi to Mill streets. dc-tec-2.mem Traffic Manual SIGNS 4-37 3-1987 POLICY R1 Stop Signs and Yield Signs --~ ` a • Stop Signs ,~ ~ The STOP sign (Rt) shall be used where traffic is required to stop except at signalized Intersections. The STOP sign shall be an octagon with white mes- Standard3o•• sage and border on a red background. The standard size shall be 30 x 30 inches. Where greater emphasis or visibility is required, a larger size is recommended. On local streets and secondary roads with low ap• proach speeds and low volume, a 24 x 24 Inch size may be used. R1-3 At a multiway stop intersection, a supplemental plate Yitlil~ (R1.3 or R1.4) should be mounted just below each standard r2" xa'• STOP sign. Rl-4 The numeral on the supplementary plate shall corres- pond to the number of approach legs, or the legend Q~ ALL-WAY (R1.4) may be used. The plate shall have Standard t e^ x e" white letters on a red background. A red flashing beacon or beacons may be used in conjunction with a STOP sign. See Section 9-08 (Flashng Beacons). Secondary messages shall not be used on STOP sign faces. • Warrants for STOP Signs Because the STOP sign causes a substantial incon- venience to motorists, It should be used only where warranted. A STOP sign may be warranted at an Inter section where one or more of the following con- ditions exist: 1. On the less important road at its intersection with a main road where application of the normal right of way rule is unduly hazardous as evidenced by accidents susceptible to correction by STOP signs. 2. On a county road or city street at its intersection with a state highway. 3. At the intersection of two main highways. The highway traffic to be stopped depends on ap• proach speeds, volumes, and turning movements. 4. On a street entering a legally established through highway or street. 5. On a minor street where the safe approach speed to the intersection Is less than 10 miles per hour. 6. At an unsignalized Intersection in a signal- ized area. 7. At other intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view, and accident record indi- cates aneed for control by the STOP sign. 4-38 7-7987 SIGNS Traffic Manual POLICY A STOP sign is not a "cure•aIP' and is not a substitute tar other traffic control devices. Many times the need for a STOP sign can be eliminated it the sight distance is increased by removing the obstructions. STOP signs shall not be erected at any entrance to an intersection when such entrance is controlled by an ofticial traffic control signal, nor at any railroad grade crossing which is controlled by automatic signals, gates, or other train-actuated control devices except as provided in CVC 21355, Stop Signs. The conflicting commands of two types of control devices are con- fusing. if traffic is required to stop when the operation of the stop-and-go signals is not warranted, the signals should be put on flashing operation with the red flashing light facing the traffic that must stop. Where two main highways Intersect, the STOP sign or signs should normally be posted on the minor street to stop the lesserflow of traffic. Traffic engineering studies, however, may Justify a decision to install a STOP sign or signs on the major street, as at a three-way intersection where safety considerations may justify stopping the greater flow of traffic to permit a left-turning movement. STOP signs should not be Installed indiscriminately at all unprotected railroad crossings. The allowance of STOP signs at all such crossings would eventually breed contempt for both law enforcement, and obedience to the sign's command to stop. STOP signs may only be used at selected real/highway grade crossings after their need has been determined by a traffic engineering study. Such study should consider approach speeds, sight distance restrictions, volumes, accident records, etc. This application of STOP signs should be an Interim use period during which plans for lights, gates or other means of control are being prepared. Portable or paR-time STOP signs shall not be used except for emergency purposes. Also, STOP signs should not be used for speed control. ~ Multlway STOP signs The "Multlway Stop" installation may be useful at some locations. It should ordinarily be used only where the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads is approx- imatelyequal. Atraffic control signal is more satisfactory for an Intersection with a heavy volume of traffic.