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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_041195TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room 3 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 APRIL 11, 1995 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT FERNANDEZ, William HARRIS, Mike KENNEDY, Rick LOONEY, Jim DEWEY, Chris TURNER, Steve -Chairman MEMBERS ABSENT FORD, Steve STAFF PRESENT Kathy Kinch Recording Secretary The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Turner at 5:35 p.m. Roll was called with the results listed above. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DECEMBER 13.1994 Member Kennedy made corrections to the corrections to the minutes of December 13, 1994. On Page 4, Pazagraph 2, delete the words speed limit and add prima facia, the sentence to read: "Member Kennedy advised Lorraine Street is within the residential district as defined in the Vehicle Code and the prima facia is 25 M.P.H. pursuant to Section 22352 of the Code." On Page 4, Paragraph 4, delete the word bumps and add the word humps, the sentence to read: "A possible diverter or deterrent to be discussed are speed humps." ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was cazried by an all AYE vote to approve the minutes of December 13, 1994, as corrected. ABSTAIN: Member Dewey. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE APRIL 11, 1995 1 FEBRUARY 14. 1995 ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by an all AYE vote to approve the minutes of February 14, 1995, as submitted. ABSTAIN: Member Dewey. MARCH 14. 1995 Member Budrow made a correction on Page 3, Paragraph 6, add the word when, the sentence to read: "He expressed a concern to paint the curb red and eliminate on-street parking when the bank sign still creates an obstructions." On Page 4, Paragraph 4, add the words next to the curb and away, the sentence to read: "Vice-Chairman Budrow expressed a concern that from Gobbi Street the No. 2 Lane (right-hand Zane) is next to the curb and slowly angles away from the curb and parking spaces established in front of the business south of Motosports." On Page 4, Paragraph 7, delete the construct and add the word construction, the sentence to read: "Member Kennedy suggested removing the small portion of sidewalk and construction of a continuous driveway." On Page 5, Paragraph 6, add the words as determined best at time of installation, the sentence to read: "Member Kennedy responded the driveway is close to the intersection and the stop sign would be either south of or north of the driveway as determined best at time of installation." ON A MOTION by Member Kennedy, seconded by Member Harris, it was carried by an all AYE vote to approve the minutes of March 14, 1995, as corrected. ABSTAIN: Member Dewey. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Vice-Chairman Budrow read "Audience Comments on Non-Agenda Items" to those present. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Dave Morrow- Air Quality Management District- Re ag rding Stop Signs in the Citv of Ukiah Chairman Turner introduced Dave Morrow of Air Quality Management District. Mr. Morrow addressed the number of stop signs and air pollution in the Ukiah valley. He is requesting the Traffic Engineering Committee look at the organization of stop signs and set-up corridors to allow vehicles to travel from one end of town to the other without making numerous stops. The City provided the District with a stop sign inventory list and City base map. District staff used color dots to locate most of the stop signs. Many of the stop signs are located in sub-optimal locations, and creates unnecessary impediments to a free flowing traffic. Some stop signs, most notably on Dora Street, are ignored by bicyclists and automobiles. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE APRIL 11, 1995 A recent study (in Southern California) of two lazge stop light synchronization projects showed minimum pollution reductions of 153. The District believes that removing stop signs, if done in a manner designed to keep traffic moving at a safe steady speed, can help reduce air pollution. Automobiles aze responsible for almost three-fourths of all ozone (smog) emission in the Ukiah valley. The valley is currently at the maximum acceptable level for ambient ozone. The District measures 7 - 8 pollutants continually, and respirable particular matter TM10 (gets into the lungs) is a winter time problem associated with wood smog and open burning. The Draft Ukiah Valley General Plan projects a significant population growth over the next 15 years, and predicts traffic levels will also increase. The District believes improving the coordination of stop signs in Ukiah is worthy of consideration for air pollution reasons alone. Some stop signs, especially on major corridors such as Dora, could be replaced with low cost traffic management devices such as neck downs or round-abouts. Replacing stop signs with these types of devices allows traffic to flow more smoothly, while providing neighborhood safety by keeping vehicle speeds low. Traffic management devices often enhance pedestrian safety by reducing the distance required to cross a street. The District believes planting trees in the middle of some excessively wide streets reduces sight-lines and tends to slow traffic. This type of action has additional benefits of cooling the neighborhood with shading, reduces the amount of impermeable surface which creates runoff, beautifies the area and reduces the amount of pavement to be maintained by the City. Discussion ensued regazding the number of stop signs within the same location such as Hortense has 5 stop signs and the street is 6 blocks long; the District to provide literature/documentation on air quality, and how to reduce air pollution with fewer stop signs; traffic calming techniques; there are stop signs that do not meet acceptable/current warrants; article in the newspaper to educate the public explaining air quality, how to reduce air pollution by reducing the number of stop signs; continuous movement of traffic eliminate emissions into the air; a preliminary Engineering study would have to be performed for an approximate cost estimate and justification for a grant; Pedestrian Improvement Grants and TEA Grants; and alternative methods to stops signs to control traffic speed. Chairman Turner asked Member Kennedy and Dave Morrow to coordinate a grant application for improving traffic calming techniques and eliminate the need of stop signs on the collectors of Dora and Bush Streets. Member Dewey suggested the State has a Green Speed, the Right Speed for California, enforcement videos about driving 55 M.P.H. reduces emissions. Chairman Turner suggested that Mr. Morrow forward a copy of his March 21, 1995 letter to the City Council to be implemented into the General Plan as support for emphasis on alternatives to stop signs and maintaining safe speeds on City streets. b. Traffic En ine eerine Committee Referrals from Planning Commission Member Kennedy advised in a memorandum from David Lohse, Associate Planner, the Planning Commission has directed the Planning Department to refer two traffic related problems to the Traffic Engineering Committee for review and possible abatement. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE APRIL 11, 1995 INTERSECTION OF SOUTH SPRING STREET AND MILL STREET The first referral concerns the intersection of South Spring Street and Mill Street, which tapers down south of Mill Street. Members of the Commission indicate that the narrowing of Spring Street at [his point makes all southbound turns difficult when the street is vacant, but that it is even more difficult and, possibly, unsafe when vehicles are pazked on one or both sides. Specifically, the Commission would like the Committee to examine the possibility of restricting parking in the immediate vicinity of the intersection and/or other methods to allow easier passage along Spring Street. Member Kennedy advised there is an ordinance, Section 7149 of the Municipal Code regazding on-street pazking on narrow streets. No pazking on both sides if the street is less than 20 feet, and no pazking on one side of the street if less than 30 feet. Staff prefers that residents concerns and comments are obtained regarding the elimination of curb parking prior to establishing the "NO PARKING" wne. Chairman Turner suggested this item be referred to the Engineering Department, and the Department contact the residents within the azea explaining the concerns of the Planning Commission, and of the existing ordinance. The Department forward those responses to the Traffic Engineering Committee. He advised the Traffic Engineering Committee previously discussed re-striping Mill Street at the intersection of Spring Street due to the intersection being very invisible from approaching east and west bound traffic. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Kennedy, it was cazried by an all AYE vote, that the Public Works Director send a letter to all residents of Mendocino Drive to Clay Street advising that the Planning Commission has expressed a concern of the traffic safety problems relating to on-street pazking, and that this item will be reviewed and discussed at the August 8, 1995 Traffic Engineering Committee meeting. WEST STANDLEY AVENUE -WEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF DORA AVENUE The Planning Commission expressed a concern that vehicles were traveling at excessive speeds along West Standley Street, west of its intersection with Dora Street. The Commission requested that the Committee consider ways to ensure that traffic is restricted to the legal speed limit. Member Kennedy advised he talked to Captain Williams to have the radaz trailer located in this azea. Member Dewey advised he addressed the situation and the cars on West Standley are daily travelers of this azea (residents of the area). Arrangements have been made to locate the radar trailer within this azea. ON A MOTION Member Harris, seconded by Member Kennedy, it was carried by an all AYE vote, that the Traffic Engineering Committee support the action taken the Public Works Director in referring this matter to the Ukiah Police Department. The Planning Commission also mentioned there is an area along Mendocino Drive, located immediately south of the playing fields for Yokayo Elementary School, that has sandy materials that could cause bikes and vehicles to slide. Member Looney advised the area has been cleaned of the sandy materials. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE APRIL 11, 1995 COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS a. Spring 1995 Traffic Safety Update Report of Caltrans This item was informational only. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS The election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman will be carried to the May 9, 1995 meeting. Member Kennedy advised he received a letter from Debbie Bachman. "I am requesting the installation of a "SLOW CHH.DREN AT PLAY" sign on Warren Drive. There is a blind curb approximately 200 yards south on Warren. The children like to play together in front, and expressed a concern there aze vehicles travelling faster than it is safe. The residents in our neighborhood know to drive slowly because of the children, but as I am sure you know, it only takes one negligent driver to cause an accident involving a child. I feel a sign or two would be a great help in letting driver's who aze unfamiliaz with our neighborhood." Discussion followed regarding to the Vehicle Code requirements; "SLOW CHILDREN AT PLAY" is not an official traffic control sign, and therefore, cannot be installed. Member Kennedy advised he will write a letter to Mrs. Bachman explaining the Vehicle Code on "CHILDREN AT PLAY" signs, and will request that the Ukiah Police Department schedule the radaz trailer for this azea. Member Kennedy advised on the request from Motosports for a loading zone on State Street, the Committee authorized the Duector of Public Works/City Engineer to establish the loading zone if there is adequate distance for a travel lane. State Street is wide enough for a travel lane and the curb will be painted for a loading zone. Chairman Turner requested that the radaz trailer be scheduled for Gazdens Avenue between Mendocino Avenue and Mendocino Drive at the crosswalk (the access to Yokayo School). ADTOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. c~ o ,~1L -- ----.~~_ c Steve Turner, Chairman Kathy Kinch, Re¢brding ~ecretazy T R:1\TRC ~~IJJJ M001195 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE APRIL 11, 1995 5