Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecp_031296TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room 3 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 MARCH 12, 1996 3:00 P.M. AGENDA KENNEDY, DEWEY, FERNANDEZ, FORD, HARRIS, LOONEY AND TURNER I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: DECEMBER 19, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 13, 1996 III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS The Traffic Engineering Committee welcomes input from the audience. In order for everyone to be heazd, 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. Concern with Bus Stop Location at 623 South State Street - Officer Barry Inman #12 b. Request to Relocate Bus Stop and Passenger Shelter on the North Side of Gobbi Street between Main Street and State Street -Steve Turner, MTA OLD BUSINESS N/A V. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS VI. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS VII. ADJOURNMENT R:1 \TEC A031296 TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room 3 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 FEBRUARY 13, 1996 MINUTES Chris Dewey William Fernandez Mike Harris Jim Looney Steve Turner Larry Woods (for Rick Kennedy) Steve Ford, Chairman MEMBERS ABSENT None OTHERS PRESENT Andre Siedentopf STAFF PRESENT Marge Giuntoli Recording Secretary The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Ford at 3:04 p.m. Roll was taken with the results listed above. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -December 19, 1995 It was the consensus of the Committee to reschedule approval of the December 19, 1995 Minutes until the next regularly scheduled meeting. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE February 13, 1996 Page 1 DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: NEW BUSINESS It was the consensus of the committee to hear Agenda Item IV.d at this time in consideration of the party present on behalf of the request. d. Traffic Studv of West Standley Street from Highland Avenue to Barnes Street Member Woods referenced the traffic studies completed by the City Engineering staff and advised they presented figures both before and after the installation of the temporary stop signs on West Standley Street at both Barnes Street and Highland Avenue. A radar gun was used to determine the speeds of vehicles during the time period of 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. A pneumatic tube type of traffic counter was used to count the traffic over a 24 hour period of time on both Standley Street and Highland Avenue. In addition, traffic was videotaped from a point east of Barnes Street from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The videotaping results have not been analyzed. He further advised the Cumulative Speed Curve sheets and supporting data showed the following: 1. The 85th percentile speed, as measured on Standley Street midway between Barnes Avenue and Highland Avenue, reduced from 34.7 MPH to 32.4 MPH after temporary stop signs were installed. Speeds of 54 vehicles were taken before stop signs were installed and the speed of 48 vehicles were taken after they were installed. 2. A 10-mile speed range, called a Pace, reduced from a range of 26 to 36 MPH to a range of 23 to 33 MPH after temporary stop signs were installed. Traffic counts indicated the installation of the stop signs resulted in the diversion of traffic to Highland Avenue from West Standley Street. Three hundred forty eight (348) vehicles used Highland Avenue and 571 vehicles used the east leg of West Standley Street before the installation of the temporary stop signs. That means 37.9% of this total of 919 vehicles were using Highland Avenue. Once stop signs were installed, 434 vehicles used Highland Avenue and 503 vehicles used the east leg of West Standley Street, which means 46.3% of this total of 937 vehicles were then using Highland Avenue. The increase from 37.9% to 46.3% is significant. A check on the reported accidents on this part of West Standley Street indicates there were three accidents in the last twelve months and one accident in the twelve previous months. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE February 13, 1996 Page 2 It appears that the installation of temporary stop signs had the following effects: 1. Speed is not appreciably reduced. 2. Traffic patterns may have changed to use Highland Avenue instead of Standley Street. 3. There may be an increase in noise and traffic congestion. 4. None of the three warrants set by Caltrans appear to be met for the installation of Multiway Stop signs. Andre Siedentopf, 1038 West Standley Street, advised the neighbors on Standley Street had met and discussed the installation of the temporary stop signs. The majority of the residents felt the stop sign at Barnes and Standley was essential, but that the one at Highland and Standley was unnecessary. He stated his opinion was that the City should have surveyed for a longer period of time than just one hour in the morning. He commented on the traffic pattern shift to Highland Avenue, and stated he felt more people were using Clay Street, which is safer, wider, and has a 30 MPH speed limit. He asked if a stop sign at Barnes and Standley was definitely out of the question. Member Woods replied Member Kennedy had advised him that if the Committee decided not to recommend the stop signs, he would support the idea of the request going before the City Council so the neighbors could present their opinions. Member Woods further referenced the traffic summary wherein it stated eight calls were received at the Civic Center from people with comments relative to the temporary stop signs. A tabulation of the results are as follows: In favor of stops at Highland Avenue 3 In favor of stops at Barnes Street 5 Opposed to stops at Highland Avenue 4 Opposed to stops at Barnes Street 2 Discussion followed relative to traffic growth and the merits of stop signs and other speed control measures. Frustration with excessive speeds on neighborhood streets was expressed on both sides. It was suggested that perhaps [he Standley Street Neighborhood Watch Program could do their own traffic survey. Member Dewey commented that in the first survey, prior to the stop signs, there were seven cars that could have been ticketed for speeding (10 miles over the legal limit). In the second survey, with the stop signs, there were only two cars that could have been ticketed, which is a substantial difference. It is virtually impossible to station a police car on Standley Street for enforcement; traffic monitoring can only be done with a radar gun. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE February 13, 1996 Page 3 ON A MOTION by Member Dewey, seconded by Member Turner, it was defeated by the following roll call vote, to recommend to the Ciry Council the installation of stop signs on Standley Avenue at Barnes Street. AYES: Members Dewey and Turner NOES: Members Fernandez, Harris, Looney, Woods, and Chairman Ford ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None Mr. Siedentopf was informed his request was denied, but that he had the option to appeal the action to the City Council. a. Request for a Twenty (20) Foot Extension of the Existing Red Curb in Front of St. Mary's School on South Dora Street, the North of the Intersection of Luce Avenue - Steve Turner, MTA Member Turner advised MTA is requesting a lengthening of the bus stop at St. Mary's School. Currently, the space available between the crosswalk and the northern end of the red curb area is 49 feet. Beyond the red curb is a white curb passenger loading area extending another 70 feet. Automobile drivers park as close as possible to the end of the red curb, which forces the bus driver to stay back about ten feet from the north end of the loading area to allow space for the bus to pull away from the curb. This causes the rear of the 35 foot bus to be just north of the cross walk, limiting visibility for the pedestrians and the crossing guard. MTA is asking that the City extend the red curb north an additional 20 feet to allow safer ingress and egress of the bus, and better visibility around the crosswalk. The white curb passenger loading area could also be extended 20 feet further north. A copy of the request will be forwarded to the principal at St. Mary's school. Discussion followed relative to the difficulty the busses have in maneuvering within the existing space, the congestion around the crosswalk area during school arrival and dismissal times, and the sight distance problem. Member Woods advised when the crossing guard initiated the request previously, Rick Kennedy, City Engineer, talked to the principal, who was against the idea because of the loss of the white curb area. With the idea of shifting the white curb area north, there would be no loss of white area. Member Turner advised he had not talked to the principal, but did have a copy of the information hand-delivered to her the previous Friday. Discussion followed relative to whether there was room to extend the white zone. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE February 13, 1996 Page 4 ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by the following roll call vote, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request by the Mendocino Transit Authority fora 20 foot extension of the red curb on South Dora Street, north of the intersection of Luce Avenue, and that the white zone be extended 20 feet northerly from its current terminus. AYES: Members Dewey, Fernandez, Harris, Looney, Woods and Chairman Ford NOES: None ABSTAIN: Member Turner ABSENT: None Member Harris advised the City will write a letter to the principal of St. Mary's school advising her of the recommended extension. b. Request for Permission to Relocate the Bus Stop, Passenger Bench and Shelter on Main Street at Perkins Street -Steve Turner, MTA Member Turner advised that for over 16 years, the MTA has enjoyed the use of the curb area across from the Library, on south bound North Main Street, just north of Perkins Street, as a primary bus stop. Until about three years ago, this was also used as a transfer location with several busses meeting and exchanging passengers. All transferring is now done at the Crossroads Transit Center, next to Bagel-Zen-Blues. The Library stop will continue to be the primary stop serving the downtown until a central facility is developed, perhaps at the railroad depot. The Main Street stop serves busses traveling both north and south on the local route as well as the services throughout the Valley, Willits and the South Coast. A transit consultant currently reviewing the local service has suggested that by eliminating the circuitous movement, travel time and mileage could be reduced and passengers provided with a quicker, more direct service to their destinations. After reviewing the area around the existing stop, it was determined a very efficient way to implement this suggestion would be to relocate the stop to the north end of the same block on North Main Street and onto Standley Street immediately west of the intersection. South bound busses would stop on Standley, then proceed north on Main Street after stopping at the stop sign. North bound busses (traveling south on Main Street) would stop on Main Street, just south of Standley, and proceed west on Perkins. The new stop location would include a new style aluminum and Plexiglas passenger shelter, a passenger bench and two signed stops. The Ciry is asked to post one sign on East Standley street, east bound on an existing post behind the North Main Street stop sign. The other sign would be needed on south bound North Main Street, just south of East Standley street. It could replace the existing parking limit sign on Main. MTA is also requesting that the indicated parking spaces be removed and replaced with red curb. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE February 13, 1996 Page 5 ADA access to the proposed stop would be accommodated by the existing twelve foot wide sidewalk on Main Street. The parking area grade matches the sidewalk and there are no parking barriers. The relatively few wheelchair boardings and alightings at that stop can be accomplished without dedicated right-of-way. Some parking changes would be required and an opportunity would be gained to add a right turn pocket on south bound Main Street at Perkins. One existing parking place on Standley Street and two spaces on Main Street would be displaced. Two new parking spaces could be designated in the area the existing MTA stop is vacating, and a new right turn pocket could be striped as well. Ample alternative parking exists in the City lot on the north east corner of the Standley and Main Streets intersection to offset the net loss of one space. The proposed shelter to be installed at the new location would be a new style aluminum and Plexiglas model with clear sides and back to minimize the visual obstruction caused at the intersection. The current bench would be relocated and signs and associated hardware would be provided by the MTA. Member Looney stated he sees a loss of one parking space, but does like the idea of getting the congestion away from this intersection. Member Harris commented on the depot proposal and did not believe a change at this time was appropriate. Member Turner replied he understood his concern, but was of the opinion it would be a beneficial change for the short term. Chairman Ford stated his concerns relative to the blockage of traffic as cars travel east to the freeway on Standley. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of relocating the bus stop on the east side of Main Street, the location of existing driveways, and the directions of the bus routes. Further discussion related to pedestrian ramps and curb cuts on both corners. ON A MOTION by Member Looney, seconded by Member Dewey, it was carried by the following roll call vote, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request by Mendocino Transit Authority to relocate the bus stop, passenger bench and shelter on Main Street at Perkins Street to the Standley Street corner. AYES: Members Dewey, Fernandez, Looney, Turner, and Woods NOES: Members Harris and Chairman Ford ABSTAIN: Member Turner ABSENT: None MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE February 13, 1996 Page 6 c. Request for Multi-way Stop at the Intersection of West Perkins Street and Oak Street -Elizabeth Jeffries There was no one present to speak to the request. Member Woods noted the frequency of accidents at the intersection, indicating that the accidents must be able to be corrected by multi-way stops for one to be installed. He further advised this intersection is not likely to be able to meet the warrants from Caltrans regarding traffic volume. Staff's conclusion is that amulti-way stop is not warranted. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Turner, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote to notify the requestor the Committee determines there is adequate site distance at the intersection, and that the accident record does not warrant a third stop sign. e. Reouest for Removal of the Southbound Left Turn Lane on Mason Street - John Ekdahl There was no one present to speak to the request. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Turner, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote that the Committee indicate to the requestor that the northbound lane is actually wider than the left turn lane, the left lane does not appear to cause undue problems for the northbound lane, and therefore the left turn lane should remain. f. Request to make Mason Street and Main Street One-way from Perkins to Norton Street -John Ekdahl There was no one present to speak to the request. Member Harris advised discussion had occurred at staff levels relative to one-way couplets, and that the consensus was there would be no action on such at this time. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Fernandez, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote to notify the requestor the Committee does not feel it appropriate to have aone- way couplet on Main Street at this time. g. Request to Check Out Traffic Si¢nal Svstem at Norton Street and North State Street - John Ekdahl There was no one present to speak to the request. ON A MOTION by Member Turner, seconded by Member Harris, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote to refer the matter to the appropriate City staff for review. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE February 13, 1996 Page 7 OLD BUSINESS a. Request for Extendine Red Parking Zone in Front of St Mary School - Member Kennedy -Verbal Report Chairman Ford advised the report was incorporated into the discussion for Agenda Item IV.a. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS Members Looney and Woods advised a member of the public had inquired of them, prior to the meeting, relative to vacating an alleyway between Dora and Bush Streets, and Walnut Avenue and Gibson Creek. They asked for clarification of process. Member Harris advised implementation can be initiated at the staff level, but ultimately the item must go before the City Council. There must be a petition made of the neighborhood. The Committee can make a recommendation; in the past it has gone from the staff to the Council. Member Woods concurred that seemed the logical process, unless there was some safety related impact. The three property owners must be notified. He will contact the person and they can petition. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Member Fernandez inquired regarding previous discussions on speed humps. He indicated that Member Kennedy had some knowledge regarding such. The committee will be provided with an update on the matter at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjoµrned at 4:30 p , . i Y_ Ford, Chairman ~- aa cfc. Ma a Gitintoli, Recording Secretary b:M021396 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE February 13, 1996 Page 8 City of Ukiah Meeting: Date: UNTARY SIGN-IN SHEET (Please Prini) _. J / l!L /v ~ ^ 1 / ~1 J U ~ ~~L;N '- ) ~ ~T~ 5~~ 1 ~1L , 1976 20 Years of County-Wide Service 1996 March 6, 1996 City o{ Ulxiah, Tra{{ic Engineering Committee City Hall Ulziah, Cali{ornia 95482 Subject: Re uest {or permission to relocate the bus stop and passenger she~ter on Gobbi Street, North Side. We are requesting permission to move our bus stop and passenger shelter on Gobbi Street, at Sa{eway, eighty {eet to the west. See attached diagram. We propose to create an ADA accessible waiting area at the new location using a new plexiglass and aluminum shelter. The clear aides will allow our drivers to see waiting ,ypassengers as they approach the sto The new location will also solve the existing tra{{ic conflicts with the Main Street and Gobi Street location. ~e have sought and obtained ermission {rom Ken McBurne{',General Manager o{ Ulxiah Sa{eway, to build a passenger s~elter into his planted area at this location. The new aluminum and plexiglass shelter, similar to the new shelter at Albertson's, would not inter{ere with pedestrian tra{{ic on Gobbi Street. And because o{ its new location, the visibility into this shelter would improve greatly, reducing loiterin and improving personal sa{ety. Bus ridership at this location is high, over 5~ people er wee heading south, according to our last survey. Tbis shelter serves Sa{eway, Pay~esa, the 1'olza.yo Marlxet, and the redeveloped Social Services Center in the Yolzayo Shopping Center. Our bvs shelter replacement across the street at Bill's Drugs has also been completed. Re%s~/pe/)ct{~~lly Sub~mit~ted~ 1~1,wvY ' ~~GZ~/'~KJ Robert S. Hall Bus Stop Coordinator, MTA 241 Plant Road Ukiah, California 95482 (707) 462-5765 Fax (707) 462-1760 Mendocino Transit Authority ~ ~ i ~ 1 , A. ~ ~ ~ , . ~' ~ ~k 1~ G `r a 1 ~ ~ -.. I ,.` ~~ t 1~ Ils, °-r ~ ~~ ~1ti~ ~- ~~ ~~ ~`t ~~ a ~~ ~1~ +~; L'` ~~ ~~ ~~ ' L. srne nr: ~o ~. _. _ -- - ^° „ ~ W u b_ d ~-~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ rn ~, I~~ n~. `` ~,~ ~ ,~~11~ ~ 1 ~ l Jo L! ~;, ~ ~~ ~, ~~ ~~ ~ ;~' -~ ~~`", __~~_3 "l~ 4 \ ~l ~ I Z. 111 ht ~t, a ~~~ 1 ~,ann ~. ~ ~1 ~~ ;I ~'~D `t~C (j t~C. q ~fi `~.. ~h ^A13. ~u'1 o~ a 0 ?. ~' i i ~. ~~,, ~.; ~'J a~ 1 ~, ~> f, x n w n .~ ~ . ~ a ~~' ~ ° '~ . d~ x ° r~ rb ~ ~~ ~ r l ~0 m :._~ ~ ~ H m H i ~~/iro.v I -. '~ ~.~~ fir, /<<~;~~.~ UKIAH POLICE DEPARTMENT /~,, MEMORANDUM ~r~~~~'~'~~ L~'%~~~` Q- DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 1996 TO: CAPTAIN WILLIAMS FROM: OFFICER BARRY INMAN # 12 SUBJECT: POTENTIAL TRAFFIC HAZARD ON 013196, AT ABOUT 1500 HOURS, I WAS AT BUNNY'S DONUTS ON PERSONAL TIME. I NOTICED THE GREYHOUND BUS HAD STOPPED AT THE BUS STOP IN FRONT OF THE BUDGET INN, 623 SOUTH STATE STREET. THE CURB WHERE THE BUS STOPS IS PAINTED RED. I BEGAN TO LOOK AT THE TRAFFIC AS IT APPROACHED THE STOPPED BUS. THE # 2 LANE IS GREATLY REDUCED IN WIDTH DUE TO THE WIDTH OF THE BUS AS IT IS STOPPED WHILE PASSENGERS LOAD AND UNLOAD. I HAVE DRIVEN PAST THE BUS WHEN ZT HAS BEEN STOPPED. I CONSIDERED THIS TO BE A SERIOUS TRAFFIC HAZARD. WITH THE # 2 LANE WIDTH GREATLY REDUCED, VEHICLES MUST MERGE INTO THE # 1 LANE. IF A VEHICLE DOES NOT SEE THE BUS IN TIME, IT MAY MERGE AND SIDESWIPE ANOTHER VEHICLE. ALSO, A VEHICLE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON STATE STREET MAY NOT REALIZE THE BUS IS STOPPED, OR THE DRIVER MAY HAVE AN ALCOHOL OR PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT, AND MAY REAR END THE BACK OF THE BUS. WHILE I WAS WATCHING THE SITUATION, AND THINKING ABOUT A SOLUTION, SUNNY, THE OWNER OF THE BUSINESS, SAID HE AND SOME OF HIS CUSTOMERS RECOGNIZED THE HAZARD, AND ASKED ME WHAT COULD BE DONE. I TOLD HIM I WOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I TALKED WITH SGT. BARCLAY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND HE ADVISED ME TO ADVISE EITHER YOU OR SGT. MCBRIDE AS HE FELT ONE OF YOU WAS ON THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTE FOR THE CITY. Y SUBMITTED, ~~ Z CER BARRY INMAN # 12