HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_061097MINUTES
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE
June 10, 1997
MEMBERS PRESENT
Mike Harris, Assistant City Manager
Rick Kennedy, City Engineer
Jim Looney, Public Works Superintendent
Donna Roberts, Public Member
Bob Sawyer, Planning Director
Steve Turner, MTA
OTHERS PRESENT
Mike Ohraet
Jimmy Rickel
MEMBERS ABSENT
William Fernandez, Chairman
Chris Dewey, Vice-Chairman
STAFF PRESENT
Marge Giuntoli,
Recording Secretary
Because of the absence of both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the Committee designated
Member Steve Turner as Acting Chair. He called the Traffic Engineering Committee to order
at 3:10 p.m in Conference Room 3, Ulciah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah,
California. Roll was taken with the results listed above.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Mav 13, 1997
Acting Chairman Turner recommended the following corrections to the minutes:
Page 2, Paragraph 3, amend to read: "ON A MOTION by Member Kennedy, seconded by
Member Turner, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote to recommend to the City Council that
for the purposes of uniform signing, the parking on the south side of the entire block of Mill
Street between State Street and Main Street be limited to two hours during the hours of 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, with the alternative, if
needed, that there be "Two Hour Parking" signs posted 50 feet apart in front of the
applicant's property only."
Page 2, Paragraph 7, amend to read: "ON A MOTION by Member Looney, seconded by
Member Dewey, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote to approve the request for permission
to locate a bus stop on Commerce Boulevard adjacent to Wal-Mart, conditioned upon Wal-
Mart making the required sidewalk improvements to their property."
ON A MOTION by Member Kennedy, seconded by Member Sawyer, it was carried by an all
AYE voice vote to approve the minutes of May 1 3, 1997, as amended. Members Harris and
Roberts abstained from the vote.
Minutes of the Traffic Engineering Committee June 10, 1997
Page 1
III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one came forward.
IV. DISCUSSIONIACTION ITEMS
NEW BUSINESS
a. Pedestrian Safety Located in Front of 111 West Perkins Street - Jimmv Rickel.
Jimmy Rickel, Director, Human Services, 111 West Perkins Street, referenced his letter to the
Traffic Engineering Committee of June 10, 1997, and spoke to his concerns regarding
individuals crossing Perkins Street outside of the crosswalk area, specifically from the
Courthouse directly across to Schat's Bakery. To alleviate pedestrian danger, he made the
following recommendations:
1 . Post crosswalk signs at the exits of the Courthouse and on each corner,
indicating information on crosswalks.
2. Survey local authorities about monitoring the area during the hours of
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
3. Placement of additional crosswalks and warning devices in the area.
Following explanation of his recommendations, Mr. Rickel accented his argument with a short
videotape showing pedestrians crossing Perkins Street without using the crosswalks.
Discussion followed regarding diamond crosswalks, blinking crosswalk lights, marked and
unmarked crosswalks, speed limit signs, accident statistics, and the definition of "jaywalking",
wherein it was determined that "jaywalking" is only a citable offense when done between
signaled intersections. Staff noted that mid-block crosswalks are not recommended, and that
marked or painted crosswalks can be dangerous because they give pedestrians a false sense
of security.
Further discussion followed relative to the options for addressing Mr. Rickel's concerns,
wherein it was noted the actual issue was pedestrian behavior. It was determined that the
City cannot use its resources to monitor an individual's habits, and that if an adult chooses
to cross a street for convenience instead of safety, it is their choice and they assume the risks
involved. It was suggested that since Courthouse employees appear to be the main
population crossing in this manner, that Mr. Rickel contact County department heads to make
them aware of the situation, and supply them with the necessary information to abate the
problem.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
V. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS
Member Kennedy reported that the City Council approved the request for restricted parking
Minutes of the Traffic Engineering Committee June 10, 1997
Page 2
on the south side of the entire block of Mill Street between State and Main Streets, and that
the signs had been installed.
VI. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
a. Accident Summary Report for the 1996 Calendar Year -Informational Onlv
See written report.
Acting Chairman Turner distributed an MTA summer timetable, and reported MTA will be
installing an illuminated shelter for the Greyhound bus stop at the Ukiah Airport.
Discussion followed relative to Greyhound bus service.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:58 p.m.
"9,y~"-_"_----
Steve urner, Acting Chairman
Mar a Giun oli, Recording Secretary
b:meg\tec61097.min
Minutes of the Traffic Engineering Committee June 10, 1997
Page 3