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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_081198TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 11, 1998 3:00 p.m. MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Steve Turner, MTA N/A Rick Kennedy, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Robert Sawyer, Director of Planning Michael Harris, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Pete Hoyle, Ukiah Police Department MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT William Fernandez, Chairman Kathy Kinch Jim Looney, Public Works Superintendent Recording Secretary Donna Roberts, Public Member The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Acting Chairman Turner at 3:10 p.m. Roll was taken with the results listed above. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Acting Chairman Turner read audience comments. No audience comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ON A MOTION by Member Kennedy, seconded by Acting Chairman Turner, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, to approve the minutes July 14, 1998, as submitted. Member Hoyle abstained. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: NEW BUSINESS N/A MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE July 14, 1995 PAGE 1 OLD BUSINESS a. Status Report on Traffic Speed Studv for Clara and_Ford Streets Member Kennedy reported speed surveys were conducted by Staff during the month of July for the purpose of monitoring the continued effectiveness of the traffic calming devices in the reduction of vehicle speeds. As recommended, vehicle speeds were measured for each direction of travel in the vicinity of the devices. The recent speed survey indicates that at most study locations, the vehicle speeds have increased slightly from those speeds observed in January of this year, however, the new speed measurements are less than the vehicle speeds measured prior to the installation of the devices. A comparison of the before and after 85th percentile speed measurements are as follows: 85TH PERCENTILE SPEED IN M.P.H. Before After Current Survey 7/98 Location Device 1994 01 /98 Westbound Eastbound Clara at Orchard Ave Chicane & 19.8 13.9 --- 22.4 traffic island Clara at Sidnie Traffic circle 30.9 25.6 29.8 27.8 Clara and Hamilton None --- 30.6 31.8 30.8 Clara and Mason Construction --- 26 26.7 26.8 (removed after 02/18/98) Ford at Orchard Ave Traffic island 21.1 15.1 --- 15.5 Ford at Sidnie Traffic circle 28.2 17.9 24.3 24.1 Ford and Myron None --- 25.9 30.0 28.5 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE July 14, 1998 PAGE 2 It is noted that for those intersections having traffic circles, the 85th percentile speed is closer to the speed limit of 25 M.P.H. than the speeds measured at those intersections which do not have traffic calming devices. The recent speed results at Clara and Orchard Avenue are very surprising. It is difficult to imagine that the speed of left turning vehicles from Orchard Avenue onto Clara have increased since the installation of the traffic island. The island has restricted the width of the approach requiring drivers to make a slow and deliberate left-turn. There is thought that the data taker may have measured vehicles after the vehicle had completed the left-turn and during its acceleration through the chicane. Overall, it is believed that the traffic calming devices continue to effectuate a modest speed reduction. The traffic circles were painted white and reflectorized. Staff will be presenting these results to the City Council at the September 2, 1998 meeting. Staff will be recommending to the City Council to receive the report and take no action concerning the devices at this time. Member Kennedy advised that under the new General Plan a Traffic Management Plan will have to be adopted. Member Harris expressed that the traffic calming measures are a good source of informational data, and when necessary, to apply to other areas. He stated he has no problem with keeping the traffic calming devices on Ford and Clara. Acting Chairman Turner expressed that the traffic calming devices should remain in place, are useful, and could be used as informational techniques and as an educational process. Member Kennedy questioned should the temporary circle remain in place or have a low profile curb type planter. Acting Chairman Turner responded that the traffic circle should remain in place a little longer. Eric Larson stated that the data collected was during summer months when school is out, and that higher speeds are seasonal. The data sheets provided do not indicate the time of day or days the data was taken, which makes a difference, because there are certain times of the day where speeds are higher. He expressed there is the possibility of two observers registering the traffic speed at different points. He stated residents have noticed motorists making cleft-turn inside the median (turning into the eastbound right-hand lanel, and suggested implementing a planned focused enforcement along with the traffic calming measurements. Mr. Larson asked if it is possible to incorporate into the Traffic Management Plan, a process, that a local MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE July 14, 1998 PAGE 3 jurisdiction can lower the traffic speed limit 5 m.p.h. below the posted speed limit, or a double fine zone, for the purpose of traffic calming safety. Member Kennedy stated that the double fine is applied to construction zones only by legislation. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the traffic calming measures and the traffic speed study survey. Member Turner questioned is it possible that motorists are consciously/aggressively ignoring the traffic calming measures on a routine basis. Mr. Larson responded yes. It was the consensus of the Committee that no action be required at this time. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS Member Kennedy reported on the complaint received from Charlie Ruelle concerning a logging truck parking in a residential district. Officer Pete Hoyle of the Ukiah Police Department spoke with the resident, and that the resident has been complying with the ordinance of no commercial parking within a residential area. He also reported that at the August 5, 1998, meeting, the City Council approved the following: A four-way stop at the intersection of Commerce Drive and Airport Park Boulevard. A Traffic Engineering Study of the intersection was undertaken because of the high frequency of reported traffic incidents. As a result of the Study, it was concluded that afour-way stop at this intersection is warranted. Adoption of resolution establishing a no parking zone/bus loading zone on the west side of the 200 block of South Orchard Avenue just south of Stella Drive. The resident and property owner were notified of the request that a bus stop would be placed between the secondary driveway and the curb return, and would be painted upon completion of the Orchard Avenue reconstruction. The resident nor property owner attended the meeting. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE July 14, 1998 PAGE 4 • Recommendation to establish no parking zones adjacent to driveways on Hospital Drive. • Recommendation to open Marlene Street to two-way traffic. The Street Department will be installing two speed humps, between Lorraine and Orchard Avenue, before the removal of the barricade. Member Kennedy reported that he has received authorization for assistance from Whitlock and Weinberger for the proposed traffic signal modifications at Talmage Road and Airport Park Boulevard for the purpose of prohibiting through northbound traffic into the Lorraine Street neighborhood from the Airport Industrial Park. The modification would convert the existing middle northbound through lane on Airport Park Boulevard into a second left-turn lane. The existing outside, northbound, combination through right-turn lane would be changed to a right-turn only lane. Vehicles will continue to be permitted to turn into the north leg of Airport Park Boulevard from Talmage Road. Whitlock and Weinberger will prepare a work plan, preliminary sketches and a cost estimate outlining the work that will be required to implement the proposed modifications. Member Kennedy reported that Uretek USA, Inc., is currently milling the surface of North State Street from Henry Street to Low Gap Road. Member Kennedy reported the bid opening for the reconstruction of Perkins Street is August 26, 1998, and the bid opening for the reconstruction of Orchard Avenue is September 8, 1998. Perkins Street will have a full depth (7") of asphalt and 3" of grinding as aggregate sub-base. Orchard Avenue will have 9" of asphalt and 3" of grinding as aggregate sub-base. Member Turner reported MTA has new timetables that will be effective Sunday, August 16, 1998. The inland service (Ukiah, Redwood Valley, Willits and Potter Valley) has been separated from the Ukiah Valley services (the local and Jitney route). The timetable will also provide Saturday services. The access to the Redwood Business Park has been changed and will now be via Talmage Road, Airport Park Boulevard, Commerce Drive, and then to Hastings, and back to the Washington and Hastings intersection. He also noted that the MTA drivers will be very delighted with the four-way stop on Airport Park Boulevard and Commerce Drive. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE July 14, 1998 PAGE 5 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS N/A ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p. m. Acting Chairman Turner ~r _~~ , . Kathy Kinch, Recol 'ng Secretary x:1~Tec A0811% MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE July 14, 1995 PAGE 6