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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_021098MINUTES TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE February 10, 1998 MEMBERS PRESENT Chris Dewey, Ukiah Police Department (3:27 p.m. arrival) Mike Harris, Assistant City Manager Rick Kennedy, City Engineer Jim Looney, Public Works Superintendent Donna Roberts, Public Member Charles Stump, Senior Planner (for Robert Sawyer) Steve Turner, MTA OTHERS PRESENT None STAFF PRESENT Marge Giuntoli, Recording Secretary MEMBERS ABSENT Bill Fernandez Robert Sawyer It was the consensus of the Committee to designate City Engineer Kennedy as Acting Chair, since both Chairman Fernandez and Vice-Chairman Dewey were absent from the meeting. The Traffic Engineering Committee was called to order by Acting Chair Kennedy at 3:07 p.m. in Conference Room 1, Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken with the results noted above. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -December 9, 1997 Acting Chair Kennedy noted an error on the agenda relative to approval of minutes, and corrected the date from January 13, 1998 to December 9, 1997. The December minutes were correctly included in the Committee packet for review prior to the meeting. ON A MOTION by Member Hams, seconded by Member Looney, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to approve the minutes of December 9, 1997 as submitted. Member Kennedy abstained from the vote. III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No audience was present. IV. DIS~SION/ACTION ITEMS NEW BUSINESS a. Request from Mendocino Transit Authorit~(MTA) To Relocate Southbound Bus ~I? From 1170 South State Street In Front Of Ukiah Ford South Past Washington Avenue To A Location In Front Of 1207 South State Street -Steve Turner. MTA Member Turner advised that because Redwood Business Park was added to the MTA route, the bus stop at 1170 South State Street is no longer in an ideal location, since the bus must cross two Traffic Engineering Committee February 10, 1998 Page 1 lanes of traffic to get into the left turn pocket to turn left on Hastings Road. He requested the stop be relocated further south to 1207 South State Street. Member Looney clarified it would only be necessary to move the bus stop sign, since there were no curb markings. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Stump, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to approve the request from MTA to relocate the southbound bus stop from 1170 South State Street, in front of Ukiah Ford, south past Washington Avenue to a location in front of 1207 South State Street. Member Turner abstained from the vote. b. Discussion Of Reported Traffic Incident At Gobbi Street And Drivew~f At Yokayo Shopping Center. Acting Chair Kennedy noted the absence of the written attachments regarding this incident, and verbally reported that the matter involved Captain John Williams of the Ukiah Police Department, who was traveling eastbound on Gobbi Street when a driver attempted to make a left hand turn out of Yokayo Shopping Center and hit Captain Williams' vehicle in the rear panel. The officer who wrote the incident report suggested it be referred to this Committee. Mr. Kennedy further reported that under the last phase of the construction of the new Safeway and following the demolition of the old store, Safeway's driveway on the north side of Gobbi Street will be redone and the bus turnout installed. This new driveway will then be located opposite the driveway of Yokayo Shopping Center, whereas currently they are offset. Since it is permissible to turn either left or right out of Yokayo, the driver was not making an illegal turn. It appears this incident was caused by the amount of traffic activity in that area and the failure of the driver to yield the right-of-way. ON A MOTION by Member Hams, seconded by Member Turner, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to receive the report, and indicate there was no action at this time the Committee feels appropriate to take or recommend. OLD BUSINESS a. Traffic Survey Report For Traffic Calming Devices Along Clara Avenue And Ford Street. Acting Chair Kennedy advised that at the City Manager's request, City staff conducted a traffic survey of the traffic calming measures recently installed along Clara Avenue and Ford Street. He reviewed the figures, and stated that the purpose of the survey was to determine if the devices were slowing traffic as they were intended to do. The results have shown they have definitely been effective, appearing to reduce speeds by at least 5 miles per hour. Traffic volumes were not measured. The volume was not relevant in this case since the intent was to slow vehicle speed and not to discourage motorists from using that route. Member Roberts commented it appeared to her that the traffic volume had been reduced, and that it was definitely more comfortable in the neighborhood now that speeds have slowed. Discussion followed relative to an additional location for an island off of Clara Avenue, where the speeds begin to increase. Mr. Kennedy advised that the City Council had approved three locations Traffic Engineering Committee February 10, 1998 Page 2 for the traffic circles: Myron and Ford; Sidnie and Ford; and Sidnie and Clara. He stated he would include in his report to the Council that staff is working with the Committee to ascertain a location for a third traffic circle which would consist of planters at a different location that is acceptable to the school district. It was clarified that locations had been identified for two islands and three traffic circles. Presently there are two traffic circles, two islands, and abulb-out on Mason Street. The third traffic circle has not been constructed at the original approved location since the traffic circles impact buses trying to make a left tum around them, and the school district was attempting to reroute their buses. Staff will consult with them prior to determining the third location. Plants for the circles have been ordered, and will be hardy, low-growing, and drought resistant. Member Dewey arrived at the meeting at 3:27 p.m. Member Roberts noted that some of the bricks had been tom out of the circle on Ford Street. It was the consensus of the group that the Traffic Engineering Committee had no changes to Mr. Kennedy's proposed report to the City Council. b. Relocated MTA Stoo On East Gobbi In Front Of Harold Square Was Installed Further East Than Anticipated Due To Concerns From Park Resident Informational Only -Steve Turner. MTA Member Tumer reported that, in answer to a concern from a resident who lives at the west end of Harold Square, the MTA bus shelter was installed further east between the two driveways and near the RV and trailer parking. Autumn Leaves has completed their rebuilding following the fire, and have powered the light in the shelter on their side of Gobbi Street. The dark-colored glass wind screen has been removed from the front, and since the shelter is now well lit, it is hoped there will be no loitering by individuals. He has also requested that Safeway run power to the new shelter location on Gobbi Street as part of the completion of their new parking lot, but as yet has received no response. Member Stump advised he would follow up with the Safeway request. Member Roberts commented on the attractiveness of the bus turnouts near the shopping center on Orchard Avenue. V. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS Acting Chair Kennedy inquired if Member Dewey had any knowledge relative to the traffic incident involving Captain Williams. Member Dewey replied he did not. There were no further reports. VI. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Member Tumer noted he had observed eastbound traffic at peak time backing up from the Orchard Avenue intersection to Leslie Street that was blocking the "T" intersection of Warren Drive and Traffic Engineering Committee February 10, 1998 Page 3 Perkins Street. He suggested marking the intersection "Keep Clear" so that it could still be used even though motorists are backed up at the stoplight. Discussion followed wherein it was determined the law demanded intersections be kept clear; however, a hazardous situation could be created if motorists are encouraged to come out across two lanes in front of the westbound traffic. Member Harris inquired regarding whether the Chevron station at Perkins Street and Orchard Avenue had been required to improve their corner when they redid their tanks. Acting Chair Kennedy replied Chevron contacted City Manager Horsley several months ago and complained when Kmart began to redo that intersection, stating they had paid the City money several years ago, and no work had been done. He clarified that the reason was because of the location of the power, which is a major line. Payment was made only for Chevron's portion; there are not sufficient monies to fund the expense of under grounding and relocation of the power poles. Member Roberts referenced the Perkins Street westbound left turn lane to Orchard Avenue, and inquired if the left tum lane could be stair-stepped back to allow large trucks to tum adequately from southbound Orchard. Acting Chair Kennedy replied he could think of no reason why it could not be stepped; the Engineering Department would investigate the matter. Discussion followed regarding the traffic backup past Albertson's store during the holiday season, wherein it was noted that a third right turn lane had been added, but the left turn lane was too short and motorists stack in the through lane. It was recommended that the lines be erased from the painted double island near Albertson's in order to open up the street for southbound traffic. The Engineering Department would investigate. Member Dewey advised that the Police Department had been working the radar and issuing citations on Leslie Street. He noted that the prima facia speed limit in front of schools and senior citizen complexes was 25 miles per hour, and suggested the signing of the senior citizen zone unless the cost were prohibitive. Member Looney suggested it was appropriate to sign the senior area as one of "Reduced Speed." Acting Chair Kennedy stated the 25 mile per hour speed limit will be posted, but that it will also be noted in the administrative files that the area was signed because of a senior citizen complex. Member Looney reported he had received a call from a citizen whose husband slipped and fell on the painted crosswalk on Hospital Drive between the hospital and the pharmacy. He stated he was unsure of what remedy there could be for the problem. Acting Chair Kennedy commented that glass beads are incorporated into the paint when the crosswalks are painted. The glass beads usually provide enough abrasion to act as a non slip surface. Member Looney reported a citizen had inquired if a stop sign could replace the yield sign on the south end of Gardens Avenue where it intersects with Mendocino Drive. He stated that he assumed Traffic Engineering Committee February 10, 1998 Page 4 the yield sign was installed to slow down the traffic, and that since a driver must encroach into the street to see to the east, a stop sign would be ineffective. Discussion followed relative to the 24minute parking zone that was requested by Henne's Candies, and if that zone should be reverted back now that Henne's had closed its business. It was the consensus of the Committee not to take any action regarding such at this time, since the business was for sale and the new owners may desire the limited parking zone remain in place. VII. ADJOURNMENT ON A MOTION by Member Hams, seconded by Member Looney, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to adjourn the meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:03 p.m. ~/ t~ - ~ ick Kennedy, Act n Chair Marg Giunt ,Recording Secre ary b:meg\tec21098.min Traffic Engineering Committee February 10, 1998 Page 5