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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_081099TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 10, 1999 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Steve Turner, Public Member Bruce Evans, Fire Marshal Pete Hoyle, Ukiah Police Department Judy Baugus Bill Beard, Interim Director of Public WorkslCity Engineer David Lohse, Associate Planner Ben Kageyama, Public Member Rick Seanor, Deputy Director of Public Works MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Jim Looney, Public Works Superintendent Kathy Kinch Michael F. Harris, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Recording Secretary The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Turner at 3:10 p.m. Roll was taken with the results listed above. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Due to the lack of a quorum of those Members present at the September 21, 1999 meeting, the minutes could not be approved. The minutes will be approved at the next scheduled meeting. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Vice-Chairman Turner read audience comments. Bruce Evans, Fire Marshal, City of Ukiah Fire Department, stated there is a fire hydrant located to the north of the south driveway of 1367 South Dora Street, in regards to the request for a proposed bus stop/red curb zone in front of 1367 South Dora Street. He advised the City of Ukiah Fire Code prohibits the placement or installation of objects on sidewalks within a 3 foot radius of a fire hydrant or fire appliance. The request for the proposed bus stop zone might be to close to the fire hydrant. After discussion, it was determined the fire hydrant was in a different location, and presented no conflict. Vice-Chairman Turner responded the proposed bus stop/red curb zone will be located south of the second driveway. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 10, 1999 PAGE 1 DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS NEW BUSINESS Request for a Bus Stop/Red Curb zone at 1367 South Dora Street northbound to replace the Bus Stop in front of Ukiah Convalescent Hospital -Steve Turner MTA Vice-Chairman Turner reported the Ukiah Convalescent Hospital protested the proposed expansion of the bus stop/red curb zone, because employees use Dora Street for on-street parking. The request to lengthen the bus stop/red curb zone is to accommodate the longer buses. As an alternative MTA is requesting to relocate the bus stop/red curb zone to 1367 South Dora, northbound, in front of the southern wing of building. He noted the property owner has been contacted and has no objection to the bus stop/red curb zone. He advised there is adequate on-site parking at this location. ON A MOTION by Member Beard, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the Traffic Engineering Committee approve the relocation of the bus stop/red curb zone to 1367 South Dora Street, northbound, approximately 60 feet, to replace the bus stop/red curb zone in front of the Ukiah Convalescent Hospital. Vice-Chairman Turner abstained. Request to extend Bus Stop/Red Curb zone north 40 feet in front of the island at Frank Zeek School -southbound side of North Bush Street -Steve Turner -MTA Vice-Chairman Turner reported the request is to extend the bus stop/red curb zone to the light standard, north of the shelter. He noted a bus shelter was recently installed on the island. ON A MOTION by Member Beard, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the Traffic Engineering Committee approve the extension of the bus stop/red curb zone 40 feet north, in front of the island at Frank Zeek School. Vice-Chairman Turner abstained. Member Lohse advised there is adequate on-site visitor parking for the school. c. Reouest to relocate northbound MTA bus stop at 1270 North Bush Street (Walnut Village) approximately 60 feet south of the present location -Steve Turner MTA Vice-Chairman Turner reported there is an existing bus stop, north of the driveway, with a bench. He is requesting to relocate the bus stop at 1270 North Bush Street, southbound, approximately 60 feet and upgrade the bench to a shelter. Due to site distance consideration, the Engineering Division allows 25 feet of site distance on either side of the driveway to the shelter. The property owner of Walnut Village has requested that the bus stop and shelter be relocated south closer to the Jack Simpson Apartments. The shelter will be placed in the landscaping, behind the sidewalk, and will not be in front of any MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 10, 1999 PAGE2 residential apartment. He noted the bus shelter is 12 feet in width, will be located 38 feet from the north driveway and a further distance from the southern driveway, and the sidewalk is 6 feet in width. The shelter at its current location is 25 feet from the driveway. This will allow drivers to exit the driveway, have clear sight visibility, and their line of sight will be in front of the bus shelter. Member Lohse asked if the proposed location is east of the garden area for Walnut Village. He noted there may be a potential development on Pine Street. Vice-Chairman Turner responded no. ON A MOTION by Member Lohse, seconded by Member Beard, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the Traffic Engineering Committee approve the request to relocate the northbound MTA bus stop at 1270 North Bush Street (Walnut Village) approximately 60 feet south of the present location. OLD BUSINESS a. Reouest for a loadino zone or "NO PARKING" zone located at the corner of Washington Avenue and Helen Avenue -Bill Beard. City Engineer Member Beard reported this item was discussed at the August 10, 1999 meeting. At that time Judy Baugus, Site Supervisor for Nokomis Head Start Child Development Program, North Coast Opportunities, requested a 10 or 5 minute loading/unloading zone, or "No Parking" zone, approximately 100 feet for the ioading/unloading of children within a safe area, located at the corner of Washington Avenue and Helen Avenue. She expressed that due to individuals parking their vehicles in front of residential driveways; parking in front of afire hydrant; vehicles parked for long periods of time; and the increase of on-street parking, many neighbors within this area have become upset with the parking impact. He noted that the main entrance for Head Start (Center) is located on the corner of Washington Avenue and Helen Avenue. The Center's hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. He advised the Vehicle Code allows public agencies the authorization to establish limited parking zones and "No Parking" zones within City streets. The "white zone" is a 3 minute passenger loading/unloading zone; the "yellow" zone is a 3 minute zone available for loading/unloading passengers or loading and unloading of materials for 20 minutes; the "green" zone is 24 minute parking; and the "red" zone is strictly "No Parking" with the exception of commercial passenger carriers or local bus transit systems. He suggested the possibility of an agreement be made with the School District regarding mitigation for the existing parking problem in the area around the school. If an agreement can be accomplished between the City of Ukiah and the Ukiah Unified School District, the Committee would then forward a recommendation to the City Council to create the MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 10, 1999 PAGE3 "passenger loading" zone. Since the City has received some negative comments from nearby property owners regarding the proposed removal of five unlimited parking spaces to create a "passenger loading" zone, the Committee would also recommend that the City Council hear any comments from nearby owners or concerned citizens prior to taking any action on this item. The School District has no funding for an on-site parking facility, however the Center is involved in providing limited on-street parking. The School District has no control over the limited parking zone. To approve a "No Parking" zone will require information on how the additional on-street parking will impact the neighborhood, and the on-street restrictions should be contingent upon an agreement between the City and the School District that no additional buildings be allowed on the site which would create additional parking until such time as on-site parking is developed. Member Lohse expressed he supports the unloading/loading, and public safety of parents and children. He would like to see the School District discuss future projects with the Planning Department to receive input and recommendations such as on-site parking. Judy Baugus arrived at 3:45 p.m. Judy Baugus, Site Supervisor, Nokomis Head Start Child Development Program, North Coast Opportunities, stated because individuals park their vehicles in front of residential driveways; park in front of a fire hydrant; vehicles are parked for long periods of time; and the increase of on-street parking, many neighbors within this area have become upset due to the parking impact. She advised she has asked her staff to park their vehicles away from the building, and she has been talking with the parents and neighbors in an effort to help resolve the problem. She noted the School District has plans to install an additional modular for the Ukiah Valley After School Program at this location. Vice-Chairman Turner stated between the Headstart School, and the kindergarten playground, there is a wide gravel driveway with a gate, and asked if the driveway could be developed for an off-street parking area. Bruce Evans, Fire Marshal, advised the gravel driveway is a fire lane. He noted the School District has plans to install an additional modular for the Ukiah Valley After School Program within this location. Vice-Chairman Turner asked if the fire lane could serve as an access road to an on-site parking area south of the building. Fire Marshall Evans responded yes. Member Beard stated he will write a letter to Gordon Burke, at the School District, advising him of the situation and the Committee's recommendation. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 10, 1999 PAGE 4 ON A MOTION by Vice-Chairman Turner, seconded by Member Beard, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, the Traffic Engineering Committee recommends that the City Engineer write a letter to the School District making them aware of the problem, and the proposed action to create a 125 foot "Passenger Loading" zone on Washington Avenue at Helen Avenue. By this letter, the City is requesting that an agreement be made with the School District regarding mitigation for the existing parking problem in the area around the school. It is the Traffic Engineering Committee's position that an agreement is necessary in order to mitigate the existing parking problem and the liabilities it creates. If an agreement can be accomplished between the City of Ukiah and the Ukiah Unified School District, the Committee would then forward a recommendation to the City Council to create the "Passenger Loading" zone. Since the City has received some negative comments from nearby property owners regarding the proposed removal of five unlimited parking spaces to create a "passenger loading" zone, the Committee would also recommend that the City Council hear any comments from nearby owners or concerned citizens prior to taking any action on this item. Request for Stop Sign on Washo Avenue at Gobbi Street -Bill Beard. City Engineer Member Beard stated this item was discussed at the March 9, 1999 meeting. At that time Eric McMilin requested a stop sign on Washo Avenue at Gobbi Street. Mr. McMilin's home is located at the end of East Gobbi Street from Oak Manor Drive. He expressed a concern that when vehicles exit the Oak Manor area onto East Gobbi Street drivers do not acknowledge traffic coming from the East Gobbi Street area; and the increase of vehicle speed at this intersection. Member Beard advised the traffic volume at this intersection does not meet the requirements to warrant a permanent stop sign, and there have been no reported accidents. The City Code states there are designated City streets required to be through streets, which also have intersecting streets. The Code states that a stop sign is required to be placed at those intersecting streets. At this location, a portion of the road is located in the County. The split between County and City is 2' to 3' into the paved street area from the curb face on East Gobbi Street and technically the City would have control over the stop sign on Washo Drive. Member Beard asked if a letter was sent to the property owners on Washo Avenue and East Gobbi Street to receive comments on the possibility of an interim stop sign, which would be reviewed by Staff and presented to the City Council. Mr. Seanor responded no. Vice-Chairman Turner asked if the temporary stop sign was installed. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 10, 1999 PAGE5 Mr. Seanor responded no. Member Beard recommended that a stop sign be installed at this location, due to the fact that the intersecting streets within the Oak Manor subdivision have stop signs. He noted Ukiah Municipal Code, Section 7000, requires terminating streets to have a stop sign. Discussion followed regarding the future development of Riverside Park; the potential increase of traffic volume may warrant the installation of a stop sign; the possibility of installing a yield sign; and the traffic volume increases during evening hours for the BMX track and Little League. ON A MOTION by Vice-Chairman Turner, seconded by Member Beard, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the Traffic Engineering Committee recommends to the City Council the installation of a stop sign on Washo Avenue, southbound, based on the Municipal Code, Section 7000, where stop signs are installed at intersecting streets with a through street, the future development at the east end of Gobbi Street; and elimination of the temporary stop sign and public hearing. Member Kageyama advised the County is recommending that the City annex East Gobbi Street into the City because of the Riverside Park development and the nature of the road. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS Member Lohse asked if the Members would be interested in reviewing the language of the Ordinance that specifies the membership criteria for the Committee, and recommend to the City Council revising the membership criteria to allow more public member participation. He also asked that a Letter of Appreciation be forwarded to William Fernandez expressing their appreciation to him for his many years of dedication to solving traffic problems within the City. Vice-Chairman Turner requested this item be placed on the November agenda. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Rick Seanor, Deputy Director of Public Works, advised that City Manager, Candace Horsley, requested the Public Works Department send a survey to the Ford and Clara Avenue residents regarding the traffic calming devices. The survey was mailed out and Staff has received 20 - 30 responses. The survey asked if the residents would like the traffic calming devices to remain as they are, have them removed, or would they be willing to contribute financially towards the maintenance. This item may be brought to the Committee in November or December for discussion and recommendation to the City Council. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 10, 1999 PAGE6 Rick Seanor, Deputy Director of Public Works, advised he received a telephone call from the Director of Autumn Leaves, David Palmer, requesting amid-block crosswalk on Gobbi Street to the bus stop. He advised Mr. Palmer the City does not recommend mid- block crosswalk because it gives pedestrians a false sense of security. Vice-Chairman Turner responded there was a bus stop/red curb zone located in front of Ted Myers Insurance on Gobbi Street. Ted Myers requested that the bus stop be relocated away from his business, because people were walking on his lawn and leaning on his sign. MTA asked if the bus stop could be relocated to the east end of his property in front of the parking lot adjacent to the mobile home park. Mr. Myers refused. The bus stop/red curb zone was relocated mid-block between the driveways and the other side of the fence of the recreational parking. He noted he attended the Walkable Community Workshop in Willits were mid-block crosswalks were discussed, and a presentation showed the installation of a temporary island in the left turn lane to assist pedestrians crossing the street. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Mfr , ~2 Vice-Chairman Steve Turner - ~r~ ,~~ t_r I. ~ ~~ K htaK y Kinch, Re rding Secretary R:1\TEC A071399 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AUGUST 10, 1999 PAGE 7