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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_121801TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room No. 3 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2001 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Michael F. Harris, Risk Manager/Budget Officer John McGowan Diana Steele, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Virginia Williams Jim Looney, Public Works Supervisor David Lohse, Associate Planner II Ben Kageyama, Public Member Doug Pilant, Public Member MEMBERS ABSENT Dan Walker, Ukiah Police Department Kevin Cotroneo, Public Member STAFF PRESENT Rick Seanor, Dep. Dir. of Public Works Kathy Kinch, Recording Secretary The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Kageyama at 3:08 p.m. Roll was taken with the results listed above. ANNOUNCEMENT -Introduction of Kevin T. Cotroneo, Community Member, to the Traffic Engineering Committee. Due to a death in the family, Mr. Cotroneo was not in attendance and will be introduced at the next meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: OCTOBER i6, 2001 ON A MOTION by Member Looney, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, to approve the October 16, 2001 minutes, as submitted. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: OLD BUSINESS b. Discussion and possible action reaardina request to chance loadino zone adiacent to Snorts Attic, between North School and North State Streets, to parking spaces, and a loadino zone established at the end of the block in front of the former Wildberoer's Market -Richard Cleland, owner of Sports Attic. Rick Seanor, Deputy Director of Public Works reported the Public Works Department received MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 18, 2001 Page 1 of 6 a letter from Richard R. Cleland of the Sports Attic, requesting the relocation of the loading zone located in front of the Sports Attic (east end of the block) to the west end of the block in front of the ofd Wildberger's market. Relocating the loading zone to the west end of the block would allow larger delivery trucks the ability to pull straight forward into the loading zone and park. On December 13, 2001, Staff mailed notices of the proposed loading zone relocation to the business owners and each business located on Standley Street between School Street and North State Street. As of this date, Virginia Williams and John McGowan have expressed their opposition of the relocation. Ken Rasmussen of Imaginary World of Audio recommended the elimination of both loading zones on Standley Street, and utilizing the existing loading zone on School Street. Mr. Seanor stated it is Staff's recommendation to approve the relocation of the loading zone to the west end of Standley Street. Member Looney stated he visited the site and concluded the loading zone could be relocated to the west end of the block with no loss of on-street parking. Mr. John McGowan stated he owns property adjacent to the existing loading zone, and is opposed to the request. The Sports Attic has the greatest need for a loading zone at the east end of the block due to deliveries made on a regular scheduled basis by the larger delivery trucks. Relocating the loading zone to the west end of the block will have three loading zones within one block. He expressed the larger delivery trucks will not utilize the loading zone on School Street and carry items to the Sports Attic. The trucks will either park in the existing parking spaces or double-park. He stated he is currently purchasing from the City the vacant lot between the Environmental Center and the building on the corner, will be renovating his current building, and hopes to utilize the existing loading zone within the coming year. There is no justification for the relocation of the loading zone. Mr. Seanor stated Mr. Cleland is requesting the relocation of the loading zone due to trucks pulling forward onto State Street, stopping traffic, and then backing-up into the loading zone. Member Lohse stated he has observed the larger trucks utilizing the loading zone and pulling forward onto State Street stopping traffic. Mr. Seanor stated he received a telephone call from Ellen Brysen of Pacific Stained Glass and Supply located next to Wildberger's, opposing the proposed loading zone. Ms. Brysen stated she has observed the larger trucks double parking on Standley Street. Ms. Virginia Williams suggested relocating the loading zone on North State Street between Standley and Smith Streets. Member Lohse stated he is opposed to the request because this would give three loading zones within the immediate area. Member Looney stated he is opposed to the request based on safety issues of semi-trucks and trailers would have to back up into a pedestrian crosswalk to exit the loading zone. The loading zone located on School Street behind the former Wildberger's Market is vacant most of the time and would like to see that loading zone removed, however, there would be no additional on-street parking. Member Steele stated she is opposed to the request based on the same safety issues expressed by Member Looney. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 18, 2001 Page 2 of 6 Mr. Seanor reported the loading zone on Standley Street, between Oak Street and School Street, is 47 feet in length. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the length of delivery trucks, and delivery trucks double- parking on Standley Street. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Looney, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the Traffic Engineering Committee deny the request to change the loading zone adjacent to the Sports Attic, between North School Street and North State Street, to parking spaces, and a loading zone be established at the west end of the block in front of the former Wildberger's Market. The request is denied based on the safety issues of semi-trucks and trailers would have to back-up into a pedestrian crosswalk to exist the loading zone. Member Harris requested that the Public Works Department send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Richard Cleland, owner of the Sports Attic, for his request. a. Discussion and possible action regarding on-street parking on West Church and West Stephenson Streets near Trinity School -Jim Loonev. Public Works Department. Mr. Seanor reported he visited the site and measured the street widths from curb to curb, with the results as follows: Dora to Hortense, W. Church Street is 28 feet from curb to curb. Hortense to Spring, W. Church Street is 25 feet wide. Spring Street to Hope, W. Church Street is 25 feet wide. Hope to Barnes, W. Church Street is 25 feet wide. Barnes to Thompson, W. Church Street is 25 feet wide. Thompson to Highland, W. Church Street is 25 feet wide. He reported this issue was originally brought forth by Member Looney due to concerns expressed by the Street Sweeper having difficulty passing through W. Church and W. Stephensen safely due to on-street parking either on one side or both sides of the streets. He advised there is a "no parking zone" located in front of the apartment buildings. A survey was conducted at 10:30 a.m. and observed numerous vehicles parked on Church Street, and very few vehicles parked on Stephenson. At 2:15 p.m. there were numerous vehicles still parked on Church Street. During the evening hours there were fewer vehicles, however, residential parking started to increase. Member Lohse suggested on-street parking should be eliminated on the south side of the street. He expressed on-street parking could be a traffic calming issue, however, the streets are very narrow and on-street parking narrows the street more. Member Looney suggested no parking on the south side of Church Street from Spring to Thompson, and no parking on the north side of Stephenson from Spring to Hope Streets. This would have the least impact to residents. He noted Trinity School staff is on-site 24 hours a day. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 18, 2001 Page 3 of 6 Member Steele suggested scheduling a meeting with Trinity School to discuss the problems with on-street parking, and the possibility of establishing on-site parking. If on-street parking is eliminated a neighborhood workshop would have to be held. A {engthy discussion followed regarding there is no Use Permit for the current educational use of Trinity School, therefore, on-site parking is not required; the impact to residents ifoff-street parking is eliminated; if on-street parking is eliminated the possibility of increased traffic speed on Church and Stephenson Streets; and the standard for a single travel lane is 12 feet wide -Church Street is 25 feet in total width. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Looney, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, to continue this item to the March meeting. Staff will meet with Trinity School to discuss the on-street parking problems and discuss options. It is also requested that Staff meet with the Police and Fire Departments regarding safety issues. c. UQdate of action taken at intersection of Smith Street and Oak Street. Member Steele reported at the October 16, 2001 meeting, Peter Richardson of Rainbow Construction requested the removal of 6 feet red curb from the existing red curb that was extended in June 2001, toallow on-street parking for two vehicles in front of Rainbow Construction. The red curb was measured and a portion was removed to comply with the resolution as approved by the City Council. The resolution states "beginning at the intersection at West Smith Street and extending 22 feet north". Member Looney advised there is adequate site distance and a safe parking distance from the pedestrian crosswalk. No further action is requested by the Committee. d. Update on reouest to Citv Council to shorten red zone along Leslie Street near Perkins Street. At the October 16, 2001 meeting, Mr. Timm Allred, Allred Construction, requested the no parking zone be shortened 15 feet to allow on-street parking for one vehicle to access his garage and gate to his business. Member Steele reported Mr. Seanor prepared a Staff Report to be presented to the City Council. Councilmember Larson opposed the request and asked that this item be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Mr. Allred was notified of Councilmember Larson's request and asked that the item be removed from the Council's agenda. Mr. Allred will consider increasing the gate width to prevent vehicles from parking in front of his business. If the gate is widened Mr. Allred can utilize the apron, open the gate, and enter onto his property. a. Discussion reoardino hatch marks painted within crosswalks for hioh visibility. Set standards and aolicv. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 18, 2001 Page 4 of 6 Mr. Seanor reported he contacted the City of Santa Rosa for standards and policy on hatch marks. Although the City of Santa Rosa does not have a policy, they do have descriptive language as to when hatch marks are installed within crosswalks. He will bring this back to a future meeting. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that this item be continued to the February meeting at which time Staff will present a report on policy and standards, maintenance, signage, legends, design, and other issues associated with pedestrian crosswalks. b. Discussion and possible action regardino School zone signing in the vicinity of Trinity School. Member Looney reported the color of school zone signs has been changed to lime green. New signs were not installed near Trinity School; although it is a school facility, the students are housed on-site and do not leave the facility, and the grounds are fenced. Based on 10-03.8 Policy for School Area Signs the Street Department removed the signs and poles from around the School. A sign was installed indicating an advance warning of the school. Member Steele suggested the placement of a pedestrian sign at the crosswalk on Barnes Street. c. Discussion and possible action regarding removal of curbside handicapped parking space on Washington Avenue near Nokomis School. Mr. Seanor reported a request was received from Tony Ruttlidge, Nokomis School, to remove one on-street handicap parking space on Washington Avenue, west of the main entrance to Nokomis School. The handicap parking space was installed approximately 2 years ago. Since that time the School has been remodeled and repainted, and the on-site parking lot has been completed with the establishment of two handicap parking spaces. He is recommending the removal of the on-street handicap parking space. Member Looney stated the on-street handicap parking space is an unauthorized parking space painted by Nokomis School, and substandard in length. The Street Department will remove the parking space. d. Discussion and possible action regarding removal of "No Parking" zone for one vehicle parking space at 493 Highland Avenue. Mr. Seanor reported a request was received from Paul Zellman to allow one on-street parking space to be located on the large paved shoulder area, off of the traveled lane, adjacent to his property. He visited the site and observed from Clay Street to Highland Court has been designated no parking on both sides of the street. The right-of-way width is 50 feet and the paved shoulder width is 22 feet. He advised when he visited the site he parked a City vehicle on the paved shoulder area and there was no obstruction to the travel lane. He is recommending removal of the no parking zone to allow one vehicle to park within the paved shoulder area, but not two vehicles. Member Looney stated he has no objection to the request. A lengthy discussion followed there are reflectors markers to identify a fog line; there are reflector markers to identify the centerline and the sides; and safety issues of large trucks making the turn. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Pi{ant, it was carried by an all AYE voice MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 18, 2001 Page 5 of 6 vote of the members present, to continue this item to the February 19, 2002 meeting, to receive comments from the Police and Fire Departments relative to safety issues regarding the off-street parking space at this location. e. Discussion and possible action regarding semi-truck trailers and other large trucks parking in the vicinity of Miller's Donuts - 260 South State Street (Large trucks may partially obstruct sight distance of vehicles exiting adjacent driveways). Mr. Seanor reported a request was received from ]im Silva expressing concerns with semi-trucks and trailers parking on-street within the area of Miller's Donuts restricting clear sight visibility when exiting the southern driveway onto South State Street. He advised staff visited the site observing one semi-truck parked on-street. Staff parked in the on-site parking lot and had no trouble existing the southern driveway. A second visit to the site showed no vehicles were parked on the street. Member Harris is opposed to the removal of the on-street parking. Discussion followed regarding this location is a commercial area and there are no delivery trucks during evening hours; there are red curb markings at the egress/ingress of the driveways; the businesses within the area maybe opposed to the elimination of on-street parking; parking is allowed on the east side of the street from the Airport entrance to the Mayacama facility and marked with parking T's. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Looney, it was carried by an a114YE voice vote of the members present, to deny the request torestrict semi-trucks/trailers and other large trucks from parking on-street in the vicinity of Miller's Donuts, 1260 S. State Street based on the findings there is no significant safety hazard with the current condition and recommend no change to the on-street parking. It is requested that the Public Works Department notify Mr. Jim Silva of the recommendation. Committee members commended Mr. Seanor on his presentations, Staff Reports, and the aerial photographs. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS None. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned a 4:55 p.m. Ch n ag ma 1 Kathy Kinch Recording Secrets R: 1\TEC M 121801 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 18, 2001 Page 6 of 6