Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecp_101502TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room No. 3 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2002 3:00 P.M. AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER: Kageyama, Harris, Looney, Lohse, Seanor, Walker, Pilant, and Cotroneo II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: N/A III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS The Traffic Engineering Committee welcomes input from the audience. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments to three (3) minutes per person and not more than 10 minutes per subject. The Brown Act regulations do not allow action to be taken on non-agenda items. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: IV. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding crosswalks on State Street -Jennifer Colvin, 436 N Pine Street. (Continued from July 16, 2002) b. Discussion and possible action regarding issuance of commercial truck parking on Seminary Avenue -Captain Chuck Yates, Ukiah Fire Department. V. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding the installation of stop signs on westbound Perkins Street at Oak Street, and eastbound Standley at Oak Street - WiNiam French. VI. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS VIII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS VIII. ADJOURNMENT TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE October 15, 2002 Page 2 ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED AT A FUTURE DATE Discussion and possible action regarding MTA bus stop on South Dora between the new Public Health building and Laws Avenue -Doug Pilant, MTA Update from Subcommittee regarding parking and public safety issues in the neighborhood of Dora, Highland, Standley, Clay and Smith Streets near Trinity School -Continued to January 2003. Please call Kathy Kinch at 463-6214 if you are unable to attend the meeting. The City of Ukiah complies with ADA requirements and will attempt to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities upon request. R:1\TEC A101502 TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room No. 3 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 SEPTEMBER 24, 2002 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT Kevin Cotroneo, Public Member Michael F. Harris, Risk Manager/Budget Officer Diana Steele, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Dan Walker, Ukiah Police Department Jim Looney, Public Works Supervisor David Lohse, Associate Planner II Doug Pilant, Public Member Ben Kageyama, Chairman OTHERS PRESENT Bart Kaplan John Newfield MEMBERS ABSENT Rick Seanor, Dep. Dir. of Public Works Kathy Kinch Recording Secretary The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Kageyama at 3:00 p.m. Roll was taken with the results listed above. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ON A MOTION by Member Looney, seconded by Member Walker, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to approve the minutes of July 16, 2002, as submitted. Members Steele and Pilant abstained. b. Discussion and possible action regarding installing a crosswalk on Leslie Street in front of River Oaks Charter School, 555 Leslie Street -Bart Kaplan. Bart Kaplan, River Oaks Charter School, stated the school has been at this location four years, and is a permanent site for the school. There are 174 students, 12 teachers, and 5 staff members. In the morning and afternoon there are approximately 100 vehicles dropping-off and picking-up students, causing traffic delays on Leslie Street. He is requesting amid-block crosswalk located in front of River Oaks Charter School to allow parents to drop-off and pick-up their children on the west side of Leslie Street. The older children would serve as crossing guard monitors to help children cross the street safely. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 24, 2002 Page 1 of 6 Member Looney reported the Senior Center is south of the Charter School and there is an existing mid-block crosswalk located next to the Center's driveway to the Mobile Home Park. There are signs posted indicating a school zone and crosswalk, and the speed limit is posted 25 m.p.h. He stated he is opposed to mid-block crosswalks, because motorists are not aware of mid-block crosswalks. Member Walker asked what is the distance from the School to the mid-block crosswalk Member Looney responded approximately 150 feet north of the Schools parking lot Member Steele suggested relocating the mid-block crosswalk to serve both the School and the Senior Center. Member Walker stated he is opposed to two mid-block crosswalks. Crosswalks provide a false sense of security to pedestrians. Member Pilant asked was a traffic circulation plan submitted to the City of Ukiah for review and comment when River Oaks Charter School was first established four years ago. Member Lohse responded no. Schools and charter schools are exempt from submitting traffic circulation plans. The Planning Department did advise the School to consider adrop-off and pick-up location for the children. Member Pilant noted he has two children who attend the School. He stated he utilizes the parking lot for picking-up and dropping-off his children, because he does not want his children crossing a heavily traveled street. Traffic delays occur during the morning and afternoon for approximately 20- minutes. He stated there are no crossing guards during those times and there is no painted curb for short-term parking. Member Lohse asked what is the possibility of re-striping the parking lot to accommodate a pick- up/drop-off area. He is opposed to an on-street drop-off/pick-up area. He expressed he would like to see the School take responsibility for establishing an on-site drop-off/pick-up area. Mr. Kaplan responded the older students would be trained as crossing guards. Member Steele stated the teachers or parents serve as crossing guards at other schools. Mr. Kaplan suggested the front parking spaces could be removed to establish apick-up/drop-off area, leaving 30 parking spaces. Member Walker suggested establishing apick-up/drop-off area in the parking lot. The vehicles would enter the south driveway from southbound Leslie, and exist the north driveway to northbound Leslie. A sign could be posted at the north driveway "right-turn only." He stated he is opposed to two mid-block crosswalks. Member Looney stated crosswalks are used to control where pedestrians cross a street, crosswalks do not control traffic. Crosswalks are not safe zones and give a false sense of security to pedestrians. It is the responsibility of the School to establish apick-up/drop-off area for the children. Member Walker stated he would like to see the School take responsibility for establishing a pick- up/drop-off area for the children. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 24, 2002 Page 2 of 6 ON A MOTION by Member Steele, seconded by Member Walker, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the Traffic Engineering Committee request River Oaks Charter School establish an on-site pick-up/drop-off plan, such as modifications to the parking lot and crossing guard training, and return all information to the Committee at a future date. The Committee authorizes the Public Works Department to present the request to the residents of the Mobile Home Park and Senior Center regarding the relocation of the crosswalk, and review ADA accessibility. c. Discussion and possible action regarding the installation of flashing lights at City crosswalks- ]ohn Newfield John Newfield stated he uses the crosswalks on State Street on a daily basis. He is requesting the installation of flashing lights at all crosswalks throughout the City of Ukiah. Member Walker stated after a long period of time motorists do not acknowledge the flashing lights because the lights are set off by pranksters. The Ukiah Police Department will be educating the public on pedestrian safety, pedestrians violating the law, and vehicles violating pedestrian right-of- way. In the last several weeks' citations have been issued to both pedestrians violating the law and vehicles violating the right-of-way of pedestrians. He is opposed to the installation of flashing lights at crosswalks. Member Steele reported the cost to install flashing lights is $18,000 per crosswalk. Information received, shows flashing lights are not valuable. The City of Fort Bragg reported the flashing lights create long traffic delays in the downtown area. Member Pilant noted both vehicles and pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings. Chairman Kageyama suggested advanced warning signs such as "Watch for Pedestrians" or the possibility of installing diamond shape markings on the street. The markings allow vehicles to stop approximately 35-feet in advance behind the crosswalk. This would allow other vehicles to have clear site visibility of pedestrians crossing the street. ON A MOTION by Member Cotroneo, seconded by Member Walker, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the Traffic Engineering Committee continue to review the issue of pedestrians violating the law and vehicles violating the right-of-way of pedestrians. The Public Works Department is directed to contact Mr. Newfield when this issue is brought back to the Committee. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding continuing Droblems caused byparking along the east side of North Bush Street approaching Low Gao Road as stated by Ruth Toxgui 821 North Bush Street. Continued to September 17. 2002 meeting. As discussed at the February 19, 2002 meeting, Ms. Toxqui requested restricted on-street parking along the east side of North Bush Street opposite the Mendocino County Administration Buildings. At the March 19, 2002 meeting, Member Looney reported five-feet on each side of the driveway transitions, including any space not adequate for on-street parking, has been painted red. He noted with the exception of the northern most property where a resident has two driveways; the resident requested the space between the two driveway transitions not be painted red. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 24, 2002 Page 3 of 6 At the April 16, 2002 meeting, Pete Halsted, County of Mendocino reported the employees of the Public Health Department would be relocating to their new location on Dora Avenue. The old building would be remodeled and employees currently located at the Administration building will be relocated to the old Public Health building. In a telephone conversation with Recording Secretary Kathy Kinch, Mr. Halsted reported renovation of the former Public Health building would cost more than expected, therefore the move of County employees into this building will not take place. Ms. Toxqui has contacted Mr. Halsted on several occasions regarding vehicles parked in front of her home. At each occasion Mr. Halsted visited the site only to find the vehicles were no longer parked on Bush Street. On another occasion there were three vehicles parked in front of Ms. Toxqui's home in which he noted the license numbers to determine if the vehicles belonged to County employees. ON A MOTION by Member Steele, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that no further action is requested at this time. This item will be revisited should Staff receive further complaints from the residents. The Committee requested the Public Works Department to notify Ms. Toxqui of the findings. b. Update from Subcommittee reaardina ~arkino and public safety issues in the neighborhood of Dora, Highland, Standley, Clav and Smith Streets near Trinity School -Continued to September 17, 2002 meeting. ON A MOTION by Member Lohse, seconded by Member Cotroneo, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, to continue this item to the January 21, 2003 meeting. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action reaardina on-street oarkina on State and Standlev Streets located near the Courthouse and the removal of the red zones on Standlev Street and the law enforcement oarkina area on School Street and established disabled on-street parkins - Tonv Xabier, Fort Braao. Member Steele reported Captain Chris Dewey was contacted by Tony Xabier of the Mendocino County Grand Jury, regarding a parking ticket he received on August 8, 2002, for parking in a loading zone. Mr. Xabier stated he is disabled and his vehicle has the disabled license plate and his Grand Jury identifier was displayed in the window. Mr. Xabier expressed the handicap or disabled parking laws supersede other traffic codes and his vehicle was improperly cited. The City and County should recognize members of the Grand Jury might need additional disabled parking near the Courthouse, and these are individuals who volunteer their time as Grand Jury members. He is requesting the red zones and law enforcement parking area located on Standley Street next to the Courthouse be rezoned for handicap parking. Captain Dewey responded to Mr. Xabier that Vehicle Code Section 22511.5 outlines areas where disabled parking is allowed and that loading zone are not included in these areas where unlimited disable parking is allowed. Based on the Vehicle Code relating to disabled parking the citation was issued properly for the violation. Regarding the red zone and law enforcement parking area, Captain Dewey informed Mr. Xabier his concerns would be referred to the Traffic Engineering Committee for review. Member Walker reported Mr. Xabier was advised he would need to approach the County regarding the removal ofthe on-street parking spaces designated for law enforcement. The on-street parking MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 24, 2002 Page 4 of 6 spaces were designated for law enforcement officers who are attending trials at the Courthouse and need to respond to emergency responses. Discussion followed regarding standard requirements to establish on-street handicap parking spaces; and establishing additional handicap parking will allow others disabled individuals to use the spaces, it cannot be restricted for Grand Jury members only. ON A MOTION by Member Walker, seconded by Member Looney, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the Traffic Engineering Committee recommend that the Grand Jury, as a group or individually, contact the Mendocino County Superior Court to provide off- street parking for the Grand Jury. d. Discussion and possible action regarding issuance of commercial truck narking on Seminary Avenue -Captain Chuck Yates. Ukiah Fire Department. ON A MOTION by Member Lohse, seconded by Member Harris, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, to continue this item to the next scheduled meeting. e. Discussion and possible action regarding extending the existing red curb an additional 40- feet located on the north side of Mendocino Drive east of the crosswalk area Heitkamo Ukiah Police Department. Member Walker reported he received a memorandum from Sergeant Heitkamp dated September 19, 2002, requesting to extend the existing red zone an additional 40-feet, on the north side of Mendocino Drive at Alice Avenue. Upon completion of the sidewalk project on Mendocino Drive, a 15-foot red zone was established on both sides of the crosswalk. The red zone assist in identifying pedestrians in the crosswalk, and although it is safe for eastbound traffic, the site visibility is not clear for westbound traffic. Member Looney stated he visited the site and supports the request to extend the red curb an additional 40-feet for a total of 55-feet red curb. Traveling west on Mendocino Drive there is a slight curve to the right blocking the view of the crosswalk. The children have to enter the crosswalk look past parked vehicles to cross safely. Because the additional red curb would include the removal of 1.5 on-street parking spaces, the request would have to be approved by the City Council. ON A MOTION by Member Lohse, seconded by Member Cotroneo, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the Traffic Engineering Committee approve the request to extend the existing red curb an additional 40-feet located on the north side of Mendocino Drive, east of the crosswalk. The Committee authorizes the Public Works Department to recommend to the City Council approval to remove 2 on-street parking spaces on the north side of Mendocino Drive. OMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS None. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 24, 2002 Page 5 of 6 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Update on crosswalk stamoina machine. Member Steele reported the Public Works Department received funds from Air Quality to improve the crosswalk at Perkins and State Streets. Staff has been investigating the possibility of a decorative treatment for crosswalks. An option is a stamping machine that would allow a pattern and color to be impressed into the asphalt. AD]OURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Chah• Be Kage 1 ~~I ~ ltf Clt ~l r~'~ Kathy Kinch Recording Secretary R:1\MINUTES\TEC M092402 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 24, 2002 Page 6 of 6 Page 1 of 1 Kathy Kinch From: Kathy Kinch [kathyk@cityofukiah.com] Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 6:00 PM To: Rick Seanor: Diana Steele Subject: RIVER OAKS CHARTER SCHOOL -BART KAPLAN Diana and Rick, I touched base with Bart Kaplan who came before the Traffic Engineering Committee on September 24th regarding Discussion and possible action regarding installing a crosswalk on Leslie Street in front of River Oaks Charter School, 555 Leslie Street -Bart Kaplan. ON A MOTION by Member Steele, seconded by Member Walker, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present, that the TrafFc Engineering Committee request River Oaks Charter School establish an on-site pick-up/drop-off plan, such as modifications to the parking lot and crossing guard training, and return all information to the Committee at a future date. The Committee authorizes the Public Works Department to present the request to the residents of the Mobile Home Park and Senior Center regarding the relocation of the crosswalk, and review ADA accessibility. Mr. Kaplan stated an engineer came to the school and spoke with the Principal. I asked if the problem had been resolved regarding the spick-up area and thought it had been, however, they still wanted the crosswalk. I asked Mr. Kaplan to write us a letter stating what action has been taken regarding the engineer and the on-site pick-up/drop-off area and that if they still wanted the crosswalk they need to let us know. Also, if they do we made a motion that we would contact the mobile home park and the senior center. That all on that one. Kathy 12/9/02 Page 1 of 1 Kathy Kinch From: Kathy Kinch [kathyk@cityofukiah.com] Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 5:25 PM To: David Rapport Cc: Chuck Yates; Diana Steele Subject: SEMINARY AVENUE Good afternoon David, Awhile ago I emailed you about the parking of large commercial trucks on Seminary and the problems the fire emergency vehicles have when these vehicles are parked on the street. Have you had a chance yet to find out if it is possible to restrict these vehicles from parking on Seminary Avenue. The Traffic Engineering Committee meets on Tuesday, December 17th and we wanted to give them an update to the request. Thanks Dave, Kathy 12/9/02 October 29, 2002 Ms. Ruth Toxqui 821 North Bush Street Ukiah, California 95482 G'ity of llkralr SUBJECT: TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE, PARKING CONCERNS ON NORTH BUSH ST, SOUTH OF LOW GAP RD Dear Ms. Toxqui: The City of Ukiah Traffic Engineering Committee met on Tuesday, September 24, 2002. One of the items discussed was afollow-up to your request from the February 19, 2002 meeting, regarding restricting on- street parking along the east side of North Bush Street opposite the Mendocino County Administration Buildings. We have received updated information from Pete Halsted, General Services Director, County of Mendocino. Public Health staff has moved to their new location, and there are no current plans to prepare the existing building for new occupants due to the high cost of remodeling. The Traffic Engineering Committee has therefore recommended that no further action be taken at this time. I also wish to summarize actions taken to help correct the situation: City Street crews painted curbs red for a distance of five-feet on each side of the driveway transitions, as well as any remaining spaces not adequate for on-street parking. There was an exception of the northernmost property where the residence has two driveways and the resident requested the space between the two driveway transitions not be painted red. The Public Health Department has recently relocated to the former General Hospital building on South Dora Avenue. This was estimated to result in a reduction of 50 - 75 full-time employees and 30 - 50 client visits per day at the North Bush/Low Gap location. At the time the Public Health move was planned, the Board of Supervisors approved the reuse of the old Public Health building and parking spaces by employees currently at the Administration Center. The City later learned in a conversation with Pete Halsted that renovation of the old Public Health building will not be undertaken due to the high costs of remodeling the building; and the planned relocation of employees currently at the Administration Center will not take place. Mr. Halsted also stated he had spoken with you on several occasions regarding vehicles parked in front of your residence which were thought to belong to County employees. On several occasions Mr. Halsted arrived at the site to find the vehicles gone. On one occasion he did find three vehicles parked in front of your residence. He noted the License plate numbers in order to determine if they belonged to employees, and if so, he committed to contact the employees. Based on the actions taken to date and the information provided by Mendocino County General Services, the Traffic Engineering Committee recommended that this matter be considered resolved. Please feel free to contact our office in the future should you have any further concerns regarding traffic and traffic signs. Sincerely, Kathy Kinch Administrative Secretary Public Works/Engineering Division cc: TEC files 300 SEMINARY AVENUE UKIAH, CA 95482-5400 Phoned 7071463-6200 Fax# 7 0 7146 3-6 2 04 Web Address: www.cityofukiah.com G'rt~ of llk~ati October 24, 2002 Mr. William French 756 South Oak Street, Apt. V Ukiah, California 95482 Dear Mr. French: The City of Ukiah Traffic Engineering Committee met on Tuesday, October 15, 2002. One of the items discussed was your request regarding the installation of stop signs on westbound Perkins Street at Oak Street, and eastbound Standley Street at Oak Street. In response to your request, the Public Works Department is currently in the process of writing a Request for Proposal for a Traffic Circulation Study for various streets within the City of Ukiah. The Committee recommended that this area be included in the Proposal. Please feel free to contact our office in the future should you have any further concerns regarding traffic and traffic signs. Sincerely, Kathy Kinch Administrative Secretary Public Works/Engineering Division 300 SEMINARY AVENUE UKIAH, CA 95482-5400 Phone# 707!463-6200 Fax# 707/463-6204 Web Address: www.cityofukiah.com ~~ October 10, 2002 Ms. Katherine LaRue 7 Lorraine Street Ukiah, CA 95482 SUBJECT: SPEED CONTROL MEASURES ON LORRAINE STREET Dear Ms. LaRue, .~.~~ ,._ ~ '~ . As you know the City Manager's office recently sent out a questionnaire regarding the measures the City has taken so far to address the concerns of your neighborhood. I know that you still have concerns, so I did want to update you. We have received 22 responses to date. The responses are greatly appreciated. Comments were encouraged and many people took time to state their thoughts, both positive and negative. Of the responses received, thirteen responses expressed satisfaction, and nine responses expressed dissatisfaction. There was a wide range of opinions and ideas. All have costs associated with them and have the potential to create other impacts, which are undesirable to others. For example adding a bike lane or sidewalks could result in the need to remove some or all of the on-street parking. Eliminating through-traffic, blocking streets or designating a street as one-way forces traffic to other streets causing concerns there, and have the added impact of inhibiting emergency services such as fire engines and ambulances in the area where the street has been blocked. Given that the overall satisfaction exceeds the dissatisfaction and the recent opinion of the patrol officer that the traffic is flowing in a safe manner, we are not inclined to make any significant changes at this time. However, this does not mean we are not concerned or that we will not continue to review the situation. Striping was specifically mentioned in our survey and as we did not receive any compelling comments against adding striping, we are continuing to move forward with adding a center stripe and fog lines where there is room. l also wanted to mention that the City Council recently approved the addition of one more officer, specifically in response to citizen concerns for more traffic enforcement. I have shared and will continue to reinforce the neighborhood's concern regarding the need for patrol at key times of the day with the Chief of Police. Sincerely, Diana Steele, Public Works Director/City Engineer Cc: CHorsley, City Manager JWilliams, Chief of Police RSeanor, Deputy Director of Public Works 300 SEMINARY AVENUE UKIAH, CA 95482-5400 Phone# 707!463-6200 Paxtt 707!463-6204 Web Address: www cdyofukiahcom \1 1 ~\ i a i. :._ I ti /~~ 1 ~~~ ~~J~ AGENDA ITEM N0. Sa F r~c~m 3'he 17esk Of... October 2, 2002 City of Ukiah C5ty Council, After witnessing another near miss I am requesfing that stop signs be placed on Westbound Pedcins at Oak and Eastbound Standley at Oak. These intersections are increasingly becoming dangerous and for the safety of the general public these two intersections need to be made 3-way stops. Thank you, ~,. William D. French, Jr. 756 S. Oak St. Apt. V Ukiah, California 95482 ITEP. _ . 4b Kathy Kinch From: Chuck Yates [cyates@cityofukiah.com] Sent: Friday, August 30, 2002 9:03 AM 70: Kathy Kinch Subject: Traffic review item Kathy, could you please add to the next agenda of the Traffic Reviwe Committee, the issue of commercial truck parking on Seminary Ave. A little history... our ambulances and fire engines at times (when there are two or more commercial trucks parked on either side of seminary) can't traverse Seminary Ave. These vehicles are wider than the parking spaces (is that a ticketable offense?] and they therefore limit through traffic in these areas. Also, we need to still consider the western parts of Ukiah and narrow streets and either eliminating certain parking, making the streets one-way, of both. Thanks, Chuck 9/3/02 ENDA ITEM N0. 4A July 1, 2002 436 N Pine Street Ukiah, CA 95482 707-468-7919 Traffic Commission Attention: Diana Steele City Engineer I would like to voice my concern to the Traffic Commission that more needs to be done to provide for the safety of pedestrian traffic here in Ukiah. My special concerns are on State Street. #1 Priority is the crosswalk by the Charter School at the Fairgrounds. There should be some sort of lighting feature that warns drivers of kids crossing to and from school. There aze a couple of crosswalks on the south-side of state that should also have lights to alert drivers of people wanting to get across the street. Examples aze Luce azea and Foster Freeze on Frietas. I would like to know what the Traffic Commission is going to do to help improve safety for those of us who walk and would like to feel safer in utilizing the crosswalks. I look forwazd to a time of discussion and input on these concerns. Thank you. Mrs. Jennifer Colvin RECEIVED JUL O 1 ZOOZ BY: ~ i~r1 C`h