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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_091603Minutes TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE September 16, 2003 Members Present Ben Kageyama, Chairman Dave Lohse Jim Looney Dan Walker Mike Harris Rick Seanor Doug Pilant Others Present Jane Kardas Betty Green Michelle Leoni Staff Present Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary Members Absent Kevin Cotroneo The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kageyama at 3:00 p.m. in Conference Room No. 3, Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: -June 17, 2003 and July 15, 2003 ON A MOTION by Member Mike Harris, seconded by Member Doug Pilant, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the Members present to approve the June 17, 2003 notes, as submitted. Member Jim Looney recommended the following change to the July 15, 2003 minutes: Page 5, Paragraph 7, reads, "Member Looney stated the course of planning implementation for appropriate traffic calming features/structures requires going through the grant funding process, stating such a project is also time consuming in terms of conducting studies and design development," be amended to read, "Member Looney stated the course of planning implementation for appropriate traffic calming features/structures is time consuming in terms of conducting studies and design development." ON A MOTION by Member Mike Harris, seconded by Member Looney, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the Members present to approve the July 15, 2003 minutes, as amended. ABSTAIN: Doug Pilant III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No one from the audience came forward. Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 1 DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: IV. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding request for ordinance banning Segway from sidewalks. Member Rick Seanor reported at the April 15, 2003 Traffic Engineering Committee (TEC) meeting there was extended discussion concerning issues related to Segway, whereby additional research was requested for consideration by the Committee at a later date. He drew attention to a series of reference materials in the staff report that include the TEC minutes from the April 15, 2003 meeting, an article from the Ukiah Daily Journal dated April 17, 2003, an a-mail with a copy of an article addressing the issue from the Los Angeles Times dated July 6, 2003, and a copy of Resolution 2002-03 of the Mayor's Disability Council from the City and County of San Francisco, banning the use of Segway on San Francisco sidewalks. Additional reference materials provided were articles from the Internet representing the pros and cons on Segway use. Staff noted that Segway purchase and use is more prevalent in large metropolitan cities than in smaller communities. Staff recommended the Committee further discuss the Segway issue and determine whether to recommend the City Council adopt an Ordinance Banning Segway from City Sidewalks. Mr. Seanor discussed the potential use of Segway on City sidewalks with City Engineer Diana Steele, and commented it may be sometime before a Segway is seen in Ukiah, and if so, they would more than likely be limited in number. It may be beneficial to provide a demonstration on the operation of a Segway. He inquired whether the Committee would be amenable to deferring a decision on the matter until it becomes an issue. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 3:05 p.m. Jane Kardas, 810 Maple Avenue, Ukiah, Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the California Council for the Blind, reported she provided testimony at the April 15 meeting supporting a ban on Segway in this community, noting the use is potentially hazardous to pedestrians walking on public sidewalks. Sidewalks would not be the appropriate place for Segway use, especially when sidewalks are shared by the visually impaired and by persons having other types of disabilities, since Segway speeds can reach approximately 12 m.p.h. Betty Green, 1240 N. Pine Street, Ukiah, thanked the Committee for their concerted efforts in researching and evaluating Segway use on public sidewalks, even though the matter may be premature. Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 2 Member Mike Harris reiterated that his position on Segway use remains the same as stated at the April 15 2003 meeting, whereupon he favors the concept of evaluating and acting on the matter before it becomes an issue. In his opinion, public sidewalks are not the appropriate place for Segway use, especially when the City's sidewalks may not wide enough to appropriately accommodate pedestrians. Member Dan Walker commented City sidewalks would not be an appropriate place for Segway use in terms of the speed capacities and the potential for safety hazards. He briefly commented on the speed capability of a Segway in conjunction with the potential problems that could occur with use on sidewalks. Chairman Kageyama referred to an Internet website that provided an excerpt from the Segway use point of view relative to public safety concerns. In short, the article demonstrated that Segway use is safer and helps reduce the impacts caused from the operation of a vehicle, especially in residential areas. The article noted that the Segway user must exercise good judgment and act responsibly. The article advised that while the Segway does not have a brake system, it does feature a system that allows a person to stop the Segway in a safe and controlled manner. Jane Kardas commented on the aforementioned article, and stated such factors as weight and stopping distance would affect the actual ability for a Segway to stop safely and abruptly. Member Dan Walker did not support the State legislature's ruling on the use of Segway that essentially leaves local jurisdictions with the responsibility of having to decide whether such a mode of transportation should be allowed on its public sidewalks. He advised that bicycles are required to have a brake system, which will "lock-up" the wheel and produce a skid of the tire. The California Vehicle Code governs the use of vehicles, but there is no law governing the use of Segway on city sidewalks. It was noted that bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks. State law allows local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance to enforce the law; however, law enforcement officials do not typically cite people, especially younger children, for riding on the sidewalk unless a person is observed as operating the bicycle recklessly. Member Dave Lohse supported the concept of allowing Segway use in bicycle lanes. One favorable aspect for allowing Segway use is that it provides an alternative means of transportation other than the operation of a vehicle. He commented that the condition and size of some sidewalks in the community may not be able to adequately support Segway use or pedestrians. Member Dan Walker stated it would be illegal to allow Segway users to share the bicycle lane, as the State ruling provides that Segway use is subject to Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 3 pedestrian regulations, and pedestrians are not permitted to walk in bicycle lanes. Member Dave Lohse replied that the solution would essentially be an "outright ban" on Segway use. Member Dan Walker stated the primary issue regarding Segway use on sidewalks is that enforcement of the associated rules and regulations governing pedestrians lies with the local police departments. Chairman Kageyama inquired whether a Segway user could be cited for reckless operation. Member Dan Walker replied negatively, noting a Segway is not considered a vehicle that is subject to the rules of the California Vehicle Code, so a police officer could not cite a person for reckless driving because such users are viewed as pedestrians according to State law. Conversely, pedestrians are legally not supposed to walk in the bike lane. There is no code that regulates "reckless walking." From a law enforcement perspective, reckless operation of a Segway, where a pedestrian is injured, would be construed as a civil matter and not as a crime. A brief discussion followed regarding the issue of whether negligenUreckless operation of a Segway would be viewed and/or determined by local law enforcement as misconduct and endangering to pedestrians, noting such conduct would be difficult to enforce or prosecute. It was noted the State legislature decision concerning Segway use has made it difficult for local jurisdictions to make a determination whether to outright ban, limit, or allow the use. Sidewalks differ in size according to their age and condition. Michele Leoni, 1250 Boonville Road, Ukiah, commented the State should have taken better assessments of community sidewalks in terms size and condition prior to ruling Segway use as pedestrian-oriented. Member Dave Lohse commented Segway is a visible, stand-up operation and, in his opinion, should share use with bicycles in the bike lanes. The public safety issue is of primary concern at this point. He would be inclined to favor allowing the use in cases where someone had a special need. Member Jim Looney commented lobbyists representing influential corporations were more than likely responsible for getting the State to pass the bill allowing Segway use on sidewalks. The Ukiah City Council would be responsible for making the final determination whether the use would be allowed or banned in this community. Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 4 A brief discussion followed regarding the potential problem associated with deferring the matter, and allowing time for a retail establishment to open a store for Segway sales. The better approach may be to focus on the matter and make a recommendation to the City Council before it becomes an issue. On the other hand, it may be too premature to formulate an ordinance before the matter even exists. It may be an acceptable time to recommend a ban on Segway use, allowing for a clause that would permit the matter to be revisited when more information or evidence is available as to whether Segway use is known to be problematic. There was a general discussion concerning skateboards and electric and/or battery-powered vehicle use, the related problems, and measures taken to restricUcontrol the uses. Chairman Kageyama stated he did not see the potential Segway use as being a problem for this community, noting it may be premature to make a decision. The Internet articles demonstrated that the use has not been a problem for other jurisdictions. Member Jim Looney recommended banning Segway use on sidewalks with the exception of obtaining a special permit or ADA plaque. Member Dan Walker viewed the matter as being potentially problematic in terms of law enforcement compliance. Member Mike Harris stated the information available on Segway use may not be applicable to Ukiah, as sidewalks dimensions and conditions vary in communities. The articles favoring the use do not specifically state that Segway users were actually operating on sidewalks. He did not feel allowing Segway users to operate on City sidewalks was appropriate in terms of safety and potential endangerment and/or injuries to pedestrians, including the Segway user. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 3:24 p.m. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Walker, it was carried by the following roll call vote of the members present to recommend to the Ukiah City Council that the Segway should be banned from use on City sidewalks. Staff will request direction from the City Council as to whether an ordinance banning the use of Segways on sidewalks should be prepared and returned to Council for introduction and adoption. AYES: Members Harris, Lohse, Looney, Seanor, and Walker NOES: Member Pilant and Chairman Kageyama Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 5 It was noted that the above-referenced recommendation would be presented to the City Council on November 5, 2003. b. Discussion and possible action regarding changes to curbside parking at 605 North State Street -Michelle Leoni, Mountanos Properties. Member Rick Seanor reported at the June 17, 2003 meeting, staff presented a request from Michelle Leoni, Mountanos Properties, 605 North State Street to consider restricting parking along the property frontage. Ms. Leoni recommended that a section of red curb be extended south from the business driveway approximately eight feet. Additionally, she requested the remaining curbside parking accommodations along the North State Street frontage of Mountanos Properties be designated 24 minute parking by green curb painting and signage. She cited problems associated with large trucks often parking along this curb frontage, creating a site visibility problem for drivers leaving the Mountanos Properties parking lot. Public Works Superintendent Jim Looney informed the TEG that he would paint the standard length red curb at the transitions from the sidewalk to the driveway servicing Mountanos Properties. TEC directed staff to contact Larry DeKnoblough relevant to enforcement of time-limited parking at the subject location. Mr. DeKnoblough indicated that enforcement at this location would be unlikely. According to Parking Enforcement Officer Dot Gialdini, the subject location is outside the boundary of the parking district jurisdiction and that regular enforcement would be unlikely because of the requirements for enforcing parking restrictions within the parking district. Member Rick Seanor suggested the TEC review and consider the aforementioned issues, stating staff recommends against establishing a 24- minute parking zone at this location, since parking enforcement would not occur on a regular basis. The existing posted signs allow for parking between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a maximum of two-hours. A vehicle is allowed to park in this zone with no restrictions between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Michelle Leoni stated the parking problems did not exist when Mountanos Properties originally purchased the property. She stated parking problems pertain mainly to large trucks frequently parking at the posted two-hour parking zone, creating a visibility problem for persons exiting the parking lot. She stated there are times when the trucks park for longer than the posted parking two-hour limit, noting it was her understanding that the area is located outside the boundary of the parking district and parking enforcement would not occur on a regular basis. She noted the implementation of a 24-minute parking zone may be beneficial by acting as a deterrent as opposed to trying to enforce the current two-hour parking restriction in the 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. parking zone. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 3:44 p.m. Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 6 Member Dave Lohse inquired regarding the reason for trucks being parked regularly in this area. Ms. Leoni responded there could be a variety of reasons for the length of time the large trucks are parking in the area. It was noted that two businesses share the street frontage for parking at the subject location. Ms. Leoni advised that the adjacent business does not have a parking lot, so customers and delivery trucks utilize the State Street frontage for parking. Member Jim Looney stated it was possible to allow for two spaces, one of which would be for limited parking. Trucks would be unable to park in these spaces. It was noted another approach would be to extend the red curb to the south and still have room for two parking spaces. Member Jim Looney acknowledged the above-referenced proposal and stated it was possible to extend the red curb from the Mountanos driveway entrance to the south, allowing for two, 24-foot parking spaces for regular size vehicles. He stated one of the parking spaces could be painted green indicating a 24-minute parking zone, which would prevent trucks from parking in these spaces. Ms. Leoni inquired whether there was a height limitation restriction for vehicles parking on City streets. Member Dan Walker stated an Ordinance was adopted by the City Council that addresses height restrictions for vehicles. He indicated that enforcement of the height limitation may resolve the problem of trucks parking in the area. A discussion followed regarding whether a sign could be posted in this regard. There was also discussion concerning the problems associated with enforcement of the 24-minute parking zone for this area. Ms. Leoni did not favor the concept of having to contact law enforcement for parking violators. Chairman Kageyama inquired whether the trucks would be less of a problem if the red curb were extended on the south side of the driveway. Ms. Leoni replied extending the red curb may make a difference, noting, however, the subject area presents a problem due to large trucks parking along their frontage. An extended red curb would provide better sight distance for drivers departing the Mountanos parking lot. She supported the concept of Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 7 providing for an extended red zone. A 24-minute parking zone would be beneficial. She did not favor requesting City law enforcement to specifically monitor this area for parking violations. Chairman Kageyama inquired whether the public may be unaware of the two hour time limit restrictions along the State Street frontage in the subject area. A brief discussion followed regarding whether the parking signs were posted in appropriate areas, allowing them to be evident to the public. It was noted that passing motorists may not be paying close attention to the posted signs concerning parking restrictions. Member Jim Looney stated the height ordinance is relatively new so the public may be unaware of the regulation. On the other hand, when a person sees a painted green curb, it becomes obvious that there is a parking time limit. Member Dan Walker supported the concept of extending the red curb to the south and providing for two parking spaces, one of which would allow for 24- minute parking. He stated the matter could be revisited if it were not workable. Ms. Leoni was amenable to the above-referenced proposal. Member Jim Looney proposed painting the red curb from the driveway entrance south to a distance that would allow for two parking spaces, making the northern- most space at the Mountanos business a green curb. The remaining parking space would be left open. He stated it would be difficult for a truck to fit into a 24- foot space. Member Mike Harris inquired whether a truck is allowed to go across two marked parking spaces. Member Jim Looney replied it was his understanding that a truck could not cross over another parking space, especially if the space were a 24-minute parking zone. Member Mike Harris inquired whether a truck is allowed to go across two 24- foot regular parking spaces. It was noted that a truck is legally allowed to occupy two regularly marked parking spaces. Additionally, a truck is legally allowed to occupy one regularly marked parking space and one parking space painted green at the curb, provided the truck is parked no longer than 24-minutes. There will be no on street parking space markers (T's) implemented for this matter. It was noted the above-referenced proposal can later be reviewed should it not be a workable solution. Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 8 Member Jim Looney stated the height problem would be difficult to address and/or resolve. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 4:13 p.m. ON A MOTION by Member Jim Looney, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to recommend to the Ukiah City Council to extend the red curb from the driveway 18 feet south, to provide two 24-foot parking spaces with the northern space being marked green indicating a 24-minute parking zone with the remaining space left unmarked along the frontage of 605 South State Street, as outlined in the staff report, and as discussed above. V. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding request from MTA to establish new bus stops on Gobbi Street at South Oak Street. Member Doug Pilant reported in June 2003, MTA proposed to the TEC requesting approval to locate bus stops at the intersection of Gobbi Street and Oak Street. One of the bus stops was proposed to be located to the west of the Gobbi Street and Oak Street intersection. The property owner on the corner of this intersection was contacted and it became very clear that the proposed bus stop at this location was not a viable solution. MTA discussed alternative solutions by proposing two bus stops located to the east of the Gobbi Street and Oak Street intersection. There are currently no designated bus stops on Gobbi Street between State and Dora Streets. MTA Transit Vehicle Operators have indicated that there is a large demand for passengers to board and deboard transit vehicles along Gobbi Street. It has been determined that most of the passengers either live in the area or desire to shop at Rite Aid or other local businesses. He referred to Attachment A in the staff report that maps MTA's proposal for the establishment of two bus stops at the intersection of Oak and Gobbi Streets. Stop No. 1 would be 50 feet west of the Rite Aide parking lot entrance and Stop No. 2 would be 50 feet east of the Gobbi and Oak Street intersection. The proposed locations will utilize curbs that are already designated as "no parking zones." The proposed locations will also ensure that residents living in the area and the other bus riders would have a safe and convenient access to the MTA transit vehicles. Member Doug Pilant indicated the smaller transit buses would be utilizing the stops that would be in compliance with the 50-foot recommendation by the TEC, noting the smaller buses only need 40 feet. The MTA drivers prefer to have at least 50 feet to easily be able to pull back into traffic. Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 9 It was noted the rear end of the bus would be a few feet past the driveway for Stop No. 1. One benefit to this location is the stop is located on the far side of the driveway, which is considered a safety factor. A brief discussion followed regarding Stop No. 2, addressing whether there were potential problems in terms of safety and other associated factors with the proposed location. Member Jim Looney inquired whether it would be more appropriate if the bus stops were located farther away from the Gobbi and Oak Streets intersection or the driveway entrance to Rite Aid. Member Doug Pilant replied changing the location would not be necessary, as the proposed locations are designated as "no parking zones." Member Mike Harris inquired whether there was sufficient room for passing vehicles to go around a bus after it has stopped to pick up passengers at the two locations. It was noted there would be sufficient room for passing vehicles to go around the buses at the two locations. ON A MOTION by Member Mike Harris, seconded by Member Rick Seanor, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to authorize the establishment of two new bus stops on the north and south sides of Gobbi Street between Oak and State Streets as specifically depicted on Attachment A of the staff report, and as approved through infield observation by the City Public Works Superintendent. VI. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS There was no discussion concerning this agenda item. VII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS a. Review of automated speed limit display signs b. Review of flexible crosswalk signs Member Rick Seanor presented brochures of the aforementioned signs to the Committee. A brief discussion followed regarding the benefits, as well as the cost of implementing the various types of signs. He encouraged the Committee to review the information and welcomed comments and/or questions from the members. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:39 p.m. Traffic Engineering Committee September 16, 2003 Page 10 Ben K yam hairman Traffic Engineering Committee Page 11 i~ ° r,G ~ ~~l ~~ ; ~- Cathy. lawadly, R~ cording Secretary September 16, 2003