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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_101204Minutes TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE October 12, 2004 Members Present Dave Lohse Jerry Whitaker Rick Seanor, Acting Chair Steve Turner Dan Walker Others Present Chuck Yates Terri Lyons Paulene Mattern Dan Thomas Staff Present Members Absent Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary Mike Harris Diana Steele, City Engineer Ben Kageyama Bruce Richard The meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Rick Seanor at 3:00 p.m. in Conference Room No. 3, Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 17, 2004 ON A MOTION by Member Lohse, seconded by Member Walker, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to approve the August 17, 2004 minutes, as submitted. III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chuck Yates commented on the TEC meeting of August 17, 2004, addressing the issue of providing fora "No Parking Zone" on South Barnes Street. He stated South Barnes Street and other streets on the west side of the City are narrow and allowing parking on both sides of such streets restricts emergency vehicles from passing through and/or parking. He noted on most of these narrow streets two-way traffic is permitted, as well as parking on both sides of the street. He encouraged the TEC to revisit this issue and consider measures that would allow emergency vehicles and other large vehicles access. Acting Chair Seanor responded that the Citywide Traffic Circulation Study will be addressing the issue of narrow streets on the west side of Ukiah. In addition, staff is researching the right-of-way width of South Barnes Street and will discuss this item at a future TEC meeting. IV. OLD BUSINESS a. None V. NEW BUSINESS Traffic Engineering Committee October 12, 2004 Page t Acting Chair Seanor advised that there would be no quorum until a fifth member arrived. He recommended the Committee discuss agenda item V(c). c. Provide feedback to developer regarding parking alternatives for development at 704 East Perkins Street. Acting Chair Seanor referred to an aerial photomap of the area in the vicinity of 704 East Perkins Street. He stated the site will be developed for a Starbucks and other retail uses. He stated property owner Dan Thomas desires to add parking spaces for his employees to supplement the legal number of parking spaces previously approved by the Planning Commission. Mr. Thomas is in the process of negotiating a lease for off-sight parking located to the south of East Perkins Street. City Engineer Steele commented parking accommodations may be available at the church located on the south side of East Perkins Street in the vicinity of the project. Acting Chair Seanor stated the applicant has recommended a crosswalk be established across East Perkins Street just to the east side of the US 101 ramps to assist customers/employees in crossing East Perkins Street from the south side of the street. The crosswalk would be extended across the street to the business being developed on the north side. The Public Works Department strongly opposes mid-block crosswalks. It was noted the intent of the crosswalk would be to benefit the employees of the development parking across the street. It was noted some on street parking would be allowed in front of the establishment. City Engineer Steele stated utilizing the orchard property adjacent to the development is not an option. Also, the north side of East Perkins Street is not developed to accommodate pedestrians. The Public Works Department is concerned about the site's close proximity to the CALTRANS off-ramp. Member Walker stated traffic accidents occur when motorists speed on the over- pass, thus interfering with motorist traveling from the US 101 ramp onto East Perkins Street. Terri Lyons has observed increased traffic problems on East Perkins, especially when making a left hand turn from the US 101 ramp onto East Perkins Street. Acting Chair Seanor inquired whether there was a particular time of day when traffic is more congested? Terri Lyons replied she has observed traffic congestion on East Perkins Street at various times of the day. Traffic Engineering Committee October 12, 2004 Page 2 City Engineer Steele recommended obtaining the accident statistics for this area of East Perkins Street. Member Lohse inquired whether speed was the primary cause of accidents. Member Walker replied it was, as well as motorists not paying attention. A general discussion followed regarding the legality of pedestrians crossing East Perkins Street without a crosswalk, noting the construction of such a crosswalk may create a "false hope sense of security." Member Lohse stated during the planning process for the Major Site Development Permit application, on-site circulation and parking was closely examined with regard to the layout of the site. The project would not have been workable if "every aspect of the project had to be perfectly connected," noting the site is not easy to walk to. Adding just a crosswalk without having sidewalks is not the solution. He stated, in his opinion, the circumstances in this area does not warrant a crosswalk at this time. A general discussion followed regarding the nature of the project, noting a drive through would be a component. Planning staff noted that while having connecting sidewalks would assist pedestrians, much of the clientele would be freeway- oriented, therefore, the matter is anon-issue. People will walk to the business, and area residents will likely "cut-across" East Perkins Street without a great deal of difficulty. Crossing the street may be more difficult for handicapped persons or for older persons, who may move more slowly. Member Lohse stated he has no difficulty crossing East Perkins Street when people are complying with the posted speed limit. City Engineer Steele addressed the issue of off-site parking, and stated it was her understanding that the applicant could be precluded from parking in the two proposed sites located across the street from the project. People/employees desiring to go to Starbucks would cross the street using their common sense. This may not the best situation, but future developments may require the installation of a curb, gutter and sidewalk. Dan Thomas advised staff that he desires to assist with implementing measures to slow traffic in this area. He initially recommended the implementation of a crosswalk. He now proposes the installation of a flashing light/warning light and/or signage as a way to provide public protection by advising motorists that there is a school in the vicinity. He stated that a safety issue currently exists and an even greater safety issue will exist after the development of his project. Traffic Engineering Committee October 12, 2004 Page 3 Member Whitaker commented on the issue of public safety, and reiterated that motorists would likely slow down when they see the sign advertising the Starbucks establishment. Member Lohse stated it is more likely accidents would occur as a result of speeding rather than from left-hand turns being made from East Perkins Street into the establishment. The project should actually slow down traffic in the area. He stated that traffic-calming measures often make it more difficult for motorists, which would likely occur in this situation. He stated the term "peak hours" relevant to traffic delays and circulation are observed as "peak minutes" in Ukiah unlike larger cities, which have greater traffic and circulation problems. City Engineer Steele questioned Member Walker whether it is legal to pass on the right side of a road into the designated fog-striped lane when the motorist in front is waiting to make alert-hand turn? Member Walker replied a motorist would not be in violation of the Vehicle Code if he/she travels over into the fog line. It is a violation to pass on the right side of road if a vehicle has to travel beyond the fog line and onto the shoulder to complete the pass. A brief discussion followed regarding the hazard of pedestrians entering into a crosswalk without paying attention, as crosswalks provide a "false sense of security." City Engineer Steele favored the strategy of encouraging the employees to park off-site. That would allow for more on-site parking accommodations. The employees can be coached on issue of safety when crossing the street. Member Lohse stated getting the pedestrian/bicycle circulation plan to work effectively in and around the Starbuck's site will be difficult. Little development opportunity exists for the area to the north of East Perkins Street because the current plan is to allow the area to remain agricultural. He stated it is unlikely that a curb, gutter and sidewalk would be installed in this area in the immediate future since further development is either limited or not feasible. Acting Chair Seanor did not favor the installation of a warning signal in an area where there is no established crosswalk because placement of a light without having an identified concern cannot be justified. Member Walker addressed the possibility of using an electronic radar sign that operates on solar power, which would display the driver's speed. The device is meant to advise drivers of their speed and hopefully to encourage them to slow down. However, sometimes such traffic-calming devices are not as effective as originally intended. Traffic Engineering Committee October 12, 2004 Page 4 A brief discussion followed regarding the cost of purchasing an electronic radar device. City Engineer Steele stated Caltrans has jurisdiction concerning the freeway overpass and would have to be consulted before consideration can be given to the installation of a permanent radar sign in the area. She stated the posted 35 speed limit may be too fast. Acting Chair Seanor stated a speed zone survey will be conducted next year to review all posted speed zone areas in the City. He explained the procedure on how the speed limit is determined for a particular area. Member Whitaker inquired whether a sign would be posted on the site advising "no left turn" City Engineer Steele replied "no." Member Lohse explained a right turn is necessary when exiting the western parking lot of the establishment and two-way traffic is permitted on the eastern portion of the parking lot as part of the project conditions approved for the Site Development Permit. The aforementioned policy is not enforceable under the Vehicle Code. It was noted the TEC would not recommend the implementation of a crosswalk and/or other type of traffic calming device for the Starbucks project at this time. Dan Thomas advised that he would continue parking negotiations with the church located across the street from the business establishment. VI. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS a. Update on City Traffic Circulation Study City Engineer Steele advised that staff has the report from the first public workshop. However, the study process has been temporarily delayed until the County submits statistics on future growth. Member Turner arrived at 3:43 p.m. b. Update on City Parking Study Acting Chair Seanor reported on the progress of the City Parking Study, noting staff anticipates receiving a draft of the study, which will be circulated for review by the TEC. c. Update on crosswalks City Engineer Steele advised that she and other employees from the Public Works Department recently attended a seminar concerning the implementation of Traffic Engineering Committee October 12, 2004 Page 5 various types of crosswalk treatments and their corresponding effectiveness in other cities. V. a. Discussion and possible action regarding request for "Children at Play" sign on Cresta Drive. Acting Chair Seanor stated staff received a letter from Terri Lyons requesting, "SLOW -Children at Play" signs be installed on Cresta Drive. She expressed concern that vehicular traffic using Cresta Drive as a "short cut" to connect Washington Avenue with Wabash Avenue was a hazard. According to Ms. Lyons, sidewalks are lacking on Cresta Drive so children and other pedestrians must walk along the edge of the street in the neighborhood. Acting Chair Seanor referred to an aerial photomap of the area, demonstrating the general layout of Cresta Drive. This street is approximately 30 feet in width and has extended gaps in sidewalk, curb and gutter. Curbside parking is provided for both sides of each street. It was noted the signs would act as an advisory to motorists traveling on Cresta Drive. Member Turner noted the staff report states the street width is 30 feet and there is on-street parking allowed on both sides of the street. Assuming the parking strips on both sides of the street are eight feet wide, this would leave approximately 14 feet for the travel lane, which should have a traffic calming effect. Acting Chair Seanor agreed with the above-referenced statement. Member Whitaker has observed the number of vehicles parking on Cresta Drive is minimal. The street is not striped. A brief discussion followed regarding the layout of the street, including how the street inclines as one travels towards Wabash Avenue. Some traffic congestion does occur at the north end of the street on Washington Avenue. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 3:52 p.m. Terri Lyons explained the nature of her request for "SLOW -Children at Play" signs on Cresta Drive, expressing concern about neighborhood children playing while motorists speed on Cresta Drive. She commented that motorists will travel from Washington Avenue though Cresta Drive to Wabash Avenue or vice versa to avoid traffic congestion, often traveling at high rates of speed. She commented briefly on the street conditions, noting it is narrow and lacks curbs, gutters and sidewalks so pedestrians walk in the street and around the parked vehicles. The Traffic Engineering Committee October 12, 2004 Page 6 issue of speeding motorists becomes a safety hazard for children playing in the area, especially during the warm weather months. Paulene Mattern commented on the children and pedestrian safety issues on Washington Avenue and Cresta Drive. Member Lohse briefly elaborated on the parking issue on the eastern side of the street, stating residents park their vehicles leaving no discernable gap for people to walk between the cars and the fences. As a result, people must walk out into the street. A general discussion followed regarding the possibility of installing speed bumps as a traffic calming measure. The TEC was opposed to this recommendation. A brief discussion followed regarding the fact the proposed signage would be utilized for advisory purposes. Cresta Drive falls into the category of streets with no posted speed limit. The speed limit for residential areas is 25 m.p.h. Acting Chair Seanor has observed that narrow, two-way streets do cause traffic to slow down. A brief discussion followed regarding the possibility of making the street one-way. This would require City Council approval. Further discussion concerning this matter would have to be deferred to another meeting so the necessary information can be reviewed. Acting Chair Seanor stated an alternative approach would be to include Cresta Drive on the Speed Limit Enforcement Program where the mobile electronic radar device would be placed to monitor speed. Member Lohse favored implementation of the proposed "SLOW -Children at Play" signs, noting they would alert most motorists, but would not necessarily stop the speeding. He recommended Ms. Lyons report back to the Committee regarding the effectiveness of the signs should the TEC approve them. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 4:13 p.m. ON A MOTION by Member Walker, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to implement "SLOW - Children at Play" warning signs at each end of Cresta Drive. b. Discussion and possible action regarding request for installation of STOP signs on unnamed road leading to City of Ukiah Water Treatment Plant. Traffic Engineering Committee October 12, 2004 Page 7 Acting Chair Seanor reported staff received a memorandum from Mike Wieling stating a request from Mr. Sadowsky, a concerned citizen, for a STOP sign to be posted on the unnamed road leading to the City of Ukiah Water Treatment Plant due to the number of close calls between drivers exiting on the Northbound US 101 off ramp and drivers leaving the softball field area. Off ramp traffic has the right-of-way and its straight alignment allows drivers to exit at a fairly high rate of speed. An aerial photomap of this area depicts the general layout of the unnamed road in relation to the US 101 ramps. Acting Chair Seanor reported staff reviewed the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) to determine if there were any collisions at this intersection. No reported accidents involving vehicles traveling through this intersection were documented during the period from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2001 and no collision data is available for the period January 1, 2002 through the present. Acting Chair Seanor referred to "Attachment C" (Caltrans Traffic Manual Policies and Warrants for Stop Signs and Yield Signs), noting the intersection meets signal warrant number 2 since it is an intersection of a City street with a State Highway. Therefore, staff recommends a STOP sign be posted on the unnamed road at this intersection. Member Turner commented the real issue is that cross traffic does not stop. Member Turner made a motion to recommend a STOP sign be posted at the intersection on the unnamed road. A general discussion followed regarding the intersection conditions and overall layout to determine whether a STOP sign is necessary. Member Whitaker was not supportive of posting a STOP sign at the intersection of a City street with a State Highway ramp. Member Turner withdrew his motion. ON A MOTION by Member Whitaker, seconded by Member Walker, it was carried by the following roll call vote of the members present not to recommend a STOP sign be posted on the unnamed street at the intersection of a City street with a State Highway. AYES: Members Walker, Whitaker, Lohse, Turner NOES: Member Seanor Acting Chair Seanor stated he would advise Mr. Sadowsky of the Committee's action and recommend that he discuss the traffic issue with the people using the Traffic Engineering Committee October 12, 2004 Page 8 softball field with the hope of finding a workable solution. Also, Mr. Sadowsky could contact Caltrans about posting a STOP sign. VII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Acting Chair Seanor commented the Barnes Street issue will be agendized for further discussion and review at a future TEC meeting. Acting Chair Seanor reported the City Public Works Department was successful in securing a traffic safety grant for electronic speed display signs at two City locations. This matter will be agendized for the next regular TEC meeting for discussion concerning where to place these electronic display signs. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Theme bei/ng no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:42 p. m. I~/Vj/ ~X'~~!'a2'~ Rick Seanor, Acting Chair Cathy lawadly, Rec rding Secretary Traffic Engineering Committee October 12, 2004 Page 9