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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_081704Minutes TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE August 17, 2004 Members Present Mike Harris Ben Kageyama, Chair Dave Lohse Joe Martin Rick Seanor Chris Dewey Steve Turner Others Present Utah Haley Patricia Haley Cheryl Moore Paul Moore Kathy Prince Kjell Akerstrom Joan Hermann Corinne Olson Helen Marcheschi Ernie Olson Samuel Chorneall Alice Swan Bob Swan Staff Present Members Absent Kurk Latipow, Ukiah Fire Department Chief Bruce Richard Chuck Yates, City Fire Marshal Dan Walker Larry DeKnoblough, Community Services Director Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order by Chair Kageyama at 3:06 p.m. in Conference Room No. 3, Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 20, 2004 ON A MOTION by Member Seanor, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to approve the July 20, 2004 minutes, as submitted. III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No one from the audience came forward. IV. OLD BUSINESS a. None V. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding proposed No Parking Zones on South Barnes TrafFc Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 1 Member Seanor reported staff received a request from Ukiah Fire Chief Kurt Latipow requesting a "No Parking" zone on South Barnes Street and on Betty Street. The Ukiah Fire Department was delayed in attacking a fire at 404 South Barnes because of parked vehicles on the street. He referred to the digital photographs exhibited as Attachment "A" that show the general layout of South Barnes and Betty Street. He further referred to an aerial photograph from the City's GIS system exhibited as Attachment "B" that shows the existing widths of South Barnes Street and Betty Street. South Barnes Street is currently posted for "No Parking" on the east side of the Street. The paved width of this street is 18 feet, as measured by staff. The travel lane is reduced to 10 feet on South Barnes Street when vehicles are parked on the west side of the street, which represents less than the City's standard 12-foot travel lane width or the standard minimum width of 20 feet for fire lanes. Betty Street located between Oak Park Avenue and McPeak Street has a pavement width of 21.5 feet, which is considered adequate for a standard fire lane, provided there are no vehicles parked on either side of the street. The street width taken curb-to-curb on Betty Street was measured at 23.9 feet. The paved width for Betty Street between South Barnes Street and Oak Park Avenue is 16.5 feet. According to the Ukiah City Code Section 7149, Attachment "C", the City Traffic Engineer is permitted to post "No Parking" signs on both sides of streets 20 feet and less in width. The suggested actions the TEC may want to consider include recommending a "No Parking" zone on the west side of South Barnes Street from Clay Street or recommending "No Parking" zones on both sides of Betty Street from Oak Park Avenue to McPeak Street. Mr. Seanor spoke to residents on South Barnes Street and Betty Street who opposed installing a "No Parking" zone on these streets. A Betty Street resident was concerned that visitors would have no place to park. He spoke to Mrs. Olson, who owns property on the corner of South Barnes Street and Betty Street. She inquired whether the parking issue on Betty Street can be considered separately from the parking issue on Barnes Street. She supported the concept of eliminating parking from one side of Betty Street rather than both sides. Chair Kageyama requested clarification regarding the 21.5 feet street width on Betty Street exhibited on Attachment "B". Member Seanor replied the measurement from face of curb to face of curb is 23.9 feet. Chair Kageyama stated the discrepancy in the measurements taken may indicate that the 21.5 feet street width was taken from lip of gutter in this photograph. City Fire Chief Latipow commented it is his job as City Fire Chief to identify methods for providing a better level of service throughout the community. Some City developments were not designed to effectively interlink in terms of allowing Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 2 for adequate access, implementation of necessary infrastructure relative to curb, gutter and sidewalk, as well as comply with the current Code standards for widths. Poor access means a delay in providing effective fire suppression services. Two vehicles parked on the street had to be removed on South Barnes Street before the emergency vehicles could get through to attack the fire, causing a delay in the response time. He explained the fire trucks were not able to come down Betty Street because a recreational vehicle and truck were parked on the street, stating a typical fire attack involves one fire engine coming in one direction and the other coming in the opposite direction so the fire crew can begin protecting exposures quickly. The City Fire Department has been very successful in limiting the spread of fire due to ease of access to City streets. However, poor access and delay of fire suppression contributes to the extension of fire. The optimum goal is to be at the fire location within six or seven minutes to begin attacking the fire. The City Fire Department consistently looks at alternative measures to improve streets that are restrictive. Mr. Latipow explained the various types of emergency vehicles and their subsequent use, including the basic procedures for conducting the business of firefighting. The fire engines are approximately 10 feet in width from mirror to mirror, and this is without any of the engine cabinets open. One of the reasons why the California Fire Code (CFC) requires 20-foot width on the fire lane is so the firefighters can access the cabinets and the necessary equipment on both sides of the fire engine. He requested consideration be given to disallowing parking so the Fire Department is able to provide the necessary level of service and safety protection the community counts on. He explained the access routes for the fire on Barnes were Betty Street and South Barnes Street. Member Lohse addressed the firefighting technique of preventing fires from spreading roof to roof. He referred to Attachment "B", noting the dwellings shown in the aerial photograph of the Barnes/Betty street neighborhood have been constructed very close together and extend lot line to lot line, in some cases, and inquired whether this required even quicker response times to successfully keep fire from spreading. Mr. Latipow replied many of the dwellings in this particular neighborhood have zero lot lines, demonstrating how the City Building Code requirements have changed over the years. New code development requires that if a particular lot/parcel has a zero lot line, the development must include firewalls, and specific width opening, and other required fire protection measures. Member Lohse inquired whether the City ambulance vehicle has problems accessing streets that have substandard widths. Mr. Latipow replied that ambulances are smaller in size compared to fire engines. However, standard operating procedure for a medical incident would be to send a fire engine and an ambulance where the ambulance comes in first. Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 3 The strategic placement of the fire engine is not as critical for a medical response as it is for a fire. Mr. Latipow addressed the fact that two vehicles were removed on South Barnes Street to gain access to the fire, noting the street is not wide enough for the vehicles to be parked as far off the pavement as possible and still provide sufficient space to accompany the fire engine and equipment. Chair Kageyama commented 10 feet would be available even if a vehicle measuring eight feet in width parked on the street, since the width of South Barnes was calculated with an 18-foot width from pavement to pavement. Mr. Seanor acknowledged the above-referenced comment, and stated the Fire Department's contention is that more than 10-feet would be necessary with the fire engine width and accompanying operating equipment. Chair Kageyama inquired whether there would be sufficient space for a fire engine to travel along South Barnes Street if the residents parked in designated areas or gaps. Mr. Latipow replied the places for gaps would have to be pre-planned. Additionally, it would be impossible to predict which house could conceivably catch fire so the gaps would be left open for emergency vehicles. He referred to a photograph showing a truck conflicting with the fire engine's ability to travel on South Barnes Street. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: 3:22 p.m. Utah Haley reported he has resided on South Barnes Street for 19 years and stated there has never been a problem with large vehicles traveling on this street. He did not favor the recommendation to make the west side of South Barnes Street from Clay Street to Betty Street a "No Parking" zone. He stated the photographs submitted by the Fire Department that show a fire engine passing by a vehicle parked on South Barnes Street and a fire engine demonstrating the strategic maneuvering required to round the corner from South Barnes Street to Betty Street are misleading. The small truck is parked approximately a foot and a half from the existing vegetation. He measured the vegetation to be at least two- feet thick from the fence. By removing the vegetation and moving the truck closer to the edge of the pavement would allow the fire truck sufficient room to pass. He stated the picture is misleading in that it does not adequately show the amount of space that exists between the truck and the fire engine. He stated if the vegetation were trimmed from end to end and the trash/recycling containers for the Oak Park Avenue residents removed to Oak Park Avenue, there would be adequate room to park on the west side of the street and for large vehicles to pass on the street. He measured the street pavement in front of his house and noted the width is 19.8 feet. Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 4 Corinne Olson stated she measured the east end of Betty Street and advised that there is four feet of bamboo that could be removed, allowing the street to be wider. Samuel Chorneall recommended the proposed "No Parking" zone for the block between South Barnes Street and McPeak Street be considered separately because the criteria differ. He noted the importance for emergency vehicles to easily access and travel on City streets, and proposed implementing a red zone on the north side of Betty Street near the corner of South Barnes Street and Betty Street so a large vehicle having to travel the wrong way from Betty Street to South Barnes Street could easily make the turn. He recommended the east end of Betty Street be cleared of vegetation to make the street wider. Patricia Haley commented that South Barnes is a one-way street with signs posted. Ernie Olson recommended complete removal of the over-grown vegetation on South Barnes Street and Betty Street as opposed to just trimming the vegetation back. Bob Swan agreed that the vegetation on South Barnes Street and Betty Street is substantial. He proposed the existing fire hydrant on South Barnes be marked for ease of location during an emergency. A general discussion followed regarding the importance that all City fire hydrants be clearly marked and cleared of vegetation for ease of location. Fire Chief Latipow stated the location of the hydrant is irrelevant to the initial attack of a fire, as the fire engines contain water to assist with immediate fire suppression. He stated the issue concerning the location of the hydrant did not delay the attack for the fire that occurred on South Barnes Street. Member Lohse inquired whether Public Works staff had any comments/questions concerning the vegetation in the City's right-of-way. Member Seanor replied he noticed vegetation along the fence lines, stating it is probably vegetation planted by the residents. Member Lohse further inquired if the some of the vegetation has been determined to be in the City's right-of-way and, if removed, how much additional right-of-way would there be. Member Seanor responded he researched the right-of-way issue, noting he was successful in locating an old City map that shows when Oak Park Avenue was laid out in 1906, including the backside of the lots and an alley. The alley was so Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 5 narrow that he unable to read the dimensions. Further research may be necessary to determine the location of the City's rights-of-way in this area. South Barnes Street is a dedicated street and is maintained by the City. Member Lohse stated it is likely the City did not plant the vegetation along the City's right-of-way on South Barnes Street. Before the vegetation can be removed or trimmed, the boundary lines for the owners of the property and the City right-of-way must be clearly identified. Paul Moore stated the Oak Park Avenue residents planted the vegetation on the backside of their fences. Member Lohse inquired as to the minimum width required to allow for residential parking and for large vehicles to have sufficient space to travel if the vegetation were removed and the City was able to ascertain that the City has a clear right- of-way on South Barnes Street. Fire Chief Latipow stated a City street with a 20-foot width, and one-sided parking would be acceptable. The right-of-way issue can be challenging because there are property owners that have rights to the right-of-ways, which are maintained by property owners versus right-of-ways that belong to the City. He stated some of the City maps are very old and research would be necessary to appropriately identify the different right-of-ways. If parking were allowed on both sides of South Barnes Street, emergency access to the street would not be possible. He would be amenable to allowing parking on one side of the street provided it can be designated as an enforceable "No Parking" fire lane after the vegetation is trimmed, the authorized right-of-way determined, and the established street width is clearly adequate for access. Utah Haley agreed with the above-referenced recommendation, noting "No Parking" should be permitted on the east side of the street and allow parking on the west side. He favored removal of the vegetation on South Barnes Street. Fire Chief Latipow stated review of the old City maps is necessary before further consideration can be given to the proposed establishment of "No Parking" zones on South Barnes Street. Helen Marcheschi recalled that South Barnes Street and Betty Street from McPeak Street to Oak Park Avenue used to be considered nothing more than an alley. The section of street from South Barnes Street to Oak Park Avenue is still considered to be an alley. The residents on adjacent streets complied with City regulations concerning implementation of curb, gutter and sidewalk, whereby the streets became dedicated City streets. As a resident of Betty Street, she did not want this street to be penalized in terms of parking accommodations because the section of the eastern section of Betty Street is considered to be an alley. Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 6 Samuel Chorneall emphasized the importance for that portion of Betty Street between South Barnes Street and McPeak to be considered as a separate matter for installation of a red zone because of the staggered driveways and sidewalks on Betty Street. He stated an emergency vehicle could utilize the sidewalk area to get by. According to his calculations, the width of Betty Street from curb to curb is approximately 24 feet. He further calculated the street where he parks his truck, and determined it was 16 feet across the street to the curb. There is a driveway at this particular curb, noting due to the staggered driveways on Betty Street, it is nearly impossible to park two cars across from one another. In his opinion, it would be reasonable to allow for parking on one side of the street after individually viewing the streets according to their respective characteristics and/or constraints. Corinne Olson commented the Barnes Street issue is the primary concern, and recommended staff re-measure the width of the street. Her measurements of the width was calculated at 22.10 feet, fence to fence in one place and 20 feet in another, which differs from staffs calculations. Cheryl Moore requested the parking on South Barnes Street not be limited to "No Parking." She favored allowing for "No Parking" on the east side of the street. She stated the off-street parking accommodations is very limited, and it would be very difficult for residents of South Barnes Street to park on the adjacent streets and still have access to their homes. She supported the concept of removing the vegetation on the street, noting this would make a significant difference. She suggested the residents of Oak Park Avenue be required to put their trash receptacles on Oak Park Avenue rather than on South Barnes Street as a safety precautionary measure. Ukiah Solid Waste drives the wrong way on South Barnes Street to collect the trash. Joan Hermann requested clarification whether the paved area was used to measure the widths of the streets. Member Seanor replied he measured the actual pavement width. He clarified that factoring the actual right-of-way width, which in most cases, is wider than the street since it includes the sidewalks and curbs if existing, would affect the calculations. The right-of-ways likely extend to the fence lines. Joan Hermann stated she resides on Oak Park Avenue, and her back fence on South Barnes Street is set back from the paved area. She removed the weeds and planted trees to espalier along the fence. She commented that one of the former owners of the house that caught fire on South Barnes Street checked with the City Building Department to develop an ancillary building on site and found there was no South Barnes Street, according to City records. The records indicate the street was known as "Barnes Alley." Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 7 Cheryl Moore stated the residents on South Barnes Street were advised that there is a seven-foot easement into the street, which the residents use for parking. Kjell Ackerstrom stated he owns the house that recently caught fire on South Barnes Street. He supported the concept of trimming the vegetation on the street to allow for additional width, as well as requiring the Oak Park Avenue residents to place their trash receptacles on their street for the purpose of permitting the residents to park on the western portion of the street. Many of residents on the street do not have a place to park off of the street in front of their homes. He also measured the pavement, advising that the width dimensions vary depending upon where the measurements are taken, including having to contend with driveway aprons and fence lines. His measurements calculated betweenl9 feet and 19.6 feet in width. He stated the 1906 map for the Oak Park addition shows a six-foot alleyway, and the 1878 City records for the McPeak addition and/or street layout shows the rows of lots between South Barnes Street and McPeak Street are continuous lots. Many of the property descriptions reference the lots by numbers. The Parcel Map indicates the lots are shown 185 feet in depth leading to a six-foot wide alley. He recommended conducting research pertinent to the right-of-way and where the street actually begins and ends since the Parcel Map shows asix-foot alley and the width measurements vary between 18 and 20 feet. Samuel Chorneall inquired regarding the method of measuring width in conjunction with the pavement, curb, gutter and sidewalk, and driveway aprons. Fire Chief Latipow commented the curb, gutter and sidewalk and driveway aprons are not designed to withstand the weight of emergency vehicles, which is one reason these elements are not included when measuring widths for access purposes. The Fire Department calculates street widths from curb-to-curb in terms of assessing access issues. Patricia Haley commented it was her understanding that new structures must be setback five feet on either side from a fence. She stated atwo-story structure was constructed to the fence line across the street from 414 South Barnes Street on Oak Park Avenue. Fire Chief Latipow stated a 5-foot setback is the standard Code requirement. However, this standard can be appealed for consideration purposes relevant to various types of construction constraints. The City Planning Department would determine whether a Variance in such cases is warranted. A brief discussion followed the concept of a setback relative to fence and street lines. Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page S City Fire Chief Latipow clarified that the setback he was referring to is the 5-foot requirement between one side of the fence and 5 feet on the other side. Discretionary review would be necessary should a property owner apply for a Variance from the setback requirement. Corrine Olson requested clarification concerning the statement, "A 24-foot wide street is an easy fix." She recommended the "No Parking" issues for Betty Street and South Barnes Street be considered separately because Betty Street is wider. City Fire Chief Latipow replied he would support a proposal to remedy the situation provided the issue of emergency access concerned a 24-foot wide street where one-sided parking is proposed. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED: 4:11p.m. Member Lohse stated many of the comments from the neighborhoods have merit. However, he did not agree the photographs addressing fire engine access on both ends of Barnes Street were misleading. He recommended the discussions concerning this agenda item be continued until the issues concerning the uniqueness of South Barnes Street can be appropriately reconciled with the need for better emergency vehicle access. Member Seanor stated the right-of-way issue may take time to research. Chairman Kageyama requested clarification whether emergency vehicles could drive onto the shoulder of the street. Fire Chief Latipow responded affirmatively, provided the dedicated City-owned right-of-way extends beyond the pavement edge and can be constructed as an all-weather access road. This is an alternative approach the Fire Department has used before. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to continue the matter to the regular October 19, 2004 meeting. c. Discussion and possible action regarding request for installation of STOP signs on South School Street at Church Street Member Seanor reported staff received a request (Attachment "A") from Ms. Laura Hegenbart asking STOP signs be posted on South School Street at its intersection with Church Street. Her primary concern regarding this intersection is the restricted visibility for vehicles traveling through the intersection on Church Street. He referred to Attachment "B" that shows the general layout of South Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 9 School Street and Church Street and Attachment "C", a photo map, that shows the general layout of the Church Street and School Street intersection. Member Seanor reported staffs analysis of the proposal demonstrates that School Street between Henry Street and Stephenson Street is currently striped for diagonal parking. There are planter islands at the curb returns along School Street in the Downtown area. Church Street is one-way, eastbound between Dora Street and Main Street. Traffic in the Downtown area generally travels at less than the posted speed limit of 25 mph. According to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), no reported accidents have occurred at this intersection during the period from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2001. No collision data is available for the period January 1, 2002 through the present. Additional reference data (Attachment "D") for the Committee's review includes a copy of the Caltrans Traffic Manual Policies and Warrants for Stop Signs and Yield signs. Church Street is posted with a stop sign at its intersection with School Street. The installation of STOP signs on Church Street does not meet the STOP sign warrants per the Caltrans manual. Therefore, no STOP signs are recommended on School Street at this intersection. Alice Swan commented she travels Church Street and was not supportive of the request for STOP signs posted on South School Street at the intersection with Church Street. Member Turner stated he frequently travels on Church Street, noting that while it is difficult to see around the parked cars, people travel slowly on this street and the cross street. He did not support the concept of stopping School Street traffic at the Church Street intersection. Member Lohse concurred with the aforementioned comment. More importantly, he recommended reviewing the parking accommodations to determine whether parking should be reduced. The parking issue is the main visibility problem in this area. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Turner, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present not to recommend STOP signs be posted on South School Street at Church Street. b. Discussion and possible action regarding signage adjacent to Orr Street Bridge and Waugh Lane Bridge Member Seanor reported Street Supervisor Whitaker recommended discussion of this agenda item, and expressed concern regarding the issue of speeding vehicles on these bridges. The Orr Street Bridge and Waugh Lane Bridge are both narrow, wooden bridges. People must yield to allow one car to travel on the Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 10 bridges. The issue of speeding on these bridges creates extra wear and tear on the bridges that causes frequent maintenance. Member Seanor recommended posting a "Narrow Bridge" sign rather than a yield, stop, or speed limit sign. He provided information regarding the criteria necessary to warrant the posting of a "Narrow Bridge" sign, and referred to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Section 2C.16 regarding the matter of a "Narrow Bridge" sign. It states such a sign should be used in advance of any bridge or culvert having atwo-way roadway clearance width of 16 to 18 feet, or any bridge or culvert having a roadway clearance less than the width of the approach travel lanes. He drew attention to information regarding standard Miscellaneous Warning Signs. Acceptable alternatives include the use of object markers, delineators, and/or pavement markings. A "Narrow Bridge" sign may be used in advance of a bridge or culvert on which the approach shoulders are narrowed or eliminated. The "One Lane Bridge" sign would not be applicable to Orr Street Bridge or the Waugh Lane Bridge. A general discussion followed regarding the potential attachment of a speed limit sign to the "Narrow Bridge' sign. Member Seanor stated the yellow signs are for warning and/or advisory purposes and are not considered regulatory. It would be acceptable to attach a 15 mph sign to the "Narrow Bridge" sign. He stated a 15 mph sign would not be an enforceable speed limit. Chairman Kageyama inquired whether there is verification that the weight of heavy trucks and not necessarily the speed of vehicles creates increased wear and tear on the bridges. A general discussion followed regarding the speed survey on bridges in conjunction with unnecessary wear and tear, noting many surveys are usually not conducted for bridges the size of Orr Street or Waugh Lane. Member Turner stated he reviewed information regarding the issue of speed versus weight on wooden bridges, noting a faster vehicle would have the same effect as a slower truck in terms of impacts to a bridge. He has observed speeding cars on the Orr Street Bridge, noting the impacts to the bridges would likely be connected to speed. Chairman Kageyama commented his understanding of warning signs is to advise drivers of some feature or some hazard that is not readily apparent. He stated if there have not been problems with the use of the these bridges, to expect drivers to follow a change in behavior from the warning/advisory speed is probably not a effective use of signs. Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 11 Member Lohse recommended posting a mph sign to remind drivers to slow down. He stated the posting of a "Narrow Bridge" sign would be effective. It was the consensus of the TEC to recommend the posting of a "Narrow Bridge" sign to City Public Works Street Supervisor Whitaker for his consideration, possibly on a temporary basis. VI. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS a. Update on City Traffic Circulation Study Member Seanor reported the consultant is in the process of conducting the study. A second Public Workshop will be held for the purpose of acquiring public input and comments. b. Update on City Parking Study Community Services D+rector DeKnoblough reported on the progress of the City Parking Study, noting staff submitted the revisions based upon MTA's comments and recommendations relevant to potential improvements. The consultant is looking at present accommodations in order to planJproject for future growth relative to the effect of the parking needs in the Downtown area. c. Update on crosswalks There was no discussion of this agenda item. VII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Member Turner advised that he will have difficulty attending the TEC meetings on time due to his conflicting work schedule. He recommended changing the hearing day, provided the TEC were amenable. It was noted the proposed change in the hearing date will be given consideration. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:03 p.m. Beth am air an ~~ oo CC GG `~l~ u~~~ Cathy wadly, Recor ' g Secretary Traffic Engineering Committee August 17, 2004 Page 12