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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_051804Minutes TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE May 18, 2004 Members Present Others Present Mike Harris James Silva Ben Kageyama, Chair Dave Lohse Bruce Richard Rick Seanor Jerry Whitaker Staff Present Members Absent Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary Dan Walker Steve Turner The meeting was called to order by Chair Kageyama at 3:01 p.m. in Conference Room No. 3, Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 16, 2004 ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Lohse, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to approve the March 16, 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 vehicle parking in the vicinity of Ukiah Moose Lodge, 1282 South State Street Member Seanor reported the Traffic Engineering Committee (TEC) received a request from James Silva of the Moose Lodge advising of the problem of semi- truck-trailers and other large trucks parking curbside in the vicinity of Ukiah Moose Lodge at 1282 South State Street. According to Mr. Silva, when trucks park curbside in this area, clear sight visibility is restricted for vehicles leaving the south driveway of the commercial area. Staff inspected the site on two occasions and observed there were no vehicles parked adjacent to the curb between the two driveways as shown on "Attachment C" of the staff report. Additionally, staff had no problem exiting the southernmost driveway. This issue was addressed at the December 17, 2001 regular meeting where the TEC determined that there is no significant safety hazard with the current condition and did not recommend Traffic Engineering Committee May 18, 2004 Page 1 changes to on-street parking. Staff received correspondence in April 2004 from Mr. Silva identifying the businesses in the commercial development in favor of asking the City to consider placing signs on South State Street to prohibit large trucks from parking on the street. Mr. Seanor advised that for purposes of discussion, there is an existing red curb adjacent to the driveways for this commercial area. The City recently repainted the red curbs near the north entrance and south exit driveways of the commercial development, as shown in "Attachment C". He referenced Ukiah City Ordinance No. 1044 that restricts parking of vehicles six feet or more in height. Also, for the TEC's reference, the City adopted a resolution to prohibit the parking of vehicles six feet or more in height in front of the DMV/CHP office on Orchard Avenue. Jim Silva commented on the traffic problems in the area of the Moose Lodge and favored the City taking measures to reduce the potential for accidents. He recommended trucks be required to park on the east side of State Street facing north when they stay at the Motel 6 rather than on the west side of State Street facing south. The businesses in the commercial development are not asking to close the parking on the street to all vehicles, just the larger ones that cause sight restrictions to the north on South State Street. A general discussion followed regarding the potential placement of signs adjacent to the commercial establishments along South State from Washington Avenue to Wabash Avenue. Member Harris addressed the concept of prohibiting parking for vehicles six feet or more in height, noting the implementation of a measure prohibiting/restricting parking in this area may set a precedence for other businesses in the community voicing similar complaints. He inquired whether there was some aspect to the issue to differentiate it from other situations to avoid setting precedence. Member t_ohse commented the City does not have many streets that can accommodate large vehicle parking. Member Whitaker commented from his experience, clear visibility is impaired when trying to exit the driveway of the commercial development and/or complex to turn left or right onto State Street by large vehicles parking on the west side of State Street next to the complex. Member Lohse noted another problem is the merge traffic lane in same vicinity where drivers tend to speed up, also contributing to the potential for accidents. Member Whitaker recommended one option to avoid prohibiting truck parking all along South State in this area would be to place a no left-turn sign at the southern exit driveway and eliminate the single parking stall between that driveway and Wabash Avenue. Traffic Engineering Committee May 18, 2004 Page 2 Member Whitaker advised there is plenty of space for large vehicles to park on the east side of State Street in the vicinity of the commercial development. ON A MOTION by Member Lohse, seconded by Member Whitaker, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to recommend to the City Council that the area between the north entrance driveway to the corner of Wabash Avenue and west side of State Street be designated as "no parking" for vehicles six feet or more in height. A general discussion followed regarding the placement and the approximate number of "no parking" signs necessary. Member Harris inquired regarding whether the area next to the southern exit should be designated "no parking" for all vehicles regardless of height. Member Lohse stated he would support an amendment to the motion in this regard. Member Whitaker also supported amending the motion. It was noted the aforementioned motion was amended to include that the area next to the southern exit would be designated "no parking" for all vehicles. VI. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS a. Update on City Traffic Circulation Study (NOTE: Ukiah Citywide Traffic Circulation Study Public Workshop, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., May 19, 2004, Ukiah Valley Conference Center, 200 S. School Street, Ukiah, CA) Member Seanor encouraged the members to attend the Traffic Circulation Study public workshop. Bruce Richard requested clarification regarding whether MTA was included in the Traffic Circulation Study. Member Lohse advised that he consult with the City's Civil Engineer. b. Update on City Parking Study Member Seanor reported a consultant has been analyzing the City's downtown parking lots and curbside parking accommodations. The assessment report has not been completed for review by staff. c. Update on crosswalks -manufacturer's literature Member Whitaker commented on the potential use of preformed thermoplastic pavement markings for school zones and crosswalks. He referenced a brochure that visually exhibits the material and application of the product and Traffic Engineering Committee May 18, 2004 Page 3 recommended its use on a trial basis for the crosswalk at Freitas Street and South State Street. He further recommended using the "Chevron" design for crosswalk marking with diagonal lines for added visibility. The "hottape" is available in various line widths with a 90-mil thickness. A brief discussion followed regarding ladder style crosswalks and possible implementation of such crosswalks on a trial basis at various locations and/or school zones. Member Whitaker stated, in his opinion, the ladder crosswalk design provides better visibility. Member Seanor noted a formal procedure is required to revise the City's policy regarding a potential change from the use of diagonal crosswalks to ladder style crosswalks. VII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS There was no discussion on this agenda item. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being n further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m. .-~ Ben-K ar~aa ha man ~ l..Cl~ Cathy awadly, Rec ding Secretary Traffic Engineering Committee May 18, 2004 Page 4