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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecp_051804TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AGENDA UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room No. 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2004 3:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER: Harris, Lohse, Pilant, Seanor, Turner, Walker, Whitaker, and Chairman Kageyama 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 16, 2004 3. 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. 4. OLD BUSINESS: a. None. 5. NEW BUSINESS: a. Discussion and possible action regarding vehicle parking in the vicinity of Ukiah Moose Lodge, 1282 South State Street. 6. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS: a. Update on City Traffic Circulation Study (verbal report) (NOTE: Ukiah Citywide Traffic Circulation Study Public Workshop, 3 PM to 5 PM May 19, 2004, Ukiah Valley Conference Center, 200 S. School St., Ukiah, CA) b. Update on City Parking Study (verbal report) c. Update on crosswalks -manufacturer's literature 7. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: 8. ADJOURNMENT Please call Katrina Ballard at 463-6203 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. Minutes TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE March 16, 2004 Members Present Mike Harris Dave Lohse Doug Pilant, Acting Chair Joe Martin Rick Seanor Steve Turner Dan Walker Others Present None Staff Present Members Absent Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary Ben Kageyama The meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Pilant at 3:06 p.m. in Conference Room No. 3, Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 17, 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 February 17, 2004 minutes, as submitted. III. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No one from the audience came forward. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: IV. OLD BUSINESS a. None V. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding proposed traffic mitigations at Yokayo School. Member Turner advised that the Ukiah Unified School District (UUSD) will reconfigure the Yokayo School site this summer for the purpose of downsizing the campus to a capacity of approximately 450 students. The change will reduce the traffic at the site. The issue of safety at the school is a public concern and some of the changes made to the school would create the opportunity to address this issue. The current practice is for many parents to drive their children to school, which creates traffic congestion before and after school. Existing off-street pickup/drop-off facilities are overly congested so parents load and unload their children in the street and improperly use the reserved bus Traffic Engineering Committee March 16, 2004 Page 1 loading area in front of the school. This practice blocks access for school buses, as well as creates a safety hazard for students. The bus loading area is adjacent to the public sidewalk and at-grade with the sidewalk. No physical obstructions prevent a vehicle from driving onto the sidewalk. In an effort to address the safety concerns, the following recommendations have been made: Relocate the existing bus stop from the "circle driveway" in front of the school to another location, perhaps "on-street," to allow for reconfiguration of the "circle driveway" as a passenger loading area. Create a barrier along the street adjacent to the gutter to separate the street from the loading area and stripe the area to channel cars through this area to a designated loading point. Erect a fence to separate the sidewalk from the paved vehicle area with strategic opening for loading. Member Turner addressed the aerial photograph depicting the site layout for the purpose of graphically reviewing the proposed changes, particularly referencing Mendocino Drive and the possible removal of building(s) that would allow space for other uses. He did not favor the concept of relocating the existing bus stop to a public street because there would no protective covering, children would be forced to walk a longer distance, and the location would be farther from teacher supervision, including the potential for increased traffic problems at the new site. Allowing a bus stop near Gobbi Street and Mendocino Drive would create the potential for traffic problems and increased safety issues. Member Turner stated the principal of Yokayo School suggested constructing a barrier parallel to the gutter at the edge of the existing bus loading zone. The barrier could be a planter, curb, or divide to prevent people from pulling perpendicular into the bus loading zone, forcing the traffic to channel through the area. He recommended constructing a fence along the edge of the sidewalk to divide the sidewalk from the parking area to prevent vehicles from crossing the sidewalk located on the "circle driveway' and children would not be able to walk into the driving area. The opening could be located at the southern end of the area where a bus could pull up and load children at this point, allowing vehicles to stack behind the bus. The vehicles would be forced to proceed southbound by the fenced area, as they queue out. Oak Manor School has a similar operation where there are actually three parallel rows allowing parents to line up their vehicles behind a "limit line" and one at a time come around and load their children. In other words, one of three cars could come to the limit line, depending upon which children are waiting to be picked up from the loading area. A change like this coupled with a reduction in the number of children attending the school would improve the traffic situation at Yokayo School. The sidewalk that follows the bus-loading zone is a public sidewalk and the appropriate use of the sidewalk is a public concern because there is no sidewalk that parallels the gutter, since the sidewalk extends upward and around the loading zone on the school property. Traffic Engineering Committee March 16, 2004 Page 2 Member Turner noted the proposed fence would be located between the sidewalk and the loading area, right on the edge of the sidewalk with an opening near the south end of it for the purpose of loading children into a bus or vehicle. He favored the concept of implementing aone-foot wide planter area near the curb. Member Lohse supported the concept of modifying the loading area to discourage vehicles heading northbound from making alert-hand turn onto the loading zone, as this is the area where traffic becomes congested. Member Walker recommended implementing a "Do Not Enter" or a sign designated as one-way, advising northbound vehicles that the traffic flow into the loading zone is one-way. The intent is to avoid allowing northbound traffic from entering the loading zone at the south entrance disrupting the flow of traffic and creating congestion. Member Harris recommended implementing a "No Left Turn" on one side of the sign and a "Do Not Enter" on the other side of the sign with arrows directing the flow of traffic. Acting Chair Pilant inquired whether it was possible to use the school's back lot playgrounds and as a loading zone for buses etc., after school hours. Member Turner acknowledged the inquiry and stated the existing asphalt on the playground would probably not be able to accommodate the weight of a school bus. It would also be costly to upgrade and maintain the asphalt standards to accompany this type of use. A general discussion followed regarding the traffic/safety problems associated with allowing vehicles to exit from school property onto Mendocino Drive. Member Martin inquired regarding the red zone implemented on Mendocino Drive at Alice Avenue and what transportation agency is allowed to utilize this zone. Member Turner replied it was his understanding that the purpose of the red zone is to establish a sight distance for the existing crosswalk. Member Martin advised that the red zone was extended farther east, stating it was his understanding the purpose of this was to allow buses to pull into the area. A brief discussion followed regarding the red zone established at Mendocino Drive and Alice Avenue and its intended purpose. Traffic Engineering Committee March 16, 2004 Page 3 Member Seanor commented on the changes proposed for the existing bus loading area, and recommended implementing flexible, reflective pylons instead of a curb to separate the travel lane from the bus turnout area. Member Martin did not favor the aforementioned concept because people run over reflective signs. Member Seanor referred to a parcel map of the area where Yokayo School is located, noting Chairman Kageyama suggested extending the existing driveway/parking area at north side of the school gymnasium from the Dora Street entrance through the school property to Gardens Avenue. A brief discussion followed regarding the potential problems associated with extending the driveway to Gardens Avenue because of the existing pedestrian access and public utility easement located where vehicles would exit onto Gardens Avenue. There was also discussion regarding ways to potentially mitigate the issues of potential traffic congestion in a residential neighborhood, safety concerns, maintaining the public utility easement, and other relevant issues confronting this alternative access proposal. Member Lohse commented the school architectural improvements have greatly contributed to its appearance. He recommended continuing with this approach when making changes to the loading zone and/or proposing traffic mitigation measures for the school. He was not supportive of implementing a lot of vegetation as an aesthetic feature to the existing "circle driveway' should it be maintained as the primary loading zone. A general discussion followed regarding the potential problems associated with the proposal to create a barrier along the street adjacent to the gutter by extending the curb to separate the street from the loading area. This approach would allow for the addition of on-street parking accommodations. Providing adequate street parking accommodations allows children to walk to their parent's parked vehicle. As a safety precaution measure, changes should not be made that would encourage children to cross the street to get to their parent's vehicles. Member Seanor stated in his review of the proposed traffic mitigations at Yokayo School, he was unable to determine whether there is a public right-of- way near the existing "circle driveway" passenger loading area. Member Lohse inquired whether ADA ramps would be required with the potential redesign of the existing "circle driveway." Member Seanor replied affirmatively. Member Seanor reported that he reviewed the City's right-of-way records and found no indication that the "circle driveway/bus turnout" is within the City's right- Traffic Engineering Committee March 16, 2004 Page 4 of-way for Dora Street. Member Turner added that he is of the understanding that the "circle driveway/bus turnout" is located on school property. Member Turner stated he would discuss the input from the TEC presented today with the Ukiah Unified School District Superintendent. It was the consensus of the members present to recommend to the District that reconfiguration and improvements to the existing "circle driveway," be considered, as suggested by Member Turner in his memorandum dated March 8, 2004 to the TEC. The proposed design plans and accompanying necessary signage would be reviewed by the TEC and the Public Works Department to ensure compliance with all standards for the associated improvements. VI. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS a. Update on City Traffic Circulation Study Member Seanor reported a traffic consultant is currently in the process of conducting the study. The results will be discussed in a series of public workshops and the TEC is encouraged to provide input. b. Update on City Parking Study Member Seanor reported the City is conducting a City Parking Lot Study to determine whether changes need to be made to City parking lots and on-street parking. He added that a draft study should be completed within 30 days. The draft parking lot study is available to the TEC for comment. b. Update on Crosswalks Member Seanor reported discussions concerning proposed changes and improvements to City crosswalks will be ongoing as new ideas are raised. Acting Chairman Pilant reported that Caltrans is proposing "raised" crosswalks in Gualala. VII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Member Martin inquired regarding an update on whether the "No Parking" signs can be removed on the east side of Waugh Lane near the Creek Village apartments to allow for additional on-street parking. It was noted the matter will be agendized for discussion at the next regular meeting so staff would have the opportunity to conduct an analysis of the parking accommodations and determine whether the residents in the area would be impacted. Member Harris recommended TEC meetings be held every two months. A general discussion followed regarding this recommendation and the members were amenable to the proposal. Traffic Engineering Committee March 16, 2004 Page 5 VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:53 p.m. Ben Kageyama, Chairman Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary Traffic Engineering Committee March 16, 2004 Page 6 CITY OF UKIAH MEMORANDUM DATE: May 13, 2004 TO: Traffic Engineering Committee FROM: Rick Seanor, Deputy Director of Public Works SUBJECT: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Vehicle Parking in the vicinity of Ukiah Moose Lodge, 1282 South State Street Agenda Item 5a. REQUEST: The Traffic Engineering Committee (TEC) received a request from James Silva of the Ukiah Moose Lodge, identifying the issue ofsemi-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, sight distance is restricted for vehicles leaving the south driveway of the commercial area. SITE VISIT: On May 6, 2004, staff inspected the site at noon. During the site inspection, staff noted that there were no vehicles parked adjacent to the curb between the two driveways shown on the attached map. Staff inspected the site at 9:45 AM on May 13, 2004. At this time, traffic was light, there were no vehicles parked curbside, and staff had no trouble exiting the southernmost driveway (see attached map). DISCUSSION: There is existing red curb adjacent to the driveways for this commercial development. The City Street Maintenance crew repainted the red curbs within the last month so that the no parking zone is readily apparent to drivers. The attached copy of Ordinance No. 1044 (Ukiah City Code (UCC), Section 7154.5) restricts parking of vehicles six feet or more in height. In a similar situation, the Ukiah City Council 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. This may be an option the TEC might want to consider. The TEC considered this item at its meeting on December 17, 2001. At the meeting the TEC determined that there is no significant safety hazard with the current condition and did not recommend changes to on-street parking. Please refer to Attachment "B". A photo map of the area is included as Attachment "C". RECOMMENDATION: Discuss item and provide direction to staff. cc: file ~~.. CALIFORNIA/NEVADA MOOSE ASSOCIATION, INC TO: CITY OF UKIAH FROM: SOUTH STATF, BUSINESSES SUBJECT: PARKING RECEIVED APR - 8 :004 CITY OF UKIAH DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES ARE ASKING THE CITY OF UKIAH TO CONSIDF,R PLACING SIGNS IN FRONT OF THESE BUSINESSES ON SOUTH STATE STREET PROHIBITING SEMI AND BOB TAIL TRUCKS FROM PARKING ON THE STREET. • MILLERS DONUTS 1260A SOUTH STATE ST. • NIFTY THRIFFTY 1212 SOUTH STATE ST. • THE BEAUTY OUTLET 1244 SOUTH STATE ST. • UKIAH PAPER SUPPLY INC. 1268 SOUTH STATE ST. • HERBS BARBER SHOP • EL REBOZO MUSICAL 1274 SOUTH STATF, ST. • ZEZZY'S STUDIO • UKIAH MOOSE LODGF, THIS MAJOR TRAFFIC PROBLEM IS AN ACCIDENT JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN. MOST OF THE CUSTOMERS, OWNERS, EMPLOYEES, MEMBERS AND PUBLIC AT LARGF, HAVF, BEEN ALMOST HIT NUMEROUS TIMES TRYING TO GET OUT INTO TRAFFIC SAFELY AT THE SOUTH EXIT OF THF, PARKING LOT. WE RECCOMENT THAT TRUCKS SHOULD PARK ON THE EAST SIDE OF STATE ST. FACING NORTH WHEN THEY PARK THERE TRUCKS AND STAY AT MOTEL SIX, THIS WOULD SOLVE THE SAFETY PROBLEM FOR ALL THE BUSINESSES IN THIS AREA. WE ARE NQT ASICJNG TO CLOSE THE PARKING ON THE STREET TO ALL VEHICALS ./UST THE LARGER ONES THAT CAUSE THE LOSS OF SIGHT TO THE NORTH ON STATE STRF,ET. WE HOPE WE CAN SOLVE THIS SAFETY PROBLEM BEFORF, THERE IS ANOTHER TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN THIS AREA. JAMES D. SILVpA ~ fi'r`".-x^'-~- ~", _7-~-~- DISTIrICT THREE PRESIllENT CALIFORNIA/NEVADA MOOSE ASSOCIATION PAST GOVERNOR UKIAH MOOSE LODGE ATTACHMENT "A" ORDINANCE NO. 1044 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH ADDING SECTION 7154.5 TO THE UKIAH CITY CODE PROHIBITING THE PARKING OF VEHICLES THAT ARE SIX FEET OR MORE IN HEIGHT ON CERTAIN STREETS OR PORTIONS THEREOF. The City Council of the City of Ukiah hereby ordains as follows: SECTION ONE Section 7154.5 is hereby added to Article 10 of Chapter 1 of Division 8 of the Ukiah City Code to read as follows: § 7154.5 NO PARKING OF VEHICLES SIX FEET OR MORE IN HEIGHT IN LOCATIONS DESIGNATED BY CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION: It shall be unlawful and constitute a violation of this Article to park or allow to stand any vehicle that is six feet or more in height (including any load thereon) on certain streets or portions thereof, during all or certain hours of the day as designated by resolution of the City Council. The City Traffic Engineer shall erect signs providing notice of any such prohibition in accordance with the provisions of Section 7160. SECTION TWO This Ordinance shall be published as required by law in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Ukiah. SECTION THREE This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after adoption. Introduced by title only on March 5, 2003, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Adopted on March 19, 2003 by the following roll call vote: ORDINANCE NO. Page t of 2 Adopted on March 19, 2003 by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Rodin, Andersen, Smith, Baldwin, and Mayor Larson. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. ~~; Eric Larson, Mayor ATTEST: ~G'L~~ L-F~r~ c1CL.- Marie Ulvila, City Clerk City d tlkiah~ CalNorntet CertHled 70 8a `A True and Exact COPY 3 ~-1 03 7i`Z%c=fir ~~~ or. iy,,, uwr, ~M cwt ORDINANCE NO. Page 2 of 2 ATrgcNmEN r "B " vote of the members present, to continue this item to the February 19, 2002 meeting, to receive comments from the Police and Fire Departrnents relative to safety issues regard' g the off-street parking space at this loca~n^ ^ ^ ^ nil ~- e. Discussion and possible action reoardinq semi-truck trailers and other large trucks parking in the vicinity of Millers Donuts - 260 South State Street. (Large trucks may partially obstruct sight distance of vehicles exiting adjacent drivewavs). it Mr. Seanor reported a request was received from Jim Silva expressing concerns with semi-trucks and trailers parking on-street within the area of Millers Donuts restricting clear sight visibility when exiting the southern driveway onto South State Street. He advised staff visited the site observing one semi-truck parked on-street. Staff parked inthe on-site parking lot and had no trouble existing the southern driveway. A second visit to tiie site showed no vehicles were parked on the street. Member Harris is opposed to the removal of the on-street parking. Discussion followed regarding this location is a commercial area and there are no delivery trucks during evening hours; there are red curb markings at the egress/ingress of the driveways; the businesses within the area maybe opposed to the elimination of on-street parking; parking is allowed on the east side of the street from the Airport entrance to the Mayacama facility and marked with parking T's. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Looney, it was carried by an a114YE voice vote of the members present, to deny the request torestrict semi-trucks/trailers and other large trucks from parking on-street in the vicinity of Millers Donuts, 1260 S. State Street based on the findings there is no significant safety hazard with the current condition and recommend no change to the on-street parking. It is requested that the Public Works Department notify Mr. Jim Silva of the recommendation. ,. ~, COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS Committee members commended Mr. Seanor on his presentations, Staff Reports, and the aerial photographs. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS None. AD70URNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned 4:55 p.m. Ch n i ag ma Kathy Kinch Recording Secrets R: 1\TEC M321801 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE DECEMBER 18, 2001 Page 6 of 6 ATTaC H M E N T '' C" WEE 1 inch equals 50 feet Photo Date: March 2001 SCHOOL ZONE $ ':ROSSWALK SERIES T' ?!Cal CRO_SNtal_~ B. Crosswalk markin:l with diagonal lines for added visibility ns i a c. t ~ 6€: t ~z. e ;- ~,. ,•, : ~ N. C ~ ~: calk maikmr ,vrh dcuele outline tie ecge cf ceaestrar~ ~~avel areas ___ l~Y . -~~_ '~ ' ~~"~ ~ -.. i f~~ ~ 4~`:. 620 .570 y .520 .470 SZCS COLOR BOX (same coordinates as fluorescent yellow-green sheeting) n ~o~n n d: ~, 0.3680, 0.5390 HO7TAPE" (0.4064, 0.5206) ~ ~' . ~ 0.4600, 0.540( 'r 0.4210, 0.4860 .350 .400 X .450 HOTTAPE'" SZCS CDlor Specification THE OFIGINAL '%: Ht~1 2(/YAR TOLL FREE 800-426-7967 MANUFACTURED BY '" ZUMAR INDUSTRIES INC. 12015 Steele St. South • P.O. Box 44549 Tacoma, WA 98444-0549 (253) 536-7740 • FAX: (253) 536-8680 www.zumar.com C. Crosswalk with alternating color