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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_061405Minutes TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE June 14, 2005 Members Present Patsy Archibald Dan Baxter Ben Kageyama, Chair Dave Lohse Rick Seanor Steve Turner Trent Taylor Jerry Whitaker Others Present None Staff Present Cathy Elawadly, Recording Secretary Members Absent None The meeting was called to order by Chair Ben Kageyama at 3:00 p.m. in Conference Room No. 3, Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 12, 2005 ON A MOTION by Member Baxter, seconded by Member Archibald, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to approve the April 12, 2005 minutes, 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 request for handicap parking space at 548 Ford Street. Member Seanor addressed the staff report as follows: - Mr. William Turner requests a handicap parking space adjacent to his apartment at 548 Ford Street. A letter that explains the reasons for his request is included in the staff report as Attachment "A." Mr. Turner has good visibility from his apartment to see when the Dial-A-Ride bus arrives. There are times when the bus has problems finding a parking space in front of the apartment complex, which makes it difficult for handicapped persons, such as Mr. Turner, residing in the complex. - Attachment "B" of the staff report provides an aerial photomap of the proposed location for the parking space. The photomap shows four ADA marked parking spaces in the parking lots provided in Mr. Turner's Traffic Engineering Committee June 14, 2005 Page 1 apartment complex. Mr. Turner indicates that the problem with the existing ADA marked parking spaces is that there is no facility protecting persons from the weather elements. - Attachment "C" addresses Article 16 of the City Code of Ukiah relative to handicapped parking. Staff is not aware of any location in a residential area where a handicap parking space is identified. Mr. Seanor made a site visit, and spoke to Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner indicated that his elderly mother visits him on occasion. She has a handicap placard on her vehicle. Mr. Turner stated if a handicap parking space were implemented, his mother could use it. Mr. Seanor stated explained to Mr. Turner that if the space were identified with "blue curb paint," anyone having a handicap placard could park there. Staff considered putting in a "red curb" for a bus loading zone in the area, which would work to serve Mr. Turner's needs for the MTA Dial-A-Ride. However, no one would be allowed to park there. The preference would be to have a "blue curb" there so that his mother and the MTA bus could park in the space provided. Mr. Seanor discussed the option of providing fora "white curb" designated as a passenger loading zone, which the MTA bus could use for the loading and unloading of passengers. However, this proposal would not meet Mr. Turner's need for a handicap parking space. Member Baxter inquired whether a bus can stop at a "blue curb." Member Turner replied a bus can stop for the purpose of loading and unloading handicap passengers. Member Baxter commented Mr. Turner would likely receive better service if the parking space were "blue curbed," but the downside would be that anyone could park there. He noted the unit where Mr. Turner resides is a public housing complex, which does provide for on-site ADA parking. He stated the MTA drivers are adequately accommodating Mr. Turner. Member Archibald inquired whether Mr. Turner's primary issue is the bus stop or the need to have a personal handicap parking space. Member Seanor stated the matter involves a combination of issues, but the issue of having a personal handicap parking space was of primary importance. Member Archibald commented the request would likely be temporary "at best." Mr. Turner could relocate where the "blue curb" may no longer be necessary. Also, approval of the parking space would essentially be a grant of special privilege. Traffic Engineering Committee June 14, 2005 Page 2 Member Turner stated the TEC recently denied a similar request on Willow Avenue. He stated the only rationalization he could make concerning Mr. Turner's request is that the matter involves an apartment complex as opposed to a private residence. He could vote in favor of the project because it involves an apartment complex, although he was not sure the facility would solve Mr. Turner's problems. Chair Kageyama inquired whether there was any indication that the apartment complex desires a passenger loading/unloading zone at the location requested. Member Seanor has not been in contact with the apartment complex manager. Chair Kageyama would look at the request differently if the apartment complex manager expressed an interest in the project by providing for aloading/unloading passenger zone for all the residents of the complex. Member Lohse inquired whether MTA receives a lot of calls at the apartment complex on Ford Street where having such a facility may be a necessary service. Member Baxter did not have the necessary information available. There may likely be a need to have aloading/unloading passenger zone at the proposed location. He commented a loading zone would be the most practical approach, although such a facility would not fully solve Mr. Turner's needs relevant to his mother. Mr. Turner and the other residents in the complex are being adequately served by MTA. Member Whitaker requested clarification whether Mr. Turner is being served by MTA. Member Baxter replied affirmatively. Member Turner commented because the complex is an assisted living facility, bus service is provided. Member Seanor addressed the issue of the lift for the Dial-A-Ride service, and questioned if a MTA bus is allowed to double-park should the bus pull up and vehicles are parked all along the curb. Member Baxter commented although the lift extends into the street and requires a certain amount of space, double parking is acceptable. Member Lohse commented that Ford Street has relatively high traffic volume. ON A MOTION by Member Baxter, seconded by Member Archibald it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to deny a request for handicap parking space at 548 Ford Street. Traffic Engineering Committee June 14, 2005 Page 3 VI. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS a. Update on City Traffic Circulation Study Member Seanor reported the City has received Working Paper #2, and staff is currently reviewing the document. Chair Kageyama inquired whether there have been any significant changes relevant in conjunction with what has been initially proposed. Member Seanor commented the last City Council/public workshop attendees did not favor making Oak Street one-way. He has not had the opportunity to review the current document. b. Update on City Parking Study Member Seanor advised that WTRANS is conducting the City Parking Study and part of study results for this study is contingent upon the results/ recommendations of the City Traffic Circulation Study. c. Update on Crosswalks Member Whitaker stated the "Look Both Ways" crosswalk markers will be implemented in high traffic areas. d. Route 101 Corridor Interchange Study Member Seanor referred to a printed copy of a Power Point presentation for the above-referenced study that addresses the scope of the study, methodology, operational concerns, interim Mitigations, prioritization of 2005 improvements, proposed future improvements by 2025, and projected costs for future improvements relevant to key freeway ramps/street interchanges to include the Lake Mendocino Drive, North State, East Perkins, East Gobbi Street, Talmage Road, and South State Street interchanges. VII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Member Seanor introduced Captain Trent Taylor, and thanked him for being a participating member on the TEC. Member Seanor presented a letter thanking Member Dan Walker for his service on the TEC, and asked each member to sign it. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being n further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:02 p.m. Ben a yam C it Cathy E~, Recor ' g Secretary Traffic Engineering Committee June 14, 2005 Page 4