HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-05; Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission; MinutesTRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY COMMISSION
Minutes
Aug. 5, 2024, 4 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 4:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Coelho, Fowler, Penseyres, Proulx, Newlands, Kohl.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE : Chair Coelho led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of Regular Meeting held on July 1, 2024.
Counci l Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Newlands, to approve the minutes
of the Regular Meeting held on July 1, 2024, as presented. Motion carried, 5/0/1 (Proulx -
Abstain).
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
• 1. 2024 RESURFACING PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 6001-24-Support
staff's recommendation to the City Council to approve the striping plans for the 2024
Resurfacing Project, Capital Improvement Project No. 6001-24, as a part of the Pavement
Management Program. (Staff Contact: Hossein Ajideh and Eric Zielke, Public Works
Department).
Motion by Commissioner Penseyres, seconded by Commissioner Kohl, to approve Consent
Calendar Item No. 1. Motion carried, 6/0.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
2. POLICE REPORT REGARDING TRAFFIC & MOBILITY-RELATED MATTERS DURING THE
MONTHS OF APRIL, MAY AND JUNE 2024, INCLUDING NOTABLE NEWS FOR THE MONTH OF
JUNE -Receive a quarterly report from a representative of the City of Carlsbad's Police
Department that will provide an overview of traffic and mobility-related police matters
during the months of April, May and June 2024, including notable news for the month of
June. (Staff Contact: Lieutenant Alonso DeVelasco, Police Department).
Staff's Recommendation: Receive the report.
Lieutenant Alonso DeVelasco presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Lieutenant DeVelasco.
Aug.5,2024 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Page 2
In response to Vice-Chair Fowler's inquiry regarding e-motorcycles, Lieutenant DeVelasco
explained that e-motorcycles would need pedals to be considered e-bikes and cannot be
registered with the DMV as they are sold because they would need to be modified to meet
certain requirements.
In response to Chair Coelho's request that the data from the previous year's corresponding
quarter be included in the report, Lieutenant DeVelasco explained that, because the Police
Department has changed how they collect data, he would be able to include the
corresponding data starting next year.
In response to Chair Coelho's inquiry regarding the decline in warning issued between
Quarter 1 and Quarter 2, Lieutenant DeVelasco explained that the decline could possibly be
due to the Police Department's vacancies and the success of e-bike safety education.
Chair Coelho requested that future reports include notable news for all months of the
corresponding quarter.
3. ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 413 -CALIFORNIA DAYLIGHTING LAW-Receive a presentation on
Assembly Bill No. 413 (California Daylighting Law). (Staff Contact: Lindy Pham and John Kim,
Public Works Department).
Staff's Recommendation: Receive the presentation.
Associate Engineer Lindy Pham and City Traffic Engineer John Kim presented the report and
reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Associate Engineer Pham and
City Traffic Engineer Kim.
In response to Commissioner Newlands' inquiry regarding plans to paint red curbs or post
signage, City Traffic Engineer Kim explained that the law does not require painted curbs or
posted signage.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres' inquiry regarding education for drivers, City Traffic
Engineer Kim responded that staff could work with the Communications Department to
provide information regarding AB 413.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres' inquiry regarding whether city police officers have
been educated on AB 413, Lieutenant Alonso DeVelasco responded that the Police
Department has held department-wide briefings to discuss new laws that were taken into
effect.
Commissioner Penseyres requested to receive information regarding how many written
warnings were issued for violations of AB 413 in the next quarterly report.
Aug.5,2024 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Page 3
In response to Vice-Chair Fowler's inquiry regarding who would be enforcing AB 413,
Lieutenant DeVelasco responded that the Police Department has two dedicated community
service officers that work in the traffic division and are responsible for parking enforcement.
He further explained that anyone in the Police Department can provide enforcement and
the responsibility will be distributed amongst all police officers.
In response to Chair Coelho's inquiry regarding why painted red curbs and posted signage
would not be included in the standard operating procedure and if there is discussion to add
them in the future, City Traffic Engineer explained that there is no discussion at this point
due to the expense, feasibility of maintenance, and sign pollution.
In response to Chair Coelho's inquiry regarding how the distance is measured for an
unmarked crosswalk, City Traffic Engineer Kim explained that it will be up to the
interpretation of the police and judge.
Chair Coelho commented that staff should look into the Carlsbad Village area for potential
painted curbs and signage, any area with high pedestrian and tourist traffic.
4. AVIARA OAKS ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL OFF-SITE TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENTS -Receive the report on the Aviara Oaks Elementary and Middle School off-
site transportation improvements and provide feedback. (Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt,
Public Works Department).
Staff's Recommendation: Receive the report and provide feedback.
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt presented the report and
reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Transportation Planning &
Mobility Manager Schmidt.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres' inquiry regarding whether there have been any
requests to reduce the speed limit, City Traffic Engineer John Kim responded that they
could check records.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres' inquiry regarding whether green paint instead of
white paint could be used for the sharrows, Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager
Schmidt responded that green paint could be considered.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres' inquiry regarding bicycle and pedestrians counts,
Dennis Pascua with Dudek explained that they collected counts for traffic, bicycles, and
pedestrians for 2023. He further explained that he would be able to provide all the counts
at a later time. Jessica Kimbrell, Director of Facilities Planning and Construction
Management at Carlsbad Unified School District, responded that they collected just over
Aug.5,2024 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
100 e-bike counts for the middle school and did not collect counts for the elementary
school.
Page 4
5. JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PLAN -Receive the report on
the Safe Routes to School Plan for Jefferson Elementary School and recommend approval of
the proposed conceptual plan to City Council. {Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt and Nick
Gorman, Public Works Department).
Staff's Recommendation: Receive the report and recommend approval.
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt and Associate Engineer Nick
Gorman presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation {on file in the Office
of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Transportation Planning &
Mobility Manager Schmidt and Associate Engineer Gorman.
Debra Bodine requested a three-way stop at the intersection of Chinquapin Avenue and
Jefferson Street.
Jeremy Briggs spoke in favor of the proposed improvements, especially along Tamarack
Avenue. He requested speed humps and in-ground or sign flashers on Tamarack Avenue
and Garfield Street.
Daniel DeRose spoke about his experience being struck by a vehicle while on his bicycle
and at a stop on Jefferson Street.
Commissioner Kohl recommended that staff consider placing more speed tables along
Jefferson Street.
Commissioner Kohl recommended that staff consider using a motif as a crosswalk to
encourage drivers to slow down.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres' inquiry regarding whether the Coastal Rail Trail
could be made unofficially with hard-packed dirt or decomposed granite while waiting for
formal approval, Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt explained that
there are various elements that would need to be looked into, especially since it is located
in the railway corridor right-of-way.
Commissioner Penseyres recommended implementing AB 413 with painted red curbs if
curb extensions are not used at the intersections.
Commissioner Penseyres inquired whether a survey could be done to determine how
many pedestrians would walk on the Linmar Lane sidewalk.
Aug.5,2024 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Page 5
In response to Chair Coelho's inquiry regarding the difference between near-term and
long-term improvements, Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt explained
the long-term improvements require additional analysis and steps, including identifying
funding.
Chair Coelho recommended including painted red curbs with AB 413 as part of the
standard operating procedure for safe routes to school.
In response to Commissioner Penseyres' recommendation to consider using students to
direct traffic, Associate Engineer Gorman responded a similar concept was included in the
report and they will mention it to the school for consideration.
Motion by Commissioner Penseyres, seconded by Commissioner Kohl, to approve staff's
recommendation. Motion carried, 6/0.
Chair Coelho called for a recess at 5:55 p.m.
Chair Coelho reconvened the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
6. BEACH ACCESS REPAIR AND UPGRADES BETWEEN PINE AND TAMARACK AVENUES, CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 3896-Support staff's recommendation to the City
Council to approve the final plans and specifications for the Beach Access Repair and
Upgrades-Pine Avenue to Tamarack Avenue, Capital Improvement Program Project No.
3896. (Staff Contact: Hosse in Ajideh and Eric Zielke, Public Works Department).
Staff's Recommendation: Support staff's recommendation.
Engineering Manager Hossein Ajideh and Senior Engineer Eric Zielke presented the report
and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Engineering Manager Ajideh and
Senior Engineer Zielke.
In response to Commissioner Kohl's comment regarding pedestrian safety and the removal
of the guardrail, Engineering Manager Ajideh explained that, following the American
Association of Sate Highway and Transportation Official (AASHTO) guidelines, it is not
required or recommended to include guardrails for this project. He further explained that
guardrails are used to protect vehicles and are a safety hazard to pedestrians.
In response to Commissioner Kohl's inquiry regarding whether a k-rail could be installed,
Engineering Manager Ajideh explained that installing any barrier would decrease the
walkable space by 1 foot to 1.5 feet.
In response to Commissioner Proulx's inquiry regarding maintenance, Engineering Manager
Aug.5,2024 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Page 6
Ajideh responded that the city will assume the maintenance responsibility.
Commissioner Penseyres recommended looking into record data to see if any vehicles have
driven off or crashed into the guardrail.
Commissioner Proulx commented that there have been instances where people have cut
their hand grabbing onto the guardrail.
In response to Vice-Chair Fowler's inquiry regarding sea level rise, Engineering Manager
Ajideh responded that rising sea level concerns would not affect the plans due to the
urgency of the repairs.
In response to Chair Coelho's inquiry regarding whether there is any cost savings of leaving
the guardrail as is, Engineering Manager Ajideh responded that the benefit of increasing the
walkable space by two feet is far more that the cost of removing it.
Motion by Commissioner Newlands, seconded by Commissioner Proulx, to approve staff's
recommendation. Motion carried, 6/0.
7. HIGH-LEVEL BUDGET OVERVIEW FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 -Receive the presentation on
high-level budget overview for fiscal year 2024-25. (Staff Contact: Esther Lan, Public Works
Department).
Staff's Recommendation: Receive the presentation.
Management Analyst Esther Lan presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint
presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Management Analyst Lan.
In response to Commissioner Proulx's inquiry regarding whether project funds are
earmarked, Management Analyst Lan explained that the funds are still reserved, however,
the new approach only changes when those funds are released.
In response to Chair Coelho's inquiry regarding how much the city has spent on traffic-
related projects in fiscal year 2023-24, Management Analyst Lan responded that she
would be able to provide the information at a later time.
Chair Coelho commented that he would like to know more about each division and the
capital improvement projects.
8. FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 -TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY COMMISSION WORK PLAN -Review
and approve the final Fiscal Year 2024-25 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Work Plan
Aug.5,2024 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Page 7
and appoint a commissioner to represent the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission at the
City Council meeting where the work plan will be presented for City Council consideration.
(Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public Works Department).
Staff's Recommendation: Receive the presentation and appoint a representative.
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt presented the report and
reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Transportation Planning &
Mobility Manager Schmidt.
Motion by Commissioner Newlands, seconded by Commissioner Proulx, to appoint
Commissioner Kohl to represent at the City Council meeting. Motion carried, 6/0.
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Newlands, to appoint Chair
Coelho to be the backup representative at the City Council meeting. Motion carried, 6/0.
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Newlands, to approve the
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Work Plan. Motion carried, 6/0.
CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER COMMENTS:
City Traffic Engineer John Kim spoke about the guardrail removal and explained that the
guardrails are not designed to protect pedestrians. He further explained that the guardrails are
an energy absorption system meant to prevent cars from driving past the sidewalk.
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt spoke about the formal
appointment of Philip Armstrong by City Council to fill the current vacancy in the Commission.
COMMISSION COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS:
Chair Coelho spoke about the Semiannual Transportation Report presentation to the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Coelho adjourned the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Regular
Meeting on Aug. 5, 2024, at 6:49 p.m.
Lovelynne Magalued
Secretary