HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-15; City Council; 14; Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26CA Review TL
Meeting Date: July 15, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager
nathan.schmidt@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2745
Subject: Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Work Plan for fiscal year
2025-26.
Executive Summary
Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 2.15.020(C) requires that each board or commission provide
to the City Council for its approval an annual work plan of activities the commission will
undertake each fiscal year. The purpose of the work plan is to create dialogue between the
commission and the City Council, and to ensure that the commission’s work is aligned with
City Council priorities.
Explanation & Analysis
The city’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission makes recommendations to the City Council on
traffic and pedestrian safety-related issues and provides a public forum to review community
input regarding mobility and traffic safety matters.
In its April and May 2025 meetings, the commission worked with its staff liaison to develop and
recommend for City Council approval the attached Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Work
Plan for fiscal year 2025-26, provided in Exhibit 1, Attachment A. Some items that are contained
in the FY 2025-26 work plan are multi-year efforts that will carry over into future years.
The commission approved the proposed work plan at its meeting on May 5, 2025, by a vote of
4/0/3 (with Commissioners Proulx, Kohl and Schuck absent). A similar vote also called for Chair
Coelho to attend and speak at this City Council meeting to represent the commission with Vice-
Chair Penseyres as an alternate, as shown in the approved meeting minutes attached as
Exhibit 2.
Next Steps
Future agendas for the commission will be developed according to City Council direction as
outlined in the work plan.
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 1 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
Fiscal Analysis
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act,
or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require
environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) because approving the work
plan of a commission is an organizational or administrative government activity that will not
result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The activities or projects
undertaken by or that may be considered by a commission may require preparation of an
environmental document in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines.
Exhibits
1.City Council resolution
2.Minutes of the May 5, 2025, Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meeting
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 2 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-169
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY COMMISSION
WORK PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
WHEREAS, Section 2.15.020(C) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code requires that each board or
commission provide to the City Council for its approval an annual work plan of activities to be
undertaken by the board or commission; and
WHEREAS, consistent with the duties of the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission under Chapter
2.28 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, staff prepared a draft annual Work Plan for the Traffic Safety &
Mobility Commission that is designed to promote mobility and traffic safety within the city and to
implement the General Plan Mobility Element; and
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2025, the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission considered and
recommended City Council approval of the draft annual Work Plan for fiscal year 2025-26.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the City Council has determined that the proposed action is not a “project” as defined
by the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines
Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environmental review under CEQA Guidelines
Section 15060(c)(3) because approving the work plan of a commission is an organizational
or administrative government activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical
changes in the environment. The activities or projects undertaken by or that may be
considered by a commission may require preparation of an environmental document in
accordance with CEQA and CEQA Guidelines.
3.That the City Council of the City of Carlsbad approves the Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission Work Plan for fiscal year 2025-26, attached hereto as Attachment A.
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 3 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of
the City of Carlsbad, California, on the 15th day of July, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
_________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
_________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 4 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
City of Carlsbad
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
Work Plan Fiscal Year 2025‐26
I.Mission Statement
The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission is committed to enhancing safe mobility for the
city and its residents by using data‐driven decision‐making and a forward‐looking approach
to transportation. We are transparent and do the right thing the right way.
II.Duties
The City Council has established a goal to have the City of Carlsbad become a leader in
multimodal transportation systems and creative approaches to moving people and goods
through and within the City of Carlsbad. Consistent with Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter
2.28, the City of Carlsbad Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission was established. Duties of
the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission are defined as follows by the Carlsbad Municipal
Code Section 2.28.050:
It shall be the duty of the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission to study matters
concerning mobility and traffic safety, including implementation of the General Plan
Mobility Element, and to make written recommendations to the City Council and
Planning Commission regarding measures that should be taken to promote mobility and
traffic safety within the city as follows:
A.Review staff studies and reports, and make recommendations to the City
Council and Planning Commission on mobility and traffic safety matters,
including but not limited to those related to pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular
and transit modes of travel, and parking and school safety;
B.Provide a public forum to review community input regarding mobility and
traffic safety matters, including but not limited to those related to
pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular and transit modes of travel, and parking and
school safety;
C.Review and provide recommendations for revision to the city codes and plans
on mobility and traffic safety matters, including but not limited to pedestrian,
bicycle, vehicular and transit modes of travel, and parking and school safety.
III.FY 2025‐26 Goals & Objectives
Consistent with Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 2.15, the Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission will provide advisory recommendations within the scope of this work plan.
The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission will focus on the following FY 2025-26 Goals/Objectives:
1.Goal: Review staff recommendations on the multimodal transportation system, and
Attachment A
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 5 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
provide input based on data, best practices and public input.
a)Objective: Review and provide input on mobility policies, programs,
processes, and informational reports including the Growth Management
Program (GMP) Annual Monitoring Reports, Parking Master Plans,
status related to signal and traffic management center operations from
the Signal Coordination (CIP) project, Traffic Impact Fee program and
other reports within the purview of the commission.
In addition, staff will identify opportunities to present informational
items on current transportation topics of interest, such as updates to
speed limit policies, roundabout design best practices, and the City’s
implementation of Vision Zero and coordinated traffic safety initiatives.
These presentations will be intended to help strengthen commissioner
understanding of evolving transportation strategies and provide context
to support informed decision‐making on current and future projects.
Schedule:
•Spring: Presentation of the annual GMP Monitoring Report and
Update on the city’s traffic signal program
•Summer and Winter: Presentation of the semi‐annual
Transportation Update Report
b)Objective: Review and provide input on current mobility plans, including the
annual progress reports on the Sustainable Mobility Plan, and Citywide
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program.
Schedule:
•Fall: Annual update on the Sustainable Mobility Plan
and Multimodal Transportation Impact Fee Program
•Winter/Spring: Performance report of the TDM
program and Active Transportation Monitoring Report,
including metrics on active participants in the TDM
program, changes in active transportation use, and
other performance indicators.
c)Objective: Review and provide input on Carlsbad Residential Traffic
Management Program projects and proposed traffic calming features such as
speed cushions, traffic circles, raised crosswalks and curb extensions.
•Schedule:
•Staff will present Residential Traffic Management
projects and traffic calming recommendations on an on‐
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 6 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
going basis.
d)Objective: Review and provide input to the city’s transportation planning
documents and related policies.
•Schedule:
•Winter/Spring: Staff will present the proposed
revisions to the TIA guidelines and vehicle level of
service (LOS) evaluation methods.
e)Objective: Provide opportunities for public input on scheduled city projects
that have the potential to improve mobility options.
•Schedule:
•Staff will present mobility related projects and
receive community input on an on‐going basis.
2.Goal: Focus on mobility, including safety improvements, around school locations
a)Objective: Review and provide input on significant mobility and safety
projects near schools. Proactively engage the school district in Safe
Routes to School (SRTS) planning and work with the schools to develop
SRTS and access plans.
b)Objective: Receive informational reports from the Carlsbad Police
Department regarding school traffic education and enforcement.
•Schedule:
•Staff will present mobility and safety projects near
school sites on an on‐going basis.
•The Carlsbad Police Department will provide
quarterly updates.
Annual Schedule of Items: The following list provides a tentative schedule of re‐
occurring agenda items that the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission will review
each year.
First Quarter (January – March)
•Semi‐Annual Transportation Report
•Growth Management Plan Circulation Section
Second Quarter (April – June)
•Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Work Plan
•Semi‐Annual Transportation Report
Fourth Quarter (October – December)
•TDM and Active Transportation Monitoring Report
•Traffic Safety &Mobility Commission Annual Calendar
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 7 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
Other re-occurring programs to be presented as available:
•Pavement Management Program, annual resurfacing projects
•ADA Improvement Program, bi‐annual projects
•ADA Transition Plan
•Sidewalk Improvement Program, bi‐annual projects
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 8 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY COMMISSION Council Chamber
Ml• nutes 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
May 5, 2025, 4 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 4:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Coelho, Penseyres, Newlands, Nicholes.
Absent: Proulx, Kohl, Schuck.
INVOCATION: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Coelho led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of Regular Meeting held on April 7, 2025.
Motion by Commissioner Nicholes, seconded by Commissioner Newlands, to approve the
minutes of the Regular Meeting held on April 7, 2025, as presented. Motion carried, 4/0/3
(Proulx, Kohl, Schuck -Absent).
PRESENTATIONS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Joseph Nevins expressed concerns regarding daylighting intersections.
CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. POLICE REPORT REGARDING TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY-RELATED MATTERS IN THE FIRST
QUARTER OF 2025: 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
and notable news during the months of January, February and March 2025. (Staff contact:
Jason_ Arnotti, Police Department)
Recommended Action: Receive the report.
Lieutenant Jason Arnotti reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the
City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Lieutenant Arnotti.
Exhibit 2
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 9 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
May 5, 2025 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting Page 2
In response to Commissioner Nicholes' inquiry regarding how unsafe speeds are
measured and categorized, Lieutenant Arnotti explained that the primary collision factor
is determined by the investigating officer and is determined based on various factors.
In response to Commissioner Nicholes' inquiry regarding whether there was a correlation
between broadside collisions and narrow streets, Lieutenant Arnotti responded that he
would be able to provide more information at a later date.
In response to Commissioner Newlands's inquiry regarding Assembly Bill 2234,
Lieutenant Arnotti explained that it is an assembly bill that would prohibit children under
the age of 12 from riding e-bikes in the city. Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager
Nathan Schmidt further explained that an agenda item regarding the assembly bill will
be brought to the Commission in the future.
In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres' inquiry regarding how the primary collision factor is
determined, Lieutenant Arnotti explained that if a driver is arrested for driving under the
influence (DUI), it is often the primary cause, and the other associated factors would be
listed on the report. He confirmed that there can only be one primary cause.
In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres' inquiry regarding whether hit-and-runs that only
result in property damage are investigated, Lieutenant Arnotti confirmed that all hit-and-
runs are investigated.
2. UPDATE ON EL FUERTE STREET STRIPING PLAN MODIFICATIONS: Receive an update on the
City Council's decision regarding the El Fuerte Street Striping Plans. (Staff Contact: Tom Frank
and Nathan Schmidt, Public Works Department)
Recommended Action: Receive the update.
Transportation Director/City Engineer Tom Frank reviewed a PowerPoint presentation
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Transportation Director/City
Engineer Frank.
David Pierce spoke about the analysis of traffic operations data on El Fuerte.
In response to Commissioner Nicholes' inquiry regarding the justification of the lane
reduction, Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank explained that if traffic volumes
do not necessitate two travel lanes in each direction, staff consider if the number of lanes
can be reduced. He further added that there are multiple benefits of lane reduction,
including providing wider areas for pedestrians and bicyclists between high-speed
vehicles, allowing cars to turn right at intersections without being blocked which
decreases delays and improves efficiency, and being the most cost-effective method of
maintaining road infrastructure.
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 10 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
May 5, 2025 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting Page 3
In response to Commissioner Nicholes' inquiry regarding whether El Fuerte was in need
of a lane reduction, Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank explained that the lane
reduction on El Fuerte initially began north of Palomar Airport Road and was later
extended to the south section once staff confirmed that the resurfacing work extended
further south and that lane reduction was feasible. He further added that staff would
look into traffic operations near schools or other high-use areas before considering a lane
reduction in the future and explained that the City Council approved a minute motion
that requires staff to notify City Council of any planned lane reductions.
3. UPDATE ON INTERSECTION TRAFFIC CONTROL OPTIONS FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD
AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: Receive an update on
the City Council's decision regarding the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue
Intersection Improvements Project. {Staff Contact: Tom Frank and Nathan Schmidt, Public
Works Department)
Recommended Action: Receive the update.
Transportation Director/City Engineer Tom Frank reviewed a PowerPoint presentation
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Transportation Director/City
Engineer Frank.
In response to Commissioner Newlands' inquiry regarding whether the city would have
to return the grant funding that was already spent, Transportation Director/City Engineer
Frank confirmed that the city would not need to return the funding.
In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres' inquiry regarding the sidewalk width and if the
vehicle travel lanes are 10-feet wide, Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank
explained that the vehicle travel lane widths vary by location and that the lane
configuration would remain the same.
4. FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 -TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY COMMISSION WORK PLAN: Review and
approve the final Fiscal Year 2025-26 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Work Plan 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)
Recommended Action: Approve the Work Plan and appoint a representative.
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt reviewed a PowerPoint
presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 11 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
May 5, 2025 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting Page 4
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Transportation Planning &
Mobility Manager Schmidt.
Motion by Commissioner Newlands, seconded by Vice-Chair Penseyres, to appoint Chair
Coelho to represent at the City Council Meeting. Motion carried, 4/0/3 (Proulx, Kohl,
Schuck -Absent).
Motion by Commissioner Newlands, seconded by Commissioner Nicholes, to appoint
Vice-Chair Penseyres to be the backup representative at the City Council Meeting.
Motion carried, 4/0/3 (Proulx, Kohl, Schuck -Absent).
Motion by Commissioner Nicholes, seconded by Commissioner Newlands to approve the
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Work Plan. Motion carried,
4/0/3 (Proulx, Kohl, Schuck-Absent).
COMMISSION COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS:
In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres' inquiry regarding whether bicyclists are able to use the
vehicle travel lanes if the bike lane is closed for construction, Lieutenant Arnotti confirmed that
bicyclists can also use the vehicle travel lanes.
Vice-Chair Penseyres expressed his concerns that the recommended detour on El Camino Real
requires bicyclists to cross three lanes of traffic from the bike lane to the left turn lane in order
to turn left onto College Boulevard. In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres' request to take another
look at the traffic plans, Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt responded that
staff would follow up.
Vice-Chair Penseyres commented that the number of bikes at Sage Creek High School have
appeared to decline after the barricades were installed, expressing concern about the potential
impact on student mobility.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: This section of the Agenda is designated for announcements to advise the
community regarding events that Members of the Commission have been invited to, and may
participate in. No announcements were made.
STAFF COMMENTS: Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt spoke about
the month of May being Bike Month. He further added that the city will be hosting a pit stop on
the morning of Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the corner of Pine Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard for
Bike-to-Work Day.
ADJOURNMENT: 5:10 p.m.
Secretary
July 15, 2025 Item #14 Page 12 of 12
Docusign Envelope ID: A8765ACE-34F9-4271-8B7D-6823F2125797
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Nathan Schmidt, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager
July 15, 2025
1
RECOMMENDED ACTION
•Adopt a resolution approving the Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission Work Plan for FY 2025-26
ITEM 14: FY 2025-26 TS&MC WORK PLAN
2
BACKGROUND
•Carlsbad Municipal Code requires commissions to have annual work plans (CMC 2.15.020 (C))
•Encourage increased dialogue between the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and the City Council
•Ensure that the commission is working in line with the council’s priorities
ITEM 14: FY 2025-26 TS&MC WORK PLAN
3
MISSION STATEMENT
•The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission is
committed to enhancing safe mobility for the
city and its residents by using data-driven
decision-making and a forward-looking
approach to transportation. We are transparent
and do the right thing the right way.
ITEM 14: FY 2025-26 TS&MC WORK PLAN
4
FY 25-26 WORK PLAN:
FIRST GOAL
Review staff recommendations on the
multimodal transportation system, and provide
input on data, best practices, and public input.
•Examples: Capital Improvement Projects,
Growth Management Program (GMP)
Annual Monitoring Reports, Traffic Signal
Program, Roundabouts, Traffic Calming
Plans
ITEM 14: FY 2025-26 TS&MC WORK PLAN
5
FY 25-26 WORK PLAN:
SECOND GOAL
Focus on mobility around school locations
including safety.
•Review of mobility and safety projects near
schools
•Proactively engage the school districts in Safe
Routes to School planning
•Receive quarterly reports from the Carlsbad
Police Department
ITEM 14: FY 2025-26 TS&MC WORK PLAN
6
SPECIAL MEETING – SEPTEMBER 16
•City Council Minute Motion: Present an item to the
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission seeking public
input on a prohibition of e-bike riding to anyone under
the age of 12 as authorized by AB2234
•Special Meeting: Tuesday September 16, 2025, at 5 PM
ITEM 14: FY 2025-26 TS&MC WORK PLAN
7
RECOMMENDED ACTION
•Adopt a resolution approving the Traffic
Safety & Mobility Commission Work Plan for
FY 2025-26
ITEM 14: FY 2025-26 TS&MC WORK PLAN
8
COMMENTS PROVIDED BY CHAIR
JOSH COELHO
ITEM 14: FY 2025-26 TS&MC WORK PLAN
9