HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-09; City Council; 08; Options for the Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Street Improvements ProjectCA Review TL
Meeting Date: Dec. 9, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2766
Subject: Options for the Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Street
Improvements Project
District: 1
Recommended Action
1)Adopt a resolution directing the City Manager to proceed with two proposed near-term
measures and develop a Safe Routes to School Plan for Kelly Elementary School, which will
outline additional near-term and long-term improvements; or
2)Adopt a resolution directing the City Manager to proceed with two proposed near-term
measures and develop design plans and construction documents for the targeted corridor
improvements.
Executive Summary
The City Council directed the City Manager on June 17, 2025, to make changes at the Kelly Drive
intersections with Hillside Drive and Park Drive near Kelly Elementary School. (Resolution Nos.
2025-144 and 2025-145) The City Council also directed the City Manager to develop alternative
design options for the Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Street Improvements Project that do
not include roundabouts for further City Council consideration.
Other minor improvements directed by the City Council were completed during the summer of
2025, before the school year began. These included the removal of ceramic-domed traffic circle
indicators, slurry sealing and restriping of the pavement and the installation of stop signs in all
directions at the intersections of Kelly Drive and Hillside Drive and Kelly Drive and Park Drive.
Since then, staff have been monitoring traffic conditions and working closely with the school
administration to identify opportunities for improvement. Based on those observations and
discussions, staff have identified two near-term measures that can be implemented by city
street maintenance staff.
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Staff have also identified two approaches to implement additional near-term and long-term
improvements for the Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Street Improvements Project.
•Option 1 is to proceed with developing a Safe Routes to School plan for Kelly Elementary
School.
•Option 2 is to proceed with developing design plans, specifications and construction
documents for the targeted improvements as summarized below.
Of these options, staff recommend that the City Council direct the City Manager to develop a
Safe Routes to School Plan for Kelly Elementary School in addition to the two proposed near-
term measures (Option 1). This plan would be developed through a collaborative effort among
city staff, students, parents, school officials and residents and would provide a comprehensive
plan for improvements that benefit all roadway users.
Explanation & Analysis
The Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete
Street Improvements Project, Capital
Improvement Program Project No. 6075, is
intended to create a roadway on which
people can easily and safely get where they
want to go through their choice of travel, such
as driving, biking or walking. The project limits
include the area around Kelly Elementary
School, along Kelly Drive from El Camino Real
to Park Drive and along Park Drive from Kelly
Drive to Neblina Drive.
During the analysis of project options, staff
identified two near-term measures that could
help improve traffic operations during the
Kelly Elementary School’s drop-off and pick-
up periods:
1.Restripe the striped median along the school’s frontage to discourage left turns from
the school exit driveway and support the school’s access plan operations
2.Add approximately 170 feet of red curb (no parking) and install two “Right Turn Only”
pavement legends within the southbound curbside queue lane to improve access to the
school entrance and support the school’s access plan
Both recommended changes, as depicted in the graphic below, are supported by the Carlsbad
Unified School District and the Kelly Elementary School principal. Upon City Council direction,
staff will proceed with developing the work orders to complete these measures regardless of
which future option for roadway improvements is selected.
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Options
Staff analyzed two approaches to implement additional near-term and long-term measures to
improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other users within the project limits:
Option 1: Develop a Safe Routes to School plan
Traffic in the neighborhood surrounding Kelly Elementary School commonly gets congested
during school drop-off and pick-up times. One way the city has been improving traffic safety
near schools is through the Safe Routes to School Program. This initiative encourages walking
and biking to school by enhancing safety and convenience through infrastructure upgrades,
education and community incentives. The program’s goals are to improve safety, reduce traffic
congestion and support a safer environment around schools. It also creates opportunities for
city staff to collaborate with students, parents, school officials and residents to develop a plan
that reflects the needs of the community.
Developing a Safe Routes to School plan for a specific school typically takes about a year and
includes assessing current conditions, engaging the community through public outreach, and
identifying near-term and long-term improvements. Once the improvements have been
identified, staff would present the final Safe Routes to School plan to the Traffic Safety &
Mobility Commission for recommendations and comments and then to the City Council for its
review and approval.
Pros
•The project would be a collaborative effort among city staff, students, parents,
school officials and residents to develop a comprehensive plan that benefits all
roadway users.
•The final plan would provide a comprehensive approach to safe routes to Kelly
Elementary School.
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Con
• The specific improvements and preliminary cost of improvements would be
outlined in the Safe Routes to School Plan could take up to one year to develop
due to additional community engagement that would be conducted.
The recommended action for Option 1 is to:
Adopt a resolution directing the City Manager to proceed with two proposed near-term
measures and develop a Safe Routes to School Plan for Kelly Elementary School, which
will outline additional near-term and long-term improvements.
Option 2: Proceed with targeted corridor improvements
Alternatively, the City Council could choose to proceed with developing design plans,
specifications and construction documents for the following targeted roadway improvements:
• Relocate the mid-block crosswalk on Kelly Drive between Hillside Drive and Park Drive to
a location south of the school’s exit driveway. This change will help reduce vehicle
backup caused by pedestrians crossing at the current location.
• Restripe the roadway in accordance with the city’s current standard operating
procedures.
• Implement a marked bike lane, a Class II bike lane1, along Park Drive between Kelly
Drive and Neblina Drive to improve bicycle connectivity and safety.
• Evaluate the feasibility of having stop signs in all directions on Kelly Drive at the
proposed new crosswalk location and school exit, and on Park Drive at the intersections
of Neblina Drive, Valencia Avenue and Alondra Way, in accordance with the California
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the standard guidance document for
installing traffic control devices in California. If all-way stops are warranted, associated
improvements will be included as part of the design plans.
• Assess the parking needs in front of Laguna Riviera Park and consider expanding parking
into the northern portion of the park if determined to be feasible and needed.
• Evaluate traffic calming measures along Park Drive to improve safety and reduce speed.
• Construct a separated shared pedestrian and bicycle pathway, a Class I bike lane2, on
the south side of Park Drive from Kelly Drive to Neblina Drive.
• Provide Class II bike lanes, with buffers from opening car doors, on Park Drive from
Neblina Drive to transition to the existing Class II bike lanes north of Marina Drive.
• Implement transitional striping at Park Drive and Neblina Drive to facilitate the
transition between the Class I shared pathway and Class II bike lane and sidewalks.
Pros
• With the project’s scope already initially developed, public meetings and
developing the project workplan could be initiated sooner than Option 1.
• It could result in a shorter timeline for the project.
1 A Class II bike lane is a designated bike lane on the roadway marked by striping and pavement markings.
2 A Class I bike lane is a separated path designed exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians, located off-street and
away from vehicle traffic.
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Cons
• The project would provide less opportunity for public engagement compared to
Option 1.
• The identified improvements may not fully address the broader community
needs.
The recommended action for Option 2 is to:
Adopt a resolution directing the City Manager to proceed with two proposed near-term
measures and develop design plans and construction documents for the targeted corridor
improvements.
Because a plan that is thoughtfully shaped and carefully reviewed by extensive community
input is more likely to gain public support and meet the long-term safety and mobility needs
around the school, staff recommend Option 1.
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Recommendation
Staff presented this item to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission on Nov. 3, 2025. The
commission supported staff’s recommendation for Option 1. The draft minutes of the meeting
are included as Exhibit 3.
Community engagement
The city conducted public outreach for this agenda item that included:
• Project webpage updates
• Information in the City Manager’s Update newsletter
• Emails to those who signed up for project updates
• Nextdoor posts
• Coordination with Kelly Elementary School, including emails to parents
The project team will coordinate to develop a more specific outreach program as needed once
the City Council selects its preferred option for the project.
Fiscal Analysis
There is sufficient funding to develop a Safe Routes to School plan for Kelly Elementary School
under Option 1 or to prepare design plans, specifications and construction documents for the
targeted corridor Improvements under Option 2. A total of $5,608,000 in TransNet-Local,3
public facilities fee and gas tax funds has been appropriated, as detailed in the table below.
Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Street Improvements Project
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6075
Current appropriation – TransNet Local, public facilities fee and gas tax funds $5,608,000
Current expenditures and encumbrances -$889,234
Total available funding $4,718,766
3 TransNet is a countywide sales tax collected to fund regional transportation projects.
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Cost estimates for the proposed long-term improvements under Option 1 or 2 for Project No.
6075 will be developed as the project proceeds through the design phase, with high-level
estimates to be provided at the conceptual design level, that is, with a 30% complete design.
The estimated cost to implement the near-term changes proposed along the Kelly Elementary
School frontage, including the restriping of the painted median and establishing a queue lane
with red curb and pavement legends, is $4,000. There is sufficient funding in the budget for
Project No. 6075 to complete these changes.
Next Steps
Upon City Council direction, staff will proceed with the work orders to perform the near-term
changes on Kelly Drive along the school’s frontage to help improve traffic operations at Kelly
Elementary School. These changes will be coordinated with school officials to minimize
disruption to school operations, targeting their winter break or next available option.
• If the City Council approves Option 1, staff will initiate the Safe Routes to School
planning process and return to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and the City
Council with the draft plan for Kelly Elementary School and recommended
improvements for Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6075 for their review and
the City Council’s approval.
• If the City Council approves Option 2, staff will proceed with developing plans,
specifications and contract documents for the targeted corridor improvements and
return to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and the City Council with the design
plans, specification and construction documents for Project No. 6075 for their review
and the City Council’s approval.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action for proceeding with two near-term improvements near Kelly Elementary
School is categorically exempt from environmental review under California Environmental
Quality Act Guidelines Section 15301 because it involves the maintenance, repair or minor
alteration of existing facilities with negligible or no expansion of the existing or former use. No
exceptions to the categorical exemption as set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 or
Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 19.04.070(C) apply.
The proposed action for proceeding with additional near-term and long-term corridor
improvements near Kelly Elementary School is statutorily exempt from environmental review
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies,
including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been
approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on
any possible future discretionary action.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution – Option 1
2. City Council resolution – Option 2
3. Draft Minutes from the Nov. 3, 2025, Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meeting
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Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-263 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCEED WITH TWO
PROPOSED NEAR-TERM MEASURES AND DEVELOP A SAFE ROUTES TO
SCHOOL PLAN FOR KELLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, WHICH WILL OUTLINE
ADDITIONAL NEAR-TERM AND LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined it necessary,
desirable and in the public interest to improve Kelly Drive and Park Drive with complete street
improvements, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 6075, or Project; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution Nos. 2025-144 and 2025-145 on June 17, 2025,
directing the City Manager to remove the existing traffic circles, implement all-way stop controls at the
intersections of Kelly Drive with Hillside Drive and Park Drive, and develop alternative options for the
Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Street Improvements Project, CIP No. 6075, that exclude
roundabouts, for further City Council consideration; and
WHEREAS, on Dec. 9, 2025, the City Council reviewed two options to improve safety for drivers,
pedestrians, cyclists and other users in the area; and
WHEREAS, the City Council selected Option 1, which is to proceed with two near-term measures
and develop a Safe Routes to School, or SRTS, Plan for Kelly Elementary School, which would engage
the community through public outreach, and identify near-term and long-term improvements; and
WHEREAS, staff would present the final SRTS Plan to the City Council for review and approval
at a later date; and
WHEREAS, high-level cost estimates would be developed as the projects prepare conceptual
designs; and
WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed at this time, and staff will return to request
additional appropriations when the Project is ready for construction.
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 for proceeding with two
near-term improvements near Kelly Elementary School is categorically exempt from
environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 because it involves the
Dec. 9, 2025 Item #8 Page 7 of 15
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maintenance, repair or minor alteration of existing facilities with negligible or no
expansion of the existing or former use. No exceptions to the categorical exemption as
set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 or Carlsbad Municipal Code Section
19.04.070(C) apply.
3.That the City Council has determined that the proposed action for proceeding with
additional near-term and long-term corridor improvements near Kelly Elementary
School is statutorily exempt from environmental review under California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning
studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions
that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a
legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action.
4.That the City Council directs the City Manager to proceed with two near-term measures
and develop a Safe Routes to School Plan for Kelly Elementary School, which will outline
additional near-term and long-term improvements.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad on the 9th day of December, 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)
Dec. 9, 2025 Item #8 Page 8 of 15
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Exhibit 2 RESOLUTION NO. .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCEED WITH TWO
PROPOSED NEAR-TERM MEASURES AND DEVELOP DESIGN PLANS AND
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR THE TARGETED CORRIDOR
IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined it necessary,
desirable and in the public interest to improve Kelly Drive and Park Drive with complete street
improvements, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 6075, or Project; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution Nos. 2025-144 and 2025-145 on June 17, 2025,
directing the City Manager to remove the existing traffic circles, implement all-way stop controls at the
intersections of Kelly Drive with Hillside Drive and Park Drive, and develop alternative options for the
Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Street Improvements Project, CIP No. 6075, that exclude
roundabouts, for further City Council consideration; and
WHEREAS, on Dec. 9, 2025, the City Council reviewed two options to improve safety for drivers,
pedestrians, cyclists and other users in the area; and
WHEREAS, the City Council selected Option 2, which is to proceed with two near-term measures
and additional near-term and long-term corridor improvements as described in the staff report; and
WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed at this time, and staff will return to request
additional appropriations when the Project is ready for construction.
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 for proceeding with two
near-term improvements near Kelly Elementary School is categorically exempt from
environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 because it involves the
maintenance, repair or minor alteration of existing facilities with negligible or no
expansion of the existing or former use. No exceptions to the categorical exemption as
set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 or Carlsbad Municipal Code Section
19.04.070(C) apply.
Dec. 9, 2025 Item #8 Page 9 of 15
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3. That the City Council has determined that the proposed action for proceeding with
additional near-term and long-term corridor improvements near Kelly Elementary
School is statutorily exempt from environmental review under California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning
studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions
that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a
legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action.
4. That the City Council directs the City Manager to proceed with two near-term measures
and additional near-term and long-term improvements as described in the staff report.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Dec. 9, 2025 Item #8 Page 10 of 15
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Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY COMMISSION
CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Coelho, Penseyres, Proulx, Newlands, Kohl, Nicholes, Schuck.
INVOCATION: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Coelho led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of Regular Meeting held on Oct. 6, 2025.
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Schuck, to approve the minutes of
the Regular Meeting held on Oct. 6, 2025, as stated. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Proulx – Abstain).
PRESENTATIONS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
TJ Barnes Paulus recommended street signage to remind drivers that individuals that are hard-of-
hearing may be nearby.
Kurt Rosi expressed concerns with the entry and exit point of the trail connecting Marron Road
and Simsbury Court. He noted that the current access has only a curb with no ramp, which
makes it difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists to enter and exit the trail safely. He explained
that this condition has contributed to a number of accidents and hoped that improvements,
including a proper ramp, could be addressed before the start of the school year.
Tom Gibbs expressed similar concerns with the entry and exit point of the trail connecting Marron
Road and Simsbury Court. He also expressed concerns with visibility due to the trees along
Tamarack Avenue when turning left onto Simsbury Court.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1.UPDATE ON FARADAY AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT NO. 6099: Receive an update regarding the Faraday Avenue Improvements project.
(Staff Contact: John Kim, Public Works Department)
Motion by Commissioner Proulx, seconded by Commissioner Schuck, to approve Consent
Calendar Item No. 1. Motion carried, 7/0.
PUBLIC HEARING: None.
Nov. 3, 2025, 4 p.m.
Exhibit 3
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Nov. 3, 2025 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting Page 2
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
2. POLICE REPORT REGARDING TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY-RELATED MATTERS IN THE THIRD
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 July, August and September 2025. (Staff Contact:
Jason Arnotti, Police Department)
Sergeant Travis Anderson reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of
the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Sergeant Anderson.
David Pierce expressed concerns with license plate covers.
In response to Commissioner Schuck’s inquiry regarding how the Police Department
handles officer-initiated contacts with children on e-bikes, Sergeant Anderson responded
that they treat the first few contacts as educational opportunities. He further explained
that additional contacts may include looking into additional enforcements with the
parents.
In response to Commissioner Schuck’s inquiry regarding street signs that are reported via
the Carlsbad Connects app, Sergeant Anderson responded that the incident would be
categorized as a hit and run if there was significant damage to the sign and the driver did
not stay at the scene.
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s inquiry regarding daily radar checkpoints, Sergeant
Anderson responded that motor officers are deployed daily responding to complaints
and reports of high speeds.
In response to Chair Coelho’s inquiry regarding whether the increase of motor officers is
temporary, Sergeant Anderson responded that the Police Department is allotted to eight
motor officers and has fluctuated in staff over the past year.
3. PARKING OPPORTUNITIES ON MADISON STREET AND CHESTNUT AVENUE: Provide feedback
on the assessment of parking opportunities on Madison Street and Chestnut Avenue. (Staff
Contact: John Kim and Miriam Jim, Public Works Department)
City Traffic Engineer John Kim and Senior Engineer Miriam Jim reviewed a PowerPoint
presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by City Traffic Engineer Kim and
Senior Engineer Jim.
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Nov. 3, 2025 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting Page 3
Gary Nessim proposed his recommendation for adding a center median down Madison
Street with diagonal parking and removing all the current parking spaces.
In response to Commissioner Schuck’s inquiry regarding perpendicular parking spaces on
Madison Street, Senior Engineer Jim responded that staff had considered perpendicular
parking but decided against due to concerns with the bike lane and vehicle length which
would make it harder to maneuver in and out of perpendicular parking.
In response to Commissioner Nicholes’ inquiry as to why staff did not extend past seven
parking spaces on Madison Street, Senior Engineer Jim explained that the City Council
minute motion requested staff look into parking opportunities along the area adjacent
to the existing wall.
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s inquiry regarding the feasibility of looking into
diagonal parking along a center median down Madison Street before the item is
presented to the City Council, Transportation Director/City Engineer Tom Frank clarified
that staff can review the suggested diagonal parking on Madison Street, and that doing
so does not conflict with staff’s current recommendation for Chestnut Avenue.
In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres’ inquiry regarding back-in diagonal parking, Senior
Engineer Jim responded that staff had considered back-in diagonal parking but decided
against it because it is not as supported as head-in diagonal parking.
Chair Coelho recommended staff expand their search for additional parking
opportunities along Madison Street.
4. OPTIONS FOR THE KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE COMPLETE STREETS IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT: Recommend to City Council to adopt a resolution directing City Manager to develop
a Safe Routes to School Plan for Kelly Elementary School, which will outline near-term and
long-term improvements. (Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Public Works Department)
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 Kohl’s inquiry regarding the feasibility of installing bollards
in the proposed striped median, Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank explained
that the school already places cones and signage during school hours to dissuade drivers
from crossing the median. He further explained that staff could investigate the feasibility
of installing bollards if necessary.
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Nov. 3, 2025 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting Page 4
In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres’ inquiry regarding whether the bike lane will include
a buffer, Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank responded that exact
measurements are still needed to determine the bike lane configuration.
In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres’ inquiry regarding drop-offs along the queue lane,
Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank explained that school staff would dissuade
parents from doing so and provide notice on the drop-off access plan.
In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres’ inquiry regarding parking on Kelly Drive between
Hillside Drive and Park Drive, Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank confirmed that
parking is allowed in designated areas and staff plan to evaluate the feasibility of reducing
some of the red curbs.
In response to Vice-Chair Penseyres concerns regarding bicyclists being hit by car doors,
Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank confirmed that staff look into including door
zones when possible.
Motion by Commissioner Schuck, seconded by Commissioner Proulx, to support staff’s
recommendation to recommend to City Council to adopt a resolution directing City
Manager to develop a Safe Routes to School Plan for Kelly Elementary School, which will
outline near-term and long-term improvements. Motion carried, 7/0.
5. TAMARACK AVENUE RESTRIPING PLANS: Support staff’s recommendation to implement the
proposed conceptual restriping plan for Tamarack Avenue between Carlsbad Village Drive
and Cheshire Avenue as part of the 2026 Roadway Resurfacing Program. (Staff Contact:
Nathan Schmidt, Public Works Department)
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt 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.
David Pierce spoke against the proposed conceptual restriping plan, expressing concern
that the design assumes very few students will use the bike facilities to access the campus
and that the inclusion of sharrows is unsafe given the presence of impatient or inattentive
drivers that travel at high speeds which will result in very little mode shift.
In response to Commissioner Schuck’s inquiry regarding whether staff considered an all-
way stop at the intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Chatham Road, Transportation
Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt responded that staff did not evaluate an all-way
stop but could look into it.
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Nov. 3, 2025 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting Page 5
In response to Chair Coelho’s inquiry regarding next steps, Transportation Planning &
Mobility Manager Schmidt explained that the construction plans will be brought back to
the Commission when presented as part of the 2026 Roadway Resurfacing Program.
In response to Commissioner Proulx’s inquiry regarding timeline, Transportation
Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt responded that construction should take place in
summer 2026.
In response to Chair Coelho’s inquiry regarding whether Hope Elementary School’s plan
within the parking lot, Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt explained
that staff are working with school staff to explore potential options to improve drop-off
operations.
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Newlands, to support staff’s
recommendation to implement the proposed conceptual restriping plan for Tamarack
Avenue between Carlsbad Village Drive and Cheshire Avenue as part of the 2026
Roadway Resurfacing Program. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Penseyres – Abstain).
COMMISSION COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS:
Vice-Chair Penseyres commented on the trail connecting Marron Road and Simsbury Court and
requested staff look into possible improvements to the unpaved portion of the trail.
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: City Traffic Engineer John Kim spoke about upcoming items for the Nov. 18,
2025, City Council meeting.
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt spoke about setting the 2026
Regular Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Meeting Calendar at next month’s meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: 5:36 p.m.
Lovelynne Magalued
Secretary
Dec. 9, 2025 Item #8 Page 15 of 15
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Adriana Trujillo
All Receive - Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date 0 13-CA v-CC
CM k/ACM ,---DCM (3)
From: Kathy Fellows <krvm1234@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 4, 2025 10:42 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Dec 9 meeting Kelly and Park Dr. improvements
Dear Council Members:
I'm writing regarding Long-term Option 2: Focused improvements for the Kelly/Park Dr discussion on
Dec. 9.1 live off Neblina Dr. and frequent the route from the intersection of Neblina and Park past Kelly
school on my way to ECR. I have two observations re Park Dr. - I've seen people struggling/possibly
speeding to get around bike traffic. It's dangerous because of all the blind curves in the area, so the bike
lane would improve safety immensely. Secondly, If I remember correctly, the speed limit on Park
changes from 25 to an "advisory" 25 mph speed to 35 and back to 25 (four times I think) in this short
distance. So if you're seeing speeding in this zone, that very short 35 mph stretch may be a contributing
factor. If the speed limit were consistent @ 25 mph and a bike path is in place there may not be a need
for additional calming measures.
Thank you for removing the traffic circles on Kelly Drive. Because of the stop sign on Highland entering
Kelly drive some people would stop there and some would see the traffic circle and go through the stop
sign. There is no confusion now and there's more space for bikes.
Thank you,
Kathy Fellows
4781 Endeavor Ln
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe.
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Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
Dec. 9, 2025
Options for Kelly Drive and Park
Drive Complete Street Improvement
Project
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
ITEM 8: KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
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Adopt a resolution directing the City Manager to
proceed with two proposed near-term measures
and develop either:
1.A Safe Routes to School Plan for Kelly
Elementary School, which will outline additional
near-term and long-term improvements
OR
2.Design plans and construction documents for
the targeted corridor improvements
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WORK COMPLETED TO DATE
ITEM 8: KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
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•Public workshops and input process
•Preliminary design, permitting and
construction documents
ITEM 8: KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
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1.Remove the existing traffic circles and implement
all-way stop controls at the intersections of Kelly
Drive with Hillside Drive and Park Drive
AND
2.Develop alternative options for the Kelly Drive and
Park Drive Complete Street Improvements Project,
CIP No. 6075, that exclude roundabouts, for further
City Council consideration.
City Council Resolutions
June 17, 2025
ITEM 8: KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
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1.Restripe the existing striped median
along the school’s frontage to
discourage left turns from the school
exit
2.Add approximately 170 feet of red curb
(no parking) to establish a queue lane
ADDITIONAL PROPOSED NEAR-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
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ITEM 8: KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
LONG-TERM OPTIONS
Option 1:
Develop a Safe Routes
to School Plan
(Recommended by the Traffic
Safety & Mobility Commission)
Option 2:
Focused Improvements
Goals
•Improve safety
•Reduce traffic congestion
Collaborate with students, parents, school officials and
residents to develop a plan that reflects the needs of
the surrounding community
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ITEM 8: KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
OPTION 1: SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Limited community outreach before proceeding with
proposed improvements:
•Shift the crosswalk on Kelly Drive south of the parking lot exit and
consider an all-way stop sign here
•Restripe the roadways
•Implement a Class II bike lane along Park Drive
•Evaluate all-way stop signs and traffic calming measures on Park Drive
•Construct a Class I, shared pedestrian and bicycle pathway, on the
south side of Park Drive
•Additional bike lane striping to improve connectivity
•Explore expanding parking in front of Laguna Park
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ITEM 8: KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
OPTION 2: FOCUSED IMPROVEMENTS
Upon City Council direction, staff will:
•Proceed with work orders for near-term improvements,
coordinating with school officials to minimize disruptions
•If Option 1 is approved, begin the Safe Routes to School
planning process and return to the Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission and the City Council with a draft plan for review
and approval at future meetings
OR
•If Option 2 is approved, conduct community outreach and
develop plans, specifications and contract documents for the
focused improvements, and seek approval at future meetings of
the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and the City Council
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ITEM 8: KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
NEXT STEPS
RECOMMENDED ACTION
ITEM 8: KELLY DRIVE AND PARK DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
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Adopt a resolution directing the City Manager to
proceed with two proposed near-term measures
and develop either:
1.A Safe Routes to School Plan for Kelly
Elementary School, which will outline additional
near-term and long-term improvements
OR
2.Design plans and construction documents for
the targeted corridor improvements
Thank You!
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