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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-20; City Council; 17719; Deny appeal deny stop signs on Avenida Encinas17,719 AB# MTG. 7/20/04 DEPT. ENG. RECOMMENDED ACTION: - TITLE: DENY THE APPEAL AND UPHOLD THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO NOT INSTALL STOP SIGNS ON AVENIDA ENCINAS CITY ATTY, Deny the appeal of Dale Ordas and uphold the Traffic Safety Commission recommendation to not install stop signs on Avenida Encinas and uphold the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission to install additional warning signs on Avenida Encinas. LOCATION ITEM EXPLANATION: GEOMETRIC PUBLIC OR GATED OR CONFIGURATION PRIVATE STREETS NON-GATED Dory Lane - non-gated On May 3, 2004 the Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) considered the request initiated by Dale Ordas and others to have stop signs installed on Avenida Encinas at three intersections located within the San Pacific0 residential development. Mr. Ordas previously addressed the City Council with this request in May 2003. The City Council directed Mr. Ordas to follow the process for requesting the establishment of an all-way stop intersection@), which includes having the item considered by the Traffic Safety Commission. Portage WaylMarlin Lane Windrose Circle Mr. Ordas is requesting the City Council to overrule the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission to not establish an all-way stop at three intersections on Avenida Encinas. The three intersections are: Four-leg intersection Private Marlin Lane - gated T-intersection Public Non-gated 9 Windrose Circle 9 Portage Way I Marlin Lane 9 Dory Lane I Meridian Way Dory Lane/Meridian Way I Four-leg intersection I Private I MeFidian Way - gated 1 Portage Way - non-gated Consideration for establishing an all-way stop at an existing intersection is based upon satisfying the Caltrans warrants for stop signs. The Caltrans Traffic Manual states that because the stop sign causes a substantial inconvenience to motorists, it should only be used where warranted. Generally, the installation of an all-way stop should be used only where the volume of traffic on each intersecting street is approximately equal. Warrant criteria includes the combination of vehicle and pedestrian volume entering the intersection, vehicle delay, and intersection accident history. Staff conducted a number of different traffic studies and collected extensive traffic data for the purpose of evaluating the request. These findings were discussed at the Traffic Safety Commission on May 3, 2004. The Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee (staff committee) recommendation to not install stop signs on Avenida Encinas was presented to the Traffic Safety Commission. I Agenda Bill No. 17,7 19 Page No. 2 Traffic volumes from each side street and the pedestrian volumes crossing Avenida Encinas were all found to be low. All three intersections have a very good accident history. There have been no reported accidents to the Police Department at the three intersections since January 2, 2003, and only five reported accidents occurred between January 1, 2000 and January 2, 2003 at the three intersections. Avenida Encinas has a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour. The 85" percentile speed, which is the speed that 85 percent of the drivers are traveling at or below, is 40 miles per hour. The corner sight distance available to drivers stopped on the side street that intersects Avenida Encinas was evaluated based upon a vehicle speed on Avenida Encinas of 40 miles per hour. Corner sight distance is provided at intersections to allow drivers of a vehicle stopped on the minor street to view approaching vehicles on the intersecting road and decide when to enter or cross the intersection. The minimum corner sight distance is 455 feet. It is desirable that the available corner sight distance be at least equal to the appropriate stopping sight distance for Avenida Encinas. The minimum stopping sight distance of 308 feet is the distance required by the driver on Avenida Encinas traveling at 40 miles per hour to bring the vehicle to a stop after an object six inches high becomes visible. At some locations, the available corner sight distance may be less than the minimum due to obstructions such as walls, homes, trees, vegetation, etc. The Caltrans Highway Design Manual states that when these conditions occur, a lesser value of corner sight distance may be used when the value for corner sight distance is equal to the stopping sight distance. The minimum stopping sight distance is exceeded in both directions for each side street at each intersection on Avenida Encinas. Corner sight distance when the driver is looking westerly is exceeded at Meridian Way, Portage Way and Windrose Circle. When a driver is at Dory Lane and Marlin Lane and looking easterly, corner sight distance is exceeded. The Commission reviewed the traffic data in detail. Warrants are not met to establish an all-way stop at the three intersections and the minimum stopping sight distance is available at each intersection. The Traffic Safety Commission recommended that there not be an all-way stop established on Avendida Encinas at the intersections of Windrose Circle, Portage Way/Marlin Lane, or Dory Lane/Meridian Way. The Commission did, however, recommend that additional cross road warning signs and pedestrian crossing warning signs be installed on Avenida Encinas. FISCAL IMPACT: Installation of additional warning signs as recommended by the Traffic Safety Commission will cost about $1,200. EXHIBITS: 1. Location Map. 2. Letter from Dale Ordas dated June 12, 2004 appealing the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission. 3. Minutes from the May 3, 2004 Traffic Safety Commission meeting. 2 May 12,2004 CITY COUNCIL CITY OF CARLSBAD 1200 CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE CARLSBAD, CA 92008 APPEAL OF THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION TO DENY THE REQUEST FOR STOP SIGNS ON AVENIDA ENCMAS ON BEHALF OF SAN PACIFICO. This appeal is from the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission, made verbally on May 3,2004, that denied the request of the San Pacifico Community Association for all way stop signs on Avenida Encinas at Portage Way/Marlin Lane and Dory LaneMeridian Way, (private streets) and Windrose Circle (public street). The San Pacifico Community consists of 454 homes governed by three sub-associations, San Pacifico Area A, Vistamar and Santalina, all of whom support stop this appeal. Avenida Encinas and the development through which it slices was designed and constructed by various developers and approved by the city. It is now a high speed shortcut fiom Poinsettia Lane to Coast highway. The stop signs were requested because of the severe visibility impairments at the PortageRdarlin and DorylMeridian intersections. Our highest priority goes to the Portage/Marlm intersection. This intersection is not only a main entry and exit to our community, it provides the only pededrh access to our recreation complex and to our trails that lead to the system of public trails. Most seniors and parents take their cars rather than traverse Encinas on foot. The reason is fear caused by speed and lack of visibility. The city engineer admits that this intersection does not meet the minimum design for corner sight distance (440 ft and 40 mph). In hct the mer sight distance is less than 200 feet! Sight distance ‘at DoryMeridian is also less than 200 fkt. This intersection also provides access to our RV lot which hishes parking to oversize vehicles which forced to exit at slow speeds, exposing themselves to speeding vehicles coming over the railroad bridge. Windrose Circle has better visibility but because of the geometrics of the intersedon, left turns are very hazardous. We believe the city has created the visibility problem by approving the design of the development and the street intersections so that drivers and pedestrians are at risk when they enter or exit our community. We have tried to warn our residents and guests of that risk. It is our firm belief however that the only corrective action that the city can take is stop signs or traffic signals. We know the city council is concerned with visibility as ii safety &tor as demonstrated by its recent comments concerning sight distance at a ptoposed development on La Costa We how the city council has ordered stop signs on Plum Tree and Levante when those streets became high speed short cuts and a danger to the residents whose communaies were divided by those streets. We would expect the same consideration. We had originally petitioned the city council with this request on March 27,2003. On May 13,2003 we through the Public Works Department which we did on May 15,2003. We u reconsider our request in light of the above kctors. co Homeowners Association p mP y- -8 P, L’$BhU.Y G LL. t- LdJ CITY OF CARLSBAD CITY CLERK‘S OFFICE APPEAL FORM c-' I (We) appeal the decision of the to the Carlsbad City Council. 'THF/f Date of Decision you are appealing: #55. -2csSw Subiect of ApDeal: BE SPECIFIC Examples: if the action is a City Engineer's Decision, please say so. If a project has multiple elements, (such as a General Plan Amendment, Negative Declaration, Specific Plan, etc.) please list them all. If ou only want to appeal a part of the whole adion, please state that here. - OF=" Bm@ .T 5G2/&# &?%!E L9F-F7?&5qL?~ I -/ eK/" &?c3hc f3 /ax?- -=-4 A&Xmv 43.Y- yg / Reasonls) for Atmeal: Please Note 0 Failure to specify a reason may result in denial of the appeal, and you will be limited to the grounds stated here when presenting your appeal. BE SPECIFIC How did the decision maker err? What about the decision is inconsistent with state or local 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive - Carlsbad. California 92008-1 989 - (61 9) 434-2808 May 3,2004 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION‘ Page 2 ITEM 4 - ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: ITEM 5 - PREVIOUS BU three of the speed zones ITEM 6 - NEW BUSINESS: ITEM 6A: Request to establish an all-way stop on Avenida Encinas at the intersections of Dory LaneMeridian Way, Portage WayMarlin Lane, and Windrose Circle. Referring to an overhead slide, Exhibit 1 of the staff report, Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation Division, stated that the formal request from several residents of the San Pacific0 development was to establish an all-way stop at three intersections on Avenida Encinas. This item originated in May of 2003 when three residents addressed the City Council and asked that three intersections be established as an all-way stop. The City Council referred the matter to staff who conducted studies last summer. A meeting was held with Mr. Ordas and his committee in October 2003 when staff explained the results of the study. A request was received from Mr. Ordas in November 2003 to schedule the matter for the Talc Safety Commission meeting of March 1,2004. Shortly before the March Traffic Safety Commission meeting, h4r. Ordas requested that the matter be rescheduled for the April 5,2004 meeting. Prior to the April 5,2004 Traffic Safety Commission meeting, Mr. Ordas requested that this issue be rescheduled for the Traffic Safety Commission meeting of May 3,2004. Mr. Johnson explained that ‘karrants” is another name for “criteria,” and that the Caltrans criteria for an all-way stop analysis provides an objective way to analyze a particular‘intersection when there is a request to establish an all-way stop. He further explained that the Caltrans warrants are based on the Manual of Uniform Trafic Control Devices that is used nationwide. Mr. Johnson discussed the warrants and indicated that the volume warrant is based on entering volumes of 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours in a one-day period. He stated that one of the warrants is based on the accident history at the intersection Mr. Johnson explained that another warrant includes the combination of traffic volumes and pedestrian volumes on the minor street that must equal 200 units in the same 8-hour period, and there must be a delay of least 30 seconds to the minor street vehicles. May 3,2004 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 3 Mr. Johnson informed the Commission that Avenida Encinas is classified as a secondary arterial on the Circulation Element of the General Plan. He stated that based on a traffic count conducted in August of last year, the volumes recorded on Avenida Encinas ranged from 3,458 to 3,866 vehicles in a 24-hour period which is a two-way total. Mr. Johnson described the study area as having two traffic lanes, one in each direction with a bicycle lane in each direction, and a bus turnout provided by North County Transit District located westerly of the Portage Way/Marlin Lane intersection in each direction. The road follows a curvilinear alignment and it has a relatively flat grade between 1 % and 3.58%. Mr. Johnson mentioned that the intersections are a combination of public streets and private streets, either gated or non-gated, and exit only or both exit and entry. The intersecting streets were described as follows: Windrose Circle is a T-intersection and is a public street. Portage WayMarlin Lane intersection is a four-leg intersection with both side streets private. Portage Way is non-gated and there is a gate on Marlin Lane that is an exit only. At the Dory Lanemeridian Way intersection, it also is a four-leg intersection. Both streets are private with Dory Lane being non-gated and Meridian Lane having a gate and serving as an exit only. ' Continuing his report, Mr. Johnson presented the following information. The posted speed limit on Avenida Encinas is 35 miles per hour with a critical speed (the speed which 85% of vehicles are traveling at or below) of 40 miles per hour based on a speed survey. The purpose of a stop sign is to assign the right of way at an intersection; it is not a speed control device. Stop signs can reduce certain types of collisions such as right-angle collisions. Other types of collisions, such as rear-end collisions, would not necessarily be expected to be corrected by installing a stop sign. Conversely, there could be an increase in rear-end collisions with the installation of a stop sign. Installing stop signs does not necessarily prevent collisions fiom occurring, as the city's highest collisions each year occur at intersections with traffic signals and stop signs. Other consequences of unwarranted stop signs include the starting and stopping of vehicles that can increase air and noise pollution, and there can be an increase in fuel consumption because of the unnecessary stop and starting at unwarranted stop signs. Mr. Johnson explained that the all-way stop warrant analysis conducted was based on the Caltrans traffic criteria and those factors mentioned earlier. Staff found that none of the warrants were met at any of the three intersections for an all-way stop. Mr. Johnson stated that the entering traffic volumes were counted at the intersection and there were a number of one-hour turning movement counts conducted in July, August, and September. When recording the turn movements of vehicles, staff also counted the pedestrians crossing the street at the same time. These studies were done at different time periods on different days of the week. Mr. Johnson informed the Commission that the Portage WayMarlin Lane intersection provides access to the swimming pool and tennis court for the San Pacific0 development. He stated that the volume range of pedestrians crossing Avenida Encinas recorded during the turning movement counts in a one-hour period was from zero pedestrians up to ten pedestrians on the east leg of the intersection. He indicated that no vehicle-pedestrian conflict was observed when a pedestrian crossed Avenida Encinas as an individual or in a group, stating that this is probably a combination of a set of factors such as the low volume on Avenida Encinas, there were adequate gaps for 7 May 3,2004 ’ TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 4 pedestrians to cross the street, and drivers did yield, slow down or stop for the pedestrians when the vehicle was approaching the intersection as a pedestrian crossed. He said that because of the access to the recreation facilities for San Pacific0 there have been pedestrian symbol warning signs previously installed on each side of the Marlin Lane intersection to alert drivers to the possible presence of pedestrians. Mr. Johnson explained that staff conducted a Pedestrian Gap Study. He stated that this type of study is a measurement of the number of gaps in traffk that would allow a pedestrian to cross fiom one side of the street to the other side without encountering a vehicle. Mr. Johnson said the roadway is 48 feet curb-to-curb and a walking speed of three and one-half feet per second is assumed that would equate to 14 seconds to walk from curb-to-curb for a pedestrian. He said that assuming a three second reaction time for pedestrians to look in both directions and begin to walk, the total crossing time would then be 17 seconds. Mr. Johnson stated that the Pedestrian Gap Study results at the Portage Way and Marlin Lane intersection in the peak hour of 5: 15 to 6: 15 p.m. on September 10 found that there were 74 gaps in traffic of 17 seconds or more, in some cases there were gaps of 3 1 - 50 seconds and also 5 1-60 seconds. He stated that at the Dory LaneMeridian Way intersection the same study was conducted on a different day and found that there were 84 gaps in a one-hour period of 17 seconds or more for the pedestrians to cross. Mr. Johnson stated the results mean there are 84 times in one hour when a pedestrian can walk fiom one side of Avenida Encinas to the other without encountering an approaching vehicle on Avenida Encinas. Because the all-way stop warrants require an average delay of 30 seconds per vehicle on the side street in a one-hour period, staff conducted a stop delay study. He stated that at Windrose Circle staff found an average delay to each vehicle of 4.9 seconds, at Portage Way 5.3 seconds, and at Dory Lane the delay was 2.3 seconds per vehicle. He indicated that delays to vehicles on side streets are substantially less than the 30 seconds that are required by the warrants. Mr. Johnson mentioned that when an intersection is studied for an all-way stop, staff has to analyze that intersection to determine if there is an accident history at that location. Mr. Johnson stated that the warrant is five accidents in a 12-month period of the type susceptible to correction if a stop sign were to be installed. Mr. Johnson informed the Commission that in the last 12 months there have . been zero collisions at each of the three intersections. Mr. Johnson explained that the Caltrans Highway Design Manual criteria for comer sight distance was evaluated for the intersecting streets on Avenida Encinas. He indicated that staff conducted field measurements of the comer sight distance. For 40 miles per hour, the minimum corner sight distance required is 508 feet. With respect to the three intersections, there are five intersecting streets with five different street names. Staff found that at Dory Lane looking easterly the corner sight distance is 660 feet. Meridian Way looking westerly has 550 feet of comer sight distance, Portage Way has 660 feet of comer sight distance looking westerly, Marlin Lane has 660 feet looking easterly, and at Windrose Circle there is 950 feet of comer sight distance looking westerly. The measurements were made at a position 9.9 feet behind the prolongation of the curb line, which is assumed fo be the driver position in a vehicle. May 3,2004 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 5 Mr. Johnson informed the Commission that the stopping sight distance is used in some circumstances when the comer sight distance is not available and there is at least the minimum stopping sight distance available at the intersection. He indicated that stopping sight distance is the distance to bring the vehicle to stop when the driver observes an object six inches high in the roadway. He explained that stopping sight distance for 40 miles per hour is 308 feet. He stated in the case of Dory Lane looking westerly the comer sight distance was 350 feet, which exceeds stopping sight distance. The comer sight distance at Meridian Way looking easterly was 329 feet, Portage Way looking easterly was 3 16 feet, Marlin Lane looking westerly was 3 12 feet, and at Windrose Circle looking to the east the comer sight distance was 375 feet. He summarized by saying that the stopping sight distance available when looking in the directions where there is less than the required corner sight distance does exceed the minimum stopping sight distance required for Avenida Encinas. In conclusion, Mr. Johnson stated that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee had reviewed this issue. Because none of the warrants were met for an all-way stop at any of the three intersections, it was the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee that an all-way stop not be established for the three intersections. However, the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee did recommend that a cross road symbol sign be installed on Avenida Encinas on the westbound approach to the Dory LaneMeridian Way intersection, on the westbound approach to the PortageMarlin Lane intersection, and on both eastbound approaches to the Dorian WayNeridian Way intersection and the Portage WayMarlin Lane intersection. DISCUSSION: Vice-Chair Cress asked if there were any questions for staff. Commissioner Gardner asked how the distance was measured and how far back the gates were on Meridian Way and Marlin Lane. Robert Johnson replied that the measurements were taken from 9.9 feet behind the prolongation of the curb line and there was no obstruction by the gate when obtaining the measurements. Commissioner Courtney asked if there were ever any accidents at the intersections since the time the first projects have been built. Mr. Johnson replied that the reported accident history since January 1,2000 shows five collisions total for all three intersections. However, two of the intersections had all five of the collisions. In 4- 112 years there have been five collisions total. Vice-Chair Cress stated that this project opened about 4-5 years ago, and asked if most of the accidents were within the first couple of years? Mr. Johnson stated there were two reported collisions at the intersections in 2000, one in 2001, one in 2002, and one in 2003 based upon reports staff received from the police department. May 3,2004 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 6 PUBLIC TESTIMONY Vice-Chair Cress opened public testimony. Dale Ordas, 7325 Seafarer Place, stated that he resides in the San Pacifico community. He distributed hard copies of his Power Point slides since his computer and projector did not work. Vice-Chair Cress asked if Mr. Ordas was representing the Homeowners Association of San Pacifico. He stated he is President of Vista Mar which is one of the sub-associations of San Pacifico. Mr. Ordas stated his background as an attorney. Vice-Chair Cress indicated that 15 minutes would be allowed for their presentation. Tony Ruffolo, 616 Marlin Lane stated his background in litigation as a former Caltrans attorney. Using an Overhead (page 6 of their handout), Mr. Ruffolo showed an aerial photograph showing where their recreation center is located, indicating that this is the focal point of the community. He explained the various routes that the community uses to access the recreation center. He indicated that counting the traffic during the week is really not the best time. He stated that the traffic on weekends is higher because this is when people are going to the pool and tennis courts. He also indicated that on weekends many people access the beach. He further expressed that there are also many unreported traffic accidents, many of which he has personally observed or heard after the fact that were not reported to the police. Mr. Ruffolo referred to the handout page 13 depicting a typical accident demonstrating the problem with sight distance. He stated that the sight distances are severely restricted. He stated that if you’re back where you’re supposed to be and not in the bike lane, you’re not going to get a very good view of the traffic nor are you going to get anything near the minimums that are required by the Traffic Manual and the Highway Design Manual. Referring to a picture on page 11, Mr. Ruffolo stated he placed orange cones in the street and that you can see the cones where there is a camera in the bike lane and shooting down the street, but the driver at the limit line cannot see the cones. Mr. Or& stated that the Recreation Center for San Pacifico is on the north side of Avenida Encinas at Portage Way. He stated that these facilities are used for numerous community activities such as the Carlsbad Christmas Bureau Gift Drive. He stated that the average speed is not 35 miles per hour, but rather 43 miles per hour. Mr. Ordas directed the attention to the photograph on page 10, showing fluorescent cones placed at 196 feet and at 300 feet northeast of a driver stopped at the limit line on Portage Way. He explained that it takes time to perceive, react, and stop. He stated there are risks to San Pacifico residents.. He indicated that a three-year child was killed recently in Carlsbad and preventative steps must keep this fkom reoccurring. Mr. Ordas stated he understands that the warrants for an all-way stop have not been met, but suggested that a 4-way stop with a flashing beacon and a crossroad or pedestrian crossing sign would greatly improve the safety of their community’s residents. Referring to page 17 of the handout, he said the same proposal has been implemented on similar streets such as Levante Street and Plum Tree Road, both of which have lower posted speed limits. Mr. Ordas said their priority is6 at the Portage WayMarlin Lane intersection. May 3,2004 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 7 Commissioner Gardner asked how far back fiom the curb the pictures were taken. Mr. Ordas indicated that the distance was approximately the same as where staff took their measurements. Dana Mikel, 5362 Dew Point Avenue, is a.member of San Pacifico community and a mother of two children. She presented a visual aid poster board depicting pictures of approximately a dozen neighborhood children. Ms. Mikel stated that these were the potential victims of future traffic accidents, and her goal was to prevent a tragedy. She stated that the children accompanied by adults run across the street when appropriate clearance seems apparent, but there is not enough visibility. Ms. Mikel requested a crosswalk to aid in their safety in crossing the street. ’ Commissioner Courtney gave an explanation of why painted crosswalks are not striped at uncontrolled intersections because of the false sense of security that a painted crosswalk can give the pedestrian. William Van Cleve, 7301 Seafarer Place, said he is a Board Director for San Pacifico and Vista Mar, a retired police officer, and a lecturer and trainer. Mr. Van Cleve stated that Avenida Encinas is curvy, hilly, and dangerous. Mr. Van Cleve presented a copy of The Coast News article dated April 22,2004 titled “Condos Coming to La Costa Avenue” to the Commission to become a part of public record. Mr. Van Cleve said recreational vehicles use Dory Lane and he suggested RV stop signs and stop sign ahead signs. Comqissioner Gardner asked if the Homeowners As si ociation has looked at other options. Mr. Van Cleve stated that there were no other options that he was aware of. Steve Zoumaras, 7400 Capstan Drive, said he opposes stop signs on Avenida Encinas for the San Pacifico community. He stated that stop signs increase noise, traffic, pollution, apd danger. He said stop signs would cause traffic to back up on Avenida Encinas and the road would be more dangerous if stop signs were installed. Further, he stated that he had no problem crossing the street, in either a vehicle or on foot. He stated he has lived there since 1998. He stated that the stop signs do not meet Caltrans criteria. Michael Sebahar, 7442 Sundial Place, is a member of San Pacifico community and stated that he has seen the community grow since he moved there in 1996. He said he has four children and he stated it is harrowing to cross Avenida Encinas and he wants stop signs. As a doctor he spoke about physical reaction times with reference to drivers. He spoke in favor of protection for the citizens in his neighborhood. He said there will be future projects in the area. May 3,2004 DISCUSSION: ’ TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 8 Commissioner Courtney said that the Commission tries to look out for its citizens. He stated that the City cannot put stop signs to control speed and the Commission typically does not recommend stop signs that are not warranted. He said a traffic signal might be needed instead. The Police Department will give tickets when necessary. However, he supports adding cross street signage. Commissioner Roney stated that he would support the staff recommendation. He noted that there were no vehicles or pedestrians shown in the photographs presented to them. Vice-Chair Cress stated that people ignore signs if not needed, and that it gives pedestrians a false sense of safety. He said that people in his neighborhood routinely ignore the stop signs and run them. Vice-Chair Cress closed discussion and called for a motion. MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Dorsey, and duly seconded by Commissioner Roney, to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee, that an all-way stop not be established at any of the three intersections. The Commission recommends that a Cross Road sign be placed on Avenida Encinas on the westbound approach to the Dory LaneMeridian Way lfiltersection and also on the westbound approach to the Portage WayMarlin Lane intersection. It is also recommended that the Cross Road sign be installed on the eastbound approaches to the Dory LaneMeridian Way intersection and the Portage Way/Marlin Lane intersection. The Cross Road warning sign is used to alert drivers of the presence of the crossroad intersection ahead that the driver is approaching. The Commission further recommended that additional pedestrian crossing warning signs be installed on Avenida Encinas. VOTE: 5-0-0 AYES: NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Cress, Courtney, Dorsey, Gardner, Roney t RECESS: The Commission took a recess at 4: 15 p.m. and returned at 4:20 p.m. with Vice- Chair Cress and all four Commissioners present. i >i wl t 0 3 m I i w w a > I- z > Q W 0 - Appeal of a TrafficSafety Commission RecommendationAppeal of a TrafficSafety Commission Recommendation Commission recommended unanimously to deny establishing All-Way Stops at three intersections on Avenida Encinas. Mr. Dale Ordas is requesting the City Council to overrule the Traffic Safety Commission recommendation. Legend:REQUESTED ALL-WAY STOP LOCATIONS West of Meridian Way/Dory Lane, looking east West of Portage Way/Marlin Way, looking east West of Windrose Circle, looking east East of Windrose Circle, looking west East of Portage Way/Marlin Way, looking west East of Meridian Way/Dory Lane, looking west Evaluation Methodology forStop Sign Requests Caltrans Traffic ManualWarrants for stop signsBased upon traffic studies All-Way Stop ordinarily used where volume on intersecting roads is approximately equal Warrants1.Traffic signal needed2.Accident problem3a.500 vehicles entering for each of eight hoursb.Combined volume: 200 units from side street and 30-second delay for same eight hours Sight DistanceCorner sight distanceStopping sight distance Corner Sight DistanceClear line of sight for a driver waiting at the intersection to view an approaching vehicle. Corner Sight DistanceProvide time for waiting vehicle to cross all through lanes without through traffic being required to radically alter their speed. Sight Distance MeasurementsDory Ln./ Meridian Wy. at Avenida Encinas Sight Distance MeasurementsPortage Wy./ Marlin Ln. at Avenida Encinas Sight Distance MeasurementsWindrose Circle at Avenida Encinas Restrictive ConditionsHigh costs to achieve:fR/W acquisitionfBuilding removalfExtensive excavationfUnmitigable environmental impacts Caltrans HighwayDesign ManualMinimum value for corner sight distance Shall be equal to the stopping sight distance Each side street driver has the necessary corner sight distance and/or stopping sight distance May 3, 2004 TSC MeetingCommission reviewed traffic studies and took public testimony May 3, 2004 TSC Meeting5 –0 vote to deny request for All-Way Stop at three locations May 3, 2004 TSC MeetingCommission recommended additional warning signs.