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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-19; City Council; ; Approve Traffic Calming Plans for Segovia Way and Harwich DriveCA Review _RMC__ Meeting Date: May 19, 2020 To: Mayor and City Council From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager Staff Contact: John Kim, City Traffic Engineer John.kim@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-2757 Subject: Approve Traffic Calming Plans for Segovia Way and Harwich Drive Recommended Action Adopt a resolution approving the traffic calming plans for Segovia Way and Harwich Drive, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6070, in keeping with the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program. Executive Summary The city uses the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program to address speeding concerns on residential streets.1 Residents in the area of Segovia Way and Harwich Drive have completed the collaborative process outlined in the program, and the project has met the criteria for neighborhood support for their respective traffic calming plans. In accordance with the program’s project approval process, staff is requesting that the City Council approve the project as presented. Page nine of the traffic management program states that, “a duly noticed public meeting will be held by the City Council to receive the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Commission for Phase II implementation.” (The Traffic Safety Commission was renamed the Traffic and Mobility Commission last year.) Discussion The Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program (CRTMP) is a multi-phase process that offers solutions at increasing levels of cost and complexity. The first phase is initiated when a concerned resident reaches out to the city. Phase I focuses on education and enforcement solutions and uses such measures as installation of speed limit signs and notices written on the pavement, deployment of portable speed feedback signs, conducting speed measurements and working with the Police Department to provide enforcement based on available resources. If the measured critical speed, otherwise known as the 85th percentile speed, is found to be 32 mph or higher, the street can be considered for Phase II improvements. Phase II uses cost-effective traffic management devices such as speed cushions2 and traffic circles to help reduce speeds on neighborhood streets. A public input process is used to 1 The City Council approved the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program with Resolution No. 2001-139 on May 8, 2001, which was amended on May 24, 2011, with the adoption of Resolution No. 2011-115. 2 Speed cushions are speed humps or other raised elements in a roadway that reduce vehicle speeds. @ S~~fi R~port May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 1 of 15 establish community support before a proposed Phase II plan can be implemented. This process includes neighborhood meetings to hear resident concerns and to help staff formulate traffic calming plans tailored for each neighborhood. Once a preferred concept plan is identified, a mail survey is sent to all residents and non-resident owners within the project area and is used to measure neighborhood support. In response to speeding concerns received by staff, Phase I of the traffic management program was initiated on Segovia Way and Harwich Drive (see Exhibit 2 for location map). This phase included speed measurements. The measured speeds for each of these streets are summarized in Table 1. Table 1: Measured critical speeds Street Street limits Critical speed Segovia Way Levante Street to Quebrada Circle 32 mph Harwich Drive Tamarack Avenue to 400 feet north of Edgeware Way 33 mph The critical speeds measured on Segovia Way and Harwich Drive met the required 32 mph criterion and were found to be eligible for Phase II of the CRTMP. Per the CRTMP Phase II process, staff invited residents within the study area to neighborhood meetings to hear traffic calming strategies and to provide feedback on concept plans staff developed to address the speeding concerns. Details of the neighborhood meetings on the two subject streets are summarized in Table 2. Table 2: Neighborhood Meetings Street Meeting date Meeting location Attendees Segovia Way Sept. 26, 2019 Stagecoach Community Park 33 Harwich Drive Oct. 24, 2019 Faraday Center 6 Based on the feedback received at the neighborhood meetings, a preferred traffic calming plan was selected by the meeting attendees. For Segovia Way, a traffic calming plan consisting of seven speed cushions was chosen. For Harwich Drive, a traffic calming plan consisting of four speed cushions was selected. After the neighborhood meetings, letters were sent to residents and property owners who would have the proposed traffic calming features directly in front of their homes. Based on feedback received, the traffic calming plans were adjusted and then finalized (see Exhibits 3 and 4). The residential traffic management program requires that a majority of residents and property owners within the study area must support the plan, as determined by a mailed survey. The May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 2 of 15 survey is considered valid if 50% or more of the residents and non-resident owners return the completed survey. Positive support for the plan is indicated by 67% or more of the returned surveys in support of the proposed plan. The survey results for each of these streets are summarized in Table 3. Table 3: Survey Results Street Surveys sent Surveys returned Return rate Those in support Support rate Met support criteria? Segovia Way 226 146 65% 117 80% Yes Harwich Drive 41 27 66% 27 100% Yes Staff presented the results of the traffic calming process for Segovia Way and Harwich Drive to the Traffic and Mobility Commission March 2, 2020. After hearing staff’s presentation and public comments, the Traffic and Mobility Commission voted 6/0/1 in support of the traffic calming plans for Segovia Way and Harwich Drive (see Exhibit 5 for minutes of the meeting). Based on the results of the neighborhood support surveys for the traffic calming plans on Segovia Way and Harwich Drive, the fulfillment of the requirements found in the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program and the recommendation of the Traffic and Mobility Commission, staff recommends City Council approval of the traffic calming plans for Segovia Way and Harwich Drive. Fiscal Analysis There are sufficient gas tax funds currently available in the Residential Traffic Improvement Program, CIP Project No. 6070, to complete the Project. The available funds and estimated construction costs for the Project are shown in the table below: May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 3 of 15 RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, CIP PROJECT NO. 6070 Current appropriation – Residential Traffic Improvement Program, CIP Project No. 6070 $1,400,000 Current year expenditures/encumbrances – Residential Traffic Improvement Program, CIP Project No. 6070$ $845,014 TOTAL AVAILABLE RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, CIP PROJECT NO. 6070 $554,986 RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC CALMING ON TWO STREETS PROJECT, CIP PROJECT NO. 6070 Design (estimated) $10,000 Construction contract (estimated) $50,000 Construction contingency (estimated) $5,000 Construction management, inspection and material testing (estimated) $5,000 TOTAL ESTIMATED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS $70,000 REMAINING BALANCE AFTER CIP PROJECT NO. 6070 $484,986 ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION NEEDED $0 Next Steps Staff will work with a consultant to develop construction plans for the proposed traffic calming features on Segovia Way and Harwich Drive. The estimated cost to construct these improvements is less than $200,000, so the construction contract will be executed by the city manager or designee. Environmental Evaluation (CEQA) The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c) – minor alteration of existing facilities including streets, sidewalks, gutters and similar facilities involving negligible or no expansion. Public Notification This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date. Prior to start of construction, the public will be notified using media methods such as signage, email, website and other city communication channels. Exhibits 1. City Council Resolution 2. Location Map 3. Traffic Calming Plan for Segovia Way 4. Traffic Calming Plan for Harwich Drive 5. Minutes from the March 2, 2020 Traffic and Mobility Commission Meeting May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 4 of 15 RESOLUTION NO. 2020-090 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE TRAFFIC CALMING PLANS FOR SEGOVIA WAY AND HARWICH DRIVE, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) PROJECT NO. 6070 (PROJECT), PER THE CARLSBAD RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CRTMP). WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined it necessary, desirable and in the public interest to construct the Project; and WHEREAS, on May 8, 2001, City Council adopted Resolution No. 2001-139 approving the CRTMP to provide the policies and guidelines for traffic management on residential public streets; and WHEREAS, on May 24, 2011, City Council adopted Resolution No. 2011-115 amending the CRTMP; and WHEREAS, the CRTMP requires City Council to hold a "duly noticed public meeting ... to receive recommendations of the Traffic Safety Commission for Phase II implementation" and the Traffic Safety Commission was renamed as the Traffic and Mobility Commission last year; and WHEREAS, on March 2, 2020, the Traffic and Mobility Commission recommended approval of the Project; and WHEREAS, the public input process and mail support survey conducted for the Segovia Way traffic calming plan has satisfied the requirements ofthe CRTMP; and WHEREAS, the public input process and mail support survey conducted for the Harwich Drive traffic calming plan has satisfied the requirements of the CRTMP; and WHEREAS, there are sufficient Residential Traffic Improvement Program funds available in the Gas Tax Fund to complete the Project. 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 approves the traffic calming plans for Segovia Way and Harwich Drive, CIP Project No. 6070, per the CRTMP. May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 5 of 15 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 19th day of May 2020, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Hall, Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Schumacher. None. None. MATT HALL, Mayor (SEAL) ·.ityCler May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 6 of 15 NOT TO SCALE LOCATION MAP PROJECT LOCA T/ON 1.Segovia Way 2.Harwich Drive Traffic Calming Segovia Way and Harwich Drive EXHIBIT 2 EXHIBIT 2 May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 7 of 15 Exhibit 5 Page 1 of 5 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t Council Chambers 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Monday, March 2, 2020, 5:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Gocan called the Meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Gocan, Johnson, Hunter, Penseyres, Fowler and Perez. Absent: Linke APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Vice-Chair Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres, to approve the minutes for Feb. 3, 2020, with minor corrections. Motion carried 6/0/1 - (Absent: Linke) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA: ▫ Lela Panagides, a Carlsbad resident, representing the Calavera Hills Traffic Safety Group that are committed to work on the traffic safety of the neighborhood. The group is requesting a public workshop to be held in the next three months. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: 1. POLICE MONTHLY REPORT – (Staff contact: Lieutenant Christie Calderwood, Police Department) – Informational only Lieutenant Calderwood reported on January and February Events on the Traffic Division. Lieutenant Calderwood reported that City Council approved the resolution to fund two full time police officers to conduct timed parking enforcement. 2. TRAFFIC CALMING PLANS FOR SEGOVIA WAY AND HARWICH DRIVE – (Staff Contact: John Kim and Lindy Pham, Public Works). Staff Recommendation: Approve staff recommendations Associate Engineer Pham review the status of the traffic calming on Segovia Way and Harwich Drive, including staff recommendations for each residential street. ▫ Vice-Chair Johnson inquired if there was a reason for a speed cushion at the end of Segovia Way, closer to Estancia Street. ▫ Associate Engineer Pham explained that the residents observed cars speeding at the corner of Segovia Way and Estancia Street. TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION Minutes May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 10 of 15 Exhibit 5 Page 2 of 5 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t ▫ Commissioner Fowler inquired about the reason for speed cushion on Harwich Drive. ▫ Associate Engineer Pham explained that is considered a cut through to avoid the intersection at Carlsbad Village Drive and College Boulevard. ▫ Julie Thompson, a Carlsbad resident, explained that she is not against the speed cushions but she thinks that there are other safety issues to be addressed on her neighborhood. The intersection of Segovia Way and Quebrada Circle has a crosswalk for the La Costa Hills Elementary school kids and it becomes a safety hazard during school drop off/pick up hours. She suggested the installation of speed signs/ speed flashing signs, also recommended getting crossing guards at the intersection during drop off/pick up school hours. ▫ Sue Lightner, a Carlsbad resident, spoke in favor of the speed cushions on Segovia Way. Motion by Commission Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres, to approve staff recommendation of Traffic Calming Plans for Segovia Way and Harwich Drive. Motion approved: 6/0/1 (Absent: Linke) 3. FOUR DEFICIENT STREET FACILITIES AFFECTING LOCAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT ZONE 15– (Staff Contact: Paz Gomez, and Hossein Ajideh, Public Works) – Staff’s Recommendation: Approve staff recommendations Deputy City Manager Gomez made a presentation on the Four Deficient Street Facilities Affecting Local Facilities Management Zone 15 which are: 1. Southbound ECR from Cannon Rd to College Blvd 2. Northbound ECR from College Blvd to Cannon Rd 3. Eastbound Cannon Rd from ECR to College Blvd 4. Westbound Cannon Rd from College Blvd to ECR Engineering Manager Ajideh explained the criteria used to determine the Four Deficient Street Facilities and spoke about the College Blvd extension project which is included in the staff report. ▫ Commissioner Fowler inquired about the fact that Northbound ECR from College is not a three through lane, therefore is not built out. ▫ Deputy City Manager Gomez explained that the studies show that even if there was a three through lane it would not reach the Level of Service (LOS) required. It will relieve congestion for a moment in time but will not solve the problem. ▫ Commissioner Hunter inquired if the extension of College Blvd would relieve the traffic on ECR. In his opinion, if an exemption is granted no one will be required to do anything about the LOS required. ▫ Deputy City Manager Gomez said that the extension of College Boulevard is a solution but as of right now the developers are not financially committed to extend College Blvd. She also explained that “exempt” does not mean that staff will do nothing about the LOS. Exemption will give the city another tool to ask the developers to come up with Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and a Transportation System Management (TSM) measures to mitigate traffic impact. ▫ Commissioner Hunter said that staff should recommend City Council to approve the extension of College Boulevard and get the City Council direction on how to fund the project. ▫ Assistant City Attorney Kemp explained that when a street is exempted it is simply acknowledging that it cannot be improved anymore. When someone comes in to the city with a May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 11 of 15 Exhibit 5 Page 3 of 5 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t project, staff will condition them to mitigate to the extent possible, by employing TDM and TSM measures. The extension of College Blvd might happen four to five years from now. ▫ Commissioner Hunter disagreed that nothing can be done right now and exempting the roads is not a solution. In his opinion adding one through northbound lane on El Camino Real would raise the LOS by 50% from Sunny Creek to Cannon Road. ▫ Chair Gocan inquired about the criteria used to support these four streets to be built out and exempt. ▫ Deputy City Manager Gomez explained that two criteria were used to support the four street facilities to be exempt. For the two facilities on ECR, it is Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9(c), three through travel lanes, and for the two facilities on Cannon Rd, it is 3-P.9(a), right of way acquisition infeasible. ▫ Deputy City Manager Gomez explained to the commissioners that the CIP projected for 2025 would construct a third lane on northbound ECR and the commissioners could make a recommendation to City Council to expedite this project. Motion by Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Vice-Chair Johnson to not approve staff recommendation to City Council determining that the Four Street Facilities are deficient, built out and exempt. Motion did not pass: 3/3/1 (Absent: Linke). Motion by Commissioner Penseyres, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve staff recommendations to City Council determining that the Four Street Facilities are deficient, built out and exempt, with the comment that the T&MC strongly recommended that City Council approve the extension of College Boulevard, and the addition of a third lane on Northbound ECR from College Blvd to Cannon Road. Motion did not pass: 3/3/1 (Absent: Linke) Motion by Commissioner Hunter to postpone the discussion of item 3 to T&MC April 6, 2020 meeting. Motion was not seconded. Deputy City Manager Gomez explained that staff intends to present the item to City Council on March 24 and would include in the staff report that the two motions did not pass. City Council could decide to continue the item or could decide and/or provide direction on March 24. Chair Gocan (or another Commissioner if decided by the T&MC) would have an opportunity to comment at the meeting and provide input as part of staff’s presentation. Assistant City Attorney Kemp asked the commissioners why couldn’t you make the findings on this item? What are those things that prevented you from supporting staff recommendation? ▫ Commissioner Hunter said that clearly there is a deficiency, but there are areas that are not built out including the northbound ECR. Deputy City Manager Gomez explained that even after completion of the CIP project, the street facility would not meet LOS standard, which is why it would be built out after construction and exemption would then be requested. ▫ Vice-Chair Johnson agreed with Commissioner Hunter and she does not agree with the term exemption because it gives the appearance that the city is not addressing traffic issues proactively. ▫ Commissioner Perez agreed with Vice-Chair Johnson and Commissioner Hunter. May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 12 of 15 Exhibit 5 Page 4 of 5 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t Motion by Vice-Chair Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to nominate Chair Gocan to go to City Council on Mar. 24, and present the comments made by the T&MC on the northbound ECR widening project and the College Blvd extension project. Motion carried: 6/0/1 (Absent: Linke) 4. CARLSBAD SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY PLAN DRAFT– (Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public Works) Staff Recommendation: Information only Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt explained that the documents on the Sustainable Mobility Plan is presented to the T&MC a month in advance due to the size of the document and it gives plenty time for the commissioners to evaluate and submit comments. On April 6, staff will bring a staff report and a power point presentation on the Sustainable Mobility Plan. ▫ Chair Gocan inquired if it is possible for staff to bring Safe Route to Schools discussion before end of school year. ▫ Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt answered that Safe Route to Schools is covered under the Sustainable Mobility Plan and the commissioners will have an opportunity to make comments and provide inputs. CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER COMMENTS: City Traffic Engineer Report – Attachment A TRAFFIC & MOBILITY COMMISSION COMMENTS: ▫ Commissioner Hunter inquired about the congestion on eastbound Palomar Airport Road all the way to Melrose Road. ▫ Senior Engineer Bilse explained that by summer the Adaptive Signal CIP project will be implemented and should improve traffic flow. ▫ Vice-Chair Johnson inquired about Avenida Encinas speed limit change that was approved over a year ago. ▫ Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt explained that it is a question for the Traffic Engineer and he will pass it along to be addressed by the City Traffic Engineer. ▫ Commissioner Penseyres inquired about Project 6034 stripping changes on Melrose turning west to Palomar Airport Road, and when the project will be presented to T&MC. ▫ Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt said that he is going to check with the Capital Improvement Program group and let them know. ▫ Vice-Chair Johnson inquired about the bike lane stripping on Palomar Airport Road in front Costco entrance. May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 13 of 15 Exhibit 5 Page 5 of 5 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t ▫ Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt will talk to City Traffic Engineer and get the status on the project. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Gocan adjourned the Traffic & Mobility Commission Meeting on Mar. 2, 2020, at 7:45 p.m. ___________________________ Eliane Paiva, Minutes Clerk May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 14 of 15 Tammy Cloud-McMinn From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Council Members, Sue Lightner Friday, May 15, 2020 5:58 PM City Clerk Traffic calming on Segovia All Receive -Agenda Item # !2 For the Information of the: ~JTY COUNCIL DateSll.H.. CA _Lee ✓ CM_ CM J:::::DCM(3) V" There have been two meetings and a vote by the community to approve this project. When I left the meeting in March, I thought this project would begin soon. Now I find out that there is yet another meeting! When will construction begin???? The speed limit on Segovia is 25 mph. I would estimate one out of every 50 cars might be going the speed limit. Most go 40 to 50 mph. The police department NEVER patrols this area, so speeding is more the norm than driving 25. Can we please see some action on this? Most of us neighbors have been thinking construction was starting soon. Since I have not lived here all my life, I have been amazed at the speed San Diegans drive in general! Please, please can you act on this?? Respectfully, Sue Lightner Carlsbad, Ca. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 May 19, 2020 Item #5 Page 15 of 15