Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-08; Traffic Safety Commission; MinutesMEETING OF: TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DATE OF MEETING: January 8,2001 (Regular Meeting) TIME OF MEETING: 3:OO P.M. PLACE OF MEETING: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Gillfillan called the Meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Absent: Chairperson Keith Gillfillan; Commissioners Frank Whitton, Bob Mertz, Jerry Schall Commissioner Courtney Staff Members: Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation Lt. Mike Shipley, Carlsbad Police Department Taking his place on the dais, Commissioner Courtney arrived at 3:05 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 2,2000 ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Whitton, and duly seconded, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 2, 2000 as presented. VOTE: 2-0-2 AYES: Gillfillan, Whitton NOES: None ABSTAIN: Mertz, Schall November 6,2000 ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Courtney, and duly seconded, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 6,2000 as presented. VOTE: 3-0-2 AYES: Gillfillan, Whitton, Courtney NOES: None ABSTAIN: Mertz, Schall ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None 4 January 8,2001 - "RAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 2 PREVIOUS BUSINESS: On behalf of the Carlsbad City Council, Council Member Matt Hall presented Tom Blake with a proclamation award of appreciation for services rendered as a Commissioner on the Traffic Safety Commission for 10 years. Mr. Blake thanked the City Council for the proclamation. Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation, referring to the action taken on October 2, 2000 to establish a prima facie speed limit on Rancho Bravado, in the Rancho Carrillo area, informed the Commission that the item goes to City Council on January 9, 2001 for introduction of an ordinance, a week later the Council adopts the ordinance, hence 30 days later the speed limit would be in effect. NEW BUSINESS: ITEM 6A: Jefferson Street - Traffic issues near Jefferson Elementary School Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation, stated that agenda item #6A is a request by Mr. Monroy for the Traffic Safety Commission to addressldiscuss several items mentioned by him during public comment at the October 2, 2000 meeting. Mr. Monroy subsequently called staff and requested that the item be scheduled for the January 8, 2001 Traffic Safety Commission meeting. Mr. Johnson mentioned that the matter of Illegal parking of vehicles across driveways on Roosevelt Street as well as on Madison Street, and other streets in the downtown area, has been referred to the Police Department for monitoring and appropriate action. Addressing additional items Mr. Monroy expressed concern about, Mr. Johnson stated that on Jefferson Street between Tamarack and Magnolia, primarily between Carol Place across from Jefferson Elementary School northerly to Magnolia, there is a need to widen the road because of the lack of curbs and gutters at this time. Widening the road and installing curbs and gutters could achieve several additional feet of pavement width; drainage could also be improved, and it would help with the parking situation in front of the school. Mr. Johnson discussed the issue of the lack of undergrounding of the overhead utilities across the frontage of Jefferson Elementary School, speeding vehicles on Jefferson Street in the vicinity of the school zone and the possible need for a flashing beacon on Jefferson Street at the school zone. Mr. Johnson commented that Jefferson Street in this particular area between Carol and Tamarack has a two-way 24-hour ADT of approximately 7,488 vehicles based on a May 2000 traffic count. He noted that pedestrian access was provided via sidewalks along the west side of Jefferson Street. Staff conducted a speed survey in the vicinity of the school. The critical speed was found to be 29 mph (the critical speed is the speed at which 85% of the vehicles travel at or below). He noted when school begins in the morning and ends in the afternoon, speeds are probably lower because of the traffic congestion. Mr. Johnson mentioned that there is a yellow striped crosswalk in front of the school. He informed the Commission that the City recently installed a new handicap ramp on the northeast corner of Carol Place and Jefferson; hence the striped crosswalk on the south side of Carol was moved to the north side and lines up with the new handicap ramp on the west side. Pedestrian access is facilitated across Jefferson Street north of Carol Place and at the striped crosswalk there is an adult crossing guard. In addition, school zone signing, 25mph when children are present and the school warning sign to indicate the school crossing are currently in place. Mr. Johnson stated that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee discussed the issues and concerns raised by Mr. Monroy. Regarding the issues raised by Mr. Monroy, Mr. Johnson advised the Commission that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommended the following: January 8,2001 - .‘RAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 3 e Even though it has been dormant for several years, the City does have an undergrounding utility program and a committee that reviews such matters. It is recommended that the issue of undergrounding the utilities in front of the Jefferson Elementary School be brought before the undergrounding utility committee for evaluation. The undergrounding committee will have a meeting at the end of January 2001. The undergrounding of utilities is funded from the 20A program available from SDG&E and minimal funds are available. Undergrounding of overhead utilities in the City is based on a priority list. The priority list is established through criteria developed by the undergrounding utility committee. e If there is sufficient interest on part of the school district to have Jefferson Street widened in front of Jefferson Elementary School, the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends that the Carlsbad Unified School District send a letter to the Public Works Director indicating that there is school and community interest to initiate the project. e There are CALTRANS criteria that must be met to justify a flashing beacon, which was provided in the staff report. Not all of the five criteria are met for a flashing beacon, therefore a flashing beacon is not recommended. However, it is recommended that a new traffic control sign, which has been implemented in school zones and other areas in the city, that is florescent yellow-green in color, replace the existing signage on Jefferson Street for the school zone. e The Carlsbad Police Department Traffic division does and will continue to monitor speeds and enforce speeds limits and other traffic laws in the school zones on a daily basis. Chairperson Gillfillan asked if there were questions of staff. Commissioner Schall requested clarification regarding the Commission’s jurisdiction related to the aforementioned items, especially other committees. Mr. Johnson replied that although the Commission does not take direct action on the responsibility of implementing a particular action, the Commission could recommend that the items be fotwarded to the appropriate committee. He mentioned that the matter was before the Commission because Mr. Monroy requested that it be discussed at this Commission meeting. Normally, staff would respond to the individual raising the issue, advising them that the matter would be forwarded to the appropriate committee, but Mr. Monroy requested that the various issues be discussed at this Commission meeting. Commissioner Mertz indicated that he was in agreement with staff recommendations. Commissioner Whitton questioned why the matter was before this Commission. Mr. Johnson responded that it was before the Commission at the request of Mr. Monroy. As there were no additional questions of staff, Chairperson Gillfillan opened public testimony. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: Mario Monroy, 749 Magnolia, Ave# B, Carlsbad, CA, acknowledged that Mr. Johnson covered all of the issues quite well, but noted that on the west side between Anchor Way and Magnolia vehicles are parked on the asphalt in the pedestrian right-of-way because there is no curb. He suggested that in-lieu of widening the road on Jefferson; parking on the west side of the street should not be permitted during certain hours. He commented that the curbs installed for the handicap are very helpful to the pedestrians, particularly those with strollers. He reiterated the need for the undergrounding of the overhead utility lines to insure the safety of the school children in the event of an automobile accident or earthquake. January 8,2001 1 .‘RAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 4 Chairperson Gillfillan closed public testimony and opened Commission discussion. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Courtney stated that the installation of the handicap ramp on the corner has eliminated a great deal of pedestrians crossing in the middle of the block. He concurred with the need for curb and gutter in this area and for the undergrounding of the utilities. Commissioner Courtney did not believe a flashing beacon was warranted. Commissioner Mertz concurred with the need for the undergrounding of the utilities. Commissioner Schall also concurred with Mr. Courtney’s statement. Chairperson Gillfillan asked if the school had been contacted. Mr. Johnson stated that if the Commission concurs with the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommendation, a letter will be sent to the school district asking their level of interest to have the city pursue the widening and the curb and gutter project. The undergrounding issue will be referred to the Undergrounding Utility Advisory Committee. He mentioned that the school district elected not to underground the utilities during the construction phase of the new Jefferson Elementary School. Chairperson Gillfillan asked Mr. Monroy if the community had contacted the school regarding the issues he raised. Mr. Monroy replied yes. Chairperson Gillfillan mentioned that a pro-active approach might be forthcoming with community involvement and support. He asked what amount of control did the city have over the design of schools. Noting that the school district in Carlsbad answers to the State Architect, Mr. Johnson stated that the city couldn’t dictate the design of the schools, but does encourage the school district to contact staff and the Police Department during the development stage of new schools to work out various issues. He noted that rather than move forward with street widening and curb and gutter, the city would like to assess the support of the school district and the community regarding these issues. Chairperson Gillfillan mentioned that support for the improvements were needed from more than just the school, but from the community at-large. Mr. Johnson responded that a letter from the school district would get the process going. There will be an out reach because property owners are affected. Commissioner Whitton asked if the sidewalks on the east side of the street were part of the sidewalk plan. Although some of the sidewalks are in disrepair, Mr. Johnson stated that there are sidewalks on the east side of the street. On the west side of the street there are portions that do not have sidewalks, curb and gutter and this would be part of the entire package, e.g. Tamarack to Chinquapin. Commissioner Whitton concurred with a letter of recommendation being sent to the appropriate entity. Chairperson Gillfillan closed discussion and called for a motion. January 8,2001 - MIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 5 MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Courtney, and duly seconded, that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee’s recommendations be accepted as listed. VOTE: 5-0-0 AYES: Gillfillan, Whitton, Courtney, Mertz, Schall NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ITEM 6B: Plum Tree Road - Determine intersections to establish an ALL-WAY STOP Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation, stated that agenda item #6B is a follow up to a previous Commission meeting and a recent City Council action. The issue regarding STOP signs on Plum Tree Road has been before this Commission several times in the past 9 months. At the November 6, 2000 meeting, the Commission recommended that a traffic study be conducted and information brought back to the Commission with an evaluation of the impacts of the opening of Aviara Parkway, e.g. traffic speeds, volumes, etc. Mr. Ray Montiel subsequently requested that the Commission recommendation from the November meeting be reviewed by the City Council. The matter went to the City Council on December 12, 2000. After discussing the issue of placing ALL- WAY STOP signs on Plum Tree Road, the City Council recommended, by a 3-2 vote, to have the matter returned to the Traffic Safety Commission and to have the Traffic Safety Commission determine which intersections should have ALL-WAY STOP signs on Plum Tree Road. Mr. Johnson noted that in evaluating potential locations of the ALL-WAY STOP signs, the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommended that an ALL-WAY STOP intersection be established at two locations on Plum Tree Road. The two recommended intersections are Bluebonnet Drive and also Coneflower Drive. In conclusion, Mr. Johnson stated that the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission would go back to City Council; the City Council would consider the recommendation of the Commission and then take action on the recommendation. If the City Council approves the recommendation an ordinance would be introduced to establish the ALL-WAY STOP; at their next meeting the ordinance would be adopted and 30 days after the adoption the ordinance would go into effect. Chairperson Gillfillan asked if there were questions of staff. Commissioner Schall asked if an ALL-WAY STOP had been considered on Robenia Drive. Mr. Johnson replied yes, Robenia Drive in the downgrade portion had been discussed, but it was determined that Bluebonnet Drive was a more appropriate location for an ALL-WAY STOP. Chairperson Gillfillan requested clarification regarding the cut-through issue as it relates to Plum Tree Road. Mr. Johnson stated that cut-through traffic added significant volume on Plum Tree Road when a portion of Aviara Parkway was missing from Plum Tree Road to Cobblestone. In September the missing segment was opened to traffic, as a result vehicles can now access Palomar Airport Road via Aviara Parkway, thereby reducing cut-through traffic on Plum Tree Road. The study requested by the Traffic Safety Commission was not completed. The matter went to the City Council and the Council directed that this issue come to the Commission for a recommendation of where to place the ALL-WAY STOP signs at two intersections. January 8,2001 - WIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 6 PUBLIC TESTIMONY: Greg Gorgas, 6552 Bluebonnet Drive, Carlsbad, CA, mentioning that his residence was on the comer of Plum Tree Road and Bluebonnet Drive, advised the Commission that even with the opening of Aviara Parkway, cut-through traffic was still an issue, however, the residents are more concerned with speeding vehicles. He thanked the Commission and staff for their work and made himself available for questions. Chairperson Gillfillan closed public testimony and opened Commission discussion. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Whitton concurred with staffs recommendation regarding the placement location of the ALL-WAY STOP signs. Noting that STOP signs are not for speed control and that the installation of the ALL-WAY STOP signs are not good traffic planning, Commissioner Courtney stated that he does not support the installation of the ALL-WAY STOP signs. Mentioning that the warrants were not met for the installation of the ALL- WAY STOP signs, he commented that the installation of the signs would create more problems than would be solved. He recommended that a traffic engineering study be conducted; hence an informed decision could be made by the Commission based upon the traffic engineering study. Due to the downhill slope of Plum Tree Drive, Commissioner Mertz expressed concern regarding the installation of the ALL-WAY STOP at Bluebonnet; adding that Robenia Drive might be a better location. Commissioner Schall concurred with Commissioner Mertz. Mr. Johnson stated that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee did discuss intersection locations, e.g. where the intersections are located on the street in relationship to the grades, horizontal cutve, and it was determined that the Bluebonnet Drive and Coneflower Drive intersections are the most appropriate locations for the ALL-WAY STOP signs. He commented that the Commission could recommend that Robenia Drive be the second location or if the Commission believes that there should be three (3) ALL- WAY STOP sign locations, that recommendation could also be forwarded to the City Council. Chairperson Gillfillan concurred with Commissioner Courtney; adding that he believed that the cut- through traffic caused the traffic problems in the area and ALL-WAY STOP signs would not solve the problem. Chairperson Gillfillan closed the discussion and called for a motion. MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Courtney, and duly seconded, that this item be returned to the City Council with a recommendation that the Commission’s initial recommendation that an appropriate traffic engineering study be conducted. VOTE: 2-3-0 AYES: Gillfillan, Courtney NOES: Whitton, Mertz, Schall ABSTAIN: None The motion failed and Chairperson Gillfillan asked for another motion. January 8,2001 I - .‘RAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 7 MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Whitton, and duly seconded, that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee’s recommendation that an ALL-WAY STOP intersection be established at two locations on Plum Tree Road at Bluebonnet Drive and Coneflower Drive be adopted. VOTE: 3-2-0 AYES: Whitton, Mertz, Schall NOES: Gillfillan, Courtney ABSTAIN: None ITEM 6C. Elect New Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Traffic Safety Commission It was determined by consensus that the length of term for the newly elected officers of the Traffic Safety Commission would be February 2001 to July 2002. MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Courtney and duly seconded, nominating Frank Whitton for Chairperson for 18 months. VOTE: 4-0-1 AYES: Gillfillan, Courtney, Mertz, Schall NOES: None ABSTAIN: Whitton MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Chairperson Gillfillan and duly seconded, nominating Jim Courtney for Vice-Chairperson for 18 months. VOTE: 4-0-1 AYES: Gillfillan, Mertz, Schall, Whitton NOES: None ABSTAIN: Courtney ITEM 6D: Adopt a Resolution of Commendation for Commissioners John Allen and Tom Blake. Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation, stated that it is standard procedure for the Traffic Safety Commission to honor outgoing commissioners when his or her term has expired with a Resolution of Commendation. MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Courtney and duly seconded to adopt the Resolution of Commendation for John Allen and Tom Blake. January 8,2001 c - =RAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 8 VOTE: 5-0-0 AYES: Gillfillan, Mertz, Schall, Whitton, Courtney NOES: None ABSTAIN: None Mr. Johnson mentioned that the former Commissioners would be invited to the next regular meeting to receive their commendation, if they so desire to attend. REPORT FROM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSIONERS: None REPORT FROM TRAFFIC ENGINEER: Mr. Johnson welcomed the new Commissioners. Mr. Johnson mentioned that the next regular meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission would take place on Monday, February 5,2001 at 3:OOp.m. in the City Council chambers. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion the Regular Meeting of January 8,2001, was adjourned at 4:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dianna Scott Minutes Clerk