HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-09; Traffic Safety Commission; MinutesMINUTES
MEETING OF:
DATE OF MEETING:
TIME OF MEETING:
PLACE OF MEETING:
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
January 9,2006 (Regular Meeting)
3:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Dorsey called the Meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present:
Absent:
Staff Members Present:
Chair Steve Dorsey
Vice-Chair Susan Gardner
Commissioner Gordon Cress
Commissioner Guy Roney
Commissioner Bonnie Bradshaw
None
Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation
Jim Murray, Associate Engineer, Transportation
Lt. Don Rawson, Carlsbad Police Department
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
December 5,2005
ACTION:
VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Motion by Commissioner Roney, and duly seconded by
Commissioner Cress, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting
of December 5,2005 as presented.
5-0-0
Cress, Dorsey, Gardner, Roney, Bradshaw
None
None
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 2
ITEM 4 - ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Karen Winfield, 3570 Granite Court, Carlsbad stated that she had concerns about significant safety
hazards at the intersection at Tamarack Avenue and College Boulevard. She said that her husband
had sent a letter to John Kim and Bob Johnson addressing this matter. When proceeding on
Tamarack Avenue in either direction the left turns are unprotected and the intersection is a "free for
all." It is dangerous for vehicular traffic as well as pedestrian traffic. They are afraid a child will be
lost one day.
Ms. Winfield suggested a possible solution could be to reprogram the traffic signals to allow
eastbound Tamarack Avenue traffic to go first and then westbound Tamarack traffic. Perhaps a
protected arrow could be installed. She further suggested that staff and/or Commission members
visit the intersection at peak traffic times (7:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.) to help shed some light on the
gravity of the situation.
Ms. Winfield asked who has the legal right-of-way at the intersection as it is now? Are motorists
allowed to pass around vehicles waiting for clearance to turn? What can the neighborhood do to get
some changes made?
Chair Dorsey told Ms. Winfield that the letter they had sent was the first step in the process to get the
ball rolling.
Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, said he had received the letter and was in the process of
following up on it. He also stated that the pedestrian crossing the street at the intersection always had
the right-of-way.
ITEM 5 - PREVIOUS BUSINESS:
Mr. Johnson stated that the request to establish a prima facie speed limit on Poinsettia Lane from El
Camino Real to Melrose Drive will be heard by the City Council on January 10, 2006 for
consideration of introducing an ordinance. The Commission denial of the request to establish an all-
way stop on Hosp Way at the intersection of Wintergreen Drive/Grove Avenue was appealed to the
City Council. The appeal is scheduled for January 17,2006. Lastly, the request to establish a prima
facie speed limit on Alicante Road from Alga Road to Poinsettia Lane will be considered by the City
Council for introduction of an ordinance January 24,2006.
ITEM 6 - NEW BUSINESS:
ITEM 6A: Investigate the need for a STOP sign on Llama Street at its intersection with
Corintia Street.
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 3
Mr. Johnson stated that Jim Murray, Associate Engineer, would present the next item. Mr. Murray
stated that this item was a request to establish a stop sign on the stem of a "T" at the intersection of
Llama Street and Corintia Street. Referring to Exhibit 1, he informed the Commission that the T-
intersection was adjacent to the La Costa Meadows Elementary School. Both Llama Street and
Corintia Street are local streets and are not classified on the Circulation Element of the General Plan.
Mr. Murray explained when the request is for the stem of the "T" to be controlled with a stop sign,
staff typically evaluates the safe approach speed to the intersection. The minor street at a T-
intersection is generally considered to be the stem of the "T" with the major street being the top of
the "T". A field study was conducted to determine when drivers are on the minor street approaching
the intersection and they get to a decision point at the intersection, do they have sufficient sight
visibility hi both directions to view approaching motorists on the top of the T" and make
appropriate decisions.
Referring to Exhibit 2, Mr. Murray mentioned that it showed the results of field measurements
conducted for the safe approach speed. At the subject intersection, the driver on Llama Street has
adequate sight distance to view approaching westbound major street (Corintia Street) vehicles when
those vehicles are approximately 250 feet east of the intersection. However, eastbound vehicles
approaching from the west on the Corintia Street cannot be seen at a point 155 feet west of the
intersection due to the vertical alignment of Corintia Street and the elevation of the private property
on the southwest corner of the Corintia Street/Llama Street intersection. A driver on Llama Street
has sight distance of approximately 134 feet to the west when viewed from the decision point.
Consequently, the 10-mile per hour safe approach speed criteria is not being met and a stop sign can
be considered for installation on Llama Street. Field observation of eleven vehicles found that all
four of the right-turning vehicles "stopped" and all seven of the left-turning vehicles "stopped" (or
slowed to a speed of less than 10 mph) before turning to Corintia Street from Llama Street.
Mr. Murray concluded by saying the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends the
installation of a stop sign on Llama Street at its intersection with Corintia Street.
DISCUSSION;
None.
MOTION:
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Cress, and duly seconded by Commissioner
Roney, to recommend that a stop sign be installed on Llama Street at
its intersection with Corintia Street.
VOTE: 4-1-0
AYES: Dorsey, Gardner, Cress, Roney
NOES: Bradshaw
ABSTAIN: None
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 4
ITEM6B: Review and provide recommendations regarding the 2006 Traffic Signal
Evaluation Policy and Traffic Signal Qualification List.
Mr. Johnson mentioned that Jim Murray will present the staff report. Mr. Murray began his report by
saying that a Traffic Signal Evaluation Policy was first established in the City of Carlsbad when the
City Council adopted Resolution No. 88-252 in 1988. Since that time, it has been standard operating
procedure for staff to update the Traffic Signal Qualification List contained hi the Traffic Signal
Evaluation Policy on a biannual basis. This policy is intended to provide a mechanism for
evaluating intersections and to establish a ranking system of potential future signalized intersection
locations for comparative purposes. Procedures contained hi the Evaluation Policy were based on
similar traffic signal policies established by the City of Escondido and the City of San Diego.
Referring to the overhead projection of the 2006 Traffic Signal Qualification List, Mr. Murray said
that during calendar year 2005 staff conducted new and updated traffic studies at each intersection
indicated in the 2006 Traffic Signal Evaluation Policy. Intersections meeting the 2003 MUTCD
traffic signal warrants have been placed on the 2006 Traffic Signal Qualification List. A total of 15
intersections are included on the 2006 Traffic Signal Qualification List.
Mr. Murray stated that six intersections have been added to the 2006 Traffic Signal Qualification
List that were not included on the 2004 list. By their designated qualification number, new
intersections on the qualification list are No. 6,7,8,11,14, and 15. The Traffic Safety Coordinating
Committee (TSCC) reviewed the wording of Qualification Factor 7 (Special Conditions), Number 4
and recommended revised language. Currently, Qualification Factor 7, Number 4 on page A-6 of the
Appendix to the 2006 Traffic Signal Evaluation Policy references "high" speed on a through street.
It also describes high speed as ".. .very high approach speed." Because of the subjective nature of
"high" and "very high" as it describes speed, the TSCC recommend Qualification Factor 7, Number
4 read as follows:
"4. Speed on a Through Street (1 to 3 points.) In addition to worsening the problems caused
by visibility restrictions, speeds above critical can worsen the severity of the accidents which
occur." A redline/strikeout version of this qualification factor was provided in the Policy on
page A-6.
Mr. Murray said that City Council adoption of the Traffic Signal Evaluation Policy and subsequent
establishment of the Traffic Signal Qualification List does not commit or require the designated
traffic signals to be installed in the order of ranking. For various reasons, it may be determined to
defer installation of a signal at an intersection ranked higher on the list and initiated signalization of
a lower ranked intersection. Basically, the Traffic Signal Qualification List provides a systematic
listing of intersection priorities based on preliminary engineering studies. An engineering cost
estimate and further evaluation will be conducted prior to beginning final design after authorization
is received from the City Council to pursue signalization of an intersection.
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 5
Mr. Murray concluded and said that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends
approval of the 2006 Traffic Signal Evaluation Policy, including the Traffic Signal Qualification List
and incorporating the recommended revisions to Qualification Factor 7, Number 4.
DISCUSSION;
Referring to the 2006 Traffic Signal Qualification List, Commissioner Bradshaw asked why there
were three number "8's" under Qualification Number, saying that it should be numbered "8,9, and
10."
Mr. Murray explained that each Qualification Number had a Qualification Point total of 11. Since
the total qualification points were all the same or equal, they received the same qualification number.
Commissioner Bradshaw asked how developer-funded and installed traffic signals happen.
Mr. Murray stated if the City determines that a future traffic signal will be needed, the project
will be "conditioned" for signal installation.
Commissioner Bradshaw asked if a separate paragraph could be included in the report.
Mr. Johnson asked if she could offer the new wordage she would like to see. The capital
improvement program (C.I.P.) goes to City Council in June of each year for approval. There
could be changes made in the year that a traffic signal was to be installed.
Commissioner Dorsey asked if the funding source was different for different signals.
Mr. Johnson replied yes. The developer signal needs to meet warrants. Then C.I.P. is a city
process. There are two different ways to get traffic signals installed: A developer may be
conditioned to install a signal at the time of project construction or at a later date when warrants
are met.
Commissioner Bradshaw said she would feel better if was based on volume projections not
warrants.
January 9, 2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 6
Mr. Murray said at the time of conditioning the developer project, the condition is based on
volume projections. Warrant studies are conducted after a project is built.
Mr. Johnson said a developer is "conditioned" for a traffic signal that may be necessary some
time in the future. The builder has a five year period during which the City can order the traffic
signal to be installed.
Mr. Murray stated that at the time of conditioning of a project to install a future traffic signal
with development, the condition is based on future volume projections. Staff monitors the
developer-funded projects and conducts warrant analysis on those locations also. That is what
will ultimately require the developer to install a traffic signal. Staff reviews warrants with current
data for developer projects.
In response to questions, Mr. Murray stated that staff retains bonds from the developer in order
to insure the developer fulfills their obligations. When the City tells a developer that its time now
for them to install their traffic signal, by having bonds, staff is able to get the traffic signal
installed by the developer or the bonding company.
Mr. Johnson stated that in the development process there are some intersections where
engineering judgment indicates that more than likely some type of intersection control will be
needed. It may be an all-way stop or it might be a traffic signal. The terminology is that the
developer is legally conditioned to post the bond to construct the future traffic signal at that
location. After some appropriate time period, it might be a five-year bond, if the warrants are not
met at that intersection for a traffic signal and it appears that there will never be a need to assign
right-of-way at that intersection via a traffic signal, then the developer is exonerated from that
condition. If it appears as we're getting closer to that five year period and that traffic conditions,
pedestrian conditions, and bicycle conditions are such that a traffic signal is needed, then the
developer is instructed to proceed with the installation of the traffic signal at that time. That may
be four or five years after the development has started. But legally, the developer is still
obligated to fulfill that condition.
Commissioner Bradshaw stated that as she looked at the Traffic Signal Qualification List, for
example, on Qualification Number 1, the warrants met are 1,2, and 3. But when she looks to the
right of the list, she would expect to see under Qualification Factor numbers in columns 1, 2, and
3, but in column 3 she sees a zero. In columns 5 and 7 there is a number, so her question is where
are these numbers coming from?
January 9, 2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 7
Mr. Murray explained that the MUTCD warrant numbers are different from the seven
qualification point numbers in the Traffic Signal Evaluation Policy. They are both related, but
they are two different numbering systems. In other words, Qualification Factor #7 doesn't
necessarily mean that Warrant #7 was met. They are two separate numbering systems.
Mr. Johnson stated that the Qualification Factors are contained in the Appendix and that is where
those seven factors are discussed.
Commissioner Bradshaw said she saw the seven factors in the Appendix, but what she was
asking is was someone imposing opinions on these locations or is it based on data, or where are
these numbers coming from?
Mr. Murray stated that there is a point ranking system that is used.
Chair Dorsey asked if the 2006 Traffic Signal Qualification List was the entire list.
Mr. Murray stated that it was the entire list, that all fifteen intersections met one or more of the
MUTCD warrants.
Chair Dorsey said that his memory recalled that it was more like four pages long last year.
Mr. Johnson explained that the list wasn't four pages long, but two years ago when the
Commission reviewed the Qualification List there were intersections listed that now have had a
traffic signal constructed. So they were pulled off the 2006 list. As we go further into time as
Carlsbad moves to its build out, this list will be reduced because traffic signals will have been
installed at those locations where there was need to assign right-of-way. There may come a time
where the number of traffic signals may be less than ten on this list, because each year there are
traffic signals that are installed. As Mr. Murray mentioned, the traffic signals may not be
installed in the order on what is on the list; but if they are on the list, they would be installed at
the appropriate C.I.P. year as proposed or as the developer gets notified to install the traffic
signal.
Mr. Murray explained that on the 2004 Traffic Signal Qualification List there were also,
coincidentally, fifteen intersections listed. There were six intersections on the 2004 List that are
not on the 2006 List. There were two intersections that were removed from the 2004 List. They
January 9, 2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 8
were the intersection at Camino Vida Roble and Yarrow and the intersection of Carlsbad
Boulevard and Oak Street.
Mr. Johnson stated that through the C.I.P. process there is a mechanism to remove an
intersection from future consideration for signalization.
Commissioner Bradshaw asked how many traffic signals per year the City irfstalls.
Mr. Johnson replied that between the City and developer, approximately five or six traffic signals
are installed each year.
Commissioner Bradshaw noticed that most of the signals on the Qualification List are projected
for about year 2009, a three-year gap. What is that about?
Mr. Johnson commented that the engineering judgment is used as to when there may be a need
for those signals. Traffic signals are very expensive, close to $200,000 to install. The O&M costs
are roughly $5,000 per year. Staff must look very carefully at where they install traffic signals
based upon a need for assignment of right-of-way. As the City moves closer and closer to build
out, what the C.I.P. is showing is that staff has already identified and constructed the traffic
signals at those larger intersections where there is a need for traffic signals. A signal that is
pushed out in time can certainly be pulled up to an earlier year during each C.I.P. review. That
review is done on a yearly basis and this is the best projection at this time. For this year's C.I.P.,
this is what would be proposed. Projects proposed in the C.I.P. are reviewed by a number of
committees and ultimately by City Council for final approval. There may be some changes
before the C.I.P. is presented to the City Council. Some proposed signals may be pulled up
earlier, and some may be pushed out even further. As we go through a review again one year
from now, based on conditions on the road, staff will make that evaluation should a traffic signal
be moved earlier in the C.I.P. process or should it be pushed out further again. We are expecting
a slowdown in the number of traffic signals that will be constructed each year in the future.
Referring to the Traffic Signal Qualification List again, Commissioner Bradshaw asked if the
total volumes were all for primary, secondary, or total volumes?
Mr. Murray replied that these were total volumes through the intersection from all intersection
approach legs.
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 9
Mr. Johnson stated that staff wanted to clarify the point system and Mr. Murray would give an
example. Looking at A-2, it will explain how those qualification factors are determined and as a
result, in 1 - 7, how they are listed as to the corresponding number of points given. A
qualification factor is different than meeting one of the MUTCD warrants. The theory behind
this document, from its inception in the late 80's, is that if the intersection does not meet one or
more traffic signal warrants at the time of the study, it would not be listed on the Traffic Signal
Qualification List. If an intersection meets one or more of the MUTCD traffic signal warrants,
the intersection would be listed and then its priority or its hierarchy in comparison with other
intersections would be determined on a point system. There is very objective criteria in the
document to calculate those points.
Mr. Murray continued discussing the example. He reminded the Commissioners that the seven
qualification factors were listed in the Appendix. Looking at Factor 2 - Interruption of
Continuous Traffic (A-2) this addresses the 4-hour volume on all approaches to the intersection.
By referring to Qualification Number 1 on the Qualification List, Faraday Avenue/Rutherford
Road, the major street total was 3,263. Referring back to the Factor 2 chart, that volume would
fall in the six point range of 3,150 - 3,449 vehicles.
Mr. Johnson stated that the same process would be used to determine points for all seven
qualification factors.
Commissioner Bradshaw asked on Number 1 of the Traffic Signal Qualification List, for
example, it stated that it meets warrants for #3, but when you go to column 3 there is a zero.
How can that be?
Mr. Johnson explained that the Qualification Factor number is not tied directly to the MUTCD
warrant number. A MUTCD warrant number may not be met, yet the qualification number that
corresponds could get the points. There is not a direct relationship. If you meet warrant #6, for
example, in Qualification #2, you do not necessarily have to receive points under Qualification
Factor 6 the way the point system is established.
Vice-Chair Gardner suggested that in the future, staff have qualification factors listed as "A, B,
C, and D" and so on to hopefully eliminate any confusion between warrant numbers and
qualification factor numbers.
Mr. Johnson stated that could be done at the recommendation of the Commission. If the majority
of the Commission would like to recommend that change, it will be incorporated into the
document and then taken to City Council with that recommendation. Changes proposed require a
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 10
vote by the Commission. Each change that the Commission would like to suggest, the
Commission would vote on it and it takes a majority, 3 out of 5 members, to propose such a
change.
MOTION:
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Cress, and duly seconded by Vice-Chair
Gardner, to recommend that the Qualification Factors on the
Qualification List be listed alphabetically rather than numerically so
as to differentiate them from the MUTCD warrant number.
VOTE: 4-1-0
AYES: Gardner, Cress, Roney, Bradshaw
NOES: Dorsey
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION:
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Bradshaw, and duly seconded by
Commissioner Roney, to recommend that the developer verbiage be
added.
Motion was not voted upon as discussion continued.
Commissioner Cress asked what the added verbiage would accomplish.
Mr. Johnson stated that staff can project, as Commissioner Bradshaw stated, based on traffic
modeling, the traffic volumes that will use a particular Intersection. From that, engineering
judgment can determine when we think there is going to be a future need for a signal. Therefore,
the developer will be conditioned for that signal. Because the developer is conditioned, just like
the developer is conditioned for any capital improvement, a bond must be posted. That is the
City's guarantee that the required improvement will get built at some point. If the developer
defaults, then staff will go after the bonding company.
There are some developer-funded locations now that do meet the signal warrants. It will be
engineering judgment to determine when that signal is put in. The City will tell the developer
that time has come for them to install a traffic signal. What has been explained many times at a
Commission meeting on various items is that just because an intersection meets one or more
traffic signal warrants, that does not necessarily mean that a traffic signal needs to be
immediately installed at that particular intersection.
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 11
Vice-Chair Gardner said that it sounds like the conditions should be part of a planning document,
not a traffic safety document. Are those conditions written up in a document some place else
other than here?
Mr. Johnson indicated that Vice-Chair Gardner is correct. The conditioning of a development
project is through the Planning Department and the document goes to the Planning Commission.
The developer condition does not come to the Traffic Safety Commission. The Qualification List
shown on the overhead is identifying intersections that meet one or more warrants and because
of meeting one or more traffic signal warrants, the funding source is shown. Staff has shown if it
is a developer funding source or a C.I.P. funding source. A C.LP. project generally is the City's
project to administer.
Commissioner Bradshaw asked if the planners were allowed to install traffic signals without staff
consent from the Engineering Department.
Mr. Johnson answered no. The traffic signal that a developer is conditioned for does not get
installed until the City Traffic Engineer, which is the City Engineer, directs in writing to the
developer to install that signal. The planners' job is to make sure the condition as requested by
the Engineering Department is placed in the legal documents that are presented to the Planning
Commission. From that point, it is up to the Engineering Department to monitor the intersection
and at the appropriate time, inform the developer, in writing, that he or she must install the traffic
signal. Engineering Department staff courtesy-copy the Planning Department staff, but the
Planning Department staff are not the ones that make the determination to install a traffic signal.
Chair Dorsey asked for clarification if it was entirely possible that a developer could have a
condition of his development that he has to install a traffic signal at a certain location, and yet
that signal might never be installed if it never meets traffic signal warrants.
Mr. Johnson stated that was correct. A good example is the intersection that this Commission
discussed'last month, Wintergreen Drive at Hosp Way. The traffic signal for that intersection
was designed in the 1980's because at that tune it was thought that there may be a need for a
future traffic signal. The developer was conditioned to design the signal, and then at some point,
install the signal when directed. But the developer has never been directed to install the signal.
Staff doesn't believe that intersection will ever need a traffic signal.
Chan* Dorsey stated there was still a Motion on the floor that was seconded, and asked if there
was any further discussion?
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting [Corrected! Page 12
Commissioner Bradshaw stated that she would still like language regarding developer required
signals in the document.
Chair Dorsey said the Motion was for staff to include verbiage in the Traffic Signal Evaluation
Policy indicating the developer's procedure for installing traffic signals based on conditions of
approval.
MOTION:
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Bradshaw, and duly seconded by Commissioner
Roney, to recommend that staff include verbiage in the Traffic Signal
Evaluation Policy indicating the developer's procedure for installing
traffic signals based on conditions of approval.
VOTE: 2-3-0 3-3-S
AYES: Roney, Bradshaw Creas, Roney, Bradshaw
NOES: Dorsey, Gardner, Cress Dorsey, Gardner
ABSTAIN: None
Commissioner Cress stated that he would like to make a recommendation on the Traffic Signal
Qualification List. Under Total Volume, either put the Total Volume/Primary Street Volume or
something like that so that a person can check volume against points. It's kind of disconcerting
to go through the document and you can't arrive at the 6 points that are under item 2 because you
don't have the data, and you think, did you make a mistake here? But if you have total
volume/primary street or put them both in there, something like that, the reviewer can see where
the numbers came from.
Mr. Johnson stated that could be done. A motion would need to be approved by the Commission
majority.
Mr. Murray stated that the total volume on the Traffic Signal Qualification List are actually the
primary road and minor road approaches. So you really can't use that total volume number.
Commissioner Cress said that's why if you put the slash there and the 3,200 number that you use
to come up with the 6 points under Item 2, there would be two volumes shown.
Vice-Chair Gardner stated that she felt there would be too much data on there. She would rather
just take the Total Volume out, so it doesn't have the confusion since you're not providing the
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Corrected) Page 13
data for columns 1,2,3,4,5, and 6, why do we want to even consider that extra column? The
Commission doesn't get the data for everything; we don't get the number of accidents, etc. So to
try to rethink the numbering system for the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee seems to be
not our place and also because as she reads the Qualification Factors, they are for any four-hour
period, and that one particular number is a volume between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm. So volumes
are no where near the same numbers. Commissioner Gardner doesn't believe the Commission
should make a change.
Commissioner Roney asked if this was the standard form that most cities use.
Mr. Murray answered that this document was developed by staff based on input from the City of
San Diego and City of Escondido.
Mr. Johnson said in addition to examples from the two cities that Mr. Murray cited, there was
subsequent input from the Traffic Safety Commission before it was finalized.
MOTION:
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Cress, and duly seconded by Commissioner
Bradshaw, to recommend that the column titled Total Volume be amended
to also reflect the primary street volume so it can see where the values
under Qualification Factor are derived from.
VOTE: 2-3-0 5-3-4
AYES: Bradshaw, Cress Roney, Dorsey, Bradshaw
NOES: Gardner, Roney, Dorsey Cress, Gardner
ABSTAIN: None
Mr. Johnson stated that the Commission could refer this item back to staff, bring it to next
month's meeting, or have staff incorporate the changes and then present to the City Council.
How does the Commission want it handled?
MOTION:
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Cress, and duly seconded by Commissioner
Bradshaw, to recommend that the Traffic Signal Evaluation Policy be
approved and include the Traffic Signal Qualification List, be revised to
include the alphabetical list and the revised language to Qualification
Factor 7, Number 4.
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 14
VOTE: 5-0-0
AYES: Dorsey, Gardner, Cress, Roaey, Bradshaw
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM 6C: Review, comment upon, and approve the TSC rules and procedures, and adopt
TSC Resolution No. 2006-1.
Mr. Johnson stated that this item was an annual review by the Commission of the TSC rules and
procedures of TSC Resolution No. 2006-1. In 1990, the Traffic Safety Commission adopted TSC
Resolution No. 90-1 that established the original procedural rules. The rules and procedures are a
document to help run the meetings if there are any points that need clarification during the meeting.
The procedural rules have been changed several times since originally being adopted. If changes are
required based upon the needs identified at Commission meetings in the previous twelve months,
changes can be incorporated into the 2006 resolution.
Mr. Johnson stated that if there are no revisions recommended by the Commission, the resolution
could be adopted by the Traffic Safety Commission. If revisions are necessary, this item will be
continued until the next meeting with the revisions incorporated into the resolution and considered at
that time. The Commission can also decide that they do not need the rules and procedures, and to
remove it altogether. The Commission may decide they can operate without these particular formal
rules and procedures.
It is the recommendation of staff to adopt the TSC Resolution No. 2006-1 subject to changes or
revisions recommended by the Traffic Safety Commission.
DISCUSSION;
Commissioner Cress asked if there were any changes from last year that need to be incorporated or
recommended.
Mr. Johnston stated that he did not hear of any changes during the previous twelve months from
Commission members, so staff did not make any changes. Resolution No. 2006-1 is exactly the same
as was approved one year ago. That doesn't mean that it cannot be changed, but it is the same
document from a year ago when Resolution 2005-1 was adopted by the Commission.
Commissioner Bradshaw stated that she found the document to be very hard to deal with because it
didn't read very well. If you were to hand it to somebody, a newcomer on the Commission, she
didn't know if they would be able to come in here and sit down and conduct a meeting based on this
writing. She is inclined to rewrite the document to make it simpler.
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 15
Chair Dorsey asked if there was a legal reason that the Commission needed to approve the resolution
each year.
Mr. Johnson said there was no legal reason. If the Commission is comfortable operating under a
document that is one, two or three years old, that is perfectly fine to do so. The intent of the
document is if something conies up at a meeting that is covered under these items that is fairly
unique and not something that is normally encountered, there is a reference source. For the most
part, the Commission meetings follows that procedure based on the agenda and then motions are
made, seconded, there is discussion, and so on. There is no reason why the Commission cannot
indicate that this document will suffice until some time in the future that there is a need to change it.
At that time there would be a request initiated by one of the Commissioners and discussed with the
majority recommending the change. The Commission can approve the Resolution as is and then
leave it alone until sometime hi the future someone decides there may be a need to change it, or the
document can continue to be brought back each year, or the document can be eliminated altogether.
The document is based on the original rules and procedures from the Planning Commission with
some minor changes to reflect the Traffic Safety Commission nomenclature. Otherwise, it is very
similar to the Planning Commission document.
Chair Dorsey stated that he did not feel the Commission should do away with this document Maybe
a modification would be hi order, but it is very important to have something that the Chairman or the
Commission as a whole can rely upon as a rule, not just some arbitrary decision they chose to make
at a time, particularly as it deals with public hearings or comments from the audience, or any other
item that is touched upon. He would like to see this version approved, and if there was a rewrite,
would it be staff that would do that or the Commission to rewrite it?
Commissioner Bradshaw said that the Commission could rewrite it.
Mr. Johnson stated that if the majority of the Commission wanted to rewrite the document, there are
several ways to handle that. Commissioner Bradshaw could submit her suggested changes and they
could be incorporated into a redline/strikeout version and resubmitted at a future date to the
Commission for review to go through each of the changes one by one. Another way is to form a
subcommittee of Commission members who would work with staff so that notes can be taken and
then present the entire document back to the entire Commission. The subcommittee would be a two
person subcommittee to review this document, propose changes, staff make note of those changes,
put them hi a redlhie/strikeout version document, present that to all Commissioners for review and
concurrence or disagreement.
Commissioner Cress agreed that a document like this is needed for guidance and structure of the
meetings.
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 16
Commissioner Roney asked if the Resolution could be modified at any time in the future.
Mr. Johnson stated that it could. There have been some mid-year changes in the past. This is a living
document and at any time the Commission can request that it be on a future agenda or the next
agenda addressing the particular issue that seems to be a sticking point at a particular meeting. Being
that it is the first of the year, that is why this resolution is traditionally brought forward to the
Commission for review and comment. Changes can occur at any time in that twelve-month period.
MOTION:
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Roney, and duly seconded by Commissioner
Cress, to recommend the adoption of TSC Resolution No. 2006-1 as
presented.
VOTE: 4-1-0
AYES: Dorsey, Gardner, Cress, Roney
NOES: Bradshaw
ABSTAIN: None
Chair Dorsey asked Commissioner Bradshaw if she wished to form a subcommittee for the purpose
of rewriting the resolution.
Commissioner Bradshaw stated that she would. She mentioned that she already took it upon herself
to rewrite the document and it follows the meeting agenda format because she found that it was
basically what the Commission does. She rewrote it for herself and if any of the Commissioners
wanted it, she would make it available to them.
Mr. Johnson stated that if Commissioner Bradshaw had a hard copy of the rewrite, he could make
copies and mail it to each of the Commissioners. It would then be up to the Commission to decide
what to do with the rewrite. A subcommittee could be formed today or it could be decided upon at
the next meeting.
Chair Dorsey said forming a subcommittee should be held off for now.
Mr. Johnson asked if the Commission wanted this item on the agenda for next month or did the
Commission want to review what Commissioner Bradshaw has proposed first?
January 9,2006 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 17
Commissioner Cress stated that he needed more time because he had a two-week vacation planned
for later in the month, so possibly discuss this issue the March meeting.
Mr. Johnson stated it could be on the March agenda.
ITEM 7: REPORT FROM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSIONERS
None.
ITEM 8: REPORT FROM TRAFFIC ENGINEER
Mr. Johnson that this coming Sunday, January 15,2006, the Carlsbad Marathon will be run. There
are twenty-six miles of streets that are closed to accommodate the runners. If any of the Commission
members are trying to get out and about during the morning and early afternoon period, especially
trying to migrate towards the beach, there will be very difficult traffic conditions. There are some
key locations where you can get across Carlsbad Boulevard in the Village area; otherwise, for the
most part, west of 1-5 there are street closures that will make it very difficult, if not impossible, to
conduct your normal travel patterns on Sunday.
Mr. Johnson stated that the next regular meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission would be held on
February 6,2006 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT:
By proper motion Chair Dorsey adjourned the Regular Meeting of January 9,2006 at 4:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Wotfdbeck
Minutes Clerk