HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-05; Traffic and Mobility Commission; Minutes
Page 1 of 8 Public Works Branch
Transportation Department 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
Council Chambers
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, 3:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chair Perez called the Meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Perez, Hunter, Penseyres, Fowler, Linke and Wanamaker
Absent: Gocan
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Acting Chair Perez led the Pledge of Allegiance
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
This meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom due to the stay-at-home order for COVID-19.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Linke, seconded by Acting Chair Perez to approve the minutes for the Aug. 3,
2020 meeting and the Sept. 8, 2020 meeting.
Motion carried: 6/0/1 (Absent: Gocan)
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA:
Public comments submitted via email prior to the Traffic and Mobility Commission meeting and read
into the record:
Salima Witt requested that the city conduct increased enforcement measures to control noise pollution
on Carlsbad Boulevard from drag racers and motorcyclists at all hours of the day. She submitted a
petition with over 100 signatures from residents to the Traffic Division to address the noise pollution.
Richard Jonathan Willets requested that the city take necessary measures to mitigate the noise pollution
on Carlsbad Boulevard.
Cindy Yorks requested that the city consider the noise pollution at Carlsbad Boulevard.
Rajiv Dutta requested that the city empower the Police Department to enforce speed limit on Carlsbad
Boulevard and control the noise pollution.
Kelly Lusseden requested the city address the 3-hour parking signs posted in front of the Seagrove
Community on State Street, if possible to remove the 3-hour parking restrictions.
TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION
Minutes
Page 2 of 8 Public Works Branch
Transportation Department 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
Simon J. Freedman, on behalf of the Sierra Club, submitted his requests to the city and asked that the
following items be placed on the agenda of the Traffic and Mobility Commission meeting on 11-2-2020:
1. Signage and painting at most intersections on Carlsbad Boulevard.
2. Jefferson Street, between Grand Avenue and Las Flores, be converted from a Class II bike lane to a
Class III bike route with sharrows and signage.
3. Carlsbad Village Drive west of I-5, that the number 2 lane, in both directions, be converted from a
Class II bike lane to a Class III bike route with sharrows and signage.
4. Grand Avenue, west of I-5, be made into a Class III bike route, in both directions, with sharrows and
signage.
5. Carlsbad Boulevard, between Tamarack Ave and Carlsbad Village Drive, northbound only, that the
number 2 lane be turned into a Class III bike route with sharrows and signage.
6. The city repaint/refresh the existing sharrows throughout the city with high visibility green-backed
sharrows.
Robert Wilkinson requested the city to present an item on “Parking in our Downtown Village” to the
Traffic and Mobility Commission at Nov. 2, 2020 meeting to consider ways to improve the City’s parking
management policies, specifically temporary parking of vehicles servicing the businesses that are so
critical for a thriving downtown environment in Carlsbad.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
This item was pulled by a member of the public.
1. FISCAL YEAR 2020 SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM, PROJECT No. 6002 – Support staff’s
recommendation to implement the Sidewalk Construction Program - Fiscal Year 2020 Sidewalk
Construction Project (Project), Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 6002.
2. US BIKE ROUTE 95 DESIGNATIONS – Approve a recommendation to the Transportation Director to
author a letter of support for the designation of a US Bike Route 95 through the City of Carlsbad.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM ONE ON THE AGENDA:
Public comments submitted via email prior to the Traffic and Mobility Commission meeting and read
into the record:
Judy Frankel submitted request that the city construct a new sidewalk with a roadway restriping project
on Tamarack Avenue between Carlsbad Village Drive and El Camino Real to change it to one travel lane
each way and a two way left turn lane so that the minimum width bike lane can be widened.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Linke, seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to approve Consent Calendar Item
Nos. 1 and 2.
Motion carried: 6/0/1 (Absent: Gocan)
Page 3 of 8 Public Works Branch
Transportation Department 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
3. POLICE MONTHLY REPORT – (Staff contact: Lieutenant Christie Calderwood, Police Department)
Staff Recommendation: Receive report
Lieutenant Calderwood presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in
the Office of the City Clerk) in regard to the latest traffic enforcement activities by the police
department.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Penseyres appreciates that we continue to track cyclist legal and illegal activity and
COVID-19 safety concerns. Commissioner Linke commented that in addition to addressing the noise
problems, there are delivery trucks parking illegally impacting access into bike lanes.
4. BEACH ACCESS REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM PROJECT No. 3890 – (Staff Contact: Hossein Ajideh and Emad Elias, Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive report
Engineering Manager Ajideh and Associate Engineer Elias presented the report and reviewed a
PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Penseyres inquired about the benefit of removing lanes on Carlsbad Boulevard, to expand
pedestrian access without having to extend the walkway over the bluffs. Engineering Manager Ajideh
said this project started as a curb project for safety, and other CIP projects will consider complete
streets improvements such as roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, and a more comprehensive
streetscape study.
Commissioner Hunter inquired about the timing of the project and next steps. Associate Engineer Elias
said that staff will work with State Parks on right of way access over the next 6 months, then it will take
an additional 4 to 6 months to award construction contract. Construction will take place during slow
season, i.e., fall and winter, for possibly two seasons, and will be limited during the busy summer
months.
The type of repairs needed and the impact to the sensitive bluff area were also discussed. Associate
Engineer Elias said that the existing concrete pillars are in excellent condition and will not impact the
bluff. This is a repair project which is different from an improvement project. A request to discuss the
benefits of cables, bollards and a k-rail, in terms of creating extra space, costs and aesthetics will occur
as part of the final design review at a future commission meeting.
Commissioner Linke thanked Deputy City Manager Gomez for keeping her promise in April when he
informed City Council that this item should come before the Traffic and Mobility Commission, and she
said staff would present the design for review.
Page 4 of 8 Public Works Branch
Transportation Department 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
5. TRAINING ON PUBLIC RECORDS ACT – (Staff contact: Robby Contreras and Celia Brewer, City
Attorney)
Staff’s Recommendation: Training only
City Attorney Brewer and Assistant City Attorney Contreras presented the report and reviewed a
PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
The commission inquired and clarified that the test to determine if a text, social media post, or personal
email should be considered a public record depends on whether it substantially relates to city business,
or Traffic and Mobility Commission-related issues. The City Attorney’s office advises that, in quasi-
judicial hearings, commissioners should not do outside research to understand a given subject, but
commissioner decision making should be made based on a licensed decision maker, an engineer, an
attorney, or some other person who would be seen as a credible person in court. Correspondence, like a
text about Traffic and Mobility Commission matters, should not be deleted after commissioners are
made aware of a Public Records Act request that might apply to that text message. The city can face
liability if staff or commissioners do not release information properly, as the requester of the text may
already have a copy of it when they file their request with the city. Please call the City Attorney’s Office
if you are concerned or uncertain about what communication, email, or text message must be retained
or released in response to a Public Records Act request.
Acting Chair Perez called for a break at 5:16 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ON GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN / GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL MONITORING
REPORT, ADOPTION OF GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN FINDINGS, DETERMINATION OF DEFICIENT
STREET FACILITIES, AND ACTIONS TO ADDRESS THE DEFICIENT FACILITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO VEHICULAR LEVEL OF SERVICE EXEMPTIONS PURSUANT TO GENERAL PLAN MOBILITY
ELEMENT POLICY 3-P.9 AND/OR INITIATING PLANNING FOR VEHICULAR CAPACITY
IMPROVEMENTS – (Staff contact: Tom Frank and Nathan Schmidt, Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Approve staff recommendation
Transportation Director Frank and Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt presented the
staff report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Linke stated that the General Plan says that we should strive to maintain a LOS D or
better for all street facilities subject to MMLOS monitoring, excluding exempt intersections and streets
that are approved by the City Council. He discussed the prior and current exemptions and their impact
on current and future deficiencies. Exemptions identified in previous GMP Monitoring reports included
recommendations on roadway improvements that either partially or fully addressed the deficiencies.
Commissioner Linke asked if there are there really no feasible physical improvement projects to address
the six deficient street facilities? Were any Transportation System Management (TSM) or Transportation
Page 5 of 8 Public Works Branch
Transportation Department 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
Demand Management (TDM) projects looked at that may improve operations because there are not any
that are presented in the staff report? Should we continue to include intersection analysis in the
monitoring program?
Transportation Director Frank said that staff did conduct a high-level review of potential mitigation
options including potential intersection improvements that could be implemented and a review of
Capital Improvement Program projects was conducted; however, no solutions were identified that
would significantly improve LOS. The exempt segments would require implementation of TDM and TSM.
Some of the deficiencies are near I-5 and the North County Transit District railroad corridor and have
constrained right-of-way which limit mitigation options. We also have the Adaptive Signal Program
which helps reduce congestion in exempt segments and could be another potential mitigation. It should
also be noted that staff intends to bring the scope of work for the FY 2020-21 GMP Monitoring analysis
to the Traffic and Mobility Commission next month for review and this will provide an opportunity to
include a more in-depth analysis of mitigation options.
Commissioner Linke responded that based on the Growth Management Plan monitoring report is clear
that we need to make appropriate efforts to identify mitigations to maintain the appropriate LOS D
standard that is required by the Citywide Facilities and Improvements Plan (CFIP). We should also be
looking at individual segments and intersections in detail as recommended by the methodology.
Commissioner Linke also cited the letter to the City of Carlsbad from Housing and Community which
says that residential developments cannot have a moratorium but this doesn’t preclude commercial or
mixed-use development from moratorium, is that true?
Assistant City Attorney responded that it is not true. Adding retail development to the urban fabric
improves destination proximity and results in shorter trips and reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
Commissioner Linke stated that the staff report seems to indicate that we only need to remedy new
deficiencies and not pre-existing deficiencies. What is this trying to imply?
Assistant City Attorney responded that the application of MMLOS in that context was not intended to be
applied to vehicular congestion but was intended to be applied to non-vehicular modes of travel such as
bike paths, trails, etc. We are guided by our municipal code which instructs the city to construct
improvements concurrent with new development per CMC sections 21.90.045, 21.90.010.A.3.
Commissioner Linke stated that he believed that the paragraph regarding pre-existing deficiencies
should not be included as it is completely the opposite of the intent of the Mobility Element to improve
existing infrastructure as new development is added to the city.
Commissioner Linke suggested that there are several roadway facilities that should be unexempted, as
outlined in his letter, because they currently have passed, and that these segments should not be
exempted until after buildout or until after College Boulevard and Poinsettia Lane are fully constructed.
It appears that specific language was deleted from the Mobility Element before going to City Council for
final approval and it should still be in the General Plan.
Deputy City Manager Gomez responded that what we have is the document as it currently exists which
is what was adopted by City Council, and we can address this interpretation with assistance from our
Page 6 of 8 Public Works Branch
Transportation Department 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
City Attorney’s office. For the presentation to City Council on October 20th we can have the City
Attorney’s office address this question.
Commissioner Linke then presented a series of slides regarding potential intersection improvements
which could be considered to address the identified roadway deficiencies (on file in the Office of the City
Clerk).
Commissioner Penseyres stated that he has been hearing a lot about induced demand specifically
relating to Cannon Road and related to the congestion levels on the surrounding highways. Additionally,
COVID-19 has significantly changed our travel behavior and travel patterns as more people work from
home. These travel behavior patterns should be considered before we commit to major roadway
infrastructure improvements intended to improve vehicle traffic congestion and focus on other
improvements that improve access and safety for all travel modes.
Commissioner Hunter stated that he agrees with much of Commissioner Linke’s comments and is
against exempting roadways until we take a more in-depth look at options to potentially mitigate the
identified deficiencies such as adding right-turn lanes, improving intersection operations, etc. Bikes are
great but bikes are not a major transportation program that will greatly improve traffic congestion
throughout the city.
Commissioner Fowler stated that he appreciated Commissioner Linke’s work on reviewing the item in
detail and for his valuable comments. He questioned what is next if we look at roadway improvements
and would they even create a drastic or even noticeable change in traffic congestion in Carlsbad? It
would be useful to understand what are the consequences to what Mr. Linke is suggesting.
Commissioner Linke responded that the GMP and General Plan create a legal obligation for us to do this
but in a smart and reasonable way. We should follow our guidance and do the intersection analysis in
areas that are found to be deficient. Staff such as Mr. Bilse who is working on the Traffic Signal Master
Plan that may be able to provide analysis that can improve the intersection operations.
Transportation Director Frank responded that additional review is warranted and staff will go back and
look at some of the specific suggestions that Mr. Linke has provided in both his letter and presentation.
Vice Chair Perez asked if Table 3 could be updated specifically for the segment of northbound College
Boulevard from Carlsbad Village Drive to Oceanside city limits. The affected local facility management
zone for this segment should also include LFMZ 25 (which includes Quarry Creek) as well because the
roadway does ultimately provide access to this zone. Staff agreed to look into it.
Commissioner Wanamaker left the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
Deputy City Manager Gomez invited the commission to attend the City Council Meeting on October 20,
2020 and present on the Commission’s discussion and recommendations if desired.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Linke seconded by Commissioner Hunter to support staff recommendations:
Page 7 of 8 Public Works Branch
Transportation Department 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
1. Receive and file the Growth Management Plan (GMP)/General Plan Annual Monitoring Circulation
Section, prepared pursuant to Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) Section 21.90.130(d) and Gov. Code
Section 65400, and
2.A. Adopt a resolution to: Determine the following street facilities to be deficient pursuant to CMC
21.90.130(c) because they do not meet the vehicular level of service (LOS) component of the city’s
circulation performance standard in the CFIP:
1. Eastbound Palomar Airport Road from Avenida Encinas to Paseo del Norte
2. Westbound Palomar Airport Road from Paseo del Norte to Avenida Encinas
3. Northbound College Boulevard from Carlsbad Village Drive to Oceanside City Limits
4. Eastbound Cannon Road from Avenida Encinas to Paseo del Norte
5. Westbound Cannon Road from Paseo del Norte to Avenida Encinas
6. Southbound El Camino Real from Tamarack Avenue to Cannon Road.
The Traffic and Mobility Commission did not support staff’s recommendation 2.B., which recommended
adopting a resolution to determine the six identified street facilities to be built out and exempt from the
vehicular LOS performance standard, in accordance with the General Plan Mobility Element 3-P.9 and
the CFIP Circulation Performance Standard. The Traffic and Mobility Commission further recommended
that staff evaluate and identify measures to address deficiencies on the six identified street facilities
including roadway improvements, Transportation Demand Management, and Transportation Systems
Management strategies and requested staff to return to the Traffic and Mobility Commission at a later
date to report on potential measures to address these deficiencies.
Motion carried: 5/0/2 (Absent: Gocan, Wanamaker)
Motion by Commissioner Linke, seconded by Acting Chair Perez to create an Ad Hoc committee
composed of Commissioner Penseyres, Commissioner Linke and Vice-Chair Perez to work with staff to
update the city’s Multimodal Level of Service (MMLOS) methodology.
Motion carried: 5/0/2 (Absent: Gocan, Wanamaker)
Motion by Commissioner Hunter seconded by Commissioner Linke to nominate Chair Gocan to
represent the Traffic and Mobility Commission at the City Council Meeting on October 20, 2020 and
have Commissioner Linke as the back-up if she is unable to attend.
Motion carried: 5/0/2 (Absent: Gocan, Wanamaker)
CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER REPORT:
City Traffic Engineer Comments: Attachment A
City Traffic Engineer Kim said staff will follow up with all public comments received.
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt shared that October 7 is Clean Air Day and
information about Clean Air Day can be found on the city webpage.
Page 8 of 8 Public Works Branch
Transportation Department 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commissioner Linke reminded the commission about the comment submitted by a representative of the
Sierra Club, and Commissioner Penseyres disclosed that he has been in contact with the Sierra Club but
he was not involved in the preparation of the comment that they sent to the city.
The Traffic and Mobility Commission agreed that they should invite the Sierra Club to present their
comments at the Sustainable Mobility Program ad-hoc committee.
ADJOURNMENT:
Acting Chair Perez adjourned the Traffic and Mobility Commission Meeting on Oct. 5, 2020, at 7:39 p.m.
___________________________
Eliane Paiva, Minutes Clerk
r-r
Attachment A
Meeting Date: Oct. 5, 2020
To: Traffic and Mobility Commission
Staff Contact: John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
John.Kim@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-2757
Subject: City Traffic Engineer Report
Past City Council Items on Traffic and Mobility
Sept. 15, 2020
• Traffic and Mobility Commission Work Plan
• Approve plans and specifications and authorization to bid for FY 2020-21
Pavement Overlay, CIP 6001-20OL
Upcoming City Council Items on Traffic and Mobility
Oct. 6, 2020
• Acceptance of grant for Local Roadway Safety Program ($72K)
• Approve plans and specifications for ECR/Cannon Rd Phase 1, CIP 6042/6056
• Introduce Ordinance for Paseo Del Norte/Car Country Drive NO PARKING Zones
Oct. 13, 2020
• Award contract for ECR/College, CIP 6071
• Adopt Ordinance for Paseo Del Norte/Car Country Drive NO PARKING Zones
Oct. 20, 2020
• FY 2018-19 Growth Management Program Monitoring
• Appropriation of additional funds for Palomar Airport Road Widening Project,
CIP 6043/6044
Other Items
None
City Traffic Engineer Report
' .
. TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION
Previous Items brought up by Traffic and Mobility Commission
Item Action
Striping changes on Melrose at PAR Will be addressed by CIP Project No. 6034
Speed limit primer Can be incorporated into next speed limit item
brought to the Commission
Grand Promenade per Village and Barrio
Master Plan
None at this time
Annual Safety Report per Carlsbad
Municipal Code
Police Department responsibility
Traffic volume trends Can be incorporated into proposed Annual
Traffic Collision Report using LRSP funding
Roundabout striping guidelines Striping is completed per MUTCD - None at this
time