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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-03; Traffic and Mobility Commission; Minutes Page 1 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-602-2746 t Council Chambers 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Monday, May 3, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Gocan called the Meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Gocan, Perez, Hunter, Penseyres, Fowler, Linke and Wanamaker PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice-chair Perez led the Pledge of Allegiance This meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom due to the stay-at-home order for COVID-19. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Commissioner Linke, seconded by Commissioner Hunter to approve the minutes for the April 5, 2021 meeting as amended. Motion carried unanimously: 7/0 PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA: None CONSENT CALENDAR: None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: 1. POLICE MONTHLY REPORT – (Staff Contact: Lt. Steve Thomas, Police Department) Lieutenant Thomas presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). DISCUSSION: Lieutenant Thomas stated that the month of April was relatively quiet, except for the complaints regarding people on e-bikes before and after school, at all the schools. They are past the education component and on to the need for enforcement. The summer bike team will start up within a month and that will certainly help. They are creating a neighborhood electric bike team, and if that gets approved by City Council, they will be out there to help. The DUI check point located at Beech Street and Carlsbad Boulevard was cancelled due to a George Floyd protest at Magee Park. The DUI check point will be rescheduled in June. Chair Gocan said that she is working with the City, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt, and the local schools on getting e-bike education in the schools. She also brought it up to our assembly member that represents the 76th district about bike training and education. Our assembly member can help pay for some of this training by the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and other organizations. We have sent the schools five short educational videos because we are concerned about TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION Minutes Page 2 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-602-2746 t student safety. The middle schools are the focus of our attention and we are working with school staff and will work with the Police Department to coordinate efforts. Vice Chair Perez, inquired about the accident on April 20, about the car that went over the Carlsbad cliff. Lieutenant Thomas said that it was a State Parks Traffic incident therefore they do not know the exact circumstances. City Traffic Engineer Kim will follow up with our transportation staff to see if the guardrail needs to be repaired. Commissioner Wannamaker inquired about the lights on Carlsbad Village Drive, they do not seem to be coordinated when there is an emergency fire truck or police car that need to go thought the intersection. Lieutenant Thomas said that the lights do not change for the Police Department, only for the Fire Department. City Traffic Engineer Kim said that they are in communication with the Fire Department about the vehicle preemptive system, there was a question on the Fire Department’s equipment, but not that it was not working. Transportation staff is working with Fire Department regarding a possible change to the equipment. He will follow up with our signals staff to see if they have had any issues with our emergency vehicle preemptive system. Commissioner Linke, similar to Commissioner Wannamaker, gave a compliment to Chair Gocan for leadership on bike safety for kids to learn the rules of the road. He suggested that the educational materials be distributed via This Week in Carlsbad mailing list and or the City Manager’s Update to make it more visible. Chair Gocan agreed and said that she also reached out to our assembly member about possible e-bike rebates. Our assembly member is working on having this e-bike rebate happen at the state level to make it more affordable and to get more cars off the road. 2. AVENIDA ENCINAS COASTAL RAIL TRAIL PROJECT– (Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public Works) Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation, receive public comments and provide input Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEM 2: Judy Frankel - While the widening of Avenida Encinas is needed to accommodate all users, ATP Grant Money should be used to actually create the rail trail on the Railroad Right of way. Although Avenida Encinas was originally delegated as “the Rail Trial” it is not on the rail trail right of way. Any riders using the rail trail continuing from North to South will continue to use the coast highway (Carlsbad Blvd) rather than going out of their way on a section that is less desirable in form and function. Avenida Encinas will also be used to get to and from the Poinsettia Train Station by commuters. But, continuing the rail trail on the Railroad right of way definitely was considered in the past by Bryan Jones when he was here. Why was this not part of the original plan as is done in Oceanside? Things have changed dramatically at the Power Plant since the original plan was created, a pedestrian/bike bridge over the lagoon has already been installed to carry a pipe Page 3 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-602-2746 t across and the rail trail could easily be extended from Tamarack to Cannon and there on the Railroad right of way to the train station and beyond to Ponto. Pedestrians and cyclist on gravel bikes are already using the trails in these locations and this is a huge wasted opportunity. With regard to the design plan of Avenida Encinas, please be aware that there are existing commuters that ride to the train station. They are educated riders who don’t need to be harassed by motorists thinking they should be using a green painted box turn crossing when they are making legal left turns as legitimate road users from the left lane. Those riders should be accommodated as well, by adding left turn pockets with sharrows or bike lanes centered in the roadway to the right of left turn pockets. Lance Schulte – Here are my comments after a quick look over: 1. The Caltrans I-5 bike/pedestrian trail should be included in the plan. See the attached file. This is a longer term plan likely not to be built until after 2035 when the remaining components of the NCC Build I-5 project is completed. 2. It appears the location of the intersection redesigns are not fully/accurately marked. Ave Encinas/Dory lane is further west near the rail corridor. Also, Avenida Encinas/Windrose Circle should be identified as a redesign. 3. Conceptual intersection designs should be provided for all proposed intersection redesigns. 4. A specific intersection redesign should be provided for Ave Encinas/Windrose Circle. This is significant intersection needing redesign. 5. The area south of Poinsettia Lane is in Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 9 (LFMP- 9). There is a current lawsuit against the City regarding LFMP-9 missing 30-acres of Unconstrained Growth Management Standard Open Space that LFMP-9 developer were inaccurately, and possibly inappropriately, exempted from providing. Landscaping the 12’ buffers as shown in figure D-D could be used by the City to help address the missing 30-acres of Unconstrained Open Space in LRMP-9. I would highly encourage the City to explore landscaping these 12’ buffer areas as it will help address missing Open Space and other issues in a positive way. Attached is a ‘planned loss of open space’ file that summarizes City data on multiple Open Space shortfalls in LFMP- 9. Pages 1 & 2 talk about the Unconstrained GMP Open Space Standard shortfall in LFMP-9. Thank you again. I think you are hitting a lot of the issues very well, and with the above suggestions would make for a suitably complete/livable street. DISCUSSION: Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt presented the project, road segments, and next steps. Public Outreach started with both the Traffic and Mobility Commission and a mailer to approximately 2,700 residents along the corridor. After public outreach, they will return to the commission with Engineering Designs the Winter of 2021. Construction is anticipated in September 2022 based on the criteria of the grant. Chair Gocan asked why we are not proposing the plan on the coastal rail line. Page 4 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-602-2746 t Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt said that the plan was started before 2017. The focus was on the Poinsettia Station and the concerns of the residential and business community along the corridor. Avenida Encinas connects many key destinations including employment centers, the Poinsettia station, shopping, and residentials areas. In response to the comments, this is a conceptual plan, once engineering designs are available, we will also be sharing those for feedback. There were some very good comments and feedback and we will potentially consider looking at some of the suggestions for the landscaping buffer areas which we can sort out through the engineering process. Commissioner Hunter thanked the staff for a good job on the proposed changes. Down around Poinsettia Village, just south of there, the design is going from two lanes down to one lane but leaving 20 feet for a bike path and bike buffer. We are still a car driven community. He asked if we could put two 10 foot lanes for cars and have almost 15 feet of bike lane and buffer. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager agreed that is a good question. Based on the traffic volume, that was less than 16,000 in that area, two lanes would be enough to serve that level. Staff will look into that when they go into the engineering phase. Commissioner Linke is requesting public comments ahead of time since they are detailed and it is easier to comment when they have time to review them. Ms. Frankel asked about the Coastal Rail Trail and why the alignment diverts inland on Avenida Encinas versus staying along Carlsbad Boulevard. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager agreed that most people will stay along the coast due to the views. Our goal was to provide better access through this community and address their desire for some more substantial traffic calming associated with speed and safety. To the north, we are addressing better connections to the transit station and the adjoining land uses. Commissioner Linke does support the road diet idea that Commissioner Hunter proposed, but is a little concerned about reducing these lanes to 10-feet. Do we have evidence that with the 10-feet, and this type of typology and traffic values, that this is a good idea? Commissioner Hunter clarified his comment, his concern was eliminating the two lanes for 20 feet of bike lane and buffer. The lanes are 12-feet now, he was not looking at going to 11-feet or 10-feet for the lane. Commissioner Linke understood and wanted to add that he thinks 11-feet is a good number. He thinks the road diet and other measures probably will achieve traffic calming. He is just concerned that going back and forth between 11-feet, 10-feet, and 11.5-feet, it is better to keep them all the same at a uniform width of 11 feet for the vehicles for safety and comfort. He is a big proponent of bike projects and it is a good idea, if you need, to widen the street more in the areas where you are proposing a 10- feet vehicle lane to create the bike lanes. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt said that these are good comments and as a rule, when they can, they will have 11 feet for the vehicle lanes. In the constrained locations, maybe go down to 10 feet, to adequately size the bicycle facilities. Commissioner Linke submitted and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Commissioner Linke had two questions after reviewing his PowerPoint Presentation: 1 This is a transit corridor and the middle school stop is near the Poinsettia Station. They have one or zero average boarding per day and currently buses only run a couple times a day. Do we have a minimum transit standard in Carlsbad? 2. Are there going to be any improvements to the bus stops as a part of this project? Page 5 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-602-2746 t Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt, agreed with the comments, we will be working with NCTD to improve the amenities at these stops. The last comment would be that many road diets require City Council approval. Hopefully, when this is presented to us next time there could be some traffic count data, so that we know what kind of impact this is going to have for decision making. Commissioner Penseyres is wondering if we can have the agenda items earlier in the week. They need time to review so that the commissioners can thoroughly proceed on these items and get their comments back to the staff. Commissioner Penseyres said that this section, along Avenida Encinas, is likely not to be used as a coastal rail trail. The project on Avenida Encinas is not going to happen for at least two years, should we consider adding sharrows for the commuters to the train station and to the jobs on Palomar Airport Road. Should we consider the longer improvement to either a trail along the North County Transit District tracks similar to what we’ve done between Oak Street and Tamarack Ave and between Tamarack Ave and Canon Road just to be consistent along the corridor. The concern is if implementing the project on Avenida Encinas as an interim measure would preclude us from completing the Coastal Rail Trail along the railroad corridor as a long-term project. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt will research the history, talk to SANDAG and get back to the commission on why the alignment was proposed along Avenida Encinas. Commissioner Penseyres mentioned that our neighboring cities are going to do their Coastal Rail Trail design along the tracks, which is going to make the Carlsbad project look pretty strange if it does not go anywhere near the tracks. This is a 20-year-old plan, it seems like we are heading in the wrong direction, and we should consider reviewing it. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt said that we can review the project, it is in the planning stages, yet a major change would not qualify for our ATP grant funding because it would deviate from our approved scope of work for the grant. Chair Gocan confirmed based on funding sources, public comments and from commissioner comments, we feel comfortable with the road diet, they do not feel comfortable calling it the Coastal Rail Trail. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt said that the other projects are currently not funded by the CIP budget therefore we don’t have any funding. This is something that we can always explore in the future. This grant will not prohibit us from a future grant for the Coastal Rail Trail. Commissioner Fowler shared the same concerns that if we want to turn our attention to making the Coastal Rail Trail consistent up the coast, that might be a more compelling reason than the grant, and that is pretty compelling. There may be other issues of right of way and complexity that could be answered by the next meeting. Can staff report back before we approve this or something along that line that is acceptable? Commissioner Fowler commented that with all the prior planning efforts there could be some very compelling reasons on why the route is aligned along Avenida Encinas. Vice-Chair Perez wanted to confirm that there will be sidewalks added near the coaster station at the Poinsettia location past the dealer location, staff confirmed that is true. The other location on Carlsbad Boulevard, is that a possible location for a roundabout, staff will look to see if it can fit into that location and if our budget allows it. Vice Chair Perez wanted to ask about the trail connection under the road at the Batiquitos Lagoon, do we have to work with the California Coastal Commission for approval, to make sure we have all our ducks covered. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt said that the Batiquitos Lagoon trail connection project is being led by a CALTRANS as part of the larger I-5 North Coast Corridor project. Page 6 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-602-2746 t Commissioner Linke, congratulated staff on the CALTRANS ATP grant and asked about funding for the grant and the city’s contribution. The grant contributes 1.7 million and the total project is approximately 9 million, yet not required for vote because it is part of an existing CIP project. Chair Gocan mentioned that we are not on the ATP grant list for 2021. We can look at future ATP grants for future projects, like the Coastal Rail Trail. Chair Gocan agrees with the prior comments made by Commissioner Linke. ACTION: None 3. FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION WORK PLAN - (Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public Works) Staff’s Recommendation: Receive input Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). DISCUSSION: Commissioner Linke likes the existing work plan but wants to add a timeline for the projects and programs indicated in the work plan. The City Council uses the SMART system which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time. Development projects are moving forward without the updates that need to be addressed as part of many of these workplan items. When they fall under the current set of rules, we are forfeiting the ability to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars on mobility projects and meaningful traffic mitigation. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt said that staff will provide timelines for all of the projects and programs identified in the workplan and present these to the TMC in June. Commissioner Fowler asked if we should have as part of the work plan some kind of evaluation to give feedback to the system. Commissioner Linke mentioned that he is not sure what the wording should be for the traffic signal program. The wording was changed from last year and we might tweak the wording a bit this year. ACTION: Motion by Vice-chair Perez, seconded by Commissioner Linke to support staff’s recommendation with the current language for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 work plan and requested staff to add a proposed time frame for the items listed, and to bring the item back to the TMC next month for a final review and approval before submitting it to City Council for approval. Motion carried unanimously: 7/0 CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER REPORT: City Traffic Engineer Comments: Attachment A TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commissioner Linke requested that the Commissioners be added to the distribution list of Memorandums that City Council receives related to Traffic and Mobility. Some of the examples from 2021 include the Page 7 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-602-2746 t Valley Street Magnolia Avenue Complete Streets Project and the North Coastal Bikeshare Program, TDM Business Outreach, Cool Rides and Safe Routes to Schools, etc. Commissioner Linke looked at the speed data on the speed feedback signs deployed in the Barrio and it looks like the speed feedback signs do not work very effectively. City Traffic Engineer Kim recommended that we keep in mind that the feedback signs deployed in the Barrio are portable units, which are quite small. The permanent feedback signs are bigger with more capability. Commissioner Linke is interested in seeing the reports on the permanent feedback signs like the one on College Boulevard or wherever they are located to see their effectiveness. Transportation Director Frank liked the suggestion about adding commissioners to the distribution list for the Council Memorandums and will pass the request along to the Clerk’s Office. Vice-Chair Perez, wanted to thank everyone involved in the Poinsettia Bridge extension opening. He mentioned the recognition from City Council and Mayor Hall to the Traffic and Mobility Commission, and the citizens for the approach that we took to understand the area. Vice-Chair Perez stated that in regards to Palomar Airport Road construction, a couple of citizens were commenting on the temporary bike lane and requested that staff take a look at it. Vice-Chair Perez inquired about why the Commissioners terms and dates were rescheduled. Minutes Clerk Paiva explained that the City Clerk’s Office wants the terms for the commissioners to coincide with the Councilperson that made their appointment. The term is for four years with the opportunity for a second four years term. Commissioner Penseyres mentioned that it is Bike Month, and we have another smart cycling class tomorrow night, and he can provide a direct link to it. He recommends that we take it to see what we teach. Basically, it is ride like you drive. Chair Gocan is really excited about Bike Month and that we are going to have an Assembly Bill to help offset the cost of e-bikes. This will give us more flexibility in travel, more independence for kids to travel by bike, and the bike education is encouraging more bike safely on the road. Many thanks to both Commissioner Linke for the time he spends researching items. Chair Gocan had a question about rail trenching since she heard that NCTD will be doing some building on their property at the Carlsbad Village station and south of it. Transportation Director Frank said that these projects will not have a bearing on the trenching study. The discussion was how they can better utilize their property. Commissioner Perez wanted to share his experience with his school and Safe Routes to School. Near Hope Elementary there is a new development over there with single family homes and townhomes. They were able to open up a little trail, that changes it from a one mile walk to a quarter mile walk. It is amazing to see the kids walking and biking to school and not driving. They would like to see if they can set up signs or share information for the neighborhood to be aware of this trail. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt looks forward to working with Commissioner Perez to create a sign at this site and near other schools. Commissioner Fowler asked if we can send out future notices and invites to groundbreaking activities with a little more lead time. Staff liked the suggestion and will try to send them out in a timely manner. Page 8 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-602-2746 t ADJOURNMENT: Chair Gocan adjourned the Traffic and Mobility Commission Meeting on May 3, 2021 at 5:05 p.m. ___________________________ Eliane Paiva, Minutes Clerk r t Attachment A Meeting Date: May 3, 2021 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 April 13, 2021 Appropriation for purchase of portable and solar-powered speed feedback signs April 20, 2021 Award of Contract for Tamarack Ave and Valley St Hybrid Pedestrian Beacon Upcoming City Council Items on Traffic and Mobility None Other Items Regarding the question at the previous meeting about oversize vehicles in angled parking spaces that extend into the travel lane. Carlsbad Municipal Code 10.40.025 (B) states, “When signs or markings are in place indicating angle parking as provided in this section, no person shall park or stand a vehicle other than at the angle to the curb or edge of the roadway indicated by such signs or markings.” May is Bike Month! Please refer to the following website throughout the month for the latest bike month activities and events: • https://www.icommutesd.com/events/bike-month https://www.carlsbadcommuter.com/post/bikeanywhere Staff has initiated work on the Active Transportation Monitoring Program. This program was identified as part of the Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP) and will include collection of multimodal traffic counts and travel behavior survey data. This multimodal data will enable the city to measure bicycle, pedestrian, and transit use levels over time as the city’s active City Traffic Engineer Report ' . . TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION Page 2 transportation network is built out. Staff will present the proposed data collection plan to the Traffic and Mobility Commission this summer prior to data collection in September. Non-Agenda Public Comments Item Action Implement Thoroughfares Staff has responded (closed). Grand Promenade Future agenda item. Miscellaneous concerns about traffic markings Staff has responded (closed). Commissioner Comments Item Action Concerns on Jefferson Street between Las Flores Dr and Marron Rd Staff is waiting for more photos/videos. Congestion on westbound Carlsbad Village Drive due to construction just west of I-5. Construction management staff has been notified (closed). Pine/Carlsbad northbound pedestrian signal is not visible Staff is investigating.