HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-07; Traffic and Mobility Commission; MinutesCouncil Chambers
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Monday, June 7, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chair Perez called the Meeting to order at 3:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Perez, Hunter, Penseyres, Fowler and Linke
Absent: Gocan and Wanamaker
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Acting 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 Fowler to approve the minutes for the May
3, 2021 meeting.
Motion carried: 5/0/2 (Absent: Gocan and Wanamaker)
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA:
1.Daniel Hofshi - I am a resident in the Terramar neighborhood in Carlsbad. I am writing to
express my concerns about pedestrian safety specifically on Cerezo Drive between Carlsbad Blvd and Los
Robles Drive. Our neighborhood is adjacent to a popular beach destination and we receive a significant
amount of beach traffic and parking year-round. We also experience cut through traffic when Carlsbad
Blvd gets backed up. The main beach access is via the crosswalk at Cerezo Drive and Carlsbad Blvd.
Unfortunately, there is no sidewalk on Cerezo Drive. Additionally, there is street parking on both sides of
the street on Cerezo Drive between Carlsbad Blvd and Los Robles. This creates a very dangerous
situation. This forces pedestrians to have to walk in the middle of the street to get to the crosswalk.
Vehicles travel very fast turning onto Cerezo Drive, sometimes just to cut through the neighborhood. On
a weekly if not daily basis there is a close call to pedestrians walking in the middle of the street on
Cerezo. I am requesting that action is taken to make this corner safe for pedestrians before someone is
seriously hurt or killed. A very simple remedy would be to make “no parking” available on the south side
of Cerezo between Carlsbad Blvd and Los Robles Drive. This will eliminate 2-3 parking spots. An
alternative solution would be to build a sidewalk on that section of Cerezo Drive.
I am requesting that you please include my concerns and email in the upcoming Traffic and Mobility
Commission meeting scheduled for June 7, 2021. I have attached a map and the Google Street view
showing the area I am referencing. If you have any recommendations on how to move forward with my
concerns, please let me know. I can provide additional photos or video upon request to demonstrate my
concerns. Thank you for your time and consideration.
2.Robin Achey - I am a resident of the Terramar Community and live on Los Robles Drive. The
safety of our kids and our community is at risk every single day.
Cerezo drive feels like a boulevard. It is way too small of a street and it literally feels like an actual
intersection trying to navigate it. Terrible blindspots from the parked cars, surfers with their doors open
Exhibit 4
putting their wetsuits on in the street, people doing U turns and so forth. The flow of traffic is absurd. By
9 AM on Thursday both sides of Cerezo were lined with cars up and down. Cars have to drive in the
opposite lane to get around. It is so hazardous and barely any room for cars on the road let alone
pedestrians trying to navigate. It’s absolutely terrifying.
Please help us get no parking signs on Cerezo Drive both sides & cross walks on Cerezo Drive/Los Robles
& El Arbol. Putting in a possible four-way stop sign is great but not enough.I f we eliminate parking it
will greatly decrease the amount of turnarounds. I am a mother and have two young kids ages 6 and 4.
The anxiety I have to feel every single day just going for a walk or to the beach with my kids overrides
my joy for living in this beautiful community. There are numerous families in our community that feel
the exact same way. Please, our lives are at risk every day. It’s sad. In addition to the needs on Cerezo
Drive our streets are also missing/needing: Red Curb on the corners/entrance of Cannon/Los robles and
Cannon/El arbor. Cars come flying into our neighborhood and there is no visibility because cars are
allowed to park right there. Cannot tell you how many times we’ve almost gotten hit**Visible speed
limit signs/other slow down signs. Speed bumps (people often come through at 40- 50+ mph)
As a mother I’m just not willing to sit back and let this keep going on. Terramar is a beautiful, sacred
community (not to mention extremely expensive to live in.) Surely, we can provide the necessary safety
precautions to protect the residents. These videos were taken a couple of months ago. Now it’s summer
and we are at even more peak times. You get the idea how what it’s like though.
3. Carol Scurlock - The intersection of Cerezo and Los Robles, in the Terramar neighborhood, has a
large percentage of cars going east making u turns to go back to Carlsbad Blvd for parking. Cars travel
quickly because they want to catch the green lite at the Blvd to turn South. Cerezo is an extremely
dangerous street due to parking on North and South sides, surfers with open doors and boards on the
street, families walking in the street to the beach, and on and on. No sidewalks and fast surfer and
tourist traffic make for fatalities waiting to happen. I walk every day on that street and know full well
the dangers. This afternoon was so close I truly thought they collided, and I had just been right there
walking our dog. I talk with lots of surfers and beach goers and everyone, without exception, believes
the area needs a four way stop. Someone in the City responded that traffic would back up to the
Blvd. That could happen if a signal were put in, but not with stop signs, it' s just stop and go. Traffic
would flow easily and safely. Please oh please, listen to reasoning and help get this done.
4. Linda Daniels - As a resident of Carlsbad and an owner of a mountain bike and a street bike, I
was also considering an electric bike to cut down on carbon emissions in Carlsbad, However, I do not
feel safe as the bike lanes are not as well marked as they are in Encinitas! Their green charros and bright
green paint make it much safer! Promoting the use of all types of bikes could have a dramatic effect on
the Carlsbad residents - exercise is healthy! No gym membership required! And GHG emissions would be
reduced for easier breathing! I am suggesting that all bike lanes be painted bright green with an image
of a bicycle at intervals in the lane. Signage is needed for the motorists which will alert drivers to the
presence of the bike lanes and the need to keep 3 feet of clearance to bikers. As I live in Old Carlsbad,
going downtown would be easy and require no need for a parking space! (allowing our tourists easier
parking) I think that if we gave the Carlsbad residents the ability to ride safely on the entire Coast
Highway in Carlsbad, we would see more cyclists, have a healthier community and we would contribute
less GCHG emissions! I am a member of the Sierra Club MyGen branch in Carlsbad and understand we
have challenged your department to re-paint the existing bike lanes and add the charros and
signage. Please act on this! Our city needs visible, safe bike lanes. Thank you for your attention.
5. Brenda and Paul Washicko - We are residents in the Terramar neighborhood in Carlsbad. We
are writing to express our concerns about pedestrian safety on Cerezo Drive between Carlsbad Blvd and
Los Robles Drive. Our neighborhood is adjacent to a popular beach destination and we receive a
Exhibit 4
significant amount of beach traffic and parking year-round. We also experience cut through traffic when
Carlsbad Blvd gets backed up. The main beach access is via the crosswalk at Cerezo Drive and Carlsbad
Blvd. Unfortunately, there is no sidewalk on Cerezo Drive. Additionally, there is street parking on both
sides of the street. This creates a very dangerous situation. This forces pedestrians to have to walk in the
middle of the street to get to the crosswalk. Vehicles travel very fast turning onto Cerezo Drive,
sometimes just to cut through the neighborhood. On a daily basis, there is a close call to pedestrians
walking in the middle of the street on Cerezo Drive. We are requesting that action is taken to make this
corner safe for pedestrians before someone is seriously hurt or killed. A very simple remedy would be to
make “no parking” available on the south side of Cerezo between Carlsbad Blvd and Los Robles Drive.
This will eliminate 2-3 parking spots.
6. Brad Smith - We have been residents on Los Robles Drive for ten years. We are adjacent to
Cerezo Drive. Much has changed over the last few years with beach parking, people sleeping in their
vehicles and speeding through the neighborhood. The stretch of Cerezo Drive from Carlsbad Blvd to Los
Robles is a very dangerous situation. Beachgoers who live or park in the neighborhood are
literally risking their lives to make it to the crosswalk. There are no sidewalks and when cars are parked
on Cerezo (constantly) the only access for pedestrians is in the middle of the street. This issue is
magnified by the north bound vehicular traffic that cut through the neighborhood to avoid traffic on
Carlsbad Blvd. Vehicles consistently turn quickly onto Cerezo Drive from Carlsbad Blvd then left on Los
Robles at high rates of speed or they use the intersection of Cerezo Drive and Los Robles as a
roundabout. People continue to flock to the neighborhood to sleep in their cars and vans. The issue has
grown considerably in the last few years and there has been no enforcement to discourage this
situation. The byproduct of this situation is a constant source of trash, human waste and
general disrespect for the neighborhood. There is also an uneasy feeling for folks in the neighborhood
that are concerned about the safety of their children. Beachgoers park in the neighborhood to access
the beach. Unfortunately, there is very little street parking for the residents, guests, delivery trucks,
construction and home maintenance services. The beach parking starts at first light and can go well into
the night. Beachgoers park in front of mailboxes, leave trash behind, BBQ on the streets, gather to hang
out, play loud music, utilize front yards for beach preparation, etc. I know there are many variables to
these situations and government agency frameworks. Yet, we as a neighborhood are highly frustrated
and need to make headway on some solutions. I recognize there will be many experienced people
discussing these situations, but I would like to make a couple of suggestions as one of the people that
deal with this every single day.
1. Paint the curbs red on Cerezo Drive from Carlsbad Blvd. to Los Robles Drive or install a sidewalk.
2. Create a parking permit for the residents. This is done in several beach communities in Southern
California that have beach access points within residential neighborhoods.
We appreciate the City of Carlsbad taking time to review the situation. We are ready to work on
solutions; these issues have been mounting for some time now and getting worse.
7. Diane Barry – I am a concerned resident who lives in Terramar on Los Robles Drive and a
neighbor of Robyn Achey. I definitely support enforcing stricter rules for driving and parking in our
neighborhood. Below are items of concern and a few suggestions. Thank you so much for
getting involved. We appreciate all that you can do for us. I'm sure if you were experiencing this in your
neighborhood you would want something to be done. Please include my concerns in the TMC Meeting
Record.
Overnight/Day Use Parking Concerns:
• People sleeping/living out of their cars use the bamboo as a bathroom on Cerezo
• Leave Trash, excrement, condoms, cigarette butts, vaping cartridges.
Exhibit 4
• Beach Goers
• Using Residents front yard' for picnics/BBQs
• Blocking driveways - Elderly resident was bullied while trying to pull into his driveway. He
inched closer to his blocked driveway. The men started to threaten him.
• Parking in front of homes for the whole day
• Changing out of wetsuits in yards - leaving trash, damaging landscaping & irrigation.
Recommendation: 1-2-hour limit on parking. Terramar Resident permit parking. No parking between
9:00PM - 5:00AM. Car needs a Terramar permit. See San Clemente’s Parking Permit instructions. This
deters non-resident overnight parking.
https://www.san-clemente.org/i-am-a-/resident/parking-permits
Pedestrian/Resident Safety – Concerns:
• U TURNS @ Cerezo/Los Robles/El Arbol - Drivers do this quickly without looking.
• AM Commuters trying to bypass Cannon light & PM Commuters/anytime the Blvd. is backed up
• Racing down Los Robles/El Arbol – 35+MPHs
• Tense/Threatening confrontations - Flagging drivers to slow down. Speeders will flip a finger
and yell. Verbal confrontation in front of our house.
• Cars at Manzano Dead End during sunset - Drinking, smoking, loud music and trash are a
concern. NO PARKING signs, but no one there to enforce.
• Cars parked on Cerezo block pedestrians. Cars don't see us when they are turning into our
neighborhood. This is dangerous for ALL pedestrians.
Recommendations:
• No Left Turn-from Cannon - Los Robles/El Arbol between 6:00AM - 9:00AM - Monday - Friday
• No Right Turn onto Cerezo between 3:30PM - 7:00PM - Monday - Friday
• Carlsbad Police Sit in neighborhood during times above.
• Speed bumps/humps – They were installed on Donna Drive.
• Lower Speed Limit - Spray Speed Limit on road. Radar sign showing speed.
• No U Turn signs @ Cerezo/Los Robles /El Arbol
8. Former Vice-Chair Jonnie Johnson of the Traffic & Mobility Commission and a 40-year resident
of Terramar, I am requesting the following changes be made to the City’s Residential Traffic
Management Program.
1. Include beach proximity to the program scoring criteria. The current Residential Traffic Calming
Program factors addresses parks and school proximity, but not address beaches (a very large
park). While parks and schools are important, they do not have 7-day-a week traffic. The
program also cites monitoring traffic weekdays only. Please note last week, the City erected
traffic monitoring equipment with cameras at 2 intersections in our neighborhood. The
equipment appeared before 7 am on Tuesday and was removed before 7 am on Wednesday.
When asked what the purpose of the equipment was, I was told to determine if a need for a 4-
way stop sign was warranted. Which I find ironic, because it’s been an unwritten rule that stop
signs are ineffective method to calm traffic. Please note the stop sign at El Arbol and Cerezo was
removed years ago and replaced with a yield sign. When asked why, the traffic engineer stated
stop signs don’t guarantee stops.
Exhibit 4
2. Expand monitoring to include weekends. Carlsbad has a seven-mile coastline. Everyone knows
the beach brings traffic, especially on the weekend. To ignore this factor does not present a
true/complete picture. Keep in mind, incomplete surveys are presented to management, traffic
commissions to base their decisions. For many years, Terramar has reported problems with
speeding, U-turns, overnight parking, etc. to no avail. Primarily, because the monitoring was
performed weekdays. I urge you to start incorporating and adding these factors/procedures.
The plan is 10 years old and desperately needs these additions.
CONSENT CALENDAR: This item was pulled for discussion by Commissioner Linke
1. 2021 SLURRY SEAL AND FOG SEAL, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 6001-21SS -
Support staff’s recommendation to implement the 2021 Slurry Seal and Fog Seal, Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 6001-21SS - (Staff Contact: Jonathan Schauble and Hossein
Ajideh, Public Works)
DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Linke mentioned that two drawings associated with the slurry seal project are not the latest
version of the lane configuration.
Traffic Engineer Kim agreed about both points and said that they will make those corrections to the 2021
Slurry Seal and Fog Seal Project No. 6001-21SS.
Vice-Chair Perez inquired about the timing of the slurry seal and the road improvements on Canon Road
and College Boulevard and El Camino Real CIP projects 6042 and 6071.
Engineering Manager Ajideh said that the construction will come first, then the slurry.
ACTION:
Motion by commissioner Linke, seconded by Commissioner Hunter to approve staff’s recommendation
to implement the 2021 Slurry Seal and Fog Seal, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 6001-
21SS
Motion carried: 5/0/2 (Absent: Gocan and Wanamaker)
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
2. POLICE MONTHLY REPORT – (Staff Contact: Sgt. Scott Meritt, Police Department)
Sergeant Meritt presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office
of the City Clerk).
DISCUSSION:
Sergeant Meritt stated that in the month of May they continued their e-bike enforcement and education
which includes a video through their School Resource Officer Program. The Motor Officers have been
asked to include extra patrols in the school zones in the morning hours.
Near Sage Creek high school, a student riding his e-bike ran into the rear of the vehicle, fell off the bike
and sustained a leg injury and road rash. The cyclist was determined to be most at fault traveling at an
unsafe speed for the conditions.
Exhibit 4
Commissioner Penseyres asked if there were noise enforcements on Carlsbad Boulevard in the north,
near the roundabout. In that location, there is noise from the motorcycles as well as the illegal driving
by them moving into the bike lane, sometimes cars do that.
Sergeant Meritt stated that the noise enforcements are ongoing. As for the north end of the city where
the merging of the lanes occurs, he will bring that concern to the Traffic Division Officers to monitor.
Hopefully their presence and some enforcement will calm the problems.
Commissioner Penseyres wanted to clarify that the illegal passing is from the north to south, they cross
the bridge then move over to the right creating another lane in the bike lane.
Commissioner Fowler is interested in learning the type and number of e-bike citation or friendly warning
that people are getting.
Sergeant Meritt said that the enforcement and education is focused on our younger school age
population. The majority of the citations and warnings have been for helmet violations for people under
18 years old. As for adult e-bike riders most of the time it is a verbal warning to ensure that they follow
the laws. Over the summer they will be looking at speed enforcement. In addition to the Traffic Division,
they are working with other divisions, as a team to address these challenges.
Commissioner Penseyres mentioned that he has provided Lieutenant Calderwood with about 700 bike
class education cards.
Sergeant Meritt said that they value opportunities to promote educational options to improve safety
and will inquire about passing these cards out to the bike riders via the Police Department.
Vice-Chair Perez wanted to thank Officer Sakamoto for taking the time to talk to him at school about
what is going on during drop off and pick up times. He would like to know what information is collected
from the crossing guards about what is going on based on what they are seeing. A crossing guard
mentioned to Officer Sakamoto that when he raised the stop sign for cars, the e-bikes keep going and do
not stop. Is that a moving violation?
Sergeant Meritt answered that if a person runs the stop sign on an e-bike, yes, it is a violation of the
California vehicle code and is a sizable violation. Bicycles are considered vehicles and are subject to the
same laws.
Sergeant Meritt said that they do work closely with our crossing guard program, which is a city
sponsored program. They get input from them several times a week based on what they observed so
that they can respond appropriately. Just last Thursday they had an issue at Valley Street and Tamarack
Street where a crossing guard informed our team that people were speeding and not coming to a
complete stop when they held up their stop sign. In response to the comment they send some of the
Motors team to issue citations and observed exactly what was reported by the crossing guards. The
crossing guards are the Motor Cops eyes and ears out there.
Vice-chair Perez inquired if bike safety is within the T&MC purview.
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt answered yes, and staff will work with the
schools to gather that information for the commission.
Vice-chair Perez asked if the officers are on e-bikes.
Sergeant Meritt replied that they just purchased 6 e-bikes and you will start to see them in the
downtown district. They just completed a training on the e-bikes.
3. AGE-FRIENDLY CARLSBAD INITIATIVE OVERVIEW– (Staff Contact: David Graham, Chief Innovation
Officer, Policy and Leadership, City Manager)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation and provide input
Chief Innovation Officer Graham presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on
file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Exhibit 4
DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Linke summarized his suggestions:
1) Include specific action items that would ensure that new developments pay their fair share towards
mobility improvements for seniors and all ages.
2) Pare down the extensive list of 29 actions with an emphasis on new actions that will directly approve
facilities and services or will accelerate the pace of completing projects on our list.
3) Include more details on how the actions will be implemented with the timeframe listed so that we
can effectively monitor progress. If no details or timing commitment can be provided, consider dropping
that action and focus on a smaller number.
Chief Innovation Officer Graham appreciated the suggestions and explained that the plan is intentionally
referential to a series of other documents the city has in place. What this report is trying to do is bring
together the actions the city is already doing or prospective actions, the city could do to support Age-
Friendly initiatives.
Chief Innovation Officer Graham will drill down even further into what elements are specific to Age
Friendliness, that we need to ensure are included. They will add to the plan level of specificity of the
elements that must be included as we are implementing the action plan. The feedback is very valuable
and expected at this stage. Staff also values the implementation of plans and not just letting them sit on
a shelf. Thank you for your comments, we will incorporate them.
Commissioner Penseyres inquired about the survey sample size, reaching out to mostly tech savvy
citizens (based on the survey results), and the focus on the 98% that drive their car when other groups
are finding other ways of getting around town.
Chief Innovation Officer Graham said that the 630-survey sample included both digital and traditional
outreach methods. Traditional outreach was conducted through the senior meals program participants.
They also found that if driving is no longer an option for them, they want additional options for getting
around. Older adults want convenient options, they need multiple different ways of getting around as
they age and want to stay in Carlsbad. As for the target age group, your age no longer defines you, it is
your activity level.
Commissioner Fowler is very active in the senior community and he said, if you don’t have access to
public transportation or internet access, that needs to be recognized as one of their concerns. We need
better transportation to get seniors that do not have a car to get to their appointments. One of the
things that the Senior Community is going to do is lobby the City Council to be more responsive to
SANDAG initiatives regarding moving towards public transportation; making sidewalks available, access
to those with disabilities, and holding the developers accountable.
Chief Innovation Officer Graham said as an action item, they will consider additional data collection
around transportation preferences of our older adults and how that ties into our transportation network
and planning.
Vice-chair Perez would like to find a way to survey a more diverse demographic.
Chief Innovation Officer Graham said that staff had the same concern and they believe that there is
further research that needs to be done.
Vice-chair Perez mentioned the importance of having senior living and assisted living facilities near
transportation options that are safe and convenient. He emphasized the importance of working on
these action items now.
4. FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION WORK PLAN – FINAL DRAFT - (Staff
Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public Works)
Exhibit 4
Staff’s Recommendation: Approve the final draft and appoint a commissioner to represent the
Traffic and Mobility Commission at City council
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 submitted and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City
Clerk).
Commissioner Linke reviewed the Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 18 Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) and
recommended additional wording:
“The city council may modify the designation by amendment to the resolution at any time. It is the city
council’s intention to review the designation of circulation improvements and the amount of the fee on
an annual basis.”
Commissioner Linke expressed concerns over the continued delay in updating the TIF and the potential
impact on funding of future transportation infrastructure in Carlsbad by development projects. The
update of the Municipal Code was not the subject of the staff presentation which was about the
commission’s work plan but Commissioner Linke wanted the commission to understand the wording in
the Municipal Code about the Traffic Impact Fee. The City Council discussed the Traffic Impact Fee on
Capital Improvement Project list in 2008 on a program that was originally done in 1995. In August of
2020, the City Council unanimously passed a minute motion to expedite the update of the TIF program.
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt said that staff understands the importance of
the timeline. Staff will hire a consultant at the end of 2021, and it will take two years to complete, due
to the complexity of the new fee program.
Commissioner Linke proposed an interim solution to consider incremental updates while the formal
update was administered.
The Traffic and Mobility Commission Work Plan will go to the City Council on July 27, 2021.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Linke to support staff’s recommendations, with the exception of
recommending to the City Council an incremental update to the TIF program on the projects that are
already on the CIP project list to be included in the Work Plan.
Motion did not carry.
Motion by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hunter to support staff’s
recommendations for Fiscal Year 2021-22 Traffic and Mobility Commission Work Plan and to appoint a
commissioner to represent the T&MC at the City Council meeting.
Motion carried: 4/1/2 (No: Linke; Absent: Gocan and Wanamaker)
Motion by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hunter to nominate Vice-Chair Perez to
represent the Traffic and Mobility Commission on July 27, 2021 City Council meeting.
Motion carried: 5/0/2 (Absent: Gocan and Wanamaker)
5. AVENIDA ENCINAS COASTAL RAIL TRAIL REVISION – (Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation and provide input
Exhibit 4
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 Hunter inquired about the decision to locate the Coastal Rail Trail on Avenida Encinas.
Traffic and Mobility Manager Schmidt mentioned that there are still environmental constraints near the
railroad lines because it is a biologically sensitive habitat. After speaking with SANDAG about the overall
Coastal Rail Trail route, they are estimating that it would cost roughly nine to ten million dollar a mile to
position the trail along the railroad near Ponto. The benefit of selecting Avenida Encinas, is that it
provides additional access to the community and transit station, has grant funding, and would provide
less expensive option for near term implementation. In the future, when improvements are
implemented on Carlsbad Boulevard, they will have the option to continue along Carlsbad Boulevard.
Commissioner Penseyres has concern about calling this the Coastal Rail Trail. If in the future we can
continue the trail on Carlsbad Boulevard then they will have an incredible amount of right away, center
divides, and the benefit of the ocean views.
Commissioner Linke agreed that this proposal is okay but not an ideal solution.
Transportation Director Frank said that at other areas on the Coast Rail Trail where they cross the
lagoons, you see a similar situation.
6. SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT – (Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive report
Transportation Director Frank presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file
in the Office of the City Clerk).
DISCUSSION:
The commissioners enjoyed seeing what we accomplished over the last 6 months. They also appreciate
and welcome the residents to continue to be our eyes and ears for what can be improved in the City of
Carlsbad transportation network, including graffiti issues. When talking about specific roadways listed on
the presentation, staff is looking for the most cost-effective complete streets fix for the roadway
segments.
CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER REPORT:
City Traffic Engineer Comments: Attachment A
TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Traffic Engineer Kim highlighted that the traffic calming projects listed in the report are implemented in
large part due to the assistance of the commission. Staff is very appreciative that traffic calming is brought
forward to the community through the Traffic and Mobility Commission suggestions, recommendations,
and public comments.
Commissioner Penseyres was curious if we have a backlog on project review since the pandemic.
Traffic Engineer Kim said that we do have a backlog of phase two measures that require public meetings
which they will start holding. Staff has been very active with phase one measures that includes minor
signing and striping, installing 25 mile per hour speed limit signs, and pavement legends.
Exhibit 4
Commissioner Linke inquired into the five big moves SANDAG plan.
Transportation Director Frank said that staff is going to dive into the details and provide comments to
SANDAG.
Commissioner Penseyres asked about the commission’s involvement in the Grand Avenue Promenade.
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt said when there are more specific details, it will
be coming before the commission to review. City council is scheduled to review the project priorities,
which includes the Grand Avenue Promenade, from the Village and Barrio Master Plan at their meeting
on July 27, 2021.
Commissioner Linke addressed the public comment on the Terramar project and asked if the neighbor’s
concerns could be added to the Traffic Engineering report.
Traffic Engineer Kim said that they have been addressing their issues, gathering data, and will bring it to
the commission for their review.
The commissioners appreciate the chance to elevate the community’s concerns.
Vice-Chair Perez mentioned about the change in school drop off since the pandemic has been lifted. They
noticed the traffic has been reduced based on the staggered schedule and would like to talk to the schools
about permanently using the staggered drop off to reduce congestion around schools. He also inquired
about the new roadway extension and roadway improvements, are we monitoring traffic levels since
COVID restrictions have eased?
Transportation Director Frank said that we are not monitoring traffic, yet CALTRANS said that traffic is
back 95% of pre-COVID levels.
Vice-Chair Perez would like to learn about the city ordinances related to parking rules, specifically
oversized parking and no parking zones.
City Traffic Engineer Kim said that he would be glad to talk to Vice-Chair Perez offline and explain how the
city ordinances were formed.
Vice-Chair Perez agreed and inquired about the concerns that residents are expressing with roadway
pavement damage/bumps in the bike lanes on Tamarack Avenue westbound between El Camino Real and
Carlsbad Village Drive.
City Traffic Engineer Kim said that staff will look into this concern.
Commissioner Penseyres agreed with Vic-Chair Perez’s concerns based on the downhill slope and speed
that cyclists can travel on this section of Tamarack Avenue.
Transportation Director Frank said that staff will be looking into this concern as a part of the Sustainable
Mobility Plan CIP improvement project for this section of Tamarack Avenue.
ADJOURNMENT:
Acting Chair Perez adjourned the Traffic and Mobility Commission Meeting on June 7, 2021 at 6:59 p.m.
___________________________ Eliane Paiva, Minutes Clerk
Exhibit 4