HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-03; Traffic and Mobility Commission; ; El Camino Real Roadway Improvements from Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Drive, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6094Meeting Date: Oct. 3, 2022
To: Traffic and Mobility Commission
Staff Contact: Brandon Miles, Associate Engineer
brandon.miles@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2745
Subject: El Camino Real Roadway Improvements from Sunny Creek Road to
Jackspar Drive, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6094
Recommended Action
Support staff’s recommendation to approve the plans and specifications including the
exceptions noted below of the El Camino Real Roadway Improvements from Sunny Creek Road
to Jackspar Drive, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 6094.
Background
El Camino Real is an arterial street that functions as a primary north-south connection
throughout the city. The posted speed limit is 55 miles per hour and bike lanes are provided in
both directions. Sidewalks are currently provided on the west side of the roadway; however, no
sidewalk is present on the east side of the roadway between Jackspar Drive to approximately
150 feet south of Sunny Creek Road. The subject portion of El Camino Real between Sunny
Creek Road and Jackspar Drive is a five-lane roadway consisting of three travel lanes in the
southbound direction and two travel lanes in the northbound direction. The adjoining segments
of El Camino Real to the north and south of the project area are built out to the ultimate six
lane arterial street standard.
The project will widen the northbound segment of El Camino Real for approximately 1,600 feet
from Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Drive consistent with the Mobility Element of the city’s
General Plan. The improvements will result in a total of three 11-foot-wide vehicle lanes, an 8-
foot bike lane, a 3-foot buffer and a new noncontiguous sidewalk varying from 5 to 6 feet wide
to accommodate a biofiltration system for stormwater treatment along the northbound side of
the roadway. Currently, the sidewalk terminates in the northbound direction just south of
Sunny Creek Road. The buffered bike lanes will include green dashed paint in the bicycle-vehicle
conflict zone, and not as shown in exhibit 2. A total of three new streetlights will be added for
safety on the east side of El Camino Real withing the project area. In addition, the intersection
at Jackspar Drive will include continental style crosswalks with upgraded pedestrian ramps
meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, requirements.
On Sept. 7, 2021, the Traffic and Mobility Commission unanimously supported staff’s
recommendation to implement the project as it provided operational improvements consistent
with the city’s General Plan Mobility Element. Staff did not receive comments from the
Oct. 3, 2022 Item #1 1
Commission on the improvement plans. The approved minutes of this meeting are attached as
Exhibit 3.
Next Steps
Following the Traffic and Mobility Commission’s review, staff will finalize the project plans and
will bring a staff report to the City Council in early 2023 with a recommendation to approve the
plans, specifications and contract documents, and authorize the City Clerk to advertise for
construction bids for the project.
After the bidding process is complete, staff will return to the City Council with a request to
award a construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The
construction is targeted to start in mid-2023, with completion expected in mid-2024.
Exhibits
1. Location map
2. Improvement Plans
3. Approved Meeting Minutes of the Traffic & Mobility Commission on Sept. 7, 2021
Oct. 3, 2022 Item #1 2
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PLOT DATE: 6/16/2021 PATH: S:\EngGIS\Madison_Power\Location maps\El Camino Real Widening- Sunny Creek road to Jackspar.mxd
PROJECT NAME EXHIBITPROJECTNUMBER60941EL CAMINO REAL WIDENING FROM SUNNY CREEK ROAD TO JACKSPAR DRIVE
LOCATION MAP
CARLSBAD
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Vicinity Map ³
PLOTTED BY: MPower
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Exhibit 1
Oct. 3, 2022 Item #1 3
PROJECTLOCATIONEL CAMINO REALROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANSFROM SUNNY CREEK ROAD TO JACKSPAR DRIVEPROJECT NO. 6094CITY OF CARLSBADCARLSBAD, CALIFORNIACITY COUNCILMATT HALL - MAYORKEITH BLACKBURN - MAYOR PRO TEMPRIYA BHAT-PATEL - COUNCIL MEMBERTERESA ACOSTA - COUNCIL MEMBERPEDER NORBY - COUNCIL MEMBERSCOTT CHADWICK - CITY MANAGEREL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Exhibit 2 Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 4
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 5
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 6
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811APN 209-060-58-00APN 209-060-53-00APN 212-160-31-00APN 209-090-11-00APN 209-060-48-00Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 7
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811APN 209-060-58-00APN 209-060-53-00APN 212-160-31-00Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 8
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811APN 209-090-11-00APN 209-060-48-00APN 212-160-31-00APN 212-102-75-00Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 9
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 10
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 11
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 12
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 13
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 14
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 15
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 16
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811APN 209-060-58-00APN 209-060-53-00APN 212-160-31-00Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 17
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811APN 209-090-11-00APN 209-060-48-00APN 212-160-31-00APN 212-102-75-00Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 18
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 19
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 20
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 21
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 22
AHEAD AHEAD
SIGNALSIGNAL
AHEAD
SIGNAL
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Sunny CreekSPEEDLIMIT55Rd 2800OPEN TOTHE PUBLICOct. 3, 2022Item #1 23
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 24
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811ROAD WORKENDWORKAHEADROADSIDEWALK CLOSEDCROSS HERELANECLOSEDCLOSEDBIKE LANEMAY USEFULL LANEBIKEAHEADOct. 3, 2022Item #1 25
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811WORKCLOSEDCLOSEDCLOSEDSHOULDERM P HSIDEWALK CLOSEDAHEADCROSS HERELANECLOSEDCLOSEDBIKE LANEROADAHEADSHOULDERSHOULDERRIGHTAHEADSIDEWALKNO45BIKEAHEADSIDEWALK CLOSEDCROSS HERESIDEWALK CLOSEDUSE OTHER SIDEMAY USEFULL LANEOct. 3, 2022Item #1 26
AHEAD AHEAD
SIGNALSIGNAL
AHEAD
SIGNAL
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 27
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 28
AHEAD AHEAD
SIGNALSIGNAL
AHEAD
SIGNAL
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811TRAFFIC SIGNAL NOTESCONSTRUCTION NOTESLEFT TURNYIELDON GREENOct. 3, 2022Item #1 29
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 30
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 31
EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PLANS - 100% PS&E SUBMITTAL (09/01/2022)811Oct. 3, 2022Item #1 32
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Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-602-2746 t
Council Chambers
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, 4 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Gocan called the Meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Gocan, Perez, Penseyres, Linke and Coelho
Absent: Fowler
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 Vice-Chair Perez, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to approve the minutes for the Aug.
2, 2021 meeting.
Motion carried: 4/0/1/1 (Abstained: Coelho; Absent: Fowler)
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1.EL CAMINO REAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS FROM SUNNY CREEK ROAD TO JACKSPAR DRIVE,
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 6094 - Support staff’s recommendation to
implement the El Camino Real Roadway Improvements from Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Drive,
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 6094 (Project) providing operational improvements
consistent with the city’s General Plan Mobility Element.
This item was pulled for discussion by Vice-Chair Perez
2.SHARED LANE MARKINGS ON LEVANTE STREET FROM SEGOVIA WAY TO LA COSTA AVENUE- Support
staff’s recommendation to install shared lane markings on Levante Street from Segovia Way to La
Costa Avenue
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 2:
David Levin - Members of the Traffic and Mobility Commission: Having shared lane markings and other
appropriate signage alerting drivers to share the road for the sake of all bicyclists’ safety on Levante
Street will be greatly appreciated by all bicyclists who navigate the narrowness of this street, especially
when parked cars and trucks are present. I am very appreciative that Council Member Teresa Acosta,
City Traffic Engineer John Kim, Associate Engineer Lindy Pham, and everyone on their teams who
conducted the study found that there is indeed a need to improve Levante Street for all bicyclists.
And I’m pleased that the Carlsbad Traffic and Mobility Commission will be hearing the
recommendation. However, I am a bit disappointed that the recommended starting point for the
Exhibit 3
Oct. 3, 2022 Item #1 47
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sharrows and related signage will be only between Segovia Way and La Costa Avenue on Levante
Street. There needs to be more territory covered on Levante Street.
The width from one side of Levante Street to the other side, starting from Escenico Terrace to Segovia
Way appears to be similar to what the engineers are recommending for shared lane markings on
Levante Street from Segovia to La Costa Avenue, especially with parked vehicles.
In other words, the installation of sharrows and other appropriate signage should be expanded on
Levante Street from Escenico Terrace to La Costa Avenue—not just Segovia Way to La Costa
Avenue. That shortcoming would not lend itself to bicycle safety to all the areas needed on Levante
Street.
Without delay to deciding on the engineers’ recommendation, it is my hope that the Traffic and Mobility
Commission will request another look at an extended placement shared lane markings and other
appropriate signage from Escenico Terrace to La Costa.
Thank you very much.
DISCUSSION:
City Traffic Engineer Kim stated that it is not common practice for engineers to consider sharrows on
residential streets that are posted at 25 miles per hour. The speeds are low enough that sharrows are
typically not necessary. However, since a portion of Levante Street is defined as a school street per the
Mobility Element, staff has recommended the installation of sharrows upon the portion of Levante
Street that is defined as a school street. Staff is willing to hear the commission’s recommendation on
expanding the area of sharrow installation per Mr. Levin’s comment.
Commissioner Penseyres asked the distance referenced in the residents’ request.
City Traffic Engineer Kim said it is over 10 intersections and about 5,000 extra feet, and relatively flat.
Commissioner Linke is familiar with the street, acknowledges that this is just not a regular street, but a
thoroughfare, however he supports the staff’s recommendation and can consider other sections in the
future.
Vice-Chair Perez mentioned that the section going west has a bit of a slope and possible blind section,
but is in agreement with staff’s recommendation at this time to try it out.
Chair Gocan and commissioners agreed that the resident has a concern, yet they will try it out and they
will move forward.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Linke, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to approve Consent Calendar
Item 2 - Shared Lane Markings on Levante Street from Segovia Way to La Costa Avenue, as presented.
Motion carried: 5/0/0/1 (Absent: Fowler)
Motion by Commissioner Linke, seconded by Vice-Chair Perez to approve Consent Calendar Item 1- El
Camino Real Roadway Improvements from Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Drive, Capital Improvement
Program Project No. 6094, as presented.
Motion carried: 5/0/0/1 (Absent: Fowler)
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
3. POLICE MONTHLY REPORT – (Staff Contact: Corporal Matt Bowen, Police Department)
Oct. 3, 2022 Item #1 48
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Corporal Bowen presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office
of the City Clerk)
DISCUSSION:
Corporal Bowen pointed out that Carlsbad schools opened up on August 24, and the motors were at the
schools both morning and afternoons to help with any traffic issues and to keep the kids safe, in
addition to the crossing guards.
Corporal Bowen highlighted the purchase of an Electronic Message Board that is displayed on Carlsbad
Boulevard with the following message “Loud Exhaust Enforced Ahead”.
Commissioner Penseyres and Vice-Chair Perez are interested in hearing about the Know Your Limit
program related to driving under the in fluence at the next meeting.
4. ALL-WAY STOP ON CEREZO DRIVE AT LOS ROBLES DRIVE AND EL ARBOL DRIVE – (Staff Contact: Lindy
Pham and John Kim, Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Support staff’s recommendation to install an all-way stop at Cerezo
Drive and Los Robles Drive.
Associate Engineer Pham presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the
Office of the City Clerk).
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 4:
Jonnie Johnson - Thank you for work to resolve traffic problems in Terramar. It is much appreciated.
However, there are two issues that need further attention.
1. The most critical is the lack of red curbs/no parking signs on the western most portion of
Cerezo. The curbs are painted red on the southern side of the street between Carlsbad Blvd and
Los Robles, except for 2-3 parking spaces. The report states Cerezo is 36’ wide. It is, in some
portions. However, the street is tapered hence the western portion is narrower, approximately
33’ wide, leaving 16’ per lane. Per CA DOT, car widths are normally 6-8’ wide making
parking/driving tight. Cerezo is the primary entrance to Terramar. It is also a popular parking
spot for beachgoers. Surfers bring surfboards. adding another factor (one that is not addressed
in the current Residential Traffic Calming Program) to the traffic problem. They lay their boards
in the street reducing the passage even more. In addition, the owner of the house located on
southwest corner Cerezo/Carlsbad Blvd. has laid several large boulders on the easement,
causing pedestrians to walk in the street. (see attached photos.) This situation presents a
potential liability problem for the City if a pedestrian is hit, because of the boulders. The
intersection at Carlsbad Blvd/Cerezo has one pedestrian crosswalk located at the south side, so
it makes sense that westbound pedestrians on Cerezo be directed to the southern crosswalk on
the Blvd. Highly recommend the south side of the street between Carlsbad Blvd/Los Robles be
painted red.
2. Page 2, 2nd para. “Removal of on-street parking MAY not be supported by the Coastal
Commission…” This is ironic, since the next street over, Manzano, has NO parking on either side
and it is a blocked off from Carlsbad Blvd traffic.
DISCUSSION:
City Traffic Engineer Kim commented on the pedestrian concerns brought up by Ms. Johnson and
offered that a new sidewalk, which will be analyzed by the Transportation Department. The removal of
Oct. 3, 2022 Item #1 49
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parking would create more space, but it may also lead to other concerns as people would simply park
further into the neighborhood. The removal of the parking spaces would create a wider street, which
may also increase vehicle speeds. Based on these considerations, the appropriate recommendation is to
install the all-way stop at Cerezo Drive and Las Robles Drive.
Chair Gocan asked and it was confirmed that staff will analyze the feasibility of a sidewalk in the future.
Commissioner Penseyres inquired about the location of the boulders in relation to the right of away.
City Traffic Engineer Kim said that they will look into it since they just received this comment over the
weekend.
Transportation Director Frank mentioned that similar to other streets, there are private encroachments
with landscaping, rocks, and boulders in the right of way. Staff has looked into this but have not reached
out to the involved property owners to discuss options.
Commissioner Penseyres asked about the speed survey, have we considered putting out rubber tubes to
catch the speeders when no one is there watching them. The concern is the maximum speed not the
critical speed.
City Traffic Engineer Kim replied that there is no accepted standard or practice that considers maximum
speed as a design factor and that critical speed is the appropriate measure. Maximum speeds are
captured since the speed measurement device records on a 24-hour per day basis.
Commissioner Linke asked about the no parking signs and the barricade on Manzano Drive.
City Traffic Engineer Kim will research the installation date as well as the justification for designating a
no parking zone.
Transportation Director Frank said that if staff decided to consider a sidewalk as a part of the sidewalk
improvement program, staff would hold workshops with the neighbors to explore different
opportunities.
Vice-Chair Perez inquired about the timing of the speed feedback sign deployment and a work-from-
home philosophy.
Associate Engineer Pham said that they did consider the lower volume of traffic during a pandemic. The
volume of the traffic was 118 and the minimum to qualify for consideration is 300 vehicles per hour per
the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Staff was confident that “normal” traffic levels would
not reach the minimum levels
City Traffic Engineer Kim mentioned that volume of traffic around the beaches has been fairly high
during the pandemic. Staff looked at the eight specific recommendations or guidance factors. The
location did not meet the criteria for vehicle volume, but it did meet the criteria for the
vehicle/pedestrian conflicts, which is why they are recommending the stop sign at that intersection.
Commissioner Penseyres inquired if there are any future projects that will be adding parking?
Transportation Engineering Manager Ajideh said that the Terramar project will improve Carlsbad
Boulevard including some parking improvements. The Terramar project is still in the environmental
review process and staff will bring it to the commission when it is appropriate.
Commissioner Linke likes the suggestion of looking at sidewalks and would appreciate a more global
picture of all the parking and safety issues. Motion by Commissioner Linke, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to support staff’s recommendations to install All-Way STOP control on Cerezo Drive at Los Robles Drive and El Arbol Drive.
Motion carried: 5/0/0/1 (Absent: Fowler)
5. VILLAGE AND BARRIO INTERSECTION CONTROL AT OAK AVENUE AND ROOSEVELT STREET- (Staff
Contact: Hossein Ajideh, Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Support staff’s recommendation
Oct. 3, 2022 Item #1 50
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Transportation Engineering Manager Ajideh presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint
presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 5:
Xylina Lim - Buddha Teas has operated out of our current facilities on Tyler Street for close to ten years.
As a tea company, we receive large shipments of herbs and dried goods. While we encourage the efforts
of creating a safer area by controlling the flow of traffic, the proposed traffic circles inhibit larger
vehicles to enter our facilities. We will be one of many local businesses impacted by this change as we
have personally witnessed larger truck deliveries in the area that squeeze into smaller spaces than ours.
This feat alone takes a very skilled driver; the introduction of roundabouts will prevent trucks to have
any access to our facilities in the current proposed locations. As safety is at the forefront of our worries,
Buddha Teas would like to offer an alternative solution -- stop signs or speed bumps. We agree that the
driving speed observed is sometimes far beyond the speed limits. Stop signs will allow drivers to fully
stop and take in their surroundings for pedestrians and small creatures. In addition, speed bumps still
allow traffic movement, just at a more reasonable speed. In conclusion, the traffic circles would result in
a very detrimental loss for local businesses like ours. It is imperative for local businesses to receive
shipments at all, no matter the size.
DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Linke asked if corner bulb outs are an option for this location.
Transportation Engineering Manager Ajideh said that they did not introduce the bulb outs because they
heard the Boys and Girls Club concerns and they were trying to gain a few parking spaces. The four-way
stop is the safest condition for pedestrians.
Commissioner Penseyres asked if a scramble type crosswalk is possible?
Consultant Capuzzi said that he has not seen scrambles at all-way stops. They are typically used at traffic
signals.
Transportation Director Frank agreed that he has not seen a scramble at an all-way stop, it is probably
not a viable option.
Commissioner Coelho asked why we originally looked at a traffic circle at this location.
Transportation Engineering Manager Ajideh said that during the design stage, they noticed that there
were concerns for this specific intersection.
Deputy City Manager Gomez mentioned that during the Village and Barrio Master Plan development
there was a lot of public outreach. As the ideas came forward, they were presented and vetted. They
took the information included in the Village and Barrio Master Plan as a starting point and had the
consultants help them develop the plans and specifications. After speaking with the local businesses,
and particularly the Boys and Girls Club, there were some concerns and changes from what was
previously approved by City Council and had been presented to the Traffic and Mobility Commission.
Motion by Commissioner Coelho, seconded by Commissioner Linke to support staff’s recommendation
for alternative intersection control feature (no-project alternative with adding continental crosswalks) at
Oak Avenue and Roosevelt Street, which is part of the Village and Barrio Traffic Circles, Capital
Improvement Program Project, or CIP, No. 4015.
Motion carried: 5/0/0/1 (Absent: Fowler)
6. TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM) PROGRAM AND TDM HANDBOOK – (Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Public Works) Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation and provide input
Oct. 3, 2022 Item #1 51
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Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint
presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 6:
1. Diane Nygaard - Honorable Chair and Commissioners: We were very disappointed after reading the
staff report for this agenda item. Our expectation was that a status report would actually report on
results. Understanding results is critical to determining what changes are needed in the program.
This report unfortunately does not discuss that.
What, if any, impact has this program had on increasing the mode share for alternative
transportation? How many businesses are participating? Have they completed baseline
surveys? How many have completed follow up surveys- and do they show any increase in mode
share for alternative transportation? What has been their experience with use of the actions from
the checklist and how does that inform decisions about modifying the TDM Ordinance/Handbook
for the next update?
We will separately forward to you and staff a discussion prepared by our attorney on the
inadequacies of the existing TDM program. We recognize the city's position is that they are in
compliance with the conditions of our settlement agreement related to the TDM program. But the
concerns raised in that letter are all relevant for your consideration of what needs to be improved if
this program is to achieve a meaningful reduction in GHG.
Today as we see the devastating impacts of climate change around our country and the world,
taking this issue seriously is imperative.
Thank you for providing important oversight and direction to staff.
2. Mike Bullock- We should all be serious about TDM, for 5 reasons:
1.) Cars are by far the category of GHG emission that emits the most GHG (CO2)
2.) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently reported that humanity has a
“Code Red” climate emergency
3.) The IPCC says this because humanity is on a path to result in climate destabilization, which is
likely to end most life forms on Earth, including our own species
4.) There are two climate “targets”, or requirements, that must be achieved, to avoid climate
destabilization or, put another way, must be achieved to stabilize the earth’s climate at a livable
level
a. The 2nd requirement is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 or, if we are lucky, we
might be able to slip that out to 2050
b. The first requirement (which is the most important one, because if we fail to achieve the
first requirement, achieving the later requirement won’t save us) is to emit at a level
that is no more than 80% below what we emitted in 1990, by 2030, as part of an overall
world-wide plan to get our earth’s atmospheric CO2 to stop going up. (Note that
atmospheric CO2 is now around 420 PPM, but it should be around 280 PPM. 350 PPM
was deemed to be “dangerous” over 10 years ago.)
5.) The 2030 requirement can’t be achieved by only electrifying our fleet; we must reduce
driving. (I have done the math and verified this to be true.)
It seems to me that if Carlsbad were serious about TDM, then it would develop and implement a good
TDM program for their own employees, to show the employers in Carlsbad how it is done. Once the
Carlsbad TDM is “successful”, meaning that it is favored by most Carlsbad employees and it reduces
driving as predicted, other companies in Carlsbad could be required to adopt the same TDM.
Oct. 3, 2022 Item #1 52
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Since we need big reductions by 2030, we must rely on pricing. Complete streets, better transit, and
better zoning need to happen ASAP, but their GHG reductions will not happen fast enough or be large
enough, given the 2030 requirement of emitting at no more than 80% below what was emitted in 1990.
We need systems to improve the way drivers pay for the use of roads and transit. The Road Use Charge
(RUC) is a state function. Carlsbad needs to ask California to implement a good RUC system in time to
help achieve the 2030 target. (ASAP!) Parking policy reform is for the municipalities. And Steve, you are
correct. TDM needs to be for all types of development.
I am a retired satellite system engineer. This is a systems-engineering problem. I have worked the
problem of identifying a set of enforceable measures to ensure that cars will achieve the 2030 target. It
has been presented multiple times, at Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA)
conferences. Each time the paper was presented, it was peer reviewed. The 2nd attached file is the
paper; the 3rd file is the power point file I use to present the paper.
DISCUSSION:
Chair Gocan is working with the school district, the city, and hopefully the community to make sure that
bikes have safe access through the intersections. Her personal goal is that 20% to 30% of the students,
especially high school student use walking or biking to go to school and create a safe place for drop off
and pick up of students.
Commissioner Linke would like to highlight four different regulatory pathways. Specifically, Mobility Plan
items 3P-8 to 3P-11. The items are:
1. TDM Ordinance and Handbook focusing on reducing employment related vehicle trips not only on
larger new businesses.
2. Having developers pay their fair share when they are adding traffic to the streets and congestion and
are failing to meet our GMP standard.
3. Our multi-modal level of service point system to achieve the minimum GMP standard to improve
nonvehicle modes of travel which he is on the ad hoc committee, because the standard is way too low.
He wants to include definitions of different TDM approaches to help the point system.
4. A state mandated environmental review of CEQA to reduce vehicle miles traveled. He is
recommending that these four regulatory pathways to be handled in the revision of the TDM Handbook.
Transportation Director Frank appreciates the timely comments and staff will be looking at what steps
are needed to update TDM to best serve our program goals.
Commissioner Linke gave examples and suggestions on how to update the TDM handbook, specifically
section 1.7 to include more than just the employees, to include all patrons of the business. In section 2.2
the thresholds of compliance, needs to address the trips that are added to exempt streets at a higher
standard. In section 2.5 the tier levels themselves and how they are applied from a Tier 1 to a Tier 2 or
Tier 3. The strategy needs to be beefed up to adequately address the trips to the site and determine if
the measures are working. He is suggesting that the survey be done every year for the first few years to
make sure they are properly monitored.
Commissioner Linke suggested that staff confirm that the TDM programs have been implemented and
the actual performance of those programs.
Consultant Hester agreed this is a really good comment and concern. The goal is to find out how many
people are participating in the program on the commercial side.
Transportation Director Frank said that on the residential projects we don’t have the same options or
tools to reinforce them. Staff will look into what options they have for residential projects based on all
the comments they receive. COVID-19 has made it difficult to complete the monitoring of the TDM
program.
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Chair Gocan asked if it is ever going to be possible for the traffic and transportation engineers to review
the TDM applications.
Consultant Hester said that they will be looking at the process along with the content.
Transportation Director Frank said that the Community Development Team uses the handbook as a part
of their review. All of these examples are going to help improve this new TDM program. Commissioner
Linke mentioned that the City, when it updated the General Plan in 2014, discussed TDM.
Commissioner Linke would like staff to review the Innovative Feature category. Also review the
definition of how projects get the number of points they receive in every category.
Commissioner Coelho inquired about who has the lead in approving the TDM plans and the roles of the
different groups that participate in the process.
Deputy City Manager Gomez said that the Traffic and Mobility Commission does not review the TDM
Plans for private development projects. It is in the commission purview to look at and provide input on
how we can improve our processes and things that are related to traffic and mobility.
Transportation Director Frank said that he, as the City Engineer has the authority to make the changes.
Staff likes to work in a transparent manner to bring forward updates and receive suggestions like we are
doing tonight. Staff is currently providing Traffic Impact Analysis reviews for all projects, including
Community Development projects.
Chair Gocan mentioned that transportation options, like e-bikes, have changed a lot over the years. The
city is also seeing more traffic on the roads and the Traffic and Mobility Commission cannot address all
the associated tasks to reduce this traffic.
Transportation Director Frank agreed, and said it is getting more challenging with the state laws coming
out about higher densities. His challenges as the Transportation Director is to inform the policy makers,
the commission, the City Council, and the public of the coming issues and how we are going to address
it. The roads are congested, we cannot eliminate congestion, we can improve the efficiency of the road
network. Staff acknowledge that transportation behavioral changes are difficult because people like to
go from point A to B in a timely and convenient manner.
Commissioner Penseyres recommends that with the TDM program we could use a positive approach like
employers offering an easy access for bicyclist to a private shower with lockers and towel racks. The bike
parking should be close to the showers and lockers. We should be very specific about the amenities that
we provide for cycling to work. There are places in the TDM options that say should, when shall do this
to get the points, is more appropriate. When talking about bike racks it says if practicable then include
on your drawings. If it’s not practicable and they you are not going to do it, we need to make the
wording tougher so that they do it. We need to be a lot more specific on what a good faith effort gets
them before they can collect the points. Everything we do evolves around the automobile, like
rewarding an employee with a car and/or a premium parking spot. We have to do a paradigm shift and
we will need a lot of perks to change behavior. We need to provide very specific things in the TDM
program to encourage people to take another look at what else they can do. Finally, we need to place
more importance on education. For example, e-bike education helps the kids understand the rules of
the road to get to where they need to go, like to the beach with their surf boards, this saves the parents
time and car trips.
Vice-Chair Perez agreed that e-bikes are the new way we are going to be moving into the bicycle
industry, one of our transportation innovations. We should try to be innovative in the city and provide
some kind of charging. The e-bikes are heavy and might not fit in an office. The e-bikes might need a
charge to make the return trip home. Education and safety have to be a really crucial point in the
handbook, items like helmets and the importance of being seen by the cars. In the handbook when it
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lists bike safety incentive the cost is medium, but the effectiveness is low. We need to place more
importance on providing helmet safety and being visible to the cars.
Chair Gocan mentioned the benefit of having e-bike chargers in the village as well as at the schools. To
make the bicycle riders, safe, comfortable, and provide a convenient place to charge.
Staff will consider all the suggestions to make the behavior change more rewarding.
7. ELECT A NEW TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR – (Staff Contact: John Kim, Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Elect a new T&MC Chair and Vice-Chair
Motion by Commissioner Penseyres, seconded by Commissioner Coelho to nominate Commissioner Perez to one-year term as Chair and to nominate Commissioner Linke to 1-year term as Vice-Chair.
Motion carried: 5/0/0/1 (Absent: Fowler) CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER REPORT: City Traffic Engineer Kim noted that staff had received comments regarding VMT from Commissioner Linke and would be bringing VMT as an agenda item in the near future. City Traffic Engineer Comments: Attachment A TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Motion by Commissioner Penseyres, seconded by Vice-chair Perez to put in the agenda for the next
meeting to return to 3 p.m. T&MC meetings for as long as it continues to be virtual meetings.
Motion carried: 5/0/0/1 (Absent: Fowler)
Commissioner Penseyres inquired about the 2017 bicyclist crash in 2017 listed in the staff report near
Levante and Anillo Way. Staff will look at the location to evaluate the potential conflict point and if
needed, propose a potential solution.
Vice-Chair Perez gave a compliment to staff on the improvements at College Ave and El Camino Real, for
bicyclists, as a bicyclist at that intersection. He asked and will email staff about the new park at the
reservoir and the potential line of sight over the hill if that can be reviewed. He has received comments
from the neighborhood near Sage Creek High School about the new drop off location and the back-up it
is causing on the roadway.
Commissioner Linke gave several compliments to all aspects of the meeting, including the commission
and public comments. He inquired about the Vehicle Miles Traveled analysis guidelines change. It would
be nice for the commission to see the one major revision as listed in the report as a separate topic as
soon as possible. Consider treating the TDM guidelines as a living document in the same manner as the
Vehicle Miles Traveled analysis guidelines and consider making some changes immediately to improve
the situation while we are looking at updates to the TDM handbook.
Commissioner Coelho appreciates everyone’s efforts at this meeting and looks forward to working with
all of them.
Chair Gocan has been working with Sage Creek and the district about e-bikes. On Carlsbad Village Drive
at College Boulevard, the right turn is wide, the cars move over and the bikes are trying to get around.
She recommends staff to pay attention to that and also noticed parents are parking at the bus stop and
blocking the location for bikes.
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Chair Gocan announced her resignation from the Traffic and Mobility Commission.
Transportation Director Frank thanked Chair Gocan for her service, her advocacy for school bike safety
that can continue into the future, and most importantly, Happy Birthday!
ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Gocan adjourned the Traffic and Mobility Commission Meeting on Sept. 7, 2021, at 7:35 p.m.
___________________________ Eliane Paiva, Minutes Clerk
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