HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-15; City Council; ; Introduction of an Ordinance to Reduce Speed Limits on Portions of Cadencia Street and Gateway RoadCA Review __AF__
Meeting Date: Nov. 15, 2022
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
john.kim@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2757
Subject: Introduction of an Ordinance to Reduce Speed Limits on Portions of
Cadencia Street and Gateway Road
Districts: 2 and 4
Recommended Action
Introduce an ordinance amending two sections of the Carlsbad Municipal Code:
• Title 10, Chapter 10.44, Section 10.44.200, to establish a 35 mph speed limit on
Cadencia Street from Del Rey Avenue northerly to a point 500 feet west of Perdiz Street
• Title 10, Chapter 10.44, Section 10.44.830, to establish a 35 mph speed limit on Gateway
Road between El Camino Real and El Fuerte Street
Executive Summary
Staff are recommending lowering the speed limits on Cadencia Street and Gateway Street from
40 mph to 35 mph as part of the city’s continuing efforts to make Carlsbad’s streets safer.
The segments are Cadencia Street from Del Rey Avenue north to 500 feet west of Perdiz Street
and Gateway Road between El Camino Real and El Fuerte Street. Since the current 40 mph
speed limits were established, traffic calming features have been installed and speeds have
decreased.
Although work on reducing these speed limits began before the city’s declaration of a local
state of emergency,1 reviewing speed limits citywide for potential reductions is part of the Safer
Streets Plan the city has created in its emergency efforts to improve traffic safety in Carlsbad.
Changing the speed limits requires changes to the Carlsbad Municipal Code, which require the
City Council’s approval. The proposed ordinance is Exhibit 1; Exhibit 2 is a version with
proposed changes to the code highlighted.
1 The City Manager, who is also the Director of Emergency Services, proclaimed a state of local emergency for bike,
e-bike and traffic safety on Aug. 23, 2022. The City Council ratified the proclamation seven days later. (Resolution
No. 2022-214). The City Council extended the emergency for an additional 60 days on Oct. 18, 2022. (Resolution
No. 2022-250).
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 1 of 16
Discussion
California Vehicle Code Section 22358 gives the City Council authority to adopt an ordinance
establishing, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey, a reasonable and safe speed
limit on roadways that facilitates the orderly movement of vehicular traffic.
The existing speed zones of 40 mph on these road segments were established and supported by
valid engineering and traffic surveys, in 2014 for Cadencia and in 2015 for Gateway.
Cadencia Street
Cadencia Street from Del Rey Avenue to a point 500
feet west of Perdiz Street is classified as a
local/neighborhood street in the Mobility Element of
the General Plan, the part of the plan that covers
transportation. The posted speed limit of 40 mph
was established and supported by the 2014 traffic
survey, which showed the 85th percentile speed of
41 mph. The 85th percentile speed is the speed at
which 85% of the drivers are traveling at or below.
This segment of Cadencia Street has one vehicle lane
in each direction. Each side of the road has a
sidewalk except for a 600-foot portion on the west
side of the road north of Pirague Street. The road has a curb-to-curb width of 40 feet. The road
is curved and runs up- and downhill, with roadway grades that vary from 1.5% to 13.7%. The
road is lined with single- and multi-family homes and open space.
A recent city project, completed in the winter of 2021, installed various traffic calming
improvements to this segment of Cadencia Street: three radar speed feedback signs, two for
the southbound direction and one for northbound, and a marked crosswalk with pedestrian-
activated flashing beacons on the north side of the intersection at Venado Street.
Roadway conditions are integral to the appropriate setting of speed limits, so the addition of
these traffic calming features created an opportunity to re-evaluate the existing speed limit on
Cadencia Street.
Staff have completed an engineering and traffic survey (Exhibit 3) for this segment of Cadencia
Street. Speed surveys resulted in an 85th percentile speed of 37 mph. A review of the collision
history for a two-year period from May 1, 2020, through April 30, 2022, showed one reported
collision that was not speed-related and did not involve pedestrians or bicycles. Based on the
requirements found in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices – the state’s
traffic engineering guidelines – and the findings of the recently performed surveys, staff found
a speed limit of 35 mph was appropriate for this segment of Cadencia Street.
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 2 of 16
Gateway Road
Gateway Road between El Camino Real and El Fuerte
Street is also classified as a local/neighborhood
street in the General Plan’s Mobility Element. This
segment of Gateway Road has a posted speed limit
of 40 mph. This posted speed limit was established
and supported by the 2015 traffic survey, which
showed the 85th percentile speed at that time of 43
mph.
This segment of Gateway Road features one vehicle
lane and one bike lane in each direction. A
contiguous sidewalk exists on both sides of the roadway. The road has a curb-to-curb width of
52 feet. The road is also curved, with roadway grades that vary from 1% to 6%. Adjacent land
uses include light industrial, single- and multi-family homes and two shopping centers.
Two sets of chicanes were installed in 2019 on Gateway Road as a traffic calming measure to
address speeding concerns from residents. A chicane is a series of alternating mid-block curb
extensions or islands that helps reduce vehicle speeds because motorists are required to
maneuver through the curving, S-shaped path. Each of these chicanes are approximately 300
feet long, one set is between Alicante Road and Innovation Way, the other is between
Innovation Way and Village Green Drive.
A marked crosswalk with pedestrian-activated flashing beacons was installed at the west leg of
the intersection at Innovation Way. This crosswalk was installed in 2020 by the builder of a
nearby development project as part of the project’s off-site improvements. There is a raised
and marked crosswalk with flashing beacons, installed in 2018, located 630 feet east of El
Camino Real.
Staff completed an engineering and traffic survey (Exhibit 4) for this segment of Gateway Road.
Speed surveys resulted in an 85th percentile speed of 36 mph. A review of the collision history
for a two-year period, from May 1, 2020, through April 30, 2022, showed two reported
collisions, one of which was speed-related, none involved pedestrians or bicycles. Based on the
requirements found in the state manual on traffic control devices and the findings of the
recently performed surveys, staff found a speed limit of 35 mph was appropriate for this
segment of Gateway Road.
Traffic and Mobility Commission recommendation
At its meeting on Aug. 18, 2022, the Traffic and Mobility Commission voted 6-0-0-1, with
Commissioner Edward Newlands absent, to support staff’s recommendation to revise the
existing 40 mph speed limits to 35 mph on these segments of Cadencia Street and Gateway
Road.
The approved minutes of the Aug. 18, 2022, Traffic and Mobility Commission meeting are
attached as Exhibit 5.
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 3 of 16
Fiscal Analysis
The installation of 10 new 35 mph speed limit signs, five on Cadencia Street and five on
Gateway Road, will cost approximately $2,500. Sufficient funds are available in the Traffic
Engineering operating budget for the sign installations.
Next Steps
After the ordinance is adopted to establish the 35 mph speed limits, a work order will be issued
to install five 35 mph speed limit signs on Cadencia Street and five 35 mph speed limit signs on
Gateway Road.
Environmental Evaluation
The City Planner has determined that this project is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act, under Guidelines Section 15301(c), which applies to the minor alteration of existing
facilities, including streets, sidewalks, gutters, and similar facilities involving negligible or no
expansion.
Public Notification
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for viewing
at least 72 hours prior to the posting of the agenda.
Exhibits
1. City Council ordinance
2. Ordinance with proposed revisions highlighted
3. Engineering and traffic survey for Cadencia Street
4. Engineering and traffic survey for Gateway Road
5. Minutes of the Aug. 18, 2022, Traffic and Mobility Commission meeting
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 4 of 16
ORDINANCE NO. CS-440
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 10, CHAPTER 10.44, SECTIONS 10.44.200
AND 10.44.830 OF THE CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE BY REDUCING THE
SPEED LIMIT ALONG PORTIONS OF CADENCIA STREET AND GATEWAY ROAD
WHEREAS, a traffic calming project, completed in winter 2021, installed three radar speed
feedback signs on Cadencia Street from Del Rey Avenue to a point 500 feet west of Perdiz Street and a
marked crosswalk with pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, or RRFBs, on the
north side of the intersection at Ven ado Street; and
WHEREAS, between 2018 and 2020, two sets of chicanes, a marked crosswalk with pedestrian
activated RRFBs and a raised crosswalk with RRFBs were installed on Gateway Road between El Camino
Real and El Fuerte Street; and
WHEREAS, these traffic calming features have changed the conditions of the streets, and staff
conducted new Engineering and Traffic Surveys for these two street segments; and
WHEREAS, staff have determined that the appropriate speed limit on Cadencia Street from Del
Rey Avenue northerly to a point 500 feet west of Perdiz Street, per the provisions found in the California
Vehicle Code and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, is 35 miles per hour; and
WHEREAS, staff have determined that the appropriate speed limit on Gateway Road between
El Camino Real and El Fuerte Street, per the provisions found in the California Vehicle Code and the
California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, is 35 miles per hour.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, ordains as follows that:
1.The above recitations are true and correct.
2.Title 10, Chapter 10.44 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the revision of
Section 10.44.200 to read as follows:
"Upon Cadencia Street from Del Rey Avenue northerly to a point 500 feet west of
Perdiz Street, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour."
3.Title 10, Chapter 10.44 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the revision of
Section 10.44.830 to read as follows:
"Upon Gateway Road from El Camino Real to its intersection with El Fuerte Street,
the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour."
Exhibit 1
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 5 of 16
EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption; and the City
Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and cause the full text of the ordinance or a summary
of the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney to be published at least once in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after its adoption.
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a Regular Meeting of the Carlsbad City Council on the 15th
day of November, 2022, and thereafter
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the_ day of ___ _, 2022, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
MATT HALL, Mayor
FAVIOLA MEDINA, City Clerk Services Manager
(SEAL)
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 6 of 16
EXHIBIT 2
10.44.200 Cadencia Street.
Upon Cadencia Street from Del Rey Avenue northerly to a point 500 feet west of Perdiz Street, the prima
facie speed limit shall be 40 35 miles per hour.
10.44.830 Gateway Road. Upon Gateway Road from El Camino Real to its intersection with El Fuerte Street, the prima facie speed
limit shall be 40 35 miles per hour.
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 7 of 16
CITY OF CARLSBAD
ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY
STREET: Cadencia Street
LIMITS: Del Rey Avenue northerly to a Point 500 Feet west of Perdiz Street
FACTORS
A. Prevailing Speed Data:Direction: Northbound/Southbound
5/19/22 At Venado Street
37 MPH 28 to 38 MPH 74%
Date of Speed SurveyLocation of Speed Survey
85th Percentile10 MPH PacePercent in Pace
B. Accident History:(5/01/20 through 4/30/22)
Speed-Related AccidentsPedestrian and/or Bicyclist AccidentsTotal Accidents
None None 1
C. Traffic Factors:
Average Daily Traffic
Pedestrian/Bicycle Traffic
Bicycle LanesOn-Street Parking
1,257 – n/o Piragua Street (2016); 2,360 – n/o Del Rey Avenue (2016)
Light
No Designated Bicycle Lanes Have Been Striped on the Roadway Parking Allowed on Each Side except n/o Piragua Street Where 383 Feet of Parking is
Prohibited on Each Side
D. Roadway Factors:
Street Classification
Length of SegmentRoadway Width
Number of LanesVertical AlignmentHorizontal Alignment
SidewalksDriveways
Street Lighting
Circulation Element – Unclassified. Mobility Element – Local/Neighborhood Street
0.43 Mi. 40 Feet (Curb-to-Curb)
1 Lane Each Direction Roadway Grades Vary from 1.5% to 13.7% Curvilinear
600 Feet of Sidewalk Not Constructed on West Side North of Piragua Street Residential Driveways on East Side
Limited Street Lighting
E. Special Conditions: School bus stop located 400 feet north of Del Rey Avenue. A marked crosswalk with Rectangular Rapid
Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) is located on the north side of the intersection at Venado Street. Warning signs for the crosswalk and
RRFBs are posted for each direction of travel. Three speed feedback signs, one northbound and two southbound, inform motorists of
the speed they are traveling. Speed cushions are located at the south end of the subject roadway segment just north of Del Rey
Avenue where a 25 mph speed zone begins.
F. Adjacent Land Uses: Single and Multi-Family Residential, Open Space
G. Remarks/Conditions Not Readily Apparent: The school bus stop may result in children crossing the roadway.
H. Traffic Engineer's Recommendation (Explanation): This speed zone satisfies the conditions of Section 627 of the California
Vehicle Code and has been prepared and evaluated in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,
effective March 30, 2021, with respect to design and prevailing speeds, accident records, pedestrian and bicyclist safety,intersection and driveway spacing, and roadside and traffic conditions not readily apparent to the driver. A speed limit posting of
35 MPH is found to be appropriate and justified.
I. Approvals:
Recertification of existing speed zone per Sections 22357, 22358 and 40802 of the California Vehicle Code.Establishment of new speed zone.
Approved________________________________________________
John T. Kim Date
City Traffic Engineer
CA RCE 56667
NOTE: Appropriate speed survey is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Exhibit 3
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 8 of 16
CITY OF CARLSBAD ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY
STREET: Gateway Road
LIMITS: El Camino Real to El Fuerte Street
FACTORS
A.Prevailing Speed Data:Direction: Eastbound/Westbound
Date of Speed SurveyLocation of Speed Survey85th Percentile10 MPH PacePercent in Pace
6/16/21 300 Feet w/o Village Green Drive 36 MPH 27 to 37 MPH 85 B.Accident History:(4/01/20 through 3/31/22)
Speed-Related AccidentsPedestrian and/or Bicycle AccidentsTotal Accidents
1 None 2
C.Traffic Factors:
Average Daily TrafficTraffic ControlsPedestrian/Bicycle TrafficBicycle LanesOn-Street Parking
5,373 – West of Innovation Way (2016)
Traffic Signals at El Fuerte Street, Finnila Place and El Camino Real Light Bicycle Lane on Each Side Parking Prohibited on Each Side
D.Roadway Factors:
Street ClassificationLength of SegmentRoadway WidthNumber of LanesVertical AlignmentHorizontal AlignmentSidewalksDrivewaysStreet Lighting
Circulation Element – Unclassified. Mobility Element – Local/Neighborhood Street. 0.83 Mi. 52 Feet (Curb-to-Curb) One Lane Each Direction Roadway Grades Vary from 1.00% to 5.89% Curvilinear Sidewalk on Each Side Five Driveways Street Lights on Each Side
E.Special Conditions: Travel lanes are separated by either a painted median, two-way left-turn lane, or chicanes.
F.Adjacent Land Uses: Light Industrial, Single-Family Residential, Multi-Family Residential, Two Local Shopping Centers includingSeveral Restaurants.
G.Remarks/Conditions Not Readily Apparent: Marked crosswalks with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are locatedon the west side of the intersection at Innovation Way and also 630 feet east of El Camino Real. The latter crosswalk is a raisedcrosswalk. Chicanes are located both east and west of Innovation Way. Warning signs for the chicanes and RRFBs are posted for eachdirection of travel.H.Traffic Engineer's Recommendation (Explanation): This speed zone satisfies the conditions of Section 627 of the CaliforniaVehicle Code and has been prepared and evaluated in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,effective March 30, 2021, with respect to design and prevailing speeds, accident records, pedestrian and bicyclist safety,intersection and driveway spacing, and roadside and traffic conditions not readily apparent to the driver. A speed limit posting of35 MPH is found to be appropriate and justified.
I.Approvals:
Recertification of existing speed zone per Sections 22357, 22358 and 40802 of the California Vehicle Code.Establishment of new speed zone.
Approved________________________________________________ John T. Kim Date City Traffic Engineer CA RCE 56667
NOTE: Appropriate speed survey is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Exhibit 4
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 9 of 16
Page 1 of 7
Council Chambers
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Special Meeting Carlsbad, CA 92008
Aug. 18, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 4 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Perez, Linke, Penseyres, Fowler, Coelho and Proulx
Absent: Newlands
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Perez led the Pledge of Allegiance
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held July 5, 2022.
Motion by Vice-Chair Linke, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to approve the minutes for the July 5,
2022, meeting as amended. Motion carried, 5/0/1/1 (Absent: Commissioner Newlands; Abstain:
Commissioner Proulx)
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Cindy Beauchamp spoke about traffic speeding and running stop signs on Plum Tree Road. Residents met
with council member Priya Bhat-Patel to discuss these issues. The residents would like this area to be
considered for Phase II of the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program.
Tim Morgan spoke about traffic speeding on Valley Street and the installation of curb extension. We
need staff to follow the recommendation to remove the HAWK signal and the curb extension and seek
alternatives.
Robert Wilkinson spoke about the Grand Promenade. He would like the Traffic and Mobility Commission
to vote tonight to have Imagine Carlsbad come and give a presentation on the idea of a Grand
Promenade.
Laura VanLoh spoke about E-Bikes speeding and other issues. She would love to be involved in a
committee to get a handle on e-bike safety.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1.AVENIDA ENCINAS COASTAL RAIL TRAIL AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT - FINAL DRAFT
–The Traffic & Mobility Commission supported staff’s recommendation to implement the
improvement plans for Segment 2 of the Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and Pedestrian
Improvements, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6004.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
David Pierce is a Carlsbad Resident who lives near the Batiquitos Lagoon. With the current design on
Avenida Encinas, he believes there will be many more bicycle accidents. State Law, the Complete Streets
Act calls for innovative measures to be taken.
Exhibit 5
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 10 of 16
Page 2 of 7
Vice-Chair Linke remembered that the T&MC was concerned that this portion of the coastal rail trail was
not going to run alongside the railroad tracks, and that the protected bike lanes at each intersection
would not help since cars will still be pulling in front of the bicycles.
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt responded that this entire corridor is part of the
coastal corridor rail trail which is a regional rail trail that extends from North County in Oceanside to
Downtown San Diego. This was part of the re-alignment study that was conducted by SANDAG and it
was determined that funds were not available to construct it directly along the railroad corridor as it
goes over the Batiquitos lagoon, and this is the reason that the re-alignment is at Avenida Encinas.
2.INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT MELROSE DRIVE AND PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD –The Traffic &
Mobility Commission supported staff’s recommendation to approve the plans and specifications of
the intersection improvements at Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road, Capital Improvement
Project No. 6034.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
David Pierce spoke about Melrose Drive which is a large intersection that has no protection for bicycles.
He does not think the intersection improvements are adequate to keep cyclists safe.
3.REVISE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS FOR GATEWAY ROAD AND CADENCIA STREET - The Traffic &
Mobility Commission supported staff’s recommendation to City Council to revise prima facie speed
limits on:
a)Gateway Road between El Camino Real and El Fuerte Street, from 40 miles per hour to
35 miles per hour
b)Cadencia Street from Del Rey Avenue to 0.15 mile north of Piragua Street, from 40 miles
per hour to 35 miles per hour
PUBLIC COMMENT:
David Pierce spoke about the Gateway Road improvements. The data shows that when you redesign the
street, cars will travel through in a lower speed. The traffic calming elements seem to be doing their job
in this location.
Motion by Commissioner Proulx, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to approve Consent Item Nos. 1
through 3. Motion carried: 6/0/0/1 (Absent: Commissioner Edward Newlands)
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
4.AMEND THE CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 10.40.302 TO RESTRICT OVERNIGHT
PARKING ON SURFSIDE LANE AND ISLAND WAY – Receive staff’s recommendation that City
Council introduce an ordinance amending the Carlsbad Municipal Code by adding Section
10.40.302 to restrict overnight parking from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on both sides of Surfside Lane, north
of Island Way and both sides of Island Way, east of Carlsbad Boulevard. (Staff Contact: Scott Meritt
and Allegra Frost, Police Department and City Attorney)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 11 of 16
Page 3 of 7
Commissioner Proulx recused herself due to a potential conflict of interest related to her employment at
4:26 p.m.
Sergeant Meritt and City Attorney Frost presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
PUBLIC COMMENT:
David Pierce is against this ordinance as it does not solve the underlying problem. Most unhoused people
who live in their cars don’t do so out of choice, but out of necessity as they can’t afford a home. This
ordinance is just going to move these vehicles to a different location which they will then be banned
from.
Motion by Commissioner Penseyres, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to recommend that City Council
introduce an ordinance amending the Carlsbad Municipal Code by adding Section 10.40.302 to restrict
overnight parking from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on both dies of Surfside Lane, north of Island Way and both
sides of Island Way, east of Carlsbad Boulevard. Motion carried: 5/0/1/1 (Absent: Newlands; Abstain:
Proulx)
Commissioner Proulx returned to the dais at 4:38 p.m.
5. POLICE REPORT REGARDING TRAFFIC & MOBILITY RELATED MATTERS DURING THE MONTH OF JULY
2022 – (Staff Contact: Sergeant Scott Meritt, Police Department)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation
Sergeant Meritt presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of
the City Clerk)
Commissioner Coelho inquired about a past presentation where we discussed putting together a bike
traffic safety program. Is there an update on the implementation of this program?
Sergeant Merritt replied that Malcom Warfield, the Juvenile Justice Program Manager is currently
working with the San Diego Bike Coalition and other biking organizations to have a prepared class to
allow offenders of the municipal code to attend the class in lieu of paying the $50.00 fine, municipal
code citation. They hope to have this new program rolled out in the next two to three weeks, so
offenders are able to attend the class.
Commissioner Coelho asked if the T&MC could have a presentation on the details of the program once is
finalized and requested quarterly updates during the first year of the program.
Commissioner Proulx inquired if there is any consideration of requiring licensing for e-bikes that would
require them to attend a safety class ahead of receiving a citation versus catching them after a citation.
Sergeant Merritt replied that he would have to refer to the City Attorney on this issue, but he does not
believe that we can require someone to have a license to operate a bicycle in the City of Carlsbad.
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 12 of 16
Page 4 of 7
Assistant City Attorney Contreras responded that he had a discussion with the City Attorney recently
regarding this question. He reminded everyone that we are limited to conversation relating to July
police issues.
Commissioner Proulx asked what type of citations are currently being written for e-bikes.
Sergeant Merritt responded that typical violations are reckless riding, riding unsafely on trails, riding on
sidewalks, and speeding.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the Police can cite riders of any type of electric mobility device for
speeding, reckless riding and riding on the sidewalk?
Sergeant Merritt responded that the Municipal Code allows Police to cite riders of all electric mobility
devices.
Chair Perez inquired about the Driving Under the Influence, or DUI, checkpoint and if there are
possibilities for the Commissioners to do a ride along during these checkpoints.
Sergeant Merritt said that absolutely the Police Department would love for more people to be out there
and see how the police operates.
6. UPDATE ON THE SOUTH CARLSBAD BOULEVARD CLIMATE ADAPTATION PROJECT: Receive an update
on the traffic impact analysis and roadway design options studies for the grant-funded South
Carlsbad Boulevard Climate Adaptation Project. (Staff Contact: Tom Frank and Katie Hentrich, Public
Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation
Commissioner Proulx recused herself due to a potential conflict of interest related to her employment at
4:52 p.m.
Transportation Director Frank and Senior Program Manager Hentrich presented the report and reviewed
a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jim Davidson, the president of the Solamar Homeowners Association shared his concern regarding the
recent bicycle fatality that happened right in their neighborhood. He believes they should not have to
wait for the study to be completed next February to address safety concerns.
Bill Canepa, of the Hilton Garden Inn on Solamar Drive shared his concerns regarding traffic safety. They
have heard of a plan to reduce the southbound lane down to one lane to reduce traffic. They want to
know what can be done in the short term to lower the speed limit.
Bill Fenner, a resident of Oceanview Drive spoke about traffic issues on Carlsbad Boulevard. Motorcycles
have been speeding and there have been fatalities. He would like to see the speed limit on Carlsbad
Boulevard reduced to a reasonably safer speed limit. He agreed that reducing the lanes on the
southbound side to one lane would be beneficial.
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 13 of 16
Page 5 of 7
David Pierce spoke in support of the roundabouts considering they have protected bicycle infrastructure
within them. He wonders why we can’t implement this same design in other parts of the city.
Commissioner Coelho spoke about the design process and reiterated that the commission would like to
see the 30% design set once it is ready to be reviewed. He also inquired if the work is expected to be
done by sometime in February 2023.
Transportation Director Frank replied that they will bring back the options analysis along with the traffic
study to support our updated options analysis. The options analysis report will then be presented to
City Council to provide background information and to have a recommendation for a preferred
alternative. The preferred alternative will then be given to the design team of the climate adaptation
study to then further to a 30% design. This would be the conclusion of the study. From there, we would
go to City Council for direction as to what the next steps would be. Staff is also looking for potential
funding opportunities for this project if City Council is interested in furthering the project.
Commissioner Coelho inquired about the measures that can be taken in the interim. He asked if staff is
working on a plan for reducing speed limit or re-striping. Is anything under consideration at this point?
Transportation Director Frank replied that the final plans that are going to City Council for approval
includes the reduction of travel lanes for Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Solamar Drive and
Island Way.
Commissioner Penseyres stated that the T&MC did not provide any recommendations on the three
different options at the last meeting. Does this mean that staff cannot proceed with anything until after
the traffic study is completed in February 2023?
Transportation Director Frank replied that the traffic study is an additional work tool which needs to be
built into the critical path schedule. We are collecting data before Labor Day for the summer months,
and we will be collecting data again after Labor Day as well. This traffic study does delay and extend the
final deliverables.
Vice-Chair Linke inquired about the sequence of events that should take place for a project to be
launched. He mentioned that he was the one who asked for the traffic study during the July meeting.
Transportation Director Frank replied that the normal process is to look at the traffic conditions, by
doing a data collection on traffic counts, pedestrian counts and bicycle counts. In a perfect world the
traffic study would be completed prior to the options analysis. We did look at the data which we had
available from past studies and the consultants felt comfortable presenting the options based on the
past data.
Commissioner Proulx returned to the dais at 5:30 p.m.
CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER COMMENTS:
City Traffic Engineer Kim stated that he prepared an informational memo for the Commissioners.
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 14 of 16
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TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commissioner Coelho asked Assistant City Attorney Contreras what authority the T&MC has to ask staff to agendize items and expedite projects. Assistant City Attorney Contreras responded that the T&MC approved a resolution in 2020 that lists commission rules and procedures. An item under “Meeting Agenda” states that the Commission can place items on the agenda by a majority vote. Assistant City Attorney Contreras advised that commissioners should limit discussion to that which is necessary to direct staff to the parameters of an item the commissioner would like staff to bring before the commission and the time frame in which to have the item return. After further comment from Commissioner Coelho on how discussion of a proposed agenda item would be limited to the scope of information proposed by the item, Assistant City Attorney Contreras advised against prolonged discussion of the underlying topic during the brief discussion on agendizing an item for a future agenda. Commissioner Coelho asked if the T&MC can put an item on the agenda that they would like to ask the staff to consider, for example adding a speed bump to a specific street. Commissioner Coelho asked whether commissioners needed to ask for a broader discussion on speed issues on that specific street. Transportation Director Frank responded that the Commission has an advisory role to the City Council and therefore, makes recommendations to the City Council. The Commission can ask staff to consider bringing forward an item and then staff will consider their workload and timing. Then staff will report back to the Commission on how they are going to address the recommended action. City Traffic Engineer Kim stated that in the past staff has worked individually with Commissioners, not as commissioners but as concerned residents or parties on items that they would like staff to investigate. If it is a simple request it is more appropriate to go that route rather than put it on the agenda. Chair Perez inquired if there are any issues if a member of the T&MC were to discuss an item with a City Council member directly. Assistant City Attorney Contreras would caution the Commission about discussing an item with anyone before the item comes to the T&MC but encouraged commissioners to speak with staff first. Commissioner Penseyres expressed his concerns about Jefferson Street Northbound and Eastbound recommendations from last month’s meeting. Northbound on Jefferson Street there is a suggested narrow bike lane and a blind right-hand turn and then going over the freeway there is not enough room so they would have sharrows. He would like to revisit this item at the next meeting, or he would like to work with staff on this issue. Transportation Director Frank asked Commissioner Penseyres to please call Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt so they can work together on this issue. City Traffic Engineer Kim said that the Jefferson Street project will be coming before the Commission next month and staff will contact Commissioner Penseyres prior to that meeting. Vice-Chair Linke brought up three traffic concerns raised at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022 and one traffic concern raised today during our public comment. The common factor on these traffic concerns that we heard is residential traffic speed and safer routes to school. He would like to make a motion to make a recommendation to City Council to have them hire another engineer and additional planning staff. He appreciates City Council’s fiscal conservatism but there is a critical mass of people demanding that these projects get done.
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 15 of 16
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Assistant City Attorney Contreras cautioned the Commission that the Comments portion of the meeting was not designed for extended discussion on dozens of issues that were not agendized. Vice-Chair Linke said that he would like to make a motion to recommend to City Council to add two additional staff positions. He realizes that might not be possible due to these issues not being on the agenda. Therefore, can we make a motion to put on the next agenda an item involving adding additional staff members in order to expedite many of these projects. Assistant City Attorney Contreras responded that we can set an item to be agendized such as a discussion of the Traffic and Mobility Commissions duties as outlined in the municipal code and whether those duties allow for certain recommendations. Assistant City Attorney Contreras advised that agendizing items would give the commission the needed room under the Brown Act to talk about specific projects and whether a recommendation can be made, whether staff’s workload could accommodate the request and whether the request is consistent with the commission’s work plan. Motion by Vice-Chair Linke seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to recommend the City Council to allow the hiring of two additional staff members to address Safe Routes to School and Traffic Calming projects that the T&MC has duties over which would expedite these projects. Commissioner Proulx said that she feels that she doesn’t have the information available to her to suggest to City Council that they hire additional staff. Transportation Director Frank suggested that the Commission makes the motion and see if it carries. This will be recorded in the minutes. Staff will then see if it is appropriate to bring that information to City Council. At a minimum it could be part of the next Semiannual Transportation report. Commissioner Fowler said that the Commission should revise the motion to remove the hiring of two staff members. The motion should be to discuss the topic of prioritizing projects and how to deal with the influx of public interest and concern about certain areas of the city. Commissioner Penseyres retracted his second on Vice-Chair Linke motion above. Motion by Vice-Chair Linke, seconded by Commissioner Fowler requesting staff to agendize a staff
report presenting solutions to expedite projects. Motion carried: 5/1/0/1 (No: Proulx; Absent:
Newlands) Motion by Chair Perez, seconded by Commissioner Coelho requesting staff to agendize an update on Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue Complete Streets Project, Capital Improvement Projects Nos. 3904 and 6019. Motion carried: 6/0/0/1 (Absent: Newlands) ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Perez adjourned the Traffic & Mobility Commission Special Meeting on Aug. 18, 2022, at 6:05 p.m.
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Eliane Paiva, Minutes Clerk
Nov. 15, 2022 Item #10 Page 16 of 16
John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
November 15, 2022
Reduce Speed Limits on portions of Gateway Road
and Cadencia Street
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Introduce ordinance to revise prima facie speed limits
on:
1.Gateway Rd between El Camino Real and El Fuerte St,
from 40 mph to 35 mph
2.Cadencia St from Del Rey Ave to 0.15 mile north of
Piragua St, from 40 mph to 35 mph
ITEM 10
GATEWAY ROAD
BETWEEN EL CAMINO REAL AND EL FUERTE ST
ITEM 10
•Local/Neighborhood Street in the Mobility Element
•One vehicular lane and one bike lane in each direction
•Adjacent land uses include light industrial, single-and
multi-family residential and two local shopping centers
•Existing speed limit is 40 mph
GATEWAY ROAD ITEM 10
•In 2018, a raised
crosswalk with Rectangular Rapid
Flashing Beacons
(RRFBs) was installed between
El Camino Real and Campbell Place
GATEWAY ROAD ITEM 10
•In 2019, two sets of
chicanes were
installed east and
west of Innovation
Way intersection
GATEWAY ROAD ITEM 10
•In 2020, a marked
crosswalk with
RRFBs was installed
at Innovation Way
intersection
ITEM 10
Legend
Gateway Rd
Segment
Chicane
CrosswalkInnovation Way
GATEWAY ROAD SPEED LIMIT
ITEM 10
•Prior critical speed: 43 mph (40 mph speed limit)
•New critical speed: 36 mph
•Recommended speed limit: 35 mph
CADENCIA STREET
DEL RAY AVE TO 0.15 MILE N. OF PIRAGUA ST
ITEM 10
•Local/Neighborhood Street in the Mobility Element
•One vehicular lane in each direction
•Adjacent land uses include single-and multi-family
residential
•Existing speed limit is 40 mph
CADENCIA STREET ITEM 10
•In 2021, three
permanent radar
speed feedback
signs were installed
CADENCIA STREET ITEM 10
•In 2021, a marked
crosswalk with
RRFBs was installed
at Venado Street
intersection
ITEM 10
Legend
Cadencia St Segment
Speed Feedback Sign
Crosswalk
CADENCIA STEET SPEED LIMIT
ITEM 10
•Previous critical speed: 41 mph (40 mph speed limit)
•New critical speed: 37 mph
•Recommended speed limit: 35 mph
NEXT STEPS
•After the ordinance is adopted, appropriate
speed limit signs will be posted
ITEM 10
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Support staff’s recommendation to City Council to
revise prima facie speed limits on:
1.Gateway Rd between El Camino Real and El Fuerte St,
from 40 mph to 35 mph
2.Cadencia St from Del Rey Ave to 0.15 mile north of
Piragua St, from 40 mph to 35 mph
ITEM 10