Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-03; Traffic and Mobility Commission; Minutes Page 1 of 7 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t Council Chambers 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, 3:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Gocan called the Meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Gocan, Perez, Hunter, Penseyres, Fowler, Linke and Wanamaker. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt congratulated Chair Gocan on her reappointment and welcomed new Commissioner Wanamaker to the Traffic and Mobility Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: This meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom due to the stay-at-home order for COVID-19. Motion by Commissioner Linke seconded by Vice-chair Perez, to approve the minutes of the July 6, 2020, meeting. Motion carried: 6/0/1 (Abstain: Wanamaker) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA: Public comments submitted via email prior to the Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting and read into the record: Steven Kesten requested that the city implement traffic calming measures to slow vehicle speeds at the intersection of Avenida Encinas and Portage Way. Potential traffic calming measures suggested were road bumps, speed bumps, or flashing stop sign, with a flashing warning sign well before the 4-way stop. Danna Van Noy requested that the city improve the existing stop signs at the intersection of Avenida Encinas and Portage Way by moving the signs closer to the street and illuminating them with red blinking lights like they have in the City of Encinitas. Brian and Rachel Whiffin requested that the city place a traffic signal at Avenida Encinas and Portage to help slow the flow of traffic and keep the community safe. Lauren Brown requested that the city consider installing additional safety measures at the intersection of Avenida Encinas and Portage Way, like speed bumps, crosswalk indicators, etc. since the ones currently installed up the road have not proven to be sufficient. Farhad Sharifi requested the city to install speed bumps and or pedestrian crossing warning signals at the intersection of Avenida Encinas and Portage Way. They further explained that neighborhood kids cross this intersection often to get to the pool, tennis courts, and Batiquitos lagoon trail. Page 2 of 7 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t Will Keep requested that the city either install a flashing light crosswalk or speed bumps at the intersection of Avenida Encinas and Portage Way, just prior to the 4-way stop. Barbara Gallo requested that the city implement methods to slow vehicle speeds at the intersection of Avenida Encinas and Portage Way, such as road bumps, speed bumps, or flashing stop sign, with a flashing warning sign well before the 4-way stop. Jeri Gordon, a Carlsbad resident, requested that the city implement methods to slow down vehicles speeding at the intersection of Avenida Encinas and Portage Way. CONSENT CALENDAR: Motion by Commissioner Linke, seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 and 2. Motion carried unanimously, 7/0. 1.AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM – Support staff’s Recommendation to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvement Program – Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20 Pedestrian Ramp Improvement Project (Project), Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 6049-20. (Staff Contact: Hossein Ajideh and Scott Lyle, Public Works) 2.AMEND PROCEDURAL RULES AND REGULATIONS TO ADD THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Support staff’s recommendation to approve the amended Procedural Rules and Regulations to add the Pledge of Allegiance to meetings of the Traffic and Mobility Commission. and adopt Resolution No. 2020-3 that supersedes Resolution No. 2020-2. (Staff contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public Works) DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: 3.POLICE MONTHLY REPORT – (Staff contact: Lieutenant Christie Calderwood, Police Department) Staff Recommendation: Receive report Lieutenant Calderwood presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) regarding the following police activities: The Police Department continued their enforcement of restrictions on loud exhaust noise during the month of July. Bicycle Patrols continued to operate and recently added a bicycle safety educational component, by handing out business cards from San Diego County Bicycle Coalition to inform cyclists of these training opportunities. On July 31, 2020, a DUI Checkpoint was enforced on Carlsbad Boulevard and Beech Avenue. 4.TRAFFIC CALMING ON CADENCIA STREET – (Staff Contact: John Kim and Lindy Pham, Public Works) Staff Recommendation: Approve staff recommendations City Traffic Engineer Kim and Senior Engineer Jim presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Traffic Engineer Kim provided an overview of the proposed traffic calming plan on Cadencia Street from Del Rey Avenue to approximately 500 feet north of Piragua Street. He stated that City staff has deployed temporary speed feedback signs to collect speed data and help address speeding concerns. He further explained that based on the residents’ concerns, and the intent to reduce the speed differential along Cadencia Street, staff recommends a proposed project to install three permanent speed feedback signs and a marked crosswalk with Page 3 of 7 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon on Cadencia Street between Del Rey Avenue and approximately 500 feet north of Piragua Street. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Penseyres inquired how staff determines if a street is considered to be within a Residential District? Traffic Engineer Kim explained that staff goes by the definition in the California Vehicle Code which defines a Residential District based on the density of driveways along the roadway and the distance of the homes from the street. Commissioner Penseyres asked if a survey was done among the residents? City Traffic Engineer Kim answered that the survey is not needed because staff is not recommending any in roadway features. Commissioner Hunter inquired if the critical speed on the road was found to be 41 miles per hour (mph). City Traffic Engineer Kim said that the 85-percentile speed was recorded at 41mph. Vice-Chair Perez inquired if there are any concerns from the community to install a crosswalk or sidewalk between Piragua Street and Venado Street? City Traffic Engineer Kim answered that staff did not receive any request for a crosswalk or sidewalk from the community. Staff has received a request to provide additional red curbs near the driveways. Commissioner Fowler inquired if traffic calming features are efficient only for the area where the features were installed or is there benefit further down the road? City Traffic Engineer Kim said that there are benefits for the entire corridor where it is placed. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THIS AGENDA ITEM Public comments submitted via email prior to the Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting and read into the record: Dan and Catherine Weaver, requested that the city install stop signs at the intersection of Venado Street and Del Rey because it is necessary to control the traffic and traffic speeds. Paul Marangos, commented that the traffic calming plans as proposed will not be sufficient to prevent speeding vehicles going north on Cadencia Street right after the Del Rey intersection. The speed bump and the speed displays will be ignored. The same is true going south on Cadencia street with regard to the speed displays. A four-way stop sign at the intersection of Cadencia Street and Venado Street would solve both prongs of the problem. Richard and Mimi Sampson learned from the agenda packet that the city is now proposing speed indicator signs on Cadencia. Their hope is that these signs are not being offered as a replacement for more substantial traffic calming measures to reduce speeding such as speed bumps, roundabouts, etc. Phillip R. Goodman understands that traffic calming measures proposed for the lower portion of Cadenica Street are planned for installation but he wants to see traffic calming measures for the portion of Cadencia Street above Del Rey Avenue which is needed. The installation of the three permanent speed indicator signs in that segment will not have much effect. Victor Lanz agreed with the statement above from Phillip Goodman. Page 4 of 7 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Chair Gocan inquired about the project timeframe for completion. City Traffic Engineer Kim said that that estimated timeframe is 6 to 8 months for implementation. He also said that going forward, the speed feedback signs will record vehicle speeds throughout the day for staff’s review, including the Police Department. DISCLOSURES: Commissioner Linke abstained himself from the vote on this item because he is the president of the Homeowners Association within the related area. ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Hunter seconded by Commissioner Fowler to approve staff recommendations for the traffic calming plan on Cadencia Street from Del Rey Avenue to approximately 500 feet north of Piragua Street. Motion carried: 6/0/0/1 (Abstained: Linke) 5.CARLSBAD BOULEVARD PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – (Staff Contact: Miriam Jim and Lindy Pham, Public Works) Staff’s Recommendation: Receive update on the project Senior Engineer Jim and Associate Engineer Pham presented presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Update on the Carlsbad Boulevard Pedestrian Improvement Project to install curb extensions, high visibility crosswalk markings, green bicycle lane treatments and in-pavement flashing lights to augment the existing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) systems at the marked uncontrolled crosswalks on Carlsbad Boulevard at Army/ Navy Academy, Oak Avenue, Sycamore Avenue, Maple Avenue, Cherry Avenue and Hemlock Avenue. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Penseyres asked if traffic calming will be implemented to reduce speed limits on Carlsbad Boulevard in addition to make pedestrians more visible, and if any additional traffic calming measures will be implemented. He also questioned the use and location of green paint vs a sharrows, and how the green paint will provide adequate protection of cyclists from vehicles turning right from Carlsbad Boulevard. City Traffic Engineer Kim said the project includes traffic calming to reduce speed limits on Carlsbad Boulevard. Staff will bring other projects along Carlsbad Boulevard to the T&MC that will evaluate complete streets type enhancements such as the Terramar project that is proposing a roundabout at the intersection of Cannon Road and Carlsbad Boulevard. The Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard intersection improvement project is another significant project that is considering a roundabout and other features to address complete streets improvements along the Carlsbad Boulevard corridor. The green striping within conflict zones is still a recommended treatment by NACTO and we will evaluate its effectiveness after implementation. Transportation Director Frank said that curb extensions, such as being proposed, create friction, and a tighter turning radius, are an effective traffic calming solution. Page 5 of 7 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t City Traffic Engineer Kim thanked the commissioners for the input provided, staff will review and revise the plans based on their feedback. The plans are very conceptual at this time, and it is appropriate for the T&MC to comment. Chair Gocan mentioned that green paint is a new feature in the City of Carlsbad and we will evaluate it. Drivers are often distracted by the coastal views and there are visibility issues for the pedestrians. Consider a raised horizontal line before you approach the crosswalk, just an idea to remind the driver of a crosswalk. Commissioner Linke concurred with Commissioner Penseyres comments. He recommends more education associated with the green paint. We know there is competition between all modes of travel, yet we can come to the safest conclusion, and keep the speed at 30 mph. City Traffic Engineer Kim, said we are looking at lighting as well to make sure the crosswalks are well lit, to improve visibility. Vice-Chair Perez, wanted to confirm that the construction plan for the ADA program is not changed by this project. Commissioner Linke said that it is good to know the cause of the pedestrian deaths on the boulevard so that we can determine the best solution. Commissioner Penseyres, said one was a DUI and one was not. There are other accidents that occurred and that would be a worthwhile process for staff to consider and determine who was at fault; A fix that would help us meet our goal to enhance traffic safety. Transportation Director Frank wanted to emphasis that the project is to improve the safety for pedestrian and bikes, and to highlight conflict areas. As a commission, you can both support and highlight concerns while moving forward on a project that improves the situation. Commissioner Penseyres is not opposed to green paint in conflict areas. A right turn only lane is a perfect place for green paint. In other situations, people do not know when they should merge into the green paint. Transportation Director Frank said I hear you loud and clear. We follow the NACTO standard. This is our recommendation and the expertise is going in the way of green paint. Everything we are doing is really a balance to find the right situation for Carlsbad. The intent is to implement an effective solution. If you know of anything that adds to this topic, please bring it forward. We will do our part to research it. We want to do what is a benefit to the community. City Traffic Engineer Kim thanked the commissioners for the input provided. Staff will review and revise the plans based on their feedback. We sincerely wanted to receive your input. In the future, it may not look exactly like we presented, based on your feedback, as we will continue to refine it. This is early in the design phase of the project. Transportation Director Frank said our intention is to get your input at this important critical time. When it is at the final design phase, staff will present to City Council, and you will be able to review and comment on the final designs at this time. RECESS: Chair Gocan requested a recess at 5:16 p.m. The Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting resumed at 5:21 p.m. with all members present. 6. FISCAL YEAR 2020-21 TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION WORK PLAN – Support staff’s recommendation to approve Fiscal Year 2020-21 work plan for submittal to City Council. (Staff contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public Works) Page 6 of 7 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t Staff’s Recommendation: Approve staff recommendations Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Manager Schmidt reviewed the updated FY 2020-21 work plan that includes the previous T&MC recommendations. He stated the work plan identifies activities the Traffic & Mobility Commission anticipates undertaking in the coming year. He further explained the purpose of this work plan is to encourage increased dialogue between the Traffic and Mobility Commission and City Council. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Linke stated that the work plan looks great and he presented the letter he submitted asking for the Carlsbad Traffic Impact Fee Program to be added to the work plan and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the office of the City Clerk). Commissioner Linke inquired if staff will consider including the Traffic Impact Fee in the FY 2020-21 work plan. Manager Schmidt stated that staff is currently working on a Capital Improvement Project identified to update the Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) program and the review of the TIF is within the purview of the Traffic & Mobility Commission. DISCLOSURES: Vice-Chair Perez is abstaining himself from voting because he is a representative of the Housing Advisory Committee. ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Linke seconded by Commissioner Hunter to add the Traffic Impact Fee Program into the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Work Plan. Motion carried: 6/0/0/1 (Abstain: Perez) CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER REPORT: City Traffic Engineer Comments: Attachment A City Traffic Engineer Kim added that at the last T&MC meeting a Carlsbad resident submitted an email with his concerns about Aviara and Poinsettia and staff is working with the resident to address his concerns. Chair Gocan asked Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt for a future update on the Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP), Ad-Hoc Committee, inquired if she could participate on the SMP Ad-Hoc Committee meeting related to Safe Routes to School. She asked Vice-Chair Perez for a future update on the Housing Element, Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee. She also asked Commissioner Linke for a future update on the Regional Advisory Committee on Traffic and Mobility along the highway 76 corridor. TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION AND STAFF COMMENTS: Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt responded on the status of the SMP. Vice-Chair Perez said that they are talking about everything that has to do with the right steps to improve projects associated with the Housing Element. It has been great to discuss how transportation effects future development. Listening to the community and how it effects the traffic for the community. Page 7 of 7 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t Commissioner Linke states that he is raising issue on what is going on in Carlsbad, including the Carlsbad Connector. Consider elevating the regional issues to see if there are things that we can discuss at the state level. We have the chance to bring things up to the assembly. In addition, a school bus discussion is what can we be involved in and help with the Safe Route to School project. Commissioner Linke wants to consider a framework to allow individual schools to apply for Safe Route to School opportunities. Chair Gocan, asked at what point can we involve the school district and help the schools to move forward. Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt responded that the commissioners may provide these comments on the SMP and include them in the Safe Routes to School program framework chapter. Commissioner Wanamaker recommended that in areas that the commission continue to explore way to reduce speeds and improve safety on Carlsbad Boulevard. Commissioner Linke welcomed Commissioner Wanamaker to the Traffic and Mobility Commission. He inquired if staff will address the resident’s emails received concerning the four-way stop at the intersection of Avenida Encinas and Portage Way. City Traffic Engineer Kim stated that staff will respond to the resident’s concerns. He also addressed that the underpass at the Carlsbad Boulevard project is not moving forward at this time, yet pedestrian crossings will continue to be discussed. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Gocan adjourned the Traffic and Mobility Commission Meeting on Aug. 3, 2020, at 5:57 p.m. ___________________________ Eliane Paiva, Minutes Clerk Attachment A Meeting Date: Aug. 3, 2020 To: Traffic and Mobility Commission Staff Contact: John Kim, City Traffic Engineer John.Kim@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-2757 Subject: City Traffic Engineer Report Past City Council Items on Traffic and Mobility July 14, 2020 • Reduce Speed Limit on Avenida Encinas July 21, 2020 • ADA Beach Access and Trail Connectivity to Tamarack State Beach Feasibility Studies • Semiannual Transportation Report July 28, 2020 • Options on Physical Changes to College Boulevard • Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street Pedestrian Improvements • Traffic and Mobility Commission Appointments Upcoming City Council Items on Traffic and Mobility August 25, 2020 • Approve plans and specifications for 2020-21 Pavement Overlay, CIP 6001-20OL • Adopt ordinance No Overnight Parking at Some City Facilities September 22, 2020 • FY 2018-19 Growth Management Program Monitoring Other Items ● The ADA Transition Plan, as referenced in the staff report on the ADA Improvement Program, was adopted by City Council in 2012. It can be referenced at the following link: http://edocs.carlsbadca.gov/HPRMWebDrawer/RecordHTML/582380 City Traffic Engineer Report ● The Carlsbad Connector on-demand shuttle service will be suspended due to the COVID- 19 pandemic. NCTD plans to implement a new pilot on-demand service in April 2021, assuming the impacts of COVID-19 have significantly eased, within the cities of Carlsbad and San Marcos that will provide commuters flexible and convenient shared transportation options to help reduce emissions and achieve a sustainable future as envisioned in SANDAG’s 2050 Regional Plan. Previous Items brought up by Traffic and Mobility Commission Item Action Striping changes on Melrose at PAR Will be addressed by CIP Project No. 6034 Speed limit primer Can be incorporated into next speed limit item brought to the Commission Grand Promenade per Village and Barrio Master Plan None at this time Annual Safety Report per Carlsbad Municipal Code Police Department responsibility Striping modifications on PAR at Costco driveway Work order issued in May 2019 - COMPLETED Traffic volume trends Can be incorporated into proposed Annual Traffic Collision Report using LRSP funding Roundabout striping guidelines Striping is completed per MUTCD - None at this time