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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-01; Traffic Safety Commission; MinutesMEETING OF: TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DATE OF MEETING: April 1,2002 (Regular Meeting) TIME OF MEETING: 3:OO P.M. PLACE OF MEETING: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chairperson Courtney called the Meeting to order at 3:OO p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Acting Chairperson Jim Courtney Commissioner Jerry Schall Commissioner Bob Mertz Absent: Commissioner Keith Gillfillan Staff Members Present: Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation Division John Kim, Associate Engineer, Transportation Division Lt. Mike Shipley, Carlsbad Police Department APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 4,2002 ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Schall, and duly seconded, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 4, 2002 as presented. VOTE: 3-0-0 AYES: Courtney, Whitton, Schall NOES: None ABSTAIN: None March 4,2002 There was not a quorum present at the March 4, 2002 Traffic Safety Commission regular meeting, therefore no minutes required approval. April 1,2002 1 L&FIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 2 ITEM 4 - ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None ITEM 5 - PREVIOUS BUSINESS: Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation Division, commented that at the regular meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission on February 4, 2002 the Commission took action on the Traffic Signal Qualification List and Traffic Signal Evaluation Policy for 2002. He advised the Commission that based on the positive recommendation of the Commission; the item did go before the City Council and that the City Council adopted the 2002 Traffic Signal Evaluation Policy, which included the 2002 Traffic Signal Qualification List. NEW BUSINESS: ITEM 6A: Pedestrian Action Plan - Status Update Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation Division, stated that agenda item MA is an item that was initiated by Mrs. Thelma Hayes. Mrs. Hayes wrote a letter at the end of January 2002 requesting that the item be placed on the Traffic Safety Commission agenda. Mr. Johnson stated that this agenda item is an update of the Pedestrian Action Plan and noted that the Pedestrian Action Plan was approved by the City Council in 1988, upon the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission at that time. As required by the circulation element, the City does address pedestrian issues as specified in Municipal Code Section 10. In addition to pedestrian issues, attention is devoted to vehicular roadway issues and bicycle issues. The charge of the City and staff is to look at all issues regarding pedestrian, roadway and bicycle. Noting that the Pedestrian Action Plan focuses on pedestrians, Mr. Johnson stated that one aspect of the Pedestrian Action Plan did concern itself with sidewalks or pathways for the pedestrian to walk. Mr. Johnson gave the following status update on the Pedestrian Action Plan: 1. Jefferson Street sidewalk project, to complete missing sidewalk and formalize sidewalk on Jefferson Street from Tamarack north to Magnolia, will be placed out to bid shortly. The design plans are being revised to current standards. 2. A pedestrian pathway composed of DG (decomposed granite) was constructed on Avenida Encinas, from the apartments located on Avenida Encinas to the Poinsettia Lane commuter station. The pathway extends westerly towards the railroad track to facilitate pedestrians going from the apartments to the rail station at Poinsettia Lane. City forces completed the work. 3. Another project completed by City forces, at the request of a disabled pedestrian, was to provide an AC pathway along the north side of Palomar Airport Road from Melrose Drive westerly several hundred feet to the bus stop. With the construction of the AC pathway, pedestrians no longer have to walk in the bicycle lane along Palomar Airport Road. 4. Several requests for handicap ramps were received during this past year. To accommodate disabled pedestrians, City forces, at various locations throughout the City, installed handicap ramps. At the intersections of Sunnyhill Drive, Monroe and Adler an ALL WAY STOP was installed at the direction of the City Council. In conjunction with the creation of the ALL WAY STOP there was an AC pathway constructed on the southwest corner. The pathway was constructed behind an AC berm, around the corner so the school April I, 2002 I AFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 3 pedestrians are out of the traveled way and on their own pathway, which is constructed of asphalt. 5. Currently, there are sidewalks being constructed on Alga Road, easterly of Alicante Road. This project includes sidewalks on the south side, medians upgrades and streetlights. 6. The Poinsettia Lane bridge widening is under construction, between Carlsbad Boulevard and Avenida Encinas. This will provide a pedestrian sidewalk on the north side of Poinsettia Lane, in conjunction with the bridge widening over the railroad track. 7. Several months ago the Citywide Trails Program study did go before the City Council. The City Council adopted the Trails Program, therefore portions of the trail are being designed, initiated and incorporated into various projects. The Citywide Trails Program will provide pedestrian pathways and additional pedestrian access in many locations throughout the City. 8. City forces constructed an asphalt-concrete ramp at Lanakai Lane Mobile Home Park. This provides access for the disabled individuals in the mobile home park up to the bus stop on Carlsbad Boulevard that is located in front of Lanakai Lane. Mr. Johnson stated that some of the other programs that the City has embarked upon in the past year include the Livable Street Program that went to the Planning Commission and City Council. Referring to an overhead slide, he stated that the Livable Street Program has a big component of narrowing the existing residential street standard. Noting that prior to the action by the City Council the standard for a residential street was 40 feet curb to curb. He mentioned that the new Livable Street Program standard adopted by the City Council, includes a 34 foot curb to curb roadway section. This narrowing of the roadway will help slow vehicles and make a much more pedestrian friendly environment in the residential areas. In addition, a parkway will be designed into the road that will move the sidewalk away from the curb. The old standard allowed the sidewalk to be built right next to the curb and gutter, which is called a contiguous sidewalk. The new standard is a non-contiguous sidewalk; pushing the sidewalk seven and a half feet from the face of the curb. This will provide a much friendlier pedestrian environment. It also gets the pedestrians away from the driveway apron where it intersects the roadway and eliminates the dip as the pedestrian is walking along the sidewalk. This will be a much-improved feature, especially for the disabled persons who have a difficult time walking or for those in wheelchairs. Mr. Johnson commented that another component of the Livable Street Program is to minimize the number of cul-de-sacs in a subdivision. This allows for a pedestrian path or access to all of the streets in the subdivision, thus eliminating the need for the pedestrian to go onto a major street to navigate around the subdivision to have access to all of the other streets in the subdivision. Mr. Johnson mentioned that the Livable Street Program is being incorporated into new subdivision designs. He noted that the Bressi Ranch project would probably be the first project that incorporates all of the elements of the Livable Street Program. Currently, the Bressi Ranch project is being processed through the Planning Department. Some of the recent projects, such as Thompson-Tobata, which was approved by the City Council, will incorporate some of the features of the Livable Street Program. However, the Thompson- Tobata project was in such an advanced state that all of the Livable Street Program features could not be incorporated. In addition, there are several other projects in advanced stages of development that will incorporate some of the Livable Street Program features. Noting that the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program (TMP) will benefit pedestrians and residents in the neighborhoods, Mr. Johnson stated that the TMP was adopted by City Council in May 2001. A citizens committee worked from Spring of 2000 to Spring of 2001 developing the project and the features of this program were presented to the Traffic Safety Commission in the Summer of 2001. -4 April 1,2002 - I I~AFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 4 Along the lines of communication, Mr. Johnson mentioned that staff does have brochures on different traffic related issues that are mailed out to citizens concerned with pedestrians issues, e.g. pedestrians at traffic signals, etc. He noted that staff will be updating and developing new brochures in the current year. In conclusion, Mr. Johnson stated that unfortunately, each year there are pedestrians involved in traffic collisions and occasionally pedestrian/bicycle collisions. He reported that in the year 2001 there was a 35% decrease in pedestrianhehicle collisions. There were a total of 13 pedestrianhehicle collisions and 24 bicyclelvehicle related collisions in 2001. Acting Chairperson Courtney asked if there were questions of staff. As there were no questions of staff, Acting Chairperson Courtney opened public testimony. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: Mrs. Thelma Hayes, 580 Laguna Drive Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008, noted that the four members of the original citizens group that addressed the pedestrian issues, problems and solutions, hence the development of the Pedestrian Action Plan, have been recognized in various years as Citizen of the Year in Carlsbad. Ms. Hayes noted that she has been a member of the League of Woman Voters for 50 years and received a recognition award. She thanked Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation Division for participating in the award ceremony and roasting at the League of Women Voters event in her honor last summer. Noting that the 100+ bus benches in Carlsbad is an improvement, Mrs. Hayes expressed appreciation to Council Member Julie Nygaard, Chair, North County Transit, for spearheading the installation of the additional bus benches in Carlsbad. Ms. Hayes noted the unmet pedestrian needs: 1. Rails to Trails system - Pedestrian crossing at Buena Vista Lagoon. Temporary protection for pedestrian requested, but as of this date no feedback received. Many pedestrians cross the lagoon on foot and therefore disobey the law by not facing the traffic and put their lives in danger. 2. Mid-block pedestrian crossings in the Village, on Roosevelt Street, Madison Street, and Grand Avenue are not adequately marked with signage. 3. Due to street width, lack of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, Madison Street, between Laguna Drive and Grand Avenue is a very good candidate for the Livable Street Program. Ms. Hayes noted new ideas that would benefit pedestrians in Carlsbad: 1. A bicycle and pedestrian committee should be formed to address issues of concern. 2. New school academy area should have an education mall which encompasses the high school, the academy, Magnolia School and the junior high school that is pedestrian oriented, e.g. access only to those with business in the area, location for buses to load and unload, location for parents to drop off and pick up children that does not allow children to cross the street, and NO PARKING within the education mall. Ms. Hayes requested that the aforementioned items been studied by staff and perhaps placed on future agendas to discuss the feasibility of implementation. April 1,2002 I I dFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 5 Acting Chairperson Courtney requested location clarification regarding the section on Madison Street in question and wondered if the sidewalk was torn up. Ms. Hayes stated that on Madison Street northerly between Grand Avenue and Laguna Drive there is no sidewalk in this area. Commissioner Schall asked if the schools have been contacted regarding her ideas. Ms. Hayes replied no. Addressing Mr. Johnson, Commissioner Schall asked if the schools would be involved in such a project. Mr. Johnson stated that as far as the new academy is concerned the City has been in contact with the school and as part of their design plans the sidewalk, curb and gutters will be installed along Magnolia and even Valley, which they have resisted. The sidewalk on Valley will be installed in the future and this will improve pedestrian circulation in that area. Staff has also been working with the North County Transit District for installation of bus stops in the area. Currently, there are NO PARKING zones in front of the middle school to facilitate pedestrian safety in the area. Ms. Hayes stated she has been a resident on Laguna Drive for 25+ years, and noted that for 20+ years she has been requesting streetlights between the Post Office on Roosevelt and Laguna Drive and is happy to announce that four streetlights have been installed in the area. Addressing items mentioned by Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Johnson stated that the Rails to Trails Program does not include a formal crossing of the lagoon at Carlsbad Boulevard, but noted it is an item the City will be studying to ascertain what can be done in the area. This area is very constrained due to the lagoon and the environmental impacts that must be dealt with. Mr. Johnson mentioned that generally mid-block crossings in the Village are not striped, but noted that staff would look at the locations to determine if striping would be a viable option. He commented that there is an issue with respect to concerns for the pedestrians and the false sense of security that mid-block striping gives to the pedestrians. Noting that Madison Street is on the alternative street design list, as recommended by the Street and Sidewalk Committee, Mr. Johnson stated that no design changes will be made on Madison Street until the residents who live on Madison Street come forward to the City and indicate that they want something done. He mentioned that the livable street concept would be a viable option for Madison Street, as well as an alternative design concept, but again indicated that it would have to be initiated by the residents who live on the street. Mr. Johnson mentioned that the City was working with the new Carlsbad Academy that will be constructed on Magnolia Street across from the middle school. Ms. Haynes advised the Commission that the mid-block crossings were marked with bricks, but should be marked with signs indicating pedestrian crossing. Acting Chairperson Courtney stated that the mid-block crossing on Grand Avenue between State Street and Roosevelt was particularly dangerous for pedestrians since the foliage in the middle of the road obstructs the drivers’ vision. Commissioner Schall asked if the Livable Street Program could be adopted in an existing area, if the cost for implementing the program were paid for by the residents in the area. Mr. Johnson stated that the livable street standard is intended to be more for new development. He advised the Commission that there are approximately 17,000 dwelling units left to be constructed in the City and noted April 1,2002 I AFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 6 that staff would like to see as many as possible incorporate the livable street standard, new as well as existing areas, especially in the northwest quadrant. Hearing no additional comments by the Commissioners, Acting Chairperson Courtney accepted the report by staff. ITEM 6B Request to amend section 10.40.075 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation Division, stated that agenda item #6B was initiated by the Carlsbad Police Department to address the current Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 10.40.075. This section of the Municipal Code addresses commercial vehicles in residential areas. Referring to the overhead slide of the Municipal Code, Mr. Johnson stated that frequent complaints are received by the Carlsbad Police Department from citizens about commercial vehicles parking in a residential district. Officers have found that some non-commercial vehicles fall within the current commercial vehicle ordinance for Carlsbad. No enforcement action can take place under these circumstances since the current ordinance uses parameters of size only and it does not specifically exclude non-commercial vehicles. Additionally, in the current ordinance there is no reference to weight limits. Some vehicles do exceed the size requirements in the Municipal Code, but based on their weight, the vehicle is not considered a commercial vehicle. Therefore, they are not in violation. The Carlsbad Police Department is requesting that there be clarification of the current City ordinance regarding the definition of the heavy-duty commercial vehicle, in addition to adding the minimum 10,000 pound gross vehicle weight rating as provided for in California Vehicle Code Section 22507.5. Mr. Johnson stated that the Police Department is trying to avoid the following problems: 1. The current Municipal Code definition of a heavy vehicle could inadvertently include vehicles that are not necessarily commercial vehicles 2. A vehicle that does not meet the definition of a commercial vehicle as defined by the California Vehicle Code could possibly still be in violation of the Carlsbad Municipal Code 3. Large vehicles parking in outlying areas of the City adjacent to a residential area. Currently there is no legal remedy against this. These outlying areas are not addressed by ordinance and no enforcement action can take place pursuant to the current City ordinance. On an overhead slide, Mr. Johnson displayed photographs of the aforementioned problems. Acting Chairperson Courtney commented that the Municipal Code stated more than 2 axels on the vehicles. Commissioner Schall mentioned that a commercial vehicle had to be more than 20 feet in length. Mr. Johnson displayed the Municipal Code definition of a commercial vehicle on an overhead slide. Regarding parking in the outlying areas, Mr. Johnson stated that the Police Department has to address the issue of vehicles in the outlying areas adjacent to a residential area generating noise. There is not a good mechanism in place to deal with this type of problem since the parked vehicle is currently lawful, yet generates complaints. Mr. Johnson stated that the current Municipal Code definition needs clarification regarding the following: April 1,2002 1 KAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION A Page 7 1. Three hours to lapse before the loading or unloading takes place. The current Municipal Code provides an exception. When reading the portion of the section before the exception, it authorizes large vehicles to park for three hours. However, only in the exception is the time extended for the actual loading or unloading to take place. The three-hour time limit needs to be clarified. Carlsbad Police Department research indicates that the current Municipal Code ordinance was written in the early 1960’s and records on this matter do not conclusively explain why the current section of the Municipal Code was written as it is. However, it is apparent that the Municipal Code revisions are needed to reflect that only defined commercial vehicles are held to the intent of the code. Consequently, any revisions would clearly need to provide that: . Large vehicles would be restricted from residential areas unless making a delivery or a pick-up. . Removal of the three-hour time limit would not hinder a motor carrier from performing functions such as pick-ups or deliveries. . Areas in the City are clearly defined as to where a commercial vehicle is restricted from parking to those residential areas defined in the Carlsbad Municipal Code beginning with section 21.08 with respect to zoning. Mr. Johnson outlined the advantages of revising the Municipal Code: The definition of a commercial vehicle used in the City ordinance would be the same as California Vehicle Code Section 260 . The burden on police officers to mark tires to monitor the parking time limit and return three hours later to issue a citation would be removed . Broadening the area of enforcement to include the same areas specified in the zoning ordinance will allow more latitude for enforcement of the ordinance and could help to reduce citizen frustration and complaints Referring to an overhead slide, Mr. Johnson stated that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee reviewed this agenda item, presented suggestions and revisions to the Code as outlined in Exhibit 4 in the Commissioners’ packet. He mentioned that in the new suggested ordinance there is a clearer definition of what a commercial vehicle is and the residential district is defined as those locations in the City that correspond to the zoning definitions. The ordinance proposed, if agreed to and recommended by the Traffic Safety Commission, would go to the City Council. This suggested ordinance is also in the Commission packet and addresses the areas discussed previously. In conclusion, Mr. Johnson commented that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends that Carlsbad Municipal Code section 10.40.075 be amended to read as indicated on the proposed ordinance, Exhibit 4. He noted that an ordinance will be required to be adopted by the City Council to implement the recommended action. Acting Chairperson Courtney asked if there were questions of staff. As there were no questions of staff, Acting Chairperson Courtney opened public testimony. April 1,2002 _- --AFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 8 DISCUSSION: June Drazenovich, 929 Daisy Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92009, stated that she was upset over the commercial vehicles that are parking on Ivy Street directly in front of her home located on Daisy Avenue. 16 photographs along with a letter to support her position were included in the Commissioners packet. She noted that the Spinnaker Hill CC&R's do not allow commercial vehicles of any type to park on their streets, hence the owners of these vehicles who live in the Spinnaker Hill subdivision park in front of her home, which is not part of the Spinnaker Hill subdivision. Noting that the 10,000 Ib limit allows commercial type vehicles to park in front of her home, she commented that the suggested changes in the proposed new ordinance did not address the problem on her street. She noted that anywhere from three to five commercial vehicles park on a strip of Ivy Street that has become a commercial parking lot. The homes on Ivy Street have walls that block their view almost entirely from having to look at the trucks with all of the commercial equipment handing from them and attached on top - ladders, hoses, ropes, wheelbarrows, built-on tool boxes, etc. Ms. Drazenovich noted that the trucks parked on Ivy Street in front of her home are her first view of the world when she opens her blinds in the morning. She stated that the view does not change - day or night. The ownershers of these trucks are residents of the neighboring tract. The owners of these commercial vehicles park their truck in Spinnaker Hill on Ivy Street, because the CC&R's of their tract do not allow them to park on their streets. She stated that Spinnaker Hill CC&R's do not allow commercial vehicles to park on their streets either, but since her tract does not have a Board of Directors, there is no way to back up the CC&R's. Ms. Drazenovich stated that the parking of the commercial vehicles in front of her home is an unsightly public nuisance that is lowering the value of the homes in the area and it is ruining her health and prohibiting her from the enjoyment of her property. Mrs. Drazenovich asked that the following line be added to the current restrictions on commercial vehicles in a residential area, "that no vehicle may park in a residential area with commercial equipment handing from its top andhorsides,"and that a six-foot height limit be added to the proposed ordinance. In conclusion, noting that she did not elect to live in a commercial zone, Mrs. Drazenovich stated she had no objections to pickup trucks, vans or mobile homes parking in the area as long as the vehicles are clean and did not have commercial equipment hanging from the vehicles. She informed the Commission that if this problem is not resolved at the City level, she would take this matter to the State level. Acting Chairperson Courtney stated that placing a six-foot height limit would also eliminate 75% of the sport utility vehicles and numerous other non-commercial vehicles. He explained that under California law citizens did not have the right to have vehicles removed from a public street simply because they do not like the looks of a vehicle and deem the appearance of the vehicle offensive. Mrs. Drazenovich commented that the unsightly vehicles should park in front of their own homes or in their own driveways. Acting Chairperson Courtney stated that the parking of vehicles had to be regulated, not what is on the vehicles. As there were no additional public comments, Acting Chairperson Courtney closed public testimony. Commissioner Mertz asked if Mrs. Drazenovich lived in a planned development or condominium development. Mrs. Drazenovich replied no. She stated that there was no homeowners group or board of directors, only CC&R's and an architectural committee. The architectural committee has written a letter to the management 4 April 1,2002 -. .AFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 9 company of the adjoining development, but nothing has been done about the commercial vehicles parking on Ivy Street. Commissioner Mertz suggested that an amendment to her development‘s CC&Rs might provide a resolution to the parking problem. Mrs. Drazenovich stated that the CC&R’s in her development currently prohibit parking of commercial vehicles in the area. She noted it is not the residents from her development parking the commercial vehicles in front of her home, but residents from adjacent developments in the area. As there were no additional public comments, Acting Chairperson Courtney closed public testimony. Mr. Johnson mentioned that Mrs. Drazenovich did receive a letter from the City Attorney indicating that the City can only enact ordinances that the State Legislature allows. He noted that the type of request made by Mrs. Drazenovich cannot be complied with. He mentioned that an amendment must be made at the state level in Sacramento. The City of Carlsbad is unable to define a vehicle as a commercial vehicle merely by something hanging on it that is commercial type paraphernalia in nature. Acting Chairperson Courtney called for a discussion. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Schall asked if the noise factor problem would be solved by the adoption of this ordinance. Mr. Johnson replied yes, because the zoning aspect of the residential districts would define where the vehicles can and cannot park. Acting Chairperson Courtney asked if revising the ordinance would solve the problem of having 40 foot motor homes parked in residential areas? He also wanted to know if this ordinance would affect Frito-Lay vans, persons who drive a route during the day, drives the van home and parks the commercial vehicle in front of his house at night, if it doesn’t quite make the 10,000 Ibs. Or will this affect the Snap-On Tool guy because he has the exact same van, but it weighs 25,000 Ibs? Lt. Mike Shipley, Carlsbad Police Department, stated that this issue has been before the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee several times because of the language in an attempt to fine-tune the ordinance so that it will work. He assumed that the Frito-Lay type van would be able to park in front of the owner’s home, but not the Snap-On Tool van. Lt. Shipley stated that he believed two of the vehicles parked in front of the Drazenovich home would no longer be able to park there as a result of this ordinance being adopted. Acting Chairperson Courtney asked if there was discussion to include larger vehicles whether the vehicles were commercially used or not. Lt. Shipley replied that the issue of private motor homes has never been addressed in this section, although based on the wording of the ordinance the size of the large motor home does qualify it as a commercial vehicle because it is over 6 feet wide and 20 feet long. He mentioned that the Police Department does spend a great deal of time marking motor home tires for the 72-hour maximum time limit. Acting Chairperson Courtney commented that the issue pertaining to recreational vehicles being able to park in the front yards of residences or in driveways of the residences should be addressed. Mr. Johnson stated that the Planning Department and the Planning Commission must address the issue of parking recreational vehicles in front yards. He advised the Commission that a minute motion could be made April 1,2002 h - AFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 10 to ask the Planning Department to look at it, and noted that any safety issues on the public street is what the Traffic Safety Commission is charged with looking at. Commissioner Schall commented that it was not easy to make an exception in the Municipal code for the City if the State Vehicle Code is specific. Mr. Johnson stated that the City of Carlsbad could not enact an ordinance when not permitted by the State Legislature. He commented that if it is covered in the Vehicle Code and the authority is not given to the City to enact an ordinance, then the City cannot enact it. Commissioner Schall noted that the vehicle code excludes motor home vehicles. Mr. Johnson replied that the way the Police Department addresses motor home vehicles currently is to mark tires and monitor for the 72 hour limit. As long as the motor home is street legal, the Police Officers are not able to take any other type of action. As there was no additional discussion, Acting Chairperson Courtney closed discussion and called for a motion. MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Mertz, and duly seconded, to accept the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committees’ recommendation that the Carlsbad Municipal Code section 10.40.075 be amended to read as indicated on the proposed ordinance, Exhibit 4. VOTE: 3-0-0 AYES: Courtney, Mertz, Schall NOES: None ABSTAl N : None ITEM 6C Recommendation to not incorporate California Vehicle Code section 22507 into a City ordinance Robert Johnson, Deputy City Engineer, Transportation Division, stated staff, in conjunction with the previous item, initiated agenda item 6C. Agenda item 6C is a recommendation by the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee to not incorporate California Vehicle Code section 22507 into a City ordinance. He stated that this section of the Vehicle Code addresses the parking of vehicles within 100 feet of an intersection that are greater than six-feet in height. Currently, the City does have ways to address these types of issues. Generally, the parking of the vehicles are very short term in nature and the location of the vehicle does not cause a sight distance problem to any great extent in a residential area. If there are chronic or persistent problems or horizontal curve issues and more positive enforcement needs to be taken, the City has the ability to paint red curb on the street to minimize problems and to eliminate vehicles from parking in the corner sight distance view of the driver or NO PARKING signs can be installed. Mr. Johnson commented that to enact an ordinance prohibiting parking within 100 feet of the intersection is not an action that has been taken in the past. The Carlsbad Police Department has not indicated a need to have an ordinance that restricts vehicles six or more feet in height from parking within 100 feet of an intersection because the aforementioned options are available to address this issue. April 1,2002 AFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 11 In conclusion, Mr. Johnson stated that the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends that no ordinance be established to implement California Vehicle Code section 22507 until it is determined by the Police Department that such ordinance is necessary for them to effectively enforce parking restrictions near an intersection. Acting Chairperson Courtney asked if there were questions of staff. As there were no questions of staff he opened public testimony. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: June Drazenovich, 929 Daisy Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92009, questioned why the six-foot height limit and the fact that commercial equipment is attached to the vehicle, could not be used to define commercial vehicles. As there was no additional public testimony, Acting Chairperson Courtney closed public testimony and called for a discussion. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Schall commented that laws could not be made that applied to only a few individuals. Acting Chairperson Courtney noted that a reasonableness of an issue had to be considered. Acting Chairperson Courtney closed discussion and called for a motion. MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Mertz, and duly seconded, to accept the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee’s recommendation that no ordinance be established to implement California Vehicle Code section 22507 until it is determined by the Police Department that such an ordinance is necessary for them to effectively enforce parking restrictions near an intersection. VOTE: 3-0-0 AYES: Courtney, Mertz, Schall NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ITEM 6D Ambrosia Lane, Aviara Parkway to Poinsettia Lane - Request to establish a prima facie speed limit. John Kim, Associate Engineer, Transportation Division, presented agenda item 6D as follows: Ambrosia Lane is located in the southwest portion of Carlsbad. It runs north to south and is bounded by Poinsettia Lane to the north and Aviara Parkway to the south. Ambrosia Lane is unclassified on the Circulation Element of the Carlsbad General Plan and functions as a collector street. Ambrosia Lane is a two-lane road that follows a curvilinear alignment from Aviara Parkway to its northerly terminus north of Poinsettia Lane. Roadway grades range from 1 .OO% to 11.95%. The roadway is fully improved, with curb and gutter, sidewalk and streetlights on both sides of the street. The two travel lanes are separated by a painted double yellow centerline. There April 1,2002 - - -@FIG SAFETY COMMISSION Page 12 are no painted bicycle lanes and parking is allowed on both sides of the roadway except adjacent to the elementary school driveway where red curb has been painted. Mr. Kim stated that the surrounding land uses include the elementary and middle schools, as well as single family and multi-family residential. There is a traffic signal on Ambrosia Lane at Aviara Parkway and an ALL WAY STOP at Conosa Way with school pedestrian crosswalks. The school zone has been defined from Conosa Way to Aviara Parkway and is denoted by signs, which restrict the speed limit to 25 miles per hour when children are present. The traffic volumes on Ambrosia Lane were found to be 5,000 vehicles per day just north of Aviara Parkway, 3,300 vehicles north of Conosa Way and 2,000 vehicles south of Poinsettia Lane per traffic counts conducted on Tuesday, November 20, 2001. Due to the nearby schools pedestrian traffic is relatively heavy at the intersections of Conosa Way and Aviara Parkway before and after school. The results of the speed surveys conducted on Ambrosia Lane are indicated in Table A of the staff report. At Calliandra Road the critical speed was found to be 42 miles per hour, with 78% of the vehicles traveling between 33 and 43 miles per hour. South of Cormorant Avenue the critical speed was found to be 37 miles per hour with 87% of the vehicles traveling between 30 and 40 miles per hour. Mr. Kim mentioned that the findings indicate that the segments between Poinsettia Lane and Conosa Way differ significantly from the segment between Conosa Way and Aviara Parkway. Some of these differences include higher pedestrian and vehicle volumes; a significantly lower critical speed and the presence of a school zone on the segment between Conosa Way and Aviara Parkway, therefore two Engineering and Traffic Surveys were prepared for the entire subject roadway. In conclusion, Mr. Kim stated that based on the results of the Engineering and Traffic Surveys, the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends establishing a prima facie 40 mile per hour speed limit upon Ambrosia Lane from Conosa Way to Poinsettia Lane and a prima facie 35 mile per hour speed limit upon Ambrosia Lane from Aviara Parkway to Conosa Way. He noted that an ordinance would be required to be adopted by the City Council to establish the speed limits as recommended. Acting Chairperson Courtney asked if there were questions of staff. Commissioner Schall asked if this was recommended by the Carlsbad Police Department. Mr. Kim replied yes. As there were no additional questions of staff, Acting Chairperson Courtney called for a discussion. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Schall noted that he drove the segment of roadway in question and concurs with the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee. Commissioner Me& mentioned that the sight lines were good and the proposed speed limits are appropriate as supported by the Engineering and Traffic Surveys. April 1,2002 A ,.AFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Page 13 Acting Chairperson Courtney noted that in general he would like to see the same speed limit on both segments of roadway and jokingly recommended that the prima facie speed limit be 37.5 miles per hour on all segments of the roadway in question for consistency. Mr. Johnson advised the Commission that it would be difficult to justify a 35 mile per hour prima facie speed limit on a road segment with a critical speed of 42 miles per hour. Acting Chairperson Courtney commented that he supported the recommendation of staff. Acting Chairperson Courtney closed discussion and called for a motion. MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Schall, and duly seconded, to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee to establish a prima facie speed limit upon Ambrosia Lane from Aviara Parkway to Poinsettia Lane as outlined in the staff report. VOTE: 3-0-0 AYES: Courtney, Mertz, Schall NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ITEM 7 REPORT FROM TRAFFIC COMMISSIONERS None ITEM a REPORT FROM TRAFFIC ENGINEER None ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion the Regular Meeting of April 1, 2002 was adjourned at 4:27 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dianna Scott Minutes Clerk