HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-03; Traffic Safety Commission; Minutes
M I N U T E S
MEETING OF: TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
DATE OF MEETING: October 3, 2016
TIME OF MEETING: 5:00 p.m.
PLACE OF MEETING: City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hunter called the Meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Chair Chuck Hunter
Commissioner Fred Muir
Commissioner Kathryn Fox
Commissioner Mychal Dourson
Commissioner Ervin Poka
Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Doug Bilse, City Traffic Engineer
Craig Williams, Transportation Manager
John Kim, Associate Engineer
Jennifer Horodyski, Assistant Engineer
Lieutenant Greg Koran, Carlsbad Police Department
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
September 12, 2016
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Fox, and seconded by Commissioner Muir to
approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 12, 2016.
VOTE: 5‐0‐0
AYES: Hunter, Muir, Fox, Dourson, Poka
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
October 3, 2016 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 2
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Gene Bellon:
Gene is president of an HOA that includes 15 homes with driveways that access La Costa Avenue.
He is concerned about vehicle speeding on La Costa Avenue.
Mehdi Sarram:
Mehdi is concerned about vehicle speeding on Estrella de Mar. He requested to work with the
Police Department and address speeding on his street.
Judy Frankel:
Judy was representing Bike/Walk Carlsbad. She expressed concerns about using thermoplastic in
bike lane buffers. She explained that bicyclists need to use buffers due to parking vehicles, debris in
the bike lane, etc. and that thermoplastic creates a rumble strip for bicyclists. She stated that epoxy
paint costs the same as thermoplastic and requested that the city consider using epoxy paint
instead of thermoplastic in bicycle lane buffers.
Pete:
Pete suggested the city apply for a Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of
American Bicyclists. Pete observed that speeding is a common concern in the city and also in
Oceanside. In his opinion, the only thing that really works to slow people down is concrete and
constructing bulbouts, chicanes, traffic circles, etc. The city should consider adopting a Vision Zero
Program, which has a focus on slowing vehicles in order to reduce fatalities.
Sara:
Sara requests traffic calming in her neighborhood on La Costa Avenue east of El Camino Real. She is
aware of a traffic calming plan from 2011, but she wants to see the project move forward. She
would like to know what she can do to get her concerns addressed on La Costa Avenue. She
requested improvements to make the street feel more residential, such as bike lanes on both sides
of the street and crosswalks.
PREVIOUS BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
ITEM 6C‐1: Kelly Drive Update – Information Item Only
Doug Bilse presented the revised signing and striping improvements to the intersection of Kelly
Drive and Hillside Drive. The item was a follow up to the intersection improvements presented
on July 11th, 2016. He explained how the project supports the city’s core values, the background
of the project, and the objectives of the proposed improvements. The revised design adds
crosswalks across all approaches and replaces the existing STOP sign with a YIELD sign. It
addresses concerns about pedestrian and bicycle access and will improve the operation of the
intersection.
October 3, 2016 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 3
Discussion:
In response to inquiry from Commissioner Muir, Doug Bilse clarified that residents who would
like to park in the bulb‐out area could slowly drive over the raised pavement markers or back
into the spot.
Peter and Geneva Anderson, who reside at 4870 Kelly Drive, had concerns about the ceramic
pavement markers being destroyed, trucks navigating the intersection, the accessibility of their
mailbox, the proximity of vehicles to the crosswalks, and the difficulty getting out of their
driveway. They had concerns about speeding with the existing circle and requested an ALL‐WAY
STOP at the intersection.
Justin LaRue, who resides on Kelly Drive, had concerns about speeding between Hillside Drive
and El Camino Real and requested an ALL‐WAY STOP at the intersection of Kelly Drive and
Hillside Drive.
Tyler, who resides at 4868 Kelly Drive, stated that the visual aspects of the improvements were
a concern and that concrete improvements would be reasonably more attractive. He was
uncertain about whether the raised pavement markers would help. He commented that he
likes roundabouts and the proposed crosswalks.
Margaret Gibson, who has a 2nd grader who attends Kelly Elementary School, had concerns
about drivers not yielding to traffic in circle and requested additional signage. She requested
more observations be done at the intersection due to vehicles turning right onto Hillside Drive
and multiple queues of cars. She also asked how the existing crossing guard will handle
providing traffic control at the additional crosswalks.
Doug Bilse read two emails that had been sent in regarding the proposed intersection
improvements. The first was from Kelly, who serves as the crossing guard at the intersection.
She had concerns about the distance between the crosswalks and how she will monitor all the
crosswalks. The second was from James Tuckwell, who had concerns about vehicle speeds on
Kelly Drive between Hillside Drive and El Camino Real. He requested painted speed legends,
additional speed limit signs, and a temporary driver feedback speed.
Commissioner Muir asked to go over STOP sign criteria. Doug Bilse explained that STOP signs are
traffic control devices and are used to clarify the right‐of‐way and not to slow traffic. Roundabouts
are traffic calming measures. They are self‐enforcing and do not penalize drivers going the speed
limit. He stated that there is a plan to come in and complete permanent improvements; device
spacing will be correct for the Kelly Drive capital improvement project and public outreach will be
critical.
Commissioner Fox stated that she was not at the July meeting and asked for clarification of
whether the project is approved. Doug Bilse responded that we want the input of Traffic Safety
October 3, 2016 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 4
Commission on the proposed design. He stated that there were a lot of comments, questions, and
concerns on the previous design. Commissioner Fox asked when the improvements would be
completed, and Doug Bilse responded that we’re looking to start the improvements the end of this
year and have the improvements finished by early next year.
Commissioner Poka asked if this proposal included raising the existing circle and curb extensions.
Doug Bilse responded that the pilot project will test whether signs and raised pavement markers
will get drivers to comply with striping. The striping, raised pavement markers, and signs are a
fraction of the cost of raised medians, landscaping, and trees. Commissioner Poka asked if there
would be advanced warning signage for the traffic circle, and Doug Bilse replied that there is
existing warning signage and that the placement of the new signs will make the intersection more
clear to drivers.
Commissioner Poka stated that he observed the intersection with a senior volunteer patrol and
most drivers drove straight through the intersection or turned left in front of the circle. Doug Bilse
replied the proposed design will inhibit drivers from doing that. Commissioner Poka commented
that drivers needed incentives to go around the circle.
Lieutenant Koran stated that a solution that doesn’t require enforcement is best and that pulling
someone over can cause a problem more than already exists. He also commented that the police
department has limited resources, but they do their best getting out to the schools. When
unwarranted STOP signs are installed, compliance goes down in other locations. He sees addressing
the corridor as the long‐term solution.
Chair Hunter stated that California is learning roundabouts. Roundabouts are a learning experience,
but once you get there, they work well.
Commissioner Muir asked if there is anything in place to slow down traffic between the traffic circle
and El Camino Real. Doug Bilse responded we will install the requested legends and speed limit
signs.
Commissioner Dourson asked the timeframe for when the Kelly Drive capital improvement project
is moving forward. Doug Bilse responded that the project moving forward is not about funding, it’s
more about priority and staff resources. He stated that it would be a year or two before we started
public outreach for the Kelly Drive capital improvement project.
Commissioner Fox made a motion to approve the proposed improvements at the intersection of
Kelly Drive and Hillside Drive, with the addition of implementing the additional speed limit signs
and pavement legends. The motion passed with all in favor.
October 3, 2016 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 5
ITEM 6C‐2: Carlsbad Boulevard Lane Reduction: Manzano Drive to Encinitas Creek Bridge –
Information Item Only
Craig Williams presented information on the proposed plan to create a pedestrian connection on
Carlsbad Boulevard between Manzano Drive and Encinitas Creek Bridge through a lane reduction
on this roadway section. There is currently no pedestrian connection on this corridor. The goal of
the project is to provide space for all users on that roadway section. The added connection will be
approximately one mile long, no parking spaces will be lost, and LOS A will be maintained on the
segment. The typical proposed cross‐section will include a twelve foot travel lane, a two foot
buffer, a six foot bike lane, a two foot buffer, and an eight foot multiuse path. The bike lane is
intended for “high performance bicyclists,” and the multiuse path is intended for other users. He
explained how several tight sections will be addressed.
Discussion:
Chair Hunter asked if the parallel parking will extend down the hill, and Craig Williams responded
that we will extend it down as far as we can. It may not extend down to the bridge, but if we can fit
in parking and the bikeway, we will do that. Chair Hunter stated that parking is at a premium at
that location, and Craig Williams responded that it’s not striped there at all and that we will look at
maximizing the parking spaces. Chair Hunter stated that location is one of the best view spots in all
of Carlsbad.
Commissioner Muir asked if there is a way to make parking in the triangle dirt area where Carlsbad
Boulevard meets Palomar Airport Road more efficient. Craig Williams stated that we’d have to pave
the dirt area in order to stripe it, but that we can look into it. Commissioner Muir also asked what
would separate the 8 mph pedestrian zone from the high performance bike lane. Craig Williams
responded that it would just be a stripe and that it’s possible that we could create some kind of
barrier there. Commissioner Muir stated that a barrier would be desirable to prevent users from
zigzagging in and out of the bike lane. Craig Williams stated that we are early in the design process.
Chair Hunter stated that a barrier may limit bicyclist options. Craig Williams said that there are
some designs that are mountable and that curbs may knock a bicyclist over if they are struck.
Commissioner Fox stated that delineation is important because everyone tends to walk or run on
that side of the road.
Commissioner Muir stated that the plan is a great idea and motioned to study delineating the users
as much as possible.
Paul Kaplan stated that the previously discussed parking area (where there is a section of “head‐in”
parking) is one of the five best surfing spots in that area. He stated that parking there is a big deal
because there are a lot of surfers who use that spot. Craig Williams offered to provide his card to
continue the conversation about parking in that area.
October 3, 2016 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 6
ITEM 6C‐3: Carlsbad Boulevard Lane Reduction: Mountain View Drive to Beech Avenue –
Information Item Only
Craig Williams presented the plan to increase parking on Carlsbad Boulevard between Mountain
View Drive and Beech Avenue through a lane reduction. He showed a map of the parking utilization
in the area. We have the opportunity to add 40 parking spaces on this corridor by repurposing the
right‐of‐way. The plan will improve bike lane buffers on the corridor and add curb extensions to the
edge of the bike lane to improve pedestrian access. The LOS for the segment is currently A and will
remain LOS after the improvements. The cost of the modifications will be approximately $50,000,
which is mostly due to the slurry seal, and we can get the project done in early 2017. We will be
able to add the parking for about $1200 a space.
Commissioner Fox made a motion to move forward with this project, which was seconded by
Commissioner Dourson. The motion passed with all in favor.
ITEM 6C‐4: Rancho Santa Fe Road north of La Costa Avenue: Install Speed Feedback Signs–
Information Item Only
Doug Bilse presented information on the plan to reduce vehicle speeds on Rancho Santa Fe north
of La Costa Avenue. He stated that vehicle speeds impact quality of life, which we’ve heard from
residents. He explained existing speed limits on the corridor and existing land uses in the area. He
provided a collision history of the roadway segment and stated that the collision history does not
indicate that there is a safety issue. He stated that lower speeds make roads safer, but we don’t
want to arbitrarily lower the speed limit. The recommended improvements are speed feedback
signs, reducing lane widths by adding bicycle lane buffers, and adding high visibility crosswalks at
Calle Barcelona. The speed feedback signs are funded as of July 1st and should be installed early
2017. The bike lane buffer will be done in several phases over a five year period. We’re looking to
package the high visibility crosswalks with other work, and if we’re successful, we could have them
completed by the end of this year or next year.
Discussion:
Claudia Cooper, who is a resident in that area, stated that people don’t typically drive the speed
limit on that corridor. She requested advanced signal heads and signal timing changes. She is
concerned about collisions, especially collisions caused by red light running and speeding, and she
requested the city look into photo enforcement. She stated that the goal is to get the speed limit
down.
Paul and Kyle Kaplan spoke, who reside at 3521 Corte Romero. Kyle Kaplan stated that using the
sidewalk is scary even though the sidewalk is separated and that the car shakes when waiting on
Rancho Santa Fe to make a left turn. He mentioned that he has almost been hit in the crosswalk at
Rancho Santa Fe and Camino Junipero by vehicles running the red light. Paul Kaplan stated that
speeding happens on the hill. Doug Bilse responded that we are planning on putting the speed
feedback signs in that area.
October 3, 2016 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 7
Commissioner Fox asked what a speed feedback sign is. Doug Bilse responded that it uses radar to
tell you how fast you’re going and that it flashes “SLOW DOWN” above the speed limit. If we can
clip off drivers going 55, 56, and 57 miles per hour, we may be able to lower the speed limit to 50
miles per hour. He stated that this is the first time we’ve done traffic calming on a 55 mile per hour
street and that this area has a residential character.
Commissioner Fox stated that Rancho Santa Fe is still a main thoroughfare. Doug Bilse responded
that it is a principal arterial and that when we’re trying to push the most traffic through, traffic is
going less than 55 miles per hour. Getting to work fast is not one of the city’s core values.
Chair Hunter asked what narrower lanes do to safety. Doug Bilse replied that 11 foot lanes are our
new standard, which will create a more consistent drive and cause people to slow down. Craig
Williams added that according to the Highway Capacity Manual, there is no real significant
difference for capacity and for safety between 10, 11, and 12 foot lanes.
Commissioner Muir brought up the mention of photo enforcement and stated that he thought it
was not something we would pursue. Doug Bilse has read that photo enforcement tickets are a
misdemeanor in Los Angeles and that many cities who have put it in are not happy with it. He
stated that he doesn’t think that photo enforcement is something we want to pursue in Carlsbad at
this time. California has legal requirements regarding citing for speeding and being allowed to face
your police officer. Lieutenant Koran stated that photo enforcement should not be a revenue
generator and that tickets should be written to keep people safe. Doug Bilse commented that it’s
been argued that if a city has the funding to install photo enforcement, they should just hire more
officers who can use their discretion.
Claudia Cooper asked if we could increase the all‐red time at the intersection to address red‐light
running. Doug Bilse replied we were looking at that and explained the effects of the length of the
yellow and all‐red intervals.
Commissioner Poka commented that it is intimidating to make a left turn at Rancho Santa Fe and
the shopping center due to the fast moving traffic.
ITEM 6E: Elect a new Traffic Safety Commission Vice‐Chairperson
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Fox to nominate Commissioner Mychal Dourson,
which was seconded by Commissioner Muir.
VOTE: 5‐0‐0
AYES: Hunter, Muir, Fox, Dourson, Poka
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM 6F: Monthly Public Education Theme – Information Item Only
October 3, 2016 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 8
Lieutenant Koran said that this month’s theme is school safety in order to establish good habits in
and around schools for traffic patterns.
OTS grant information will be provided next month.
REPORT FROM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSIONERS
Future agenda items:
Thermoplastic striping versus other alternatives, proposed for a future meeting
What it takes to be a bike friendly city
La Costa Avenue traffic calming, proposed for December
Report on traffic calming and pilot project, proposed to be brought back in a month or
two
REPORT FROM CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER
Doug Bilse thanked the commissioners for attending the annual Boards and Commissions dinner.
Doug Bilse clarified that the reason that we’ve haven’t completed the lane reductions on Carlsbad
Boulevard and La Costa Avenue is because we were waiting for adoption of the General Plan.
ADJOURNMENT:
By proper motion, Commissioner Fox adjourned the meeting of October 3, 2016 at 7:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Horodyski