HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-07; Traffic and Mobility Commission; Minutes
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Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
Council Chambers
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, 3:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Gocan called the Meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Gocan, Hunter, Penseyres, Fowler, Linke and Perez
Absent: Wanamaker
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice-chair Perez led the Pledge of Allegiance
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
This meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom due to the stay-at-home order for COVID-19.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Hunter seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve the minutes for the
Nov. 2, 2020 meeting as presented.
Motion carried: 5/0/1/1 (Absent: Wanamaker; Abstained: Perez)
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA:
◊ Simon J Freedman - As I understand things the Traffic and Mobility Commission (Commission) will be
meeting on 12/7/20. At this time, the Traffic and Mobility Commission apparently does not allow
individuals to appear and make public comment, apparently in the past because some individuals may
have been unruly. While I understand and appreciate that sentiment, with all due respect I believe it is
mistaken. First this is a public meeting, and members of the public should be afforded the right to
comment. The City Council provides this right, and I see no reason why the Commission should not also
extend this right.
Second, in that we are now appearing virtually you have a very powerful tool to prevent “unruly”
behavior, it is called a mute button. I have no objection to the Commission imposing reasonable time
limits on the rights of individuals to speak, but I am opposed to an outright ban. I understand you will
present my position to the Commission. You have also asked me to summarize my position.
As you know i previously met with an ad hoc Committee, and at that meeting you had the material i had
prepared previously outlining the changes we are requesting. I would request that material be made
available to the Commission on 12/7/20. Based upon our conversation we are making the following
requests:
1. Grand Ave. We are requesting this be turned into a Class III bike route with Green Painted squares,
with White Sharrows on top, and appropriate signage (Bikes may use full Lane).
2. Carlsbad Village Drive, same treatment as Grand. You have advised me that the Village Barrio plan
calls for the elimination of bike lanes on CVD and all bike traffic being diverted to Grand. We still would
like to see the bike lanes removed from CVD and have the no. 2 lane converted to a Class III bike route.
Will look into the Barrio Plan and update you if we have any further comment.
TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION
Minutes
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Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
3. Jefferson north of Grand we would like turned into a Class III bike route. You have advised me you
think that may not be received favorably. This would be our first request, but we would be willing to
listen to a proposal to narrow the car lanes, and add buffers between the car lanes and the bike lanes.
You and I also discussed Jefferson going west over I-5. I am of the opinion that given the narrowness of
that bridge it is a danger to bicyclists. You suggested the addition of a climbing lane on that particular
portion of the road, which I think would be a good idea.
4. Carlsbad Boulevard, north of Tamarack. You have advised me that many of the changes we are
requesting will be taken up by the Commission in the immediate future and have asked me to defer any
comment until January, that is fine.
5. Carlsbad Boulevard south of Tamarack we are requesting green bike lanes and signage as set forth in
my earlier proposal.
◊ Kathy Parker - It has come to my attention that you are addressing the bike designation situation in
Carlsbad and as a 44 years resident and long time bike rider I would like to encourage you to make as
many changes as possible to increase the safety of riding bikes in our community.
As a grandmother, I spend lots of time in Santa Cruz where my grandchildren reside and I am so much
more comfortable riding my bike in that city then I am here. The roads are much more clearly marked
for bikes and the people in cars are also more used to seeing bike riders and many are bike riders
themselves. Also, there are many areas where one can ride separated from the traffic. Anything we can
do to increase awareness here I believe will help our situation greatly.
Your attention to bike safety in our city will be greatly appreciated.
◊ Mary Hassing - I write today to ask that you prioritize upgrading Carlsbad’s bike lanes with bright paint
and signage. With the growth in the number of electric bikes, I’ve grown increasingly concerned about
safety, for drivers and cyclists. I am a 14-year resident who has primarily limited myself to distant bike
trails because of the lack of bright, visible, painted bike lanes on our roads. This is not yet a bike-friendly
city where I can safely run errands to the Village, leaving my car at home. As the main roads become
safer for recreational cyclists, please remember residents like me who need to navigate the side roads as
well.
CONSENT CALENDAR: None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. POLICE MONTHLY REPORT
Lieutenant Calderwood presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the
Office of the City Clerk).
Lt. Calderwood reported on their continual efforts to address Loud Exhaust Enforcement which now
includes nine signs placed along Carlsbad Blvd. The Click It or Ticket It campaign happened on
November 16 to 29, and the Winter DUI Mobilization campaign will happen on December 16 to
January 1, to continue to focus on safety for the community. Outreach about texting and driving will
be an ongoing message as a part of the OTS grant which focusses on this topic in April and August
every year.
Vice-chair Perez inquired as to how the Traffic and Mobility Commission can help the police
department address issues like pedestrian safety, car fatalities, and train pedestrian accidents.
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Lt. Calderwood respond that the T&MC helps by creating a public forum to discuss these important
safety concerns and how we can develop our transportation network and policies to address these.
Commission Wanamaker joined the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
2. VALLEY STREET AND MAGNOLIA AVENUE COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM PROJECT NOS. 6019 AND 3904 – (Staff contact: Hossein Ajideh and Jonathan Schauble,
Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation and provide input
Senior Engineer Schauble presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in
the Office of the City Clerk).
Commissioner Linke inquired about the visibility for all modes of travel included in the proposed
engineering design of this project. He also, expressed concerns about the visibility of pedestrians and
bicyclists from vehicle turning at driveways and intersecstions.
Senior Engineer Schauble is working with the neighbors to inform them of the project and to
incorporate their feedback and concerns into the design plans.
Commissioner Linke inquired if the residents along Magnolia Avenue will lose a fair amount of the
front yard.
Senior Engineer Schauble said that staff met with the affected property owners to discuss these details
and the impacts to encroachments like fences, planter areas, and landscaping however all proposed
project improvements are within the public right away.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON DEPARTAMENTAL REPORTS ITEM TWO ON THE AGENDA:
Public comments submitted via email prior to the Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting and read
into the record:
◊ Russell and Sandy Friesen - My husband Russell and I live at 1740 Magnolia Avenue and own the
property at 1710 Magnolia Ave, which is on the corner of Valley St and Magnolia Ave. The house at 1710
Magnolia Ave is a 3 bedrooms home with a small rental in the back. The parking on Valley St is already
very difficult as it is. My main concern is losing the majority of our driveway on Valley St. and not having
anywhere to park our cars. We have moms with young children, teenagers, elderly etc. all living on this
street, and it would not only be a huge inconvenience but also a safety hazard to have to walk down the
street to their cars every time they want to go to the grocery store, to and from work etc. We would all
prefer parking and underground utilities rather than two bike lanes and flashing beacons.
Regarding safety, I would also like to suggest a speed bump in front of Magnolia School. The North
County Transit bus (always empty) flies down Magnolia every half hour.
Please consider that we don’t live in a condominium complex, we are residents that live in single family
residential neighborhood and would appreciate being able to park our cars in front of our homes.
◊ Christine Moore - Regarding street improvements on Valley Street, between Magnolia and Chestnut.
The result of a recent property survey that we initiated has raised questions regarding how city
engineers have come to the conclusion that there is the space necessary to allow for traffic, sidewalk
curb and gutter, a separated bike path and parking. It doesn't seem possible. If in fact, the space is
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Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
sufficient, our next concern is whether or not any consideration has been given to the residents? With
the anticipated improvements, (which look great on paper), residents will be backing into 3 separate
paths of traffic, pedestrian, bike, and vehicle, very probably at the same time school is starting. We have
been waiting for street improvements since 1983. Our children have long since moved on, but we've had
a front row seat to some very close calls. We would welcome a practical and beneficial solution to
pedestrian traffic on our street.
◊ Joe Moore - While the initial design that we saw 2 years ago is nice, it is not even close to what is
needed at this location. While it is hard enough now to enter the street from our driveways during
school times, the proposed plan from the city would compound this problem with the proposed
additional green belts etc.
All we need on this street is standard curb, gutter and sidewalks with street parking. Have staff visit
during school start times, during any special event at the high school, Jr. High or elementary school and
it will be plain to see that street parking is needed. Please save the “ECO-Street” designs for a different
location.
◊ Sarah Bland - I live on the corner of Valley St. and Magnolia Ave. I am writing in regards to the future
sidewalk project. I am hoping the traffic commission takes parking and access to parking into serious
consideration. The plans l have seen could potentially remove our driveway. I have a teenage daughter
and her safety is always our family top priority. Her parking down the street and having to walk to our
home is something we find very concerning.
◊ Chris Highland - I moved to 3670 Valley Street and am Legally Blind and do want this to be read. I
cannot Drive but do have concerns about the room for parking and we were told definitively when we
moved in over 5 years ago that utilities were going to be put underground and now there is a
contingency upon funding? This is the ideal time to do it when everything will be dug up and seems
absurd that this may not also be accomplished!
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Penseyres inquired if the power lines are not underground because of the contingency
listed, “upon fund availability” in the letter that was sent to the residents? If the utilities are not
undergrounded how would staff be able to move forward with the project?
Senior Engineer Schauble said that up until this point it is assumed that we can get utilities underground
and the reason that it was mentioned in the letter to the residents it is because SDG&E raised their fee
substantially.
Commissioner Penseyres inquire about the height of the cycle track would be at the same level as the
sidewalk.
Senior Engineer Schauble said that the cycle track would be at the same level (flush) with the sidewalk.
Transportation Director Frank suggested that the T&MC make a motion to provide comments and to
support complete streets concept. Staff will follow-up with their comments by conducting more public
outreach and work to build a consensus on a conceptual design which will be later incorporated into the
final design.
ACTION:
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Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-434-2730 t
Motion by Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres, to receive the both the public
and commissions comments and to revise the concept plans to address the comments and to bring it
back to the T&MC before final design.
Motion carried unanimously: 7/0 4. ADOPTION OF THE CARLSBAD SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY PLAN – (Staff contact: Nathan Schmidt,
Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation and provide input
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt presented the report and reviewed the
PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Linke prepared a PowerPoint presentation in response to the staff report findings
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk). He indicated that the main accomplishment of the
Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP) is its consolidation of the projects from older planning
documents into a single database, but there are significant limitations due to removal of many
tasks from the original scope of work. These include the lack of detailed reviews of the
multimodal level of service (MMLOS) system, transit and Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) planning efforts, and first mile/last mile transit gaps. They also include the lack of project
feasibility and cost studies and lack of a detailed plan for Safe Routes to Schools.
Commissioner Linke inquired about the cost of the Carlsbad SMP and the $300,000 grant for the project.
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt answered that he does not have the exact amount
but he will check it for the commissioners. He added that the city received a Caltrans Sustainable
Communities Program grant in the amount of $300,000 to fund a significant portion of the plan.
The next step after prioritization of the multimodal transportation improvements, is a detailed
engineering feasibility and cost analysis to determine which projects are most feasible and can be
prioritized in the CIP.
Commissioner Linke expressed concern that the current timeline included an average of only 1 to 2
projects per year for the next 20 years. He went on to describe several recent residential development
projects that he felt were lost opportunities to fund adjacent improvements to pedestrians, bicycle and
transit facilities, despite previous planning documents that promote such projects. He also, encourage
harmonization of the SMP with the new Local Coastal Program update. He felt that the T&MC should
provide a statement to City Council about the limitations of the SMP and suggestions on implementation
to ensure that it does not become another under-utilized planning document.
Transportation Director Frank thanked Commissioner Linke for the extensive evaluation which is
beneficial to improving moving goods, services, and people through Carlsbad. The request of developers
to pay their fair share of the improvements through an update of the city’s current Traffic Impact Fee (TIF)
program continues to be a priority for the transportation department.
Commissioner Wanamaker said that he encourages the use of roundabouts whenever possible because
he believes to be a great tool for slowing traffic and improving safety for all modes.
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Commissioner Penseyres suggested that staff consider short-term improvements in the first mile/last mile
in areas like at the Poinsettia Train Station which lacks sufficient bike/pedestrian facilities as it is a high
speed road without bike lanes or sharrows.
RECESS:
Chair Gocan requested a recess at 5:40 p.m. The Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting resumed at 5:53
p.m. with all commissioners presents, except Commissioner Wanamaker.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Fowler seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to recommend the adoption of the
Sustainable Mobility Plan, and that Chair Gocan and Commissioner Linke work with staff to include a
statement about the limitations and the tasks necessary to ensure successful implementation.
Motion carried: 6/0/1 (Absent: Wanamaker)
5. FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN/GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL MONITORING
REPORT: ADOPTION OF ACTIONS TO ADDRESS THE DEFICIENT FACILITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO VEHICULAR LEVEL OF SERVICE EXEMPTIONS PURSUANT TO GENERAL PLAN MOBILITY
ELEMENT POLICY 3-P.9 (Staff contact: Tom Frank, Public Works)
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive a presentation and provide input
Transportation Director Frank presented the report and reviewed the PowerPoint
presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Penseyres inquired if a right turn only lane will be added to the eastbound approach
of Palomar Airport Road at Paseo Del Norte.
Transportation Director Frank stated yes.
Commissioner Penseyres inquired about the bike lane on Cannon Road closer to Paseo Del Norte if it
is proposed to have a dedicated right turn lane.
Transportation Director Frank answered by giving some example on google maps of bike lanes at
right turn lanes throughout the city which were wider but would not be a dedicated right turn lane .
Commissioner Linke inquired about if an intersection operations analysis was conducted at Paseo
Del Norte intersection and Palomar Airport Road.
Consultant Engineer Loomis answered that the intersection operations analysis was not performed
at the intersection because no recent traffic counts were available but that the analysis could be
done using older 2016 data if needed.
Transportation Director said that staff will look the turning moving volumes from 2016 report and
study.
Commissioner Linke asked if staff could revise the staff report and look for any inconsistencies and
asked if the commissioners could request an expediting of the identified projects.
Transportation Director Frank answered that traffic signals are a priority as a whole and staff is in the
design phase of implementing radar speed feedback signs and continuation of work with the police
department traffic enforcement. In addition, several “yield to pedestrian” signs have been installed.
Staff is also currently evaluating the no right turn on red signals, and revised striping to improve both
bike lanes and right- turn movements.
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Commissioner Linke suggested that staff should conduct a more detailed operations analysis on
Marron Road to determine where the congestion exist and that he will support the exemption the
road facilities with the improvements.
Transportation Director Frank explained to Commissioner Linke that the intersection of Marron Road
and College Boulevard is not under the jurisdiction of the city as it’s within the City of Oceanside.
ACTION:
Motion by Commissioner Linke, seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to take staff recommendation to
exempt the five street facilities and accept the proposed projects and studies to be conducted.
Motion carried: 6/0/1 (Absent: Wanamaker)
Deputy City Manager Gomez invited the Traffic and Mobility Commission to nominate a member to
make a presentation at the City Council meeting.
The Commission nominated Chair Gocan as the primary representative and Commissioner Linke as the
secondary representative for the City Council meeting.
CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER REPORT:
City Traffic Engineer Comments: Attachment A
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt received communication form the City Clerk that
Commissioner Penseyres term has ended and the City Clerk will be accepting applications to fill the
commission’s vacancy.
TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Vice-Chair Perez inquired about Avenida Encinas between address 6109 and 6195 as to how changes to
parking striping are considered and approved.
Traffic City Engineer Kim responded that the changes to the parking limits were initiated by the police
department due to complaints about RV parking. The police took the lead on an ordinance that would
make it illegal to park outside of parking spaces that are marked and signed.
Commissioner Hunter gave kudos to staff and to the commissioners for coming up with integrated plans
and working together.
Commissioner Penseyres inquired if the roadway design with the dual right turn lanes on eastbound
Poinsettia Lane will be modified when the new portion of Poinsettia Lane is opened-up.
Traffic City Engineer Kim said that staff will be evaluating closely the change of traffic patterns once the
new section of Poinsettia Lane opens.
Commissioner Fowler inquired about the license plates reader and if staff provided any input related to
traffic safety.
City Traffic Engineer answered that the license plate reader equipment is strictly for use by the police
department.
ADJOURNMENT:
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Chair Gocan adjourned the Traffic and Mobility Commission Meeting on Dec. 7, 2020, at 6:49 p.m.
___________________________ Eliane Paiva, Minutes Clerk
r f
Attachment A
Meeting Date: Dec. 7, 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
Nov. 3, 2020
• Marja Acres (Community Development)
Nov. 17, 2020
• US Bike Route 95 Designation
Upcoming City Council Items on Traffic and Mobility
Dec. 15, 2020
Determination of Five Deficient Street Facilities
City Traffic Engineer Report
' .
. TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION
Page 2
Non-Agenda Public Comments
Item Action
Speeding concerns on Unicornio St and
running of all-way STOP at Unicornio
St/El Fuerte St
Phase I of Carlsbad Residential Traffic
Management Program initiated. Did not meet
threshold for Phase II consideration. Traffic
control devices at Unicornio St/El Fuerte St
reviewed. (Closed)
Signing and striping concerns on Aviara
Parkway and Poinsettia Lane
Work order issued to relocate THRU TRAFFIC
MERGE LEFT sign and install RIGHT LANE
TURNS RIGHT AHEAD sign. (Closed)
Speeding concerns on Avenida Encinas
at Portage Way
Work order issued to relocate existing STOP
signs closer to roadway to increase visibility.
(Closed)
Request for more speed enforcement on
Cannon Rd near El Camino Real
Police department notified of concern. (Closed)
Request to remove 3-hour parking on
State St
Future agenda item
Noise pollution concerns on Carlsbad
Blvd
Work order issued to install loud noise
enforcement signs on Carlsbad Blvd. (Closed)
Commissioner Comments
Item Action
Construction concerns on westbound
Palomar Airport Rd
Concerns communicated to construction
management team. (Closed)
Review of collision at Cannon Rd/El
Camino Real
Collision report reviewed; existing equipment
and signal timing checked. (Closed)
Traffic control plans for ECR widening
project b/w Poinsettia Ln and Camino
Vida Roble
Meeting with Commissioner Penseyres and
staff scheduled for…
Concerns on Jefferson Street between
Las Flores Dr and Marron Rd
Staff is investigating