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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-07; Traffic and Mobility Commission; Minutes Page 1 of 8 Public Works 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 Page 2 of 8 Public Works 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. Page 3 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t 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 Page 4 of 8 Public Works 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: Page 5 of 8 Public Works 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. Page 6 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t 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. Page 7 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t 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: Page 8 of 8 Public Works Transportation 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008  760-434-2730 t 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