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TC Agenda - 05-04-06AGENDA ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION 8838 East Valley Boulevard Rosemead, California 91770 Regular Meeting MAY 4, 2006 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairman Quintanilla at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Quintanilla, Vice-Chairperson Matsdorf and Commissioner Knapp Absent: None Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Quintanilla Invocation: Chairman Knapp I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - April 6, 2006 II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE III. OLD BUSINESS - NONE IV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST TO RESTRICT THE PARKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES OVER 5 TONS ON THE WEST SIDE OF SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD FROM TOWNE CENTER DRIVE TO THE SOUTH ROSEMEAD CITY LIMITS V. STAFF REPORTS VI. COMMISSIONER REPORTS VII. ADJOURNMENT ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION APRIL 6, 2006 A regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairman Quintanilla at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Quintanilla, Vice-Chairperson Matsdorf and Commissioner Knapp Absent: None Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Matsdorf Invocation: Commissioner Knapp 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Ianuary 12, 2006 It was moved by Commissioner Matsdorf, seconded by Commissioner Knapp, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes for January 12, 2006. H. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE - NONE M. OLD BUSINESS - NONE IV. NEW BUSINESS D. REQUEST FOR TRUCK TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ON DELTA AVENUE SOUTH OF RUSH STREET Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION: Staff had no objection to the installation of "No Trucks Over 3 Tons" on Delta Avenue south of Rush Street to the south City limits. Staff will also contact Panda Express Corporate offices to discuss the possibility of directing truck deliveries to access their site from Walnut Grove Avenue. Assistant City Manager Wagner read two letters that were faxed by residents, voicing their opinions regarding this matter. Assistant City Manager Wagner went on to say that Lordon Management contacted the City asking us to notify all the residents in their complex. This was done by the Parking Control Officers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Speaking before the Commission was: Councilman John Tran 2712 N. Del Mar Avenue Rosemead, California 91770 Councilman Tran asked several questions regarding the signs being posted, and recommended that the Rosemead Traffic Commission send a letter to Wal-Mart informing them that the City will be installing these signs and will be strictly enforced. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that during the mitigation plan and while Wal-Mart is being built,.trucks are to avoid using Delta if at all possible. When Wal-Mart is in operation they cannot use Delta to make deliveries, and must use the most direct route or they will be cited. Speaking before the Commission was: Larry Bevington (Saving Our Community) 8372 Rush Street Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Bevington expressed his disappointment that the residents in the complex were not notified. Mr. Bevington argued that the trucks traveling on Delta was not one of the conditions set in the mitigation plan. He was also upset with the wording of the recommendation by staff. Speaking before the Commission was: Victor Ruiz 9703 Olney Street Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Ruiz stated that during his term as a Traffic Commissioner, he asked for a study to be done and signs be posted on all residential streets throughout the City regarding no trucks over 3 tons. That study was never done. Mr. Ruiz also stated that he has spoken to a motorcycle officer that has indicated that trucks are not being cited because the judge'is dismissing the ticket once it appears in court. Speaking before the Commission was: Yuki Fukumoto 1807 Delta Avenue Rosemead, California 91770 Ms. Fukumoto was dissatisfied with the way the residents in the complex were contacted for tonight's meeting. Ms. Fukumoto asked where does it say that the trucks can travel on Delta "if necessary". Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that it is part of the mitigation/ monitoring plan during the construction phase of the project. Mr. Bevington requested a copy of the mitigation/ monitoring plan that states these conditions. Speaking before the Commission was: Edward Stepanian 1813 Delta Avenue Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Stepanian stated that he has encountered two dangerous situations with trucks on Delta in the past two weeks. He also stated that the truck drivers are not good neighbors and have no regard for the residents in the vicinity, and feels that an emergency council meeting should be conducted in order to get these signs installed as soon as possible. Speaking before the Commission was: Marlene Shinen 8447 Drayer Lane South San Gabriel, California 91770 Ms. Shinen thanked staff for getting the information to her in a timely manner. She went on to inform the Commission of an accident that occurred on Delta, in which the police report states that Delta is considered a highway and does not feel that the City monitors the streets in Rosemead. Ms. Shinen informed the Commission of an incident that she encountered with a truck driver making a delivery on Delta, and is in favor of the signs being installed. Speaking before the Commission was: Jim Clouet. 3719 Ivar Avenue Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Clouet expressed his appreciation to the Commission for allowing this item to be addressed first and for agreeing to write a letter to Wal-Mart regarding the signage being posted and enforced. Mr. Clouet asked if the City has a launch date for the City's website. He feels that this is an excellent form of communication between the City and its residents, by posting "all" agendas on the website. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that we're hoping to get the website up and running in the next 30 days. Speaking before the Commission was: Caroline Kunioka 8400 Wells Street Rosemead, California 91770 Ms. Kunioka informed the Commission of a man that was killed on a couple of weeks ago on Walnut Grove and Rush. Ms. Kunioka wanted to know if perhaps a certain type of device or trap could be used for truck drivers that continue to use Delta after the signs have been installed, in the event that an officer is not present. It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Matsdorf, and carried unanimously to approve the installation of the "No Trucks Over 3 Tons" on Delta Avenue, south of Rush Street to south of City limits. In addition, a letter will be sent to Wal-Mart informing them of the City Council's action and enforcement. Assistant City Manager Wagner informed the audience that this item will go before the City Council on Tuesday, April 25w. Commissioner Matsdorf thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. A. REQUEST FOR LOADING ZONE AT 3301 SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION: Based on the field review of the location, the available on-street parking in the area and the parking lot for 3301 San Gabriel Boulevard, a white loading/ unloading zone was recommended with a sign identifying a "Loading Zone, Monday - Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m." The removal of some existing red curb and the installation of additional red curb is also recommended. It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Matsdorf, and carried unanimously to approve the Traffic Engineer's recommendation. B. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL CROSSING GUARD AT IVAR AVENUE AND NEWBY STREET Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION: The placement of an additional crossing guard at the intersection of Ivar Avenue and Newby Street was not recommended at this time. However, staff will contact the crossing guard to assist them in communicating with the school pedestrians. Speaking before the Commission was: Charles Lyons 4222 Arica Avenue Rosemead, CA 91770 Mr. Lyons was present on behalf of the students and parents of Ivar and Newby Streets and proceeded to use the white board to illustrate his point. The school continues to educate the students and the parents, however, the number of students has increased from 300 to 750, and when the crossing guard is absent, it is a very dangerous situation. If the Commission chooses not to place an additional crossing guard, then perhaps the City could obtain an on-call crossing guard. It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Quintanilla to approve the Traffic Engineer's recommendation, and to communicate with the current crossing guard and look into other possibilities, such as, temporary signs. Commissioner Matsdorf agrees with the recommendation, but had to abstain her vote because she is an employee of the School District. C. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL CROSSING GUARD AT ENCINITA AVENUE AND PITKIN STREET Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. . RECOMMENDATION: The placement of an additional crossing guard at the intersection of Encinita Avenue and Pitkin Street was not recommended at this time. However, staff will contact the crossing guard to assist them in communicating with the school pedestrians. Speaking before the Commission was: Charles Lyons 4222 Arica Avenue Rosemead, CA 91770 Mr. Lyons was present on behalf of the students and parents of Encinita Avenue and Pitkin Streets, and proceeded to use the white board to illustrate his point. Mr. Lyons stated that parents are parking over the crosswalk line and the buttons need to be repaired. Mr. Lyons feels that with some enforcement of the red and white areas, this situation could be rectified. It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Quintanilla to approve the Traffic Engineer's recommendation. In addition, staff will communicate with the current crossing guard, replace the buttons, and have selective enforcement at this location. Commissioner Matsdorf agrees with the recommendation, but had to abstain her vote because she is an employee of the School District. D. REQUEST FOR RED CURB AT 8749 VALLEY BOULEVARD - JIM'S BURGERS Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION: Final recommendation by staff will be made at the Traffic Commission meeting after complete review of the reported accidents is made. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that this is not any different from other locations in the City. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that he has spoken to the owner of Jim's Burgers and he would not be opposed to the installation of 15 feet of red curb. It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Matsdorf, and carried unanimously to install 15 feet of red curb, and re-visit this at a later date, sometime in September or October. V. STAFF REPORTS - NONE VI. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Knapp asked the Sheriff's representative if it is standard policy that at a D.U.I. Checkpoint, the female officer speaks to a female driver. The Sheriff's representative said "no", it was pure coincidence. Commissioner Matsdorf asked why the trains are stopping for hours at a time. Mr. Jim Clouet stated that this is a beginning of a pattern, as these trains become 1 - 2 miles long and begin backing up in the East Los Angeles Yard, they're going to sit and idle. Commissioner Knapp asked if the City has received any bids for the construction of the off-ramp at Hellman and Walnut Grove. Assistant City Manager stated that the project has been awarded, and they are awaiting materials. Speaking before the Commission was: Brian Lewin 9442 E. Ralph Street Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Lewin recommended that the City send the PCO Officers on an unofficial schedule to the various schools that are having problems. Once the message is sent, they will discontinue parking there. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m., with 41 people in the audience. Staff Report Rosemead Traffic Commission TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY DATE: APRIL 25, 2006 SUBJECT: REQUEST TO RESTRICT THE PARKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES OVER 5 TONS ON THE WEST SIDE OF SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD FROM TOWNE CENTER DRIVE TO SOUTH CITY LIMIT REQUEST Staff received a request from Los Angeles County to restrict commercial vehicles from parking on the west side of San Gabriel Boulevard, from Towne Center Drive to the south City limit. CONDITIONS Currently, the subject stretch of San Gabriel Boulevard is posted with a 2-hour parking limit for commercial vehicles over 80 inches in width. The west side of San Gabriel Boulevard, south of the Rosemead City limit in the City of Montebello, is posted "No Stopping Any Time". On the east side of San Gabriel Boulevard, south of Towne Center Drive, which lies within unincorporated Los Angeles County jurisdiction, the posted parking restriction is "No Parking Anytime for Commercial Vehicles over 5 Tons". DISCUSSION Field observations of San'Gabriel Boulevard were made during afternoon-hours. Only one commercial vehicle (a 40-foot semi tractor-trailer) was parked on the west side of San Gabriel Boulevard immediately north of the Rosemead City limit. One commercial vehicle was parked on the west side of the street well south of Darlington Street. It was not readily apparent whether or not these commercial vehicles were conducting business in the area or just on a layover. It has been noted that in the past, commercial vehicles have parked along the entire, stretch of San Gabriel Boulevard from Towne Center Drive to Rosemead Boulevard for no other apparent reason than to idle away time before moving on to their final destination. RECOMMENDATION To be consistent with the commercial vehicle parking restriction on the east side of San Gabriel Boulevard, it is recommended that the parking restrictions posted on the west side of San Gabriel Boulevard between Towne Center Drive and the south City limit be changed to "No Parking Anytime for Commercial Vehicles over 5 Tons".