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TC - Minutes 07-05-07ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION JULY 5, 2007 The meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairperson Knapp at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead. PLEDGE OF ALLIGIANCE INVOCATION ROLL CALL Commissioner Chin Commissioner Gay Present: Commissioners Knapp, Hunter, Masuda, Gay, and Chin Absent: . None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Masuda, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the May 3, 2007, meeting. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioner Hunter, Commissioner Masuda Noes: None Abstained: Commissioner Chin, Commissioner Gay It was moved by Commissioner Gay, seconded by Commissioner Chin and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2007, meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Speaking before the. Commission: Jim Flournoy 8655 Landis View Lane Rosemead, CA 91770 Mr. Flournoy indicated his concern for the "Tree of Heaven" growing along the 10 Freeway at the westbound ramp for Walnut Grove Avenue. He indicated this is also found on the Temple City Boulevard ramps. Commissioner Gay was also concerned with the 2 right turn lanes on San Gabriel Boulevard turning on to Walnut Grove Avenue. Many people go straight from the second right turn lane. Page 1 Commissioner Hunter also expressed her concerns regarding this location. 3. OLD BUSINESS - NONE 4. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR A CROSSWALK ON JACKSON AVENUE AND WHITMORE STREET Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council not install a crosswalk on Jackson Avenue at Whitmore Street. Speaking before the Commission: Virginia Peterson, Superintendent Garvey School District Ms. Peterson summarized points of the letter the Commissioners received from Ms. Nancy Eng. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki also indicated that the Commissioner received copies of the faxed letters from Ms. Eng and Mr. Danny O'Brien. Ms. Peterson indicates that Ms. Eng and parents strongly disagree with the recommendation of staff. Ms. Peterson adds: If the installation of a crosswalk at Jackson and Whitmore is not considered, how could we continue the dialogue and work together so we could let you know of our problem? Speaking before the Commission: Anna Maria Knight, Emerson Principal Ms. Knight spoke on behalf of Emerson parents and residents regarding their concerns on safety issues. She read a letter from resident, Daniel O'Brien, who lives on Jackson Avenue since 1956. Ms. Knight urged the Commissioners to consider a crosswalk and work together to ensure community safety. Speaking before the Commission: Felipe Agredano, President, Garvey School District Page 2 Mr. Agredano expressed his concern for students, parents, grandparents, and disabled neighbors that may not be able to cross the street. Mr. Agredano would like a crosswalk. However, if that is not a possibility, he requests the City work with the school and District to find other alternatives to address their concerns. Commissioner Chin expressed her appreciation to the Garvey School District for coming out. We do as a Commission desire to make the City more pedestrian friendly and that is our goal. Speaking before the Commission: Robert Miranda, Alhambra Mr. Miranda states he is well aware of that intersection of Jackson Avenue and Whitmore Street. There has always been a problem at that location. Mr. Miranda suggests the police should be called to issue tickets. He feels that when people are presented with a ticket, they will stop for pedestrians. Speaking before the Commission: Jim Flournoy 8655 Landis Avenue Mr. Flournoy suggests that item be tabled and have enforcement of speeds on Jackson. He also suggests the possibility of flashing lights in street to identify crosswalk. He asks, "Does the City want to put a crossing guard? Other alternatives should be looked at; it is a very unsafe area." Speaking before the Commission: John Yuan, Boardmember, Garvey School District Mr. Yuan expressed his concern for safety and the need for a crosswalk. Speaking before the Commission: Henry Low, Boardmember, Garvey School District Page 3 Mr. Low understands that staff recommended against crosswalk. He urges the Commission to recommend a crosswalk. He would like to work out an amicable solution that will meet the concerns of the School District and the parents Commissioner Masuda was parked at Jackson just north of Whitmore with lots of cars passing by. He recommends putting in the crosswalk. Commissioner Hunter is amazed that there is not a stop sign or crosswalks along the school area. She would like to see a flashing sign indicating "Caution Pedestrian Crossing" or "School Crossing" because it will get a persons attention not only for the yellow but for the blinking light. Commissioner Chin indicated from a pedestrian's point-of-view it is time for change. Commissioner Chin relayed research that indicated in the long-term a driver going to any intersection whether marked or unmarked does not change whether you have a crosswalk there or not. It is a difficult thing because Commissioner Chin sees it from a parent's point-of-view. Commissioner Chin proposed to staff to conduct another study, if the recommendation is rejected, in October, when school started. She also suggested relocation of some school signs and consideration of in-pavement flashing light and flashing signs. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki indicated the cost of striping is minimal that has never been an issue with the Traffic Commission. She also indicated that in- pavement crosswalk lights a new technology and are flashing LED lights on the street where the crosswalk is. Those in-pavement lights as well as flashing beacons are used in certain situations, and they do have guidelines that we must follow. The City follows guidelines that are provided by the State of California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices there are guidelines that we use for both in-pavement crosswalks and flashing beacons, as well as stop signs and traffic signals. Commissioner Gay thanks all for coming out to address this issue on the safety for children. Commissioner Gay states this item should be re-addressed. He feels it is important to have a crosswalk at the north end. Commissioner Gay also recommends in-ground LED lights. Chairperson Knapp stated she would like to see the in-pavement lights. Commission Gay would like to see the use of the radar trailer by the Sheriff Department set up. Commissioner Masuda indicates the real issue is the safety of our kids crossing. He cannot see waiting 3 months for another traffic study. Page 4 Chairperson Knapp asked district representatives if school is currently in session at Emerson. There are some students coming to the site but no summer school. It was moved by Commissioner Masuda to reject staffs recommendation and to install the crosswalk at the north leg of Jackson at Whitmore with appropriate signs and to further study the intersection when school is back in session. Commissioner Gay seconds the motion. The motion carried unanimously. B. REQUEST FOR STRIPING CHANGES ON ENCINITA AVENUE NORTH OF MISSION DRIVE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission approve change in the striping pattern as shown on Exhibit A. Commissioner Gay relayed his personal experience in this area. He approves of moving the striping towards the west. He would like to see the removal of part of the double yellow lines near the intersection. Commissioner Gay would like to see the red curb extended on the east side to the first driveway. Commissioner Gay would like staff to review the need for a left turn arrow and a no U-turn sign posted for eastbound Mission on to Encinita. Commissioner Masuda asks if trucks or semis park on Encinita on the park side. Commissioner Gay indicated that occasionally Consolidated truck parks during the lunch periods. It was moved by Commissioner Chin, seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to approve staffs recommendation and to add the removal of part of the double- double yellow striping on Encinita at Mission and to add red curb on the east side of Encinita from Mission to the first driveway. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioner Chin, Commissioner Hunter, Commissioner Masuda Noes: None. Absent: None Abstained: Commissioner Gay 5. STAFF REPORTS - NONE Page 5 6. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Hunter asked how long does it take for action to be taken on recommendations. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki indicates that issues that require Council generally go at the last meeting of the month by City Council. Commissioner Hunter specifically wanted to know the status of the left turn lanes at Hellman and Walnut Grove. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki indicated the northbound left turn pocket has been extended. The southbound left turn lane that turns onto Ramona the City Engineer is working on that issue. That is being delayed because it is a Capital Improvement Project that requires some construction, because of the center median. Commissioner Chin recommends that when doing studies staff gathers more than one day of data. Commissioner Knapp asked staff to consider the stop sign at Marshall at Bartlett on behalf of a resident. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting is adjourned until August 2, 2007 Jl:lsslmec (06160) 16774I1002IMisc01 Page 6 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS. CITY OF ROSEMEAD I, Gloria Molleda, City Clerk of the City of Rosemead, do hereby certify that the Traffic Commission minutes from July 5, 2007, were duly and regularly approved and adopted by,the Rosemead Traffic Commission on the October 4, 2007, by the following vote to wit: Yes: Knapp, Masuda, Gay, Chin No: None Abstain: None Absent: Hunter Gloria Molleda City Clerk