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TC - Minutes 11-01-07ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION NOVEMBER 1, 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 Chairperson Knapp INVOCATION Commissioner Masuda ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Knapp, Masuda, Gay, and Chin Absent: Commissioner Hunter 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Knapp requested that on page 5, in the 2"d paragraph under Robert Diaz Speaking Before the Commission, the word "onto" be changed to "from." Also add "onto Hellman" between "Walnut Grove" and "to get" in the last line. Chairperson Knapp requested that on page 2, Item 4 A, "Garden Grove" be changed to Walnut Grove." It was moved by Commissioner Masuda seconded by Commissioner Chin and carried unanimously to accept and approve the amended minutes of the October 4, 2007 meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Speaking before the Commission: Mr. Andy Loi 3120-22 Jackson Avenue Rosemead, CA 91770 Representing: Jackson/Whitmore Stop sign at driveway causes more congestion; difficult for him to enter or exit his driveway. Mr. Loi presented pictures to the Traffic Commission. Commissioners reviewed pictures and it was noted that traffic appears to stop at and blocks Mr. Loi's driveway. Mr. Loi offered a solution of moving the stop sign. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki does not know if there is a good solution. For safety reasons, the stop sign is needed at the crosswalk. Chairperson Knapp asked Mr. Loi if this is an ongoing problem. Mr. Loi further described the problems of getting into and out of his driveway. Page 1 Commissioner Gay asked about street markings that would stop traffic prior to the crosswalk. Mr. Loi suggested moving the stop sign back to the light pole. Speaking before the Commission: Ms. Nancy Eng 3146 Jackson Avenue Rosemead, CA 91770 Representing: Jackson/Whitmore Nancy Eng clarified that it's not just Mr. Loi's driveway, there is another driveway there. She suggested moving the stop sign to the light post. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki expressed that moving the stop sign too far away from where it is needed makes it act as a mid-block stop for unknown reasons. The current situation is difficult and she does not know what a good solution would be. She will discuss this item with other engineers to determine if any options are available. Ms. Eng asked about "keep clear" signage on the pavement. Chairperson Knapp thanked Mr. Loi for bringing the issue before the Traffic Commission and stated that Deputy Traffic Engineer will further address the issue. Speaking before the Commission: Mr. Brian Lewin 9501 E. Ralph St. Rosemead, CA Representing: Self Mr. Lewin asked about five-light signals for a left turn lane. He wondered if there are plans for those to be installed in major streets in Rosemead. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki responded that he is referring to Protected/Permissive Left Turn Signals. If phasing is installed, it is left turn protected phasing in Rosemead, which is just an arrow. Protected/Permissive means that at times maybe there is just a "green" ball for the left turn and the driver has to yield to oncoming traffic. There are no plans to install Protected/Permissive Left Turn Signals. For overall coordination of signals it is easier to have protected left turn phasing. Mr. Lewin suggested one intersection that should be looked at is eastbound and westbound Mission Drive at Rosemead Blvd. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that the City does not have control over signals on Rosemead Boulevard; Rosemead Boulevard is under the control of Caltrans. She will forward a request to Caltrans that they look at it. Page 2 Mr. Lewin suggested another intersection that might benefit is northbound Temple City at Valley, especially in the morning. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki will request that the maintenance people go out and look at the signal to make sure it is operating as it is supposed to. 3. OLD BUSINESS - NONE 4. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR RED CURB AT 8533 GRAND AVENUE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report and study findings. Recommendation It is staff's recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council approve the installation of: 40 feet of red curb on the east side of the driveway of 8533 Grand Avenue easterly. • 20 feet of red curb on the west side of the driveway of 8533 Grand Avenue westerly. Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the audience. There were none. Chairperson Knapp recalled the red curbing issue that was addressed for AT&T. She stated the curbs should be repainted; they are kind of "pinkish." Commissioner Chin stated she was at the location on this date and observed plenty of parking. Commissioner Gay stated encroachment on entry ways is becoming a big issue. He agrees with the red curbing. Commissioner Masuda concurs with the recommendation. Commissioner Gay moved, and Commissioner Chin seconded, to accept the recommendation of the staff to install 40 feet of red curb on the east side of the driveway of 8533 Grand Avenue easterly, and 20 feet of red curb on the west side of the driveway of 8533 Grand Avenue westerly. Vote Results Yes: Commissioner Chin, Commissioner Gay, Commissioner Masuda, Noes: None Absent: Commissioner Hunter Abstained None Page 3 B. REQUEST FOR RED CURB AT 8926 NEVADA STREET Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report and study findings. Recommendation It is staff's recommendation that no additional traffic signing or striping or curb markings be installed on Nevada Street between Rosemead Boulevard and Ivar Avenue. Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the audience. Speaking before the Commission: Gloria Marques 8926 Nevada Street Rosemead, CA 626-571-7512 . Ms. Marques stated there is constant cut-through problems and accidents on Nevada Street. Drivers park "inches" from driveways, especially 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. She requested some sort of solution. Commissioner Masuda asked if delivery trucks are cutting through the streets. Ms. Marques is just referring to the traffic in general. Speaking before the Commission: Lazaro Fonta 8914 Nevada Street Rosemead. CA Since Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant opened up, there has always been problems. From 11 o'clock to 2:30-3:00 o'clock, you can't park in the street. There is no place to park, especially Saturdays and Sundays. His driveway is used as a turn-around area. He described various activities of trucks and speeding, and cut-through traffic. Chairperson Knapp asked why it is advantageous to take Nevada Street. Mr. Fonta responded traffic is coming from Valley to Ivar to Nevada to avoid the light at Rosemead Boulevard and Valley Boulevard. Commissioner Chin clarified that Mr. Fonta is talking about speed, the restaurant, and parking on weekends and lunch time on weekdays. Speaking before the Commission Mr. Joe Giammanco 8908 Nevada Street Rosemead, CA 626-573-3784 Page 4 Mr. Giammanco supports what Mr. Fonta and Ms. Marques have stated. Mr. Giammanco indicated the restaurant owner was working out a deal with the restaurant's neighbor to the north. The neighbor controlled the easement of the alley from Nevada going north to where the first three stores are. There is ample parking in this parking lot and they were working on a deal for the parking. But no agreement has been made. The restaurant owner has been approached by neighbors about the problem and he is not responsive. Nevada Street is narrow when vehicles are parked on both sides. Commissioner Gay wondered how many vehicles could park in the parking lot. He also wonders about parking enforcement of employees. He acknowledged that Ms. Marques has a very narrow driveway. Mr. Giammanco stated the sheriff is doing a good job with citations. Chairperson Knapp expressed her concern about access by emergency vehicles Commissioner Chin asked about number of parking spaces available or able to accommodate on Nevada Street. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki responded there are about 10 to 12 on each side. Commissioner Chin talked about permits/passes for residents/guests. Perhaps a one- way street with slanted parking on one side. To Ms. Marques she asked if there is the possibility of backing into her driveway. Commissioner Chin asked if it is possible to make the street a private street. Deputy Traffic Engineer responded that the City Engineer and City Attorney would be involved in this, and the residents would be responsible for the street versus the City. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki summarized what she believed was the action to be taken and that is that the City needs more outreach to the restaurant and administrative staff should be more involved. It was also suggested that the Chamber become involved. Chairperson Knapp asked for a motion. Chairperson Knapp moved, and Commissioner Gay seconded, to direct traffic and administrative staff to meet with the restaurant owner to address this issue with input from the Chamber of Commerce and a resident representative. Vote Results: Yes: Commissioner Chin, Commissioner Gay, Commissioner Masuda, Noes: None Absent: Commissioner Hunter Abstained None Page 5 C. REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON WALNUT GROVE AVENUE IN THE VICINITY OF 3342 WALNUT GROVE AVENUE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report and study findings. Recommendation It is staff's recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council approve modification of parking restrictions on Walnut Grove Avenue as follows: • At 3342 Walnut Grove Avenue (east side), relocate the existing R30 (CA) sign approximately 30 feet to the north. • At 3343 Walnut Grove Avenue (west side), remove 55 feet of red curb in front of this address. Chairperson Knapp asked for comments. There were none. Commissioner Gay moved, and Commissioner Masuda seconded, to accept the recommendation of staff to modify parking restriction on Walnut Grove: • At 3342 Walnut Grove Avenue (east side), relocate the existing R30 (CA) sign approximately 30 feet to the north. • At 3343 Walnut Grove Avenue (west side), remove 55 feet of red curb in front of this address. Vote Results: Yes: Commissioner Chin, Commissioner Gay, Commissioner Masuda, Noes: None Absent: Commissioner Hunter Abstained None 5. STAFF REPORTS - NONE 6. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Masuda asked about the left turn signal phasing at Mission Drive at Rosemead. He was also concerned with the need to address the queue on Mission Drive regarding left turns. Commissioner Chin discussed driver behavior, bad driving, and perhaps it would be beneficial to have a fair to educate/re-educate public about driving behavior. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki suggested the Commission start with the new Public Relations person to get this going. Page 6 Chairperson Knapp announced that People for People will be hosting a pancake breakfast this weekend to raise funds to save Savannah Cemetery. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting is adjourned until December 6, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. Jl:mec (06160) 16774/1002/Misc03 Page 7