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TC - Minutes - 09-04-08 FINAL ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 4, 2008 The meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairperson Knapp at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead. PLEDGE OF ALLIGIANCE -Commissioner Deary INVOCATION -Commissioner Lewin ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioners Deary and Lewin Absent: None 1. PRESENTATION A. Oath of Office – Howard Masuda and Joanne Russell. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of June 26, 2008 Corrections suggested by Commissioner Lewin: Page 1, “Hunter” should be deleted as a “Yes” vote for Approval of Minutes. Page 2, under Mr. Todd Kunioka, 1st sentence, Mr. Kunioka’s name is incorrectly spelled. Change T to K. Page 5, under Commissioner Reports, 3rd paragraph: add the word “sign” after “loading zone.” It was moved by Vice Chairperson Masuda, seconded by Commissioner Lewin to accept and approve the amended minutes of June 26, 2008. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Vice Chairperson Masuda and Commissioner Lewin. Noes: None Abstain: Commissioners Deary and Russell. Minutes of July 17, 2008 Corrections suggested by Commissioner Lewin: Page 3, number 7, 1st paragraph, add to end of paragraph: Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki suggested a study session. It was moved by Commissioner Lewin, seconded by Commissioner Deary to accept and approve the amended minutes of July 17, 2008. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting September 4, 2008 Page 1 JI:mec (06160)17470/1002/Min03 FINAL Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Vice Chairperson Masuda, Commissioners Deary and Lewin. Noes: None Abstain: Commissioner Russell. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE -NONE 4. OLD BUSINESS A. WALNUT GROVE AVENUE/HALKETT AVENUE – Request for Crosswalk on Walnut Grove Avenue Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki presented the staff report. Recommendation It is staff’s recommendation that no striping or traffic control modifications be made to the intersection of Walnut Grove Avenue and Halkett Avenue. It is staff’s recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council approve the installation of white raised pavement markers (RPMs) behind the existing edge lines on Walnut Grove Avenue in the immediate vicinity of the start of the blocks between Grand Avenue and Mission Drive. Discussion Speaking before the Commission: Ms. Linda Kilpatrick 4716 Walnut Grove Rosemead, CA Petitioned for white line years ago that resulted in a “drunk line” being installed. Northbound scar marks on the trees indicate the number of accidents over the years. She has personally seen numerous accidents during the past 35 years. Many years ago Walnut Grove became an alternate route for trucks. She will not take her grandson across that intersection without protection. She would rather cross midblock than cross at that intersection. Chairperson Knapp asked if the edge line helped? Ms. Kilpatrick stated it helped minimally. It is a fast street. Has to wait a long time to exit driveway. Commissioner Russell asked if Ms. Kilpatrick has spoken with any of her neighbors, if there are any other concerns. Ms. Kilpatrick stated she received notice of this topic and wanted to be here, but she has not talked with any of her neighbors about this. She does know that her next-door neighbor will transport her son in the car rather than let Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting September 4, 2008 Page 2 JI:mec (06160)17470/1002/Min03 FINAL him walk across the street. Ms. Kilpatrick uses the mailbox a lot and it is heavily used in the morning because there is less traffic. Commissioner Dreary, asked about when accidents occur. Ms. Kilpatrick responded they occur at various times of day and night, maybe 4 accidents per year. Chairperson Knapp asked Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki if the speed limit could be dropped from 40 to 35. Traffic Engineering Deputy explained that speed limits are determined by a study that is completed every 7 to 10 years. She explained the areas of the study: speed survey, accident history, volume of traffic, and other factors not readily apparent to the motorist. All these items factor in to the determination of the posted speed limit. Ms. Kilpatrick stated perhaps the speed limit should be lowered. The crossing guard at Walnut Grove for Shuey School is of no help, he is not doing his job. Commissioner Russell asked Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki about the current staff report. She sees the recommendations and explanations of why something cannot be done but wonders about the negatives of not doing something. Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki stated that in her experience money has never been an issue with the City with regards to traffic safety. She presented possible scenarios for the items discussed in the report. She added that maybe a curve warning sign could be installed, in addition to a flashing yellow light above the sign. Speaking before the Commission Salvador Dela Cruz Earle Street Mr. Dela Cruz wished to speak about speeding on Earle. School is started and it is very dangerous with no sidewalks. Would like to see speed bumps. Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki explained history of speed humps in the City. That historically speed humps have not been used by the City and that staff has not been given any other direction from the City. Mr. DeLa Cruz was told that the topic would come up at the next Commission meeting and he will receive notification. Regarding Ms. Kilpatrick’s concerns, Vice Chairperson Masuda concurred with her. There is more traffic and speeding, plus motorcycles, at all times of the day. RPMs will help. Residents know the safest time to cross the street. When roadway was repaved, edge lines seemed to narrow the ‘parking’ lane. His car doesn’t quite fit. Even small, compact cars stick out beyond the edge line. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting September 4, 2008 Page 3 JI:mec (06160)17470/1002/Min03 FINAL Chairperson Knapp suggested the markers on the edge line be placed on the roadway side of the edge line. Commissioner Deary suggested it might not be within the jurisdiction of the Traffic Commission, but with regard to the crossing guard at Walnut Grove and Wells/Edmond, perhaps the guard could be given a warning. Also, perhaps the mailbox could be moved to Grand so the people won’t have to cross the street to go to the mailbox. People are crossing the street just to use the mailbox, so perhaps it can be moved. Deputy Public Works Director Marcarello indicated that the City does administer the crossing guards and he will talk to the crossing guard at Walnut Grove and Wells/Edmond. Commissioner Lewin asked about the location of the curve warning sign. Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki responded that will be staff’s recommendation and the location will be appropriate as to the distance from Mission. Commissioner Lewin asked if it would be appropriate to widen the white strip area. Chairperson Knapp stated that that issue has been addressed with the dots being placed on the outside and that the line would be resized the next time the street is resurfaced. Commissioner Lewin suggested it might be many many years before repaving or resurfacing. Chairperson Knapp suggested that moving the dots closer to traffic lanes is a good solution for right now. There was discussion regarding the distance along Mission of the raised pavement markers. Motion Chairperson Knapp motioned that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council approve the installation of a curve warning sign with a flashing yellow beacon on Walnut Grove Avenue north and south of Halkett Avenue. The Traffic Commission further recommends the installation of white raised pavement markers in front of the existing edgelines on Walnut Grove Avenue between Grand Avenue and Mission Drive. Commissioner Lewin suggested the motion be amended to include a recommendation that staff look into the appropriate speed limit. After discussion he withdrew his amended motion. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Deary. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioners Deary, Lewin, and Russell Noes: None Abstain: Vice Chairperson Masuda Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting September 4, 2008 Page 4 JI:mec (06160)17470/1002/Min03 FINAL Commissioner Lewin stated that when he visited the intersection of Grand and Walnut Grove he noticed that the STOP markings in the street need repainting. Deputy Public Works Director Marcarello indicated he would see to it that the markings get repainted. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. JACKSON AVENUE/GARVALIA AVENUE – Request for Stop Signs on Jackson Avenue Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki presented the staff report. Recommendation It is staff’s recommendation that stop signs not be installed on Jackson Avenue at Garvalia Avenue. It is staff’s recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council approve the installation of advance warning intersection signs on Jackson Avenue at Garvalia Avenue. It is further recommended by staff that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council direct staff to determine other possible funding sources for the installation of speed feed back signs. Discussion Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki stated a fax letter was received from Pamela Wark dated March March 31, 2008, and one dated February 25, 2008, from Wei-Ying Ng. Commissioner Lewin stated it appears there were two accidents in 2007 as evidenced by copy of accident reports included in Wei-Ying Ng’s letter. Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki stated it is difficult to determine from the Report Memo where the accident happened, and that perhaps they were not included in the query used for this analysis. The staff’s query for accidents is for a specific distance from the intersection so she is unable to address this issue specifically. Commissioner Russell stated she lives near this intersection and that it is scary. There are lots of pedestrians, residents walking along the street. From northbound Graves to Garvey there are not many stop signs, one stop at Fern. Eastbound Garvalia, southwest corner house has 7 foot hedge. If a car is parked there visibility is extremely limited. Westbound Garvalia, a wrought iron gate (6 foot) is installed and if a car is parked there visibility is limited. Curb corners could be painted red but that would upset the residents because they wouldn’t be able to park in front of their homes. Commissioner Deary stated it is a difficult intersection. The vertical curve makes people want to speed. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting September 4, 2008 Page 5 JI:mec (06160)17470/1002/Min03 FINAL Chairperson Knapp asked if we can ask for the hedges to be reduced? Chris Marcarello, Deputy Public Works Director, will check. Commissioner Lewin stated westbound is very difficult, visibility is difficult. Would support installing the intersection warning sign. Stop signs are trickier because of the side streets. Commissioner Russell stated she believes the intersection warrants a stop sign. She pointed out that speeding was minimized along Graves because of the multiple stop signs. A stop sign would slow down the traffic before entering the hill and a stop sign at Garvalia and Jackson would force a stop at the top of the incline. If the City is unable to resolve the visibility issues, stop signs are the only alternative. Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki stated that the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices allows the use of stop signs when visibility of conflicting traffic is limited. In this case, visibility problems are caused by fences and vegetation on private property. Motion Commissioner Russell motioned and Commissioner Deary seconded that the Traffic Commission rejects staff recommendation. The Traffic Commission recommends the City Council approve the installation of stop signs on Jackson Avenue at Garvalia Avenue creating a four-way Stop intersection. This recommendation is made based on the limited visibility caused by Jackson Avenue’s vertical curve and location of fences at the intersection. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Vice Chairperson Masuda, Commissioners Deary, Russell and Lewin. Noes: Abstain: 6. STAFF REPORTS Chris Marcarello, Deputy Public Works Director, reported that the Rush, Angeles and Delta item presented by Kimley-Horn will come back in October and from there go to the Council. The Council also approved the Blue Curb policy that the Traffic Commission had recommended. 7. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Deary had no report. Commissioner Lewin welcomed Commissioner Russell and Vice Chairperson Masuda. Regarding Mission and Ivar and the previous decision by the Commission to wait until school commenced to perform a study of the crosswalk, he asked when the study would Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting September 4, 2008 Page 6 JI:mec (06160)17470/1002/Min03 FINAL be completed. Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki stated the count would probably take place late September; and will be back before the Commission in November. Commissioner Lewin asked if prior notification of the study could be given so that Commissioners could observe. Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki stated yes. She made a request that prior to leaving tonight’s meeting that the Commissioners give her the best way to contact them. Regarding the Commission’s request for potential studies list sent to the Council, Commissioner Lewin asked if the budget has been passed and finalized. Mr. Marcarello stated it has been. Commissioner Lewin asked if at this point some of the studies could be done. Mr. Marcarello stated he has the list and perhaps he should bring it back to be looked at with the new Commissioners and the caveat that there is somewhat limited funds and not every single thing can be looked it. When it comes back the Commission will need to pick and choose. Commissioner Lewin asked if it would be possible to have it for the next meeting and Mr. Marcarello stated yes. Vice Chairperson Masuda stated he is glad to be back and also welcomed Commissioner Russell. With regard to speeding, especially north/south streets, long blocks, he believes this an issue that will continue to come up and wonders what options there are, if there is a creative way to address the problem. Also, he has noticed there are more and more street lane lines, crosswalks and curb markings that need to be repainted. Mr. Marcarello stated the Public Works Department handles this and he will notify Mr. Bill Ornelas if the Commissioners will give him a list. Chairperson Knapp addressed Walnut Grove and Ramona. The southbound left turn lane extension is needed and wants to know when it will happen. Also concerned about potholes, specifically at freeway offramp at Hellman. Another one at Garvey and Earle at the car wash. Mr. Marcarello stated the Hellman location is on a list. Commissioners can make note of various locations and give the list to him. A form was suggested to list concerns. Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki will prepare one and place in their mailboxes. Commissioner Russell thanked Commissioners for the welcome. She concurred with Vice Chairperson Masuda about speeding and speed bumps. During election time she walked with her mother and many people talked about speed bumps, especially between Garvey and Walnut Grove, San Gabriel and Rosemead Place. Also, at San Gabriel and Garvey, the CVS store. She is concerned with the exit at San Gabriel Boulevard; shoppers will leave that exit and try to make a left, yet it is a double-double yellow line, and people coming out from Diamond Square also trying to make a left. It is really bad and heavily congested. Need to prevent this turn maneuver. (Name of drugstore corrected to Walgreens.) Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting September 4, 2008 Page 7 JI:mec (06160)17470/1002/Min03 FINAL 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned until October 2, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting September 4, 2008 Page 8 JI:mec (06160)17470/1002/Min03