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TC - Minutes - 05-01-25Minutes of the Regular ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING May 1, 2025 The special meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chair Drange at 7:01 p.m, in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Vice Chair Lang INVOCATION: Commissioner Nguyen PRESENT: Commissioner Nguyen, Commissioner Tran, Vice -Chair Lang and Chair Drange ABSENT: Commissioner Trieu STAFF PRESENT: Director of Public Works Gutierrez, City Engineer Basilyous and Commission Liaison Nguyen 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 2. CONSENT CALENDAR None 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Introduction of Newly Hired City Engineer, Romany Basilvous B. All -Way Stop Request at the Intersection of Encinita Avenue and Pitkin Street Associate Engineer Richter provided a brief description of the item and presented a PowerPoint presentation of the studies that were conducted. Associate Engineer Richter explained that the City received a resident request regarding the installation of an all -way stop at the intersection of Encinita Avenue and Pitkin Street. The resident expressed concerns for pedestrians crossing the existing uncontrolled crosswalk on the north leg of Encinita Avenue at Pitkin Street, and stated that there is not enough visibility for vehicles and pedestrians in the area. The resident also expressed concern regarding the flashing pedestrian crossing signage, and stated that not all of the lights are functioning at the intersection. The resident also stated that at night it is difficult to see in this area along Encinita Avenue, and expressed that residents feel unsafe to cross due to the lights not functioning at the crosswalk. In response to this request and on behalf of the City, engineering staff completed a traffic review to determine if an all -way stop was warranted to be installed at the intersection of Encinita Avenue and Pitkin Street, and recommended appropriate measures. After a thorough review of existing field and traffic conditions and per the guidelines in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), Cafrfomia Vehicle Code (CVC), and based on engineering judgement, it was determined that the intersection of Encinita Avenue and Pitkin Street does not meet the requirements for the installation of an all -way stop. There was not enough vehicular traffic traveling through the area, as well as a low number of collisions over the last 3 -year period. However, it was determined that this area along Encinita Avenue and Pitkin Street would benefit from the installation of other traffic calming measures. Rosemead Trak Commission Meeting Minutes of May 1, 202.1 Page I of 4 Vice Chair Lang asked if more details were available regarding the resident's concern, such as whether the issue occurred during school hours or in the evening. Commission Liaison Nguyen responded that the concern was reported to occur at night. Vice Chair Lang agreed with the proposed recommendations but suggested adding measures to address nighttime conditions, since the traffic study was primarily conducted during the day. He recommended considering an option similar to the overhead light at Mission Dr and Newby Ave. Traffic Engineer Richter responded that the resident's request noted concerns about visibility when crossing the south leg of the intersection at night, as the pedestrian flashing sign was not functioning. Field observations also found overgrown trees on the southeast comer, which were obstructing the view of the flashing sign. Vice Chair Lang asked how often crosswalks are refreshed. Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded that a recent item was brought to City Council requesting authorization for an on-call striping contractor to address these issues more proactively. The plan is to conduct a yearly sweep and refresh. Commissioner Nguyen asked If the maintenance of the vegetation can be addressed more immediately once approved. Director of Public Works Gutierrez clarified that the yearly sweep applies to striping refresh through the striping contract, while vegetation maintenance such as this speck item can be addressed immediately by City staff. Vice Chair Lang asked for clarification who is responsible for the vegetation maintenance at this property. Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded that the City would address overgrown City trees, while Code Enforcement contacts residents directly regarding parkway maintenance. Commissioner Tran made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Nguyen, to approve staff recommendations. Vote resulted in: Yes: Orange, Lang, Nguyen, Tran No: None Abstain: None Absent: Trieu 4. MATTERS FROM STAFF A. Overview of Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Staff provided an overview of Neighborhood Traffic Management Program that was approved and adopted by City Council on March 11, 2025. Traffic Engineer Richter explained the speed hump criteria and application process and asked City staff if there was any update on whether an application fee would apply. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of May 1, 2025 Page 2 of 4 Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded that there will be no application fee. The process will include a survey of the street to determine if it meets all criteria, and if it does, the project will be incorporated into a future capital improvement program. Commissioner Nguyen asked if the City of San Gabriel charges the residents to install speed humps. Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded yes, but clarified that most cities typically do not charge residents. Commissioner Nguyen asked what languages the mailed surveys include. Director of Public Works Gutierrez replied that the surveys are in English, but residents can use a QR code to access translations in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Spanish. Chair Drange recalled that, based on prior discussions, per the bicycle plan, the City would consider adding bike lanes on eligible streets during future repaving projects. He asked whether adding a bike lane would be classified as a Level 1, 2, or 3 and whether it could proceed without returning to the Traffic Commission for approval. Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded that bike lanes are not considered traffic calming devices and therefore are not included in the management program. He explained that when a bike lane is deemed eligible for installation during a project, it follows a separate process. He added that, as discussed in the previous meeting, Hellman Avenue is one of the streets eligible for bike sharrows and is being evaluated for presentation to the City Council for approval. Chair Drange asked if the survey process initiates when a resident submits a request and the city sends out the surveys, or is the resident responsible for obtaining the 67% necessary for consideration. Director of Public Works Gutierrez clarified that residents are not required to do so, but they may if they choose. The City will still intake the application and mail out the surveys. Chair Drange asked that, in cases where a speed hump request is denied for not meeting the criteria, the denial letter be shared with the commission so they can see how many residents submitted request for speed humps and the reasons for denial. Director of Public Works Gutierrez suggested providing the commission with a quarterly summary report during the Traffic Commission meeting detailing the requests received. Vice Chair Lang asked if it is the property owner or the renters that ultimately can decide on the speed hump, should there be opposing views. Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded it would be the property owner. Commissioner Nguyen asked why there is a maximum average daily traffic volume of 2,500 vehicles per day in the speed hump criteria. Associate Engineer Richter explained that this is set standards determined by engineers. She mentioned as a reminder that one of the criteria for a speed hump is that the road must be classified as a residential or local street. Rosemead Trak Commission Meeting Minutes of May 1, 2021 Page 3 of 4 B. Speed Survey —Four Street Segments Staff provided a progress update on the Speed Survey for the four street segments where speed humps were requested and deemed eligible based on preliminary review. S. COMMISSIONER REPORTS 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for June 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at the Rosemead City Hall, City Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard. 4is el Chai ATTEST: Svarez i0d -5u 9,aFcn Sam Gutierrez Director of Public Works Rosemead Trak Commission Meeting Minutes of May 1, 2025 Page 4 of 4