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TC - Minutes - 02-06-25Minutes of the Regular ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING February 6, 2025 The special meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chair Drange at 7:16 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Vice Chair Lang INVOCATION: Chair Drange PRESENT: Commissioner Trieu, Vice -Chair Lang and Chair Drange ABSENT: Commissioner Nguyen, Commissioner Tran STAFF PRESENT: Director of Public Works Gutierrez and Commission Liaison Nguyen 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 2. CONSENT CALENDAR Chair Drange asked Traffic Commissioners if anyone would like to make revisions or additions to the minutes of October 3, 2024, and November 7, 2024. Vice Chair Lang made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Trieu, to accept consent calendar. Vote resulted in: Yes: Drange, Lang, Trieu No: None Abstain: None Absent: Nguyen, Tran 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Signal Warrant Review at the Intersection of Garvey Avenue and Stingle Avenue 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 to evaluate the intersection of Stingle Avenue and Garvey Avenue to determine if existing conditions warrant the installation of a traffic signal. After a thorough review of existing traffic conditions and per the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), California Vehicle Code (CVC), based on the traffic review and engineering judgement, the traffic analysis showed that the intersection of Garvey Avenue and Stingle Avenue does not meet the minimum thresholds to satisfy the signal warrants at this time. The side street traffic along Stingle Avenue is significantly less than traffic on Garvey Avenue. At this time, it is recommended that the City monitor the safety and operation characteristics of the intersection again in one or two years and see if the intersection met signal warrants. Additional traffic Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 6, 1025 Page I of 6 calming measures are being recommended at the intersection of Garvey Avenue and Stingle Avenue, to improve the overall traffic conditions and increase visibility at the intersection. Vice Chair Lang asked whether the proposed 50 -foot length of yellow centerline in Recommendation #4 is standard. Associate Engineer Richter explained that although the street is only 40 feet wide, the additional length of the 50 -foot centerline helps drivers orient themselves at the start of the intersection, since most of the street does not have centerline markings. Vice Chair Lang asked if the business on Stingle is an auto shop. Associate Engineer Richter replied yes. Chair Drange asked whether the vehicular volume referenced in the traffic signal warrant data includes traffic from both Garvey Ave and Stingle Ave. Associate Engineer Richter confirmed that is correct. In a signal review, it's important that the minor street meets the warrant criteria just as much as the major street. In this case, there wasn't sufficient traffic volume on Stingle Ave to justify a signal at this time. Commissioner Trieu agreed with the recommendation to add red curb and 'Keep Clear signage but had suggestions for the center divider. He noted that making a left tum from Stingle onto Garvey is challenging due to heavy oncoming traffic and asked whether the center divider could be shortened or include a break to allow for safer turning. He also raised visibility concerns, pointing out that trees and vegetation on the east side obstruct the view of approaching vehicles. Associate Engineer Richter replied she is not sure if it is feasible and would require a design type review. Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded that staff could evaluate the feasibility of the request, but noted there would be associated costs, as the raised center median would need to be reconfigured. Chair Drange asked whether, in similar situations, there are locations where a "No Left Tum" sign is posted. Associate Engineer Richter replied if the city wants to prevent left turns, the center median could be extended so vehicles would not be able to make a left turn. Vice Chair Drange asked to confirm the data on the number of people making a left turn. Associate Engineer Richter clarified the peak hour turning movement count, noting that more vehicles are turning right than left. This suggests that drivers may be turning right from Stingle onto Garvey, then making a U-turn at the nearby signalized intersection. Commissioner Trieu noted that the data indicates most collisions involve vehicles making left turns and felt this may warrant another study. However, he agreed with the proposed recommendations. Commissioner Trieu made a motion, seconded by Vice Chair Lang, to approve staff recommendations and add a study for the median. Vote resulted in: Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2025 Page 2 of 6 Yes: Drange, Lang, Trieu No: None Abstain: None Absent: Nguyen, Tran B. Chair Drange opened the public comment period The City received a public comment via email from Rick expressing traffic safety concerns due to speeding and requesting speed bumps. The City received a public comment via email from Kie Ito requesting for a stop sign to be placed on Hellman Avenue and Eckhart Avenue due to reported accidents at the intersection. The City received a public comment via email from Christina Ky requesting the Commission to consider implementing safety improvements in the area. She believes installing a stop sign would effectively address speeding concerns without majody affecting traffic flow. Chair Drange closed the public comment period 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 to review the segment of Hellman Avenue, between Del Mar Avenue and San Gabriel Boulevard. The resident is requesting the installation of an All -Way Stop along this segment of Hellman Avenue, due to speeding concerns in the area. In response to this request and on behalf of the city, engineering staff has completed a traffic review at this segment of Hellman Avenue. After a thorough review of existing traffic conditions and per the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), California Vehicle Code (CVC), based on the traffic review and engineering judgement, it was concluded that the segment of Hellman Avenue, between Del Mar Avenue and San Gabriel Boulevard would benefit from the installation of some traffic calming devices along the segment. However, it is important to note that stop signs are traffic devices used to assign right of way and are not traffic calming devices. At this time, the segment along Hellman Avenue does not qualify for the installation of a stop sign. The intersection of Hellman Avenue and Kelburn Avenue does not meet the minimum traffic volumes requested for the installation of an additional stop sign for Hellman Avenue. Vice Chair Lang asked how wide Hellman Avenue is. Associate Engineer Richter replied it is 40 feet wide. Vice Chair Lang asked why lane narrowing was not recommended as a way to reduce speeding Associate Engineer Richter noted that white side striping can be added, however, the stretch is approximately 2,720 feet long, so maintenance is something to be considered. During the initial review, it was observed that speed limit signage was limited, and side striping could be considered as a secondary traffic calming measure if needed. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2025 Page 3 of 6 Chair Drange asked if there is a centerline along this road. Associate Engineer Richter replied there is a dashed yellow centerline Commissioner Trieu agreed that the existing markings and signage should be refreshed and suggested that the street could also be a good candidate for a bike lane as an added traffic calming measure. Chair Drange mentioned this road was designated to have sharrows as it was identified as a class III bike route. Chair Drange inquired about the proposed recommendation to install a'Cross Traffic Does Not Stop' plaque at Eckhart Ave, asking why this location was selected over other streets and if collision data was checked for the other streets crossing. Associate Engineer Richter responded that collision data for the other streets was reviewed, and some collisions had occurred at Eckhart Avenue. The intent was to enhance visibility at that intersection. Commissioner Trieu commented that, according to Figure 4, the data supports what residents Kai had mentioned about three collisions occurring at Eckhart Avenue and Hellman Avenue. He believes that it warrants a second look for a stop sign at that location to help break up traffic, as it is a particularly long stretch of road. Associate Engineer Richter replied that is something that could be looked into Chair Drange asked whether, if work is being done on this segment of Hellman Avenue, it would be an appropriate time to add bike infrastructure. Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded that he would need to review the 2012 Bike Master Plan referenced. If the plan identifies the proposed infrastructure, it could be included in the recommendation. Should the Traffic Commission motion to proceed, it would then move forward to the City Council for approval. Vice Chair Lang commented that while he doesn't see enough being done for speed in 3B, he is okay with moving forward as proposed. He suggested revisiting the issue in six months if residents report continued speeding or incidents, allowing the matter to be re-evaluated. Chair Drange asked if the City had approved a speed hump policy. Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded that it has not approved a speed hump policy yet. Chair Drange noted that if this section of road is later deemed suitable for a speed hump, the item could be revisited, but it is not an option at this time. Commissioner Trieu made a motion, seconded by Vice Chair Lang, to approve staff recommendations, and include consideration for installing bike share road signage. Vote resulted in: Yes: Drange, Lang, Trieu No: None Abstain: None Absent: Nguyen, Tran Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 6, 3035 Page 4 of 6 4. MATTERS FROM STAFF Director of Public Works Gutierrez gave a brief update on the traffic calming policy, noting that the new toolbox will enable traffic items to be assessed and respond more efficiently based on the required level of review. The policy will be provided to the commissioners. The policy which was updated with City Council's feedback will be taken to the first City Council in March for approval. He also added that the City now has a striping contractor that will help with the traffic item backlog. Chair Drange asked what level three in the policy is, if level one are items identified to be at department level discretion, and level two goes to Traffic Commission. Director of Public Works Gutierrez explained that both level two and level three items will go to the Traffic Commission, with level three covering higher -cost capital projects, such as road widening or narrowing. 5. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Vice Chair Lang inquired about updates to the traffic concern on Mission Drive, eastbound near Loma Avenue, between Loma and Benta, and Loma and Newby Avenue, where a light was pending permits. Director of Public Works Gutierrez explained that the delay was due to the county, but the issue along with a related timing matter has been resolved. The timing has been approved, allowing the contractor to proceed with installation, and the light should be operational within the next couple of weeks. Vice Chair Lang also asked if there were any updates or studies regarding traffic overflow from the In -N -Out at Rosemead Boulevard and Mission Drive, noting vehicles queueing along Mission Drive and making wide right turns from Rosemead Boulevard due to the congestion. Director of Public Works Gutierrez stated that he is familiar with the location and the traffic issues but is unaware of a study. He will look further into the matter. Chair Drange then asked about the average turnaround time for completing a traffic review and bringing it to the Traffic Commission. Director of Public Works Gutierrez responded that the traffic calming policy will allow requests to be addressed more efficiently, with the goal of shortening response times once the policy is implemented. Vice Chair Lang requested that both the average and median turnaround times be presented at the City Council's March meeting, as the information may be relevant. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at the Rosemead City Hall, City Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2035 Page 5 of 6 /,/ 14Gchael Chair ATTEST: 5 tierrez ocP 507.2905,7, T) Sam Gutierrez Director of Public Works Rosemead TrafJSc Commission Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2025 Page 6 of 6