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TC - Minutes 02-04-10Minutes of the Regular ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING February 4, 2010 The Regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairman Masuda at 7:06 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Chairman Masuda INVOCATION: Commissioner Hall PRESENT: Chairman Masuda, Vice Chairwoman Russell, Commissioner Deary, Commissioner Lewin, Commissioner Hall ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Deputy Public Works Director Marcarello, Senior Management Analyst Farid Hentabli, Civil Engineer Rafael Fajardo, Public Works Manager Bill Ornelas, Traffic Consultant Itagaki, and Administrative Assistant Llamas 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Art Angel, Rosemead resident, asked the Traffic Commission to look at the timing of traffic signal lights at Rio Hondo Avenue and Mission Drive. He explained that the current signal sequence is confusing and that there are problems with the synchronization with traffic signal lights on Valley Blvd. Commissioner Lewin asked for some clarification from Mr. Angel regarding his concerns with the signal synchronization. Mr. Lewin discussed the problems that drivers encounter from Rio Hondo to Valley and that the stop location is confusing for drivers heading eastbound on Valley Blvd. Staff informed the Traffic Commission that they are currently working on the visibility issues and they will also work on timing issues. A few improvements that could help this intersection include inspecting the traffic signal cabinet, reviewing timing sheets for the traffic signals, and repairing damaged signal equipment. Staff will provide the Commission with an update at a future meeting. Chairman Masuda asked that the timing of the traffic signal be adjusted in the meantime. Chuck Lyons, Rosemead resident, discussed the traffic concerns at this intersection and suggested painting "Do Not Block" on Valley Blvd adjacent to the liquor store and on Mission Drive approximately 50-60 feet from the high school driveway. He also suggested adding in-pavement flashing crossing walks on Encinita/Pitkin near the elementary school and on Mission Dr. near the high school. He would also like to see more traffic and speeding enforcement in front of Encinita School. Chairman Masuda asked if school staff ever helps with traffic enforcement before and after school. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2010 Page 1 of 5 Art Angel said that the Savannah School principal tries to encourage parents to not abuse loading/drop off zones near the school. He also asked if "Do Not Block" markings can be added on Rosemead Blvd going north, near the adult school. , 2. CONSENT CALENDAR A. The January 14, 2010 minutes were removed from the Consent Calendar for minor corrections. After discussing corrections, Commissioner Lewin made a motion, seconded by Vice Chairwomen Russell to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2010 Traffic Commission Meeting. Votes resulted in: Yes: Lewin, Hall, Russell, Masuda, Deary No: None Abstain: None Absent: None B. The request to review traffic conditions at Klingerman Street/Angelus Avenue/Delta Ave was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. After discussing minor clarifications and recommendations, Commissioner Hall made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lewin to use the reflected raised pavement markers. Votes resulted in: Yes: Hall, Lewin, Russell, Masuda, Deary No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 3. NEW BUSINESS A. REVIEW OF CONCEPTUAL PLANS AND RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS FOR SAFE ROUTE TO SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM Staff gave the Traffic Commissioners a brief description of what the program is about and recognized Farid Hentabli, Rafael Fajardo, and Bill'Ornelas for their hard work in obtaining the grant for this project. Staff also introduced Traffic Engineer Jose Loera, who has been working with staff on this improvement project. Traffic Engineer Loera gave the Traffic Commissioners a brief description of the items they are planning to do for the Safe Route to School Program. He also showed some samples of devices that may be used as part of the safety improvements. Commissioner Russell thanked staff for the hard work and asked for clarification on the proposed locations for in-pavement flashing crosswalks. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2010 Page 2 of 5 Commissioner Deary asked about the in-pavement flashing crosswalks and if crossing guards will be needed once the crosswalks are installed. He also asked about funding and City matching fund requirements. Staff informed the Commission that by installing the in-pavement flashing crosswalks the location should be safer for the crossing guard and provide more safety for drivers and pedestrians. The crossing guard will still be needed at this location. Staff informed the Traffic Commission that the City will be covering the cost of the 10% for this grant due to the type of grant that it is. Staff also informed the Traffic Commissioners that Walmart is funding the Rush Street and Angelus Avenue project. Commissioner Lewin indicated that he likes the layout along War Avenue. He asked staff to look at adding similar improvements along Rio Hondo Avenue heading south towards Savannah School. Commissioner Deary asked staff on how the schools are involved with this project. Staff informed the Traffic Commissioners that they met with the school principals and received their support for the project. The principals also gave the City letters of encouragement and support to assist them with the grant. Chairman Masuda thanked staff for all the work they have done in getting the grant. He also asked that staff consider adding audible pedestrian signals to help improve safety for disabled persons. 4. OLD BUSINESS A. NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - TOOLBOX AND CRITERIA OF TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES: DRAFT - 2 Staff gave the Traffic Commissioners a briefing and a showed PowerPoint on the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Toolbox and Criteria draft process. Commissioner Russell asked for clarification regarding federal requirements and how they pertain to local traffic problems. Staff provided clarification on the State's Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices or MUTCD and how they affect local traffic issues. Commissioner Lewin asked for botts dots to be included in the Toolbox and suggested having roadway narrow angled parking removed. He would like the residents to participate in the mid block narrowing if the toolbox items stay in the traffic management program. Chairman Masuda would like to have narrow angle parking remain in the Toolbox but for it to be used in other cities and not in Rosemead. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2010 Page 3 of 5 The Commission discussed the petition process for adding certain traffic improvements. Specific recommendations included: Developing a petition form for residents to use if they are interested in adding a traffic improvement in their neighborhood. Including specific information in the petition form, including specific location requirements (i.e. adding a stop sign or signage at a specific location), adding the number of residents that must be surveyed near the location (i.e. a 500 foot radius of the location), and adding a specific threshold that must be met prior to installing a traffic improvement (i.e. 50% or more of the residents surveyed). Developing a pamphlet or workshop to explain traffic improvements. Staff discussed the petition process and explained how a request might work with the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program in place. Staff will use the Commissioner's comments to develop a petition form and educational information/pamphlets explaining the petition process. B. STREET NAME SIGN DESIGN AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM Staff gave the Traffic Commissioners a briefing on the new federal guidelines and reflectivity requirements for street name signs, regulatory signs, and warning signs. Staff also gave the Traffic Commissioners specific details on the guidelines on what is needed, how much it cost, and how long it should take to replace City signage. Commissioner Lewin suggested adding directional arrows on the street signs and possibly making "City of Rosemead" a little bit larger. Staff will take Commissioner Lewin's suggestions and see if they can be integrated into the sign design. Staff also indicated that if the Commission is interested, the signs can be placed in three locations as a pilot program to see if there is any feedback from the community. Commissioner Hall commended staff for keeping the Rosemead tradition with the color scheme and design. Commissioner Lewin made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hall to advise the City Council to move forward with the design and colors of the street signs with the following changes: 1.) Increasing "City of Rosemead" by at least 1 or 2 font sizes; and 2.) Adding directional letters on the residential/business district signs and have arrows included on the intersection signs. Votes resulted in: Yes: Lewin, Hall, Russell, Deary, Masuda No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2010 Page 4 of 5 5. STAFF REPORTS Staff reviewed the monthly updates, traffic improvements, and agenda items for next month's Commission meeting. 6. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Hall asked staff to add red curbing on the corners of Andy Pacheco Drive and post up speed limit signs between Klingerman St. and Fern Ave. to make it safer for kids and pedestrians. Vice Chairwomen Russell would like for staff to install botts dots on Garvey Ave. east of San Gabriel Blvd. to prevent drivers from making a left turn when exiting Walgreens. Commissioner Lewin would like to have the protected/permissive signals trial program on next month's meeting. Chairman Masuda would like the Traffic Commissioners to email any minor corrections they may have to the minutes. Staff will integrate comments into the Commission's meeting minutes. He also asked that the reflective tape be added on the delineators that were recently installed in the City. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for March 4, 2010 at 7:00p.m. and will take place at the Rosemead City Hall, City Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard. _Qz'-~,-,J * " Howard Masuda Chairman ATTEST: Chris Marcarello, Deputy Public Works Director Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2010 Page 5 of 5