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TC - Minutes - 01-03-08Final ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION JANUARY 3, 2008 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 Commissioner Gay INVOCATION Chairperson Knapp ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioner Masuda, Commissioner Gay Absent: Commissioner Hunter OATH OF OFFICE Mr. Brian Lewin was administered the oath of office by the City Clerk. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Knapp requested that on page 7, just above Adjournment, delete "to save Savannah Cemetery" and replace with "to provide turkeys for the Christmas boxes for the clients at People for People." It was moved by Commissioner Gay, seconded by Commissioner Masuda to accept and approve the amended minutes of the November 1, 2007 meeting. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioners Masuda and Gay Noes: None Absent: Commissioner Hunter Abstain: Commissioner Lewin 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Speaking before the Commission: Ms. Janet Chin 3158 N. Gladys Avenue Rosemead, CA 91770 Thanked the Commissioners for the fortunate experience while serving her short time on the Commission. Encouraged Commission members to listen to all petitioners regarding the intersection of Rush and Angelus. Page 1 Final Speaking before the Commission: Jim Flournoy 8655 Landis View Rosemead, CA 91770 Light signal from Landis View on to Walnut Grove is not working. Recently people are ignoring the light southbound Landis View, ignoring the intersection but stopping at San Gabriel Blvd. Suggested removing the Do Not Block Intersection sign and installing a signal right in the line of sight near Carrows. 3. OLD BUSINESS — NONE 4. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF RUSH STREET AND ANGELUS AVENUE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report and study findings. Recommendation It is staffs recommendation that flashing yellow beacons or a traffic signal not be installed at the intersection of Rush Street and Angelus Avenue at this time. Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the audience. Speaking before the Commission: Marlene Shinen 8447 Drayer Lane South San Gabriel Signal at north end of Delta Avenue (at Rush and Rice Elementary) is necessary. There is a safety concern for school children and residents. South end is signalized at San Gabriel. Described unsafe situation at southwest corner of Delta and Rush where van was illegally park in front of fire hydrant; no red curb. The Sheriff was notified. On June 25, 2007, Ms. Shinen met with City Manager Chi and requested that the signal located at the_Wal -Mart driveway be relocated to Delta and Rush. She has not received a response from the City Manager since June, but Councilman Gary Taylor at a Council meeting proposed a signal be installed at Delta and Rush. Speaking before the Commission: Erika Castillo 8332 Rush Street Rosemead 91770 Representing neighborhood Page 2 Final She is one of the petitioners. Her daughter attends Rice. Sees there are many problems with traffic. Vehicles driving fast and not stopping for pedestrians. This is not safe for children. Asked for help for safety of children. Speaking before the Commission: Lawrence Bevington 8372 Rush Street Rosemead 91770 Addressed Condition of Approval number 41 regarding funding of a traffic signal. Latest report from City staff indicates that the applicant had satisfied this condition and that monies are deposited. Condition was put in there to alleviate the concern about the school, the increased traffic and speed on Rush Street. But that flashing light has not occurred. So what is the City going to do with that money? There is a report that the light is justified but someone can later say no, it isn't needed. He is concerned that the community was, misled and fooled on the whole process. Chairperson Knapp stated that the Traffic Commission was not involved in the Wal -Mart planning, and she is unfamiliar with "condition 41." Deputy Traffic ,Engineer Itagaki explained the item was part of the Conditions of Approval placed on different projects, and for Wal -Mart there was a condition 41. To her recollection; Wal -Mart was to deposit monies into a city account for future use in the event that the need for a traffic signal or flashing beacon was identified. The intent was to study it and at the point when the guidelines were met then the monies would already be with the City to install it. Speaking before the Commission: Ari Franco 2509 Dubonnet Rosemead 91770 I Mr. Franco has two children attending Rice Elementary; he drives them to school. There are trees in center median blocking visibility of crossing guard. There is a need for a signal or flashing beacon to alert drivers that people are crossing there. Study should be done at a more appropriate time when more people are there. Crossing guard recently quit. I Speaking before the Commission: I Jim Flournoy 8655 Landis View Rosemead, CA 91770 Parents drive students to school because they don't feel safe crossing the street there. If there is no signal necessary at Angelus there certainly is none necessary at Wal -Mart, Page 3 vhd and there is no need for crosswalk at Southern California Edison at Walnut Grove either. The condition of approval can have the flashing beacon set in stone and the question by Gary Taylor was do we need a beacon or do we need a signal. It wasn't do we need a beacon or a signal at all. We're going to have one or the other. Mr. Flournoy stated he is going to the Planning Commission next Monday and ask them to review their conditions of approval on this item. He believes the Traffic Commission should be discussing at this meeting if we want a flashing beacon /signal at Delta or do we want to have it at Angelus, not if one is needed. Speaking before the Commission: Peggy Baumann 8305 Scenic Drive South San Gabriel Intersection of Delta and Rush is dangerous. Traffic on Rush is fairly fast. Trying to turn left from Delta is difficult. Visibility problems; condo people not happy if red curb painted. Please consider a signal Speaking before the Commission: Lawrence Bevington 8372 Rush Street Rosemead 91770 There have been two different crossing guards trying to help the kids to cross. The first one told me something had to be done, she couldn't get drivers to stop. The second guard put out two large bright orange cones. The guard said the traffic was terrible, they don't slow down, even when he put up the crossing guard sign to slow them down. He was just trying to alert the drivers of the people crossing there. Speaking before the Commission: Ms. Janet Chin 3158 N. Gladys Avenue Rosemead, CA 91770 Again wanted to reiterate the importance of the Commission listening to the speakers; many residents unable to attend but those in attendance represent and speak for those not attending. Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the Commissioners: Commissioner Masuda visited the location on a quiet day, but there some kids going to school. As he was sitting there, a couple of elderly people were trying to cross but because of the trees, width of road, and median, drivers didn't see them and just went through as if no one was there. He observed that to happen twice during a 10 minute period. He tried to imagine what it would be like if it was a busy day. He wondered about Condition 41 and suggested that the Commission should make a Page 4 Final recommendation to reinforce the fact that there was a condition. He believes the fact that parents drive students because of concern for pedestrian safety should also be taken into account, as this may have affected the traffic /pedestrian counts during the study, i.e. fewer children using crosswalk because they were being driven to school. He also suggested coordination of signals. Commissioner Gay is very familiar with that street. Wonders if 40 mph is appropriate for that area; this has been discussed before, but he believes it is too fast. He asked if there were traffic counts done at Rush and Delta versus just at Angelus. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki responded that with the April and May counts were taken at Delta. The counts on Delta were a little bit higher than on Angelus. Commissioner Gay asked if counts were done at Wal -Mart and whether or not it was feasible to have a traffic light there, or was it strictly for the benefit of the store? Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki responded no counts were taken at the driveways of Wal -Mart. Regarding the survey done in April, Commissioner Gay stated that the children were on break during April at the time of the survey, and if they're not specific as to the exact date he believes something is being missed. Also, he believes the engineering staff should let the Commissioners know that the surveys are going on so that the Commissioners can be there if they so choose to witness and see what is going on. Westbound traffic on Rush, condo tenants have to park in front, and trying to get out on Delta to make a left, or right, is insane. Traffic traveling eastbound on Rush, even before they get to Delta they are veering over to the right to get into the Wal -Mart lane to make a right hand turn. That cuts down the driver on Delta who is trying to -make a right or left to be able to move forward. As cars are zooming by they can't even position themselves to get out and look to see whether it's safe to make a left or right. Need to hold Wal -Mart to the condition of approval. A synchronized signal can be put in on both Angelus and Rush, just like they have on Mission and Rio Hondo at Valley Boulevard. Regarding 2003 standards, Commissioner Gay stated everyone knows that driving is out of control. He does not believe 2003 standards are appropriate. Commissioner Lewin went to the site yesterday and observed vehicles angling to the right going eastbound on Rush to turn into the Wal -Mart. Both of the driveways out of the apartment complex can be challenging because in the course of parking to observe Commissioner Lewin actually turned in and came back out. It was very difficult to see; you have to nose out and hope no one is coming. Commissioner Gay indicated he understands the Wal -Mart signal has its purpose but that we need to take care of the children and vehicles crossing Rush Street. Page 5 Final Commissioner Lewin believes a signal at both Wal -Mart and Angelus would be in order. He is not sure if taking away the Wal -Mart signal would be the best thing to do. That signal helps people making left turns off of Delta, at least in terms of westbound traffic. Leaving that signal there and installing one at Angelus would act as a check on the eastbound traffic, and with synchronization could act as a check on westbound traffic, and help Delta access. Commissioner Masuda asked if a recommendation can be made to have a motor officer at the location in the morning? Chairperson Knapp responded that it may be added to the motion. Commissioner Masuda also stated that perhaps a radar trailer would help slow traffic. Concentrate on a.m. and p.m. when parents and children are crossing to /from the school. Speaking before the Commission: Juan Nunez 2702 Del Mar Rosemead Reminded Commission that Angelus does not align with Delta and listed traffic problems signals could cause. Commissioner Gay indicated signals at Angelus and Delta at Rush would be synchronized and problems outlined by Mr. Nunez would be avoided. Speaking before the Commission: Robert Castillo 8332 Rush Street Rosemead Wanted to support second notions of the residents and Commissioners. Enforcement by motor officer has occurred; officer could write tickets every minute of the 2 hours he is there in the afternoon and morning. Mr. Castillo lives in Amberwood, his wife and daughter do not use the crosswalk; he drives his daughter to school. Commissioner Masuda wondered if in- pavement flashing lights, or some additional markings, like diagonal lines within the crosswalk would help. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated "ladder" crosswalks could be installed, or in- pavement flashing light. There are guidelines for in- pavement flashing lights that are followed, but there are some new technologies available. Chairperson Knapp added to the recommendation that a red curb be added near the driveway. She also suggested a motor officer be there on Monday. Page 6 Final Chairperson Knapp asked for a motion. It was moved by Commissioner Lewin, seconded by Commissioner Gay, that the Commission recommend to the City Council: • that a signal be installed at the intersection of Angelus and Rush Street and Delta and Rush, and that they all be coordinated with and including the Wal -Mart signal; • to install longitudinal lines (parallel to traffic flow) in the crosswalk on Rush Street at Angelus Avenue until a permanent change in the existing traffic controls is installed; • to install red curb on the south side of Rush Street from Delta Avenue west to 15 feet beyond the existing fire hydrant at this location; • to direct a strong and regular presence of enforcement personnel during the start and release times of school until a permanent change in the existing traffic controls is installed; • to review the Condition of Approval #41 of the Wal -Mart development as a means to fund these recommended improvements. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioners Gay, Lewin, and Masuda Noes: None Absent: Commissioner Hunter Abstained None Mr. Bevington thanked the Commission for its very lengthy and thoughtful discussion on the problems, and for considering this item as apart of Condition 41. Also, the Planning Commission is reviewing the condition and Wal -Mart is cooperating with the City. B. REQUEST FOR EASTBOUND LEFT TURN SIGNAL PHASE AND "NO U TURN" RESTRICTION ON MISSION DRIVE AT ENCINITA AVENUE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report and study findings. Recommendation It is staffs recommendation that no traffic signal modifications (eastbound left turn signal phasing) be made to the intersection of Mission Drive and Encinita Avenue at this time. It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council approve the installation of "No U turn" restrictions for eastbound Mission Drive at Encinita Avenue at this time. Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the audience. Page 7 Final. Speaking before the Commission: Jim Flournoy 8655 Landis View Rosemead, CA 91770 He indicated previous recommendations made by the Commission have not been installed. Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the Commissioners. Commissioner Gay Many intersection accidents are not reported. Residents from other cities use Encinita to bypass Rosemead Boulevard. How can we keep motorists on Rosemead Boulevard? Two schools in that area and traffic is too busy. Chairperson Knapp stated traffic cannot be kept from coming into the City. Planning Commission is approving more development, more traffic will come. Commissioner Masuda agrees with Commissioner Gay with the increase in traffic. Commissioner Lewin believes there is need to study all the traffic including pedestrians on Encinita. There is a lot of things going on on Encinita with park and schools. Commissioner Gay stated previous recommendations need to be in place. Speaking before the Commission: Juan Nunez 2702 Del Mar Rosemead. CA Mr. Nunez stated there will be more traffic in the City; several projects on Del Mar and Garvey have been approved by the Planning Commission. Chairperson Knapp asked for a motion. It was moved by Commissioner Masuda, seconded by Commissioner Lewin, to accept staffs recommendations and request City Council to direct staff to expedite traffic improvements previously approved. Vote Results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioners Lewin, Masuda Noes: None Absent: Commissioner Hunter Abstained Commissioner Gay Page 8 Final 5. STAFF REPORTS - NONE 6. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Masuda welcomed Commissioner Lewin. Commissioner Gay welcomed Commissioner Lewin. Commissioner Lewin thanked all Commissioners. Commissioner Lewin would like to see a study at Encinita School including pedestrians and vehicles. There is a need to improve situation at this location. Second item is the intersection of Mission to Valley. The signals on the southeast corner of Rio Hondo/Valley are hard to see. Chairperson Knapp: Rosemead Boulevard west side apartments north of Mission Drive need to remove parking to allow vehicles to turn right at Mission. There is an existing fire hydrant in front of apartments. Red curb should be placed to that point. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting is adjourned until February 7, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Jlnec(06160) 1677411002/Min01 Page 9 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS. CITY OF ROSEMEAD 1 I, Gloria Molleda, City Clerk for the City of Rosemead, do hereby certify that the Traffic Commission minutes of January 3, 2008 was duly and regularly approved by the Rosemead Traffic Commission meeting on the 6 th of March 2008, by the following vote to wit: Yes: Knapp, Masuda, Gay, Hunter, Lewin, No: None Absent: None Abstain: None Gloria Molleda City Clerk