TC - Minutes - 05-01-08FINAL
ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION
MAY 1, 2008
The meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairperson Knapp
at 7:00 p.m., in the Community Recreation Center, 3936 North Muscatel, Rosemead.
PLEDGE OF ALLIGIANCE - Commissioner Lewin
INVOCATION - Chairperson Knapp
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioner Masuda, Commissioner Gay,
Commissioner Hunter, Commissioner Lewin
Absent: None
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of April 3, 2008:
Commissioner Lewin stated that the 1 st sentence in the 1st paragraph under Peter Wu
(page 2) is perhaps incorrect; Mr. Woo might have said westbound Mission. Traffic
Engineering Deputy Itagaki responded that the record will be reviewed. After review:
The sentence is corrected to read: "Mr. Woo stated that parking along southbound Ivar
and westbound Mission restricts turning onto Mission."
Commissioner Lewin also pointed out a typo on page 3 under New Business:
"Uloading" should be corrected to "Unloading."
It was moved by Commissioner Masuda, seconded by Commissioner Gay to accept
and approve the amended minutes of the April 3, 2008, meeting.
Vote Results:
Yes:
Chairperson Knapp, Commissioners Masuda, Gay, and Lewin
Noes:
None
Absent:
None
Abstain:
Hunter
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Speaking before the Commission:
Dolly C. Leong
8455 Mission Dr.
(626) 848 -6767
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Ms. Leong stated that the excessive long red curb on the south side of Graves, west of
Jackson in front of Maryvale makes it difficult to find a parking space for people visiting
the residents on the north side. She suggested that the area be looked at.
She also expressed her concern about the long wait at Hellman and Walnut Grove and
the "do not block" on the pavement. Even when there is no cross traffic or vehicles
exiting the freeway there is a long wait.
With regard to Hellman and Walnut Grove, Chairperson Knapp explained that the wait is
due to signal cycle and timing. All corners of the intersection are subject to the same
delay. If that location is part of a driver's daily route, it is easy to get adjusted to.
Speaking before the Commission:
Valerie Basquette
4509 Walnut Grove
(626) 286 -6789
Ms. Basquette stated that the left -turn signal at eastbound Mission and Rosemead
takes forever. If the lead car proceeds immediately on the turn indicator, 8 cars get
through. If the driver does not proceed immediately, only three cars get through the
intersection. Kids from the school also cross the street when the left -turn indicator is on.
She recommends the signal timing be adjusted and also that the school get a cross
guard to keep the kids from impeding left -turn traffic. She knows that Rosemead Blvd. is
under Caltrans jurisdiction, so she called Caltrans but has received no response.
3. OLD BUSINESS
A. REVISED DRAFT — RESIDENTIAL ON- STREET DISABLED PERSONS'
PARKING PROGRAM POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki presented the revised draft document of the parking
program.
Recommendation
It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission approve the Revised Draft
document and send the document to City Council for approval.
Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the audience. There were none.
Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the Commissioners.
No comments were received from Commissioners Masuda and Gay.
Commissioner Hunter stated she does not have a good feeling about the blue curb in
residential areas; people have driveways and garages. She does not favor blue curbs
in residential areas.
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Commissioner Lewin is happy with the changes, but requested that on the
"Neighborhood Survey" and "Notification" form, the word "TO" be placed after
"OPPOSED ". Also that "SUPPORTIVE OF" should precede "OPPOSED TO."
There being no further discussion, Chairperson Knapp asked for a motion.
It was moved by Commissioner Lewin, seconded by Commissioner Masuda to accept
staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council
approve the revised Residential On- Street Disabled Persons Parking Program Policy
and Procedures as amended at this meeting.
Vote Results:
Yes:
Chairperson Knapp, Commissioners Masuda, Gay, and Lewin
Noes:
Chairperson Hunter
Absent:
None
Abstain:
None
B. REQUEST FOR A BUS LOADING /UNLOADING ZONE AT 8450 GARVEY
AVENUE
Chairperson Knapp stated this matter is a carryover for further review from the April 3,
2008, Traffic Commission Meeting. Mrs. Cai was present at the last Traffic Commission
meeting but not present at the current meeting. A representative was not present.
Recommendation
It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council
approve the installation of 50 feet of white curb and 20 feet of red curb in front of 8450
Garvey Avenue.
Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the audience. There were none.
Chairperson Knapp asked for comments from the Commissioners.
Chairperson Lewin stated that he visited the site on Sunday, saw a mini -van at 6:10
p.m., but saw no van or bus on a subsequent visit. Absent any new information he
continues to be skeptical about approving a loading /unloading zone at this location.
Commissioner Gay stated he remains skeptical about the loading /unloading; no one has
seen a real need for it, and he does not want to take more parking from the streets.
Commissioners Masuda and Hunter and Chairperson Knapp expressed that they are
not comfortable with the loading /unloading zone, especially since there is no new
evidence that buses park there.
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Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki stated she was contacted by the property owner of
Mission Fence, Mr. Don Wick. He called and expressed his opposition to the
loading /unloading zone. He has not seen any buses at the location and he is
concerned that if this allowed, every business would want such a site.
Chairperson Knapp asked for a motion.
It was moved by Commissioner Gay, seconded by Chairperson Knapp to deny the
request and send the information to City Council.
Vote Results:
Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Commissioners Masuda, Gay, Lewin and
Hunter
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
4. NEW BUSINESS - NONE
5. STAFF REPORTS
Chris Marcarello, Administrative Services Officer, stated that the City received five
proposals for Engineering Services, one of which was from City of Rosemead
Development Services staff. The City favored the City staff proposal and Engineering
Services contract was awarded to City staff. Mr. Marcarello outlined the proposed
staffing for the engineering services and answered Traffic Commissioners' questions
regarding the new structure and responsibilities. Next couple of months will be a
transition period with the City working with Willdan to transition projects over to the City.
Commissioner Masuda asked the term of the contract. Mr. Marcarello stated an award
to a private contractor would normally be a three -year contract, however full -time staff
will be hired and they will be City staff. If studies or projects come up that City staff
can't handle, they will look for an outside firm to help on a project -by- project basis.
Chairperson Knapp stated that southbound Walnut Grove /Hellman Avenue left turn lane
onto Ramona needs to be longer; this was previously approved but work has not been
completed. Mr. Marcarello will look into it.
Commissioner Hunter asked who takes care of the overhead street name sign at
Ramona.
Mr. Marcarello stated they're looking at an inventory of all street signs and developing a
plan so that some older signs get changed out.
Commissioner Lewin stated the new reflective signs,are very good, easy to read. Older
non - reflective signs are difficult to read.
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Commissioner Lewin stated the new left turn traffic signal at Del Mar and Graves works
well. A Rosemead resident expressed concern about the intersection of Graves and
New. Commissioner Lewin visited the location on two occasions and noted there is no
east/west stop sign; visibility from the stop line is difficult; and there is no crosswalk at
the intersection even though there is a school at that corner. He finds it interesting that
an intersection with a school at one of its corners does not have a crosswalk.
Traffic Engineering Deputy Itagaki and Mr. Marcarello explained that they have
contacted Monterey Park because the majority of that intersection is within that city.
The City of Rosemead is responsible for only the northeast corner. Both she and Chris
have contacted the City to express their concerns. Nearly all traffic movement is in
Monterey Park. Chairperson Knapp added that the south side belongs to the County.
Chris Marcarello stated follow -up would be made but the City is at the mercy of others.
Commissioner Gay stated he attended the bridge dedication and he is pleased with the
outcome of Garvey bridge; it is a. beautiful bridge.
Commissioners Hunter and Masuda had no reports.
Chairperson Knapp has received complaints about bicycles on sidewalks at Marshall
and Bartlett. Also, San Gabriel Boulevard on the east side at Walgreens, vehicles park
at the fire hydrant. There needs to be more red paint beyond the hydrant. Traffic
Engineering Deputy Itagaki will look at it.
Audience member Valerie Basquette stated there is a fire hydrant across from her
house and the curb is painted white and people park there.. Traffic Engineering Deputy
Itagaki will take a look at it.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned until June 5, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS.
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
I, Gloria Molleda, City Clerk for the City of Rosemead, do hereby certify that the
Traffic Commission minutes of May 1, 2008 was duly and regularly approved by the
Rosemead Traffic Commission meeting on the 26' of June 2008, by the following vote
to wit:
Yes: Knapp, Masuda, Gay, Lewin
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain:Hunter
\ Gloria Molleda
City Clerk