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CC - Item 3E - Installation of Keep Clear Marking at Temple City Boulevard at Ellis LaneROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER DATE: JANUARY 14, 2014 SUBJECT: INSTALLATION OF KEEP CLEAR MARKINGS — TEMPLE CITY BOULEVARD AT ELLIS LANE SUMMARY The Traffic Commission recently reviewed a request from residents to evaluate traffic conditions at the intersection of Temple City Boulevard and Ellis Lane. This review was initiated due to concerns that the existing intersection configuration creates visibility constraints for motorists turning from Ellis Lane onto Temple City Boulevard. Based on the review of these conditions, it was determined that the addition of a "Keep Clear" zone would help improve visibility for turning vehicles. The Traffic Commission concurred with this recommendation. Staff Recommendation It is recommended that the City Council approve the Traffic Commission's recommendation and authorize staff to install "Keep Clear" pavement markings in the northbound travel lanes of Temple City Drive, with limit lines parallel to the intersection at Ellis Lane. DISCUSSION Temple City Boulevard is a north -south arterial that is approximately 60 feet wide. There are two lanes for both north and southbound travel and parking is generally allowed on both sides of the street, with some restrictions. The posted speed limit is 40 mph. Temple City Boulevard is a major north -south connector to Interstate 10 and has a large volume of traffic, especially during peak hours. Additionally, Temple City Boulevard is currently serving as a major north -south detour during the closure of Baldwin Avenue in El Monte due to a construction project that is expected to last until late 2015. Ellis Lane is a north -south residential street that is approximately 40 feet wide. Ellis Lane has one travel lane in each direction and a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Parking is permitted on both sides of the street. Ellis Lane intersects Temple City Boulevard at an angle. Field observations were made at the location to review existing conditions and identify potential improvement alternatives. On October 18, 2013, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the following observations were recorded during a survey of turn movements at the APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: IT NO. City Council Meeting January 14, 2014 Pace 2 of 2 intersection. Turn Movements — Ellis Lane onto Temple City Boulevard Observation Time Total Number of Cars Turning Average Time to Complete Turn Longest Time to Complete Turn Left Turn Right Turn Left Turn Right Turn Left Turn Right Turn 8:10 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. 44 9 20 Sec 4 Sec 60 Sec 10 sec The table shows a total of 44 cars making left turns and 9 cars making right turns. The right turn movement averaged four seconds while the left turn movement averaged twenty seconds. The queue in the left turn lane on Ellis Lane did not exceed two vehicles at any time during the count. It was observed that the left turn movements take longer than the right turn movements because vehicles making left turns need to find gaps in both the northbound and southbound traffic to allow for a safe turn. Finding sufficient gaps in traffic may take longer during peak hours of travel as there are typically greater traffic volumes during these times. It was also observed that some landscaping on the southwest corner of Ellis Lane and Temple City Boulevard may impact visibility of northbound traffic. Based on the observed conditions, several improvement alternatives were identified to help reduce delay and improve safety for left turning vehicles from Ellis Lane to Temple City Boulevard. These alternatives included reducing landscaping materials at nearby Ellis Park, installing a "Keep Clear" zone, installing a refuge /acceleration lane, or realigning the intersection. After a review of these alternatives, the Traffic Commission determined that the installation of a "Keep Clear" zone and the reduction of landscaping materials at the nearby park would help to improve traffic conditions. These improvements will help to reduce the obstruction of motorists' views as well as provide a buffer for left turning vehicles from Ellis Lane onto Temple City Boulevard. In addition, limit lines and road markings /legends will be restriped in this area to help enhance traffic safety. Submitted by: Chris Marcarello Director of Public Works Attachments: (1) Location Map and Proposed Keep Clear Markings (2) Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes — December 5, 2013 Attachment 1 Keep Clear Markings and Landscape Modifications 1. Remove High profile landscaping (bushes) at the southwest comer of the intersection & replace with low profile vegetation. A few of the bushes partially block the view of the northbound traffic. 2. hxstall "Keep Clear" Pavement legends on Temple City Blvd for the Northbound lanes to prevent blocking of the left turn movements dining peak hour traffic when the queue of stopped can would extend southerly past Ellis Lane form Valley Blvd signalized intersection.. Meeting Minutes for the ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION December 5, 2013 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chair Russell- Chavez at 7:10 p.m, in the Council Chamber, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Commissioner Hall INVOCATION: Commissioner E. Quintanilla PRESENT: Chair Russell- Chavez, Vice Chair Masuda, Commissioners Hall, and E. Quintanilla, ABSENT: J. Quintanilla STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director Marcarello and Administrative Assistant Llamas 1. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE NONE 2. CONSENT CALENDAR Items B (Installation of Red Curb -1060 Walnut Grove Avenue) and Item C (Installation of Red Curb- 3114 Jackson Avenue) were removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion and review. Vice Chair Masuda motioned, seconded by Commissioner Hall to approve Item A (November 7, 2013 Minutes) from the Consent Calendar. Votes resulted in: Yes: Masuda, Hall, Russell- Chavez, Masuda, and E. Quintanilla No: None Abstain: None Absent: J. Quintanilla Staff provided the Traffic Commissioners a brief description on Item B (Installation of Red Curb- 1060 Walnut Grove Avenue). Due to the amount of feedback received from the residents in the neighborhood, it was requested that this item be tabled to the next Traffic Commission meeting. This postponement will allow additional outreach to take place to residents that were not able to attend the December Commission meeting. Vice Chair Masuda motioned, second by Commissioner Hall, to table Item B (Installation of Red Curb -1060 Walnut Grove Avenue) to next month's meeting. Votes resulted in: Yes: Masuda, Hall, E. Quintanilla, and Russell- Chavez No: None Abstain: None Absent: J. Quintanilla Rosemead Resident, Howard Mattern, provided a brief overview regarding the request to add a red curb in front of his house. He indicated that cars often park over the driveway apron for his property, making Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of December 5, 2013 Page 1 of 4 visibility difficult and also causing difficulty when pulling in or out of his driveway. Staff provided the Traffic Commissioner with a brief description on Item C (Installation of Red Curb- 3114 Jackson Avenue) along with the proposed recommendation. Vice Chair Masuda motioned, seconded by Commissioner Hall to approve Item C (Installation of red curb- 3114 Jackson Avenue). Votes resulted in: Yes: Masuda, Hall, E. Quintanilla, and Russell- Chavez No: None Abstain: None Absent: J. Quintanilla 3. OLD BUSINESS A. REVIEW OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT TEMPLE CITY BOULEVARD AND ELLIS LANE Rosemead Resident, Brian Lewin asked that the Traffic Commission consider adding a left turn pocket onto Ellis Lane as part of the traffic improvement plan. Staff provided the Traffic Commissioners with a brief overview on the item, along with recommendations for improving traffic conditions. Commissioner Hall informed the Commissioners and staff that she went to the location and doesn't think a left turn lane is needed at that location, She suggested starting with adding a "Keep Clear" zone to help left turning vehicles. Vice Chair Masuda asked if staff has a survey on how many cars park on the street. He asked if a survey could be conducted and brought back to the Commission when this item is reviewed in three months. Commissioner E. Quintanilla asked if parking will still be allowed in the "Keep Clear". Staff informed the Commissioners that the only vehicle activity that will be prohibited is vehicle queuing along northbound Temple City Boulevard. Commissioner E. Quintanilla asked that the limit line be moved for eastbound traffic on Ellis Lane onto Temple City Boulevard. He indicated that moving the limit line would probably help on visibility and access. Staff indicated that they will review this idea and move the limit line further east, if possible. Commissioner Hall motioned, seconded by Commissioner E. Quintanilla to approve the recommendation to add the "Keep Clear" zone on northbound Temple City Boulevard and adjust the limit line from Ellis Lane onto Temple City Boulevard. In addition, the Commission asked that a parking study be conducted along Temple City Boulevard when this item is revisited in three months. Votes resulted in: Yes: Hall, E. Quintanilla, Russell- Chavez, and Masuda No: None Abstain: None Absent: J. Quintanilla Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of December 5, 2013 Page 2 of 4 After receiving a request to speak on Item "B" on the Consent Calendar (item that was tabled to a future meeting), Chair Russell-Chavez invited resident Gary Gurrola to the podium. Gary Gurrola indicated that he is opposed to the installation of red curbing at 1060 Walnut Grove Avenue. Vice Chair Masuda asked Mr. Gurrola if any other neighbors have issues with not having overnight parking. Mr. Gurrola indicated that he did not know. The Commission informed Mr. Gurrola that no action would be taken on this item tonight and he would be notified of any further discussion on this issue at an upcoming meeting. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. DISCUSSION REGARDING COMMERCIAL TOUR BUS AND CASINO OPERATIONS WITHIN ROSEMEAD Rosemead Resident, Damian Navarez expressed some of his concerns regarding casino bus traffic and supports the proposed ideas and recommendations. Rosemead Resident, Larry Tamez, informed the Traffic Commissioners that due to tour buses making pick- ups near his house, people dump their trash and leave their vehicles parked in front of his house for several hours. He also asked if would be possible to talk to the bus company and recommend that they rent their own space for parking and pick -ups. Rosemead Resident, Brian Lewin suggested adding restricted 2 -hour parking signs at the locations that are highly impacted by bus operations. Staff provided the Traffic Commission with a brief description on this item along with some ideas and approaches that are currently being used by the City of San Gabriel and Monterey Park. Commissioner Hall liked the recommendations provided by staff, along with the samples that are currently being implemented by San Gabriel and Monterey Park. Mrs. Hall suggested that the bus companies should find a designated location where they can have a loading zone, their own parking, and restrooms along with having them obtain a business license. Commissioner Quintanilla asked if staff can survey other local cities to get other ideas. Chair Russell- Chavez suggested looking into options that would benefit the bus company, casinos, the City, and won't take away from the residents using the services. Chair Hall informed staff to take into consideration small businesses that are impacted. Some businesses are currently negatively impacted due to limited parking adjacent to their establishments. Chair Russell- Chavez indicated that tour buses should also be required to obtain inspections to ensure that they are properly maintained and operated. Vice Chair Masuda concurred with Chair Russell - Chavez's comments. Rosemead Resident, Damian Navarez, asked about the timeframe needed to implement new regulations Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of December 5, 2013 Page 3 of 4 Chair Russell- Chavez informed Mr. Navarez that a time frame can't be given at this time because it's a delicate item and a lot of research has to be done before making a final decision. Rosemead Resident, Brian Lewin, suggested that bus companies be required to provide the City with inspection certificates from a certified inspection center in order to conduct business in the City. Chair Russell- Chavez suggested that the City should involve all parties — the City, bus companies, casinos, small businesses, and patrons — prior to implementing any regulations. 5. STAFF REPORT Staff provided the Traffic Commission with an update on current and upcoming projects throughout the City. 6. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Hall reminded staff that the freeway sign at the intersection of Marshall Street and Walnut Grove Avenue needs replacement. Commissioner E. Quintanilla informed staff that the street striping at the intersection of Valley Blvd., Mission Drive, and Rio Hondo needs to be restriped. Mr. E. Quintanilla also inquired into the replacement of the City's entrance signs. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for January 2, 2013 at 7:O0p.m., and in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard. Joanne Russell-Chavez Chair ATTEST: Chris Marcarello Public Works Director Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of December 5, 2013 Page 4 of 4