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CC - Item 3F - Installation of Keep Clear Markings at Mission DriveROSEMEAD 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 — MISSION DRIVE (ROSEMEAD HIGH SCHOOL) SUMMARY The Traffic Commission recently reviewed a request from residents to evaluate traffic conditions and access adjacent to Rosemead High School on Mission Drive. Mission Drive serves as the main entrance to the school, including a drop -off and pick -up zone at the westerly parking lot adjacent to the school entrance. Currently, there are existing "Keep Clear" zones that serve the parking lots along the eastern section of the campus and help to improve traffic flow. It was requested that an additional "Keep Clear" zone be added to help improve access to the westerly driveway. Based on the review of the information, the Traffic Commission concurred with the recommendation to install an additional "Keep Clear" zone. 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 westbound travel lanes of Mission Drive, with limit lines parallel to the westerly parking lot of Rosemead High School. DISCUSSION Mission Drive is approximately 60 feet wide with two traffic lanes for both east and westbound traffic. Opposing lanes of traffic are separated by a double yellow line, which allows for left hand turns but does not provide a dedicated turning lane. The posted speed limit on Mission Drive is 35 mph and 25 mph when school children are present. In the vicinity of the proposed "Keep Clear" zone, limited parking is permitted on either side of the street. Field observations were taken to determine the extent of access problems adjacent to the high school. During peak school drop off and pickup times, vehicles enter the parking lot from both westbound and eastbound travel lanes. Due to the limited driveway length, as well as the time required for passengers to enter and exit vehicles, traffic often backs up along westbound Mission Drive. In addition, delays impact access for vehicles ITEM NO. Z3F APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: City Council Meeting January 14, 2014 Page 2 of 2 turning left (heading eastbound) into the parking lot. The delay for left turning vehicles can sometimes queue as far back as Rosemead Boulevard. Based on these observations, it was determined that adding "Keep Clear" markings in the westbound travel lanes at the Mission Drive westerly driveway will help create a gap for opposing traffic. This enhancement will help keep the driveway clear and provide greater access for eastbound traffic. These markings should also improve traffic safety and traffic flow for the area. Photographs of the existing conditions are included in your packet for further review. Notifications of the proposed improvements were circulated to adjacent residents and businesses within a 300 foot radius of this location prior to the Traffic Commission review of this item. Submitted by: Chris Marcarello Director of Public Works Attachments: (1) Location Map and Proposed Keep Clear Markings (2) Notification to Residents (3) Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes — November 7, 2013 Proposed "Keep Clear" Markings Mission Drive at Rosemead High School w.. °ueen • n PA Qp osem. eseme.d U j Q Ave N, 3¢ m blrs, p o Lnwfenre AVe . am r y UM d .n.nst Nwc.N1 c.AV Ave me T s ` "°°' PROPOSED n tlunchen "KEEP CLEAR" ° sf '° Bentel Ave e m Henlcl Ave ww IV<19915Y1191e pnn Gr ml(e vPPinO center " wellness 'w Citibank Q E Valley Blvd 0 Valley Blvd ad Q 3, a..eme.d a'y Clty COUntil Y� W _�. L M „ W 44 0.awne.d Pmk ose 5( »w Mr , Nev111Y AvR et.n s Bentel Ave S.iy.n rimes Valley BIVII 'a' Q lhew.x a.M1en °ueen PM1atmacY ROSEMEAD HIGH SCHOOL -_ SK m � ti 8 x � r ied � r S ... nn.h Cemetery V°Ily 31vd 0 D, P°do.q Q iew, m City of Rosemead TRAFFIC CONCERN NOTIFICATION The City of Rosemead Traffic Commission will be reviewing a request to install "Keep Clear" markings on Mission Drive at the westerly parking lot of Rosemead High School. Residents maintain that access to this parking lot can be difficult during peak travel times, especially for eastbound traffic turning left from Mission Drive into the school campus. This enhancement will help keep the driveway clear, enabling eastbound traffic to easily make a left hand turn and should also improve traffic safety and improve traffic flow for the area. You are being notified because your property is in close proximity to this location. We encourage your comments regarding traffic safety in this area. If you wish to comment on the issue, you are invited to attend the Traffic Commission's next meeting on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 7 PM at the Rosemead City Hall City Council Chambers. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may send a letter with your comments directly to City Hall, attention Chris Marcarello, Director of Public Works. You may also fax your letter to City Hall at (626) 307 -9218. We appreciate your concern for traffic safety in the City of Rosemead. Should you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact us at (626) 569 -2118. For information please call: Para obtener mas informaci6n, favor de Ilamar al: MP' 41*' aMzll: 06 biet them chi tiet, An goi: 626- 569 -2150 ROSEMEAD -- Meeting Minutes for the ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION November 7, 2013 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chair Russell- Chavez at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Vice Chair Masuda INVOCATION: Commissioner Hall PRESENT: Chair Russell- Chavez, Vice Chair Masuda, Commissioners Hall, and E. Quintanilla, J. Quintanilla ABSENT:NONE STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director Marcarello, Management Analyst Sullivan, and Administrative Assistant Llamas 1. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE Rosemead resident, Brian Lewin, expressed concerns with speeding issues along the 9400 block of Ralph Street and asked for additional traffic enforcement at this location. Mr. Lewin also asked staff if it would be possible to add street markings before the lighted cross walk on Mission Drive that will show drivers where to stop. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Hall motioned, seconded by J. Quintanilla to approve Item A (October 3, 2013 Minutes) and Item D (Installation of Red Curb at 2713 Walnut Grove Avenue) on the Consent Calendar. Votes resulted in: Yes: Hall, J. Quintanilla, Russell-Chavez, Masuda, and E. Quintanilla No: None Abstain: None Absent: None After some minor clarifications to Item B (Development of Goals and Objectives for 2013 -2014) and Item C (Keep Clear Markings on Mission Drive at Rosemead High School), Commissioner Hall motioned, and second by Commissioner E. Quintanilla to approve both items on the Consent Calendar. Votes resulted in: Yes: Hall, E. Quintanilla, Russell-Chavez, Masuda, and J. Quintanilla No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2013 Page 1 of 3 3. OLD BUSINESS A. REVIEW OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT TEMPLE CITY BOULEVARD AND ELLIS LANE Staff provided the Traffic Commissioners with a brief overview on the item, along with suggestions and recommendations. Rosemead resident, LaDon Lewin, informed staff that one of the major problems at this location is related to vehicles not using turn signals when making a left turn from Temple City Blvd. onto Ellis Lane. Mrs. Lewin also informed staff that northbound traffic backs up on Ellis Lane when making a left turn onto Temple City Blvd. She indicated that the installation of a "Keep Clear" would be a good idea in order to help improve vehicle access. She also informed staff that extending the red curbing along the west side of Temple City Blvd in conjunction with options 1 and 2 would work best at that location. Rosemead resident, Brian Lewin, concurred with the observation regarding vehicles not signaling when making left turns from Temple City Blvd onto Ellis Lane. He agreed with trying option 1 and 2, but also indicated that the refuge /acceleration lane may also be used for left- turning vehicles from Temple City Blvd onto Valley Blvd. Chair Russell- Chavez suggested the option of adding a left turn pocket onto Ellis Lane from Temple City Blvd. Staff informed the Traffic Commission that they will determine the feasibility of adding a turn pocket at this location. Vice Chair Masuda informed staff that if the Refuge /Acceleration Lane is considered further, it would be important that it not extend too far to the north. Doing so would allow vehicles the option of making a left turn (heading west) on Valley Blvd or continuing north on Temple City Blvd. Staff indicated that these comments can be integrated into the striping plan for this area. Commission J. Quintanilla suggested the option of installing a modified signal. Staff informed the Commission that a traffic signal plan was not prepared for this location. The location may not be ideal for a signal due to its proximity to Valley /Temple City. In addition, the cost of installing new traffic signals is very high. However, if further problems persist it may be an option to further analyze. Commissioner E. Quintanilla asked staff for clarification on option 3. He also asked if staff had traffic collision report for the location. Staff indicated that this information could be compiled and reviewed at an upcoming meeting along with striping plans. Vice Chair Masuda motioned, seconded by Commissioner E. Quintanilla, to have staff bring back the item for further review at an upcoming meeting. Votes resulted in: Yes: Masuda, E. Quintanilla, Hall, Russell-Chavez, and J. Quintanilla No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2013 Page 2 of 3 4. STAFF REPORT Staff provided the Traffic Commission with an update on current and upcoming projects throughout the City. 5. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner J. Quintanilla informed staff that the Explorer Sign at the Target shopping center is missing. Mr. Quintanilla also asked about the status of traffic signal problems at the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Temple City Boulevard. Commissioner Hall requested that the freeway sign at the northeast comer of Walnut Grove Avenue and Marshall Street be replaced. Commissioner E. Quintanilla informed staff that the striping south of Mission Drive going left onto Valley Boulevard is faded. He also informed staff that tour buses park on Valley Blvd before Rio Hondo causing a reduced lane width for turning vehicles. Chair Russell- Chavez complemented staff on the new fence on west of Marshall Street. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjoumed at 8:02 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2013 at 7:00p.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 November 7, 2013 Page 3 of 3