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CC - Item 3C - Request to Install Parking Restrictions - Walnut Grove Avenue and Abeline StreetROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER c�/J;y�1 DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 �// V SUBJECT: REQUEST TO INSTALL PARKING RESTRICTIONS — WALNUT GROVE AVENUE & ABILENE STREET SUMMARY The Traffic Commission received a request from a resident on Abilene Street to review traffic conditions and sight visibility at the intersection of Abilene Street and Walnut Grove Avenue. Residents in this area describe a lack of visibility when exiting Abilene Street to turn onto Walnut Grove Avenue. They maintain that the visibility problems, coupled with heavy traffic and vehicle speeds on Walnut Grove Avenue, create hazardous conditions. It has been requested that parking restrictions (red curbing) be installed along Walnut Grove Avenue to increase visibility for vehicles when exiting Abilene Street. At its regularly scheduled meeting on August 7, the Traffic Commission approved the installation of approximately 10 feet of red curbing along the southeast corner of Walnut Grove Avenue and Abilene Street. Staff Recommendation It is recommended that the City Council approve the Traffic Commission's recommendation to install approximately 10 feet of red curbing along the southeast corner of Walnut Grove Avenue and Abilene Street. DISCUSSION Walnut Grove Avenue is a main north -south thoroughfare in the City that is approximately 60 feet wide. The posted speed limit is 40 MPH and traffic volume is moderate to heavy at times. Abilene Street is a residential street that is approximately 30 feet wide. The speed limit on Abilene Street is 25 miles per hour and the traffic volume is low. Requests were received to investigate the traffic conditions and accessibility at the intersection of Abilene Street at Walnut Grove Avenue. The concerns were in regard to vehicles parked along Walnut Grove Avenue make it difficult for motorists to see when turning onto Walnut Grove Avenue from Abilene Street. This lack of visibility, coupled with the volume of traffic and the ambient speeds on Walnut Grove Avenue, create hazards and safety concerns. Since Walnut Grove is an arterial roadway, this sight impediment is problematic as drivers will edge out from Abilene Street towards the ITEMNO.LL.. City Council Meeting September 9, 2014 Page 2 of 2 heavily traveled Walnut Grove Avenue. By installing red curbing and pushing parked vehicles away from the corner, the visibility of motorists will be improved enabling safer turns onto Walnut Grove Avenue. Staff investigated the concerns in the area and determined that installing parking restrictions along the east side of Walnut Grove Avenue south of the intersection with Abilene Street would address the concerns regarding visibility. It is recommended that approximately 10 feet of red curbing be installed in this location. When installing the red curbing, staff will leave a minimum of 66 feet of parking available on the curb, or three spots of 22 feet each. This will result in no loss of parking spaces. Notifications of the proposed improvements were circulated to effected residents and businesses within a 300 foot radius of the intersection. PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. Prepared By: �l Sean Sullivan Management Analyst Attachments: 1. Location Map and Proposed Red Curb 2. Resident Notification 3. Draft Minutes of Traffic Commission Meeting August 7, 2014 Proposed Parking Restrictions Walnut Grove Avenue and Abilene Street Location Map Proposed Parking Restrictions - �) RQ.esao Fw, cu.CL w xw Rlui i ' ss eNneh ikne 5� MJreh L e—ere Pa 1 \ 5 hox 51 SaM151 gynln : SCUISI w xewW Prey �9 � Nexby er e Y�e� 1 � KMS a W.M � Bendel be 54 � Ufia x m1elPw _ w m7 " \ ara d v.Ba elyd was Blvd e v.nev Blvd' uannv.u.r �Qgn. m3 S� ST sxewa � ��^ xer.e.a Proposed Parking Restrictions - �) RQ.esao Fw, cu.CL w City of Rosemead TRAFFIC CONCERN NOTIFICATION The City of Rosemead Traffic Commission will be reviewing a request for the installation of approximately 20 feet of parking restrictions (red curbing) to the southeast comer of Walnut Grove Avenue at Abilene Street. This request has been made by residents concerned with lack of visibility when turning from Abilene Street onto Walnut Grove Avenue and that the lack of visibility creates hazardous conditions. You are being notified because your property is in close proximity to this location. We encourage You 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, August 7, 2014 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 you 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 mss informacion, favor de Ilamar al: A9t>MM' Milk: EA bi6t them chi ti @t, An goi: 626 - 569 -2150 PROPOSED RED CURB — WALNUT 111F1111 NIIIC' �� � -- _ A i® Meeting Minutes for the ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION August 7, 2014 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Vice Chair Masuda at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Vice Chair Masuda INVOCATION: Commissioner Omelas OATH OF OFFICE: Roderick Omelas and Howard Masuda PRESENT: Vice Chair Masuda, Commissioner Hall, Omelas, and Quintanilla ABSENT: Chair Russell- Chavez STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director Marcarello, Management Analyst Sullivan, and Administrative Assistant Llamas 1. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE NONE 2. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Quintanilla motioned, seconded by Commissioner Omelas to approve Item A (June 5, 2014 Minutes) from the Consent Calendar. Votes resulted in: Yes: Quintanilla, Omelas, Hall and Masuda No: None Abstain: None Absent: Russell- Chavez 3. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST TO INSTALL PARKING RESTRICTIONS - WALNUT GROVE AVENUE & ABILENE STREET Staff provided the Traffic Commissioners with a brief description about the location, along with the recommendation of having approximately 20 feet of curbing added to the southeast comer of Walnut Grove Avenue and Abilene Street. Brack Jones, 4222 Walnut Grove, discussed his concerns regarding this location and asked the Commission if they can reduce the amount of red curb from being installed at that location. After further discussion, the Commission asked that a minimum of 3 parking spaces remain in this vicinity. They further discussed that red curbing could be extended approximately 10 feet past the restricted parking area next to the fire hydrant. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meang Meeting Minutes of August 7, 2014 Page 1 of 2 Commissioner Omelas motioned, seconded by Commissioner Hall to approve the installation of approximately 10 feet of red curb past the restricted parking area next to the fire hydrant along with staff presenting the item to the City Council for their approval. Votes resulted in: Yes: Ornelas, Hall, Quintanilla and Masuda No: None Abstain: None Absent: Russell- Chavez 4. STAFF REPORT Staff provided the Traffic Commission with an update on current and upcoming projects throughout the City. 5. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Quintanilla thanked staff for a wonderful Fourth of July parade. Commissioner Omelas informed staff that the signal timing at the intersection of Walnut Grove Avenue and Mission Drive is occasionally delayed and has asked if they can have the signal timing checked. Commissioner Hall thanked staff for the work being done in the Plaza along with all the other work being done throughout the City. Vice Chair Masuda asked staff for an update and status on the street name signs. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for September 4, 2014 at 7:OOp.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 August 7, 2014 Page 2 of 2 ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 SUBJECT: POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS TO ROSEMEAD MUNCIPAL CODE SECTION 10.24 REGARDING PRIVATE BUS OPERATIONS SUMMARY The City Council will discuss potential amendments to existing Rosemead Municipal Code provisions that regulate the operations of private buses on City streets. Since implementing the private bus regulations that became effective on July 10, 2014, positive feedback has been received from the public regarding reduced private bus traffic and related problems (i.e. displacement of available parking, litter, pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety, etc.). However, the City has also received negative feedback from some local businesses related to unintended consequences created by the new regulations. Namely, some local businesses (restaurants and gift shops) that derive sales from tour bus patrons have experienced reduced business activity. In order to minimize these unintended consequences, staff has explored potential amendments to the City's regulations to benefit local businesses. The City Council discussed this matter at its August 12, 2014 meeting. Subsequently, a member of the Council has requested the opportunity to again discuss these issues and to review potential ordinance amendments that could be enacted to modify the current regulations. Staff Recommendation It is recommended that the City Council consider and provide further direction on this matter. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION Early in 2014, the City began to explore alternatives relative to problems created by private bus operations. This review was conducted in response to resident and business complaints that included patron littering adjacent to loading and unloading areas, pedestrian and vehicle safety concerns, bus traffic on residential streets, and parking space displacement on streets and in commercial parking lots. ITEM NO. n City Council Meeting September 9, 2014 Page 2 of 3 Through field observations, it was determined that private buses primarily accessed major corridors (Valley Boulevard, Garvey Avenue, San Gabriel Boulevard, Del Mar Avenue) to serve as loading/unloading locations for passengers. In reviewing private bus operator schedules, buses bound for casinos tended to congregate on City streets during the morning hours to transport passengers to a variety of Southern California destinations as well as casinos in Nevada. Problems along City streets and right -of -way areas included litter and trash adjacent to private bus loading zone locations, bus traffic on residential streets, parking impacts on residential streets and in commercial parking lots reducing parking availability for residents and shoppers. Also, bus patrons were observed jaywalking to reach bus loading zone locations — creating traffic and pedestrian safety concerns and "near -miss" accidents. In addition, it was determined that a smaller number of private buses were used by tour and travel agencies to transport tourists into Rosemead during the late afternoon and evening dinner hours for the purpose of patronizing local restaurants and gift shops. Review of these conditions included discussions at multiple publicly noticed meetings of the Traffic Commission and City Council. Ordinance No. 941 On June 10, 2014, the City Council conducted a second reading of Ordinance No. 941, adopting regulations related to private bus operations. These regulations were designed to coincide with ordinance in San Gabriel and Monterey Park as well as private bus operational guidelines found in the California Public Utilities Code. Specifically, Ordinance No. 941 allows private buses to utilize local non - residential roads for transport purposes, but prohibits stopping on local streets to load and unload passengers (with three specific exceptions — in emergency situations; while loading/unloading hotel guests; and in conjunction with cultural or entertainment events). Instead of stopping for loading and unloading of passengers on City streets, Ordinance No. 941 requires private bus operators to establish their own arrangements with private property owners for loading and unloading passengers. Feedback Received Regarding Ordinance No. 941 To date, the City has received mostly a positive response from the community regarding the new private bus regulations. The community has seen a noticeable drop in private buses along City streets, resulting in fewer reported traffic safety "near- misses ", reduced litter, and improved parking availability along residential streets and in many commercial parking lots. However, some concerns have been relayed to the City regarding unitended consequences associated with the new ordinance. Private tour buses are used by local tourttravel agencies to transport tourists throughout the region. Some of these tour buses patronize local businesses in town including restaurants, gift shops, and hotels. In discussing and working with these gift shops and restaurants, the following City Council Meefing September 9, 2014 Paqe 3 of 3 alternatives have been explored to reduce any impacts on their operations. These alternatives include: Modifying Restriction Hours: Based on discussions with local businesses (gift shops, restaurants), it appears that peak tour bus activity occurs during the evening hours. Existing regulations could be relaxed to allow loading and unloading of passengers on City streets during the hours of 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on a daily basis to enable business activity. Reauirina Buses to Produce an Itinerary and Roster: Most tourist operations require a specific bus itinerary with designated stops (restaurants, shopping, etc.) as well as a passenger roster. The draft ordinance would modify existing regulations to allow private bus operators to stop on City streets during designated hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily only id they fit into this tourist category. Under these regulations, a City parking enforcement officer would be empowered to require a private bus operator to produce the required travel itinerary and passenger roster for that particular day and time. In addition, private buses that are stopped or parked on City streets during the subject time periods would not be allowed to load new passengers other than those on its roster. "No Bus Sto in " Zones: There are some commercial corridor areas where bus operations are not feasible at any time. Existing regulations could be modified to allow the Director of Public Works to establish a "No Stopping Zone" by posting signs which would prohibit all bus activity in a particular location regardless of the time of day. These potential amendments could be incorporated into Ordinance No. 941 to lessen the negative impacts of the existing regulations on retail businesses and restaurants. However, such amendments would also open a limited "window' of opportunity on a daily basis for private buses to stop on public streets which could result in a resurgence of some of the prior problems that gave rise to the current regulations. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This ordinance is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (C) of the CEQA Implementing Guidelines. PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. In addition, notification postcards were distributed to local private bus operators in Rosemead and nearby cities regarding the City Council's review of this issue. Attachment ORDINANCE NO. NW941 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ROSEMEAD AMENDING CHAPTER 10 OF THE ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION AND PARKING OF PRIVATE BUSES WHEREAS, buses, as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 233, carrying passengers for consideration or compensation and subject to license for such use by the Public Utilities Code have been observed stopping or packing in the City of Rosemead (City) on public streets to load, unload or wait for passengers; and WHEREAS, operators of private buses have from time to time been observed parking in a manner that obstructs access to and from businesses, occupying multiple on -street parking spaces or public transit bus zones, impairing sight distance for other motorists and pedestrians, and idling engines for significant periods of time; and WHEREAS, the operation of private buses in this manner creates unnecessary traffic congestion, impairs traffic safety, creates noise and air pollution, and otherwise negatively impacts the welfare of nearby businesses and residences; and WHEREAS, the City now desires to regulate the parking of private buses in order to promote the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and visitors to the City; and WHEREAS, the City's Traffic Commission completed two (2) public review meetings on December 5, 2013 and April 3, 2014 to discuss the operation of private buses and recommendations to help improve traffic safety relative to private bus operations; and WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Section 21112 authorizes cities to regulate the location of stands on streets for use by public vehicles for hire; and WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Section 22507(a) authorizes cities to restrict the stopping or standing of vehicles on certain streets, or portions of streets; and NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Rosemead hereby adds new Chapter 10.24 to the City of Rosemead Municipal Code to read as follows: Chapter 10.24 — REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION AND PARKING OF PRIVATE BUSES 10.24.010 Definitions 10.24.020 Parking in Off- Street Private Parking Facilities 10.24.030 Parking and Operating Vehicles on Private Property 12.24.040 Permission to Load and Unload 12.24.050 Public Transit Bus Zones 12.24.060 Operation of Private Buses on Public Streets 12.24.070 License 12.24.080 Signage 10.24.010 Definitions As used in this chapter: "Curb" means the lateral boundary of the roadway, whether such curb shall be constructed with curbing or be edge of pavement if not constructed with curbing. "Loading Zone" means the space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or materials. "Park" means to stand or leave standing any vehicle, whether occupied or not, other than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading of passengers or materials. "Passenger Loading Zone" means the space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers. "Pedestrian" means any person afoot. "Private Bus" means any bus, as defined by in the California Vehicle Code, used or maintained by or for a charter parry carrier of passengers for compensation or profit, a passenger stage corporation, or any highway carrier of passengers required to register with the California Public Utilities Commission. "Public Transit Bus" means any bus owned or operated by a publicly owned or operated transit system, or operated under contract with a publicly with a publicly owned or operated transit system, and used to provide to the general public, regularly scheduled transportation for which a fare is charged. "Stop or Stand" means any stopping or standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device. "Vehicle Code" means the California Vehicle Code. 10.24.020 Parking in Off- Street Private Parking Facilities When an appropriate sign is in place on any off - street private parking facility giving notice that such property is private property and limited to use as vehicle parking for customers, patients, clients, or other patrons of such named owner, it shall be unlawful for any person other than a customer, patient, client or patron of such owner to park a vehicle in the off - street private parking facility. 10.24.030 Parking and Operating Vehicles on Private Property A. No person shall operate or drive or leave any vehicle in, over or upon any private property without the express or implied permission of the owner thereof, or the person entitled to the possession thereof, for the time being, or the authorized agent of either, except that the provisions of this section shall not apply to private parking lots. B. Operators of private buses using private property to park, load or unload passengers shall first obtain a City business license in accordance with Chapter 5.04 of this code, and provide documentation to the City that the owner and tenants thereof approve of such use of the property. 10.24.040 Permission to Load or Unload A. Permission granted by the provisions of this chapter to stop or stand a vehicle for purposes of loading or unloading materials shall apply only to commercial vehicles, except private buses, and shall not extend beyond the time necessary therefore, and in no event for more than twenty minutes. B. The loading or unloading of materials shall apply only to commercial deliveries and to the delivery or pickup of express and parcel post packages and United States mail. C. Permission granted by the provisions of the chapter to stop or park for purposes of loading or unloading of personal baggage but shall not extend beyond the time necessary therefor, and in no event for more than three minutes. D. Within the total time limits specified by the provisions of this section, the provisions of this section shall be enforced so as to accommodate necessary and reasonable loading or unloading but without permitting abuse of the privileges granted by the provisions of this section. E. Private buses are expressly prohibited from stopping, standing, parking, loading, or unloading passengers on all public streets or rights -of -way except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device or as otherwise excepted in this code. 10.24.050 Public Transit Bus Zones A. The Public Works Director is hereby authorized to establish bus zones adjacent to curb space for the loading and unloading of public transit buses and to determine the location thereof. B. Public Transit Bus zones shall normally be established on the far side of an intersection. 10.24.060 Operation of Private Buses on Public Streets A. Private buses shall only be operated on public streets for ingress to, egress from, and traveling through the City. B. Private buses shall be prohibited from stopping or standing adjacent to curbs or any other part of the public right -of -way within the City for any purpose including loading and unloading passengers with the following exceptions: a. Emergencies. b. For the purpose of loading and unloading passengers at hotels and motels where bus passengers are registered guests. c. Transporting passengers to and from specific cultural or entertainment events with the City. C. The regulations imposed by this section shall not be effective until such time as signs giving notice of such restrictions are conspicuously posted on streets at the entrances to the City. D. Private bus operators violating this section shall be subject to a fine as set forth in the City of Rosemead Comprehensive Fee Schedule as adopted by the City Council, and amended from time to time by resolution. Section10.24.060 License All Private Bus operators who load and unload passengers in the City shall have a business license issued by the City in accordance with Chapter 5.04 of this code. Section 10.24.070 Signage The Public Works Director is authorized to post conspicuous signs giving notice of the restrictions on using public streets by private buses. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL THIS 271" DAY OF MAY, 2014. MAYOR CITY OF ROSEMEAD ATTEST: CITY CLERK CITY OF ROSEMEAD