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TC - Minutes - 04-03-14Meeting Minutes for the ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION April 3, 2014 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chair Hall at 7:03 p.m in the Council Chamber, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Chair Russell- Chavez INVOCATION: Vice Chair Masuda PRESENT: Chair Russell- Chavez, Vice Chair Masuda, Commissioner Quintanilla and Omelas ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director Marcarello, Management Analyst Sullivan, Administrative Assistant Llamas 1. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE NONE 2. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Quintanilla motioned, seconded by Vice Chair Masuda to approve Item A (February 6, 2014 Minutes) on the Consent Calendar as presented. Votes resulted in: Yes: Quintanilla, Masuda, Russell- Chavez, Ornelas No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Item B (Review of Traffic Conditions at Hellman Avenue and Brighton Street) was removed from the Consent Calendar for further review. Staff provided the Traffic Commission with a brief description about the location, along with suggestions that may be used in order to improve traffic safety in this vicinity. Margaret Holt, 7902 Artson discussed her concerns regarding this intersection. Ricky Harlen, 7908 Arson, discussed his difficulties with accessing Hellman Avenue from Brighton Street. Chair Russell- Chavez asked if installing Flashing beacons and a stop sign would be appropriate at the location. Commissioner Quintanilla asked if a crosswalk would be appropriate at this location. Commissioner Ornelas commented that he did not feel a stop sign was appropriate at this location because it may backup traffic on Hellman Avenue during peak hour travel times. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2014 Page 1 of 4 Vice Chair Masuda concurred with Commissioner Ornelas' comments and discussed the option of installing a crosswalk at the location with several signs and striping to make drivers aware that pedestrians may be crossing ahead. Staff discussed Hellman Avenue and commented on the problems with unprotected crosswalks on a busy collector street. The location was further discussed including its proximity to Del Mar Avenue, which is a traffic- controlled intersection with crosswalks. Based on these issues, it was suggested that pedestrian warning signs, striping enhancements, and perhaps increasing the length of red curb at Brighton Street would help improve conditions. Chair Russell- Chavez recommended that Flashing lights be installed on signage in both directions in order to encourage drivers to slow down. Staff recommended that a striping and signage plan be prepared for the area and that an update would be provided to the Commission at an upcoming meeting. Vice Chair Masuda also suggested that staff include a pedestrian crossing warning sign at the location. 3. NEW BUSINESS A. "SMART' STREETS PRESENTATION Staff provided the Traffic Commissioners with an overview of this topic, along with the introduction of Sal Lopez from Evan Brooks Associates. Mr. Lopez presented the Traffic Commission with a Power Point presentation on SMART (Safe Mobility and Reliable Transportation) Streets along with a video from the City of Baldwin Park describing their policy. Chair Russell- Chavez asked staff if there are plans in using "SMART' Streets throughout the City in the future. Staff informed the Commissioners that this item was included as a work plan item for the Traffic Commission and included in the City's recently adopted Strategic Plan. SMART streets would be encouraged on a case- by-case basis in order to encourage additional multi -modal transportation opportunities in the community. Chair Russell- Chavez expressed her support for the policy and the presentation. Vice Chairman Masuda recommended that bicycle safety be included as a key component of any policy. Rosemead Resident, Brian Lewin expressed support for the policy — especially regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety. Mr. Lewin further commented on neighboring cities plans such as Temple City and asked for some clarification on some of the policy elements. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2014 Page 2 of 4 Chair Russell- Chavez would like the policy to encourage people to walk and use their bicycles more. Mr. Lopez thanked the Commission for its comments and will look forward to discussing this policy further at upcoming Commission meetings. B. DISCUSSION REGARDING COMMERCIAL TOUR BUS AND CASINO BUS OPERATIONS WITHIN ROSEMEAD Rosemead Resident, Brian Lewin requested that the City require all tour and casino buses to pass a safety inspection on an annual basis. He further required that bus operators should be required to provide driving records prior to allowing buses to operate in the City. He indicated that 3m^ party inspections could be completed through a permitting process and be paid by applicants. Rosemead Resident, Nancy Eng expressed her support for adding guidelines relative to bus operations. Ms. Eng indicated that her main concern is safety. In her experience, buses will often park on residential streets causing major visibility issues and safety concerns. She recommends adding designated bus parking locations with day time limited parking for passengers. She further discussed specific locations that could be used as staging areas for buses, including vacant lots and the Rosemead Beauty School Parking Lot/ former Barr Lumber parking lot. Chair Russell- Chavez expressed her support of Mr. Lewin and Ms. Eng's suggestions and recommendations. Staff provided the Traffic Commissioners with a brief description on this topic, along with proposed guidelines on what the City can and can't regulate relative to private bus operations. Staff also informed the Commission that the City began installation of signage throughout the City prohibiting buses from parking at certain locations and driving on residential streets. Staff indicated that most buses operate under State guidelines, limiting the ability of cities to require vehicle inspections and additional operating reports. The key to this issue is to identify potential locations where buses can operate, and directing them to private property locations where they won't impact the community. Chair Russell- Chavez suggested that a list of designated locations be developed where buses can park and load /unload passengers. She has also recommended in working cooperatively with the bus companies and casinos to come up with an agreement that will increase safety, but also allow buses to continue their operations. Commissioner Quintanilla expressed his support for developing designated parking locations for buses. 4. STAFF REPORT Staff updated the Traffic Commissioners on current projects and events throughout the City 5. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Ornelas requested that staff can replace the street signage in front of the UFC gym for east bound traffic. Mr. Ornelas also asked staff to look at the stop sign at the intersection of Walnut Grove Avenue and Grand Avenue in order to make it more noticeable. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2014 Page 3 of 4 Vice Chair Masuda asked for an update on the installation of the speed limit signs and marking on Mission Drive between Rosemead Boulevard and Encinita Avenue. He also asked if staff can install another speed limit sign half way on Grand Avenue east of Walnut Grove because it's a long stretch. Commissioner Quintanilla informed staff that one of the signal lights at the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Temple City needs to be fixed. Chair Russell- Chavez asked staff if they can have a sign installed on San Gabriel Boulevard north of Garvey Avenue prohibiting buses from parking between the shopping center and Jack in the Box. Mrs. Russell- Chavez would also like to request the installation of a red curb on the west north corner of Angelus and Rush Street due to safety and visibility concerns. She would also like to ask staff can also talk to the Monterey Park Water Department officials and ask if they can reroute their main entrance to San Gabriel Boulevard from residential streets. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for June 5, 2014 at 7.00p.m., and in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard. Joanne Russell- Chavez Chair ATTEST:� v.A Chris Marcarello Public Works Director Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of Apnl 3, 2014 Page 4 of 4