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TC - Item 2A - Minutes of October 7, 2021 Minutes of the Regular ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING October 7, 2021 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chair Masuda at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Chair Masuda INVOCATION: Vice Chair Quintanilla PRESENT: Commissioner Drange, Commissioner Escobar, Commissioner Nguyen, Vice Chair Quintanilla and Chair Masuda ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins, Director of Public Works Michael Chung, Administrative Assistant Daniel Nguyen and Deputy City Clerk Natalie Haworth INTRODUCTION OF NEW DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: Michael Chung, Director of Public Works gave a brief introduction about himself. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Masuda made a clarification that one of the public comment letters for Agenda Item 3A deals with a portion of the street to be discussed in the meeting, however, addresses the west side of Rosemead Boulevard. Therefore, the item is not specific to the agenda item. The City received the following Public Comment via email: Contact information is filed with the Public Works Department. There are two signs on the north side of Newby Avenue that clearly say, NO STOPPING OR PARKING - ANY TIME. When Muscatel Middle School is in session, people park on the north side of Newby Avenue in the morning while dropping their children off at school and again in the afternoon when picking their children up. When there is an event at the school both sides of the street will be filled with cars. This makes it difficult to get in or out of the driveway. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR Chair Masuda asked Traffic Commissioners if anyone would like to make revisions or additions to the minutes of June 3, 2021, or September 9, 2021. Commissioner Drange made a motion, seconded by Vice Chair Quintanilla, to accept consent calendar. Vote resulted in: Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2021 Page 1 of 9 Yes: Drange, Escobar, Nguyen, Quintanilla, Masuda No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 3. NEW BUSINESS A. TRAFFIC REVIEW ALONG NEWBY AVENUE BETWEEN ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD AND MISSION DRIVE Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins provided a brief description of the item and presented a PowerPoint presentation of the studies that were conducted. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins stated the resident reported speeding vehicles traveling along Newby Avenue. The resident also reported that both residents in the community and students from Rosemead High School walk the Newby Avenue corridor. As a potential solution, the resident requested that speed humps be placed along Newby Avenue between Rosemead Boulevard and Mission Drive. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins explained that the City of Rosemead currently does not have a speed hump policy in place, therefore other traffic calming measures were evaluated as part of the traffic engineering recommendations. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing roadway conditions, collision data, an average daily traffic count (ADT), and a 24-hour speed survey On behalf of the City of Rosemead, Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins provided recommendations for traffic calming measures along Newby Avenue between Rosemead Boulevard and Mission Drive. Commissioner Nguyen asked for clarification on the 24-hour speed survey on whether it was conducted on a weekday or weekend. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins answered the 24-hour speed survey was conducted on a weekday when school was in session, more specifically, it took place on Thursday, September 9, 2021. Chair Masuda asked if Commissioner Escobar had any questions. Commissioner Escobar responded she had no further questions and agreed with staff recommendations. Vice Chair Quintanilla also agreed with staff recommendations, mentioning it would mostly be a refresh and repainting of existing pavement legends and markings. Chair Masuda commented the yellow markings on the pavement were barely visible and need a refresh and repaint. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2021 Page 2 of 9 Commissioner Escobar made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Nguyen, to accept Staff recommendations. Vote resulted in: Yes: Drange, Escobar, Nguyen, Quintanilla, Masuda No: None Abstain: None Absent: None B. TRAFFIC REVIEW AT THE INTERSECTION OF RAMONA BOULEVARD AND BURTON AVENUE Staff received three public comments on this item. Chair Masuda read aloud the public comment received from Rosemead Resident via phone, expressing concerns for her homebound mother who resides on Heglis Avenue. Resident explained that due to her mothers declining vision and hearing, it is difficult for her mother to detect oncoming vehicles and mentioned it would be nice to have a sidewalk built along Heglis Avenue. Chair Masuda read aloud the public comment received from Sherry Quarnstrom via email, expressing her disapproval for the installation of red curb and if approved, to paint the south side instead. Chair Masuda read aloud the public comment received from the Valdes via email, expressing their disapproval to the installation of red curb. Resident suggested installation of a speed bump, traffic mirror, and improving street lighting. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins introduced Staff recommendations by providing a brief description of the item and presented a PowerPoint presentation of the studies that were conducted. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins stated the resident request was for the City to review the curve and requested a speed hump be installed. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins explained that the City of Rosemead currently does not have a speed hump policy in place, therefore other traffic calming measures were evaluated as part of the traffic engineering recommendations. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing roadway conditions, collision data, an average daily traffic count (ADT), and a 24-hour speed survey. There were no reported collisions in the 5 ½ year collision data. There was 53 vehicles recorded from the average daily traffic count (ADT) during the 24-hour period, which was taken on Thursday, September 9, 2021, when school was in session. The 24-hour speed survey on Driggs Avenue showed 85% of drivers were driving 24 mph or less. On behalf of the City of Rosemead, Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins provided recommendations for traffic measures along the curve where Driggs Avenue meets Heglis Avenue south of Whitmore Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2021 Page 3 of 9 Street. It was proposed to install red curb and a solid double yellow line along the curve with raised pavement markers (RPMs) along the yellow center lines. Also, to install Chevron Alignment signs along the curve to provide additional emphasis and guidance. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins explained that if the double yellow line was added, there would not be enough parking on both sides since the street is too narrow. It was staff recommendation to paint the red curb on the north side to avoid taking away parking spaces. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins explained that if the City would like to consider installing the red curb on the opposite side, the City should poll the five houses along the curb on the south side for their opinion. In response to Commissioner Dranges question regarding a Chevron Alignment sign, Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins explained and identified the Chevron Alignment sign as the yellow sign with a sideways V shape as indicated on the presentation. In response to Commissioner Dranges question about RPMs or raised pavement markers, Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded that RPMs are the little buttons on either side of the yellow stripes that become reflective at night. Commissioner Nguyen asked about the five houses we would be polling that could be affected by the installation of a red curb and if we would just be asking for their preference. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded that if the City wanted to move the red curb to the south side, the City should ask all the residents along the curb since it would essentially be taking away all their parking in front of their house. Commissioner Nguyen asked if that is common practice or would it be exhaustive in terms of resources. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded that the only way for the recommendation to add the yellow center stripe is to remove the north side or south side since the street is not wide enough. When coming down from Driggs Avenue, the curve is significant to where it could make it difficult to see a person walking on the street. There are also trees on the north side as well, which was why the north side was recommended. Vice Chair Quintanilla commented that we should notify the residents along the curve if we are considering switching sides for the red curb and allow them the opportunity to speak on the decision. Vice Chair Quintanilla asked if the City could look into sidewalks for this area and tree trimming. Director of Public Works Chung responded staff could look into the sidewalks. As for the tree trimming, the impact to that would be taking out the green space north of the red curb, but that would be the impasse of the property owner. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2021 Page 4 of 9 Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded if recommended to the City, staff could look into sidewalks, however, it would be an extensive and expensive project. The City would usually have it included in a CIP program as part of a whole overall city. As there is an impasse to the residents, the residents would have to give up a portion of their lawn to make a sidewalk. Vice Chair Quintanilla asked what about just tree trimming to help reduce the visual constraints. Director of Public Works Chung asked Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins if the trees were identified as a constraint. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded yes, especially as you come from Driggs Avenue to the curve, there is a big tree there that could have the limbs removed and trimmed to help with the vision constraint. The City will need to check if it belongs to Public Works, if in the Citys right of way, or if it belongs to the resident. In response to Vice Chair Quintanillas question about the double yellow center line, Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded that the double yellow line still allows you to turn across it, but you are not allowed to pass. Since the street is so narrow, the double yellow line could not be painted unless one side is removed for parking. If parking on the north side is removed, that would leave the lane 12 foot wide and the one on the south side would be 18 feet. You need 8 feet for parking. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins explained the option would be to either pick it or hold off and ask the residents if that is a consideration. Or you keep the red curb on the north side to have that yellow stripe. Commissioner Nguyen commented she is in favor of taking time to poll the residents. Commissioner Drange commented if it is the assumption that people will walk on the south side of the street. Reason being that if you add a double yellow line at the curve people would likely drive closer to the center due to the parking on the south side. Chair Masuda commented that it is a narrow street. He recalled his experience driving on that street approaching the curve and how he ended up driving closer to the center due to the parked cars along the curb. For safety and visibility, adding a red curb would seem like it would help. Chair Masuda agreed that the residents concern regarding the placement of the red curb and to move it to the other side something to consider and to poll the residents to see if they agree. In response to Chair Masudas question if she knew how many parking spaces are on the south side, Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded there is probably three spaces. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins recommended that if there is concern, to bring back the agenda item and have the City send out a letter to each of the residents along the curve. The resident who sent in the request did not identify which side of the street he walks on, so maybe that is something we need to find out as well. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2021 Page 5 of 9 Chair Masuda commented there was only one person when he was going south on Heglis Street and that person was walking in the middle of the street. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins commented there is not a lot of traffic on this street and no reported collisions, but maybe something to ask these residents and if it turns out nothing is done, it will go as usual. A Chevron Alignment sign can still be installed, but no center yellow lines. In response to Chair Masudas question if there was consideration to put up a slow curve sign, Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded they could look into adding it, however, since there were only 53 vehicles, they did not want to add too much signage. Chair Masuda recommended that this item be referred to the residents to get feedback on the red curb and proceed from there as that would determine on the installation of the yellow double line on the curve. Chair Masuda asked if it could be recommended that the City send out notices to the residents on the south side, but to agree on the installation of the Chevron Alignment sign and wait on the painting of the red curb and yellow line based on the responses. Chair Masuda asked if that suggestion could be an option rather than voting down the recommendation or accepting it, and to hold off until we hear back from the residents. Vice Chair Quintanilla asked to confirm if that meant to renotify the residents about having the red curb on the south side of the curve rather than on the north side. Chair Masuda confirmed that statement as the recommendation. Chair Masuda asked if a motion is needed to make the recommendation to reissue a notice to the residents about having the red curb on the south side of the curve rather than on the north side, and to be addressed in a future agenda. Chair Masuda responded to Director of Public Works Chung to make it clear to not to approve the staff recommendation for the red curb. Director of Public Works Chung responded the whole item would have to be pulled if Commission would like to poll the residents and modify the recommendations. Commissioner Nguyen suggested to motion to table the agenda item to the next meeting pending further clarification from the residents. Commissioner Drange asked if we need to state in the motion for the City to poll the residents. Vice Chair Quintanilla responded to table the item and send it back to staff for further review. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2021 Page 6 of 9 Chair Masuda commented it seems the red curb issue is holding the decision and if the tree trimming is an issue as well, we can add that recommendation to the modifications depending on the preferences of the residents. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded the Public Works staff can trim the trees if it is in the Citys right of way. If the trees are on private property, a notice would have to be sent out. Chair Masuda asked in terms of the process are we looking at redoing the same recommendations except for moving the red curb to the south side and sending out notification letters to the residents. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded the recommendations should be left as is and to poll the six houses on the south side and the two on the north side. Notice letters with a response date can be sent out to these residents and we can update the commissioners on the results. Based on the votes, we can proceed on whether we need to review the red curb or if we can approve it. Chair Masuda asked for a motion to poll the residents affected by the red curb between Heglis Street and Driggs Avenue to see what their preference is in terms of painting the red curb on the south side of the curve. Administrative Assistant Nguyen confirmed with Commission regarding the motion to table the agenda item. Commissioner Drange made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Nguyen, to direct Staff to take a poll of the residents affected and bring back for discussion at a future meeting. Vote resulted in: Yes: Drange, Escobar, Nguyen, Quintanilla, Masuda No: None Abstain: None Absent: None C. TRAFFIC REVIEW AT THE INTERSECTION OLNEY STREET AND VANE AVENUE Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins provided a brief description of the item and presented a PowerPoint presentation of the studies that were conducted. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins stated the resident requested the City to review the intersection and requested flashing stop signs be installed. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing roadway conditions, collision data, and a peak hour intersection count taken on Thursday, September 2, 2021. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2021 Page 7 of 9 On behalf of the City of Rosemead, Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins provided recommendations for traffic measures at the intersection of Olney Street and Vane Avenue to encourage drivers to come to a complete stop at the existing three way stop intersection. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins proposed to install new 36x36 Stop Signs with ALL WAY stop plaque and retroreflective strips, repaint the yellow painted crosswalk, refresh STOP legend and bar at STOP locations, and add red curb between crosswalk striping and driveway to the west on the south side of Olney Street. Commissioner Escobar agreed with staff recommendations. Vice Chair Quintanilla asked if it was considered to add the painted crosswalk with yellow ladder along Vane Street, perpendicular to the proposed yellow painted crosswalk for more visibility. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded it was looked into, however, since the crosswalk has no sidewalk, it does not have ramps. Adding a new crosswalk would require adding ADA compliant ramps, which is expensive especially when there is no sidewalk to connect it to. Since the recommendation is to repaint the existing yellow crosswalk, we do not fall under the ADA ramp restriction. Traffic Engineer Jana Robbins responded to Chair Masudas question and confirmed that the vehicles making the California stop were from the east and west direction. Commissioner Escobar made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Nguyen, to accept Staff recommendations. Vote resulted in: Yes: Drange, Escobar, Nguyen, Quintanilla, Masuda No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 4. STAFF REPORTS None 5. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Drange asked who to send a traffic concern he received via email regarding Del Mar Avenue. Director of Public Works Chung responded the email can be forwarded to him. Chair Masuda commented generally traffic concerns are forwarded to Public Works for review and determined if it will be added onto the agenda. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2021 Page 8 of 9 Commissioner Drange commented that in the last meeting he asked for a copy of the Citys Bicycle Plan for Traffic Commission to review and if he needs to formalize that request. Director of Public Works Chung responded he will have Public Works staff look into and bring it up in a future staff report once the information is gathered. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at the Rosemead City Hall, City Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard. _______________________ Howard Masuda Chair ATTEST: ________________________ Michael Chung, Director of Public Works Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2021 Page 9 of 9