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TC - Minutes - 10-06-22Minutes of the Regular ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING October 6, 2022 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chair Drange at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Commissioner Quintanilla INVOCATION: Commissioner Hermosillo PRESENT: Commissioner Hermosillo, Commissioner Lang, Commissioner Quintanilla and Chair Drange ABSENT: Vice Chair Nguyen STAFF PRESENT: Director of Public Works Chung, City Engineer Chan and Commission Liaison Nguyen 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Drange opened the public comment period. The City received a Public Comment from Angela Thong expressing speeding concerns along Hart Avenue. She also mentioned it is a safety concern that Hart Avenue between Guess Street and Steele Street has no sidewalks and hard to see at night due to the street light being covered by the tree. Chair Drange closed the public comment period. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR Chair Drange asked Traffic Commissioners if anyone would like to make revisions or additions to the minutes of September 1, 2022. Commissioner Hermosillo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lang, to accept consent calendar. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Lang, Quintanilla, Drange No: None Abstain: None Absent: Nguyen 3. NEW BUSINESS Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2022 Page I of 9 A. TRAFFIC REVIEW ON BROOKLINE AVENUE BETWEEN GUESS STREET AND LOFTUS DRIVE Chair Drange opened the Public Comment period The City received a Public Comment via phone from Mr. Somwan stating a lot of people make a shortcut to Brookline Avenue from Valley Blvd to enter the 10 freeway and not concerned about the residential speed. He suggested a stop sign at the intersection of Guess Street and Brookline Avenue, as well as a stop sign at the intersection of Brookline Avenue and Marshall Street. Or add a speed bump. The City received a Public Comment via phone from Loui Morales stating there needs to be a stop sign or speed bump on Brookline Avenue because people are using the street as a super highway to get onto the freeway. He stated there are at least 6 to 10 cars that drive down Brookline Avenue going at least 60 miles per hour every day. He commented this issue has been going on for years and needs to be addressed before an accident happens. Chair Drange closed the public comment period. Traffic Engineer Robbins provided a brief description of the item and presented a PowerPoint presentation of the studies that were conducted. Traffic Engineer Robbins explained that the resident requested the City to conduct a traffic review along Brookline Avenue between Guess Street and Loftus Drive due to reported speeding concerns and to consider placing an all -way stop at the intersection of Marshall Street and Brookline Avenue. Traffic Engineer Robbins explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing roadway conditions, a review of approximately 3 years of available collision data, an average daily traffic count (ADT), a 24-hour speed survey as well as an examination of existing field conditions. On behalf of the City of Rosemead, Traffic Engineer Robbins provided recommendations for a combination of traffic improvements that include the installation of speed limit signs, refresh of stop bars and stop legends, as well as warnings placed under the Marshall Street Stop signs alerting drivers that CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP, Commissioner Hermosillo asked if staff had an estimate cost to implement these measures Traffic Engineer Robbins responded she did not have a cost estimate. Director of Public Works Chung replied that it would cost less than $2,000. Commissioner Lang asked what the next steps would be if these measures do not work Traffic Engineer Robbins responded the next steps would be to look at the cross traffic at Guess Street or Marshall Street and do a more comprehensive examination of the cross streets. In response to the resident request for speed humps, the City currently does not have a speed hump Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2022 Page 2 of 9 policy in place. If not approved, we would consider adding side stripes to narrow the road or add a centerline to visually narrow the street. At this time, the street does not meet the minimum warrants for an all -way stop. Director of Public Works Chung commented in addition to the recommendations mentioned, increased traffic enforcement will also be implemented. Commissioner Quintanilla asked if there was an option to switch stop signs, so that stop signs can be placed on Brookline Avenue instead of Guess Street and Marshall Street. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded you have to go through a process of removing the existing stop signs and that is not typically looked into. Commissioner Quintanilla asked if there is any history of a street with insufficient warrants for an all -way stop and they switched the stop signs, installed new striping and signage. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded there is no history of doing that in all the Cities she has worked for. We would have to look into the liability issues of changing the stop signs out. Commissioner Quintanilla commented that Brookline Avenue is open from Valley Boulevard to Loftus Drive with little to no traffic mitigation measures. He asked if the option was considered and disposed of, considered and pending, or not considered as an option. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded it was not considered an option. Chair Drange asked if there was a reason why the stop signs are placed on Marshall Street instead of on Brookline Avenue. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded she is unsure of the reason, but speculates the stop signs were likely placed twenty years ago when the developments came in. Commissioner Lang mentioned the traffic signal light at the intersection of Marshall Street and Temple City Boulevard already helps slow down east and westbound traffic on Marshall Street. He recalled Commissioner Quintanilla's point that Brookline Avenue is an open street that encourages speeding due to no traffic mitigation. Commissioner Quintanilla commented that the traffic signal light at the intersection of Marshall Street and Temple City Boulevard was installed around ten years ago due to cars speeding down Temple City Boulevard to enter the freeway. Chair Drange asked if the traffic patterns have changed since then and suggested looking into placing stop signs on Brookline Avenue. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded as part of their traffic review, they did an average daily traffic count (ADT) for 24 -hours, and Brookline Avenue had 601 cars, which does not meet the warrants Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2022 Page 3 of 9 for installation of an all -way stop. Guess Street also did not have enough traffic to warrant an all - way stop. Commissioner Hermosillo recalled the 85th percentile speed of vehicles along Brookline Avenue north of Marshall Street was determined to be 35 mph and asked how many outliers may have skewed the data. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded they have the hourly totals for the speeding explaining ten percent of the vehicles, which is about 60 out of the 601, were driving in the 35 mph to 39 mph range. There were about four vehicles traveling at about 45 mph. She commented the data does show the speeding vehicles are driving down Brookline Avenue during the peak morning commute hours and evening hours probably to get to the freeway. Director of Public Works Chung added that the deputies will be informed to increase enforcement in the area. Commissioner Lang commented that with this phased approach with additional police enforcement, it may help with the issue, however, should it get worst we should readdress the item. Commissioner Hermosillo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lang, to approve staff recommendations. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Lang, Quintanilla, Drange No: None Abstain: None Absent: Nguyen B. TRAFFIC REVIEW AT THE INTERSECTION OF HART AVENUE AND STEELE STREET Traffic Engineer Robbins provided a brief description of the item and presented a PowerPoint presentation of the studies that were conducted. Traffic Engineer Robbins explained that the resident requested the City to conduct a traffic review at the intersection of Hart Avenue and Steele Street due to reported speeding concerns and to consider placing an all -way stop at the intersection. Traffic Engineer Robbins explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing roadway conditions, a review of approximately 3 years of available collision data, an ADT (Average Daily Traffic) count as well as a 24 -Hour Speed Survey, as well as an examination of existing field conditions. On behalf of the City of Rosemead, Traffic Engineer Robbins provided recommendations for a combination of improvements that include the installation of speed limit signs, refresh of stop bars and stop legends as well as warnings signs alerting drivers that CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP. Commissioner Hermosillo commented on the 85th percentile speed of vehicles was 27 mph on Hart Avenue south of Steele Street, which is 2 mph above the speed limit and asked whether the Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2022 Page 4 of 9 estimate cost of $2,000 to implement these measures would be justified. He added that he does feel more public safety is better than less but wanted to bring attention to the argument. Commissioner Quintanilla asked if there was consideration for crosswalks at the intersection of Hart Avenue and Steele Street. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded that since there are no sidewalks on Hart Avenue except for the northwest side going up towards Valley Boulevard, we would not be able to add the crosswalks because it would not be ADA compliant. Commissioner Hermosillo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lang, to approve staff recommendations. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Lang, Quintanilla, Drange No: None Abstain: None Absent: Nguyen C. TRAFFIC REVIEW ON TEMPLE CITY BOULEVARD BETWEEN SOUTH OF VALLEY BOULEVARD TO LOFTUS DRIVE Chair Drange opened the Public Comment period. The City received a Public Comment via email from the Soto Family stating the traffic signal light on Valley Boulevard and Marshall Street is often green and does little to stop speeding onto or off the 10 freeway. They requested for an all -way stop or a stop light set to red to prevent future collisions. The City received a Public Comment via email from Mr. Duc stating it is difficult to exit their driveway due to speeding vehicles along Temple City Boulevard. He mentioned years ago CHP officers would perform traffic checks and asked if they would come out again. The City received a Public Comment via email from Resident of Temple City Boulevard stating it is difficult exit their driveway due to large vehicles parked on the street. The person also mentioned Amazon delivery trucks are speeding and causing traffic backup and the removal of the "No Parking on Wednesday Mornings" sign resulted in the west side of the street not getting cleaned and water runoffs not being removed. The City received a Public Comment from Sylvia Lam stating traffic along Temple City Boulevard normally exceeds the 40 mph speed limit and requesting to enforce a speed limit of 35 mph on Temple City Boulevard between south of Valley Boulevard to Loftus Drive. She also requested to install traffic lights at the intersection of Guess Street and Temple City Boulevard. Chair Drange closed the public comment period. Traffic Engineer Robbins provided a brief description of the item and presented a PowerPoint Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2022 Page 5 of 9 presentation of the studies that were conducted. Traffic Engineer Robbins explained that the resident requested the City to evaluate installation of speed humps along the segment of Temple City Boulevard between just south of Valley Boulevard to Loftus Drive. Traffic Engineer Robbins explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing roadway conditions, a review of approximately 3 years of available collision data, average daily traffic (ADT) counts, a 24-hour Speed Survey, as well as an examination of the field conditions. On behalf of the City of Rosemead, Traffic Engineer Robbins provided recommendations for a combination of improvements that include installing a CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP plaque below the existing stop sign, installing a radar speed feedback sign, installing a solar powered radar speed feedback sign, repaint all existing crosswalks at signalized intersections, and optional no left tum signs. Chair Drange asked if the traffic lights on Marshall Street and Loftus Avenue are timed or metered. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded the lights are likely on loops in which as soon as they reach a certain vehicle que, the lights will change, however, they would need to assess all the timing of the traffic lights to confirm. Chair Drange recalled the public comment mentioning the lights just stay green. Traffic Engineer Robbins replied that some traffic lights give priority to the main street, but can look into it to see if more time can be given to the traffic light on Marshall Street. Director of Public Works Chung commented staff can investigate further into the public comment. Commissioner Lang asked for clarification if the "T symbol marker indicated on the proposed diagram located north of Loftus Drive will be moved to north of Marshall Street. Traffic Engineer Robbins confirmed they would like to move the proposed radar speed feedback sign to the north of Marshall Street as that is where the speeding was shown to occur. Commissioner Lang mentioned the freeway ramp exiting onto Temple City Boulevard is sharp and vehicles are potentially speeding as they exit. Traffic Engineer Robbins commented vehicles slow down at the curb when they exit the freeway and as they approach the traffic light on Loftus Drive. After Marshall Street it looks like cars start going. Chair Drange asked the commissioners for their thoughts on option number five in the proposed recommendations for installing no left tum sign with 6 AM — 9 AM and 3 PM — 6 PM MON-FRI plaque. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2022 Page 6 of 9 Commissioner Quintanilla asked if the signs were going to limit left turn onto Guess Street from Temple City Boulevard when traveling north and south. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded the signs would only be for Guess Street, prohibiting vehicles on Guess Street from turning left onto Temple City Boulevard during the designated times. Commissioner Lang asked to confirm the data if there were only three broadside collisions in that general area within three years. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded one accident occurred at Guess Street within the three years. Commissioner Quintanilla mentioned of a vehicle accident that occurred on Ellis Lane years ago. He described a motorcycle was going southbound on Temple City Boulevard and t -boned a vehicle that was exiting Ellis Lane trying to head north onto Temple City Boulevard. Traffic Engineer Robbins explained sometimes the drivers on side streets do not wait for a large enough gap before moving forward and it is typically during the peak hours of traffic. Commissioner Quintanilla commented the south segment after Valley Boulevard is problematic and makes people want to speed onto the freeway. Commissioner Lang asked if the major concern northbound or southbound on Temple City Boulevard. Traffic Engineer Robbins responded the traffic counts were balanced Commissioner Hermosillo commented it should be just a right tum only sign. With a no left tum during certain times, vehicles can still go straight and result in a possible collision. Traffic Engineer Robbins agreed and suggested considering doing the same on Ellis Lane. Chair Drange asked if the proposed installation of the right tum only sign at certain times on Ellis Lane could it be added onto the list of recommendations. Director of Public Works Chung replied that the recommendation can be added if requested by the commission. Commissioner Quintanilla asked for clarification on how the optional recommendation to restrict vehicles going east and west on Guess Street impacts the speeding issue on Temple City Boulevard. Director of Public Works Chung explained it is to minimize the cross traffic and lower the risk of accidents such as broadside collisions. Commissioner Quintanilla commented he thought the no left turn signs was for vehicles on Temple City Boulevard. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2022 Page 7 of 9 Director of Public Works Chung responded the signs are for vehicles traveling on Guess Street making a left onto Temple City Boulevard. Chair Drange asked if the data showed which travel direction the traffic was seen to be greater during specific times such as in the morning hours or evening hours. Traffic Engineer Robbins explained based on the average daily traffic (ADT) counts, the traffic is relatively equal during the morning and evening hours. Chair Drange opened the public comment period. The City received a Public Comment via Zoom from Resident Silvia commenting that she feels the proposed recommendations, specifically the optional no left turn sign during certain times on Guess Street, does not help with slowing down traffic on Temple City Boulevard. She asked if the speed signs do not help, what would be the next step. Chair Drange followed up with the Public Comment mentioning that the optional recommendation was related to collisions, whereas the other recommendations were intended to address the speeding. He commented if the issue still persists, the item may be considered to be brought back for discussion. The City received a Public Comment from Resident Josie Alvarez mentioning about the traffic count on Temple City Boulevard and asked if there was a traffic count for Guess Street. She commented that the restrictive turning signs may not even be warranted for that street. Chair Drange closed the public comment period. Commissioner Quintanilla commented that most residents know to take Marshall Street when turning onto Temple City Boulevard. He also suggested to add traffic enforcement as part of the motion. Director of Public Works Chung replied that moving forward with any reports of speeding, it will be conveyed to the deputies to increase traffic enforcement in the area. Commissioner Quintanilla asked if the City still has a contract with law enforcement motorcycles and how many. Director of Public Works Chung responded the City still has a contract, however, not sure how many motorcycles at this time. Commissioner Lang commented he is quite familiar with the traffic in the area and hopes the proposed recommendations help in addressing the speeding issue. He agreed with Commissioner Quintanilla's comment on residents knowing to use the traffic light on Marshall Street instead of turning on Guess Street or Ellis Lane. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2022 Page 8 of 9 Commissioner Hermosillo commented he is not opposed to the addition of the signs as it may help individuals not from the area. He asked what the average cost of the sign would be. Director of Public Works Chung responded it would cost in the hundreds of dollars. Commissioner Lang replied that the reason we do not add the signs is because it brings more traffic to other areas. Chair Drange agreed and was inclined to not move forward with the optional recommendation as he felt it may not be unnecessary, but not needed in this case. Commissioner Quintanilla made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hermosillo, to approve staff recommendations number 1 through 4, add increased enforcement, have the proposed radar speed feedback sign be moved to the north of Marshall Street, and to have staff revisit the item in six months. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Lang, Quintanilla, Drange No: None Abstain: None Absent: Nguyen 4. MATTERS FROM STAFF None 5. COMMISSIONER REPORTS 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at the Rosemead City Hall, City Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard. ATTEST: 7y� Michael Chung, P.E. Director of Public Works Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2022 Page 9 of 9