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TC - Minutes - 04-06-23Minutes of the Regular ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING April 6, 2023 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chair Drange at 7:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Chair Drange INVOCATION: Commissioner Quintanilla PRESENT: Commissioner Hermosillo, Commissioner Quintanilla, Vice Chair Nguyen and Chair Drange ABSENT: Commissioner Lang STAFF PRESENT: City Engineer Chan and Commission Liaison Nguyen 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 2. CONSENT CALENDAR Chair Drange asked Traffic Commissioners if anyone would like to make revisions or additions to the minutes of March 2, 2023. Chair Nguyen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hermosillo, to accept consent calendar. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Quintanilla, Nguyen, Drange No: None Abstain: None Absent: Lang 3. NEW BUSINESS A. MULTI -SCHOOL LOADING & UNLOADING CURB MARKINGS REVIEW Chair Drange opened the public comment period The City received a Public Comment via email from Huey Trieu expressing concerns about traffic at Savannah Elementary and asking for parents to not double park and to not block resident driveways. The City received a Public Comment via email from Fay Yeh asking the City to take action and explained how parents would park in the middle of the street and block their driveway when dropping off their children at school. Chair Drange closed the public comment period Associate Traffic Engineer Richter provided a brief description of the item and presented a PowerPoint presentation of the studies that were conducted. She explained that the City received a request from the Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2023 Page I of 7 Rosemead School District to review 5 schools in the city and review the installation of curb markings along school frontages for potential areas of loading and unloading with updated signage. LOCATION 1: SHUEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Associate Traffic Engineer Richter explained as part of the traffic review for location 1, engineering staff looked at the existing field and traffic conditions and per the guidelines in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), California Vehicle Code (CVC), and based on engineering judgement, it was determined that Shuey Elementary School would benefit from the installation of white curb markings as well as designated loading and unloading signage. Traffic Engineer Robbins commented that the City had received suggestions from each school regarding the signage and locations for white curb. Chair Drange asked if the City sent a person out to Shuey Elementary School during school drop off and pickup hours to see how the field conditions are. Associate Traffic Engineer Richter replied they did a field review and measured the curb along Shuey to determine how much white curb could be added and to confirm the existing red curb. During her field observation, there was a lot of vehicle traffic along Wells Street and Earle Avenue. There were parked cars on both sides of the street waiting as far west past Delta Avenue and east of the school, with some vehicles blocking driveways. Chair Drange asked if there was consideration of adding signage on the north side of the street indicating no student drop offs or no jaywalking. He commented that it is common practice for parents to drop off students across the street and asked if it was witnessed at this location. Traffic Engineer Robbins replied it was witnessed, however, the task on this project was to look at the curbing along the school side. In regard to jaywalking, she responded it would be more of an enforcement issue and unfortunately, it is difficult to get enforcement at every school. Chair Drange asked about the loading zone and mentioned that it is common practice for parents to park for thirty minutes and wait. Traffic Engineer Robbins replied some schools elect to do a keep moving forward policy and referenced the no parking passenger loading and unloading signage. Chair Drange asked if the proposed recommendations align with what the school deemed appropriate. Traffic Engineer Robbins replied yes and mentioned the school did request to remove some red zones, however, they were placed there to assist with line of sight issues. Vice Chair Nguyen asked if there were any recommendations from the residents who live across the street from the school. She expressed concerns that residential driveways will still continue to be blocked even after the proposed recommendations are implemented. Traffic Engineer Robbins replied it would be an enforcement issue and for the sheriffs to come out to issue citations in order to deter people from parking as such. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes ofApril 6, 2023 Page 2 of 7 Associate Traffic Engineer Richer mentioned some cities have signs installed indicating no parking during school pickup times in front of the resident homes, however, the residents would have to agree since it would affect the street parking on their side. Chair Drange agrees enforcement is the key factor and commented that people typically change their practices once the sheriff shows up. Commissioner Quintanilla commented that enforcement is the issue and explained it is because there are too many cars for the street, especially by Muscatel Middle School and Savannah Middle School. He does not feel the curb markings and signage will resolve the issue and suggested there should be enforcement first to see how it goes. City Engineer Chan replied the City can reach out to the sheriffs to have more enforcement in that area. Commissioner Quintanilla commented there used to be a deputy parked by Savannah and Muscatel Middle School and they stopped showing up after COVID. He asked staff if they could look into it. Commissioner Hermosillo asked how much it would approximately cost for the City to implement these recommendations. City Engineer Chan replied it would be within $1,000 for this specific location. Commissioner Hermosillo recalled the comment made by Commissioner Quintanilla regarding enforcement and he felt for the small cost, it may be worth implementing those changes. Commissioner Quintanilla agreed and had no issue with the recommendations if that is what the schools requested, however, he strongly expressed his safety concerns with there being no enforcement in the area. Vice Chair Nguyen asked what the area to the right of the school is as depicted in the staff report. City Engineer Chan replied that area belongs to SCE. Commissioner Hermosillo asked the commissioners if there is a preference for the loading zone sign. Vice Chair Nguyen suggested the sign that indicates no parking. Commissioner Quintanilla commented he would like to reassess these items in 3 to 6 months once implemented to determine if additional changes are needed. Vice Chair Nguyen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hermosillo, to approve staff recommendations and to include the no parking loading zone sign as shown in detail 1 of the staff report. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Quintanilla, Nguyen, Drange No: None Abstain: None Absent: Lang Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2023 Page 3 of 7 LOCATION 2: JANSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Associate Traffic Engineer Richter introduced location 2 and explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing field and traffic conditions and per the guidelines in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), California Vehicle Code (CVC), and based on engineering judgement, it was determined that Janson Elementary School would benefit from the installation of white curb markings as well as designated loading and unloading signage. Chair Drange asked if the driveway located on the south side of the school is still being used as a drop off and pick up area. He also asked if the field visit was during a drop off or pick up time. Associate Traffic Engineer Richter replied she noticed parents parking along Olney Street during school pick up hours, however, did not see any vehicles go into the parking lot and exiting onto Olney Street. Vice Chair Nguyen asked if we are able to encourage parents to use the driveway for pick up and drop off. Chair Drange asked if we could add a sign directing people to use the driveway. Traffic Engineer Robbins replied staff could look into it, however, would need to contact the school regarding their rules for public access on their site. City Engineer Chan commented he would not recommend installing a sign on the street public right of way, however, would suggest a portable sign that could be placed out during pick up and drop off hours, as well as to have the school educate the parents to pick up and drop off at the south end of the school. Traffic Engineer Robbins mentioned some schools have a circulation plan posted on their school website which details where to drop off and pick up students. This could also be where the school could educate parents to not block residential driveways. Vice Chair Nguyen agreed with staff recommendation regarding an education campaign. Chair Drange asked about which side of the school the students are coming out from in order to determine where to install the loading zone. He commented that if there is an existing driveway at the south end of the school, it would seem better to not have people waiting along Marshall Street. Commissioner Quintanilla made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hermosillo, to approve staff recommendations with the no parking loading zone sign as shown in detail 1 of the staff report, and to request the schools to do an education outreach to inform residents of the curb markings and safety precautions to follow. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Quintanilla, Nguyen, Drange No: None Abstain: None Absent: Lang LOCATION 3: MUSCATEL MIDDLE SCHOOL Associate Traffic Engineer Richter introduced location 3 and explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing field and traffic conditions and per the guidelines in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), California Vehicle Code (CVC), and based on Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2023 Page 4 of 7 engineering judgement, it was determined that Muscatel Middle School would benefit from the installation of white curb markings as well as designated loading and unloading signage. Commissioner Quintanilla asked if the existing white curb in front of the school will remain a white curb. Associate Traffic Engineer Richter replied yes. Chair Drange asked if refreshing of the crosswalk markings should be added to the proposed recommendations and how many crosswalks there are. Associate Traffic Engineer Richter replied there is a total of four crosswalks at two intersections, however, mentioned the crosswalks at the north side of both intersections would benefit from refreshing because those are the flashing pedestrian crossing. Commissioner Hermosillo asked to clarify the recommendation regarding the existing bus zone along Ivar Avenue. Associate Traffic Engineer Richter replied that is an additional option for the city to consider, if any issues with buses exists, the city can revisit the proposed recommendations to the area and address them. Traffic Engineer Robbins added that the school had initially requested for additional red curb in that bus zone area. Buses are allowed to park in red zone, however, residents will not be able to park there. The school did not indicate whether there were issues with bus parking, and we would need to confirm with the school district if Muscatel Middle School has buses that require a portion of red curb to allow for student drop off and pick up. Commissioner Hermosillo made a motion, seconded by Vice Chair Nguyen, to approve staff recommendations with the no parking loading zone sign as shown in detail 1 of the staff report, and to include the refreshing of the four crosswalks. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Quintanilla, Nguyen, Drange No: None Abstain: None Absent: Lang LOCATION 4: ENCINITA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Associate Traffic Engineer Richter introduced location 4 and explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing field and traffic conditions and per the guidelines in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), California Vehicle Code (CVC), and based on engineering judgement, it was determined that Encinita Elementary School would benefit from the installation of white curb markings as well as designated loading and unloading signage. Chair Drange asked if there is space for cars to park along Lower Azusa Road and for cars to pass by on the right lane. Traffic Engineer Robbins replied yes. Chair Drange asked if the proposed 75' of white curb will go up to the border of Rosemead High School. Rosemead Trak Commission Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2023 Page 5 of 7 Associate Traffic Engineer Richter replied it would be the 75' of white curb for now. We would have to confirm with the school district to see if the white curb can be extended. Chair Drange asked if it was observed if people were dropping off and picking up their children at the parking lot on the north side of the school on Lower Azusa Road. Associate Traffic Engineer Richter replied she did not notice vehicles entering the staff parking during pick up hours. Vice Chair Nguyen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hermosillo, to approve staff recommendations with the no parking loading zone sign as shown in detail 1 of the staff report. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Quintanilla, Nguyen, Drange No: None Abstain: None Absent: Lang LOCATION 5: SAVANNAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Associate Traffic Engineer Richter introduced location 5 and explained as part of the traffic review, engineering staff looked at the existing field and traffic conditions and per the guidelines in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), California Vehicle Code (CVC), and based on engineering judgement, it was determined that Savannah Elementary School would benefit from the installation of white curb markings as well as designated loading and unloading signage. Associate Traffic Engineer Richter made a correction to #4 on the proposed recommendations indicating they will be installing 15 -feet of red curb along the south side of De Adalena Street in front of the fire hydrant. Chair Drange asked why there is no white curb being installed on De Adalena Street since it was observed that street had a lot of vehicle traffic. Associate Traffic Engineer Richter replied that area is currently a drop off and pick up area, and there is no existing white curb. The school requested to leave it as is. Traffic Engineer Robbins added that the City requested to not paint white curb along De Adalena Street as some residents and staff park there. Commissioner Quintanilla asked to confirm the staff recommendation was to install 167 -feet white curb north of the exit driveway along east side of Rio Hondo Avenue. Traffic Engineer Robbins replied the school initially requested the entire area to be painted white curb. Commissioner Quintanilla commented he is surprised they would want to install all that white curb and remove the street parking for staff. Chair Drange commented they may still park there as he knows many places in the city that are two hour parking and there is no enforcement. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2023 Page 6 of 7 Commissioner Hermosillo made a motion, seconded by Vice Chair Nguyen, to approve staff recommendations with the no parking loading zone sign as shown in detail 1 of the staff report. Vote resulted in: Yes: Hermosillo, Nguyen, Drange No: Quintanilla Abstain: None Absent: Lang 4. MATTERS FROM STAFF None 5. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Chair Drange explained that when driving eastbound on Garvey Avenue and making a left tum onto Walnut Grove Ave by the comer with the Circle K gas station, during certain times of the day there will be two cars in the left tum lane due to the backed up traffic on the second lane. He commented that if the left tum lane was longer, cars would not feel like they needed to cut into the opposing traffic to get into that lane. City Engineer Chan replied often times during peak hours there are more drivers that would make that maneuver to get into the parking lot. Chair Drange clarified that he was referring to the cars getting onto the left tum lane at the traffic light. He mentioned the second lane is often backed up, and vehicles trying to get onto the left tum lane end up having to wait until they reach the lane or go around traffic crossing the double yellow lines. City Engineer Chan replied staff can look into the timing of the traffic signals. Chair Drange commented that the left tum lane on Garvey Avenue going northbound towards Walnut Grove Avenue should be extended to allow more traffic to que, while the left tum lane on Garvey Avenue going southbound towards Willard Avenue should be shortened. City Engineer Chan replied staff can look into the intersection. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at the Rosemead City Hall, City Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard. 4 undn ATTEST• W=n Ben Kim City Manager Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2023 Page 7 of 7