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CC - Item 4D - Consideration of Blue Curb Installations Residential NeighborhoodsTO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS ROSEM D CITY COUNCIL FROM: BILL CR WE, CITY MANAGER DATE: APRIL 26, 2005 • RE: CONSIDERATION OF BLUE CURB INSTALLATIONS IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS - PILOT PROGRAM A request from Mr. Martinez, 3229 Isabel Avenue, was received for the installation of a blue curb in front of his residence. This item was discussed at the February 3, 2005 Traffic Commission meeting and continued to the March 3, 2005 Traffic Commission meeting. Mr. Martinez possesses a disabled person parking placard issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Mr. Martinez indicated that he has difficultly walking long distances because of his various medical conditions including arthritis, asthma, chronic pain and knees that need surgical repair. Mr. Martinez's home sits on a long lot that has 5 homes sharing one long driveway. There is very little parking area on-site. Mr. Martinez has discussed his situation with his landlord and they have not been able to work out any special arrangements for parking on-site. Therefore, Mr. Martinez has come to the City for some relief. As you are aware, the City has no formal policy regarding the installation of blue curb in residential neighborhoods. In the past, the Traffic Commission has looked at requests for blue curbs on a case-by-case basis. The Traffic Commission has been able to find other alternatives to the parking needs by means other than the installation of blue curb. As such, there are no blue curbs in residential neighborhoods in the City. In this particular case, Mr. Martinez has no viable alternatives to provide parking adjacent to his property. The shared driveway provides little parking area on-site and other cars on the driveway can often restrict access. C0Ut;C!t ACS; Dir. APR 2 2005 az _de_ • RECOMMENDATION • Approve the Traffic Commission recommendation to install 20 feet of blue curb with appropriate sign in front of 3229 Isabel Avenue as a pilot program. This installation will be re-evaluated by the Traffic Engineering Deputy in 6 months. During this period, staff will monitor the location, keep in contact with Mr. Martinez and determine if additional requests for blue curbs are submitted. Attachments • Staff report and minutes of February 3, 2005 and March 3, 2005 Traffic Commission Meeting • Photos of site 0 Staff Report 0 Rosemead Traffic Commission T0: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSSION FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY DATE: February 22, 2005 RE: Consideration of Blue Curb Installations in Residential Neighborhoods At the Traffic Commission's February meeting, a brief discussion was made on this item. The Commission deferred the item to this month to provide Mr. Martinez, the original requestor, the opportunity to provide his comments to the Commission. City staff has received less than 5 formal requests in about 10 years for the installation of blue curbs in residential neighborhoods. These requests were resolved through other means including directing the residents to contact their property owners for additional parking, determining that the residents utilized their driveway or garage for storage, or identifying other solutions. Based on the City's history regarding the request for blue curbs, there does not appear to be a critical need for a policy regarding blue curbs. The additional staff time to create and administer a blue curb policy is not justified. It is recommended that the Traffic Commission receive comment from Mr. Martinez and determine what parking restrictions might assist his dilemma or direct staff to proceed with additional analysis. It is further recommended that the Traffic Commission not develop a blue curb policy at this time. Staff will continue to bring such requests to the Commission when they occur and evaluate the requests on an individual basis. Attachments • February 3, 2005 Agenda Item • Letter from Mr. Martinez FEB.2312005 09:56 #3846 P.014 To whom this may concern, i Eddie A. Martinez, am a disabled person. I am residing at 3229 Isable Ave. Rosemead, CA 91770 I am requesting that a blue curb be painted at the above address, due to a lack of parking near by where I live. Because of the conditions I suffer from and the difficulties 1 have to walk make it impossible to reach to reach my residence. Following conditions Usted below: Sever Asthma A plate in my knee The severity of my arthritis causes my leg to give way and I frequently fall. I also use a cane or walker. 'U S ReTectfulh-, Eddie A. Martinez C z6,} 5-71 -6C? 7 L6 a~~ n 0 -7 7 3 FEB.2312005 09:56 • • #3846 P.015 C*014L Q~ SOUTHERN CAUPORNIA PEAjAANEM. C MEDICAL GROUP 10,11 SAL" M PAS soULE''ARD 9ALDMIN PARK GAUFCMIA P" 706 Taiphem (ow 851.2000 :16, 11101 OATW cAUs. AOOWSE _ _ _ w M oe~w1 Me~M~ ytr r wl••w•d y'~ Kwr ►~rw+w«aa R rrw~ro~ wed rwprm- ON'^""~* .uwtn w~wK ~w~ LAbN In 8pWbfi C DEA NO. GM 24010M M.A No AeR ❑ CAL Uo W 04am :.•GA M.D. • oew ~w,oeM ~ o~lre..e.reftMO... MI'~•.~,Ma~ re w.aw a~•~elnw+v.ulle ewp~ a i • ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 3, 2005 A regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairperson Knapp at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Knapp, Quintanilla and Matsdorf Absent: Commissioner Benjamin Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Matsdorf Invocation: Commissioner Knapp 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 3, 2005 It was moved by Commissioner Matsdorf, seconded by Commissioner Knapp, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes for February 3, 2005. II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Speaking before the Commission was: Daryl Kelty 4443 Earle Avenue Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Kelty stated that at Shuey School, cones are being put up for cars turning left, going west on Wells turning into the school, and people are going into the eastbound traffic lanes. Commissioner Matsdorf stated that she works at the school and the school has sent out letters to the parents reminding them not to do that. Mr. Kelty also stated that the "No Parking" signs on Garvey Avenue (both sides), are very faded and need to be replaced. Mr. Kelty went onto say that going south on Del Mar, making a left turn onto Garvey, the left turn lane takes approximately 4 cycles to get through the green light. L • II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE - Con't Speaking before the Commission was: An audience member Address: Unknown This gentleman stated that eastbound on Rush Street there are 2 breaks in the median, one that does not have a left turn provision, and people are making a u- turn at this location, blocking traffic. III. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AUDIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS AT WALNUT GROVE AND LANDISVIEW LANE - VIBROTACTILE DEVICE OPTION Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. Recommendation: Due to the concerns of the noise level of an audible pedestrian signal by the Traffic Commission and nearby property owners, it was recommended that vibrotactile devices be installed at the intersection of Walnut Grove Avenue at Landisview Lane for pedestrians crossing Walnut Grove Avenue. Commissioner Matsdorf asked Mr. Jhon Rodriguez if he would be able to use the vibrotactile device. Mr. Rodriguez stated that it should be okay, however, he has never used a vibrotactile device. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that they will find a location where a vibrotactile device is located and drive Mr. Rodriguez to the location to try it out. In addition, once installed, staff will give Mr. Rodriguez an in-service on how the device works. Commissioner Knapp stated that there are locations in Monterey Park where vibrotactile devices are installed. • • Speaking before the Commission was: Jean DeCocker Landis View Lane Rosemead, California 91770 Ms. DeCocker stated that she feels that vibrotactile devices should be installed at several other locations in this area. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that research has shown that people that are visually impaired are trained to listen to traffic, so they know when it's their time to cross. It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Matsdorf and carried unanimously to approve the Traffic Engineer's recommendation. IV. NEW BUSINESS - None V. STAFF REPORTS A. CONSIDERATION OF BLUE CURB INSTALLATIONS IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. Recommendation: It was recommended that the Traffic Commission receive comment from Mr. Martinez and determine what parking restrictions might assist his dilemma or direct staff to proceed with additional analysis. It was further recommended that the Traffic Commission not develop a blue curb policy at this time. Staff will continue to bring such requests to the Commission when they occur and evaluate the requests on an individual basis. Speaking before the Commission was: Eddie A. Martinez 3229 Isabel Avenue Rosemead, CA 91770 Mr. Martinez stated that he has a lot of medical problems and can't walk very far. He has arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, needs surgery on his knee, etc. i ~ Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that he has spoken to Mr. Martinez several times. Mr. Martinez rents a house on a flag lot, towards the end of the lot, and has nowhere to park, and has to park 4 houses down. Mr. Wagner stated that the City of Norwalk has a Blue Curb Policy that might work for our City. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that the City of Norwalk has approximately 50-75 blue curbs throughout the City, which have to be renewed every year. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that perhaps the blue curb could be installed and see how it goes, and not make it a formal policy, and bring it up as we receive a request and handle it on an individual basis. It was moved by Commissioner Matsdorf, seconded by Commissioner Knapp, and carried unanimously to install the blue curb at this location, as a pilot program and look at it again in 6 months and put up 1 sign. The Sheriff's representative stated that there will be a DUI checkpoint on Friday on Valley by the Car Wash at Easy Street. VI. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Matsdorf thanked staff for all their hard work. Commissioner Knapp invited everyone to attend an Easter Egg Hunt on the Saturday before Easter from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., at the Neighborhood Covenant Church. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m., with 6 people in the audience. 0 r1 Staff Report Rosemead Traffic Commission TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSSION FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY DATE: January 31, 2005 RE: Consideration of Blue Curb Installations in Residential Neighborhoods REQUEST Staff has received a letter request (attached) from Mr. Eddie Martinez, 3229 Isabel Avenue. Mr. Martinez has requested the installation of blue curb in front of his residence because he has several health issues that make it difficult for him to walk long distances. Mr. Martinez indicates that because parking is not readily available in front of his residence he would like blue curb to be installed. He could then park in that blue curb because he has a disabled persons placard. DICSUSSION Currently, the City of Rosemead has no formal guidelines or policies for the installation of blue curb on city streets. As a Traffic Commission, we have been requested to look at installing blue curbs in front of various residences for various reasons. These requests have usually been reviewed on a case-by-case basis and have resulted in not installing blue curb but addressing the residents concerns in other ways. Mr. Martinez's request has raised the issue of blue curb installation throughout the city. In his particular situation, Mr. Martinez lives on a piece of property with approximately 5 separate residents with only one driveway. With the one driveway, it can become difficult to park your vehicle in the driveway with easy access to you property. In addition, on-street parking may be utilized to the extent that it is difficult for Mr. Martinez to have easy access to his property. In this case, the installation of blue curb may be the only solution. Staff is looking to the Traffic Commission for direction. Since I have been working with the City, I would estimate that I have received less than 5 formal requests for blue curb in about 10 years. Staff is requesting the Traffic Commission determine if the installation of blue curb should become a formal policy? February 3, 2005 Traft Commission Meeting • Consideration of Blue Curb Installations in Residential Neighborhoods Staff has contacted 2 cities that do have a blue curb policy/process, Norwalk and Monterey Park. Here is a summary of the process these agencies use. City of Norwalk: 1. The Public Safety department is the lead on these requests. 2. The resident fills out an application and shows they are handicap by placard registration or disabled person's CA license. 3. Staff interviews the resident and reviews the location. This includes looking at driveway space and use of garage. 4. Staff contacts the surrounding residents (on both sides and one across the street) for support or opposition. 5. Staff reports to the Public Safety Commission for their action. If the Public Safety Commission approves the installation, the resident submits a statement form indicating the blue curb is valid for one year and that the resident will advise the City if conditions change such that the blue curb is no longer needed. If the Public Safety Commission denies the installation, a letter is sent to the resident informing them they can reapply in one year or the decision can be appealed to the City Council. 6. After the resident accepts the conditions, Engineering completes a work order for Public Services to install blue curb. 7. There is also an annual renewal process to retain the blue curb. This is also handled through the Public Safety department. Requests are also received for removal when new property owners arrive. 8. Residents are not charged for the blue curb installations or the analysis preceding. City of Monterey Park: 1. The Engineering department is the lead on these requests. 2. Staff receives a letter request from the resident. The resident shows they are handicap by placard registration, disabled person's CA license, or by some other means. 3. Staff then reviews the location and considers available parking, driveway use and garage use. 4. At the staff level, the installation is approved or denied. Denials are confirmed to the resident by letter. Appeals can be made to the Traffic Commission and then to the City Council, if necessary. 5. There is no annual renewal process. Blue curbs are generally removed at the request of new property owners. 6. Residents are not charged for the blue curb installations or the analysis preceding. The development of a policy or process will be a time consuming task. It will involve determining which department/departments would be involved in the process, what monetary costs would be associated with the process, how would the costs be paid for (funding), how would the installations be monitored, should the resident be charged for the installation/removal, and would the Traffic February 3, 2005 Traffic Commission Meeting • Consideration of Blue Curb Installations in Residential Neighborhoods Commission or City Council be the approving body. In addition, any policy produced will require the approval of the City Council. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Traffic Commission received testimony from Mr. Martinez and direct staff on the next step(s) to take regarding a citywide blue curb policy. Attachment 0 Letter from Mr. Martinez E • ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2005 A regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairperson Knapp at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Knapp, Vice-Chairperson Matsdorf, Commissioner Quintanilla, Commissioner Benjamin Absent: None Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Knapp Invocation: Commissioner Quintanilla I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 6, 2005 It was moved by Commissioner Matsdorf, seconded by Commissioner Quintanilla, to approve the minutes for January 6, 2005. Vote results: Yes: Chairperson Knapp, Vice-Chairperson Matsdorf and Commissioner Quintanilla Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: Commissioner Benjamin H. REORGANIZATION OF THE ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION Chairperson Knapp turned the meeting over to Assistant City Manager, Don Wagner for nominations and election of the new Chairperson. Assistant City Manager Wagner called for nominations. • • Commissioner Benjamin, nominated Commissioner Quintanilla, as Chairman of the Traffic Commission. There being no further nominations, Assistant City Manager Wagner declared nominations closed, and named Commissioner Quintanilla the new Chairperson of the Traffic Commission for the year 2005. Commissioner Quintanilla assumed the chair and opened nominations for Vice-Chairperson. Commissioner Knapp nominated Commissioner Matsdorf. There being no further nominations. Chairperson Quintanilla declared nominations closed, and named Commissioner Matsdorf the Vice-Chairperson for the Traffic Commission for the year 2005. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE - NONE IV. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR AUDIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS AT WALNUT GROVE AND LANDISVIEW LANE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. Recommendation: It was recommended that audible pedestrian signals be installed at the installed at the intersection of Walnut Grove Avenue at Landis View Lane for pedestrian crossing Walnut Grove Avenue. In addition, staff received 2 letters of opposition for the installation, one from Mr. Gary Gurrola and the other from the Offices of Lucinda Moreno. Their main concern is that the audible signal would be operating 24 hours a day. Commissioner Knapp stated that Mr. Gurrola and Ms. Moreno should be informed that the signal would only be triggered when pressed by a pedestrian. Commissioner Benjamin stated that his concerns are that we as a society have too much noise level, from trucks, trains, cars, etc., and studies have shown that all this noise is harmful to our health, and he is not in favor of an audible signal. • Speaking before the Commission was: Ken Pike 9142 Valley Boulevard Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Pike stated that the chime on the audible signal is not for the driver, but for the person with the disability. Commissioner Quintanilla asked if there is a decibel standard. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that the decibel standard is regulated by the State. She went on to say that this would be the first one to be installed in the City, and others would be considered only upon request. Speaking before the Commission was: Mr. Gary Gurrola 1032 Walnut Grove Avenue Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Gurrola stated that his main concern is that the audible signal would be operating 24 hours a day. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki reiterated that the signal would be on 24 hours a day, however, it would only be triggered by the pedestrian pushing the button, and only for 7-10 seconds. Commissioner Benjamin stated this is not a good solution and requires more study, and is afraid that this will set a precedence. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that she will look into another possible solution, and bring it back next month. 0 • Speaking before the Commission was: Victor Espinoza Monterey Park, California Mr. Espinoza stated that another solution that he is aware of is a signal that vibrates, and this would eliminate the problem with the noise. It was moved by Commissioner Benjamin, seconded by Commissioner Knapp, and carried unanimously to bring this item back next month for further study. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. Recommendation: It was recommended that the Traffic Commission consider approving the relocation with the intent that the Council and applicant reach agreement on the funding of the relocation. Speaking before the Commission was: Ken Pike 9142 Valley Boulevard Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Pike stated that he is a former Councilmember and has owned this property since his return from World War IL He also gave several examples of bus stop locations in the City where the buses cross the signal, stop, making it easier for the buses to pull in and out of traffic, because the traffic is stopped. • Gregorian Trash Company was where Mr. Chen's property is now located. The Gregorian Trash Company came before the City and requested that the City relocate the bus stop to the front of Mr. Pike's property, causing him to lose all his parking in front of his building. In addition, Mr. Gregorian had his zone changed in front of his property on Steele Street to commercial, so he would have plenty of parking should he want to develop that property. Mr. Chen then went on to buy that property and asked the City to have it re-zoned to R1. Mr. Pike went on to say that he is asking to restore his parking in front of his building. Speaking before the Commission was: Mr. Mark Chen 9220 E. Valley Boulevard Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Chen is strongly opposed to the relocation of the bus stop. He feels it is not fair, and a waste of City money and manpower. Mr. Chen met with the Assistant City Manager earlier in the day, and stated he was strongly against the relocation of the bus stop. Commissioner Knapp asked how many parking spaces are available behind his building. Mr. Chen stated that there are approximately 46 parking spaces off- site for 10 units. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that the parking on the street in front of Mr. Chen's property and Mr. Pikes property is public and would not be included in any required parking. Mr. Pike stated that when Mr. Chen bought his property, he had been in business for over 35 years, and his property was built according to code. However, when Mr. Chen bought his property, he wanted to sell 2 pieces of property that were commercially zoned so that there would be adequate parking. He then petitioned the City to allow him to change it from commercial back to residential. Mr. Chen stated that he tried to improve the parking, and that the City made the decision to change it to an R1 zone. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that he spoke to Brad Johnson, Planning Director, to confirm that Mr. Pike's business is a legal non-conforming use. The parking requirements when he built his business were much less than what they are today. Mr. Chen's project required much more parking because the parking standards have been gradually improved throughout the years. Commissioner Knapp asked what the cost would be to the City. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that when he spoke to Ken Rukavina, he was informed that the cost had increased to $ 30,000.00 for the relocation. Mr. Pike offered to pay $ 10,000.00 to rejuvenate it to what it was in the past. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that he would not recommend to the City Council that the City pay for any relocation. Both parties involved have the right to speak to the City Council who makes the final determination. It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Benjamin, and carried unanimously to approve the Traffic Engineer's recommendation. In addition, she would like to have MIA's input. VI. STAFF REPORTS A. CONSIDERATION OF BLUE CURB INSTALLATIONS IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. Recommendation: It was recommended that the Traffic Commission receive testimony from Mr. Martinez and direct staff on the next step(s) to take regarding a City-wide blue curb policy. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that staff has spoken to other cities regarding their blue curb policies/ process, and adopting similar practices would entail a lot of staff time to maintain. Mr. Wagner recommended that this item be deferred to next month, in order to give Mr. Martinez an opportunity to address the Commission. 0 B. STATUS OF SIGNAL OPERATION AT RIO HONDO AVENUE/VALLEY BOULEVARD/MISSION DRIVE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki updated the Commission on the status of signal operation at Rio Hondo Avenue/Valley Boulevard/ Mission Drive. VII. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Knapp expressed her content regarding the red curb at McDonalds. Commissioner Matsdorf stated that coming out of the parking lot onto Valley, turning right, she has been unable to see if there are any cars coming, because everyone is parked between the auto mall and the driveway, and has almost been hit. Commissioner Knapp asked if there will be additional parking for McDonalds. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that there will be additional parking that will be shared with McDonalds and other businesses. Chairman Quintanilla asked when the item for the relocation of the bus stop for eastbound Valley Boulevard west of Hart Avenue, will go before the City Council. Assistant City Manager Wagner stated that if all parties can reach an agreement it would go on the next available Council meeting. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m., with 31 people in audience.