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TC - 11-01-01AGENDA ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION 8838 East Valley Boulevard Rosemead, California 91770 Regular Meeting NOVEMBER 1, 2001 CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m. Roll Call: Chairman Ruiz, Vice-Chair (Vacant seat) Commissioners Baffo, Knapp, Quintanilla Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Baffo Invocation: Commissioner Knapp 1. INSTALLATION OF NEW TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER 2. REORGANIZATION - SELECTION OF COMMISSION VICE-CHAIR 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - October 4, 2001 4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE - This is the time reserved for members of the audience to address the Commission on items not listed on the agenda. (Maximum time per speaker is three (3) minutes; total time allocated is fifteen (15) minutes) 5. OLD BUSINESS - None 6. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CONTROLS ON ELLIS LANE AT DE ADELENA STREET. B. REQUEST FOR RED CURB ON THE EASTSIDE OF WILLARD AVENUE SOUTH OF GARVEY AVENUE. 7. STAFF REPORTS A. UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN ON OCTOBER 9, 2001. 8. COMMISSIONER REPORTS 9. ADJOURNMENT - To the next regular meeting of the Traffic Commission on Thursday, December 6, 2001, at 7:00 p.m., Rosemead City Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, CA, 91770. Posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting at: Rosemead City Hall, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead; the L.A. County Library, Rosemead Branch, 8800 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead; and at other locations pursuant to RMC Section 1.08. STATE OF CALIFORNIA City of Rosemead County of Los Angeles OATH OR AFFIRMATION OF ALLEGIANCE FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES The Execution of this Oath is Required by Article XX, Section 3, of the Constitution of the State of California. 1, Brandan Matsdorf do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution' of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter. SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME THIS 1St DAY OF November 44 2001 i SIGNS URE OF OF CER ADMINISTERING OATH Traffic Commission Secretary TITLE OF OFFICER ADMINISTERING OATH SIGNATURE OF PERSON TAKL G OATH MAYOR: JAY T. IMPERIAL MAYOR PRO TEM: ROBERT W. BRUESCH COUNCILMEMBERS: MARGARETCLARK GARY A. TAYLOR JOEVASOUEZ ifi~ oscmcad 8838 E. VALLEY BOULEVARD • P.O. BOX 399 ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA 91770 TELEPHONE (626) 569-2100 FAX (626) 307-9218 MEMORANDUM TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION FROM: JESSICA WILKINSON, ASSOCIATE PLANNEI;tCW DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2001 CCCCJJJJJJ SUBJECT: REORGANIZATION PROCEDURE The following procedure is suggested for the reorganization of the Commission to select a Vice- Chair: The incumbent chairperson turns the meeting over to the Associate Planner for nomination and election of the new vice-chairperson. 2. The Associate Planner calls for nominations. No seconds are required for nominations. 3. When no further nominations are heard, the Associate Planner declares the nominations closed. 4. If there is only one nominee, a motion of his/her election may be entertained. 5. If there is more than one nominations, then the Secretary will call a roll call vote. Commissioners should respond with the name of the nominee they vote for. 6. The candidate polling a majority is the new vice-chairperson. 7. The newly-elected vice-chair assumes their seat, then the commission chair moves to the next agenda item. ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 4, 2001 A regular meeting of the,Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairman Ruiz at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead. ROI I_ CALL Present: Ruiz, Baffo and Knapp Absent: Commissioner Quintanilla Ex Officio: Assistant City Manager: Donald J. Wagner Traffic Engineering Deputy: Joanne Itagaki CALL TO ORDER The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Ruiz The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Baffo 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Baffo, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes for August 2, 2001. II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Speaking before the Commission was: Helen Gunther 3644 Dubonnet Avenue Rosemead, California 91770 Ms. Gunther asked if anyone has investigated the traffic on Walnut Grove and Valley, regarding the McDonalds. She feels that both streets are very narrow for the excess traffic. Ms. Gunther also stated that at Janson School, someone decided to trim the bushes and leave the branches laying around in the street, making the pedestrians walk in the middle of the street, She called the School District and reported it. Ms. Gunther went onto say that on Bartlett and Marshall there seems to be a problem with cars stopping at the stop sign. There may be 3 cars in a row, but because the 15t car stops for the sign, the other 2 feel they don't need to or feel they can go around the car. The Commission requested enforcement at this location. III. OLD BUSINESS A. EDUCATIONAL FLYER FOR PEDESTRIANS - FINAL Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION: It was recommended that the Commission approve the flyer for distribution to the school districts. The Commission agreed that the flyer looks great. It was moved Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Baffo, and carried unanimously to approve the Traffic Engineer's recommendation. IV. NEW BUSINESS - None V. STAFF REPORTS A. TRAFFIC COMMISSION INTERVIEWS - SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 16, 2001 Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that the Traffic Commission Interviews are scheduled for October 16`h. To date, there have been six (6) applications submitted. B. 2001 TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER'S WORKSHOP Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki informed the Commission of the "Annual Traffic Commission Workshop", hosted by the City Traffic Engineer's Association, which will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2001, at California Polytechnic State University, Kellogg West, in Pomona. Anyone interested in attending the workshop should contact Jessica Wilkinson, Associate Planner. VI. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Baffo asked if a decision had been made regarding the signage at San Gabriel. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that they would like to have the Homeowner's Association write the letter and should the Traffic Commission determine that the sign is necessary, the Homeowners Association may have to pay for the sign. Commissioner Baffo stated that on Marshall, going towards Walnut Grove on Muscatel, the reflectors are getting lost with more and more are missing everyday. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:21 p.m. Staff Report Rosemead Traffic Commission TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSSION FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY DATE: October 22, 2001 RE: Request for Additional Traffic Controls on Ellis Lane at De Adelena Street REQUEST Mr. Robert Lazo, 3732 Ellis Lane, has requested additional traffic controls in the vicinity of Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street. Mr. Lazo is concerned with vehicle speeds on Ellis Lane especially when children are crossing the intersection. In his letter (attached), Mr. Lazo suggests three items to improve the safety of the intersection. These include: 1) the installation of STOP signs on Ellis Lane at De Adelena Street; 2) the installation of a school zone with 25 mph signs; and 3) the installation of speed bumps. CONDITIONS Ellis Lane is a 40 foot wide north/south local roadway with fronting residential uses. There is one lane of traffic in each direction separated by single yellow skip striping in the vicinity of De Adelena Street. Parking is allowed on both sides of the street except during street sweeping. The posted speed limit on Ellis Lane is 30 mph. De Adelena Street is a 40 foot wide east/west local roadway with fronting residential uses. De Adelena Street "T's" into Ellis Lane at its easterly terminus and is stop controlled at that intersection. There is no centerline striping on the street and parking is allowed except during street sweeping. The posted speed limit is 30 mph. Savannah Elementary School is located on the southeast corner of De Adelena Street and Rio Hondo Avenue. This is west of the subject intersection of Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street. Exhibit 1 (available at Traffic Commission meeting) depicts conditions at the intersection of Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street. Request for Additional Traffic Controls on Ellis Lane at De Adelena Street Page 2 of 4 DATA The reported accident history from January 1, 1998 through March 31, 2001 was reviewed. During this period, there were no reported accidents at or in the vicinity of Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street. Traffic volume counts were conducted at the intersection of Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street. These counts revealed the following: Direction 24-hour Volume Peak Hour Volume Northbound 826 100 (7:00 AM) Southbound 772 88 (7:00 AM) Eastbound 787 91 (5:00 PM) DISCUSSION Mr. Lazo discussed three possible solutions to his concern for safety at Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street. We will discuss each of his recommendations separately. 1) The installation of STOP signs on Ellis Lane at De Adelena Street. The purpose of "Stop" controls is to assign right-of-way. The basic "Stop" control is typically assigned to the street with the least volume of traffic. Beyond this basic level of control, multi-way control is applied to locations to where traffic on each roadway is nearly equal and heavy enough to require the rotation of right- of-way in order to minimize overall delay and reduce congestion. The intersection of Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street has a relatively low volume of traffic traveling through the intersection. As evident in the peak hour volumes, a little more than 1 vehicle per minute arrives at the intersection in any direction. It is likely that some of these vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time but that little or no confusion of right-of-way exists. This is supported by the favorable accident history. The Caltrans Traffic Manual provides guidelines for the installation of multi-way stop controls. These guidelines are attached and discussed below. The first guideline deals with the immediate need for traffic signals at a location. This does not apply to the intersection of Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street. The accident guideline is satisfied if 5 or more accidents are reported within a 12- month period. The reported accident history at Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street revealed no accidents reported within a 3'/<year period. Request for Additional Traffic Controls on Ellis Lane at De Adelena Street Page 3 of 4 The third guideline is satisfied when the approach volumes to the intersection are 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours. The traffic volumes on Ellis Lane and De Adelena Street do not meet this guideline. The installation of stop controls on Ellis Lane at De Adelena Street is not recommended at this time. Many motorists, because of the minimal conflicting traffic from De Adelena Street, would likely disregard a stop sign on Ellis Lane. Without voluntary compliance, traffic safety is severely compromised. 2) The installation of a school zone with 25 mph signs The installation of "25 mph when children are present" signs to identify a school zone is also determined by the Caltrans Traffic Manual. The Traffic Manual is very specific with regards to the placement of the "25 mph when children are present" sign. The Traffic Manual states that this sign "is to be located on highways contiguous to schools." De Adelena Street is contiguous to Savannah School. The "25 mph when children are present" signs will be installed with the contract to install the fluorescent yellow green school signs throughout the City. Ellis Lane is not contiguous to a school and would not meet the criteria set forth in the Traffic Manual. The installation of school zone signs on Ellis Lane is not recommended. 3) The installation of speed bumps The current policy of the City is not to install speed bumps on City streets. This policy is the result of various issues with the primary issue being the State of California does not recognize the speed bump as an official traffic control device. This increases liability exposure to the City. The installation of speed bumps on Ellis Lane is not recommended at this time. RECOMMENDATIONS The placement of the speed trailer and subsequent follow-up with enforcement personnel is recommended on Ellis Lane between Marshall Street and Ralph Street. It is anticipated that this will serve as a reminder to motorists as to the appropriate speed on Ellis Lane. The previous recommendations are summarized below: • The installation of stop controls on Ellis Lane at De Adelena Street is not recommended at this time. Request for Additional Traffic Controls on Ellis Lane at De Adelena Street Page 4 of 4 • The installation of school zone signs on Ellis Lane is not recommended. • The installation of speed bumps on Ellis Lane is not recommended at this time. Attachment jitagaki\My Documents\RSD\2001 Agendas & DocumentsWov-Ellis & DeAdelena Stop Request.doc October 2, 2001 Robert Lazo 3732 Ellis Lane Rosemead; CA 91770 Home: 626-279-9006 Work: 110-203-4330 TRAFFIC COMMISION (PLANNING) Art: Jessica Wilkinson I am writing to you with a concern regarding the corner of "Ellis Lane and De Adelena" in the city of Rosemead. I have lived at the above address for the past 3 years and have some concerns regarding the safety of our children using this intersection when walking to Savanna Elementary School. As it is now there is a stop sign on De Adelena for vehicles traveling eastbound. This is a "T" intersection therefore vehicles approaching Ellis lane need to stop and turn right or left. The Problem is the traffic on Ellis Lane. There is not a single Stop sign from "Marshall St. all the way to "Temple City Blvd". Vehicles travel at a high rate of speed via "Ellis Lane". I have observed countless times where vehicles have almost struck children crossing the street trying to get to De Adelena on their way to school. 1 have observed these vehicles skid and swerve as drivers are surprised to see children crossing the street. There are three problems here. 1) The vehicles are going too fast 2) there aren't any stop signs that can force these cars to slow down. And 3) Ellis lane Southbound has a blinding curve as it approaches De Adelena. I have included a diagram to give you a clearer picture of the situation. I do not claim to know exactly how to solve this problem as I am not a traffic engineer; however as a citizen and concerned resident for the safety of our children I can give a few recommendations 1. The most logical in my mind would be to put a stop sign on "Ellis lane' at the intersection of "De Adelena" . This will force drivers to drive at a reduced speed An additional stop sign might be helpful near the north side of Ellis Lane. 2. Many children pass here on their way to school. Possible it can be considered a school zone and place school zone signs and decrease the speed limit during school hours. (This however will not solve the speeding problem as it is easier for a person to speed than it is to drive through a stop sign) 3. Speed bumps. Although not my favorite option it could be an effective one. 1 have spoken with my neighbors and we all feel the same way. I did not begin a petition as I am hoping that your analysis of the situation will bring results and your engineers can determine the best way to help keep our children safe before and accident happens, then it will be too late. Robert Lazo a a a Warnint? Zone Ellis Lane m h Temple City Blvd Illustration is not to scale Staff Report Rosemead Traffic Commission TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSSION FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY DATE: October 22, 2001 RE: Request for Red Curb on the Eastside of Willard Avenue South of Garvey Avenue REQUEST The Gas Company recently completed a project on Willard Avenue, which installed major gas regulation stations on Willard Avenue just south of Garvey Avenue. The Gas Company representative, Mr. Manny Melendez, has requested the installation of red curb to provide access to the vaults. CONDITIONS The Gas Company located the vaults to the regulation stations on Willard Avenue approximately 80 feet south of Garvey Avenue. The vaults are located directly in front of an existing driveway to "AA Radiator Air Conditioning" which fronts on Garvey Avenue. Exhibit 1 depicts the location of the vaults and driveways along the eastside of Willard Avenue south of Garvey Avenue. DISCUSSION The gas regulation stations on Willard Avenue are major lines that are drawing gas from the Montebello facilities. The Gas Company will be working on these stations from time to time and need to have easy access to the vaults. They have designed the location of the vaults in front of a driveway to provide some of that access. However, due to the size of the vehicles used when working on the vaults, the Gas Company is requesting red curb on both sides 1 car length each) of the driveway for additional "no parking" area. The on-street parking on Willard Avenue south of Garvey Avenue is moderately used. During field observations of the site, the east curb line was used but there was still adequate space available and no business vehicles appeared to be parking in the residential area of Willard Avenue. The addition of red curb should not affect on-street parking availability and should not "push" vehicles in to the residential area of Willard Avenue. Request for Red Curb on the Eastside of Willard Avenue South of Garvey Avenue Page 2 of 2 RECOMMENDATION The installation of 20 feet of red curb on both sides of the first driveway on the eastside of Willard Avenue south of Garvey Avenue is recommended. This recommendation is depicted on Exhibit 1. Attachment JIt\Rsd\2001\Nov-Willard SO Garvey Red Curb-Gas Co. Not to Scale BCR Garvey Avenue R1-STOP sign 80' Rpdo d~ j0nin9 d Q a t0 I Install red curb. 20' Gas Company vaults. 20' 45' I Install red curb. 25' 45' mq Driveway 20' Property Line Driveway e~~jOl Property Line ntial Restde JI\Rsd\Exh Fig\2001\Willard SO Garvey Red Curb