Loading...
TC - Agenda - 12-04-03AGENDA ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION 8838 East Valley Boulevard Rosemead, California 91770 Regular Meeting DECEMBER 4, 2003 Call to Order: 7:00 p.m. Roll Call: Chairperson Knapp, Vice - Chairperson Matsdorf, Commissioner Quintanilla, Commissioner Baffo, Commissioner Benjamin Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Benjamin Invocation: Commissioner Baffo I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 6, 2003 II. 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). III. OLD BUSINESS - NONE IV. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR BLUE CURB IN FRONT OF ENCINITA SCHOOL B. REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CONTROLS IN THE ALLEY WEST OF WALNUT GROVE AVENUE BETWEEN FERN AVENUE AND KLINGERMAN AVENUE C. REQUEST FOR RED CURB AT THE INTERSECTION OF VALLEY BOULEVARD AND GERNERT STREET V. STAFF REPORTS A. UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL'S ACTIONS VI. COMMISSIONER REPORTS VII. ADJOURNMENT - To the next regular meeting of the Traffic Commission on Thursday, January 8, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., Rosemead City Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California 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; and at other locations pursuant to RMC Section 1.08. ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 6, 2003 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, Commissioner Matsdorf, Commissioner Quintanilla Absent Commissioner Baffo Ex- Officio: Assistant City Manager: Donald J. Wagner Traffic Engineering Deputy: Joanne Itagaki Traffic Sergeant Sgt. Izell CALL TO ORDER Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Quintanilla Invocation: Chairperson Knapp I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -'October 2, 2003 It was moved by Commissioner Matsdorf, seconded by Commissioner Quintanilla, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes for October 2, 2003. II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Speaking before the Commission was: Darrel •Kelty 4443 Earle Avenue Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Kelly stated that at Shuey School they are placing rubber cones in the parkway to prevent people heading westbound on Wells entering the school driveway, and feels it's a potential safety hazard. Staff informed Mr. Kelly that the Sheriff's Department got together with the School District and determined that it was the appropriate place for the cones. 11- 06 -03 /sb II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE - Con't Speaking before the Commission was: Eddie Ochoa 2409 Walnut Grove Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Ochoa stated that he is concerned with the high speed of traffic on the alley adjacent to Temple School, and was wondering when it was going to be put on the agenda for review. Deputy Traffic Engineer stated that it will be put on the December agenda. III. NEW TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER - SWORN IN (MICHAEL BENJAMIN) Our newest member of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was administered the oath and was sworn in by the Secretary. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR RED CURB ON EMERSON PLACE OVER ALHAMBRA WASH BRIDGE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION: The installation of R27 "No Parking on Bridge' signs and red curb adjacent to the Alhambra Wash Bridge on Emerson Place was recommended. Speaking before the Commission was: Nancy Wilson 8049 Emerson Place Rosemead, California 91770 Ms. Wilson stated that when pulling out of her driveway, one is unable to see on- coming traffic in either direction, especially if there is an RV parked at this location, therefore causing poor visibility. 11 -06-03 /sb Speaking before the Commission was: Sadie Bicciche 8056 Emerson Place Rosemead, California 91770 Ms. Bicciche stated that she too has trouble getting in and out of her driveway as well, and is in favor of the recommendation. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki clarified to the Commission where Ms. Bicciche's driveway is in comparison with Mrs. Wilson s driveway. Commissioner Quintanilla asked who was primarily parking at this location. Mrs. Wilson stated that they are visitors, not residents. It was moved by Commissioner Matsdorf, seconded by Commissioner Quintanilla and carried unanimously to approve the Traffic Engineer's recommendation, with the addition to have the red curb extended on both sides of the street up to the driveways. B. REQUEST FOR RED CURB AT 7525 EMERSON PLACE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report RECOMMENDATION: The installation of 14 feet of red curb between 7525 and 7531 Emerson Place was recommended. Speaking before the Commission was: Karen Bayazid 7525 Emerson Place Rosemead, California 91770 Ms. Bayazid provided the Commission with pictures of the location, and gave an explanation of each picture. 11- 06-03 /sb Speaking before the Commission was: . Tim Clark 7531 Emerson Place Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Clark stated that he feels the same as his neighbor, Ms. Bayazid. He has had a lot of problems getting in and out of his driveway as well, and would like to see the red curb installed. It was moved by Commissioner Benjamin, seconded by Commissioner Matsdorf, and carried unanimously to approve the Traffic Engineer's recommendation. V. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF RAMONA BOULEVARD AND IVAR AVENUE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION: The installation of stop signs on Ramona Boulevard and Ivar Avenue was not recommended at this time. Caltrans guidelines, including a favorable reported collision history, and field observations indicate motorists travel through the intersection with due care. Speaking before the Commission was: Jose Alvarez 3468 Earleswood Drive Rosemead, California 91770 Mr. Alvarez stated that his residence was the one directly affected. He feels that this problem always happens at night, between the hours of 3:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. Mr. Alvarez feels this is a dangerous situation and believes that people will respect signs. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that the problem with stop signs where there is a lot of cross traffic, people have a tendency to ignore them and go through. In addition, it does not meet Caltran s requirements. 11- 06 -03 /sb Commissioner Matsdorf asked if there was anything we could offer the residents, such as selective enforcement, etc. Mr. Alvarez also brought up speed bumps. Commissioner Benjamin asked about reducing the speed limit on Ramona. Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki stated that the Council has approved not to reduce posted speed limits, and base their decision on an Engineering Traffic Survey. Commissioner Matsdorf recommended that we give the residents selective enforcement during the hours they are having trouble, and in the meantime look at other options. In addition to what had been done previously on Ramona and Burton, and bring this item back in the month of January, 2004. Commissioner Knapp recommended looking at rumble strips for this location. B. REQUEST FOR STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF RUSH STREET AND ANGELUS AVENUE Deputy Traffic Engineer Itagaki presented the staff report. RECOMMENDATION: The installation of stop signs on Rush Street at Angelus Avenue is not recommended at this time. Caltrans guidelines, including a favorable reported collision history, and field observations indicate motorists as well as pedestrians negotiate the intersection with due care. However, staff does recommend selective enforcement of the speed limit on Rush Street by Sheriff s officers. The extension of the existing red curb to 30 feet on the south side of Rush Street west of the condominium driveway is recommended. In addition, 30 feet of red curb is recommended on the south side of Rush Street east of the existing yellow crosswalk. Speaking before the Commission was: Marie Saldivar 8388 Rush Street Rosemead, California 91770 11- 06-03 /sb Ms. Saldivar stated that she was disappointed with the findings for the installation of a stop sign, and feels it is a very dangerous place to make a left hand turn. Ms. Saldivar went on to say that the driveway at the Amberwood Homeowners also has the same problem with their driveway (farther west). Ms. Saldivar recommended installing speed bumps, but was told the City's position is not to install speed bumps, except on private property, not on streets. It was moved by Commissioner Quintanilla, seconded by Commissioner Matsdorf, and carried unanimously to approve the Traffic Engineer's recommendation. VI. STAFF REPORTS Sgt. Izell introduced a new program that the Sheriff's Department is trying to promote. Ifs a program that encourages people to call a hotline number when they see a teenager driving erratically. The Sheriffs Department works as an intervention with the parents. Chairperson Knapp asked the Sheriffs to look out for a white van that drives around with very loud music on and is concerned because there always seems to be a child in the passenger seat VII. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Benjamin thanked the Commission for the warm welcome. He also expressed his appreciation to the residents for coming to the meeting and reporting any and all problems to the Commission. Commissioner Knapp stated that "People for People" will be having their program once again whereby one can Adopt -a- Family for the holidays. Commissioner Knapp invited everyone to attend the Annual Pancake Breakfast on November 22, 2003, at the San Gabriel Methodist Church. She is also asking that people donate a turkey for the needy to "People for People ". VIII. ADTOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m., with 12 people in the audience. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for December 4, 2003. 11 -06-03 /sb Staff Report Rosemead Traffic Commission TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSSION FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY DATE: November 24, 2003 RE: Request for Blue Curb in Front of Encinita School REQUEST A letter (attached) from Ms. Linda Clark - Molina was received requesting staff review the possibility of installing blue curb on Encinita Avenue in front of Encinita School. Ms. Clark - Molina indicated that during the start and release times of school vehicles park all along the curb making in difficult for those handicapped motorists to park in a convenient location. Ms. Clark - Molina. believes that a blue curb would assist handicapped motorists. CONDITIONS Encinita Avenue is a 36 foot wide north /south roadway. There is a single yellow skip striping on the street separating opposing lanes of traffic. The posted speed limit is 30 mph with 25 mph when children are present. Encinita School is located on the west side of Encinita Avenue and south of Lower Azusa Road. Parking is generally allowed in front of the school except in red zones. There is also a white passenger loading zone towards the south end of the school frontage. On -site parking is restricted to school staff only., The school has two separate parking lots: one on Lower Azusa Road and one on Encinita Avenue. Each parking lot has handicap parking spaces available. However, the gate into the school at the parking lot on Lower Azusa Road is locked. The Encinita Avenue parking lot is coned off to close access by parents. Exhibit A depicts the general conditions on Encinita Avenue in front of the school. This Exhibit will be available at the Traffic Commission meeting. DISCUSSION Staff met Ms. Clark - Molina at Encinita School during the afternoon release period. Vehicles were parked on Encinita Avenue and Pitkin Street. Some December 4, 2003 Traffic Commission Meeting Request for Blue Curb in Front of Encinita School vehicles were parked in red curb zones. The staff parking lot on Encinita Avenue was not completely full. The handicap spaces were not occupied. Generally, students are released to parents at the gate of the school. So, parents must park vehicles to get their children. Most parents seem to cross Encinita Avenue at Pitkin Street. Some parents were parked on the east side of Encinita Avenue but during staff observations no students crossed Encinita Avenue. Ms. Clark - Molina indicated she spoke with the principal, Ms. Ann Bowers, of Encinita School regarding the need for blue curb. Ms. Bowers indicated to Ms. Clark - Molina that parents could park in the handicap parking spaces in the staff parking lots. However, this is difficult because the parking lot is coned off and would require the parents to move the cones to access the parking spaces. Currently, the City has no policy for the installation of blue curb zones on public streets. Over the past 5 years, staff has_ received approximately 3 requests for blue curbs in residential areas. We have denied these requests primarily due to the specifics surrounding the requests (i.e. lack of adequate on -site parking, impact to the adjacent properties, etc.). RECOMMENDATION Based on the field observations, current City policy and discussions with Ms. Clark - Molina, the installation of blue curb is not recommended at this time. Staff intends to have further discussions with Ms. Bowers of Encinita Sch000l to determine if other options with the handicap spaces in the staff parking lots are available to make the spaces more accessible to parents. Attachment { FILENAME \P) September 22, 2003 Traffic Commissioner City of Rosemead 8838 E. Valley Blvd. Rosemead, California 91770 SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR A HANDICAP- ACCESS PAINTING OF CURB AT ENCINITA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Dear Commissioner: I am a person with limited ability to walk. I currently have three grandchildren attending Encinita Elementary school under the age of seven. I go to the school five (5) times daily to drop -off or pick -up the kids. At present, there is a red - painted curb at the entrance to the school for emergency personnel, and about six spaces for the loading and unloading of children. Vehicles daily ignore the red curb and park to retrieve or deliver students. I have to admit that I also use the space when necessary. I called the Public Works Department for information/advice; spoke with Mr. Don Wagner and was then referred to Ms. Joann Itagaki about this issue. They were both very responsive, but suggested that I put my request in writing. Most parents, grandparents, and /or guardians drive their children to school. The school has advised in writing that the staff parking lot on Encinita (there are two handicap spaces) is not to be used as well as the drive -ways for u -turns or dropping -off and picking -up of kids due to the danger of running over pedestrians. My grandchildren are in pre- school, kindergarten and second grade. I can drop off the second grader but must sign -in and sign -out the other two. Parking is a serious problem for me as I cannot walk very far due to seven surgeries in the last one and one -half years. I know there are other handicap- plated vehicles besides my own, and they would also appreciate a "blue curb" for easier access to the school. There is another staff parking lot on Mission Road with handicap spaces behind the cafeteria, but the gates to the school are always locked. I am requesting that a blue - painted curb be provided for Encinita, or instructions as to how to proceed further in this endeavor. Although the period of time when children enter /exit the school is about one half of an hour, being late to drop -off or pick up children while looking for parking results in tardiness and forces teachers to stay beyond their day to wait for parents, and it seems that this request would serve a good purpose. I am very involved at Encinita School: PTA Treasurer, A.M. Pre- School Parent Coordinator and am vying for the vacant Board of Trustees position with the Rosemead Board of Education. I have a vested interest in Encinita, and whole - heartedly give of my time to "do my part" as a grandparent/parent. Please give serious attention to my request and advise me of my alternatives. Thank you for your consideration and solution to this problem. C r Tally, inda Clark- Molina 1308 S. Gladys Ave. San Gabriel, CA 91776 626.573.2334 cc: Ann Bowers, Principal Staff Report Rosemead Traffic Commission TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSSION FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY DATE: November 24, 2003 RE: Request for Traffic Controls in the Alley West of Walnut Grove Avenue between Fern Avenue and Klingerman Avenue REQUEST Mr. Eddie Ochoa, 2409 Walnut Grove Avenue, has requested the City to review the conditions in the alley west of Walnut Grove Avenue between Fern Avenue and Klingerman Avenue. Mr. Ochoa is concerned with the speeding and cut - through traffic using this alley. He indicated that most of the speeding and cut - through seems to occur with the start and release periods, of Sanchez Elementary and Temple Intermediate schools. CONDITIONS The alley west of Walnut Grove Avenue between Fern Avenue and Klingerman Avenue is approximately 20 feet wide with a concrete drain pan running down the middle of the alley. On the east side of the alley are the wall /fences and garage access of the residential homes fronting on Walnut Grove Avenue. On the west side of the alley is the sports park and school grounds. There is a gated entry to the school grounds directly across from Andy Pacheco Court. Andy Pacheco Court breaks the alley into two sections. The intersection of the alley and Andy Pacheco Court is controlled by stop signs in all directions. KA &I Turning movement counts into and out of the alley at Fern Avenue and Walnut Grove Avenue were taken during the morning (7:00 to 9:00) and afternoon (4:00 to 6:00) peak hours. This data identified the 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM hours as having the peak turning movement volumes. The following was observed: Into Alley From Alley 7:30 to 8:30 AM LT RT LT RT Fern Avenue 12 8 14 70 Klingerman Avenue 0 25 20 . 5 December 4, 2003 Traffic Commission Meeting Request for Traffic Controls in the Alley West of Walnut Grove Avenue between Fern Avenue and Klingerman Avenue Into Alley From Alley 4:00 to 5:00 PM LT RT LT RT Fern Avenue 3 7 2 12 Klingerman Avenue 1 9 3 0 Speed data was also collected for vehicles traveling in the alley. This data was collected for a half -hour period starting at 7:15 AM. The speed data is summarized below: . # observed Highest Lowest 85 % North of Andy Pacheco Ct. 14 37 mph 13 mph 30 mph South of Andy Pacheco Ct. 21 35 mph 18 mph 35 mph DISCUSSION Field observations were done in the morning start times of Sanchez Elementary and Temple Intermediate schools. During these observations, vehicles were identified traveling at speeds greater than the 15 mph speed limit for alleys. 6 vehicles of the 35 total vehicles observed were traveling at or above 30 mph. It was difficult to determine exactly which vehicles were using the alley as a "cut - through". However, it appeared that possibly 8 to 10 vehicles observed went through the alley from Klingerman Avenue to Fern Avenue or vise versa. 'Currently, the City policy is not to install speed bumps within the public right -of- way. The primary concern with installing speed bumps is there is no recognized standard design for speed bumps. Specifically with regards to speed bumps in an alley, staff has concerns with vehicles possibly loosing control and colliding with the adjacent garages and walls. Unlike streets, the alley doesn't provide a "buffer" area of sidewalk or yards should a vehicle loose control. Another concern with the installation of a speed bump in this particular alley is the presence of a concrete drain area in the center of the alley. This drain area indicates flow is from the sides of the alley flows north /south out of the alley. A speed bump could not be installed the width of the alley because it would prohibit drainage. If the speed bump was installed in two sections avoiding the drainage area, vehicles would likely drive with one set of wheels in the drainage area and one set over the speed bumps. Based on the speed data collected, there are vehicles traveling higher than the speed limit with alleys. The installation of a speed limit sign may help to inform motorists of the speed in an alley. However, selective enforcement would be the most effective in controlling speeds. December 4, 2003 Traffic Commission Meeting Request for Traffic Controls in the Alley West of Walnut Grove Avenue between Fern Avenue and Klingerman Avenue With regards to the cut - through traffic, it is difficult to determine why the motorists may be using the alley as an alternative route. They may perceive problems with the traffic signals on Walnut Grove Avenue then take the alley. They may also be traveling to one of the schools and this is an "easier" route. RECOMMENDATION The installation of speed bumps in the alley west of Walnut Grove Avenue between Fern Avenue and Klingerman Avenue is not recommended. Selective enforcement of speeds in the alley is recommended at this time. Attachment Staff Report Rosemead Traffic Commission TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSSION FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY DATE: November 24, 2003 RE: Request for Red Curb at the Intersection of Valley Boulevard and Gernert Street REQUEST Staff has.received a request for the installation of red curb at the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Gernert Street. The red curb has been requested due to vehicles parking adjacent to the intersection making it difficult to turn into and out of Gernert Street. CONDITIONS Gernert Street is a 36 -foot wide north /south residential street. There are no stripes on Gernert Street. Gernert Street is stop controlled at its "T' intersection at Valley Boulevard. The prima facia speed limit on Gernert Street is 25 mph. Valley Boulevard is a major arterial in the City. There are two lanes of traffic in each direction generally separated by a two -way left turn lane. The eastbound curb lane is 20 feet wide allowing for on- street parking. Exhibit A,depicts conditions in the vicinity of Gernert Street and Valley Boulevard including existing red curb locations. This Exhibit will be available at the Traffic Commission meeting. DISCUSSION Field observations of the intersection of Gernert Street and Valley Boulevard were conducted in the morning. The business on the southeast corner of the intersection, "Mr. Baguette ", was open. Vehicles were parked directly in front of this business. On the southwest corner, red curb exists on Valley Boulevard from Gernert Street west to the driveway of the business. Red curb also exists on the east side of Gernert Street south of Valley Boulevard. Mr. Baguette has approximately 10 parking spaces on site. During field observations 7 to 10 of the parking spaces were used. There are also 3 parking spaces in front of Mr. Baguette. It appeared that the vehicles parked in front of December 4, 2003 Traffic Commission Meeting Request for Red Curb at the Intersection of Valley Boulevard and Gernert Street Mr. Baguette's were customers of the business. These vehicles stayed less than 10 minutes. In observing vehicles turning right from Gernert Street onto Valley Boulevard, some were observed turning "wide" to avoid vehicles parked in front of Mr. Baguette's. With these wide turns, vehicles were sometimes pushed into the number 1 lane of traffic. In most cases, there was no conflict with vehicles in the number 1 or curb lane of traffic. RECOMMENDATION Based on field observations of vehicles turning right from .Gernert Street onto Valley Boulevard, the installation of red curb is recommended on the south side of Valley Boulevard from Gernert Street to 16 feet easterly. This provides for 2 parking spaces in front of Mr. Baguette. This recommendation is shown on Exhibit A. It is further recommended that the existing red curb in the vicinity of this intersection be repainted. Attachment ( FILENAME \p)