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TC - Item 2A - Minutes 11-3-11Meeting Minutes for the ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION November 3, 2011 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Vice Chair Wong at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. FLAG SALUTE: Vice Chair Wong INVOCATION: Commissioner Quintanilla PRESENT: Chair Hall (Arrived 7:17 p.m.), Vice Chair Wong, Commissioners Quintanilla, Masuda, and Russell- Chavez. ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director Marcarello, City Consultant Hal Suetsugu, and Admin. Assistant Sullivan 1. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE NONE 2. CONSENT CALENDAR A. APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 MINUTES Commissioner Russell- Chavez motioned, seconded by Vice Chair Wong to approve Item A (September 22, 2011 Minutes) on the Consent Calendar. Votes resulted in: Yes: Quintanilla, Masuda, Russell- Chavez, Wong No: None Abstain: None Absent: Hall B. REQUEST TO REMOVE RED CURBING AT 900 S. SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD Commissioner Masuda asked if the reason was known why the curb had initially been made red. Staff said, after researching old files, no distinct reason could be found, however, it could have been an attempt to ease the high volume of tour bus traffic in the area. Commissioner Russell- Chavez expressed concern over where tour busses would go if red curb was removed. Staff explained that removing the red curb along the proposed area would create five additional parking spaces, while maintaining right of way for the Montebello Bus Line. The adjacent Shopping center would like additional spots for employees to free up space for Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2011 Page 1 of 4 customers in the parking lot. Staff also indicated that tour busses will continue to be an ongoing problem at this location. Commissioner Russell- Chavez expressed concern over tour buses coming and going twice a day and the impact tour bus riders place on parking in the center. Staff concurred with the concern over the tour bus issue and indicated that it may be a different discussion that will need to be had. Staff expressed the concerns of the adjacent shopping center owner that they greatly desire more parking availability. Commissioner Russell- Chavez indicated that the red curb discussion is directly related to the tour bus issue in the area. Commissioner Masuda expressed the idea of removing the red curb and allowing vehicle parking in the area would force the tour busses to go elsewhere. Staff recommended including language in the recommendation that would indicate "No Bus Parking" in the area. Commissioner Wong concurred with Commissioner Masuda that there had to be a particular reason as to why the curb was made red initially. Commissioner Wong considered the idea that it may have been made red to allow for emergency vehicle access and that by keeping it red will allow traffic to flow better in the area. Commissioner Wong discussed the idea that the North section under discussion, that would create two spots, is a safety issue, however, that with the sixty foot section on the south end is not. Commissioner Masuda weighed the safety issues against the opening of five new parking spaces and whether it is worth the potential safety risk. Staff suggested removing red curbing on only the sixty feet south of the driveway, and leaving all other areas red. Commissioner Russell- Chavez motioned, seconded by Commissioner Masuda to amend and approve Item B (Request to remove red curbing on the most southerly sixty foot section at 900 S. San Gabriel Boulevard) on the Consent Calendar. Votes resulted in: Yes: Masuda, Quintanilla, Russell- Chavez, Wong, Hall No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 3. NEW BUSINESS A. TRAFFIC COMMISSION- DEVELOPMENT OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Staff discussed the update process for the Strategic Plan for 2012 and 2013, and expressed the City Council's desire for the Traffic and Planning Commissioners to participate in the developing of goals and objectives. Staff presented, for discussion, a draft proposal of goals and objectives to be considered. The first proposed goal is to foster a pedestrian - friendly transportation network that encourages observance of all traffic laws. Elements related to this goal include street medians and traffic calming measures, pursuing outside funding opportunities to improve Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2011 Page 2 of 4 pedestrian and bicycle safety, working with Southern California Edison to improve and maintain street lighting, evaluating traffic controls at City intersections and streets, and ensuring compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. When asked for feedback, Chair Hall stressed the need to improve bicycle safety, especially in regards to cyclists not observing traffic laws. She recommended distributing bicycle safety information and rules, available from the DMV. Staff suggested working with the Public Safety Department to conduct elements of public outreach and share the information. All of the commissioners contributed ideas related to bicycle safety. Commissioner Masuda suggested bicycle licensing, which would include distribution of rules and working with the Sheriff's Department to hold outreach activities related to bicycle safety as well as more stringent enforcement. Commissioner Russell- Chavez stressed the need for outreach through flyers, monthly safety meetings, and the City newsletter. Also, she suggested adding a bicycle safety week, similar to public safety week. Commissioner Quintanilla suggested working with the schools and seeing what other cities have done. He suggested looking at other cities' website for ideas, citing Fullerton as an example of a City with a proactive approach to bikes. Commissioner Wong said, that Muscatel Middle School, as well as others, distribute bicycle rules and regulations annually. The remainder of the goals and objectives were discussed and the commissioners offered feedback and ideas. Commissioner Wong suggested evaluating the traffic management plan in the toolbox and developing a measure to monitor traffic management. He also suggested looking at an upgrade to school zone signs to reduce speeding. Commissioner Masuda addressed the casino and tour bus issue by looking into creating specific pick up and drop off areas. Furthermore, the City should investigate the permitting and licensing of tour and casino buses operating in the City. Commissioner Wong asked for clarification of goal #6; minimize impacts of natural, cultural, or economic environments. Staff gave examples of planting street trees minimize natural impacts while multilingual public information fliers minimize the cultural impacts. Commissioner Russell- Chavez asked to have trees planted on sidewalks in areas where new homes are being built. Staff expressed that the City has measures in place whereby when work of more than certain dollar amount is completed on a property, they must plant street trees. Commissioner Russell- Chavez expressed looking into adding walking mileage information for the benefit of the large volume of walkers in the south end of town. Staff suggested that this could be included in an accessibility master plan that would include safe pedestrian routes, safe bicycling routes, and health and wellness routes. 4. STAFF REPORTS Staff informed the Commission of an upcoming joint meeting on December 13th with the City Council, the Planning Commission, and the Traffic Commission to review proposed goals for the 2012.2013 Strategic Plan. Staff will inform the commission when the time is determined. Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2011 Page 3 of 4 The dedicated right turn lane on W/B Lower Azusa to NIB Rosemead Boulevard has been approved at the local level and is now working through Cal Trans for approval. Staff reported that a grant for Safe Routes to School has been approved in an amount $860,000.00. It will be used for side walk installation and pedestrian crossings along Delta Avenue and Earl Avenue near Shuey Elementary and Janson Elementary. It will also provide for safety enhancement features along Walnut Grove Avenue between 1 -10 and Valley Boulevard. The parking markers on Delta Avenue, which the Commission approved on September 22nd, have been installed. On October 25th, the City Council approved the recommendations that the Traffic Commission made regarding the intersection of San Gabriel Boulevard, Walnut Grove Avenue, and CA -60. The Ivar Avenue traffic calming measures should be implemented within the next several weeks. 5. COMMISSION REPORT Chair Hall asked for a status update on the off ramp at 1 -10 and Rosemead Boulevard. Staff said that it will hopefully be resolved when Glendon Way is resurfaced. Chair Hall also expressed an issue with a sign on NIB Rosemead Boulevard before Valley Boulevard that needs to either be cleaned or replaced as it is illegible. Chair Hall read a letter from a City Council Member who lives near the Earlswood Drive and Ivar Avenue intersection who expressed concern of vehicles going west on Earlswood Drive, running a stop sign at Ivar and turning right towards Ramona. Cars moving East on Earlswood Drive from Ivar Avenue are speeding. Commissioner Russell- Chavez pointed out that the signal loops on Walnut Grove Avenue at Rush are not timed properly. Staff said they would be looked at right away. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2011 at 7:00p.m. and will take place at the Rosemead City Hall, City Council Chamber, 8838 East Valley Boulevard. Jean Hall Chair ATTEST: Chris Marcarello Public Works Director Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2011 Page 4 of 4