HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransportation Packet August 2011
Att
and
Ab
Co
Sta
Ex
tendees: Tom
d Corinne Vie
sent: Brent T
ouncil Liaiso
aff Present:
Officio Me
I. CAL
Mee
II. APP
Cha
Aug
III. ADJ
Non
IV. PUB
Drew
Drew
resig
fund
traff
This
aspe
He l
V. ACT
A.
TRA
Co
m Burnham, E
eville
Thompson, an
n: David Cha
Mike Faught
embers: Ste
LL TO ORD
eting was calle
PROVAL OF
airperson Rya
gust 18th minu
JUSTMENT
ne.
BLIC FORU
w Gilliland/3
w is the new
gned his posit
ding to constr
fic.
s project is in
ects of this pr
1. SOU gro
2. Faster pr
3. Increased
left basic plan
TION ITEM
Parking Proh
Jim Olson su
parking proh
would not be
Staff is work
review, due t
in case of an
residents hav
The Commis
possible solu
ANSPO
ouncil Ch
Eric Heesacke
nd David You
apman
t, Jim Olson, M
eve MacLenn
DER:
ed to order at
F MINUTES
n will submit
utes will be br
TS TO THE A
UM:
40 Coventry
Director of F
tion with SOU
ruct new dorm
SOU’s maste
oject:
owth
roject complet
d employmen
ns for the Com
MS:
hibitions on A
ummarized the
hibition on Alm
e a suitable so
king closely w
to restrictions
emergency a
ve off street pa
ssioners discu
utions based o
Page 1 of 6
ORTATI
Augus
hambers,
M
er, Shawn Kam
ung
Mary McClar
nan
t 6:05 p.m. by
S:
t a list of corr
rought in to th
AGENDA:
spoke to the C
Facilities, repl
U. Drew prim
ms on campus
er plan, hopin
ted, investors
nt in the Rogu
mmission to r
Almond St.
e memo dated
mond Street.
olution.
with the Ashla
s they place on
and/or conduc
arking, so som
ussed in length
on Fire’s abili
ION C
st 18, 201
, 1175 Ea
Minutes
mpmann, Stev
ry
y Chairperson
ections to the
he Commissio
Commission
acing Larry B
mary wanted t
s, which will h
ng to begin in
s begin to see
ue Valley
review.
d August 11,
Staff realize
and Fire and R
n fire trucks a
ct routine chec
me on-street p
h, details abou
ty to function
OMMI
11
ast Main
ve Ryan (Cha
n Steve Ryan.
e minutes of J
on for approv
regarding the
Blake, who is
to inform the
have a huge i
n the summer
a return
he wrote to th
s to prohibit p
Rescue Depar
and their abili
cks. Almond
parking is crit
ut road sizes,
n.
ISSION
Street
air), Julia Som
July 21st. Bot
val at the Sept
e SOU new do
moving out o
Commission
impact on foo
of 2012. He s
he Commissio
parking on on
rtment on sele
ity to drive on
d Street is unim
tical.
off streets an
N
mmer, Colin S
th July 21st a
tember 15th m
orm project.
of the area an
n they have re
ot transportati
stated three p
on regarding
ne side of the
ecting streets
n the streets, o
mproved, not
nd different id
Swales,
and
meeting.
nd has
etained
on and
ositive
a
street
for
operate
t all
deas for
Page 2 of 6
Staff is asking the Commission to allow them to investigate possible solutions and bring back to
the Commission their findings on how best to solve this parking problem.
Margueritte Hickman, from Fire and Rescue spoke to the Commission about the challenges they
face when they are not able to drive on Almond when there are parked cars. In addition, they are
not able to operate their equipment to facilitate rescues and fire terminations. She explained the
department would like to follow a uniform street standard, but realizes in this case an alternative
solution would be needed to be able to provide good service to the community.
Commissioner Heesacker thanked her for the photos creating a visual perspective. Commissioner
Swales expressed concern about the fire hydrant locations and Margueritte explained they can
stretch a hose around 600 feet. He also asked about right of way and if different solutions such as
options of cut and fill to make parking bays. Jim explained the history and the difficulty of
expanding the street due to right of ways, historical significance, and building retainer walls.
Commissioner Burnham discussed density issues and Chairperson Ryan asked staff to consider the
criteria needed to make this decision. Commissioner Sommer felt there would not be a need for a
motion, that this is more of an informative discussion and the Fire Department and engineering
staff could work out solutions to bring back to the Commission.
PUBLIC FORUM:
Phil Miller/129 S. Laurel St. spoke to the Commission regarding his 33 years residency on Almond
Street. He was pleased that the idea of one-sided parking restriction was rescinded, it makes more
sense to go in and out because there are some natural places to park. There is a lot of pedestrian
traffic due to the popularity of dog walking, and citizen walking therefore speeding becomes
a problem not only for safety reasons, but also for the dust that arises. There are places, certain
parts of the street he can’t imagine a fire truck being able to operate. If there are going to be signs
posted, he would like to see some slow signs or speed limit signs.
The Commissioners discussed the public alley way dimensions along Almond Street, sprinklers,
uniform standards, unique standards, safety, unimproved street, improved streets, and overhead
obstructions and would like these items included when constructing the plan. The Commission
members decided to allow staff and the Fire Department work together on a plan and report back to
the Commission.
Commissioner Vieville made a motion that they give staff the authority to work out with the
neighbors, Fire Department, and staff the best locations and define parking spaces along Almond
Street.
Commissioner Sommer seconded the motion.
The Commissioners discussed the wording of the motion and the need for a motion.
Commissioner Vieville withdrew her motion.
Commissioner Sommer withdrew her second.
Chairperson Ryan stated the Commission will support staff’s recommendation and memo as it
stands.
Commissioner Burnham made a motion to approve staff’s request to improve the access for the
Fire equipment on Almond Street and return to us with a plan.
Motion failed for lack of second.
The Commission supported staff’s process in determining parking spaces along Almond Street.
Chairperson Ryan asked staff to do triple diligence.
Page 3 of 6
B. Proposed Traffic Control Devices at Fourth and “A” Street
Jim Olson summarized the memo dated August 11, he wrote to the Commission regarding a
request for a 4-way stop at the intersection of 4th & A Street. Staff recommended not to install a 4
way stop but to mark crosswalks and to address issues on concerning vision clearance and
pedestrian access.
Commissioner Swales remarked this item was on the Council Consent Agenda at their last meeting.
Jim clarified this was a request for a 4-ways stop at the intersection of 4th and ‘A’ street.
Jim went over static information, volume, parking, speed and marking the cross-walks with the
Commission which was also outlined in his memo to the Commission.
Chairperson Ryan asked about future developments, and increased pedestrian traffic. Jim
explained the property is railroad and they would be required to spend thousands of dollars to
clean up before it is marketable.
Commissioner Heesacker and Sommer talked about the danger of painting crosswalks and turning
some of the parking into a bike corrals, and Jim talked about the reason for painting the crosswalks
would be for the safety of the pedestrians.
Commissioner Swales discussed the mixed used of A Street and the restrictions cross walks would
place on pedestrians and their ability to freely cross and visit existing businesses and areas.
Chairperson Ryan would like to see what the statistics of pedestrian traffic would be during peak
times. Commissioner Kampmann believes just deciding on the issue of a 4 –way stop or painted
crosswalks would be the decision to be made now, and the other ideas could wait for a future
discussion.
Commissioner Swales made a motion that staff does not install a stop sign at the corner of 4th and
‘A’ Street, tree trim for better vision clearance at the intersection, and not add crosswalks but
rather explore creative options to improve traffic calming, pedestrian safety such as a bike corrals.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sommer.
Brandon Goldman, staff planner for the Community Development Department, spoke to the
Commmioners regarding current businesses on ‘A ‘street that utilize the parking credits, changes
of use in terms of what would be required to convert parking into bike corrals. He explained the
City Council was having a study session on the 23rd, to determine what constitutes an on street
parking credits. He asked they look at individual planning actions in the immediate vicinity
before an improvement is put into place.
Commissioner Kampmann made a motion to amend Commissioner Swales motion that we
not install a stop sign at the corner of 4th and ‘A’ Street, tree trim for better vision clearance at the
intersection, and defer the creative options of bike corrals until the code definition is firmly
established by the Council and become a separate subject that is dealt with at a later time.
Motion was seconded by Commissioner Swales.
Voting on the amended main motion first.
Voice Vote: All Ayes with the exception of Commissioner Heesaker.
The motion passed with a majority vote.
Commissioner Burnham clarified in regards to the main motion; there is already one stop sign on
4th street and he felt crosswalks are important for pedestrian safety and assistance.
Page 4 of 6
Voice Vote:
Four (4) Commissioner in favor, Swales, Sommer, Kampmann, and Ryan.
Three Commissioner (3) against, Heesacker, Vieville and Burnham.
The motion carried.
C. Proposed Change of Commission Meeting Day
Jim Olson distributed a memo explained he has officially retired, but will remain under contract
with the City for another year to facilitate a smooth transition and distribution of his duties.
Staff recommends the Commission change their meeting time to the fourth Thursday of each
month, to begin at a future date such as January 1, 2012.
Commissioner Kampmann made a motion the Transportation Commission change their meeting
date to the fourth Thursday of each month beginning the first meeting in January, 2012.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vieville.
The Commissioner discussed their concern about other Commissioners not in attendance.
Commissioner Kampmann withdrew his motion until everyone was present, and Commissioner
Vieville withdrew her second.
The Commissioner expressed their appreciation to Mike Faught for attending the Commission
meetings and a huge acknowledgment to Jim Olson for his dedicated 41 years of service to the
City.
Chairperson Ryan requested this item be brought back next month to allow the other members to
attend and discuss the change of the meeting date.
VI. NON ACTION ITEMS:
A. Critique of Council Action regarding the Road Diet
Mike Faught updated the Commission about the Council meeting, highlighting the struggles,
controversy, testimonies, any citizen feedback, and how pleased staff was with the outcome.
Commissioner Kampmann believes there should be some sort of criteria to measure the success
and/or failure of the Road Diet so everyone would understand what would constitute a success and
a failure. Chairperson Ryan reminded the Commission the consultant’s recommendations in
response to the public input at the May public meeting. In addition Mike noted staff had some
recommendations for crash statistics in the residential area of concern. Councilman Chapman
reinforced Councils support for criteria.
Commissioner Swales took the time to thank Commissioner Heesacker and Mike Faught for their
representation to the Council; he felt they did an excellent job.
Councilor Chapman would like to see the Council thank all the people who give the Council input,
information, concerns, recommendations that help them to make decisions. He believes they move
to the next topic so quickly, they never seem to take the time to acknowledge those people.
B. Car Free Day Update
The Commissioners discussed some organization of the event to be held on September 22;
including Councilor Chapman will try and get some other elected officials to participate.
C. TSP Update
Mike gave the Commission a brief update and informed the Commission of the necessity of a
meeting on the 27th, first with TAC, then including the Commission for a period of 4 hours,
Page 5 of 6
preferably from 5-9pm to finish in one day.
D. Transit Subcommittee Recommendations
Mike passed out the notes from the Transit meeting with Councilor Chapman and Silbiger on
August 12, 2011. He highlighted several points:
• Change in routes
• RVTD’s proposal
• Pass program
• Summary of recommendations
• Budget
• Study session with RVTD Board
• Shuttle operator
• Short and long term plans
Commissioner Kampmann nominated Chairperson Ryan as the representative from the
Transportation Commission to the sub-committee. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner
Swales. Unanimous agreement.
Commissioner Kampmann supported the idea of a shuttle service and possibly incorporating Hotels
and Motels into the service also. The Commissioners discussed different options, different cities
with courtesy services, chamber of commerce, and the ability to subsidize a program.
E. Traffic Crash Summary
Chairperson Ryan made reference to the spreadsheet in the packet.
Jim met with the stakeholders, consulted an engineer, a sub-consultant (Commissioner Kampmann)
and noted they are working on getting to the next stage.
The Commissioners questioned Commissioner’s Kampmann’s involvement in the project, if it
would be a conflict of interest or ethical violation if there was any voting necessary. Commissioner
Kampmann explained if there was a conflict he would excuse himself from discussion and voting.
F. N. Main/Hersey/Wimer Intersection Re-Alignment Update
Commissioner Burnham asked for a time-line on the Hersey street project and Jim explained that
would not be possible, although Commissioner Burnham then asked for a sequence and Jim agreed
that was possible. Mike gave a tentative order of how they hoped the project would move forward
and would put together a approximate schedule.
Commissioner Swales pointed out that the actual motion to approve the Road Diet was changed
from concurrent to subsequently in order move forward. He wondered if the project would happen
before next year, and Mike explained that was their goal to get it started as soon as possible. In
addition, Commissioner Swales asked if the round-about be included in the discussion of the
alignment if the Diet were to be successful.
Chairman Ryan asked if there was a code or official statement of what constitutes an ethic violation
or conflict of interest definition.
Councilor Chapman explained most of the specifics are in land use hearings, but if anyone believes
there is real conflict of interest they would step aside from the discussion and voting and ask the
Council to be dismissed from that item/issue.
Chairman Ryan volunteered to do some research to learn more about it.
G. Siskiyou Velo Grant
Commissioner Sommer congratulated Chairperson Ryan receiving a $3,000 Velo Grant toward the
construction of two bicycle corrals and the distribution of bicycle helmets to low-income students. .
Commissioner Burnham remarked they meet the Velo’s request and apply for grants in the future.
Page 6 of 6
Commissioner Vieville asked for clarification the space used would be on the street and not be
crowding needed sidewalk. Jim explained they would be in what is currently marked a yellow
zoned area.
Chairperson Ryan asked to return to this when they seen the proposed project. Also, he asked the
helmets for the children’s program go on an up-coming agenda.
Councilor Chapman announced there was a list of grants issued in the current issue of the Mail
Tribune.
VII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: set aside
A. Action Summary
B. TC Budget Balance: $5,000.00
C. City Source Article
D. Traffic Safety Connection
E. Trauma Nurses Talk Tough message
VIII. FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS:
Commissioner Sommer would like Car Free Day on the September agenda.
Commissioner Kampmann would like in the October meeting to review and refresh the mission and
ordinance of the Transportation Commission, clarifying roles. Chairperson Ryan reminded the
Commission needed to do their budget.
IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Commissioner Heesacker announced this would be his last meeting, as he has agreed to be a
Commissioner on the Planning Commission. He stated he would miss the Commissioners, he had
learned a lot.
The Commission thanked him for his service and expressed they would miss him and his participation
on the Commission.
X. ADJOURN: 8:13pm
Respectfully submitted by:
Mary McClary,
Administrative Assistant to
the Electric Department