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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 11 12/03/2001IN,1 ; „11'111 1 CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA MEMORANDUM Police Adutitiistratiotq 969 Petalunea Boulevard North, Petaluata, CA 94953 (707) 778-4370 Fax (707) 778-4503 E-mail:policeadatia@aci.Petalunta.ca.us DATE: November 16, 2001 TO: Fred Stouder, City Manager FROM: Patrick T. Parks, Chief of Police SUBJECT: TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE This memorandum responds to your memorandums dated August 16, 2001 and August 22, 2001, regarding Traffic Safety Committee issues. It is an update of my original response to you on these memorandums. TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE Historically the City of Petaluma has had a standing City committee known as the "Traffic Advisory Connrnittee". This committee was composed of members of traffic engineering, plarming, the police department, public works and a member of the City Council. This committee is established by 11.08.050 of the Petaluma Municipal Code. The code does not require monthly meetings or establish duties of the committee. (copy attached) Over the years the Traffic Advisory Committee met as needed, as frequently as monthly or as infrequently as a few times a year. Due to the departure of Alan Tilton from Traffic Engineering, the luring of a Public Works Director and changes on the City Council, the Traffic Advisory Committee stopped meeting on a regular basis over a year ago. As you are aware, I met with Council member Moynihan, Rick Skladzien and you on June 25, 2001, to discuss the Traffic Advisory Committee. At that meeting I agreed to get together a "Traffic Group" comprised of city staff from community development, police, and public facilities and services, to insure that we are responsive to traffic problems in our City. Rick Skladzien and I did not feel it was necessary at that time to reinstate the Traffic Advisory Committee in its historic format. TRAFFIC GROUP MEETINGS The first meeting of the new Traffic Group was held July 17, 2001. The meeting was attended by department heads, supervisors and line staff from police, community development, and public facilities and services.. We discussed the need to reduce duplication of efforts, the need for 1 enhanced communications and the need for coordinated problem solving to effectively address traffic safety issues. The meeting was very productive. We agreed to begin meeting monthly to discuss traffic complaints, traffic plamung issues, and enforcement/engineering issues. Police Sergeant DJ Phiniister agreed to chair the meetings and coordinated the monthly agenda. The second meeting of the new Traffic Group was held in August 2001. The meetings focus was to begin problem -solving efforts. The second meeting also went very well. Some of the participants from Engineering have commented to me personally about the joint problem solving efforts and productive nature of the meeting. Rick Skladzien was unable to attend this meeting and I was on vacation. We have since agreed to insure that one or both of us will attend every meeting. The third meeting of the Traffic Group was originally scheduled for September 20, 2001. The meeting was rescheduled for September 26, 2001, to insure adequate attendance and to allow a concerned citizen to appear at the meeting. Minutes of the September 26, 2001 meeting are attached. The Traffic Group has been meeting monthly since the September 26, 2001 meeting with meetings held October 18, 2001 and November 15, 2001. Minutes from the October meeting are attached. Based on our current efforts, I do not feel it is necessary to reinstate the Traffic Advisory Committee in the historical format. As it is currently functioning the new Traffic Group is meeting the operational needs of the City and addressing problems as they occur. Council participation in the joint problem solving efforts is unnecessary and may inhibit open communications. Operational issues are usually best worked out by operational personnel in an environment that allows open, honest communication, without political concerns. My recommendation is that we allow the Traffic Group to continue to operate in its current format, unencumbered by political involvement. Should significant community issues arise, that warrant Council action or input, the Traffic Group can request a meeting of the Traffic Advisory Committee or take the matter before Council through the normal agenda process. Proceeding in this manner is consistent with our Community Policing philosophy and should significantly improve inter -departmental problem solving. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING In addition to joint operational problem solving efforts, a separate meeting was held September 5, 2001, to discuss the issue of Traffic Engineering support for the City. The meeting was attended by directors and supervisors from police, community development and public facilities and city management. All agreed on the need for traffic engineering support for each of the respective departments. The interim solution of contracting with a traffic engineering firm is being explored. Decisions on hiring a full time traffic engineer or traffic analyst position are pending. It was clear from our discussions at this meeting that working without traffic engineering support and low public facilities staffing is impacting our effectiveness. The City Manager's office is working to address these issues. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT STAFFING Another issue impacting our ability to respond to traffic safety concerns is the lack of police officers assigned to traffic enforcement and the lack of a full time supervisor to assist in coordinating police traffic safety efforts with other departments. Lack of traffic supervision has been a particularly difficult issue, since police officers are often pulled from enforcement duties to fulfill administrative traffic functions. A police supervisor, Sergeant DJ Phimister, is currently working part-time to assist with traffic safety supervision, but full time supervision and improved coordination are necessary. To address the issue of traffic enforcement and supervision, the City applied for a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for funding. OTS has approved a grant, which will provide necessary equipment and personal support for traffic safety. We are waiting on final funding to begin this program, which will provide one additional police officer and a police supervisor for traffic safety. CONCLUSION In summary, many efforts are underway to address traffic safety in our City. These efforts include Traffic Group problem solving, moving forward with contracting with a traffic engineering fmn, researching additional traffic engineering or administrative traffic support for public facilities, and hiring a full time traffic supervisor for the police department. Once all of these elements are in place and working properly, I believe we will see considerable improvement in our traffic safety efforts. I do not recommend we reinstate the Traffic Advisory Conmlittee at this time. Current efforts are adequate to address traffic safety concerns. Should the need arise to reconvene the Traffic Advisory Committee we always have that option. However, reintroducing the Traffic Advisory Committee to deal with routine operational issues is unriecessary and could actually be counterproductive. PTP:scr Attachments 3 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC CHAPTER 11.09 TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION 11.08.010 Traffic division estab- lished. Then is established in the police depart- ment of this city the responsibility for parking. control, traffic law enforcement and accident inves igadon. The police departmcnt shall cooperate with other city departments in improving traffic flow and carrying mit the duties imposed by this title and other traffic ordinances of Petaluma. (Ord, 1331 NCS §1 (par), 1978,) 11,08,020 TrAMC accident reports, The police department shall maintain a system of filing traffic accident reports with index, which shall be shared with the traffic engineer. (Ord. 1331 NCS §1 (par), 1978.) 11.08.030 City traffic engineer Office established. The office of city traffic engineer is established, The city traffic engineer shall be appointed by the city manager and he shall exercise the powers and dudes as ptovidcd in this chapter and in the traffic ur finances of this city. Whenever the city traffic engineer is required or authorized to place or maintain official unTle-control devices .or signals, he may cause such dcvea or signals to be placed or maintained. (Ord. 1331 NCS §I (pare), 1978.) 11.08:040 Powers and duties of traffic engineer, It shall be the general duty Of the city traffic engineer to determine the installation and proper dining and maintenance of traffic• control devices and signals, to conduct engi- neering analyses of traffic accidents and to devise remedial measures, to conduct engineering and ni to investigations of traffic conditions and to ctOperue with other city officials in the development of ways and means to improve traffic conditions and to carry out the additional powers and dudes imposed by ondfoatxes of this city. Wheriever. by the provisions of this chapter, a power is granted to the city traffic engineer or a duty imposed upon him the power may be exercised or the dory performed by his duly authorized sulmrdinatc (Ord. 4331 NCS §1 (part), 1979.) 11.08.050 Trsfflc committee estab- lished — CotttpoORIOn — Compensa- lion. Than: is established an advisory traffic conuruncte 10 sem without additional compen- sation, consisting of the MMC enginecr of a senior representative, a reMsontative of the planning department, a representative of the police departiaent, a reFcacntadve of the pub- lic works department and a member of in city council. Designation of the staff representa- tives to serve shall be mask by the nspective supeMiting deparmtent head, with approval of the city manager. Tht: council member shall be appointed by the city council. (Ord. 1730 NCS §1, 1988: Oni. 1331 NCS §1 (pan), 1978.) 11.08.060 Powers and duties of traf- Rc committee. A. It shall be the duty of the traffic conunittec to suggest the most practicable means for coordinating the activities of the agera:ics responsible for sdmimstradon or eefom- mom of traffic regulations, to stimulate and assist in the prspamdon and publim- tion of special traffic reports, to receive complaints having Io do with traffic maters and to =ommend to the legisla. five body or other city officials, ways and 1105 Minutes Traffic Group Meeting 9-26-01 l 100 hrs. Lucchesi Center Present: Craig Spaulding, DJ Phimister, Patrick Parks, George White, Steve Johnson, Charlene Lavezzoli, Bill Allen, Ed Anchordoguy, & Mike Cook. Guest: Paul McGavin representing PANTS 1. Presentation by Paul McGavin of "PANTS" regarding traffic issues on Windsor Dr. Mr. Gavin discussed traffic problems and recommended solutions. Problems include speeding, running stop signs, pedestrian walkways, and truck traffic and the associated noise. Solutions proposed include restricting truck traffic on Windsor Dr., requiring a planned subdivision expansion to alter the roadway to reduce width of lanes and add bicycle and pedestrian walk -ways, posting more speed limit signs and increasing enforcement. (Mr. McGavin supplied each person present with a copy of the above information, copies of which are available upon request.) General discussion was held and areas were identified that could potentially address the presented problems. After Mr. McGavin left we discussed each area and what actions were available and/or appropriate. Each is listed below, as well as the group consensus. a. Create traffic circles at Windsor and Cambridge and at the entrance to the proposed new subdivision, and place traffic undulations between the two traffic circles. RESPONSE: The proposed new subdivision has a traffic circle as part of the proposed plan. Actual construction will probably not begin until 20002, and possibly not until 2003. Bill Allen to research the reconfiguration of Windsor and Cambridge. Traffic studies do not justify placing a stop sign at this location. The primary obstacle to the reconfiguration would be cost, which will be included as part of Bill Allen's research. We did not feel traffic undulations would be feasible or safe unless/until both traffic circles were installed. Action Item: Bill Allen to research placing a traffic circle at Tfindsor Dr. & Cambridge. b. Reduce width of roadway and add pedestrian/bicycle walkways. RESPONSE: Mr. McGavin's original input was to have the new subdivision pay for the associated costs of this proposal. During the _ discussion we explained that the new subdivision could not be held responsible for correcting (paying for) the entire proposal, however this would be a decision to be made by the Planning Commission. (We discussed a possible assessment district for the current residents, which Mr. McGavin did not feel would be appropriate.) The lane reduction is possible but problematic. The easiest most economical change would be to re -stripe the roadway. Cost estimates for this would be approximately .75 (cents) per foot. (There is also a $1.50 per foot cost to remove existing striping, although I don't believe there is any striping to be removed at this time.) The striping would have to be consistent for the entire length of the roadway (in both directions) in order to be effective, which would include the portion of the roadway that is in County jurisdiction. Although the most economical, it would still be costly as Windsor Dr. is over a mile long. Estimating Windsor Dr. at one mile long would establish a rough cost of over $7900. Additionally, providing pedestrian walkways that are actually part of the roadway without providing some sort of barrier (i.e.: curbs, fencing, etc.) might provide a false sense of security for the pedestrians. Action Item: Mr. McGavin referred to the Planning Commission meeting to propose roadway improvements as part of the conditions of the new subdivision. c. Improve visibility of stop signs, and increase the number of stop signs in both directions. RESPONSE: Adding a speed limit sign for N/bound traffic on Windsor Dr. just past Cambridge appears appropriate. The remainder of the roadway appears to be sufficiently signed. The roadway areas are maintained through a homeowners association. Mr. McGavin agreed to contact the maintenance personnel and have them develop a trimming schedule for the trees blocking the stop signs. Action Item: Mr. McGavin to contact maintenance personnel to establish a trimming schedule for the trees. Action Item: Bill Allen to research/arrange for instillation of additional speed limit sign. d. Install crosswalks at stop signs. RESPONSE: The painting of crosswalks appears appropriate at the signed intersections. This may have the additional benefit of increasing awareness of stop signs. Action Item: Bill Allen to research/arrange for crosswalk painting. e. Reduce speed within the housing portion of Windsor Dr. RESPONSE: The speed limit appears appropriate. If stop signs were not present, the speed survey would actually justify a 35 mph. speed limit instead of the current 25 mph. limit. Although evidence exists that drivers are exceeding the speed limit, lowering the limits wouldn't necessarily slow drivers down, it would simply increase the number of drivers who would be speeding. Additionally, accident statistics do not support a change in speed limit, as there have been only two accidents in the last three years on Windsor Dr., and both were non -injury. Enforcement action and education appears the most appropriate avenue to alter driving habits that were probably established prior to the housing increases. Action Item: Mr. McGavin to address the homeowners association to advise of increased enforcement action and appropriate driving. Action Item: PPD Traffic Unit and patrol officers to increase enforcement efforts. Use of radar trailer will be conducted as appropriate. f Prohibit truck traffic on Windsor Dr. and establish truck routs outside of residential areas, and/or reconfigure Windsor Dr. to end in a dual court configuration with access for one court fiom D St. and the other from Western Ave. Lengthy discussion involving Mr. McGavin regarding the General Plan "feeder" route designation of Windsor Dr. vs. residential roadway/area. Additional discussion on the volume and impact of truck traffic. RESPONSE: Windsor Dr. was designed as a feeder route and appears to be functioning as such. Statistics have not been compiled as to the actual number of large trucks using the roadway. A definition of "large truck" would also have to be established, as it became apparent during our discussion that Mr. McGavin included 5t' wheel type pickups pulling a trailer in that category, where City personnel limited the definition to big -rig type vehicles (hay trucks, milk trucks, etc.). Additionally, this has previously been brought before the City Council, and the decision was to leave the designation as it is, with no truck restrictions. Petaluma is a rural city, and the dairy and farming industry provide an important component of the City's structure. This was true in the past, and continues to be true. More importantly though, we discussed where truck traffic would probably go, vs. where they would be legally allowed to go if the restrictions were to be put into place. When considering alternate routes within the city, the impact on other roadways, and the cost of posting such a route, Windsor Dr. still remains the most viable roadway. Mr. McGavin has proposed a truck route, however it involves not only Sonoma County jurisdiction, but also Marin County jurisdiction, and could involve at least one roadway upgrade. These are areas where we have no jurisdiction. We have also not established why the large trucks are using the roadway. Although we do not believe restricting truck traffic is warranted, preliminary research would be required to determine if an educational program might assist with the problem. The problems associated with the trucks are excessive speed and noise. Installation of a traffic circle would reduce the noise associated with a stop sign and act as a calming measure for all traffic. (See section "a" for additional traffic circle issues.) Action Item: Traffic unit to attempt to contact big -rig drivers and associated businesses for information and education on Windsor Drive's use as a feeder route. 2. Intersection improvements at McDowell and Washington St. will be delayed until next spring. Bill Allen will arrange replacement of a missing light to facilitate enforcement actions during the delay. Action Item: Bill Allen to arrange for replacement of missing light. Traffic work orders will now be sent to Charlene instead of D7. 4. Group discussion on signal configuration for replacement and implementation of permissive left turns (i.e.: Payran and Washington St., McDowell Blvd, and all future replacements). Decision was to use the five section signal heads to maintain consistency with other California cities and reduce the possibility of confusing the motorists. Action Item: Chief Parks left message for Rick Skladzien relaying this info. Discussion and recommendation to return speed limit signs on N. McDowell and Old Redwood Hwy. to their previous posted levels. This will allow officers to enforce radar violations to reduce speed levels. Once the signs are replaced and the traffic unit has had time to address the area, the roadways will be re -surveyed. Action Item: Chief Parks left message for Rick Sldadzien relaying this info. 6. Caulfield and Ely intersection planned for a roundabout. Date for implementation is unknown. The roundabout will probably help with the school crossing pedestrian issues. Intersection of D St. and Petaluma Blvd. listed in the budget for change to a roundabout. Bill Allen explained that there are no current plans for construction, that the money was budgeted to conduct research into the possibility. Next Meeting October 18th, 10:00 am at the Storefront. Minutes Traffic Group Meeting 10-18-01 11:00 hrs. Storefront Office Present: Rick Skladzien, Bill Allen, Steve Johnson, Ken Savano, DJ Phimister Review of action items fiom 9-26-01 meeting: l.a. Research of Traffic Circle at Windsor Dr. cue Cambridge: Bill Allen currently working with the Fire Department to determine if roadway widths will be sufficient for emergency equipment. Action Item: Bill Allen to continue research of Traffic Circle. l.c. Instillation of additional speed limit signs: Rick and Bill stated additional signs should be installed within the next two weeks. Action Itene: Rick & Bill to arrange installation of speed signs. 1.d. Install crosswalks at stop signs: Bill Allen in the process of scheduling a crosswalk study to determine if pedestrian traffic justifies the need for painted crosswalks. Action Item: Bill to continue research on necessity of crosswalks. Le. Increased traffic enforcement: PPD units conducted intense enforcement efforts, and the number of violations have decreased. PPD will continue to conduct periodic enforcement efforts. 1.f. Traffic unit to contact big -rig drivers regarding using Windsor Dr. as a feeder route: Very few big -rig trucks actually seen (7 during one 6-7 hr. period). One was issued a citation and several were talked to. One lived near the area and used the rout to travel to and from his work. The officer discussed alternate roadways with him. Others were going to or from deliveries or work. When officers were contacted by citizens from the neighborhood, they asked the citizens about the truck traffic. None of the citizens contacted felt there was a problem with big -rig truck traffic. Additionally, some of the residents felt there shouldn't be stop signs on Windsor Dr. as it is a feeder route, and the stop signs disrupt the flow of traffic. PPD will monitor truck traffic during their periodic enforcement efforts, however it doesn't appear to be an overwhelming issue at this point. 2. Replacement of light at McDowell and Washington: Bill Allen to schedule replacement. There was also a problem with the timing of the lights at this intersection, which will be, or has been, corrected by downloading the timing information. Action Item: Bill Allen to prepare work order to replace missing traffic light. 5. Speed limit change on McDowell and Old Redwood Hwy.: Signs have been removed and a new speed study should be conducted in about two weeks. N. McDowell, N. McDowell Extension, and Old Redwood Hwy. will all be re -done. The process for the necessary approvals will then be completed and new signs posted. Action Item: Bill and Rick to continue with traffic surveys, etc. to establish and post speed limits. New Business 1. DJ Phimister reviewed a copy of a letter from Auto World and Victory Chevrolet regarding parking issues on Auto Center Drive. Bill Allen thought Jane Thomson in Planning was addressing the issue. On 10-19-01 DJ talked with Jane Thomson and she confirmed that she and Cindie Fahy from the Police Dept. are addressing the issue, and will contact us if they need any further input. ?. Ken Savano and Rick Skladzien discussed problems with the pedestrian crossings on Sonoma Mt. Parkway. There are problems with visibility, redundancy, and a pedestrian's ability to completely cross the roadway within one cycle of the light. Rick will look into combining the two crossing points into one signalized crosswalk that would stop traffic with a red light. Action Item: Rick to address issues necessary to change two flashing systems to one red light system. 3. Steve Johnson requested beacon lights be installed on the lights at Washington and Ellis St. Rick Skladzien stated the cost for this is minimal and asked Bill Allen to prepare a work order to complete this. Rick also said they would try and include the beacon lights in future installations and retrofits. Action Item: Bill Allen to arrange for installation of beacon lights for Washington and Ellis St. 4. Rick Skladzien brought the issue of visibility at arterial intersection comers. They will be beginning a process where they will paint red curbs at the arterial intersections to prevent vehicles from parking too close to the intersection and limiting visibility. Action Item: Ongoing process- Rick to facilitate red curb painting at arterial intersections. 5. Ken Savano brought up the issue of trimming the trees on Washington St. near Ellis. Rick said they were in the process of dealing with the property owner to resolve the situation when an environmental group intervened. The group is concerned that trimming the trees out of season will hanxi them and has threatened litigation. Rick will be addressing the issue through the City Attorney and other appropriate department personnel. Action Iten¢: Rick to address issues regarding tree trimming. Next Meeting: 11-15-01 10:00 am. at the storefront office. If you can't be there, please let me know.