HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Committee - 07/22/2013 Transportation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Monday, July 22, 2013
I. Call Meeting to Order - Mr. Edd Price, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 2:32
p.m.
II. Approval of Minutes - Minutes of June 24, 2013 were approved.
III. Presentations and Discussions -
a. Introduction of Mr. Kevin St. Jacques, Interim City Traffic Engineer -
Temporarily Overseeing Traffic Engineering: Mr. Green introduced Mr. Kevin St.
Jacques and mentioned he is serving in the capacity of the Interim City Traffic
Engineer. He works for Freese and Nichols and has assisted the City in the past
during the absence of the City Traffic Engineer. Mr. St. Jacques is working 2 - 3
days a week, which is becoming a full-time endeavor. Mr. St. Jacques said about
seven years ago he served in this capacity and he is very familiar with the
territory. Mr. Green said Mr. St. Jacques is currently helping to create an updated
job description for the City Traffic Engineer as well as a mission statement for the
department so it can better serve the community.
b. Monthly Traffic Fatality Reports: Sr. Officer Marc Harrod reported one (1) new
fatality, which brings the total to fourteen (14) fatalities for year 2013. He said
fatality fourteen (14) occurred at the 8600 block of SPID-EB Access Rd. on July 21.
He mentioned this fatality is still under investigation and the cause of the
individual's death is uncertain.
c. Top 20 Traffic Accident Locations for the Month: Sr. Officer Mr. Marc Harrod
reported most of the top ten locations are along the frontage roads of SPID. He
noted the top spot was at Airline Rd. and SPID. He commented most of the traffic
accidents at that location were minor.
d. CCPD DWI 2013 Statistics: Sr. Officer Marc Harrod reported last year there were
1,036 DWI ft DUI arrests, which is the most they had since they have been keeping
statistics. This year they are already up 28% compared to last year's totals, they
will probably have two record years in a row. During June of this year, the
department made 111 DWI arrests which is an all time high since the year 1993.
The department had a very active weekend for DWI arrests and they so far have
about 633 arrests for the year. They have been getting numerous blood or breath
samples that are being used as evidence for the arrests in 99 percent of the cases.
Mr. Price asked if the department was concentrating on blood and breath sampling
in DWI arrests. He responded yes and stated that the department has received a
grant through TxDOT that allows them to pay officers overtime to test DWI drivers,
which is operational from Wednesday through Sunday.
Page 1 of 3
e. Monthly Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee Report: Ms. Gretchen Arnold
reported sixteen (16) "Safe Passing" signs have been installed on city roadways.
Ms. Gretchen asked Mr. Green to provide the committee with an update on the
signs. Mr. Green mentioned Engineering Services is working on being able to install
signs whenever there is a change order made on the construction projects so that
the community knows the roads are being shared with the bicycle and pedestrian
community. He also commented the Planning Department would update the
subcommittee with a mobility study, which is associated with a bike ordinance and
with the location of bicycle lanes throughout the city. This will help decide where
the next round of signs should be place in the community. Ms. Arnold mentioned
the two new members to the subcommittee recently appointed by the TAC
representing the RTA and the pedestrian community participated in their first
meeting last week.
f. Update on Road Marking on Chaparral St. @ IH-37: Mr. Green informed the TAC
there have been markings put in place for southbound travel on Chaparral St.
turning east onto IH-37 so the vehicles know what lane to turn onto. He also
stated this location would continue to be monitored since it is an area of concern
for traffic accidents. This will help determine whether any further actions need to
be made in order to facilitate the turning movements in the area. Mr. Villarreal
brought up an issue regarding IH-37 and Water St., turning right onto Water St.
from IH-37. He said motorists keep going straight from the right-turn only lane,
which they have the ability to go straight toward Shoreline Blvd. and it continues
to happen. Motorists do not realize the right lane is a right-turn only lane and the
next lane over has the ability to turn right onto Water St. as well. Therefore,
there are two lanes that are able to turn right with the far inside lane going
straight occasionally. Mr. Green responded that he would take this note under
consideration and would bring this back to the committee with a report once a
study has been made.
g. Update on All-way Stop Signs at Robert Dr./Gaines St. and Robert Dr./Jr.
Terrace: Mr. St. Jacques reported that "Curve Ahead" signs with flashers were
installed but have not been sufficient to make drivers slow down their speed as
they approach the curve. For the safety of the property owners and drivers, it was
decided that drivers would come to a stop at the Gaines St. and Robert Dr.
intersection and at Jr. Terrace and Robert Drive intersection. Mr. St. Jacques also
mentioned the "Curve Ahead" signs would be replaced with "Stop Ahead" signs.
The "Curve Ahead" signs will be relocated and placed at beginning of the curve in
order to remind drivers of the curve's existence. First, the changes would be
made to the westbound movement of traffic since it is more aggressive. Mr. Price
disagreed with the actions that are to take place and stated his opposition of using
stop signs to control traffic. Mr. St. Jacques explained that the stop signs were to
be used to get drivers to be cognizant of the situation they are going into by having
them come from a stopped position and see they are in a 20-mile speed limit. Mr.
St. Jacques also mentioned in response to Mrs. Cudd's question regarding the
residents' position on the changes that there would be a promotional element
before any changes are made. Mrs. Arnold suggested the striping on the entire
area be looked at as well.
h. Discussion on No Cell Phone Use While Driving: Mr. Green presented a video to
Page 2 of 3
the committee regarding distracting driving. He mentioned there is an application
AT&T provides called "Drive Safe Mode" that informs people that the individual
they are calling is driving. Mr. Green said it is encouraging to see the market
recognizing the danger of distracted driving. He stated it still warrants further
discussion and consideration.
i. Discussion on TAC Vacant Position: Mr. Green mentioned there are ten
committees that are appointed by the City Council to assist them in their
governance. He mentioned for the TAC the City Council decided to appoint their
own appointments without input from the committee. The City Council seems to
be looking for a diversity of applicants. There are two vacancies in the TAC; the
vacancies are to be presented to the City Council in August by the City Secretary's
Office. Mr. Green commented there are currently four candidates that have
applied for this committee.
IV. Identify items to be placed on a future agenda
• CC Mobility Plan Update
• Discussion for Future Council Consideration on Converting 3rd St. from Del Mar
Blvd. to Ayers St. to a Two-Way Street
• IH-37 and Water St. Right-Turn Lane Issue
• Santa Fe St. and Del Mar Blvd. Stop Warrant Analysis
• Striping Plan for Robert Dr.
V. Public Comment - None
VI. Adjournment - Meeting adjourned at 3:26 p.m.
Page 3 of 3