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RECEIVED
Transportation Advisory Committee NOV 0 5 2008
Meeting Minutes
Monday, September 22, 2008 CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
Call Meeting to Order — Mr. Green, Chairperson called the meeting to, order at
2:38 p.m.
IL Approval of Minutes — Motion made by Mr. Green, seconded by Mr. Jones to
approve minutes for August 25, 2008. Motion passed.
III. Committee Reports
a. Monthly Traffic Fatality Report — Capt. Mike Pena reported (9) nine
fatalities to date, including the one from Saturday, September 20, 2008.
b. Traffic Engineer's Report - Mr. Cardenas provided the committee with the
following information:
• Red light citations are down due to drivers' awareness of the red lights.
Mr. Jones requested an update on red light changes from Captain
McDonald for the next TAC meeting.
• Bike Lanes - Mr. Cardenas informed the committee that a bicycle
subcommittee is being developed. This subcommittee will be responsible
for educational programs, helmet safety and laws. Mrs. Beard volunteered
to be part of this subcommittee. Mr. Cardenas will bring more information
on the subcommittee at the next TAC meeting.
• Speed Limit Ordinances — Mr. Cardenas presented the committee the
inconsistencies regarding speed limit signs through out the city. In
addition; Mr. Cardenas, mentioned that there are items to be updated
within the ordinance and part of the process used to do this was to
transfer exactly what was on the ordinance on a large map and color the
speed limits on the map. Then the speed limits were verified to match the
ones in the ordinance. Mr. Green mentioned that he was not clear on the
recommendations to change the ordinance itself. Mr. Cardenas stated that
the limits have to be redrawn on a case by case basis.
• Municipal Maintenance Agreement — 'Mr. Jones asked about the new
MMA. Mr. Cardenas informed the committee that there are issues to be
address with TxDot before signing the new MMA. Ms. Ocanas mention
that there is a current MMA that the City operates under.
IV. Staff Recommendations Requiring Committee Review/Recommendations —
a. Wilbur Smith Associates Presentation on SH 357/FM 2444 Corridor
Mobility Studies-. Project goals and objectives are to improve corridor
SCANNED
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traffic flow, improve corridor safety and identify transportation improvements.
Mr. Smith informed the committee about the mobility and safety issues on
both Saratoga Boulevard and Staples Street. He stated that there are
numerous conflict points as drivers enter and exit driveways along the
corridors. The average crashes on Saratoga Boulevard are 40 and Staples
Street are 34 per year in the last 3 years. These rates are higher than
statewide average and the majority of the crashes are rear end and left turns.
Mrs. Beard inquired about the funding of this project. Mr. Smith stated that
MPO has completely funded this project due to TxDot's fund shortage. Mr.
Smith also mentioned the potential improvements that can be accomplished
such as:
• Raised Medians
• Installation/Extension of right-turn bays
• Other intersection-specific improvements
Mr. Smith emphasized on the benefits of a raised median. Explaining that it
reduces number of conflict points, reduces auto crashes by 40%, reduces
pedestrian-involved crashes by 45%, improves traffic flow and that it is
recommended where daily traffic volume exceeds 20,000 vehicles per day.
Mr. Smith introduced Mr. Tim Newton, project manager, with Wilbur Smith
Associates presented the alternative configurations on Staples Street at
Huntwick Avenue.
b. Converting Riverwood Road from a one-way to a two-way street — Mr.
Cardenas presented a map of a previous configuration on Riverwood Road.
Mr. Jones question if a median existed at the current location. Mr. Cardenas
stated that a raised median was constructed by TxDot restricting left turn
movements. Mrs. Beard asked who was inquiring about the change on
Riverwood Road. Mr. Cardenas informed the committee that the request
came from City Manager's Office. In addition; Mr. Cardenas, explained that
this issue needs to be address within 3 or 4 weeks so it can go to City Council
for approval. Mr. Green requested an existing configuration before the
committee can make a proper decision. Mr. Green asked to table this request
until further information can be presented to the committee. Motion was made
by Mrs. Beard specifying that the TAC made the call to table this item and not
Mr. Cardenas, seconded by Mr. Jones.
V. Issues for next scheduled Transportation Advisory Meeting —
• Converting Riverwood Road from a one way to a two way.
• Update on MMA
• October speed limit changes
• Bicycle Subcommittee
• Update on Red Lights from Captain McDonald
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VI. Previous/New Concerns —
a. Montana Mike's driveway — Mr. Cardenas inform the committee that
Montana Mike's has implemented a right out turn only on their driveway.
b. Possible four-way stop sign at Oso Parkway/Yorktown Boulevard — Mr.
Cardenas explained that Mrs. Lewis-Wishert is gathering the data for the four-
way stop sign project.
VII. Public Comment— None
VIII. Adjournment— Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
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