Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 04/23/2001 p t- 07,17 18 19 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE �Y�` e?p MINUTES /' (Meeting of April 23,2001) ` F • Members Present o b F�c r_,ny9, 01 t-I IT SETFIA v7c n� Clif Moss Stuart Sher Robbie F fer URGE Israel Ybarra Don Davenport Anthony Alejkndrro � Orlando Noyola `n _LE q Q3 Members Absent MAC Karla Bennett Grace Marie Gonzales CALL TO ORDER-Chairperson Alejandro called meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF"MINUTES"- Chairperson called for approval of monthly meeting of March 26,2001. Motion made by Mr. Moss,seconded by Mr.Ybarra to approve minutes as presented. Motion passed. III. COMMENTS BY CHAIRPERSON andlor VICE-CHAIRPERSON - None. IV. MONTHLY TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORT (ATTACHMENT "A") - In the absence of Capt. Wayne Tisdale, Sgt. Leeton presented the traffic fatality report reporting a total of seven(7)fatalities to-date. V. MONTHLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE REPORT MARCH,2001), (ATTACHMENT"B")- Mr Seiler briefly stated total accidents for March, 2001, down 7%; Alcohol/Drug related accidents, down 27%; Injury Accidents,down 9%;Total Injuries,down 7%,Fatal Accidents,down 71% and Fatalities,down 86%. Confirmed Alcohol Related Statistics-57%. The top ten(10)intersections include Everhart/SPID;Staples/SPID;Weber/SPID;Airline/SPID;Ayers/SPID;Saratoga/Staples; SPID/Staples Zone,Saratoga/Weber/Everhart/Saratoga and Ayers/Home. Rear-end collisions contribute to the increase of accidents at the intersection of Everhart/SPID. Mr.Ybarra asked Mr.Seiler if accidents have anything to do with traffic signals? Mr.Seiler replied that any signal does have an effect on traffic accident experience and on the type of accident. Most typically are rear-end collisions on high speed approaches with heavy congestion. Some motorists are not attentive and are tail gating. In answer to Mr.Ybarra inquiry if ramp reversals will have any effect on relieving the traffic congestion Mr.Seiler stated that Staff will show that ramp reversals will have one bearing in actually reducing some of the traffic volume through the intersections. VI. RECOGNITION of AudiencelPublic Concerns not scheduled on Agenda-None VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. On-going Texas Department of Transportation -City of Corpus Christi issues-None B. Continued discussion item. Possible interest on the part of the Transportation Advisory Committee in uses of cellular phones by motorists while driving-Mr.Foster stated that enactment of an ordinance to ban hand-held cellular phone usage by motorists will be a"tough road"to follow because there are so many other distractions that also contribute to accidents. Both Mr.Foster and Mr.Alejandro agreed that perhaps a very stiff penalty would Mr.Moss stated that anything, including having a conversation with a passenger would lead a driver to distraction and perhaps the solution is to pass an ordinance to prohibit hand-held phones. Mr. Seiler asked if the committee has a request of Staff for presentation to the City Council. Perhaps query Mayor and Council as a first step? Chairperson Alejandro stated that informally he with Mr.Sher will contact the Mayor to"get a feel"and report back at the next meeting. C. Continued discussion item. Request by Transportation Advisory Committee to the Corpus Christi Crime Control District for possible funding for enhancement traffic enforcement capability in all Police patrol vehicles-Mr.Alejandro stated that he spoke with Capt.Tisdale and stated that he would keep him advised of the next Crime Control District meeting for support of a funding source for equipping all police patrol vehicles with radar speed detection equipment. SCANNED VIII. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED FOR COMMITTEE APPROVAL OR REVIEW A. Staff presentation on its proposal to submit an Application for a"Bay Trail Phase 2 Hike and Bike Project"in response to the Year 2000 Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program. The Transportation Advisory Committee is asked to endorse this project application and to recommend approval of a resolution by the City Council in support of this project. Mr.Seiler briefly stated that a Staff presentation of a staff proposal is to be made to the State of Texas for funding of an off- street Hike and Hike Trail which would be an extension of the Bay Trail concept and project that has been constructed on the Texas A&M Campus and also along Ocean Drive linear parks which was a$1.8 million reimbursement which was received by the City of Corpus Christi based on a application submitted and approved by the Texas Transportation Commission in 1992 in conjunction with the Transportation Enhancement Program. The Park and Recreation Advisory Committee,the Water Shore Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission have all been presented and endorsed the Staff concept and resolution that will be presented to the City Council in the next couple of weeks. The project would fund land acquisition and construction of approximately 2.5 miles of hike and bike trail. The hike and bike trail wold be located along the frontage roads of SPID between Ennis Joslin Road and the Cayo Del Oso and from the SPID Frontage Road extending southward immediately adjacent to the Cayo Del Oso to the extension Holly Road/NAS Railroad Bridge. In addition, a hike and bike trail would be extended westward from the railroad bridge at the Cayo Del Oso to the existing end of pavement on Holly Road. Project improvements will consist of signage, lighting, a 1.2 mile eight-foot wide concrete hike and bike trail between SPID and Holly Road,a non-paved trail to the end of pavement on Holly Road and two small parking areas. Ms. Patricia Garcia, Intergovernmental Relations Grant Writer with the City. of Corpus Christi further stated that the Transportation Enhancement Program is a reimbursement grant program offered by the Texas Department of Transportation and approximately$130 million is available for 2001 programs. Project proposals are due June 18,2001 and have a local match of 20%. The Coastal Bend Bays&Estuaries Program and Coastal Bend Land Trust will provide the 20%local match(up to$250,000) with board approval. Total funding for the proposed project is approximately$1.8 million. Project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan's goals and objectives in the creation of a scenic parkway along the Oso Creek and Cayo del Oso in the conservation of the natural environment,will provide public access to the Cayo del Oso and Oso Creek,will create recreational opportunities,i.e.,,bike trails,preserve scenic views,preservation of archeological resources and lessen the impact of storm water runoff on adjacent urban development. The City has acquired over 500 acres of parkland adjacent to Oso Creek and the Cayo del Oso,in addition to public park land,the City has approximately 400 acres of non-parkland located next to the Creek and Cayo. Over 4 miles of the Oso Parkway have been constructed. Construction of existing sections was incorporated in the designs of the Kings Crossings, Lakes,Bear Creek,Southfork King Estates,Country Creek and Victoria Park Subdivisions. Ennis Joslin Spur 3 project will include bikeways and will form a connection with existing and proposed sections of the Oso Parkway. Mr.Bob Payne with the Planning Department briefly discussed implementation of the Oso Parkway Plan. Mr.Payne stated the Oso Parkway Plan was adopted by City Council in 1993 and amended in 1995. The City has acquired over 500 acres of parkland adjacent to Oso Creek and the Cayo del Oso. In addition to public park land,the City has approximately 400 acres of non-parkland located next to the Creek and Cayo. Over 4 miles of the Oso Parkway has been constructed. Construction of existing sections was incorporated in the designs of the Kings Crossings,Lakes,Bear Creek. Bay Trail Phase III is an extension of Bay Trail Phase I and II projects which have provided hike and bike trail improvement on Ocean Drive on campus at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. In addition, Bay Trail Phase III will tie into the existing bikeway improvements under construction as part of Ennis Joslin,Spur 3 Road improvements. Mr.Seiler stated that bicycling in Corpus Christi definitely needs improvement. At the recent Public Technology Transportation National Conference in Atlanta one of the main issues discussed was making streets more bicycle friendly to bicyclists. The goal is to provideareas where people can park their vehicles and ride or walk on the nearby trails. Chairperson Alejandro questioned if Alternative I and II have been assigned costs as Phase III. Mr.Seiler stated not to the extent of the Phase III proposal. Mr. Davenport questioned the purchase of the property from the U.S.Govemment-Navy Branch and its feasibility. Mr.Payne responded that the U.S.Navy has been very receptive and a letter is being addressed as the Committee speaks for confirmation of purchase as an easement. Mr.Ybarra questioned the usage of hike and bike trail by both pedestrians and bicyclists. Mr.Seiler stated that usage is for both parties. f Motion made by Mr.Davenport,seconded by Mr.Foster to endorse project application and to recommend approval of a resolution by the City Council in support of this project Motion passed. B. Staff recommendation to create a City policy and procedure(through ordinance)for approving speed limits less than the State's prima facie 30 mph speed limit on residential streets adjacent to public parks,school grounds and on streets with other special features- Mr. Seiler stated that this is the third presentation of this ordinance addressing local speeding issues within residential areas in the City. Enhance ability to respond to requests for lowering speed limits in warranted residential streets. Mr.Seiler answered in the affirmative to Mr.Ybarra question if the posted 20 mph would be in effect 24 hours a day and enforced. Mr.Seiler further stated that this ordinance will be a citizen requested process,not a pro-active program or a blanket type of application. Mr.Foster questioned the usage of this ordinance as to where it would be used that it is not being used presently. Mr.Seiler stated that the following criteria are established to justify establishing speed limits lower than 30 mph-Streets having cross-sections less than the City's standard 24-ft. paved cross-section, including streets without curb and gutter which entail 90%of the streets presently in the City;streets abutting public parks and playgrounds;streets abutting elementary schools;streets with a horizontal and/or vertical alignment over a substantial portion of the street which precludes safe vehicle operating speeds of 30 mph and streets with a history of speed-related traffic accidents(i.e. Five or more speed related traffic accidents within a consecutive three-year period. Motion made by Mr.Foster,seconded by Mr.Sher to approve speed limits reduction less than the State's prima facie 30 mph speed limit on residential streets adjacent to public parks,school grounds and on streets with other special features. Motion approved. VIII. CONSIDERATION OF REQUESTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES- Committee agreed to remove from future agendas. IX. CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT - Two items - In the summary section of Monthly Traffic Accident Experience Report the accident figures were reversed. Also, Mr. Seiler reported on his attendance at the Public Technology Institute Conference in Atlanta which proved to be very worthwhile and would make the Committee aware of information gathered in the near future. X. ISSUES FOR May 21,2001 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting-Committee rescheduled May 28,2001 regular meeting date to May 21,2001 due to the impending Memorial Day Holiday. XI. PREVIOUS CONCERNS- See attachment XII. NEW CONCERNS-See attachment XIII. ADJOURNMENT-Meeting adjourned at 3:31 p.m. • 0003