Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 02/26/2001 `> TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ,\ • MINUTES I 4f,) PAR 2001 ‘ (Meeting of February 26,2001) r Ia a �, FT/En N Members Present SE =ff•;iS. 4' ew OFFICE Clif Moss Stuart Sher Orlando Noyola , Robbie Foster MAC Karla Bennett Israel Ybarra Don Davenport Grace Marie Gonzales Members Absent Anthony Alejandro CALL TO ORDER-In the absence of Chairperson Alejandro,Vice-Chairperson Sher called meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Mr. Sher called members attention to the Agenda Addendum. II. APPROVAL OF"MINUTES"- Chairperson called for approval of monthly meeting of January 22,2001. Mr. Moss made motion,seconded to approve as presented. Chairperson Sher clarified comment in Item XI, stating that he agreed with Mr. Moss's comment that the signals along the Weber/Ocean Drive corridor are not always working properly,but did not agree with Mr.Moss statement that"someone is not doing there job." Motion passed. III. COMMENTS BY CHAIRPERSON and/or VICE-CHAIRPERSON -Vice-Chairperson Sher welcomed new Committee member Grace Marie Gonzalez aboard and thanked Ms.Gonzalez for volunteering to serve on the Committee. IV. MONTHLY TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORT(ATTACHMENT"A") - Capt.Tisdale announced to the Committee that there were no fatalities for the month of February, 2001 to-date. Significant action has been taken in the following areas: along the Saratoga Corridor and South Padre Island Drive intersection, control grants are in force,and school zones are being monitored on a daily basis by motorcycle officers. At the intersection of Staples(FM 2444)/Lipes temporary yellow flashing signal has been installed and CCPD has stepped up speed enforcement in conjunction with TxDOT,CCPD and the Traffic Engineering Division. Mr.Moss inquired how long before the Staples/Lipes traffic signal installation? Mr.Seiler stated installation would occur in about 5-6 months. Capt.Tisdale further stated that this intersection is being monitored very carefully for violators. Mr.Moss stated he wanted to compliment all those involved in traffic safety. In response to Mr. Noyola's inquiry,Capt.Tisdale stated that the accident of January 20,2001 is still under investigation. V. MONTHLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE REPORT(January,2001), (ATTACHMENT"B")- Mr Seiler stated total accidents for January,2001 totaled 680,down 14%;Alcohol/Drug related accidents total 21,down 13%; Injury Accidents total 242,down 13%;Total Injuries 412,down 11%, Fatal Accidents,2,down 50%and Fatalities,2 down 50%. Top ten accident location includes Everhart/SPID with 11 accidents for January, 2001 showing a 267% increase in accidents, followed by Airline/SPID, Saratoga/Staples, Staples/SPID and Ayers/Horne, Ayers/SPID; Saratoga/Weber; Waldron/SPID; Alameda/Doddridge;and Ayers/Santa Fe. At this time,Mr.Seiler introduced Andy Leal,Street Superintendent;Tony Salinas,Traffic Signals Supervisor and Jose Navarrjo, Traffic Signal Division. Traffic Signal personnel expedited the installation of a temporary flashing beacon at Staples/Lipes. Mr.Ybarra inquired if ramp reversal will reduce accidents at the expressway intersections. Personally,Mr.Seiler answered yes. It would ease some of the congestion through the intersections and increase the level of service. Mr.Moss stated that he and Mr.McComb were the only two council members supporting the project at the time that Council previously acted on a ramp reversal proposal in 1990.The Padre Staples Mall owners and tenants were opposed. Mr.Seiler further stated that the support of community is vital for a project of this type. Mr.Soto with TxDOT stated that the longer this project is delayed,the project will be more costly and difficult to accomplish. Project needs to be accomplished in the very near future. Mr.Foster stated that the exit ramps are too short causing motorists to exit at a fast speed. Ayers/Kostoryz has a full off ramp, as an example. Can the other ramps be constructed as Ayers/Kostoryz? Mr.Soto stated it would be a difficult installation and scANNEDand speed needs to be lowered. Mr. Sher asked the pleasure of the Committee in pursuing ramp reversals. Mr. Noyola asked that the Staff provide recommendations and scenarios that would work. Mr. Sher suggested a video of traffic congestion be provided for the . r. nn4 Committee regarding ramp traffic and suggestions to alleviate existing traffic problems. In response to Mr.Foster's inquiry of who is responsible for speeders exiting off ramp, Capt.Tisdale stated that the Corpus Christi Police Department has that responsibility. Mr.Seiler added this is a very difficult location to enforce. Mr.Seiler suggested giving Staff opportunity to work with TxDOT in locating opportunities for funding,and why ramp reversal has an positive effect. Two-three months is requested for a meaningful presentation. Mr.Foster asked that lane expansion also be included in this study.Mr.Seiler stated that Mr.Soto would be needed to help address this issue. Mr.Moss asked for a speedier presentation. Mr.Seiler replied that presently,Staffs"plate is full". Capt.Tisdale said the Master Transportation Plan needs to be studied and that personnel presently, is"maxed"to capacity. Mr.Sher further stated that Staff needs State input also, to ascertain if this project can be a reality. Mr.Soto stated that funding for a project of this type would probably not be available for the next five(5)years. • In response to Mr.Moss inquiry,Mr.Soto stated that the Crosstown Interchange to Holly Road will be completed in three(3) years from ground-breaking with bid-letting in May,2001. Mr. Sher complimented Mr. Seiler on the well-done comprehensive 2000 Traffic Accident Location Report included in this month's TAC package. VI. RECOGNITION of AudiencelPublic Concerns not scheduled on Agenda-None. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Possible discussion on traffic management concerns on Monette Drive in the vicinity of King High School- Mr.Joe Gaitan, 1005 Monette Drive presented a petition to the Committee outlining traffic problems on the 1000 block of Monette Street created by faculty and parents using Monette Drive to enter school property instead of Mustang Trail and Gollihar Road. Residents are asking for advise from the Committee. The Committee suggested that the residents re-approach the Principal at King High School as the City has no legal authority to regulate"gating"of driveways. B. Representatives of the City's Traffic Signal Division have been invited to respond to any Committee member's inquiries regarding the City's traffic signal systems - Mr. Moss inquired if traffic sensitive signals can be installed at the intersection of IH 37/Shoreline to alleviate congestion especially during events in this area? Other concerns are Doddridge/VVeber and Airline/Ocean Drive. Mr. Salinas advised Mr. Moss that traffic activated signals and video cameras have been installed and are traffic sensitive at the IH 37/Shoreline intersection. The other intersections will also be observed. Another concern of Mr. Moss's is Staples Street from Leopard Street to Six Points. Mr.Salinas advised Mr.Moss that Staples Street from Leopard Street to Holly Road has four(4)different light systems independent of each other and every effort is made to have them work in unison. Mr.Noyola stated that the traffic light sequence is"off'at Wooldridge/Rodd Field and Holly Road/Rodd Field around 6:15 a.m. Mr. Davenport reported that the traffic light sequence needs to be check at SPID/Airline Road around 6:15 a.m.on weekday mornings. Mr.Seiler stated that Mr.Soto with TxDOT will report this signal to maintenance. Mr.Sher questioned the variable of the new Federal Courthouse at IH 37/Shoreline and what effect it will have on the proposal to create a free-flow travel lane on northbound Shoreline. Mr. Seiler indicated the frequency of pedestrian activity may render a free-flow lane less effective. Capt.Tisdale stated the various entertainment facilities will compound the traffic control problems when combined with the special events such as Bayfest and the Concrete Street Amphitheater being at the same approximate location and use the same arterial routes. Mr. Seiler stated that with the expansion of the convention area,and the proposed arena project, currently under study by a consultant to study traffic patterns, etc. the Mayor has appointed a Steering Committee to overlook the traffic issues concerning this expansion project. C. Preliminary discussion item. Possible interest on the part of the Transportation Advisory Committee to create a lower speed limit on residential streets adjacent to public parks and school grounds-Mr.Seiler stated that the City's Traffic Engineering Division is in receipt of a request to consider an amendment to its "Residential Traffic Management Program"to include the assignment of lower speed limits on streets adjacent to public parks and playgrounds. The State mandates 30 mph prima facie speed limit on all urban streets. Local ordinances may be enacted to increase, 00002 or decrease the speed limit on any streets. Residential streets form approximately 75%of street mileage(800 miles) in the City limits and would require an excessive number of speed limit signs. Possible conditions justifying a speed limit lower than 30 mph include: (1) Streets having cross-sections less than the City's standard 28-ft.cross-section. including streets without curb-and-gutter, (2)streets abutting public parks and playgrounds and(3)streets abutting elementary schools. A speed limit reduction to 25 or 20 mph,of any amount on a residential street can be viewed as increasing residential traffic safety. Most motorists will travel at a speed they feel to be prudent and safe for the surrounding conditions. In addition, public acknowledgment of the reasons for lower speed limits on residential streets may result in an improved expectation of those special conditions. Lowering speed limits on residential streets would be intended to have a negligible impact on speed enforcement in residential areas by the Police Department. Mr. Moss suggested consolidating small parks into larger parks with qualification on conditions and criteria. Mr. Davenport inquired the percentage of calls received from the public requesting residential speed limit reduction. He favors speed reduction around middle schools. Mr.Ybarra questioned the installation of park signage installation at the South Sea Park. Mr.Seiler advised that the Traffic Engineering Department installs advance warning signs for parks. Mr.Foster stated his opinion that lowering speed limit and installing signage will not slow down speeders. Motion made by Mr.Davenport,seconded by Mr.Moss to consider suggestions and return with more information next month's meeting. D. Preliminary discussion on use of cellular phones by motorists while driving - Mr. Moss stated that due to an injury received from improper wiring of his cellular phone,that he favors restrictions of"hands-free"cellular phones. Questions asked: MAC Bennett-Percentage of drivers admitting using cellular phones. Mr.Ybarra-Liability of out-of- town residents; Mr. Davenport-number of States with cellular phone ordinances. Mr. Foster stated concerns about enforcement of ordinance. Mr.Moss-Only recommendation can be made to City Council by the Committee. Mr.Ybarra suggested drafting ordinance referring to article published in the Caller-Times. Mr. Seiler suggested research be conducted by Staff and Committee members on Internet and bring to a future meeting. VIII. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED FOR COMMITTEE APPROVAL OR REVIEW A. Recommendation to establish a one-way school zone on Palmira Drive from the direction of Almeria Drive to Encantada Drive, during the school hours of 7:00 AM-8:30 AM and 2:00 PM-3:00 PM. Palmira Drive is a residential street abutting the Seashore Learning Center,a charter elementary school within the Padre Isles area- Mr.Seiler stated that the Administration of Seaside Learning Center contacted City for one-way school zone for improvement of safety. Motion made by Mr. Noyola, seconded by Mr. Davenport to recommend one-way school zone. Motion passed unanimously. B. Recommendation to establish roadside parking restrictions, at all times, along both side of West Broadway Street, between Padre Street and Sam Rankin Street-City's CCPD, Traffic Engineering Department,TxDOT and the RTA have been involved in having discussions with the Concrete Street management with traffic control plan and street closures for limited times and parking restrictions. Field investigations revealed no demand for on-street parking. Motion made by Mr. Davenport, seconded by Mr. Moss to restrict roadside parking on West Broadway Street. In response to Mr. Moss's and Mr. Noyola's questions, there is no opposition to restrict parking. Motion passed unanimously. IX. CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT-None 10 0fi 3 XI. Consideration of Requests from Committee Members for Excused Absences X. ISSUES FOR March 26,2001 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting XII. NEW CONCERNS-Mr. Davenport-Why is school signage still up on Kostoryz Road? Mr. Seiler stated that this was an oversight and the signs will be removed. Capt.Tisdale-Police vehicle equipment. Mr.Davenport-Cost of each package? Capt.Tisdale responded$ 1,000 to$1700 per vehicle depending on model and use. Mr.Davenport inquired how does the TAC inform the City Council? Mr.Seiler suggested a resolution by TAC be forwarded to Council for traffic enforcement and public safety. Mr. Davenport-How many vehicles does the CCPD need for enforcement? Capt.Tisdale stated five(5)vehicles. Committee suggested bringing back to next month's meeting with facts,figures and percentages. XI PREVIOUS CONCERNS- None XIV. ADJOURNMENT-Meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. 00004