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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 11/27/2000 ' TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEL MINUTES (Meeting of November 27,2000) Members Present Off Moss Anthony Alejandro Stuart Sher Orlando Noyola Robbie Foster MAC Karla Bennett Israel Ybarra Don Davenport CALL TO ORDER-Chairperson Alejandro called to order at 1:33 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF"MINUTES"- Motion made by Mr.Moss,seconded by Mr.Noyola to approve minutes as amended as follows:. On Page 4,minutes should have read"TxDOT local District Office questioned Mr.Moss's making this comment and proceeded in writing to show him how much they prompted City staff to make application in a timely manner". Also on Page 4,should have read Mr.Noyola instead of Mr.Orlando regarding the discussion on Hutsell Avenue. On Page 4, regarding the discussion on Hutsell Avenue,Mr.Foster's comment should have read"...concluded he thought the City..."instead of the word"be". Minutes approved as amended. III. COMMENTS BY CHAIRPERSON andlor VICE-CHAIRPERSON -None IV. MONTHLY TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORT(ATTACHMENT"A") - Capt.Tisdale reported that fatalities 23 and 24.occurred November 18,2000. Fatalities year to date running parallel to last year. A surge had occurred at the beginning of the year, had slowed down,and now is on the same path as last year. V. MONTHLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE REPORT:(October,2000), (ATTACHMENT"B")-Mr.Seiler briefly reported that 794 accidents were reported for the month of September down 4% compared to the same time last year. A down trend is indicated and hopefully will continue through the year. Fatal accidents along with fatalities is down 4%. Confirmed alcohol related accidents of 11 out of 24 equals 46%. Most of the accidents at the top 10 high accident locations are congestion type accidents. Most of the accidents at the Staples/Curtis Clark occur from the traffic congestion occurring at the dead end portion of Curtis Clark. VI. RECOGNITION of AudiencelPublic Concerns not scheduled on Agenda-None. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion on pedestrian-related traffic accidents on the Crosstown Expressway and Padre Island Drive Expressway- Mr.Seiler briefly stated that this pedestrian-related traffic topic is included for discussion at the request of the TAC from prior meetings,following pedestrian related fatalities on expressways in June and August,2000. At this time,Mr.Seiler introduced Ismael Soto with the Texas Department of Transportation District Office. Mr.Soto stated the State has no established guidelines or policies to prevent pedestrians from crossing the expressways. . The expressways are access controlled and the mesh wiring that has been installed on some portions of the expressway median barrier is called a"glare barrier". A memo was published by the State stating that the"glare barriers"are a very high maintenance item. Mr.Soto further stated that he has not performed a study to determine if this fence has contributed to a reduction of pedestrian fatalities especially in the Flour Bluff area of the Padre Island Drive Expressway. Mr. Seiler stated he and Mr. Soto have discussed the matter, but have not discussed the subject to its fullest extent. Also,one or more of the fatal pedestrian accidents occurred within close proximity of a protected intersection crossover on the expressway. Mr.Moss stated that Corpus Christi is the 7th largest City in Texas and asked what are other cities in Texas doing to curtail this problem. We are not trying to re-event the wheel. We are trying to be successful. What are other cities doing to discourage pedestrians from crossing the freeways? Mr. Seiler stated that TxDOT would need to answer those questions with more research. Mr.Moss further stated that Corpus Christi shouldn't be so provincial and just look at Corpus Christ and that we need to look at what other cities are to doing to discourage this practice. Mr. Seiler stated that although he supports the use of SCANNEDmedian glare fences to deter pedestrian crossings, this would have to be a decision of the Texas Department of Transportation as the use of safety and control devices on expressways is exclusively within TxDOT's jurisdiction. Mr. Moss further stated that the City should be concerned about it too. Mr.Seiler stated,the City is,is definitely concerned. Mr.Moss stated that he felt Mr.Seiler's remarks made him think otherwise. He felt Mr.Seiler is passing the buck to the State. Mr.Seiler stated that 001001 he was not and took exception to Mr. Moss's remarks again explaining that the expressway is within the exclusive jurisdiction of TxDOT. Mr.Moss stated"not everywhere". Flour Bluff is not. . Mr.Seiler confirmed that the expressway through Flour Bluff is inclusive. Further,the City of Corpus Christi cannot dictate to the Texas Department of Transportation what to do on the State's expressway and highway systems. There are standard policies and procedures that both the City and State have on its facilities for different types of situations. Following this exchange of comments,Mr.Sher suggested that members ask their friends in other cities or states,what does their city do to prevent pedestrian fatalities or even research the Internet to get some suggestions. SAFETY GRANTS FROM the Texas Department of Transportation-At the time, Mr. Soto introduced Ms.Sherry McElroy, Safety Specialist with the Texas Department of Transportation and commended heron the job she has and is doing in obtaining the grants. Ms.McElroy distributed a circular documenting grants applied for and received plus dollar amount. Ms. McElroy addressed Mr. Moss's concern of motorists failure to use seatbelts. She stated that the Texas Department of Transportation(TxDOT) in conjunction with Driscoll Hospital in working with funds obtained from an educational grant where qualified motorists may obtain car seats for under age children for restraint. Public Service Announcements(PSA's)are also available from the National Highway Safety Administration(NHSA)along with various sources via the Internet. Call her and she will give you the information. Mr.Ybarra asked for a clarification of reporting an unrestrained child in a moving vehicle under the"KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE"program promoted by Driscoll Hospital and TxDOT. Ms. McElroy stated any citizen may call Driscoll or TxDOT with vehicle license plate number and a card will be sent from Driscoll HospitalITxDOT to violator informing them of infraction and alternatives to remedy the situation. Mr.Alejandro inquired on the status of PSA produced for the Transportation Advisory Committee. Mr.Seiler stated that the video was ready to be shown to the Committee. Capt.Tisdale gave a brief update on grants applied and status of each by the CCPD. MAC Bennett inquired regarding punishment for DUI,non seatbelt usage,child restraint usage,etc.,are there any educational programs available to public violators. Capt. Tisdale stated TxDOT does provide information on the penalty range. An enormous amount of educational information was provided,by TxDOT to his officers through Ms.McElroy and her department. Mr.Foster inquired of Capt.Tisdale the criteria for enforcement of posted speed limits. Capt.Tisdale stated that this issue is at the discretion of the CCPD, but typically a citations would not be issued until a motorists is traveling 8-10 mph over the posted limit. Also, not all police vehicles are equipped with radar speed measuring devices. Mr.Ybarra inquired as to the availability of computers for scanning motorists' drivers license in police vehicles. Mr. Moss inquired into the necessity of informing the public(on television broadcasts)as to the locations of planned radar speed patrols. Capt.Tisdale responded that this was the policy of the Police Department at this time. Mr.Soto also brought to the Committee's attention,a program called"Shattered Dreams"presented by TxDOT. This program depicts an"traffic accident with a fatality"and then is followed they next day with a funeral involving all the students at school. Mr.Soto stated that this is a very successful program and the students are very affected by the presentation. The pedestrian PSA produced by the City for the pedestrian safety grant was shown at this time. Discussion of parking needs around the new Federal Courthouse- Mr.Seiler stated briefly that the Federal Courthouse has very limited off-street parking. A parking lot is being built on the north side of the Courthouse with approximately 60 privilege parking spaces for jurors,security,etc. Mr.Sher inquired if parking for the proposed arena has been designated. Mr.Seiler stated this decision will be studied by the City's area consultant. Mr.Alejandro questioned the legality of a business parking their trucks on public streets. Mr.Seiler stated there is a time limit of 48 hours. Ordinance does prohibit from parking on public right-of-way for a period of more than 48 hours. Mr.Moss questioned the number of parking spaces wanted by the Courthouse. Mr.Seiler stated that about 300 parking spaces will be needed in both on and off-street parking. Parking meters will be installed along both Water Street and Belden Street at the rate of$.50 per hour long-term parking for a 10-hour period. TRT Holdings presently owns a vacant lot on the diagonal corner from the new Courthouse that will probably be developed into a pay parking lot and will contain about 105 spaces. Discussion of 2000 Bond Program street project implementation- Mr.Seiler gave a briefing of the 2000 Bond Program street project implementation. Street Improvement projects are itemized along with the projected timeline and with the sales 401 2 tax project timeline. ThE.,,.,,,Ohasis is to complete the projects in a timely mann_.-__possible within the three-year timetable. Many of the projects show to be completed before 2004. The seawall project because of multiple contracts will take the longest to complete. Mr.Ybarra stated that some of the residents voiced concerns about the lack of projects in the Flour Bluff area affecting their decision to vote for the bond projects. Mr.Seiler identified several projects listed for the Flour Bluff area and also identified that the City is working with the Flour Bluff ISD for construction of school sidewalks and street approach widening projects(funded by the bond election)abutting the school. VIII. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED FOR COMMITTEE APPROVAL OR REVIEW A. Recommendation by the Texas Department of Transportation for a speed limit reduction on F.M. Highway 2444 (Staples Street)between the South City Limit and S. H.357(Saratoga Boulevard)-Mr. Seiler stated that TxDOT has evaluated travel speeds on the section of South Staples Street between Saratoga Boulevard and the South City Limits, particularly this section of Staples includes the section of Staples south of Oso Creek for which residents of the King Estates and Country Creek Subdivisions have previously approached the TAC seeking traffic safety enhancements. Two traffic fatalities have occurred in the near vicinity of both subdivisions on this section of Staples. The road is approximately 22-feet in width without stabilized shoulder area and roadside ditches. Around June,2001,TxDOT will be undertaking a rehabilitation project on this latter section of FM 2444 consisting of paving improvements and construction of roadway shoulder area. Motion made by Mr.Foster,seconded by Mr. Davenport to support recommendation for speed limit reduction on F.M. 2444(Staples Street)between the South City Limit and S.H.357(Saratoga Boulevard). Motion passed unanimously. Mr.Sher questioned the speed limits south of the south city limits. Is the present speed limit 65 mph and when was it changed? Mr. Seiler stated that the speed limit was changed approximately a year ago and was not presented to the TAC since this section of the road is out of city limits. B. Review of proposed new, traffic signal improvement projects recommended to be funded by the new 2000 Bond Program-Mr.Seiler briefly stated shows a listing of the top seven(7)intersections for which bids will be received early in January 2001 for the traffic signal improvements using approximately$625,000 to accomplish their installation. The remainder of the$1,000,000 will fund the construction of an additional 3-5 additional new traffic signals most likely during the 2002 calendar year. Mr. Sher asked the number of inquiries for Weber @ Aaron. Mr. Seiler stated that in the past two years maybe 2 complaints have been received. More requests are received for the Weber@Acushnet intersection. Mr.Sher he was concerned with the speed of motorists in this area especially in the evening hours. Mr.Seiler stated that the street improvement project will extend from end of Yorktown(in the Lakes Subdivision)to Weber Road and this in turn will relocate some of the traffic from Cedar Pass Drive,Weber's Glen Subdivision and Aaron Drive. Mr.Ybarra expressed concem of the prevailing speed limit on South Staples and questioned installation of traffic signal at the intersection of Staples @Timbergate and the propensity of severe accidents with the speed limit being 50 mph. Mr.Seiler responded the traffic signals at Staples/Lipes and Staples/Timbergate will result in reduced travel speeds near these intersections. Signal control timings and operation will be based on this speed limit. Mr.Moss inquired about the type of flashing light to be installed,i.e.,Ocean Drive at Del Mar-Cole Park. Mr.Seiler stated this would be pedestrian activated flashers both at and in advance of the crosswalk to alert approaching motorists. CONSIDERATION of requests from Committee Members for Excused Absences- Committee members were reminded of excused and unexcused absences and they must attend more than twenty-five(25)percent of regularly scheduled meetings during a term year. IX. CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT - A. Status of Hutsell Avenue street closing application- Mr.Seiler stated that the planning Commission has not heard the case regarding Hutsell Avenue,opportunity has been afforded,but applicant has asked for an extension to prepare his presentation before the Planning Commission. B. Concern of speed limits on residential streets-Mr.Seiler stated that the prima fade speed limit in Texas is 30 mph, one of the few remaining states. The City refrains from change unless that particular residential street has some characteristics that are unusual. Corpus Christi's streets are basically built with the same criteria and are using the Residential Traffic Management Program to help mitigate some of the concerns for high travel speeds on residential ,OOD03 streets. Streets aujacent to public parks,playgrounds and schools shwi,;' a sufficient criteria for identification speed limit reduction. Staff is beginning to look into bring this issue to the TAC in the future. Other cities will also be surveyed. Mr.Ybarra commented on the limited amount of speed limit signs in residential areas presently and if the speed limit would be changed, how would this be handled? Mr. Seiler responded that as long as the State mandated 30 mph speed limit remains the same on any urban street,a speed limit change, up or down,would necessitate posting of the revised speed limit. Mr.Sher inquired if this was a statewide issue. Mr.Seiler stated he does not know,but has spoken with several traffic engineers statewide and we all feel,that a 30mph speed limit may be too fast for residential streets. Relative to a question about the City's use of speed humps,Mr.Seiler responded that upon receiving complaints from residents,traffic speed studies are taken to determine the 85%speed limit and if studies show vehicles in excess of 400 per day, plus the 85%speed exceeding 30 mph, residential speed humps can be installed. In answer to Mr. Sher's inquiry,Mr.Seiler stated he felt that there was probably not a big push to change the prima facie 30 mph speed limit at this time. X.. COMMITTEE MEMBER ISSUES for FUTURE TAC COMMITTEE MEETINGS-Motion made by Mr. Moss,seconded by Mr. Davenport to dispense with the December,2000 meeting,since meeting date falls on Monday,December 25,2000. Motion passed unanimously. - XI. PREVIOUS CONCERNS-None XII. NEW CONCERNS- Mr.Sher inquired at a midblock pedestrian crosswalk,must motorists stop to yield to pedestrians? Mr. Seiler responded that the responsibility for both pedestrians and motorists at a marked midblock crosswalk is no different than at an intersection marked with crosswalk markings and signage. XII. ADJOURNMENT-Meeting adjoumed at 3:55 p.m. • 00004