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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 03/27/2000 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE .0,0211 MINUTES �A ,.� (Meeting of March 27,2000) p.? �: •pp�� 4\ Members Present �f 11_ n , :firim117 _ 81r v tpei"8t1PIrq Chief Mike McCain - Stuart Sher ` .1;='sF Orlando Noyola Anthony Alejandro , Don Davenport °,� c �1 Members Absent Michele M.Trevino Israel Ybarra Clif Moss CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Alejandro called to order at 1:34 p.m. - II. Approval of"Minutes"- Motion made by Mr. Davenport,seconded by Mr. Sher to approve minutes as presented. Motion passed. III. RECOGNITION OF AUDIENCE/PUBLIC CONCERNS -None - IV. EXPIRATION OF TERMS OF CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS-Chairperson informed the Committee of re-appointments to the Board of Mr. Orlando Noyola and Clif Moss as addressed by the City Secretary office. Both members agreed to serve another term. IV. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT-None V. MONTHLY TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORT(ATTACHMENT"A") -Capt.Tisdale reported that there were five(5)fatalities reported for the month of March,bringing total to nine(9)for the current year. He further stated that the Crime Control District program enforcement program has concluded due to lack of funds with a successful program with over 61 DWI arrests and 4000 traffic moving violations in the two specific areas of school zones and traffic intersections enforcement. The CCPD has been awarded a state grant with City-matched funds for selective traffic enforcement program through the Texas Department of Transportation. Another grant application funded by the federal govemment has advanced through the first step for continued traffic enforcement. Mr.Noyola inquired if speed was a factor in the FM 2444 traffic accident. Capt.Tisdale stated that there were no skid marks to demonstrate speed. Mr. Sher stated that he wanted to commend the Traffic Department in all their enforcement efforts. Capt.Tisdale further stated two(2)additional traffic officers have been assigned to CCPD-Traffic Section which has bolstered traffic enforcement capabilities. Mr.Seiler stated that he, along with Billy Parks,District Engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation, who has jurisdiction over this farm road, did meet last week with residents of the subdivisions adjacent to FM 2444 to discuss issues related to traffic and speed control and rehabilitation of the roadway. Mr. Noyola inquired of Capt.Tisdale on the frequency of speed control and enforcement on this road. Capt.Tisdale stated a traffic officer is regularly assigned for weekly patrol and another officer patrols on a random basis. At the present time,the Police Department is addressing the speeding issue along with other traffic safety issues. VI. MONTHLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE REPORT(February,2000), (ATTACHMENT"B")- Mr.Seiler stated briefly that the traffic accident experience through the month of February is up two(2%)percent. Fatal traffic experience is up 60%. Top 27 High Accident Location have been consistent with three (3) locations showing an increase, those being Saratoga/ Weber; Saratoga/Everhart and Saratoga/Staples which he will discuss with TxDOT. The Staples/SPID intersection remains Number 1 on the list and hopefully with Capt.Tisdale's enforcement,there will be an decrease in accidents at this intersection. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Left turn signal control on Saratoga Boulevard- Mr. Seiler briefly stated that Staff is leaning toward prohibiting permissive left turns on Saratoga Boulevard between Ayers Street and Staples Street and converting these to "protected left turn only" intersections. Mr. Seiler commented that this method has been installed in a few limited locations throughout the City with success of accident reduction. With high speed and growing traffic congestion,and three(3)lanes of traffic,the motorist judgement is impaired. Analysis is now being conducted to determine the route to take and details will be brought back to the Committee for further discussion. If Staff proceeds with this change over, SCANNED ublic information will be spread very aggressively throughout-the City. Both the Police Department and.Texas Department of Transportation are supportive of this proposal. Mr.Sher responded by stating this plan is long overdue and also inquired if Staff would consider converting some of the intersections,i.e., Saratoga/Weber to double left turns t _ to alleviate the"stacking"of traffic during peak hours. Mr.Seiler stated this request is included in the present equation to strive for maximum optimization. B.` [CONTINUING]•Traffic accident experience issues with other Texas cities-The Staff is continuing its research with other Texas cities.-Mr.Seiler stated_that these issues will be continuing until the are resolved. - C. [CONTINUING]-Transportation Advisory Committee safety message. D. [CONTINUING]Southside Retail Area Transportation StudylRamp Reversal Issues-NOTE: With the pending appointments of Transportation Advisory Committee membership,further discussion on this matter is being suspended until the Committee has full membership strength. VIII. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED FOR COMMITTEE APPROVAL OR.REVIEW A. Proposal by the administration of Wilson Elementary School to establish a one-way school zone traffic pattern on Fort Worth Street, from the direction of Peerman Place to Driftwood Place, during certain hours on schooldays only - Mr. Seiler stated that the City of Corpus Christi received a request from the Robert Wilson Elementary School to create a one-way traffic pattern on Fort Worth Street during selected morning and afternoon school hours. The proposed one-way pattern would operate in the southbound direction(from Peerman Place towards Driftwood Place)during the hours of each school day,7:15,am-8:15 am and 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.. Mr. Seiler stated than a survey was circulated with the assistance from Robert Wilson Elementary School and volunteers from the Hamlin.Area Citizen'Advisory Council to the residents of the 500-600.blocks of Peerman, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Bermuda,Williamson, Driftwood and the 900 block of Driftwood. All showed a 50% or better approval rate with the exception of 900 block of Driftwood showing a 23% approval rate. It should also be mentioned that this proposal is being considered in conjunction with one or more requests of these residents of these streets for introduction of traffic'calming devices on or more of these street. Traffic calming devices include speed. humps and access(i.e.,DO NOT ENTER during selected hours)restrictions. Although the decision to introduce speed humps or access restrictions will be made on separate criteria and are not an element of this survey,it should be known that speed humps or access restrictions could receive higher justification based on a determination that a one-way school zone traffic pattem, if implemented,causes an excessive traffic burden on any one street. It is the City's position to support requests for one-way school zones if it is felt that the one-way traffic pattern would improve student safety without a detrimental traffic impact on abutting streets. It is also the City's position to support one-way school zone requests under the condition that a majority of residents on affected streets support the proposal. Ms.Lisa Mock,Principal,Robert Wilson Elementary School-Stated she was speaking on behalf of students and parents. Robert Wilson is one of the largest elementary schools in the district with an enrollment of 650 students and 65 staff members which encompasses one of the largest attendance areas. She stated that the motorists are backed up for blocks,some are double parked,some stop in middle of the street waiting until their child is in the school causing increased congestion,other motorists are making U-turns in the middle of the street. She strongly supports the one- way school zone proposal for safety of both students and parents. Mr.Davenport inquired if the parents will co-operate with the proposed changes? She stated yes. Senior Chief McCain inquired what effect will this change have on Hamlin School traffic. She is hoping to ride the"skirt-tails"of their one-way,as.Robert Wilson's school begins one(1)hour earlier. Mr.Alejandro asked what steps are being taken to alleviate the"problem"parents. Ms.Mock stated that at the present time this situation is non-enforceable,but with good PR,the school will work with the parents and educate them over the summer. Mr.Frank Homer,630 Pasadena,Resident- Believes a one-way would ease congestion and needs to be changed to alleviate traffic congestion. Ms.Charlotte Hutchinson,621 Santa Monica,Resident-Majority of residents are in favor of proposal because it will provide a safer walkway for children. Some of the other residents are concerned with the increased traffic that this change may,bring. Feels speed is the issue during all times of the day. Mr. Davenport inquired if the school zone area could be lengthened? Mr. Seiler stated yes and this has been_in- cooperated in the proposal. Doug Baker,521 Peerman Place, Resident-Thanked Mr. Seiler for his efforts to working with the community in helping solve this problem. He further stated that the problem is real and is afraid that the proposal will be shifting the risk away from the school and placing on the residents door steps. He also stated that a study showed that speed bumps can be installed, but the residents feel that the City should absorb 50% of the costs,rather than the 25% as originally stated due to the increased traffic congestion and speed. • Mr.Davenport asked if a crosswalk could be installed at Peerman Place and Fort Worth? He felt that enhancing the safety of the students was of utmost concern. Ms.Dawn Bissell,resident of Santa Monica suggested to perhaps have the PTA fund a school crossing guard. Mr.Seiler that suggestion would have to be discussed with Chief Alvarez with the Police Department. Mr.Davenport also asked if policy is being established to implement and educate this proposal. Mr. Seiler stated that this will be implemented the last month of school and the school will work this summer on educating the parents.. Ms.Laurie Bybee,613 Williamson Place,Resident-She is opposed to the proposal and very concerned about the increased traffic on Peerman and Pasadena streets and also on Driftwood . She also feels that parents will continue to stop in the middle of the street as they have done before. Mr.Sher inquired about the current figuration on Fort Worth Street? Mr.Seiler stated that Fort Worth is a slightly wider street than a normal residential street. Has a curb side parking lane on each side of the street along with two (2) moving lanes with markings indicating such. Mr.Sher asked what the current accident rate was in light of the present two-way street. Mr. Seiler stated that on residential the rate is marginal. Mr. Sher questioned erecting signage to prevent students from crossing the street in front of other motorists. Mr.Seiler stated that restricted parking could be pursued and implemented if warranted after the school zone proposal goes into effect. Ms.Dawn Bissell,626 Santa Monica,Resident-Could traffic signage be installed to stop motorists from turning left from outside lane? Mr.Seiler stated that Staff would look at the situation after the proposal has been implemented for improvements as warranted. Chairperson Alejandro informed the Committee that Staff did receive two(2)letters of opposition from Mrs.Paul Wemer and Mr.Brian McLaughlin. Motion by Mr.Sher,seconded by Mr.Davenport,to recommend to the City Council for a one-way school zone traffic pattern on Fort Worth Street,from the direction of Peerman Place to Driftwood Place,during certain hours on schooldays only. Motion passed 5 vs 0. B. Recommendation by the Texas Department of Transportation to revise the speed limit on FM 624(Northwest Boulevard)-Mr.Seiler stated that the State after an initial contact from the City of Corpus Christi,conducted a study of the school zone in the area between Wildcat Drive and County Road 69 which includes Calallen High School and as a result proposes to extend the 45 mph zone to the west to include the school zone in the speed limit reduction. Motion was made by Chief McCain,seconded by Mr.Noyola to accept proposal. Motion passed 5 vs 0. IX. CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT-None X. COMMITTEE MEMBER REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS-None Xl. PREVIOUS CONCERNS -Maintain issues on the list. XII. NEW CONCERNS- Side note: Mr. Sher mentioned the newspaper article stating that Pennsylvania in proposing a ban on cellular telephones. Mr.Alejandro read a appreciation letter to the Texas Department of Transportation thanking them for the timely manner in which the State addressed the freeway re-surfacing project. XIII. ADJOURNMENT-Meeting adjourned at 3.25 p.m. 00003