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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 11/22/1999 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES (Meeting of November 22, 1999) Members Present Stuart Sher Anthony Alejandro Shelley Krumnow Israel Ybarra Orlando Noyola Clif Moss Members Absent Chief Mike McCain LCDR Harold Palmer I. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order by Chairperson Alejandro at 1:33 p.m. II. Approval of"Minutes" - Motion made by Mr. Moss, seconded by Mr. Ybarra to approve minutes with correction from Mr. Sher. Mr. Noyola inquired about the number of students attending Prescott Elementary not Mr. Sher. Motion passed. III. RECOGNITION OF AUDIENCE/PUBLIC CONCERNS - None IV. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT - None V. MONTHLY TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORT (ATTACHMENT "A") - Capt. Byrd's reported on the fatalities for November, 1999 to be three (3) and a total of twenty-three (23) for the year. VI. MONTHLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE REPORT (October, 1999) (ATTACHMENT "B") - Mr. Seiler briefly stated that for the month of October, total accidents 829 up 2%; alcohol/drug related accidents 25 up 5%; injury accidents 317 up 7%; total injuries 496 up 7%. Total fatal accidents 21 down 32% and total fatalities 23 down 28%. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Presentation by the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning Organization - South Loop Transportation Study - Mr. Ulkarim begin his presentation by explaining that the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is responsible for planning the intermodal transportation needs of the region. Planning for the future involves studies to assess and validate the need. Continuous growth toward the south and the northwest has increased traffic, generated by commuting to and from residential areas to areas of employment and business, on SPID, FM 624, and other arterial streets. The Area Development Plans (ADPs) for London, Southside, and Northwest, adopted by the City, show potential growth in these areas in the future. Improvements of the existing arterial streets and the planned extension of the Crosstown Expressway will provide traffic relief for a short period. On a request from the Texas Department of Transportation, the MPO included the South Loop Transportation Study in its FY 1999 Unified Planning Work Program. The Technical Advisory Committee of the MPO appointed a Technical Subcommittee from the staff of the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas Department of Transportation, and the MPO to perform this study. This Subcommittee began its deliberations in February, 1999. The Technical Subcommittee looked at demographic, traffic and land use development potentials in and around Corpus Christi and their possible impacts on the current transportation infrastructure. The Subcommittee concluded that there is at need for a SAN N loopconnection from the south side of the citytoward northwest and north to VVU relief to 1-37, SPUD, and Crosstown Expressway. This study is an exploratory study identifying the need for a loop providing relief to SPID, the Crosstown Expressway, FM 624, and other arterial streets within the urbanized area of the city. A feasibility study and a detailed engineering study would have to be conducted by interested parties for a proper location and right-of-way reservation for the future south loop. Mr. Seiler gave a brief discussion of The South Loop Study showing the present Traffic Flow Patterns and Major Employment Centers and the proposed South Loop Transportation Corridor. Mr. Seiler explained a need for a follow-up study to identify specific alignment of the loop, at a cost of approximately $500,000. The proposed location is approximately 5 miles south of SPID in the southside area, a distance which is typical for separation of expressway facilities. Also, Mr. Seiler explained the reason for the more precise location of the loop through the Tuloso-Midway area. There is more dynamic subdivision development occurring which frees the need to establish a refined location. Mr. Seiler also explained the planned CR 52 Extension related to the planned Loop. the MPO for possible construction in the year 2003. Mr. Noyola inquired about the development of Yorktown Boulevard to FM43. Mr. Seiler stated that this stretch needs to be constructed soon and will probably be in the City's next proposed bond issue. In response to Mr. Moss's statement that Corpus Christi seems to be on the short end of the stick due to its size compared to other Texas cities when it comes to funding, Mr. Seiler stated that the City has been unable to financially support a new street bond issue during the past several years, but is proposing an approximate $50 million issue in year 2000. Mr. Alejandro closed by saying the South Loop appears to be a very important project which needs continued effort. B. Continued discussion regarding the consideration of restrictions for uses of cellular phones by motorists - Mr. John Burke with the City's Legal Department addressed the Committee stating that research revealed that nothing was pending by the Federal or State governments restricting usage of cellular phones by motorists. TAC members discussed various suggestions in alerting motorists of safety messages while driving and using a cellular phone. Suggestions included utilizing the present 10 - 15 signs presently erected throughout the city. Suggestions included: Hang Up and Drive; Illustration of Phone Crossed Out. Mr. Seiler stated he will bring a list of presentation locations to next meeting for additional discussion. Mr. Moss made motion, seconded by Ms. Krumnow to indefinitely table the cellular phone issue pending further development. Motion passed. C. Southside Retail Area Transportation Study/Ramp Reversal Considerations -This discussion item will be continued in the December, 1999 meeting. D. Traffic light synchronization and lane markings-A workshop on this subject is being planned for January, 2000. VIII. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED FOR COMMITTEE APPROVAL OR REVIEW A. None IX. CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT A. Prescott Elementary School-One-Way Street Issue-Will be acted on in December, 1999 for Council presentation. X. COMMITTEE MEMBER REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS - Next monthly meeting will be held on Monday, December 27, 1999. XI. PREVIOUS CONCERNS - Mr. Noyola inquired about the obstruction at the intersection at Moon Lake Ridge and Gold Ridge. Ms. Bailey stated that Construction Inspector Wishert investigated and found resident to be in violation; letters weresent to resident to remedy situation. 000n2 XII. NEW CONCERNS - None XIII. ADJOURNMENT - Meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. 00003-