HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 09/27/1999 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMI' ;TEE
MINUTES
(Meeting of September 27, 1999)
Members Present
Stuart Sher Anthony Alejandro
LCDR Harold Palmer Israel Ybarra
Orlando Noyola Calif Moss
Members Absent
Chief Michael W. McCain Ray Mims
Shelley Krumnow
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order by Chairperson Alejandro at 1:40 p.m.
II. Approval of "Minutes" - April 26, 1999 and July 26, 1999 - Motion made by Mr. Moss,
seconded by Mr. Ybarra(with the following correction to minutes of July 26, 1999. Should have
read: effective 9/1/99, children under the age of 15, riding in front and rear seats must be
restrained. Motion passed.
III. RECOGNITION OF AUDIENCE/PUBLIC CONCERNS - Ms. Sue Vickers along with residents
from the Kings Estates and Country Creek Subdivisions (abutting FM 2444 - South Staples)
approached the Committee with their concern to the recent traffic fatality for roadway safety
on FM 2444. Their specific concerns are the speed limit on FM2444 up to the City Limit is 70
mph, then drops down to 55 mph within:the City Limits. The neighborhood group is requesting
a speed limit of 55 mph from the City Limits to SH 286.
Also, FM 2444 is without roadway shoulders and is an unforgiving street to any errant, high
speed traffic movements off of the road surface. The neighborhood group is requesting
installation of roadside shoulders on FM 2444 outside and within the City Limits, north to the
Oso Creek bridge. A request for "All-Way" STOP control at the intersection of FM2444 with
South Oso Parkway Drive, a plea for increased speed enforcement, and a reduction of the
advisory speed for the horizontal curve just south of the Oso Creek bridge. The possibility of
a blinking caution light at the subdivision entrances of FM2444 was also mentioned.
IV. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT- None
V. MONTHLY TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORT(ATTACHMENT "A") - Mr. Seiler gave the Fatality
Report in Capt Byrd's absence reporting that 18 fatalities have been recorded as of 9/26/99.
At this time, last year there were 28 recorded fatalities.
•VI. MONTHLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE REPORT(August 1999)(ATTACHMENT "B")
-.Mr. Seiler briefly stated that for the month of August,total accidents 761 up 2%; alcohol/drug
related accidents 29 up 8%; injury accidents 292 up 9%; total injuries 498 up 11%.
VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Southside Area Transportation Study/Ramp Reversals - Mr. Seiler stated upon
request from a Transportation Advisory Committee member for education and possible
recommendation to the City Council. This enclosed information provides the background
for the Southside Retail Area Transportation as a study guide for the area between Ayers
Street and Airline Road. The Executive Summary provides more detailed information for
ramp reversals. Mr. Seiler further stated that he would like to devote a full meeting to
further explanation of-this study. Ramp reversals would relieve most of the congestion
now occurring on the freeway. "j ti
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SCANNED
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B. Considerkkcion of restrictions for uses of cellulL_-r?hone by motorists - Mr. Moss
recommends that the Transportation Advisory Committee have Staff study the feasibility
of passing an ordinance to prohibit the usage of cellular phone by motorists when driving
After further discussion, Committee asked that more data and information be gathered
in regards to legality and enforcement issues and be brought back to the Committee for
further discussion.
C. Traffic light synchronization and lane markings - Mr. Moss stated that he feels that
the lane markings needed to be upgraded and with the highly sophisticated equipment
that Street Services has available, traffic signals should be monitored more closely. The
Committee also requested that staff from Street Services give a presentation on this latest
equipment available to the motorists of Corpus Christi.
D. Environmental Protection Agency rulings impacting State funding for street paving
operations- Mr. Seiler stated that he would approach Ron Barnard, Air Quality
Specialist,with the City of Corpus Christi to speak before the Committee and discuss any
impacting State funding available towards street paving operations.
VIII. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED FOR COMMITTEE APPROVAL OR REVIEW
A. Consideration of a recommendation by Calk Elementary School to establish a one-
way traffic pattern on Marie Street during school hours -The PTA and school officials
have been working with the City sometime, for street improvements to relieve congestion
due to increased attendance. Streets are unable to be widened, due to Lincoln Park is
on one side and the school is located on the other side. A petition was circulated by PTA
members to affected property owners on both North and South of Gollihar and McArdle
and the subdivision is heavily in favor of the one-way traffic pattern. Motion made by
Mr. Moss, seconded by LCDR Palmer to approve the recommendation. Motion
passed 6 vs 0.
B. Consideration of a recommendation by Kostoryz Elementary School to establish a
one-way school zone traffic pattern on Panama Drive, during morning and
afternoon school hours-Administration of the Kostoryz Elementary School approached
the City with congestion concerns at the school. The one-way traffic pattern on Panama
Drive on the west-most leg of Carroll Lane as illustrated will be affected. The PTA was
also involved in circulating petition and over two-thirds of the residents support the one-
way school zone. Ms. Pamela Wright, Assistant Principal reiterated the concerns of both
the school staff and residents. Motion made by Mr. Moss, seconded by Mr. Sher to
approve recommendation. Motion passed 6 vs 0.
C. Consideration of a Staff recommendation(based on a request from residents of Yale
Street)to close a section of Vestal Drive between Yale Street and Sherman Street -
Mr. Seiler briefly stated that 13 of 17 residents on the 2100 of Yale Street surveyed favor
the proposed actions. The remaining four did not respond to the survey. 9 of 10
residents on .the 2100 block of Sherman Street favor the proposed actions. The
remaining one resident (located at the intersection of Vestal at Sherman) was largely
supportive of the proposal, but was apprehensive about the traffic problem transferring
to Sherman Street,however, since the interim barricading measure was installed resident
has since changed her mind. Staff is recommending permanent street closing of Vestal
Street (without abandoning the street right-of-way). Motion was made by Mr. Sher,
seconded by Mr. Moss to approve recommendation and forward to City Council.
Motion approved.
IX. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT
A. Vision Obstruction/Passage Obstruction Ordinance Revisions- Passed City Council
on second reading during Council meeting of September 21, 1999.
B. Alameda Street Hospital Zone - On City Council Agenda for September 28, 1999 for
approval in reduction of street length and time. _
C. Pedestrian Safety Grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) -
City Staff was notified as recipient of Pedestrian Safety Grant from the Texas DeptW,
of Transportation ($10,000 - $12,000).
X. COMMITTEE M6m.L1ER REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEM& ..ext monthly meeting will be held
on Monday, October 25, 1999
XI. PREVIOUS CONCERNS - Reviewed, see attached.
XII. NEW CONCERNS - None
XIII. ADJOURNMENT - Meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
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