Executive Summary
The meeting convened at 2:30 p.m.
a. Report
on Multi-Modal Intersection Level of Service Policy
The Committee accepted the staff report.
b. Report
on Crash Reduction Programs
The Committee accepted the staff report.
c. Review
of Traffic Calming Project Priorities and Criteria
The Committee is
comfortable with handling requests for Basic and Level I or II traffic calming
studies on a first in first out basis, with safety conditions and schools being
moved to the top of the list. Traffic
Calming studies for Strong Neighborhood Initiatives, Development Review and
Capital Projects would be on separate schedules.
d. Oral Petitions
None
e. Adjournment
The
Committee adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
CHUCK REED, CHAIR
Traffic Calming Advisory Committee
Meeting Report
PRESENT: Chair Chuck Reed, Vice Chair Ken Yeager, Council Member David Cortese, Council Member Linda J. LeZotte
STAFF: Jim Holgersson, Wayne Tanda, Jim Helmer
The meeting convened at 2:00 p.m.
a. Report on Multi-Modal Intersection Level of Service Policy
Harry Freitas, Senior Civil Engineer, Department of Transportation, gave a presentation on Multi-modal Intersection Level of Service Policy (See Attachment 1).
Council Member Cortese raised the thought of doing away with individual policies and having one comprehensive policy. Kent Edens, Deputy Director, Planning Building and Code Enforcement, said that there are some areas with specific issues that would be challenging and difficult to cover with a one-size-fits-all policy.
Vice Chair Ken Yeager said he would not call it progress to move the standard from D to E to conform with VTA and regional policy and is not enthusiastic about doing so. The other committee members agreed.
Chair Reed asked how much of the amended areas would be covered in the General Plan and Harry Freitas answered that the General Plan currently allows area development policies which are adopted by Council on a case by case basis. Kent Edens added that they are initiated in the General Plan process but the actual policies can be adopted and modified outside of the process. They are not proposing to change the things that require General Plan level action.
The Committee accepted the staff report.
b. Report on Crash Reduction Programs
Jim Helmer, Deputy Director, Department of Transportation, and Lt. Richard Fairhurst, Police Department, gave a presentation on Crash Reduction Programs (See Attachment 2). Jim Helmer also distributed a handout of bicycle and pedestrian related crashes (monthly totals) that are reviewed by the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (See Attachment 3).
Council Member LeZotte asked if there was a way to document the types of vehicles involved in accidents, particularly SUV’s. Lt. Richard Fairhurst said that vehicles are described as passenger cars, motorcycles, etc., but are not categorized specifically.
The Committee
accepted the staff report.
c. Review of Traffic Calming Project Priorities and Criteria
Wayne Tanda, Director, Department of Transportation, discussed Traffic Calming Project Priorities and Criteria (See Attachment 4). He explained that his department handles Traffic Calming requests in the order that they are received, but they will accelerate those that are unique, like safety issues. It was agreed that dangerous conditions and schools should be top priority. Chair Reed recommended that each Council Member prioritize their requests. Council Member LeZotte asked about dangerous situations that might arise while measures are being planned with the community, and Wayne Tanda answered that the department will take the necessary actions to improve safety.
Council Member Cortese asked if the system will work in such a way that the department will come forward to request funds during the budget period. Wayne Tanda answered that his intent would be to report performance several times a year, and certainly during the budget process, and would like to tie in results with budget decisions.
The Committee is comfortable with handling
requests for Basic and Level I or II traffic calming studies on a first in
first out basis, with safety conditions and schools being moved to the top of
the list. Traffic Calming studies for
Strong Neighborhood Initiatives, Development Review and Capital Projects would
be on separate schedules.
d. Oral Petitions
None
e. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
CHUCK REED, CHAIR
Traffic Calming Advisory Committee