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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-2006 Traffic Safety Commission AgendaCITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Special Meeting AGENDA DATE: August 24, 2006 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Senior Center Adult Day Care Room 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Guichard, and Kane Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on August 18, 2006. Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. Approval of Draft Minutes Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for August 10, 2006 Oral &t Written Communication Any member of the public may address the Commission about any matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may not comment on the matter but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda Old Business 1. Traffic Matrix # 111 Issue: Discuss implementation of an alternative traffic calming solution on Pierce Road Action: TSC will review and make recommendation New Business None Announcements by Commissioners and Staff Adjournment to Next Regular Meeting Thursday, November 9, 2006 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability - related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 408.868.1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Kristin Borel, Administrative Analyst for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on July 13, 2006, at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us. CITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Draft Action Minutes DATE: August 10, 2006 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Saratoga Senior Center Adult Day Care Room 19655 Allendale, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order - Meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m. Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Kane, Guichard Absent: Commissioners Biester and Kane Staff: Director Cherbone, Analyst Borel and Traffic Engineer Rashid Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on August 4, 2006. - Borel Reports on Posting Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. - No Additions Oral & Written Communication Any member of the public may address the Commission about any matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may not comment on the matter but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. - 3 Speakers Approval of Draft Minutes Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for February 9, 2006 - Approved 3 -0 Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for July 20, 2006 - Approved 3 -0 Old Business 1. Traffic Matrix #96 - Pam Roper Issue: Review implementation of Speed Lumps on Three Oaks Way Action: TSC will review and make recommendation if necessary MOTION: Have Traffic Engineer take new speed data after September 15`h and report results at the November 9`h meeting. APPROVED 3 -0 2. Removal of Pierce Road speed bumps until an alternate solution is determined at the August 24, 2006 TSC meeting Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Remove center set of bumps, place radar trailer in both directions, take speed data, have regular directed enforcement, and consider feedback from neighbors. APPROVED 3 -0 New Business 3. Traffic Matrix # 150- Nancy Kirk Issue: Requests signal or 4 way stop at Big Basin and 4th Street Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Take no action at this time, warrents not met. APPROVED 3 -0 4. Traffic Matrix # 151- Ramin Naimi Issue: Requests Wardell be closed to vehicles and open only to pedestrian traffic Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Direct staff to look at grant funding for a pedestrian bridge, and place on a future CIP list. Direct enforcement at Carniel and Wardell. APPROVED 3 -0 5.. Traffic Matrix # 152- Christy Koz Issue: Speeding on Purdue Lane Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Place a white stripe buffer zone on corner with reflectors as designed by the Traffic Engineer. APPROVED 3 -0 6. Traffic Matrix # 153 - Ursula Anderson Issue: Requests return of left turn pocket for drivers making left hand turn from Kirkmont onto Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Take no action at this time. APPROVED 3 -0 7. Traffic Matrix # 155 - Scott Whitman Issue: Several traffic concerns around Saratoga High School Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Take no action at this time. Explain previous actions of TSC to petitioner. APPROVED 3 -0 8. Traffic Matrix # 162 - Paul Ginouves Issue: Speeding on 6th Street Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Direct enforcement on 6`h Est St. Charles, install speed limit signs on 6`h, and take new speed data in October and report back at November 9th meeting. APPROVED 3 -0 9. Traffic Matrix # 161- Mehdi Eslami Issue: Speeding on Martha near Kevin Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Place striping and reflectors on corner of Kevin and Martha. APPROVED 3 -0 11. Traffic Matrix # 156 - Lynn & Joe Pinto Issue: Speeding on Glen Brae Drive between Scotland and Beaumont Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Traffic Engineer will design channels in several locations to slow traffic, and City will notify neighbors. APPROVED 3 -0 12. Traffic Matrix # 163 - Bob Wallace Issue: Speeding at curve on Pierce Road at Foothill Lane Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Take no action at this time. Wait until August 24`h Pierce Road speed bump meeting. APPROVED 3 -0 MOTION • To review the remainingitems (Items 13 -17) as a single topic and review together. APPROVED 3 -0 13, Traffic Matrix # 154 - Brian Frank, Dorothy Terrill . Issue: Speeding on Pierce Road between Surry & Houston. Requests "Children at Play" signs. Action: TSC will make recommendation 14. Traffic Matrix # 157 - KiranBhatia Issue: Would like mirror placed on pole to assist with making a left on blind curve on Pierce Action: TSC will make recommendation . 15. Traffic Matrix # 158 - Joe Bagliere Issue: Speeding Pierce between Pike and Sarahills on Pierce, and request guardrail at creek crossing Action: TSC will make recommendation 16. Traffic Matrix # 160 - Dan Eastman Issue: Speeding on Pierce Road between Pike and Vista Regina Action: TSC will make recommendation 17. Traffic Matrix # 159 - Donna Guldimann, Mary Feinstein Issue: Curves on Pierce Road at bridge creek crossings are dangerous due to speeding and narrow lanes Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: (Items 13 -17) Direct staff to draft a letter to the Post Office recommending that mailboxes be placed on both sides of the road to reduce crossings. APPROVED 3 -0 MOTION: (Items 13 -17) Direct Traffic Engineer to develop a comprehensive analysis of all of Pierce Road and to present the analysis at the November 9 meeting. APPROVED 3 -0 Announcements by Commissioners and Staff None Adjournment at 10:25 p.m. to the Special Meeting Thursday, August 24, 2006 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability - related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 408.868.1269 or ctclerk @sarato ag ca.us Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Kristin Borel, Administrative Analyst for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on August 4, 2006, at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us. Kristin Borel From: yvonne21 @comcast.net Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 4:30 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: speed bumps. humps, lumps Dear Kristen, My husband and I would like to voice our objection to the speed bumps on Pierce Road. While removing the middle one has helped, we still find it very hateful to have to navigate the bumps. It is very jarring, and if you are not feeling well it is even worse. One really needs to practically stop if one doesn't want to get jarred too much, as 15 mph is still too fast. They are most objectionable to us. While we understand the desire to control the speed on Pierce Road (as well as elsewhere), hopefully more police patrols and the speed monitors that you have now installed will help. I also believe that traffic has probably been somewhat diverted to other side streets by people, to avoid the bumps. We have lived in Saratoga, on Pike Road, for the last 30 years. While recognizing that Pierce Road has become extremely busy, it was the City that approved all the housing in the hills and greatly increased the density, so this had to be the outcome. However, subjecting all of the residents of this community and area to these bumps I think is unfair. Sincerely, John and Yvonne Zavoshy Pike Road, Saratoga ' Kristin Borel From: bcheng @saratoga.ca. us ;ent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 3:41 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: FW: Question Comment from the Public - - - -- Original Message---- - From: [mailto:meggieparis @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 3:21 PM To: bcheng @saratoga.ca.us Subject: Question Comment from the Public Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by (meggieparis @yahoo.com) on Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 18:21:18 --------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- Name: mary paris telephone#: 356 -7935 Type: Request .dmin: checkbox Comments /Questions: I use Pierce road every day, as do my friends, sometimes with a horse trailer. The speed bumps are unnecessary, overkill for that road and dangerous to horses being hauled. Also I have observed people speeding up between the bumps, which surely makes a more dangerous condition for residents. Removal of the middle bump is an improvement, but all should be removed. The electronic reminder to slow down is helpful. submit: Submit Form This is a response for the Transportation Committee dealing with the traffic issues on Pierce Road. We live off of Pierce Rd. between Pike Rd and Mt. Eden Rd. We feel that there are issues to be dealt with that seem to us to be of more concern than the speed of traffic on the flat section of Pierce near Saratoga — Sunnyvale Rd. The section that we feel is most dangerous is between Pike Rd and Old Oak Way. It is narrow, curvey, shady, and has poor visibility. Between Old Oak Way and the new bridge there are a couple of telephone poles very close to the road which limits the space even more when you are being squeezed by a truck. Our concern is that with the unmonitored growth of new homes and remodels in the hills off of Pierce Rd. there is truck traffic at a rate that the road was never built to handle. Large delivery trucks and cement trucks are common all day long. The bridge has been widened ( at Sara Hills Rd) , which is in the middle of the area mentioned in paragraph one as our section of concern. Before and after the bridge are curves which require drivers to slow down, but with the width at the bridge they have a false sense of road width. Trucks, especially, go into the curves too fast and over the mid -line. One possible solution would be to improve and open Quarry Road, which could then connect to Mt. Eden Road. This would be a more direct route for anyone going further up Mt. Eden Road, and lessen the volume on Pierce Rd. We hope that you address the dangers on Pierce Rd that seem to be us more serious than on the flat section. For the record, we are very much opposed to the speed bumps, which slows the whole section down to 20 mph. Donna Guldimann 21891 Via Regina Saratoga August 16, 2006 Till Guldimann 21891 Via Regina Saratoga Page 1 of 2 Kristin Borel From: Ann Copenhagen [acopenhagen @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 12:42 PM To: Kristin Bore]; Norm Kline; Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Kathleen King; Nick Streit Subject: Displeasure with Speed Bumps Saratoga City Council Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission The decision to install the speed lumps which impact the daily lives of hundreds of families living up and off Pierce Road was never presented to the bulk of those residents. I understand that an arbitrary number of homes were initially notified. I was not one of them and neither were my neighbors. Once installed and decidedly disliked, you continued to muffle the opinions of those residents. Prior to the meeting held August 10th my home received a personal phone call from a city staffer informing me that the Pierce Road speed lump issue would be discussed at the August 24th meeting. Therefore attendance on the 10th would not be necessary. Apparently, 80 or so such phone calls were made by the city staff. The speed lumps were in fact discussed and included as numerous issues on the agenda. This obvious misinformation, out and out deception, was directly responsible for the lessened attendance at the meeting on the 10th. Not only were the opinions of residents not heard, a count of those for the lumps and those against, was apparently taken. The actions of a city employee caused the complete distortion of that count. I feel personally deceived! I am sickened that our governmental process is controlled and distorted in such a flagrant manner. I call on the city council to look into the deceptive practices of their office and correct it! Issues regarding the speed lumps themselves: The posted speed limit on lower Pierce is 30 MPH. That is the maximum safe speed limit. The speed lumps installed display a posted speed of 15 MPH. If the safe speed is 30 MPH then to impede this is not logical. If 30 MPH is too fast then lower the limit and enforce it. The current lumps force many drivers to slow to a crawl in order to clear the lumps. They are unable to near the limit while going over the lumps. I can't help but wonder if this is a case of the squeaky wheel..... Lower Pierce Road residents are unhappy that they live on a busy street. Perhaps they were under the false impression that they live on a quiet country road. Pierce Road is in fact a major thoroughfare connecting North Saratoga to a County Park, a Concert Venue, wineries, riding stables, bike routes, and numerous houses. Saratoga allowed the development of the homes and the concert venue after doing impact reports, so these issues should not be a surprise. When you buy a home bordering a freeway you will hear the noise, when you live on a busy street you will live with the traffic. I do not feel that the wishes of the few should dictate the lives of the majority. Emergency vehicles now have impeded access to Pierce Road. If and when emergency assistance is needed beyond the speed lumps that access needs the ability to reach their destination as quickly as possible. If one of my loved ones needs assistance I know that's what I would expect. I would like to relay a personal experience, recently when an injured horse rider was transported by ambulance down Pierce Road the ambulance needed to slow to nearly a stop to safely travel over the bumps. That's not 8/17/2006 Page 2 of 2 acceptable. My husband spoke to a sheriff officer recently who relayed his dislike for the lumps, they're forced to slow down greatly to cross the lumps and therefore response to emergencies is slower. That is not acceptable. Part of the rural atmosphere of living on Pierce Road is the horses and trails still maintained in the hills. Access to the stables requires transportation of the horses to the stables. Driving over the bumps with a horse trailer is not safe. That is not acceptable. If speed on Pierce Road is the issue, enforce the posted limit. Also, as residents, we can slow traffic ourselves. I drive the speed limit, as cars come up behind me they too will follow the limit by default. I have been insulted by the coverage of this issue in the media of late. Those opposed to the lumps are portrayed as horn honking, fist waving, speeders. I would rather the discussion be among logical, intelligent neighbors that see a problem and are willing to address the issue openly to arrive at a solution that is acceptable to all. The process followed thus far has neither been open, fair or unbiased. The solution, thus far, is not reasonable, safe or acceptable. I understand that the traffic safety commission is a volunteer committee but I hope that they feel they need to answer to the majority of residents in Saratoga not only the loudest. If they do not, I hope the elected city council members that placed this commission take responsibility for their actions. Remove the speed lumps and enforce the posted limits. Ann Copenhagen 14430 Pike Road 48 years on Pierce Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC -to -Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢ /min. 8/17/2006 Pagel of 3 Kristin Borel From: Ann Burris [a_burris @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 12:54 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Pierce Rd .speed bumps Kristin, The speed lump between our driveways was removed early this morning and the noise level has returned to its norm. Please convey our appreciation to the commission for hearing and addressing our concerns. Ann Burris Kristin Borel <kborel@saratoga. ca. us> wrote: Ann, Contact me after the 24th and I can give you an update. I will also post the results on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us - look under Commissions then Traffic Safety. Kristin From: Ann Burris [mailto:a_burris @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 7:50 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Pierce Rd speed bumps Kristin, Thank you for informing us of the upcoming meeting. I am so glad to hear this process is moving forward. We are unable to attend. Will residents be notified of the alternate plan? Ann Kristin Borel 4rborel@saratoga. ca. us> wrote: Ann, I am writing to everyone who contacted me about the Pierce Road Speed Bumps to tell them that the Traffic Safety Commission will be meeting on August 24th, at 6:30 pm in the Senior Center, Adult Day Care Room at 19655 Allendale, to make a decision about an alternative traffic calming option for Pierce Road. I am sorry if this is redundant and you already received a notice in the mail or a voice mail message. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 8/17/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Cathleen Boyer Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 2:43 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: FW: Speed Lumps on a throughway From: JUDYMISME @aol.com [mailto:JUDYMISME @aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 2:41 PM To: Nick Streit; Ann Waltonsmith; Kathleen King; Norm Kline; Aileen Kao; Dave Anderson; Cathleen Boyer Subject: Speed Lumps on a throughway I don't believe that I've seen any council members at the special "speed Lump" meetings. Too bad. You've been missing a group of Saratoga residents growing more and more irate at this latest waste of money. It always seems that "ye who yells loudest" gets the best service. Well, I am sick and tired of going to city meeting the make over 80 telephone calls prior to the meeting on Aug. 10 - telling these people that the "speed lumps" and Pierce Road who not be discussed. When in fact, that was the major issue of the evening. My family and I only went to see what this council would pull next. We found out. This next meeting for Aug. 24th had better be held outside. It's the only way you are going to have enough room for the rest of the residents off of Pierce Road. This meeting will hopefully show you people the actual count of hands from those residents STRONGLY OPPOSED to the 15 MPH Lumps on a 30 MPH throughway. It seems that the majority of the complaints are coming from those residents wishing that their homes were located on a Court or a No Through Road. Nobody is opposed to slowing down the speeders, but this is not the answer. Instead of wasting $3000 per lump, why don't we just have enough SPEED LIMIT signs up and either Peace Officers OK'd to issue speeding tickets or use the money for the Sheriffs department to stay there for a while. On top of making money on the speeders to use toward the Sheriff, we can get a TRUE statistic on the numbers of speeders. Instead of each side making up their own numbers. Judy Miller 40+ year resident Pike Road iudymisme cD ol.com 8/15/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: ddoore @comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 2:51 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road Hi, I don't live on Pierce Road but I occasionally drive it and I used to enjoy walking along parts of it. Over the years the stretch where the speed bumps were installed is dangerous because of the speeding cars and number of construction trucks. I walk a lot and I don't know how people walk along Pierce Road anymore. I know people who live along Pierce Road and the traffic has grown over the last 20 years to where I don't think that I would want to live on Pierce Road. It's too bad that the community can't be more understanding of the safety issue along Pierce Road. It has been shocking to me to read the Saratoga News articles about the speed bumps and the righteous self - absorbness of people. I would hope that the city could find a solution to the safety hazards on Pierce Road before more pets, children, teenage drivers, walkers, runners, etc. are injured or killed. I also hope that persistent horn honking isn't the way decisions are made in Saratoga. Thanks for listening, Merrily Doore 8/15/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: nancyjow [nancyjow @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 10:14 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: julie @matrixcable.com; Coleen Wagner Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] Pierce Rd. Importance: Low Hi Kristin; Thank you and the Traffic Safety Commission for a very productive meeting last evening. I just drove the bumps again and my average speed was between 12 and 14 mph. The posted speed is 15 mph. This seems very reasonable to me and not a significant delay. Anyone going the speed limit of 30 should have no problem slowing to the posted 'lump speed" of 15.. There should be no intimidation from following traffic. Your advice would be appreciated on another issue related to the lumps.' We like the current flow of Pierce Rd. (RE: Proposed changes for the intersection of Pierce & Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd.) 1) Currently traffic must slow and yield to traffic from stop light. This is Good. Eye contact must be made. An "educational" positive experience. 2) Up hill grade provides somewhat of a "slowing cautious" trend for entering Pierce Rd. "Educational' and promoting a learning trend. 3) Up hill grade promotes the "rural' feeling. 4) A flat, direct, straight shot up Pierce Rd. could possibly promote "accelerating" on Pierce. Our "tentative" feeling is that we like the current grade, yield and slow down that the existing road provides. We would greatly appreciate the repair of the "pot holes" and leaving Pierce as-is. . Now, if we are to address this issue, what is the proper procedure? Yesterday the surveyors were measuring all areas. We hope it is not too late. Thank you, Nancy & Dave Walb 8/14/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Jon Witkin [jon @westernstatesglass.com] Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 1:27 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: 'Dave Stellman'; 'Tom Copenhagen' Subject: RE: [SPAM EMAIL] PEIRCE ROAD SPEED BUMPS Kristin I am the head of the Pike Road Homeowners association. I will be unable to attend the meeting going to a family wedding on the east coast. We have thirty five homeowners that will be represented by Tom Copenhagen. Most I know are upset with the new speed bumps and just hope we can correct the situation before somebody gets hurt. I saw an older person actually stop before each bump yesterday which could be very dangerous. Another car was riding there bumper and tailgating. The good old radar way has worked just fine for many years. Thank you for your time and consideration. Jon From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 4:39 PM To: jon @westernstatesglass.com Subject: RE: [SPAM EMAIL] PEIRCE ROAD SPEED BUMPS Jon, Sorry I didn't get back to you last Thursday, I gave your email along with others to the Traffic Safety Commission. They will be making a decision about the speed bumps at their August 24th meeting at 6:30 pm in the Senior Center at 19566 Allendale Avenue. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408 - 868 -1258 From: Jon Witkin [mailto :jon @westernstatesgiass.com] Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 1:18 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: 'Dave Stellman' Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] PEIRCE ROAD SPEED BUMPS Importance: Low Kristen Our new speed bumps are a tremendous waste of time. They are also prematurely damaging our vehicles. have lived off pierce road on pike road for 23 years. I and my family, 4 votes all hate the speed bumps. Please use our votes to get rid of them. They are also bad fueng shui for us. Just like the gateway was for others. The frustration with people speeding and slowing is causing traffic nightmares. I have never before witnessed such road rage on pierce road. Also people are veering to the sides and road center to get just one wheel on the bump while oncoming traffic is veering .Thanks in advance for anything you can do for us. A frustrated neighbor. Jon Witkin Cell 408- 640 -0044 8/14/2006 Kristin Borel From: John E. Keenan [john @ald.com] Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 9:04 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Re: Speed Bumps on Pierce Rd. Kristin, Thank you for the notice. I will try to be there. If you are counting noses, I still remain adamantly opposed to speed bumps. A couple of thoughts occurred to me after the meeting. 1) If you look at the houses on the north side of Prospect Rd., the configuration of their driveways, yards and houses are not much different from Pierce Rd and yet the speed limit is 40. Why is 40 OK there and so dangerous on Pierce. 2) The traffic engineer said that accident history on Pierce is no different than anywhere else and yet many of the locals testified about 'how dangerous' it was. That facts don't bear that out. The chairman of the PSC said they were being 'pro active' in addressing the safety issue. Is that political speak for 'we want to do it even though the evidence isn't there'? 3) When these concerned folks bought their houses on Pierce, what was the average speed? I've lived on Mt. Eden for 30 years and haven't noticed any significant difference in speed over those years. So if it was so dangerous then, why did they buy there? Thanks for listening to me rant and rave. john Kristin Borel wrote: > John, > I am writing to everyone who contacted me about the Pierce Road Speed > Bumps to tell them that the Traffic Safety Commission will be meeting > on August 24th, at 6:30 pm in the Senior Center, Adult Day Care Room > at > 19655 Allendale, to make a decision about an alternative traffic > calming option for Pierce Road. > I am sorry if this is redundant and you already received a notice in > the mail or a voice mail message. > Sincerely, > Kristin Borel > Public Works Analyst > 408 - 868 -1258 > - - - -- Original Message---- - > From: John E. Keenan [mailto :john @ald.com] > Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 20061:23 PM > To: Kristin Borel > Cc: John Cherbone; Dave Anderson > Subject: RE: Speed Bumps on Pierce Rd. August 11, 2006 City of Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Regarding the Speed Bumps Recently Installed on Pierce Road: At the August 10 meeting of the TSC the lead item on the agenda was the speed bumps recently installed on Pierce Road. In light of the problems they have created including extreme animosity between neighbors, the decision was made to remove the center bump of the three only and install radar speed signs. Random enforcement by a traffic officer is also to be implemented. I have a couple of issues with this. 1. From feedback I am receiving from upper Pierce Road residents, they were either not made aware of this meeting or were told when they inquired about it that the speed bump issue would not be addressed until the August 24 meeting and that they need not attend. This resulted in a high turnout in bump supporters who were aware this would be discussed, and a very low turnout of anyone opposed. When a show of hands was requested by the TSC for a count of for / against the bumps, it was about 20 to one for them. I believe this was considered by the TSC when they made their decision to leave two thirds of the bumps in place, and does not accurately reflect the wishes of the majority or Pierce Road Residents. 2. Almost everyone, including the bump supporters, agree's that these bumps are too abrupt. This seems to be most of the problem. Anyone who has traveled over the bumps at 15 to 30 mph, the posted speed limit, knows what I'm talking about; it tears your car apart. Consequently most people must slow almost to a stop to cross them, which either makes them mad enough to honk or yell their displeasure or makes the person behind get mad and start honking at them or pass them on the left! We see this day and night. This can't be any safer than people going the 11 mph over the limit the data shows. I respectfully request that until a viable traffic calming alternative can be found, all three of the abrupt temporary speed bumps be removed and replaced with the radar and enforcement. I believe that after living with these bumps for a couple of months all Pierce Road residents would make quite an effort to stay within the speed limit, and I think that this in the only thing that is going to stop the current noise campaign against the lower Pierce Road residents. Since speed monitoring to gather data was also going to be a part of the radar speed sign installation, this data could be reviewed at the the August 24- meeting to see if further action is even warranted. Dave Stellman 42 Year Resident Speed Bump #3 August 11, 2006 City of Saratoga Re: Traffic Safety Issues on Pierce Road To All, We are sending this letter to express our displeasure of the Traffic Safety Commission actions regarding the new "Speed Lumps" installed on Pierce Road. The specific item that is causing this complaint is the action by the City which prevented a fair representation of the Pierce Road residents to be actively involved in the meetings and discussion of this issue. The initial problem was the notification of the Traffic Safety meetings and the installation of the "Speed Lumps" was only sent to the first 200 residents on Pierce Road (as per information provided at the Traffic Safety meeting on 7/27/06). This does not represent all of Pierce Road, only the location of the people who are complaining the most to the City. The second problem was that we received a phone call on 8/9/06 from an assistant to Kristin Borel stating that we did not have to attend the Traffic Safety Commission meeting on 8/10 because the issues regarding Pierce Road would not be discussed, and that we should attend the 8/24 meeting instead. This same phone call was received by our neighbors who attended the meeting anyway only to discover that Pierce Road issues were the primary discussions of the meeting and the majority of people attending were the same people who had started the complaints. The Traffic Safety commission has said that they will make a recommendation as to the issues raised about the "speed lumps" at the 8/24 meeting. My concern is that if we (and an unknown number of other Pierce Road residents) were discouraged by the City to attend a meeting that would be critical for the public input about the lumps, we will not have received the fair treatment afforded to a small minority of Pierce Road residents. The decision of the Traffic Safety commission will affect ALL of the Pierce Road residents. We request that the decisions of the Traffic Safety commission related to Pierce Road be questioned and reviewed for fairness, implementation for the benefit of ALL Pierce Road residents, and the removal of the "speed lumps" until this issue is resolved. Sincerely, Tom Copenhagen 14430 Pike Road 20 year resident 408 - 741 -0345 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: nancyjow [nancyjow @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 10:14 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: julie @matrixcable.com; Coleen Wagner Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] Pierce Rd. Importance: Low Hi Kristin; Thank you and the Traffic Safety Commission for a very productive meeting last evening. I just drove the bumps again and my average speed was between 12 and 14 mph. The posted speed is 15 mph. This seems very reasonable tome and not a significant delay. Anyone going the speed limit of 30 should have no problem slowing to the posted "lump speed" of 15. There should be no intimidation from following traffic. Your advice would be appreciated on another issue related to the lumps. We like the current flow of Pierce Rd. (RE: Proposed changes for the intersection of Pierce & Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd.) 1) Currently traffic must slow and yield to traffic from stop light. This is Good. Eye contact must be made. An "educational" positive experience. 2) Up hill grade provides somewhat of a "slowing cautious" trend for entering Pierce Rd. "Educational" and promoting a learning trend. 3) Up hill grade promotes the "rural" feeling. 4) A flat, direct, straight shot up Pierce Rd. could possibly promote "accelerating" on Pierce. Our "tentative" feeling is that we like the current grade, yield and slow down that the existing road provides. We would greatly appreciate the repair of the "pot holes" and leaving Pierce as is. Now, if we are to address this issue, what is the proper procedure? Yesterday the surveyors were measuring all areas. We hope it is not too late. Thank you, Nancy & Dave Walb 8/14/2006 Kristin Borel From: Richards, Gary [GRichards @mercurynews.com] Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 11:40 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: FW: Pierce Road update Hi Kristin. Anything new on this? Gary Richards San Jose Mercury News Roadshow line (920 -5335) direct line: 920 -5037 - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Jeannie Hobbs [mailto:hpjeannie @yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 200611:00 AM To: Gary Richards Subject: Pierce Road update The City of Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission will hold its regular meeting on August 10. On the publicly posted agenda is the item "Removal of Pierce Road speed bumps until an alternate solution is determined." Hooray! But wait ... there are five (5) separate additional agenda items about speeding on Pierce, put there presumably by residents. Oh, no ... might there be MORE lumps to come? But wait again ... in addition to the August 10 meeting, they are having another "special" TSC meeting on August 24 to discuss "alternative traffic calming solutions" for Pierce Road. Both meetings will be at 6:30pm at the Saratoga Senior Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue, near West Valley College. The usual solution to 85% of the traffic going faster than 15% over the posted speed limit (true as measured on that section of Pierce) is to raise the limit so the police can then use radar to catch speeders. Why is this not feasible on Pierce? In fact, it would seem that a few occasional random prowl cars would be a fine "traffic calmer" even without radar, but during my several years of commuting that route I have seen them on Pierce only twice. How could the county overlook this tempting source of revenue? Could it be that these selfsame residents who complain of speeders re afraid of being caught themselves? At least the TSC is asking the residents to propose solutions, since at the last special meeting it was revealed that fewer than 15% of the vehicles on Pierce came off Highway 9, proving that it's the area's own residents (and their associated service personnel) who are the problem. I also noted that the room was full of residents who disliked the lumps and had not been notified of their proposed installation, the city having sent only 220 notices out and overlooking the thousand or so other households using Pierce to exit the neighborhood. Me, I'm just happy that the formerly horrid Redwood Gulch and Stevens Canyon Road have been repaved so beautifully (kudos!). Despite watching out for that route's cement trucks and stray kittens and bicyclists, I now have a comfortable workaround to having to go over the lumps on Pierce or clear down through the "village" to get to Cupertino to work. -)onna Hobbs 440 Alto Drive Boulder Creek, CA 95006 408 - 447 -4109 (M -W) 831 - 338 -9165 Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http: / /mail.yahoo.com Kristin Borel From: David K. Trager M.D. [dtrager @ramblc.com] Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 10:54 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Pierce Rd Speed bumps Hi Kristin, Thanks for your emails and calls informing us about the meetings. I wanted to say thanks to the Traffic Commission for a thoughtful, balanced meeting last week. I think that Commissioner Balligall summed it up nicely, that this process has been an education on many levels. The next step, and the studies that emerge from it, will also be informative and educational for all of us. I hope that we do not introduce too many variables at once when we remove the center hump. Knowing exactly when the traffic enforcement officer is present, the radar trailer, or both is imperative to understanding the data. Concert traffic will also influence the tube data, as it tends to be extremely heavy but slow because of back -up from the traffic light at Saratoga Sunnyvale. We will have to work with the officers to determine when they are actually in the field; as I am sure that scheduled times will vary depending on their needs. It may be useful to coordinate with observations from the neighbors, such as Julie Daniels, to determine when the police and trailers are present. Again, thanks to you and the Commission for helping us through a challenging but important process. We look forward to continuing to work with you in the next step! Sincerely, David Trager Any Personal Health Information contained in this e -mail is HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL. It is intended for the exclusive use of the addressee only. Any other use is a violation of Federal Law (HIPPA). If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by reply e -mail, then delete the mail received in error. Thank You. - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 5:13 PM To: dtrager@ramblc.com Subject: RE: Pierce Rd Speed bumps David, Thank you for your input. The Traffic Safety Commission will be meeting on August 24th, at 6:30 pm in the Senior Center at 19655 Allendale, to make a decision about an alternative traffic calming option for Pierce Road. I will forward your email to the TSC and the Traffic Engineer. (They will be making the decision at this meeting, nothing has been decided, and won't be until August 24th) At the regularly scheduled TSC meeting on August 10th, the Commission will review whether or not to remove the speed bumps on Pierce until an alternative solution can be decided upon at the August 24th Special Meeting. (same time and location as above). Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408 - 868 -1258 - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: dtrager @ramblc.com [mailto:dtrager@ramblc.com] Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 6:05 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Pierce Rd Speed bumps Hi Kristin, Thanks for your reply. I understand that the bumps are also on the agenda for the August 10th meeting - -is that correct? By the wording on your email, is there already a decision to use an alternative calming option? Thanks again for your help. David Original Message: From: Kristin Borel kborel @saratoga.ca.us Date: Mon, 31 Jul 200618:01:01 -0700 To: dtrager @ramblc.com Subject: RE: Pierce Rd Speed bumps David, Thank you for your input. The Traffic Safety Commission will be meeting on August 24th, at 6:30 pm in the Senior Center at 19655 Allendale, to make a decision about an alternative traffic calming option for Pierce Road. I will forward your email to the TSC and the Traffic Engineer. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408 - 868 -1258 - - - -- Original Message---- - From: dtrager @ramblc.com [mailto:dtrager @ ramblc.com] Sent: Sunday, July 30, 200611:21 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Rd Speed bumps Hi Kristen, This is a letter that I wrote to City Council. If you could pass it along to the Traffic Commission, I would appreciate it. Thanks, David mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/. Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) Meeting Concerning Speed Lumps on Pierce Road Meeting Information On Thursday, August 24, at 6:30 p.m., Saratoga's Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) will meet to review speed lumps installed on Pierce Road between Saratoga/Sunnyvale Road and Foothill Lane. Background Speeding and neighborhood safety prompted the speed lump installation. The type of speed control devices installed on Pierce Road was chosen because they: 1. Do not impede emergency vehicles. 2. Can be removed or relocated due to their bolt -down installation. 3. Were successfully implemented on other Saratoga local roads. The following information has been determined since installation of the Pierce Road speed lumps: 1. They are successful in reducing the speed of a majority of vehicles to the posted speed limit between the devices. 2. The vertical profile of the speed lumps is viewed by some drivers as too abrupt. 3. This type of lump is not desirable for high volume roads. In light of the above information and input received from public since the speed lumps were installed, the TSC determined that other speed reduction options need to be explored that provide both a commensurate level of traffic calming and a more "friendly" ride for vehicles traversing them. These options will be presented at the TSC's August 24th meeting at which interested residents are encouraged to attend. Potential Modification Options The TSC will consider several options to modify the installation on Pierce Road. Potential modifications include: re- designing the speed lumps to allow faster travel; installing chokers or raised curbs to replace one or more lumps; and/or installing permanent radar feedback signs. The goal is to maintain an 85th percentile speed of approximately 35 mph based on the current posted speed limit of 30 mph. Each option is discussed below: A. Re- design Speed Lumps The current lumps on Pierce Road are approximately 7 feet in length (in the direction of travel) and have a relatively sharp incline and decline. They can be traversed at up to 20 mph provided a vehicle is basically centered on the lump. The speed humps located in the El Quito south neighborhood (e.g., on Paseo Lado) are approximately 12 feet long and provide a smoother ride than the Pierce Road lumps. Other speed humps in Palo Alto and other cities are up to 22 feet long and allow even higher speeds up to 30 mph. r The existing Pierce Road lumps could be re- designed to be extended up to 22 feet long. This would allow higher travel speeds than the current bolt -down lumps, but the design would have to be reviewed and tested by emergency response Providers. Speeds would definitely be higher with longer lumps and may exceed the 85' percentile speed goal of 35 mph depending on the length of the lumps. B. Install Median Chokers Two methods of speed control are available: vertical and horizontal devices. Speed lumps vertically displace a vehicle, while median chokers narrow the horizontal width of travel lanes. The travel lanes on Pierce Road are approximately 12 feet wide with shoulders that vary from one to two feet. Median chokers could be installed and would provide a 10 -foot wide lane in each direction. To accommodate bicyclists, shoulders around the outside chokers would be widened to approximately four feet and paved with asphalt. Median chokers do reduce speeds because they represent a physical impediment in the roadway that must be avoided, but are less effective in reducing travel speeds because they do not vertically displace vehicles like lumps or humps. Published data shows that chokers or narrowings are less than half as effective compared to speed humps and lumps. The medians will not likely be landscaped due to their narrow width. C. Signage As of Wednesday August 16th, the middle set of lumps was removed and replaced with two radar trailers. These devices show drivers their travel speed next to the posted speed limit, but do not provide any physical impediment requiring vehicles to slow down. Permanent signs could be installed at any location in the study corridor to provide constant feedback to drivers on their speed. Directed enforcement by the Santa Clara County Sheriff would be required to ensure that appropriate speeds are maintained. Use of radar feedback signs without any other devices on Pierce Road is not expected to provide the same level of speed reduction that is currently being achieved with the lumps in place. Additional Evaluation Once the TSC determines the preferred traffic calming option or combination of options, additional speed data will be collected to determine their effectiveness. This data will be presented at a subsequent TSC meeting for public review and discussion. Other Sections of Pierce Road In addition to the safety issues along the section of Pierce Road where the speed bumps were installed, many residents voiced their concerns about safety along other sections of the road. Some of these issues were discussed at the TSC's August 10th meeting. At that meeting, the TSC directed staff to prepare a master safety plan for the rest of Pierce Road to be reviewed at the November 9th TSC meeting. 45 40 35 a 30 v d L 25 N 0 20 a� a r 15 co 10 5 H Pierce Rd (east of Paramount Court near middle lump) Eastbound Direction Westbound ❑October 2003 Pre - Installation ®June 2006 Post - Installation ❑ August 2006 Post - Modification 0