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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTSC Packet 05-13-2010CITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: May 13, 2010 TIME: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM LOCATION: Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order Roll Call: Biester, Bustamante, Coulter, Guichard, Kane, Kirk, and Vita Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on May 7, 2010. Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. 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. Approval of Draft Minutes Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for March 11, 2009 Sheriff's Report to the Commission New Business 1. Traffic Matrix #246 - Peter Joachiam Issue: Speeding on Bankmill Action: TSC will make recommendation 2. Traffic Matrix #250 - Dave Waib Issue: Request No Parking on Pierce Road Action: TSC will make recommendation 3. Traffic Matrix #251- Gisa Abiog Issue: Requests Stop signs on Quito Road Action: TSC will make recommendation 4. Traffic Matrix #252 - Dexter Hermstad Issue: Requests Keep Clear legends on Miller Avenue Action: TSC will make recommendation 5. Review of Circulation Element with Pedestrian, Equestrian, Bicycle & Trails Advisory Committee Announcements by Commissioners and Staff Adjournment to Next Regular Meeting Thursday, July 8, 2010 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. In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of material provided to the Traffic Safety Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the Public Works Department at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the Public Works office at the time they are distributed to the Traffic Safety Commission. Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Kristin Borel, Public Works 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 May 7, 2010 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. DATE: TIME: LOCATION: Call to Order CITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Draft Action Minutes March 11, 2010 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Roll Call: Biester, Bustamante, Coulter, Guichard, Kane, Kirk, and Vita Absent: Bustamante & Guichard Staff: Traffic Engineer Rashid, Transportation Engineer Hervol, Director Cherbone & Analyst Borel Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on March 5, 2010. Borel Reports Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. Borel Reports 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. No speakers Approval of Draft Minutes Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for January 14, 2010. APPROVED 5-0 Sheriff's Report to the Commission Captain Calderone reports New Business 1. Traffic Matrix #247 - Sabine Tremmel (6:43 p.m.) Issue: Speeding on Saratoga Creek Drive Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Recommend directed enforcement from the Sheriff's Department between 3:00-6:00 p.m. APPROVED 5-0. 2. Traffic Matrix #249 - Paul Wassem (7:10 p.m.) Issue: Speeding and safety concerns on Springer Avenue Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Encourage neighborhood to work with the Sheriff's Department to improve traffic issues. APPROVED 5-0. 3. Traffic Matrix 11248 - Gibson Anderson (7:40 p.m.) Issue: Requests speed bumps and signage for speeding concerns on Farwell Avenue Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Recommend two in -pavement 25 mph roadway signs and two permanent radar feedback signs in locations recommended by the Traffic Engineer. APPROVED 5- 0. Old Business 4. Traffic Matrix 1196 - Pam Roper -Kaiser (8:40 p.m.) Issue: Review of speed data on Three Oaks Way Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Recommend 25 mph in pavement sign be placed in location recommended by the Traffic Engineer. APPROVED 5-0. 5. Traffic Matrix 11240 - Shanthi Jayadev (9:15 p.m.) Issue: Review draft plan from Traffic Engineer of Daguiar / Saratoga Avenue intersection. Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Accept draft plan from the Traffic Engineer and place project on the CIP list. APPROVED 5-0. 6. CIP - Review of project list (9:20 p.m.) Announcements by Commissioners and Staff (9:25 p.m.) Adjournment at 9:35 p.m. to the next Regular Meeting Thursday, May 13, 2010 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@saratogga.ca.us Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of material provided to the Traffic Safety Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the Public Works Department at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the Public Works office at the time they are distributed to the Traffic Safety Commission. Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Kristin Borel, Public Works 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 March 5, 2010 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. Traffic Matrix #246 Kristin Borel From: Pmjoachim@aol.com Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 3:27 PM To: Kristin Borel; kborel@saratga.ca.us Subject: your letter of 10/20 I don't know who is complaining and was NOT notified of the 9/10 meeting. However as I told you over the phone there is a far bigger problem. Cars consistently race down the Bank Mill hill at 40/50 MPH and swing onto Stoneridge drive as though there are no other streets above. I live on Stoneridge as approx. 6 other homes and always assumed I had the right of way since it is a straight line down Stoneridge. In the past week I would have been hit at least twice if I hadn't been overly cautious. One car was a big black SUV and the driver just looked back at me and laughed. He proceeded so quickly down Stoneridge that I couldn't catch him to get his plates. He raced right through 2 other signs and on to Big Basin hardly stopping. If your "safety commission" didn't notice, Bank Mill is very steep at that point. I have walked and driven it many times and the angle promulgates speed. If anything is needed it is a Full Stop at that corner for the cars coming down I would be more than happy to explain this at your next meeting. I really think your safety folks missed a VERY important issue. Peter M. Joachim 10/22/2009 Traffic Matrix #250 Kristin Borel From: NANCY WALB [nancyjow@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 3:47 PM To: Kristin Borel; out4arun@comcast.net Subject: May 13 Meeting Agenda Kirstin Borel; I received your e-mail of March 2nd addressing my concern regarding speeding and parking on Pierce Rd. I would like to be on the agenda for the May 13, 2010 meeting. On March 3, 2010 I replied with following e-mail; "Kristin Borel; Thank you for your prompt reply. I have a few problems/concerns with traffic and parking on Pierce Rd. I live at 12841 Pierce Rd. (2nd house on R off Sunnyvale/Saratoga Rd.) 1) The speed bumps are not doing their intended job. It does slow down some of the trucks and trailers but it also seems to be a challenge or thrill ride for a lot of autos and motorcycles. The temp. bumps were too sharp and the present can and are passed over easily at 50 mph. As you know, originally there were three sharp temporary. bumps; now there are just two. Drivers treat them as a minor inconvenience that might spill their coffee, but most ignore them. We really need another bump between the current ones. This should slow down the drag race between bumps. The street has a lot of traffic and the speed has increased as the daily travelers have grown accustomed to the bumps. 2) As you know, Pierce Rd. has no curbs or sidewalks. The street is narrow and difficult to access from driveways. I have a circle drive and don't need to back onto the street. The problem is the area in front of my lot looks like a great place to park transmit mix trucks; delivery trucks; suv's, vans, etc. They park between my two driveways and make it nearly impossible to see oncoming traffic. It seems it's also a great place to park; finish the Starbucks; and toss out the cup or any other garbage they don't want in their car. To add to the parking problem, the next door neighbor appears to be running some sort of a business out of their home and their customers park the street full. These people park in front of mail boxes; infringe on driveways and disrupt street cleaning and garbage service. Pierce Rd. is also used by joggers and bicyclists (mainly the lower end) and when the street is parked full the joggers and bicyclers are forced out into the traffic lanes causing a dangerous situation for them and frustration for drivers. Homeowners up the street have discouraged parking in front of their homes with landscaping to the edge of the street; putting railroad ties and rocks in front of their homes, etc. I do not want to create a hazard with hidden rocks or railroad ties in the foliage. My egress problem could easily be resolved with a "no parking sign". Thank you for your consideration. Dave Walb" 4/22/2010 Kristin Borel From: gisa abiog [gbigeh@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2010 1:31 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Re: Traffic Safety Commission - more documentation re: Quito Rd Hi Kristin, I hope this finds you well. Traffic Matrix #251 I want to document a few more events that have taken place since my last email last month. In this one month period, I have been honked at 3 times (seemingly for going too slow though I was driving at 2-3 miles over the speed limit). I have been tailgated, to the point that I can not see the car grill, at least 3 -4 times a week. Tailgating is quite common on this road and I ignore it most of the time. Last week, however, a car was so close for so long that I pulled over to let them pass me where I could do so safely. 35-40 mph is pretty standard on Quito between 9 and Bicknell and it is just expected that everyone go that speed. Yesterday, I was being tailgated by a motorcycle (and another car behind him) and as I turned on my blinker to turn on Avon, which I always do to alert the cars behind me that I will be slowing for the turn, the driver of the motorcycle formed his thumb and index finger in the shape of a gun and pointed and "shot". I did not see this. Unfortunately, my 14 year old stepdaughter turned around just in time to witness this disgusting gesture. The only thing I could really say was that was really unacceptable behavior. Imagine that. It gave me pause and not a little fear. I sincerely hope that these events are not looked at as exceptions as they are not. The people who live in this area are exposed to this behavior on a daily basis. The approximately 3 mile Quito stretch from Hwy 9 to Pollard is simply too long without, at least 4-6 stop signs. I know it would deter some of these drivers from using this neighborhood road as freeway. Best, Gisa From: Kristin Borel <kborel@saratoga.ca.us> To: gbigeh@yahoo.com Sent: Wed, March 3, 2010 10:57:39 AM Subject: Traffic Safety Commission Hi Gisa, It was a pleasure speaking with you today. When you get a chance please send me an email describing your situation and concerns on Quito Road . I will schedule it for the May 13th 4/22/2010 Kristin Borel From: gisa abiog [gbigeh@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 12:18 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Re: Traffic Safety Commission Hi Kristin, I appreciate your time this morning. This morning I made a right turn from Avon onto Quito Road going towards Pollard. There was clearance on my right (from oncoming traffic) but within a few seconds there was a car right on my tail. As I approached Bicknell, where there is a 25 mph sign, I slowed to 25, and the driver was still right on my tail (I could only see the top of her car in my rear view and the back side in my side view mirror). I saw a shoulder ahead and decided I should just pull over. I put on my blinker and checked my rear (tailgater was still there) and started to move over but the car began going around to my right so I braked and came to a near stop as she passed me on the shoulder to my right. I saw it was a woman in a red Saturn and she continued to speed down Quito. I noted her license plate and called the sheriff when I got home but he said that I should call 911 next time. Really, this took place in less than one to two minutes so I don't see how that would benefit my safety and that of the other drivers and pedestrians around at the time. My experience on Quito this morning, though an extreme case, was not unusual. I spend a lot of time on the corner of Avon and Quito assuring as much clearance as possible because I am constantly being tailgated by speeding cars. When I am on Quito and attempting to turn onto my street (it is a right hand turn so I don't have to wait for traffic) I get honked at and tailgated constantly. This is a daily problem. I avoid driving during commute times so I don't have to negotiate coming out of my street and onto Quito. There are drivers who use Quito as a thoroughfare and that is not the issue but they are breaking laws and being disrespectful. I find trash along the easement and pick it up weekly - beer and other alcohol bottles and cans, fast food bags and random clothing and other items. Then there are those who race down Quito on any given Friday or Saturday night (anytime between 11 pm and 2am and later). They sometimes scream out their car 'windows and the speed at which they are traveling is obviously excessive because of how long we can hear the sound of the engine. Quito is one of the unusally long stretches of road (the part from 9 to Pollard) that used to be quiet but now is used as a major artery for many. Many people walk along this corridor even with no sidewalk. It is one of the long stretches that now needs serious assessment for stop signs. It is simply unsafe for cars, people and the pets they walk. The span between 9 and Pollard is a known speeding area yet, I know the sheriff and police can not patrol it as much as is necessary. Generations of my family have lived here since 1969 and it was very different back then. There was no light at Highway 9 and Quito back then. I can't imagine trying to cross 9 without that light today. We will be saying the same thing when stop signs are put in 4/22/2010 between the 9 and Pollard span. 1 can't imagine how bad Quito was before these traffic controls were put in place. Thank you, again, for your time. I think the only challenge will be where to place these stop signs but I'm sure the folks doing the assessment are well qualified on that piece. I certainly know that safety and stress will be improved. Regards, Gisa 209-0822 cell From: Kristin Borel <kborel@saratoga.ca.us> To: gbigeh@yahoo.com Sent: Wed, March 3, 2010 10:57:39 AM Subject: Traffic Safety Commission Hi Gisa, It was a pleasure speaking with you today. When you get a chance please send me an email describing your situation and concerns on Quito Road . I will schedule it for the May 13th Traffic Safety Commission meeting. Here is a link to the Traffic Safety Page on the City's website. Call me if you have any questions. http://www.saratoga.ca.us/cityhall/comms/traffic/default.asp Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408-868-1258 4/22/2010 Kristin Borel From: DHermstad@aol.com Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 7:22 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Miller/Eric Dexter Hermstad 12150 Mellowood Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 408-252-0949 (home) 1 650 604 4040 (work) Hi Kristen, Traffic Matrix #252 At your request, here is a description of the problem at Miller Avenue and Eric Drive just south of Prospect Road. Although I do not drive through the intersection, it can interfere with my exercise route. I do feel, however, it is of significant concern to drivers who turn onto Eric to reach their homes or the nearby Krista McAuliffe School. Eric is roughly 80 feet south of Prospect Road. The time to cycle through the motions of the Prospect/Miller intersection allows plenty of traffic to back up on northbound Miller. This backup extends past Eric at times. Often enough, I see northbound cars stop in the Eric/Miller intersection, meaning that southbound traffic on Miller cannot turn left onto Eric. This would be most likely during the morning commute, although it could happen at many times, including traffic headed toward Lynbrook High School, Miller Middle School or De Anza College or heading away from Ascension Church, Temple Beth Am (?) or West Valley College. Wednesday's incident (8:10 a.m. April 21, 2010) prompted me to ask again for the "Keep Clear" designation in the intersection. There were several cars in the Eric/Miller intersection, several more blocking the driveway to the church, and even a few almost blocking Ardmore Ct. From your comment on the phone, I understand that neighbors might not want to see new paint or a sign at the intersection. Perhaps the Sheriffs office could be on site to offer tickets instead. The behavior is illegal. Thanks, Dexter Hermstad 4/29/2010