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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-2021 TSC Agenda PacketSaratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 1 of 4 SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA MARCH 11, 2021 6:30 PM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19 This meeting will be entirely by teleconference. All Traffic Safety Commission members, staff, and public will only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The meeting is being conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order N‐29‐20 suspending certain teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose of this order was to provide the safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff while allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation during the COVID‐ 19 pandemic. Members of the public can observe and participate in the meeting by: 1. Using the Zoom website at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87056515247 or App Webinar ID: 870 5651 5247 and using the tool to raise their hand in the Zoom platform when directed by the Chair to speak on an agenda item; OR 2. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833, entering the Webinar ID: 870 5651 5247 and pressing *9 to raise their hand to speak on an agenda item when directed by the Chair. The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person. As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Commission prior to the meeting by commenting online at www.saratoga.ca.us/tsc prior to the start of the meeting. These emails will be provided to the members of the Commission and will become part of the official record of the meeting. During the meeting the Chair will explain the process for members of the public to be recognized to offer public comment. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact the City Clerk at debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 2 of 4 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Christopher Coulter (Chair), Manil Vasantha (Vice Chair), Belal Aftab, Jonathan Choi, Chi- Kuang Chu, Ray Cosyn, Mitch Kane REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on March 4, 2021. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Any member of the public may address the Commission for up to three (3) minutes on matters not on the agenda. The law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking actions on these items. The Commission may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 01-14-2021 TSC MINUTES - Draft Recommended Action: Approve January 14, 2021 Minutes SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION Sheriff’s Report January & February citation summary and collision statistics. OLD BUSINESS 1. TSC Matrix 398 – Reid Lane Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 2. TSC Matrix 455- Saratoga Avenue Recommended Action: Review the comprehensive traffic safety plan and make a recommendation. 3. Traffic Matrix 466 – Chester Avenue Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 4. TSC Matrix 488 - Scotland Drive Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. (Note: At the January meeting, the TSC requested that the traffic engineer collect current data.) Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 3 of 4 NEW BUSINESS 5. TSC Matrix 491 – Pierce Road Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 6. TSC Matrix 492 – Fruitvale Avenue/Admissions Drive Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 7. TSC Matrix 493 – Mt. Eden Road Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 8. TSC Matrix 494 – Quito Road/Aspesi Drive Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 9. TSC Matrix 495 – Springer Avenue/Stoneridge Drive Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES 10. Staff and Commission Updates i. Introduction of Commissioner Chi-Kuang Chu as new TSC member ii. Upcoming Joint TSC Meeting with City Council, March 30, 2021 at 6 pm iii. TSC Handbook iv. Update on Safe Routes to School v. Farewell to Commissioner Choi Recommended Action: Accept updates. ADJOURNMENT CERTIFICATE OF POSTING I, Emma Burkhalter, Associate Engineer, of the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the City Council was posted and available for review on March 4, 2021 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us. In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Traffic Safety Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda, copies of materials distributed to the Traffic Safety Commission concurrently with the posting of the Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 4 of 4 agenda, and materials distributed to the Traffic Safety Commission by staff after the posting of the agenda are available on the City Website at www.saratoga.ca.us. Following removal of State and local shelter in place orders these materials will be available for review in the office of the Public Works office at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California. In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety. Saratoga Traffic safety commission Agenda – Page 1 of 4 SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 14, 2021 – Draft Minutes 6:30 PM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION CALL TO ORDER – 6:35 PM ROLL CALL PRESENT: Christopher Coulter (Chair), Manil Vasantha (Vice Chair) (arrived 6:45), Belal Aftab, Jonathan Choi, Ray Cosyn (arrived 6:45), Mitch Kane ABSENT: none. STAFF PRESENT: Ashley Brooks, Emma Burkhalter, Mainini Cabute, John Cherbone REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on January 8, 2021. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Any member of the public may address the Commission for up to three (3) minutes on matters not on the agenda. The law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking actions on this items. The Commission may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 11-12-2020 TSC MINUTES - Draft Recommended Action: Approve November 14, 2020 Minutes KANE/CHOI MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH AN EXPLANATION REGARDING THE CHANGE IN MATRIX NUMBER FOR SCOTLAND WAY AND WHY OLD OAK WAY WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. MOTION PASSED (5- 0-1-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: COSYN. ABSENT: NONE. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION Citation Summary Enforcement Requests Traffic report on New Items Saratoga Traffic safety commission Agenda – Page 2 of 4 COMMISSIONERS DEFERRED REVIEWING SHERIFF’S REPORT DUE TO SHERIFF ABSENCE. OLD BUSINESS 1. TSC Matrix 392 - Mendelsohn Lane Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. (Note: The City installed traffic calming treatments in December 2020 and asked the traffic engineer to collect speed and volume data after the installments.) KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. MOTION PASSED (6- 0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 2. TSC Matrix 455- Saratoga Ave Recommended Action: Review the comprehensive traffic safety plan and make a recommendation CHOI/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO ACCEPT THE REPORT AND MAKE TSC A PLACE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON FINAL PLANS. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 3. Traffic Matrix479- Harleigh and Perego Way Recommended Action: Request for the City to improve traffic safety by reducing speeding on Harleigh Drive at Perego Way CHOI/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO CUT BACK FOLIAGE AS NEEDED TO IMPROVE SIGHT LINES. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 4. TSC Matrix 484- Pierce Rd Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. (Note: At the November meeting, the TSC requested that the traffic engineer evaluate egress and ingress data to determine appropriate signage and review data at a future meeting.) CHOI/COSYN MOTIONED TO INSTALL 25 MPH SIGNS AT BOTH DIRECTIONS ON PIERCE ROAD. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 5. TSC Matrix 487 Montalvo Rd Saratoga Traffic safety commission Agenda – Page 3 of 4 Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. AFTAB/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO INSTALL SPEED BUMPS ON MONTALVO RD. MOTION FAILED (2-4-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: VASANTHA, AFTAB. NOES: COULTER, CHOI, COSYN, KANE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. KANE/CHOI MOTIONED FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO DEVELOP A PLAN THAT PROVIDES SHOULDER STRIPING ON “S” CURVE TO HIGHWAY 9 WITH DETAIL SHOWING WHICH PROPERTIES ARE IMPACTED AND PRESENT TO COMMUNITY FOR APPROVAL. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. NEW BUSINESS 6. TSC Matrix 488 - Scotland Drive Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. (Note: City staff created a new matrix item for Scotland Drive to review the full stretch of the road.) KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO MEASURE CURRENT DATA ON SCOTLAND DR BETWEEN GLEN BRAE AND GLASGOW AND BETWEEN GLEN BRAE AND SARATOGA AVE. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0- 0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 7. TSC Matrix 489- Via Roncole Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO LOOK AT SIGHT DISTANCE TO MAKE SURE VEHICLES CAN SEE RAILROAD TRACKS AND IF VEGETATION NEEDS TRIMMING; STAFF TO REACH OUT TO RESIDENTS AND BRING BACK TO COMMISSION FOR REVIEW. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES 8. Staff and Commission Updates i. Discuss Traffic Safety Commission- number of commissioners ii. Discuss Commissioner role Saratoga Traffic safety commission Agenda – Page 4 of 4 Recommended Action: Accept updates. DEFERRED TO MARCH 2021 MEETING ADJOURNMENT – 10:00 PM COULTER/CHOI MOTIONED TO ADJOURN MEETING. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN. Respectfully Submitted by Emma Burkhalter, Public Works staff for the City of Saratoga #398 Reid Lane Saratoga Hills lid Computer Experts ft Corporation T Michaels Dr Foothill O Elementary School Y 0 Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2019 10:48 AM To: Mainini Cabute <mcabute@saratoga.ca.us> Subject: Re: Reid Lane Speeds Hello Mainini, !!! :S. cl !:!1 ft Saratoga Pa T Nursery Sch (./) Q) t8 Walnut Ave Q) Q) � --�\ I'm curious if you have been able to make some progress with suggesting how we should move forward to address speeding on Reid Lane. Some questions I can think of right now: -What percentage of Reid Lane residents need to agree on an infrastructure change e.g. speed humps? Ideally, there should be strong support from your neighbors who live near the area where the possible speed bumps will be placed. As soon as I receive a plan from Franziska that shows where the possible speed tables should go, then it's most important that the people who live closest to the speed tables are in support of them. If the speed tables fall within a certain segment of Reid, then it would be great if all are in support of the speed tables within that specific segment. -What defines which residents need to be surveyed regarding the issue of an infrastructure change? Usually the property owners who will be most impacted by the changes defines who should be surveyed about the changes. - I believe that we can find a legal set of data that supports a 25 or 30mph limit. If the 85% numbers indicate 30mph might be appropriate, we should be able to get the city to agree to lowering that by 5 mph so that the 25mph posting can remain and lidar enforcement is enabled. At this time, we can only use the 85% study to determine speed limit. - I still think enabling lidar enforcement will have some positive effect. I understand that Sargent Gonzalez feels that the speeding frequency may not be an efficient use of his deputies time. We should be able to come to some agreement with the Sheriffs office assuming lidar use is enabled and the posted limit remains the same. I am not convinced that lidar use can be enabled with the existing speed limit, which does not reflect the speed based on the 85% study. Thanks, I'm around this coming week. I'd like to stop in and talk to you and/or John for a few minutes on this. Please indicate what time(s) would work for you. Let me find out from John when he is available to meet with you and we can figure out a time that works for all of us. Sent: Monday, July 17, 2017 9:50 AM Subject: Traffic Safety Concern -Speeding on Reid Lane Ms. Cabute, I attended the last Safety Commission meeting in May. We were going to connect and get my concern officially recorded so it could be addressed at the next meeting. The July meeting is canceled, I assume my concern would be addressed at the September meeting. Concern: There are too many vehicles driving over the speed limit or the 85th percentile speed on Reid Lane. In the past the Sheriffs Dept. enforced the speed limit on Reid Lane using radar. I understand that enough time has passed since the last speed survey thereby making speed enforcement illegal on Reid Lane. My request is to get another survey completed (and other requirements if needed) to enable the Sheriffs Dept. to again start radar speed enforcement on Reid Lane. #466 Chester Ave Allendale Ave A St. Archangel Michael Y Serbian hodox Church Allendale Ave arket ge Ravenwood Dr Sobey Creek Marshall Lane Elementary School Hi Mainini, Internal Compliance Corporation Please confirm that I am on the agenda for March 11. 9 m < .. :, .,, r­:, Please also know that I have received frustrated feedback from a few neighbors that the numerous signs for the bumps and Chevrons have completely ruined the visual aesthetics of this portion of Chester. I can't say that I disagree as they are an eyesore and from the continued speeding, likely ignored completely. Sob My suggestion is to remove the Chevrons altogether and install the small round speed bumps around the curve to actually deter speeding. A speed deterrent was my original request but what was implemented does not do the job. Thank you, - Hillll I'll ask our traffic engineer to reevaluate the sign placement. With regards to the speed tables, I would like to ask our engineer to collect speeds over the next couple of months. I can place this item on the March 11, 2021 TSC meeting and the TSC can review the data to help determine whether there has been improvement with the speeds. Discussions about modifying the speed tables can occur at that point. The TSC can also discuss the sign placement in front of your property. If you are okay with that plan, I will place you on the March agenda and ask our engineer to place tubes down sometime in early 2021. Sincerely, Mainini Cc: 12/14/2020 Hi Mainini, Thank you for your explanation. While I understand it, I don't agree that the arrow in the hedge is necessary. While driving down Chester from Allendale at night, it is clear that a curve is coming with the other 5 chevron signs. The same is true with the other direction. Can this be revisited and removed? My hedge is now further hacked away without my approval. No one should come on my property and cut my hedge without my approval. Last, I would like to provide an update on the speed tables. So far they are marginally working and I believe they are too wide and flat to be a deterrent. At my parents place in the Milpitas foothills they have similar tables installed, buy not as flat/wide and about 1 inch taller. They work very well as a speed deterrent. I have seen a mixed bag of people slowing down and equal numbers just treating the tables as a fun game, flying over them. I would like to request that they be raised by 1" to actually slow down cars. What is the best way for me to address the sign in my hedge and the height of the bumps? Can I be added to the next city meeting? Thank you, 1111 Mon 12/14/2020 10:48 AM Thank you for letting me know your thoughts and concerns regarding the arrow chevron sign and its impact on the hedge in front of your property. I apologize that I did not specifically point out the signage placement of the arrow signs when I sent you the plans in November. I visited Chester Ave this morning and reviewed the plans and I see that the signs and speed tables were placed according to the plan. In determining the placement of the signs, our traffic engineer considers the most impactful placement to alert drivers. She also evaluates the view of the property owners so that the sign is not directly in front of a house. For this section of Chester Ave, our engineer determined the necessary number of signs based on engineering standards to alert drivers of the entire stretch of the curve. I took notice of the sign that was placed in front of your hedge and see that the trimming around the sign was necessary to make it more visible. Due to the fact that the full stretch of your hedge is growing in the City right-of-way, the hedge had to be trimmed back to make room for the sign. I see that our contractor tried to stay as close to the curb/edge of the street as possible. The City's right­ of-way extends 12' from the curb into your property at this section of Chester Ave. I hope this email answers your questions regarding the sign placement. Again, I apologize for not pointing out the signs on the plan. I hope that the speed tables slow down drivers on that stretch of the road. Your neighbor across the street who owns the vineyard has recently asked for an additional speed table on Chester Ave to be placed near Arcadia Palms in front of his circular driveway. We will evaluate that third speed table in 2021. Until then, I wish your family a safe and healthy holiday season. Sincerely, Mainini On Dec 11, 2020, at 5 :28 PM, Hi Mainini, I would like to request that the arrow signage be removed. There is already one not far from it and is very visible by the cars as they are approaching the curb. Thank you, Sent from my iPhone On Dec 11, 2020, at 4:01 PM, Hi Mainini, I just left you a voice message. The speed humps are in and the signs are going in now. I'm not happy about the sign placed in my shrub and the foreman told me that the shrub would need to be trimmed much further so that it does not block visibility to the sign. My issue is that no one told me of the sign placement or that my property would be further exposed due to the sign. Here is an image of the sign in question. <imageO.jpeg> Please let me know what can be done about this. Thank you, 1111 Subject: Traffic incident on Chester Ave Hi Mainini, My name is -and I live on Chester Avenue off of Allendale in Saratoga. Sometime between Thursday (11/21/19) evening to Friday morning there was an incident in front of my property at 13970 Chester Ave. My gardener reported to me on Friday morning while I was away out of town that the large hedge in front of my home was severely damaged by a car or truck. I have attached photos so that you can see. Upon my return on Sunday, I contacted the sheriff and an officer came out to take a look at what had happened. It is pretty clear that a car or truck jumped the curb while driving either too fast and or erratically. As you may already know, the bottom part of Chester Avenue is a flat straightaway and there are frequently speeders on this road. My immediate neighbors and I share the same view that it is unsafe and irresponsible for individuals to drive so fast. I have two small children who love to play on the driveway and I am concerned every time they are outside. I would like to start the process to request speed bumps to be put on Chester Avenue to deter speeding. If there are other options or suggestions that the city has I will be open to hearing them and discussing the best path forward. The sheriff suggested that I start this process and agreed that it is unsafe where I live when cars come flying down the hill around the corner or down the street away at high-speeds. I have been living at this home for two years now and this is the first incident of somebody damaging my property. However, I see and hear speeding at all hours of the day and night. Please help me with what I would need to do to begin a submission or petition process to have something done for the safety of my family and those who frequently walk, ride, or jog up/down Chester Ave. would "narrow" the road a bit for drivers, causing them to slow down. 5/10/2018 Every afternoon between two o clock ad 3:30 Scotland Dr is a replica of the Indianapolis 500. Two calls to the sheriff does not bring any solution to this situation . Speeds are between 35 to 50 miles an hour. I realize those who live on side streets are not affected by this . Scotland dr is being abused by people who also have kids but we are have kids walking from Redwood school where there are no side walks .This is my concern what do you suggest that we do? 1. Traffic Matrix #412� Scotland COMMISSIONER COULTER MOTIONED TO PLACE THE RADAR FEEDBACK TRAILER AT SCOTLAND DRIVE. COMMISSIONER CHOI GAVE SECOND MOTION. APPROVED 7 �O #492 Fruitvale Ave / Admissions Dr Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Fruitvale Ave. and Admissions Dr. Description of traffic safety concern: Over-enforcement of No-UTurn between 7am-8:30am, 2pm-3:30pm Mon-Fri, Sept-June sign while schools are OFF. Unfairly biases Sheriff enforcement on signs for law abiding residents who make random visits to Redwood Middle School Review how many tickets sheriff has given at this sign while school has been OFF. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: Change the sign to only reflect when kids are in school.