CITY OF ORINDA TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES July 16, 2018 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TSAC) WAS HELD ON THE ABOVE DATE IN THE SARGE LITTLEHALE COMMUNITY ROOM, 22 ORINDA WAY, ORINDA, CALIFORNIA. A. CALL TO ORDER Chair Bisesto called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. B. ROLL CALL COMMITTEEMEMBERS: Laura Bisesto, Ivo Gustetich, Greg Haet, Lary Hanshaw, David Libby, Mark Roberts, Steve Schnier City Staff: Public Works and Engineering Services Director Larry Theis; Assistant Engineer Kevin McCourt; Police Officer Dave Sandy C. TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES June 18, 2018 Committeemember Roberts requested that the meeting minutes be corrected to indicate that his absence was excused; he also noted the he would abstain from the motion as he had not been present at the June meeting. MOTION: By Committeemember Libby, seconded by Committeemember Hanshaw, to approve the TSAC Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2018, as amended. The motion carried by a voice vote of 6-0-1 (Roberts abstain). D. PUBLIC FORUM - None E. DISCUSSION BIKE RODEO/BICYCLE SAFETY DAY Chair Bisesto advised that she had not yet sent out the Bike Rodeo survey; an Orinda resident has offered to help draft the survey, which Chair Bisesto will distribute through the Orinda Association, the local newspaper, e-mail, as well as other potential outlets. Director Theis offered that the Orinda Outlook could be used; also she may want to use the Orinda News, which publishes monthly and the Lamorinda Weekly, which publishes bi-weekly; while Nextdoor may be an option, a survey cannot be directly placed there, only a link to a survey. Chair Bisesto thought the use of a link would be a good idea, as is distributing on the Orinda Outlook. 1 July 16, 2018
This item was continued to the next TSAC meeting. F. DISCUSSION S/B CAMINO PABLO / HIGHWAY 24 UNDERPASS DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE Assistant Engineer McCourt distributed a handout showing the mapped location, the westbound Highway 24 overpass, the BART vehicle overpass, the BART pedestrian overpass (used for the Banner program), Caltrans signage, and the arrow-marked vehicle lanes. Committeemember Libby noted that there is no signage on the westbound Highway 24 overpass; however, there is directional signage on the BART vehicle overpass for the Number 1 and Number 2 Lanes (left and middle), and a Caltrans sign in the right-of way for the Number 3 Lane. Committeemember Schnier recommended that since there is signage currently for the Number 1 and Number 2 Lanes on the BART vehicle overpass, there should be a third sign for the Number 3 Lane for consistency. Chair Bisesto questioned whether the City could install signage on the first overpass (Highway 24). Director Theis advised that signage cannot be installed on the Highway 24 overpass without permission from Caltrans; it would be difficult to install signage at that location because it would be necessary to prove that it would not significantly damage the bridge. Committeemember Roberts questioned the Thru Traffic Merge Left sign that is on the right-hand side of the street but meant for vehicles in the far left lane. Vehicles in the right lane are able to continue straight or merge onto Highway 24. Committeemember Henshaw questioned if signage could be installed in the center median. Director Theis stated that the center median is narrow and any signage would need to not impact traffic. Committeemember Schnier commented that drivers cannot see arrow markings on the ground fast enough, so it would be easier to look up at a sign; he asked if a sign could be painted instead of drilled onto the Highway 24 overpass. Director Theis advised that because it would be elevated without much light, any painted sign would be difficult to see. Officer Sandy warned that adding additional signage in a 40 mph section on Camino Pablo that also has an entrance and exit to BART and the Highway may overwhelm drivers and potentially increase collisions. 2 July 16, 2018
Committeemember Henshaw opined that earlier notification is better as the slow traffic in the left lane makes it difficult to switch to the faster moving middle lanes later in the decision making process. Officer Sandy pointed out that because traffic usually doesn t back up extremely far, this may not be an issue. Committeemember Roberts agreed with Officer Sandy that traffic at most is backed up to the pedestrian overpass in the evenings during rush hour. Committeemember Libby asked for clarification on whether the Committee wanted signs on Lane 3 and the BART pedestrian overpass. Director Theis and Officer Sandy mentioned that putting any signage on the BART pedestrian overpass could face opposition as many organizations use that area to hang banners; placing signage on the BART pedestrian overpass would require the Banner Program to be halted. Committeemember Libby stated that he would not make a recommendation to place signage on the westbound Highway 24 overpass based upon Officer Sandy s comments. G. TRAFFIC CALMING UPDATES AND ACTIONS 1. Briefing from Police Chief SLOW DOWN ORINDA/Traffic Citations Report Officer Sandy could not provide a printout of the DUI numbers; he stated that there were two DUIs in June and eight collisions; the number of collisions had decreased from the previous months. Vice-Chair Haet asked for information on a collision he had witnessed on Camino Pablo. Officer Sandy stated that a person traveling southbound fell asleep and crossed the double yellow line striking two other vehicles; the driver was likely traveling 65 to 70 mph; there were no serious injuries. Officer Sandy added that he had been splitting his time between traffic and covering for other officers; he has noticed an increase in pedestrian traffic downtown and in the Brookwood areas and has been giving tickets for not observing Stop signs to prevent pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Committeemember Libby asked what the age range for handheld devices is and if the Committee should do outreach to the high schools. Officer Sandy advised that that he has only written two cell phone tickets to high school students; the worst offenders likely range from 35 to 45 year old adults with children in the vehicle; roughly 70% of those drivers are texting on their phones. 3 July 16, 2018
2. Traffic Calming Request No new requests 3. Accessibility Issues Director Theis advised that the City is improving accessibility and safety around paths with added handrails to conform to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). H. STAFF REPORT 1. Update Current Balance of Traffic Calming Improvements Program FY 2019 expenditures: $0 to date; $40,000 budget = remaining balance $40,000. 2. Update Sundown Terrace Speed Cushion Installation Director Theis reported that the City Council approved an expenditure of $6,000 for four speed-cushions on Sundown Terrace. Assistant Engineer McCourt advised that the order for the speed cushions has been placed, but it could take up to two months for delivery. Director Theis clarified that the $6,000 is part of the $40,000, which leaves $34,000 remaining unencumbered; the $6,000 covers the speed cushions, the signage, and some of the stripping; installation will be scheduled upon receipt of the cushions. 3. Update Rheem Boulevard Traffic Calming Request Assistant Engineer McCourt advised that he had sent out another set of potential locations for placement of the radar feedback signs; thus far he has not received any comments from the residents; he would like the Neighborhood Action Team (NAT) to meet to finalize the two locations to present it to the Committee. 4. Update Orindawoods Drive Traffic Calming Request Assistant Engineer McCourt advised that the Orindawoods Drive traffic calming request had been withdrawn by the residents; resident Chet Martine had informed Assistant Engineer McCourt that he had submitted the request on behalf of other residents and they had been very motivated to have a crosswalk, the request for which had been denied; Mr. Martine emphasized his disappointment with the withdrawal. Director Theis noted that staff will send Mr. Martine an e-mail to confirm withdrawal of the request; he noted that Mr. Martine had presented police data from the Stalker radar device at the City Council meeting; his main point had been concern with the cut-through traffic along Orindawoods Drive coming off of Highway 24, which increases during certain times of day. Assistant Engineer McCourt stated that Mr. Martine wanted to know why the Stalker radar usage was not implemented more frequently. Chair Bisesto asked whether Mr. Martine wanted to use his own personal feedback sign. 4 July 16, 2018
Director Theis stated that Mr. Martine had purchased a feedback sign and wanted the City to install it; the City had declined; if the Committee did not wish to continue pursuing this item, staff would send an e-mail stating that no further action will be taken. Chair Bisesto confirmed that no further action would be taken. Director Theis stated that depending on how the Rheem Boulevard traffic calming request proceeds, and now that the Sundown Terrace traffic calming is complete, the Committee can begin engaging the neighborhoods new requests, based upon the order which they were received. 5. Donald Drive Signage and Speed Cushion Installation (ON HOLD) 6. Postponed Rheem Boulevard at Zander Drive 3-Way Stop Sign (ON HOLD) Director Theis advised that an intersection study is being completed by an outside consultant and will require review. 7. Postponed East Altarinda Road Signage (ON HOLD) No update. 8. Postponed Northwood Drive Speed Cushion Request (ON HOLD) No update. 9. Postponed Lost Valley Drive Signage/Striping/Radar Feedback Request (ON HOLD) No update. I. MATTERS INITIATED Vice-Chair Haet stated that the City Council had approved the consultant contract for the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan, which will try to improve the connection between the two sides of Orinda and improve the overall beauty and safety of the downtown; he asked if staff could give guidance on how the Committee could provide input on the project. Director Theis advised that there are significant transportation elements to the project and the Public Works and Engineering Services Department has requested that the project be named to indicate it is a transportation project; the main features that will be controversial are the installation of a roundabout in Santa Maria and Camino Pablo and removing one lane in the southbound direction on Camino Pablo and making it a bicycle lane. Vice-Chair Haet stated that the most controversial item would be closing off the freeway on-ramp to eastbound Highway 24. Director Theis stated a subset of residents have pushed to eliminate the on-ramp to eastbound Highway 24; this will likely be integrated because it does not largely affect the main plan of the project which is to improve connectivity to downtown for pedestrians and bicyclists. The City is currently trying to determine how to survey residents for 5 July 16, 2018
project input. If the Committee would like to comment on the plans, he will set up a time for the project team to attend a TSAC meeting, as there are currently no plans to gather such input; he advised the Committee to provide any input after draft designs are initially proposed. Committeemember Henshaw asked if Director Theis knew the time to expect an official draft. Director Theis responded that official draft designs may be prepared within four to six months. Director Theis stated that he does not know the exact scope, but he has no objection to the Planning Department involving the TSAC; residents can send in personal comments, however if the Committee wants to submit comments it would need to be agenized for one of the meetings. Chair Bisesto stated that she would like the project team to come to a TSAC meeting. Vice-Chair Haet said he was a little conflicted because the Committee is not an advocacy organization; however, it is good to get involved early in the process to be aware of what is being considered. Committeemember Henshaw stated that if the project team comes to a TSAC meeting too early in the process, there would not be anything to discuss. Committeemember Roberts stated that two residents had told him about the idea of allowing the northbound Moraga Way traffic onto the cloverleaf to get to eastbound Highway 24 three or four years ago. Director Theis noted that there is another group of residents requesting the City look into the idea and the Chamber of Commerce has been asked for input; based upon the data, there has not been many accidents at this location due to relatively slow traffic speed; there would most likely be an impact to business patrons, but not a large impact to pedestrians. Director Theis stated that there are many ideas that will be discussed on how to improve connectivity. Chair Bisesto asked about pedestrian access along Moraga Way. Director Theis stated that pedestrian access along Moraga Way will not be in the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan; the City recently implemented the first Residential Parking Program that will displace BART parkers from the Brookwood Road area; the City could possibly rent out church parking lots for residents that take BART. There is concern that there is not adequate parking for employees working in Theatre Square - the City may also initiate a parking permit program for them. The City will engage BART to 6 July 16, 2018
see if they intend to utilize a stack parking program to double park cars in their parking lot; although this may be unlikely, the Orinda BART Station is one of the least utilized stations, so they may be willing to consider the idea. Director Theis asked if the Committee wants to hold the regular August TSAC meeting. Committeemember Haet suggested that the TSAC could decide on whether to hold the August meeting depending upon what information could be provided by the Planning Department regarding the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan. Chair Bisesto asked if the Committee could re-assess possibly cancelling the August meeting in two weeks. Director Theis stated that the August meeting could be cancelled if they determine there is nothing new to discuss. K. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: By Committeemember Henshaw, seconded by Committeemember Libby, to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The next Regular Meeting of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee will be 7:00 p.m., September 17, 2018, in the Sarge Littlehale Community Room, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda, California. Prepared by: K. McCourt 7 July 16, 2018