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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 1999-03-15SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 1 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1999 AT 8:00 PM Regular Meeting: San Rafael City Council Present: Paul M. Cohen, Vice -Mayor Barbara Heller, Councilmember Cyr N. Miller, Councilmember Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember Absent: Albert J. Boro, Mayor Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk CLOSED SESSION: • Conference With Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) One Case Vice -Mayor Cohen announced no reportable action was taken. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE: 8:00 PM None. CONSENT CALENDAR: Councilmember Phillips moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to approve the following Consent Calendar items: ITEM RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of Tuesday, Minutes approved as submitted. February 16, 1999, and Special and Regular Meetings of Monday, March 1, 1999 (CC) 2. Call for Applications and Appointments to Fill Approved staff recommendation: Four, Four -Year Terms on the Cultural Affairs a) Called for applications for Commission, Due to Expiration of Terms of Wilma appointments to fill four, Gibbons, Carol A. Levy, Terese Redinger and four-year terms on Jonathan Toste - Terms to Expire End of April, 2003 (CC) - File 9-2-24 3. Acceptance of Statements of Disclosure for Maribeth Bushey -Lang and Thomas T. Hinman, Planning Commissioners (CC) - File 9-2-6 x (SRRA) R-140 IVB x (SRRA) R-140 #8 4. Request for City of San Rafael Amicus Participation: (CA) - File 9-3-16 L.A. Alliance for Survival, et al. v. City of Los Angeles, et al. California Supreme Court Case No. 5073451 5. Request for City of San Rafael Amicus Participation: (CA) - File 9-3-16 the Cultural Affairs Commission to the end of April, 2003; 6) Set deadline for receipt of applications for Tuesday, April 6, 1999 at 12 Noon in the City Clerk's Office, Room 209; c) Set date for interviews of applicants at a Special City Council meeting to be held on Monday, April 19, 1999, commencing at 6:30 PM. Accepted Statements of Disclosure for Maribeth Bushey -Lang and Thomas T. Hinman, Planning Commissioners. Approved amicus participation. Approved amicus participation. SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 1 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 2 Foster v. City of Napa, et al. Court of Appeal for First Appellate District Case No. A084652 6. City Work Plan Review (CM) - File 237 Accepted report. 7. Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Hilton,RESOLUTION NO. 10375 - Farnkopf and Hobson, LLC, to Perform a Review of RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING Marin Sanitary Service's 1999 Rate Application AN AGREEMENT WITH HILTON, (MS) - File 4-3-306 x 4-3-32 FARNKOPF AND HOBSON, LLC TO PERFORM A REVIEW OF MARIN SANITARY SERVICE'S 1999 RATE APPLICATION (Ending June 30, 1999). 8. Resolution Authorizing Extension of Time for RESOLUTION NO. 10376 Completion of Improvement Work - "Woodland RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING Terrace Homes" (PW) - File 5-1-326 EXTENSION OF TIME FOR THE COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENT WORK - "WOODLAND TERRACE HOMES SUBDIVISION" (EXTENDED TO AND INCLUDING MARCH 16, 2000). 9. Resolution Authorizing the Public Works Director RESOLUTION NO. 10377 to File an Application for Transportation Equity RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE Act for the 21st Century (TEA -21) - 75% Surface PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE Transportation Funds in the Amount of $973,500 AN APPLICATION FOR to Construct Pavement Rehabilitation on Andersen TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR Drive and Lincoln Avenue (PW) THE 21st CENTURY (TEA 21) - File 11-15 x 11-1 75% SURFACE TRANSPORTATION FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $973,500 TO: 1) CONSTRUCT PAVEMENT REHABILITATION FOR ANDERSEN DRIVE, 2) CONSTRUCT PAVEMENT REHABILITATION FOR LINCOLN AVENUE. THIS RESOLUTION COMMITS THE NECESSARY LOCAL MATCH FOR THE PROJECTS AND ALSO STATES THE ASSURANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO COMPLETE THE PROJECTS. 11. Below Market Rate Rental Agreement Re: Clocktower RESOLUTION NO. 10378 Apartments, 729 Fourth Street; Tommy Kennedy, Owner/Developer (CD) - File 229 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SIGNING OF A BELOW MARKET RATE RENTAL HOUSING AGREEMENT BETWEEN TOMMY KENNEDY AND THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RE: CLOCKTOWER APARTMENTS, 729 Fourth Street, AP 11-275-01. 12. Acceptance of a Grant Deed for Second Street RESOLUTION NO. 10379 Widening Along the Fair, Isaac Site Frontage and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Conveyance (RA) - File 2-5-39 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A GRANT DEED FOR SECOND STREET WIDENING ALONG THE FAIR, ISAAC SITE FRONTAGE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONVEYANCE. 13. Canal Farmers' Market Request for Start -Up Funds a) Approved operation of Canal SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 2 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 3 and Street Closures (RA) - File 251 x 11-19 Mercado from Tuesday, July 6, 1999 through Tuesday, September 28, 1999; b)Approved closure of Alto Street between Belvedere Street and Larkspur Street from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Tuesdays, from July 6, 1999 through September 28, 1999. c)RESOLUTION NO. 10380 - RESOLUTION APPROVING A $15,000 LOAN FOR THE CANAL MERCADO. 14. Report on Bid Opening and Award of Contract to Rose Construction for Site Improvements at the Pickleweed Day Care Center (Lowest Responsible Bidder - Bid Opening Held Tuesday, March 9, 1999) (CS) - File 4-1-498 x 12-15 x 9-3-65 15. Resolution of Appreciation to John R. Haeuser, RESOLUTION NO. 10381 RESOLUTION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR SITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR PICKLEWEED CHILDREN'S CENTER TO ROSE CONSTRUCTION (Lowest Responsible Bidder, in the amount of $178,750). RESOLUTION NO. 10382 Former Board of Library Trustees Member (Lib) RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO - File 102 x 9-2-3 JOHN R. HAEUSER, FORMER BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MEMBER. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Vice -Mayor Cohen NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Boro The following item was removed from the Agenda for further discussion: 10. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM AND CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,398,757.75 TO CONSTRUCT PAVEMENT REHABILITATION THROUGHOUT THE CITY, REPAIR BANK EROSION ON MAHON CREEK AT ALBERT PARK AT "B" STREET, AND BUILD SLOPE REPAIR AT OAKWOOD DRIVE (PW) - File 11-15 x 12-16 x 9-3-40 Councilmember Heller asked if staff would be coming back before the Council with a full report? She noted the City would be working on many streets this year, and believed there would be a lot of questions from the community. Public Works Director Bernardi stated he and City Manager Gould planned to present a report detailing the entire construction season at the first Council meeting in April. He noted they would be discussing the impacts of the overlay projects, Second Street widening, undergrounding, and all the various projects being done in San Rafael, to give Council a flavor of what they will be doing, and how they plan to deal with the traffic issues resulting from these projects. Ms. Heller asked when the City would know whether we will receive the funding? Mr. Bernardi stated the funding had already been approved, noting it was merely a formality required by MTC (Metropolitan Transportation Commission) that the Council adopt a Resolution, which would be sent to MTC tomorrow. Councilmember Miller reported he had recently attended a West End Neighborhood meeting, and they were choosing the three streets in their neighborhood they would like to have rehabilitated. He asked if that was to be part of this program? Mr. Bernardi stated that if the City cannot rehabilitate the three streets chosen by the residents during the coming year, it would be done next year. Mr. Bernardi noted that in addition to these Federal funds, the City would also be incorporating into the project the normal gas tax and franchise fee funding; therefore, the City would be doing a project this year that was close to $3 million. Ms. Heller asked if the entire project would be done SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 3 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 4 during the summer months? Mr. Bernardi stated the project would take approximately six months, probably beginning in May, and extending until November. Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Phillips seconded, to adopt the Resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 10383 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM AND CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,398,757.75 TO: 1) CONSTRUCT PAVEMENT REHABILITATION THROUGHOUT THE CITY, 2) REPAIR BANK EROSION ON MAHON CREEK AT ALBERT PARK AT "B" STREET, 3) BUILD SLOPE REPAIR AT OAKWOOD DRIVE. THIS RESOLUTION COMMITS THE NECESSARY LOCAL MATCH FOR THE PROJECTS AND ALSO STATES THE ASSURANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO COMPLETE THE PROJECTS. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Vice -Mayor Cohen NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Boro SPECIAL PRESENTATION: 16. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO TOM OBLETZ RE: VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CM) - File 102 x x 9-2-53 x 235 Vice -Mayor Cohen stated one of the things that makes participating in San Rafael's civic life so great was the number of enthusiastic people who work with the City to make this such a wonderful place. He explained it was the City's habit to periodically thank those who give selflessly of their time and effort, noting one such person was Tom Obletz. Vice -Mayor Cohen reported Mr. Obletz was a founding member of the City's Volunteer Program Advisory Committee, noting he had served on that Committee until last month. He stated Mr. Obletz had generously shared his ideas, and with his suggestions and advice, the Committee continued to fulfill the mission of the Volunteer Program to, "Create a bridge among the City, the community, and the volunteers, to enhance the quality of life in our City". On behalf of the City and the Council, Vice -Mayor Cohen expressed sincere appreciation to Mr. Obletz for his service to the City of San Rafael as a member of the Volunteer Program Advisory Committee, and presented Mr. Obletz with a Resolution of Appreciation. Tom Obletz thanked the Council, stating the Volunteer Program was something that continued to be very important to him. He believed this program had great value to the City, noting we were soon to have City Hall at the Mall. Mr. Obletz agreed with Vice -Mayor Cohen that the recognition of volunteers was an important aspect of what city government was all about. PUBLIC HEARING: 17. PUBLIC HEARING - CITY -INITIATED URGENCY ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 14.03.030 OF TITLE 14 OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE TO REVISE DEFINITIONS OF DWELLING UNIT AND KITCHEN AND ESTABLISH A NEW DEFINITION OF WET BAR TO LIMIT THE POTENTIAL FOR CREATION OF ILLEGAL DWELLING UNITS WITHOUT BENEFIT OF REQUIRED USE PERMITS. ALSO PROPOSED IS AN ADDED SECTION TO CHAPTER 16 (SITE AND USE REGULATIONS) OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ADD REGULATIONS FOR A WET BAR, AND OTHER AMENDMENTS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH THE CREATION OF ILLEGAL UNITS (CD) - File 10-13 x 10-1 x 10 - Vice -Mayor Cohen announced this item was being removed from the Agenda at the request of staff. NEW BUSINESS: 18. DISCUSSION OF SAN RAFAEL NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING TECHNIQUES AND RESOLUTION FOR RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION ALL -WAY STOP WARRANTS AND POLICY (PW) - File 11-9 x 11-1 x 11-11 Public Works Director Bernardi explained staff was presenting two items; the first would be a discussion in which Traffic Engineer Nader Mansourian would define general traffic calming techniques, describing things that would be available in the City's "tool box", for dealing with neighborhood SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 4 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 5 issues. During the second half of the report, Mr. Mansourian would discuss the implementation of one specific traffic calming technique, which was the modification of our current stop sign warrants. Traffic Engineer Nader Mansourian noted that in the past fifteen or twenty years, the residents have been asking the City to provide traffic control devices to address significant traffic problems. He noted there were basically two recurring areas of violations; speeding, and diversion and speeding together. Mr. Mansourian explained that as Traffic Engineers, staff was bound to follow State and Federal guidelines, noting two books they constantly used were the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices), published by the Federal Highway Administration, and the Caltrans Traffic Manual. Mr. Mansourian stated these publications were good guidelines for arterials, but did not address the specific low -traffic volume areas; therefore, staff often comes before the Council, with the neighborhood on one side, and staff on the other side, regarding issues of all -way stops. Mr. Mansourian stated staff has been doing research since 1995; he attended a seminar in 1996, where he collected very good data; and they have been searching the Internet, talking to various agencies and consulting firms, asking about various devices other agencies have been using, and what the pros and cons were. Mr. Mansourian stated such devices were basically physical devices to slow traffic. He noted the City had to be very careful about what it uses; therefore, staff decided to review each device they felt might work in San Rafael, and then come back before the Council with a report on each item, with a policy and warrant adaptation. Reviewing the policy for stop sign warrants now before Council, Mr. Mansourian reported current Caltrans and Federal Highway Administration stop sign warrants call for a volume of 500 vehicles per hour entering an intersection; however, he noted he knew of almost no intersections in San Rafael where this could be found during any eight hour period. Therefore, staff researched the City's traffic volumes, and prepared a new warrant for Council's consideration. Mr. Mansourian explained the objective for an all -way stop was to assign right-of-way; however, he noted it was often mis-used or misunderstood. He stated that when the use of this technique is not justified, drivers ignore the stop signs, which causes more problems than the original safety problem. Mr. Mansourian explained staff had reduced the amount of traffic volume needed to justify a stop sign to 300 vehicles per hour, with at least 1/3 of those vehicles coming from side streets, and instead of five accidents per year, they reduced it to three accidents per year. He noted the accidents would tell them exactly what problems we were having. Mr. Mansourian reported one item staff added was visibility, noting San Rafael had many roadways that are curved, and in some instances, the drivers cannot see because of tall retaining walls. Therefore, staff included a condition calling for 150 foot visibility, which he stated was the minimum for a speed of 25 miles per hour. He also referred to the 1185th percentile", which is the speed at which 85% of the drivers feel comfortable. Mr. Mansourian reported the speed limit, by law, on residential and business streets is 25 miles per hour; however, he pointed out that when the City does a radar survey for enforcement, our hands are tied, noting they have to post the speed limit based on the 85 percentile. He noted when speeds reach 30 miles per hour or more, that is when we have problems that must be addressed. Mr. Mansourian stated the Traffic Coordinating Committee recommended that if the volume of traffic is there, with 300 vehicles per hour, and meets the criteria concerning accidents, visibility, and speed, then the intersection might be justified for an all -way stop, if it would not have a negative impact on the surrounding roadways or driveways. Mr. Mansourian noted another item staff added was the issue of the presence of school children, as the Caltrans manual did not directly address this issue. He explained staff was recommending if there are twenty-five school children per hour using an intersection, during any one hour period, the volume of 300 cars can be reduced by 60%; therefore, instead of 300 cars, they could use a volume of 180 cars. Mr. Mansourian clarified this did not mean that every intersection in San Rafael at which we have children using the sidewalks to cross would need a stop sign, noting staff would have to look at the intersection, and see if it was justified. Councilmember Heller asked if Mr. Mansourian had examples of any of the streets in San Rafael which would currently qualify? She felt "D" Street and Lincoln Avenue were probably likely examples, but noted it was hard to SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 5 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 6 imagine which intersections would have 300 cars per hour. Mr. Mansourian clarified the proposed warrant was only for residential roadways with a maximum of 5,000 vehicles per day; therefore, Lincoln Avenue, with 12,000 to 13,000 cars per day, would have to follow Caltrans standards. He noted "D" Street also had approximately 12,000 to 13,000 vehicles, as well. Mr. Mansourian explained the areas staff had been looking into were the end of Fifth Avenue, near Racquet Club Drive; certain areas of the Canal; and some residential areas of the Terra Linda and Montecito neighborhoods. Councilmember Phillips noted Mr. Mansourian had mentioned the Terra Linda area, and pointed out an area that was going to become more of a concern, with the development of the Freitas Water Park, would be the area around that park, with its hill and decline, and potentially a portion of the park on both sides of the street. He asked if that would be looked at, and whether it was within the scope of Mr. Mansourian's study? Mr. Phillips also asked what the traffic volume was for that area? Mr. Mansourian stated he would have to research the traffic volume, but he did not believe it was more than 5,000 cars. Mr. Phillips stated he expected that location to become more of a problem area, particularly with children in the area, noting many people seem to ignore the stop sign that is there. Mr. Mansourian stated staff had added a section at the end of the warrant which referred to parks, schools, and other areas where there are children, which would enable staff to address the issue of stop signs a little differently. As an example of a stop sign causing a problem, Mr. Mansourian referred to the stop sign that is too close to Nova Albion Way and Las Gallinas Avenue, affecting the queing and backing up traffic in the morning on Las Gallinas Avenue and Freitas Parkway for half an hour. Referring to the volume count for an unreduced intersection, Vice -Mayor Cohen noted the criteria would be 300 vehicles or units per hour, for an eight hour period. He asked if that meant each of the hours during the eight-hour period had to meet that count? Mr. Mansourian stated that was correct. Vice -Mayor Cohen asked if the count was averaged over the eight hours, or if it had to be every hour during the eight- hour period? Mr. Mansourian stated it would be for any eight hour period, noting they could conduct the count from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM, and they would take the highest eight hours during that period of time. Vice -Mayor Cohen asked if they would take the total units during the eight-hour period and divide the total number by eight, or would it have to be at least 300 cars in each of the counted hours? Mr. Bernardi stated the count was not averaged. Mr. Bernardi explained that in justifying a stop sign, they had to consider the total traffic, and if there was traffic only between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM, and the rest of the day there were only six cars going through the intersection, they would not want to penalize those six cars because of the cars that go through during the one heavy hour of traffic. He stated that was why the standards required that there be a constant flow of traffic, because for just a one-hour period during the day, it was not necessary to assign right-of-way for the other twenty-three hours. Mr. Bernardi stated this was why they tried to take a longer count, noting if they used a twelve hour period, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and within that time there were at least eight hours, not necessarily consecutive, which had 300 cars, that would be one of the justifications for a stop sign. Mr. Mansourian stated the criteria was lowered to two hours whenever there were children or a park area, so if there were twenty-five children during any two-hour period, that would meet one of the conditions. Vice -Mayor Phillips asked, even though twenty-five children were sufficient to lower the volume of traffic to 180 vehicles, would they still have to meet the volume of 180 vehicles for an eight-hour period? Mr. Bernardi stated that was correct. Mr. Mansourian stated staff had conducted a lot of research into the various techniques implemented by other agencies, noting one of the most controversial, and the one requested of staff on an almost weekly basis, was speed humps. Referring to the handout defining various neighborhood traffic calming techniques, Mr. Mansourian explained that unlike speed bumps, which are used in such places as shopping centers, but are inappropriate for City roadways, speed humps are usually twelve feet wide, and approximately three to four inches high, with a very smooth curve. He noted they were usually installed in a series of two, three, or four, depending on the roadway, and there were usually warning signs associated with them, normally for 10, 15, or 20 miles per hour. Mr. Mansourian stated speed humps have been proven effective in cutting down through traffic; however, they were good for reducing speed only at their specific location. He noted the Traffic Coordinating Committee was currently discussing this issue, and working on a speed hump policy and warrant. He noted another technique was circles, or roundabouts. He stated these were fairly expensive, and hard to maintain because of the vegetation. He SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 6 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 7 explained they were basically right -turn only, noting a good example in San Rafael was the roundabout which occurred naturally on Scenic Avenue and West Crescent Drive. He stated these devices slowed traffic and looked nice, but also created problems. Referring to curb bulbs, Mr. Mansourian pointed out these were already being used at each of the intersections on Fourth Street in Downtown San Rafael. He noted they were good for pedestrians, as they shortened the roadway, making it easier to cross. He noted they also provided some protection for the parked cars. However, he pointed out the curb bulbs were restrictive for turning movements, noting a left -turn car had to wait, and the cars behind it had to wait until the intersection cleared out. In addition, he stated they take up space. Mr. Mansourian explained bulbs were not usually used in residential roadways that did not have much foot traffic. Mr. Mansourian described one of the more popular techniques, chicanes, explaining these were basically s -type movements in the roadway. He noted this had been tried on Palm Avenue in the Dominican area, with parked cars and red zones, which they created. He stated this was very costly, and took out a lot of parking space, although they looked nice, and did slow traffic. Mr. Mansourian reported a new item, which agencies were currently experimenting with, was the Crosswalk Lighting System, noting certain agencies, such as Santa Rosa, were using grant monies for the installation of these systems. Mr. Mansourian stated these systems were good for driver awareness; however, their workability had not been proven as much as the other techniques, and he was concerned with the cost, noting the systems were $8,000, or more. He reported the feedback he had gotten was that the system was very dangerous if the device did not work, and it gave a false sense of security to the pedestrians when they push the button to activate the device, because they believe they can just start walking, but if the cars are too close, they cannot slow down. Mr. Mansourian stated staff would like to wait to consider this option until it has been proven. Mr. Mansourian reported the all -way stops cost approximately $500 each, everyone understands them, and they are not too complicated. He pointed out the advantages of speed humps are that they reduce speed, discourage cut -through traffic, and reduce police enforcement, which was one of the problems in residential areas with low traffic volume. He stated they were not very expensive, helped with pedestrian safety, and were neighborhood friendly. However, one disadvantage was that they increase emergency response time, and he recalled that in Sacramento, firefighters have been ejected from the Fire Engines when responding to calls. In addition, he noted the speed humps created more noise, as cars have to slow down and then accelerate. He reported the Deputy Director of Public Works in Santa Rosa had told him the neighbors there have been calling the City to ask that the speed humps be taken out, because the drivers who do not like them honk their horns as they go over the humps. In addition, some drivers have found the humps to be a good place to test their hot rods, placing the rear end of their cars on the humps, spinning their wheels, and seeing who can get off the humps the fastest. Mr. Mansourian reported he had found a site on the Internet where there are coalitions against these types of techniques, noting it was beginning to look like a "war zone". He stated the humps can result in a loss of parking spaces, and issues of drainage and lighting also had to be taken into consideration. Therefore, Mr. Mansourian felt the entire neighborhood, or at least two-thirds of the residents, would have to agree on having speed humps, and then if the location met the other criteria, they would have to show there were speeding problems that could not be addressed by signing and enforcement. Addressing the issue of circles, Mr. Mansourian stated they did reduce the number of accidents, they reduce speed, and under certain conditions, if an all -way stop does not have to be installed, they can increase capacity, because cars do not have to stop, they just yield or keep turning right. He noted they rarely cause traffic diversions. The disadvantages are the loss of on -street parking, they may require some right-of-way, a slight increase in emergency response time, and some bicyclists may have to learn to adjust their route because they could run into the circles. He pointed out there had been one fatality in Sacramento because of a circle, when a car was going too fast, hit the circle, and lost control. Referring to curb bulbs, such as we currently have in Downtown San Rafael, Mr. Mansourian reported they reduce speed, they are good for pedestrians, they can be used for multiple applications in the areas of the SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 7 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 8 intersections, they rarely cause traffic diversion, and can be used in areas where there are problems of parked cars being sideswiped. He noted the disadvantages were that they cannot be used on roadways of less than 22 feet "traveled way" width, which means one lane in each direction; they may require relocation of turning radius, utility valves, drainage inlets, and manholes; they increase landscape maintenance; reduce some parking spaces; and during heavy left or right turns, such as at Fourth and "A" Streets, one car trying to make a turn can cause the rest of the traffic to stop, because there is nowhere for the other cars to go. However, he noted the curb bulbs do look very nice. Mr. Mansourian stated chicanes definitely reduce speed, and noted staff's research had shown they do not slow down emergency responses as much. In addition, they were better as far as allowing the motorists to see pedestrians; they can be used for multiple applications; can be used with other devices, such as circles and speed humps; and they are neighborhood friendly. Disadvantages include loss of parking, and they are not acceptable on streets with a vertical, uphill curve, or sharp left or right turns. He noted chicanes also require the relocation of utilities, and are very expensive. Referring to the lighted crosswalk system, Mr. Mansourian noted there was one area in Santa Rosa where pedestrians had been getting hit all the time, and this system has worked very nicely. However, they were very expensive to maintain, and were not yet reliable. He explained the lighting system was imbedded in the roadway, and the main complaint has been that when pedestrians hit the button, they expect to begin walking immediately, but the cars do not stop for them. Councilmember Heller clarified that at this time, Council was only considering the issue of all -way stop warrants, and staff would continue to review the various techniques and report back to Council. Mr. Bernardi stated that was correct, noting the next item staff would present would be a report and recommendation on speed humps. He stated staff planned to present a separate report on each of the techniques, and if Council chose to adopt the warrants for each of those items, they would be available in the "tool box" of traffic calming techniques; then, when staff goes out into the neighborhoods to discuss traffic issues with the residents, they would have the tools to deal with those issues. Councilmember Phillips stated he assumed staff would, in the presentations for Council's consideration, report on the cost of maintenance for the various programs. Mr. Bernardi stated that was correct. Dick Watts, Chairman of the Sun Valley Neighborhood Association, stated his Association had conducted a visioning exercise, to try to understand what was of concern to the residents of their neighborhood. He noted there was a lot of input, and they found one of the major issues of concern for their neighborhood was traffic. He thanked Council for considering this issue, and Mr. Bernardi and his staff for bringing the issue forward. He noted they were particularly concerned about traffic at the intersections of Fifth Avenue and "H" Street, and Racquet Club Drive and Fifth Avenue. He pointed out the staff report had noted there might be pilot installations of stop signs, and stated his neighborhood would certainly consider cooperating with the City on a pilot at that intersection. Mr. Watts distributed a copy of the Sun Valley Neighborhood Association's survey, and thanked staff and Council for addressing this issue, and bringing more tools to the fore. Mr. Bernardi stated staff would be looking at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Racquet Club Drive as the test area under the new stop sign warrant allocation. Councilmember Heller asked when the testing would begin? Mr. Bernardi stated it would begin soon. Mr. Mansourian reported they had conducted traffic counts, and were just waiting for the rainy season to end so they could obtain a more accurate count of the number of children walking back and forth to school. Vice - Mayor Cohen believed that when the rains stopped, they would see a lot of children walking in that area. Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to adopt the Resolution adopting the policy and warrants for all -way stop control at intersections in residential neighborhoods. RESOLUTION NO. 10384 - RESOLUTION REGARDING RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC CALMING TECHNIQUES AND APPROVING THE RESIDENTIAL INTERSECTION ALL -WAY STOP WARRANTS AND POLICY. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Vice -Mayor Cohen SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 8 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 9 NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Boro Councilmember Heller moved and Councilmember Miller seconded, to accept the report and direct the City Traffic Engineer to continue research and testing of traffic calming techniques in residential neighborhoods. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Heller, Miller, Phillips & Vice -Mayor Cohen NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Boro Councilmember Heller thanked Mr. Mansourian for an excellent report. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: FWINNEW"VC'S'iT_ There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk APPROVED THIS DAY OF VICE -MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL 1999 SRCC MINUTES (Regular) 3/15/99 Page 9