CCMIN121713 - Laserfiche WebLink

is to narrow the roadway with pavement striping, similar to what was done with Harvest Road, in order to help control speed. Mr. Tassano reviewed the projected budget. He noted that while the City's program is funded through the CIP at about $25,000 per year, the Black Avenue traffic calming plan calls for some more significant cost elements. Bulb outs can reach $100,000 each and neck downs $75,000 each depending on the extent of drainage improvements required. Speed lumps, signage and striping are relatively inexpensive and projected to total about $25,000 for the full project. He noted that staff is not requesting approval for the budget expenditure at this time. If the plan is supported by the Council, staff will return with a funding plan at the midterm budget review in July 2014. Mayor Thorne said one of the driving forces for this project is the incredible volume of children who use Black Avenue each day. He requested and Mr. Tassano provided a demonstration of the various elementary and middle school locations as well as the regional aquatic center. Mayor Thorne also asked Mr. Tassano to expand on the parking plan mentioned in the staff report. Mr. Tassano explained that residents expressed traffic and safety concerns related to the numerous regional swimming events held here. One of the difficulties with regional events is that people from outside the immediate area are unfamiliar with where to park and tend to encroach on residences or make dangerous driving maneuvers. Staff has arranged to provide event attendees with a parking plan in advance showing where offsite parking can be located, which typically will be at the nearby high school. Staff did explore the potential for permit parking during events but does not believe this will adequately resolve the issues identified. Mayor Thorne asked and Mr. Tassano confirmed that the parking plan does not involve restricting parking on Black Avenue but rather advising people of where else they can park. Councilmember Narum asked staff to discuss No. 8, which refers to the submission of a letter on reducing traffic volume at the post office on Black Avenue. Mr. Tassano stated that another concern voiced by residents was the increasing number of larger mail delivery trucks coming from Hopyard and down Black Avenue to reach the postal center. As an established business, it has the right to receive deliveries and the City cannot do much more than request that the postal service use Santa Rita Road and not the residential street. Staff issued a second letter when no response to the first was received, however it does yet appear that these larger trucks have changed their patterns. Mayor Thorne asked if they can be issued a traffic citation just as any other vehicle, noting that he witnessed one blow through a stop sign the week before. Mr. Tassano confirmed that they must abide by regular traffic laws just like anyone else. Councilmember Brown asked what the average speed is on Black Avenue. Mr. Tassano stated 1:hat the critical speed is 31 mph, which is pretty standard for residential streets. When asked if this could dictate an adjustment to the posted speed limit, Mr. Tassano explained that the California Vehicle Code provides for a standardized speed of 25 mph for residential streets regardless of critical speed. Councilmember Brown asked if the narrowed or enlarged curb areas could function as bicycle lanes. Mr. Tassano explained that they could stripe in a bike lane but would have to eliminate parking. Staff and the committee discussed the idea of striping the entire length of Black Avenue to accommodate bike lanes but found the street just a bit too narrow to allow for two lanes of travel as well as parking. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 20 December 17, 2013