CCMIN101805 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mike Madden, a Pleasanton resident, spoke in favor of retaining the two roundabouts as they did an adequate job in reducing the speed on that stretch of the roadway. Chris Peterson, a Ruby Hill resident, pointed out while there is an expressed interest in the expense to remove the roundabouts, there is also an expressed interest in finding solutions to make the roundabouts work which will also be costly. She pointed out that large trucks could not negotiate the roundabouts and go over the middle of the roundabouts. She also pointed out that a rocky trail would not accommodate a road bicycle. She believed the roundabouts were not functional for bicyclists and supported the removal of the two roundabouts. Written communication was provided to Council from David Llewellyn, a Pleasanton resident, who supported the removal of the two existing roundabouts. He believed Pleasanton was on the verge of becoming the most traffic signal controlled city in the Bay Area and while it is positive to have coordinated traffic flow and reasonable speed limits, it has been taken too far. Mayor Hosterman closed the public comments. For the sake of discussion, Mayor Hosterman suggested Council bifurcate this matter and discuss and take action first on the traffic signal controlled crossing at Petronave Lane. Mr. Brozosky said Old Vineyard Avenue was intended to be a trail with a crossing and he understood the reason for the traffic signal; however, he expressed his concerns related to the safety of this signal. He was concerned that if the stop light was red for traffic on Vineyard going southbound, the next vehicle approaching the hill would not adequately see the backup of vehicles no matter what type of signage or flashing yellow light was used. He believed the design of this roadway was different than what was expected. He was hopeful that staff had a better solution to address this issue. Mr. Wilson said staff's solution was to try and provide as much advanced notification of the traffic signal as possible. The solutions are incorporated into the design of the traffic signal, which is a higher placed signal so people could see it from further back as well as the flashing yellow beacon. Mr. Brozosky believed an approaching vehicle would not see the vehicles that are backed up behind the signal. Mr. Wilson said staff did not anticipate the signal would turn red that frequently on Vineyard Avenue and when the signal turns red, there would not be a large backup and if there was a backup there is adequate site distance for an approaching vehicle. Mr. Brozosky agreed that the signal would turn red on Vineyard very infrequently unless the School is built and if the School is built, children coming from the Shadow Cliffs area would be using the crossing to get to the other side of Vineyard Avenue which would be during heavy commute hours. Mr. Sullivan inquired about the speed limit in that area of Vineyard Avenue. Mr. Wilson said the speed limit in that area of Vineyard Avenue is 40 mph. Pleasanton City Council 18 10/18/05 Minutes