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09-19-2023 MinutesItem # 1 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CYPRESS TRAFFIC COMMISSION September 19, 2023 3 p.m. A regular in-person meeting of the Cypress Traffic Commission was held in the Garden Room, Community Center, 5700 Orange Avenue, California. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ajello called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commission Chair Ajello Commission Vice Chair Summers Commissioner Bestian — ABSENT Commissioner Shakespeare — Arrived at 3:18 p.m. Commissioner Youngerman STAFF PRESENT: City Engineer, Nick Mangkalakiri Traffic Engineer, David Roseman Cypress Police Sergeant, Michael McBain Engineering Aide, Eric Dong Commission Secretary, Norma Vera PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge was led by Commission Chair Ajello ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes — three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Traffic Commission) There were no speakers. MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Summers and seconded by Commissioner Youngerman to approve the minutes of August 15, 2023. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Ajello, Summers, and Youngerman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 1 Cypress Traffic Commission Minutes September 19, 2023 ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Bestian and Shakespeare NEW BUSINESS 2. Proposed Traffic Signal Modification at Ball Road and Via Largo. The Traffic Engineer provided a verbal report on this matter. The Traffic Engineer received a complaint from a Cypress resident regarding aggressive left -turning motorists failing to yield to pedestrians crossing in the east leg crosswalk at the signalized intersection of Ball Road and Via Largo. Ball Road and Via Largo is a "T" intersection located on the eastern edge of the Cypress Center West shopping area and the western edge of the Nature Park. The traffic signal activates the "Walk" indication for the east leg crosswalk simultaneously with the southbound "Green" indication. In observing traffic flow at the intersection, it was discovered that southbound motorists on Via Largo turning left to head east on Ball Road tend to aggressively turn left since they don't regularly encounter pedestrians in the east leg crosswalk and there are no other conflicting traffic movements. Based on the observations of driver behavior at the intersection, the Traffic Engineer recommended a change in the traffic signal programing to provide a "Leading Pedestrian Interval" {LPI} for the east leg crosswalk to address the reported pedestrian safety concern and to enhance intersection safety. Implementing an LPI would allow pedestrians to establish themselves in the crosswalk before the onset of the conflicting green light, improving visibility of the pedestrian to conflicting turning motorists and reducing the chance that an aggressive motorist will try to cut in front of the pedestrian while they are crossing the street. If no pedestrians are present the LPI would not be activated. It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Summers and seconded by Commission Chair Ajello to concur with the Traffic Engineer's recommended modification of the Ball Road and Via Largo traffic signal to provide a "leading pedestrian interval" for the east leg crosswalk. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: YES: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Ajello, Summers, and Youngerman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Bestian, Shakespeare 3. Proposed Red Zone on Hanover Drive at Glenbrook Street. The Traffic Engineer provided a verbal report on this matter. He indicated that at the Commission's July 2023 meeting, the Commission concurred with his recommendation to install southbound stop control on Glenbrook Street at its intersection with Hanover Drive. Resident feedback was generally supportive of the new stop sign; however, many residents commented that red zones were also needed on the northside of Hanover Drive between Walker Street and Glenbrook Street to improve visibility of conflicting traffic. Field reviews of the intersection revealed that larger trucks, vans, and commercial vehicles are regularly parked along the north curb of Hanover Drive reducing motorist visibility of conflicting traffic. Based on field reviews of parking and traffic conditions, the Traffic Engineer recommended that a 60 -foot red zone be installed along the north curb of Hanover Drive east of Glenbrook Street and a 20 -foot red zone be installed along the north curb of Hanover 2 Cypress Traffic Commission Minutes September 19, 2023 Drive west of Glenbrook Street. These new red zones will provide enhanced intersection safety for motorists and pedestrians alike. It was moved by Commissioner Youngerman and seconded by Commission Vice Chair Summers to concur with the Traffic Engineer's recommendation to install 80 feet of new red zone along Hanover Drive at its intersection with Glenbrook Street. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: YES: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Ajello, Summers, and Youngerman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Bestian, Shakespeare Commissioner Youngerman asked if the homeowner that is getting the red curb had been contacted which the Traffic Engineers confirmed the homeowner had been contacted. Commissioner Shakespeare arrived at 3:18 p.m. 4. Proposed Red Zone on Samoa Street at Fiji Street. The Traffic Engineer provided a verbal report on this matter. Ms. Carolyn Bolden, a Cypress resident, requested that the Traffic Engineer consider having red zones installed at the intersection of Samoa Street and Fiji Street to keep motorists from parking too close to the corners of the intersection making it difficult to see conflicting traffic. Based on a field review of parking and traffic conditions, the Traffic Engineer recommends that a 15 -foot red zone be installed adjacent to the fire hydrant on the northeast corner and a 20 -foot red zone be installed on the southeast corner of the Samoa Street and Fiji Street intersection. These new red zones should provide enhanced intersection visibility for motorists and pedestrians and improve access to the fire hydrant. Ms. Bolden has been informed of this recommendation and encourages the Commission to concur. It was moved by Commission Chair Ajello and seconded by Commissioner Youngerman to concur with the Traffic Engineer's recommendation to install 35 feet of new red zone along Samoa Street at its intersection with Fiji Street. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: YES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Ajello, Shakespeare, Summers, and Youngerman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Bestian STAFF REPORTS (NO ACTION OR DISCUSSION REQUIRED): In response to a request from the City Engineer, the Commission agreed to temporarily suspend the conduct of new business to hear a staff report from Sergeant McBain regarding traffic collision statistics. The Sergeant's report was in response to a previous Commission request that the Police 3 Cypress Traffic Commission Minutes September 19, 2023 Department bring forth a presentation on citywide traffic collisions. The Sergeant provided a live look at the Department's computerized records and tracking system specific to traffic collisions by projecting his computer screen as a presentation on the wall. The Sergeant ran a query of the system and displayed a report that indicated that in the month of August there were 18 traffic collisions in the City of various types and causes none of which were major collisions or fatalities. The Sergeant then walked through the information provided and the various queries and maps that he can generate on the system. The Commission thanked the Sergeant for providing the report. Commissioner Shakespeare inquired "Was this something that Sergeant McBain had to request that they do or if they just opened this up and gave him the information?" Sergeant McBain responded that he has full-time access to this information. Commissioner Shakespeare asked: "So this was not done just because we asked?" Sergeant McBain responded, "Correct." Commissioner Shakespeare asked: "Are you able to overlap that map for the year?" Sergeant McBain responded: "Yes". Commissioner Shakespeare asked: "Is that information shared with Traffic Engineers to say hey guys, we have a speed problem on this street." Sergeant McBain responded: "Yes, if it's requested." Commissioner Shakespeare also asked staff if this is okay to have such a report every time we have a Traffic Commission meeting — just as a quick overview?" The City Engineer responded: "Yes, that is possible". NEW BUSINESS (CONTINUED) 5. Morris Elementary Traffic Review. The Traffic Engineer provided a verbal report on this matter. He indicated that at the Commission's February 2022 meeting, the Commission concurred with his recommendations for the installation of a variety of school zone traffic control improvements. Shortly after the implementation of those improvements, a resident questioned the need for the new stop signs along Aspen Street. In response it was decided to conduct a follow-up review after one year to determine if any additional changes are warranted. This report is a summary of the conclusions from that second traffic review. The conduct of the traffic review included various observations of the traffic controls and the traffic and pedestrian flows during the arrival and dismissal periods of the school during late August and early September. The Traffic Engineer found that the traffic signs and markings around the school were in excellent condition, except for the two signs regulating traffic flow out of the school driveway on Graham Street. Those two text -based signs were faded and could be improved through the use of symbols to reduce the number of words used on the signs. A work order has since been issued to replace the two signs based on the latest Caltrans standards using symbols, which should improve visibility and motorist compliance. The school has been notified of the pending change in signage. The Traffic Engineer observed that during the school arrival and dismissal periods traffic and pedestrian movements were supervised by a combination of four City crossing guards and multiple school staff and parents. This combined approach with multiple adults in assistance resulted in a well -organized, orderly, and efficient operation. 4 Cypress Traffic Commission Minutes September 19, 2023 During the field reviews, the Traffic Engineer paid special attention to the four new stop controls for the cross streets along Aspen Street since those were the subject of the resident complaint. The new stop signs clearly provided appropriate assignment of right-of-way to Aspen Street for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Not a single vehicle was observed violating the stop controls during the arrival and dismissal periods, despite significant eastbound and westbound traffic and pedestrian flows. It is clear that the stop controls are appropriate and needed to maintain the integrity of the traffic and pedestrian flow patterns into and out of school campus. It was also observed that several parents pulled onto the cross streets, parked their cars, and walked students to and from the school campus. Additionally, service vehicles were observed pulling in to and out of the cross streets during the arrival and dismissal periods of the school. It is this added parent activity on the cross streets, the prevalence of service vehicles, and potentially visitors to the area that is another reason the stop signs are needed for the assignment of right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians on Aspen Street. Based on the traffic review conducted during the arrival and dismissal periods of Morris Elementary School, it is the opinion of the Traffic Engineer that the traffic controls in place are appropriate, the crossing guards provided are needed, and that no additional changes to the traffic controls or traffic operations are recommended at this time. It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Summers and seconded by Commissioner Youngerman to concur with the Traffic Engineer and receive and file this report regarding school traffic controls and traffic operations in the vicinity of Morris Elementary School. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: YES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Ajello, Shakespeare, Summers, and Youngerman NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Bestian After the matter was concluded Commissioner Shakespeare asked: "Is that a City traffic rule or a school rule? Is the signage on the school property?" The Traffic Engineer responded that the signs were a result of a collaborative effort with the school and that they are posted both on City and school property, so they are enforceable. Commissioner Shakespeare asked: "I assume pick up would be different?" The Traffic Engineer responded that pick up is a little different than drop- off because parents tend to arrive early, park, and wait for school to end so congestion builds up just prior to school dismissal. Commissioner Shakespeare asked: "Who controls the crossing guards as far as hiring and scheduling — who does that fall on?" The Traffic Engineer responded that the determination if a crossing guard is needed is made in part through consultation with the Commission; however, the administration of the program is the responsibility of the Police Department. Sergeant McBain went on to explain that there is a private company that contracts with the City for the crossing guards under the oversight of the Police Department. Commissioner Shakespeare asked if the crossing guards are residents of the City of Cypress and if they are screened because they work at a school. Commissioner Vice Chair Summers followed up to ask if the school district paid for the crossing guards or if they are paid by the City? Sergeant McBain responded that there is no restriction on where a crossing guard could reside; however, most are residents of the City, and that the City pays the full cost of the program. Commissioner Shakespeare asked if this level of scrutiny conducted at this school is typical of all the schools in the City? He shared that he lives next to Lexington and it's very congested on school days around 5 Cypress Traffic Commission Minutes September 19, 2023 the school. The Traffic Engineer responded that typically school traffic control reviews are an iterative process where studies are conducted, actions taken, and then follow up monitoring is performed to ensure that any changes made are working as envisioned or if further action is necessary. STAFF REPORTS (CONTINUED) 1. The City Engineer updated the Commission on active arterial pavement rehabilitation efforts in the City and he informed them that City Council will soon be considering a contract award for a new asphalt overlay project for the following roadway segments: Walker between Katella and Cerritos, Walker between Lincoln and Crescent, and Moody between Lincoln and the north City limit near Crescent. 2. The City Engineer provided an Arnold Cypress Park project update. Contractor bids are due October 6th and if the bids come in within budget the City is looking to award a contract in November and break ground on the project soon thereafter. Commissioner Shakespeare asked: "When a business comes in is there ever any monies that the business has to give to the City to help with traffic changes because of that business?" The City Engineer responded that there are established one-time traffic impact fees charged developers based on the type of use and square footage of the building. Additionally, there could be additional fees related to project specific traffic improvements and permits. Commissioner Shakespeare mentioned that the City Engineer had called him about the school signage on Orange Avenue at Oxford Academy. He asked the City Engineer to remind him what the city did or is doing in relation to his inquiry. The City Engineer indicated that the required school warning signs are in place on Orange Avenue; however, one of the signs is partially obscured by a tree and staff is planning on having the sign replaced and the tree trimmed, so it is on the "to do list". 3. The City Engineer suggested that the Commission cancel the planned October 17th Commission meeting because that day is the same day as the State of the City event. Additionally, with the upcoming holiday season the Commission might want to consider doing what was done last year and cancel the planned November and December meetings but hold a Special meeting in early November to cover both months. Unfortunately, November 7th is also election day, so staff is working on scheduling alternate dates based on room availability. Once a date is selected, staff will notify the Commission Members. Commissioner Youngerman mentioned that earlier this year there was a reception for all commissioners that Traffic Commission Members did not get invited to because of the cancelation of meetings. Commissioner Youngerman requested that staff find out when the reception will be next year and notify the Commission so they can attend. Commissioner Shakespeare asked for an update on a stop sign request for Corporate at Camden. The Traffic Engineer responded and informed the Commission that a request from Commissioner Shakespeare had been received regarding the possibility of installing east/west stop signs on Corporate Avenue at Camden Drive. A field review of the location has been conducted and as a 6 Cypress Traffic Commission Minutes September 19, 2023 result staff is making arrangements for some minor signage replacements and changes. A collision report for the intersection has been provided by the Police Department, which indicates that there have been two crashes in the last five years. Staff has also ordered traffic counts for the intersection which should be completed by the end of the month. It is envisioned that this item will be brought before the Commission at its November Meeting. Commissioner Shakespeare mentioned that one of the negatives is that there is a hedge on the northeast corner that sometimes is overgrown and compromises visibility of approaching traffic. Commissioner Shakespeare asked if the City can make a request to the owners of the property to keep the growth of the hedge to a certain level? The Traffic Engineer responded that City staff can make such a request, but we can't compel the property owner to comply. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Five minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Commission) There were no speakers. COMMISSION MEMBERS REPORTS AND REMARKS Commissioner Youngerman announced the State of the City reception and encouraged the commission to attend this community event. ADJOURNMENT Commission Chair Ajello adjourned the meeting at 4:06 p.m. 7