TO:
Honorable Mayor Powell and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Mark Danaj, City Manager
FROM:
Richard Thompson, Community Development Director
Nhung Madrid, Senior Management Analyst
Erik Zandvliet, T.E., City Traffic Engineer
SUBJECT:Title
Adopt Resolution No. 14-0068 to Install Stop Signs at the Intersection of 19th Street and Rowell Avenue as Recommended by the Parking and Public Improvements Commission (Community Development Director Thompson).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 14-0068
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
The Parking and Public Improvements Commission recommends that the City Council approve the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 19th Street and Rowell Avenue and adopt Resolution #14-0068.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The cost to install the stop signs and pavement markings can be funded through the existing Public Works operating budget.
BACKGROUND:
In July 2014, the City received a petition signed by 18 residents representing 11 homes on 19th Street (9), 21st Street (1) and Wendy Way (1) requesting the installation of stop signs in all directions at the 19th Street and Rowell Avenue. The petition states that motorists speed through the intersection on 19th Street, especially during school times.
In May 2013, the City installed 25 MPH speed limit signs on 19th Street in advance of the intersection at Rowell Avenue. In November 2013, the City received a request from Mr. Neil Snow, a resident at 1341 19th Street, to install stop signs in all directions at 19th Street and Rowell Avenue. The Traffic Engineer evaluated the intersection and determined that it did not meet the State warrants for the installation of stop signs, due to low traffic volumes, absence of a collision history, and good sight distance. However, in April 2014, the City painted high-visibility crosswalks on all four legs, and posted crosswalk warning signs on 19th Street to raise driver awareness of the possible pedestrian crossings.
DISCUSSION:
On September 25, 2014, the Parking and Public Improvements Commission held a public meeting to discuss the Traffic Engineer's evaluation (Attachment 1 and 2). The Commission heard from five speakers including the petitioner and residents from the surrounding neighborhood. Speakers shared concerns regarding safety for motorists and pedestrians walking to/from the nearby schools, speeding, traffic, and the potential confusion of two-way versus all-way stop signs at nearby intersections. While the Traffic Engineer recommended against all-way stop signs at the intersection based on State guidelines, he responded that it is unlikely that this location would experience most of the disadvantages commonly associated with unjustified stop signs as identified in the report. Following the public testimony, the Commission unanimously recommended City Council approve the installation of all-way stops signs on 19th Street at Rowell Avenue.
The City has environmentally reviewed this project, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") (Public Resources Code Sections 2100, et seq.), the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1500 et seq.), and the City's environmental guidelines. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, the proposed stop signs qualify as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption because the change would be a minor alteration to the City's existing streets involving only a negligible change in the use of the City's existing streets.
CONCLUSION:
The Parking and Public Improvements Commission recommends that the City Council approve the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 19th Street and Rowell Avenue and adopt Resolution #14-0068.
Attachments:
1. September 25, 2014 Parking and Public Improvements Commission Staff Report
2. September 25, 2014 Parking and Public Improvements Commission Draft Minutes
3. Resolution No. 14-0068