County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Neighborhood Traffic Management Program

May 13, 2004

1.                  CALL MEETING TO ORDER

The second meeting for the Calle Barcelona, Calle Madrid & Crosshaven Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) project began at 6:45 p.m. on May 13, 2004, at the Rowland Heights Elementary School Cafeteria Room, 2036 S Fullerton Road, Rowland Heights, CA.

2.                  ATTENDEES AND PRESENTER

The following persons were in attendance:

Mr. Joel Falter, Project Manager, Katz, Okitsu and Associates, consultant/presenter

Mr. Pete Flores and Ms. Maria LL. Medrano of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Traffic Investigations Section

Officer Joseph Zizi, representing the Santa Fe Springs,  California Highway Patrol Office

Sergeant John Lessentine, representing the Santa Fe Springs, California Highway Patrol Office

Fire Captain Bruce Freeman of the LA County Fire Department, Land Development Unit

            Marianne Love, representing the San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Approximately 12 neighborhood residents were in attendance.

The following persons were invited to the meeting but could not attend:

Captain Sharon Baker of the California Highway Patrol Santa Fe Springs

            Mr. Dickie Simmons, Field Deputy Supervisorial District  No. 4

3.                  MEETING NOTES

Mr. Pete Flores began the meeting by welcoming the attendees and introducing the staff and guests in attendance.

Mr. Joel Falter conducted a Power Point slide show, providing highlights of the first NTMP meeting held on April 1st, and outlined the goals, objectives and processes of the Program. Mr. Falter then presented the results and comments received from the community, through comments from the 1st meeting and the survey mailings received.  Of the items presented to the community, speed cushions received the most votes.  The remaining traffic calming devices, which included traffic circles, traffic calming signs, center medians and curb extensions (bulb outs), received nearly the same number of votes.

Based on these results, Mr. Falter then went on and presented the Phase 1 of recommended traffic calming devices to the audience.  These devices included:

-traffic calming signs at key entry points into the community.

-curb extensions (or bulb outs) at key locations along the project route.

-speed cushions at key locations along the project route.

Mr. Falters presentation included a general overview of the locations of the proposed devices and discussed how each measure would look and function together.  Mr. Falter then explained that each device would be installed on a temporary basis and, after six months to a years time, could be installed on a permanent basis.  Per Mr. Falter, this would depend on the extent of the effectiveness of each device in reducing speeding and traffic in the area.  In the event that the desired goals are not met, adjustments and/or augmentations of these traffic calming devices would be made as part of Phase 2 of the Pilot Program.  Mr. Falter then concluded his presentation, by posing the following question, So where do we go from here?.

As Mr. Falter explains, our next steps include community input (at tonights meeting) to the proposed recommendations, followed by design, funding and installation of these devices by the County.

Immediately following Mr. Falters presentation, Mr. Pete Flores discussed the Countys decision to utilize those traffic calming measures presented during the meeting.  Mr. Flores noted that while residents identified various traffic calming measures in their surveys, it was necessary to narrow down these selections for Phase 1 of the Pilot Program.  He indicated that it is not the Countys intent to overwhelm or bombard the community with all of these devices and  reminded them that, it is the residents who will have to contend with the devices on a daily basis.  Mr. Flores further stated that as a public agency, we must approach this Program in a way that is efficient and responsible to the community, as well as to the Board of Supervisors.  

Mr. Falter also added that by incorporating all of these measures, it would be difficult to assess their actual effectiveness.

4.   A period of Questions and Answers immediately followed.   Residents at the meeting raised the following questions and/or concerns:

a.      How long will it take to implement them the proposed solutions?

Response:   The actual installation of the proposed devices will depend on the measures approved and the amount of engineering required, the availability of funds, and time restrictions imposed by prior commitments.  However, the NTMP Program is a Pilot Project approach which the County is committed to and thus, will prioritize accordingly.

After six months to a years time, the County will then evaluate the effectiveness of these devices prior to making them permanent.

As a follow-up to this meeting, notices will be sent out to the community informing residents of when they can expect to see the first phase of traffic calming devices installed.  

b.         How many speed cushions are we getting?

Response: As discussed during the presentation, we have identified preliminary locations to install the speed cushions.    The actual number and placement of these devices will be determined during in the upcoming weeks.  To get an idea, speed cushions are typically spaced at 600 foot intervals.   

c.         What about installing speed humps or something on the curve on Calle Madird at Calle Barcelona.  Cars speed around the corner and cross over into the other lane and I cant get out of my driveway.

   Response:  As noted in our presentation, the proposed locations of speed cushions have been shown in areas where we believe they will have the  most affect in reducing speeding and improving the overall traffic conditions in your community.  As a standard practice, speed cushions are typically placed on relatively flat and straight segments of the roadway and thus, would not be installed on a curve.

In regard to roadway curvatures, we are somewhat limited on the types of traffic calming devices available for these areas; as these devices tend to be more restrictive to vehicle movement.  

Again, if the proposed measures do not have the desired affect, we will  consider the use of alternative measures. We could also review any additional traffic calming devices to implement near or at the curve.

d.         At the first meeting you said that striping was the cheapest and most effective tool to use.  Now, it (striping) was not even presented as part of your plan.   Can you continue the centerline striping on the road, especially on the curve before Calle Los Aroboles?

Response: While roadway striping may be the least expensive device, we cannot say that it is the most effective device.   As you know, each neighborhood is different, and the effectiveness of each device may be different as well. 

While roadway striping may be effective in the short term, we proposed devices that are more physical and have a more long term affect.   As the last resident pointed out, motorists speed around the curve on Calle Madrid at Calle Barcelona and cross over into the other lane.  This segment of  roadway currently has a double-yellow centerline striping.  We will; however,  consider continuation of the centerline striping.

e.         What criteria will determine the final outcome of what will be permanently installed?

Response: The monitoring process and your comments/concerns will determine what measures will be made permanent or what additional measures you would like us to implement.

f.          Ive lived here for thirteen years and the County has not done anything.  The signs in the area are not enough.  What else are you going to do in the area?  We need more enforcement.

Response: The main reason why we are here is to address the concerns expressed by the community.  As discussed in the first meeting, your neighborhood has been selected as one out of the five locations throughout the entire unincorporated Los Angeles County area to implement our Pilot Program. The purpose of tonights meeting was to present the survey results to you and to inform you of which devices we will plan to utilize in your neighborhood.  As  we mentioned in the first meeting, the Supervisors office has a great interest in the success of this Program and it is our intent to implement the measures we have discussed with you tonight.

             With regard to enforcement, this is a good time to introduce Officer Joe Zizi.

5.         Officer Joe Zizi provided residents with a status report  of their enforcement efforts along Calle Barcelona, Calle Madrid and Crosshaven Drive, following the initial community meeting.  Per Officer Zizi, of the number of citations issued during the week of April 5, 2004, 24 percent of the citations were issued to residents within the immediate project area, 29 percent where issued to other residents of Rowland Heights and 47 percent were issued to motorists who live out of the area.  Officer Zizi also presented traffic accident data on file with the CHP.  Per Officer Zizi, there have been a total of 23 reported accidents on the project roadways, which he stated was very favorable considering the lengths of  this stretch of roadway.

The following comments were made with regard to the CHP:

a.      We need more enforcement in the area.

b.   The curve on Calle Madrid and Calle Barcelona needs  to be enforced.

c.   What else can be done?  People only obey the law when they see you.

Officer Zizi stated that unfortunately, the CHP cannot patrol the area all the time, and, as some individuals eluded to, cannot leave an unmanned unit in the area.   Officer Zizi noted  that additional controls (such as those presented) are needed.  Officer Zizi also informed residents that he will have the CHPs radar trailer deployed in the area.    

6.             Additional Resident Comments:

-           A few residents noted that the second meeting announcement was printed on back side of the survey form and it was by chance that they turned over the paper or they may not have known of the tonights meeting.  They indicated that other residents might not have seen the announcement as well.

-            Another issue you may want to consider with regard to centerline striping is the fact that the glare of the sun affects motorists and a centerline stripe may help with that regard.

-           I wish to express my appreciation for the CHP and the job they are doing in our neighborhood.

Mr. Flores closed the presentation by thanking everyone that attended the meeting.   

The meeting concluded at 8:00 p.m.