11-7-2013 TSAC MinutesTransportation Safety Advisory Commission
Minutes
Thursday, November 7, 2013 5 :30 P.M.
The Transportation Safety Advisory Commission (TSAC) convened for a meeting on November
7, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber Conference Room, Building #4, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154.
TSAC Commissioners Present:
Stephen Bish — Chairperson
Mark Davis — Vice Chairperson
Larry Franklin
Eric Hattgen
John Cook
Gary Preston
Phillip Rowland
Bill Boivers
Max Hernandez
Terry Welch
Staff Present:
Brian James, Executive Director of Development
Sam Willoughby, Public Works Director
Larry Busch Jr, Engineer in Training
Michael Harris, Assistant Police Chief
Cynthia Raleigh, Public Works Coordinator
CALL TO ORDER AT
ROLL CALL
5:30 p.m., by Chairperson Stephen Bish
SEAT ALTERNATE TO ACT IF REQUIRED - Vacancies
Alternate 41, Terry Welch
Alternate 42, Vacant
HEARING OF RESIDENTS
The following signed up to speak:
Scott Soriano, 524 Jonas Drive, who spoke regarding the speed hump installation on
Jonas Drive.
Sharon Richards, 16203 Galloping Oak, who spoke regarding the safety of children in
school zones and issues with signs and lighting at Sippel Elementary.
A motion was made by Commissioner Larry Franklin to add the issues with school zone
safety to the December 5, 2013 Agenda. Second by Commissioner Max Hernandez.
Motion passed Vote was itnanimous.
11 -7 -2013 Minutes 1
1. Minutes: Consideration and /or action regarding the approval of the minutes of the
October 3, 2013 Regular Meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Larry Franklin to approve the minutes of the
October 3, 2013 Regular Meeting. Second by Commissioner Max Hernandez. Motion
passed. Vote was unanimous.
2. Speed Humps in the Jonas Woods Subdivision: Discussion and /or action regarding
the speed hump request in the Jonas Woods Subdivision and the results of the Jonas
Woods Homeowners Association Meeting. (Engineering /Public Works /Police)
Engineer in Training, Larry Busch, Jr., reviewed the history and plans regarding the
speed hump request on Jonas Drive. The Commission discussed the item in detail,
specifically regarding the disapproval of the Homeowners Association and other residents
in the neighborhood. The conditions of the application and Ordinance have been met
based on the traffic study in the area. Executive Director Brian James explained that the
City will install the speed humps in the area and reassess the area in six months with
traffic studies of surrounding areas of the neighborhood to see if the traffic calming
device helped or hindered the neighborhood traffic issues. Commissioners agreed with
the addition of requesting the Police Department to step up patrol in the area.
A motion was made by Commissioner John Cook to install the traffic calming device on
Jonas Drive and in six months reassess the entire area with a speed study to determine the
effects of the device along with increasing patrol in the area to assist with speeding
issues. Second by Commissioner Mark Davis. Motion passed. Vote was unanimous.
3. Stop Sign in the Mesa Oaks Subdivision: Discussion and update to TSAC regarding
the direction of City Council on the issues with speeding in the Mesa Oaks Subdivision.
(Engineering/Public Works /Police)
Commissioners discussed this item in detail. Executive Director Brian James indicated
that the area met criteria for speed humps. However, this area needs to be reviewed
further for traffic issues. Mr. James suggested that the City raise awareness in the
neighborhoods with a community meeting regarding traffic issues. By engaging residents
in the neighborhood, there should be a better outcome. Vice Chair Mark Davis inquired
on how long residents would have to wait to see these changes. Mr. James indicated that
the direction from Council was to review the area, engage the citizens, and then reassess
the area with a speed study. Results will be provided to the Commission upon
completion.
4. Landscape Islands in the Greenshire Subdivision: Discussion and update to TSAC
regarding the direction of City Council on possible parking restrictions around the
landscape island in the Greenshire Subdivision. (Engineering /Public Works/Police)
Engineer in Training, Larry Busch Jr., briefed the Commission that the direction of
Council was to review the entire neighborhood and speak to residents regarding the
parking issues. City Staff will be walking the neighborhood to speak to residents and
report back to the Commission on the results of the visits as well as the issues that need to
11 -7 -2013 Minutes 2
be addressed in the area. Staff and the Commission can then try to address and suggest
corrections to Council.
5. Schertz Parkway School Zones: Discussion and action regarding the removal of school
zones on Schertz Parkway. (Engineering /Public Works /Police)
Engineer in Training, Larry Busch, Jr., informed the Commission that the City received a
request from the School District to remove the school zone on Schertz Parkway. The
Commission discussed this item.
A motion was made by Commissioner Larry Franklin to remove the school zone on
Schertz Parkway. Second by Commissioner Mark Davis. Motion passed. Vote was
unanimous.
6. Future agenda items requested by Commissioners
Commissioner Marl- Davis requested the following items be placed on a future agenda:
• Request Engineering and Public Works complete a study regarding the traffic
flow around Sippel Elementary and report findings back to the Commission.
• Mesa Oaks speeding issues including a plan to resolve the issues after speaking to
residents.
• Discussion regarding the review of the traffic study process.
7. Staff Comments
Executive Director Brian James commented that staff proposes to work with the
Commission on developing a traffic calming manual for the City of Schertz. The City
needs updated tools and processes to make an effective impact on traffic issues.
Assistant Chief of Police Mike Harris commented that he met with Amazon
representatives. Amazon has begun shipping out of the Schertz facility and have been
proactive regarding truck traffic. They have a set schedule in place for trucks to come
and go and have hired off -duty police officers to control the traffic.
8. Adjournment
A motion was made by Vice Chair Marl- Davis to adjourn the meeting. Second by John
Cook. Motion passed. Vote vt)as unanimous. The meeting was adjoin °ned at 6: 35 p. m.
Attest:
I
Stephen Bish, Chairperson
11 -7 -2013 Minutes 3