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12-6-2012 TSAC Mintues TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012 5:30 P.M. The Transportation Safety Advisory Commission (TSAC) convened on December 6, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber Conference Room, Building #4, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. TSAC Commissioners Present: TSAC Commissioners Absent: Stephen Bish - Chairperson Mark Davis, Alternate 1 Max Hernandez Gary Preston, Alternate 2 William Rumfelt Michael Goos - Vice Chairperson Bill Bowers City Staff Larry Busch, Jr., E.I.T Michael Ranis, Interim Chief of Police Doug Letbetter, PWs Superintendent of Fleet/Streets Debbie Perrone - Recording Secretary Mr. Brian James, Development Services Director Sam Willoughby, Public Works Director Others Present Call to Order/Roll Call: Stephen Bish, Chairperson called the meeting to order at 5:37 P. M Seat Alternate to Act If Required: Mark Davis seated as voting commissioner Gary Preston seated as voting commissioner Hearing of Residents: None 1. Minutes: Consideration and/or action regarding the approval ofthe minutes for October 4, 2012. Motion to accept, October 4,2012 minutes by: Gary Preston second by Mark Davis-All Ayes- Motion passed 2. Schertz Parkway and Savannah Drive: Intersection conflicts. Consideration and/or action regarding intersection conflicts of traffic backing up when turning onto Savannah Drive during school hours. (Public Works/Engineering) Staff brought in a contractor to do some work on the signal device. In addition to this, Staff has visited the site during the morning peak hour and studied the intersection. We believe the work done on the signal, including extending the signal time by a few seconds has fixed most of the concerns. / Since the signal timing was adjusted, vehicles on Savannah Drive are able to cycle through the intersection as originally intended. While there is congestion in the area, it is as to be expected given the volume of traffic on Scheliz Parkway and the number of students attending Paschal Elementary School. Staff recommends that no action be taken on this item 12-06-2012 Minutes Page 1 Mark Davis commented that he drives through this area daily and has not seen any problem. Motion to close item made by: Gary Preston second by Mark Davis - All Ayes- Motion passed. 3. Laura Heights Speeding Issue: Consideration and/or action regarding speeding issues in Laura Heights. Item tabled at October 4,2012 meeting so staff could meet with the residents to find a better solution since this street did not warrant a speed hump. (Public WorkslEngineering) Based on a resident complaint Staff conducted a traffic study from August 31, 2012 through September 6, 2012 in Laura Heights. At the October meeting the Commission reviewed the results and, at the recommendation of staff, tabled this item so staff could meet with the residents to better understand their concerns. Staff met with Mr. Spikes, the resident who spoke at the meeting, on October 10th and discussed the issues they were having with the traffic. It was agreed that the City would increase patrols in the area for approximately 10 days and that Public Works would install the speed study devices on Laura Heights for one week and on Hallie Heights for one week at agreed upon locations. The devices were installed on Laura Heights from Tuesday, October 23 through Tuesday, October 30 and on Hallie Heights from Tuesday, October 30 through Tuesday, November 6. On each street two devices were set for the study period to evaluate the traffic at the areas the resident suggested speeding most fi'equently occurs and based on factors such as existing traffic control devices (i.e. stop signs) and topography. The results of the study showed an average speed on both Laura Heights and Hallie Heights of less than 23.5 mph. However, the studies do show that many of the vehicles that exceeded the 25 mph threshold generally fall within the same times. Staff recommends the Police Department use these studies to increase there patrols in the area at there discretion, but generally during times when speeding occurs. While the problem does not meet the minimum requirements for speed humps, staff has significant concerns that speed humps in this case could actually exacerbate the problem. The small percentage of motorists who are speeding might try to make up time before and after the speed hump. Staff also recommends revisiting this area in three months and six months to evaluate progress and propose any additional changes to TSAC that are warranted. Staff also has studied the sight distance concem that was raised dming the meeting at the intersection of Laura Heights and Hallie Heights. The sight distance at this intersection is limited, however the existing stop sign, level of service of the roadway, and width of roadway seem to be sufficient to provide for adequate movement through the intersection. William Rumfelt said this is a remote area and the vehicles that are speeding believe to be residents or contractor working in the subdivision. Staff recommend that Police patrol this area. Motion to close this item made by: William Rumfelt second by Gary Preston - All Ayes- Motion passed. 4. Main Street (FM 1518) Relocating School Zone Flashing Signal: Consideration and/or action regarding relocation of flashing school zone sign from location on FM 1518 at Lindbergh Ave. approximately 650 feet towards Allison Center. (Public Works/Engineering) existing Steele Learning 12-06-2012 Minutes Page - 2- Staff recommends TSAC support reducing the school zone around the Allison Steel Leaming Center by removing the designation along Aviation Boulevard and on the pOliion of FM l528IMain Street that is beyond CUltiss Avenue by more than 245 feet. Additionally, Staff recommends designating Curtiss Avenue between Beacon Drive and FM 1518 as a school zone and providing appropriate signage. Since FM 1518 is a State roadway, TxDOT has requested input on the proposed change from the City and SCDCISD. SCUCISD has already received a letter in support of the school zone change. TSAC's recommendation will be sent to TXDOT. TxDOT will take this into consideration as they evaluate the proposed change. The proposed change to the school zone for FM 1518IMain Street and Aviation Boulevard would shOlten the school zone by approximately 650 feet. The recommendation to support reducing the school zone and moving the associated sign is based on the change in use of the building which correlates to significantly less pedestrian traffic as well as providing for a more appropriate school zone in that it allows for improved visibility and greater clarity for motorists. The school zone sign on Aviation Blvd. does not have the flashing signal attached to it and is easily overlooked by motorists driving up the hill from the Cibolo Creek. Given the significant distance of this intersection from the school, and the fact that the school is not highly visible fi'om this location, drivers may be unaware of the school zone. The proposed school zone will still maintain an appropriate speed around the school for the limited number of buses still traveling to and from the facility as well as any parents dropping off their children. Providing for a more appropriate school zone should improve compliance and increase safety. Staff recommends designating the section of Curtiss Avenue as a school zone and adding appropriate signage to make drivers tuming onto FM 1518 toward the school aware of the school zone. This being a residential street that has a 20 mph speed limit regularly, Public Works will install our standard school zone sign without flashing lights. TxDot will do a traffic study when completed the City will revise the ordinance for this school zone. Motion to forward recommendation on to City Council made by: Mark Davis second by William Rumfelt - All Ayes- Motion passed. S. Requests by Commissioners to staff for information: Steve Bish would like to place on the next agenda for discussion cancelling TSAC meetings in January. 6. Announcements by Commissioners: Max Hernandez announced his resignation affective January 3, 2013. A letter of resignation to the City will follow. 7. Staff Comments: Michael HmTis said that Police Depmiment has a TXDot representative should anyone have concerns about the IH-35 construction. Please call your concerns into the PD and they will relay the message to the TxDot representative. 8. Adjournment: Motion to adjoum by William Rumfelt second by Gary Preston - All Ayes - Motion passed. Time: 5:58 P.M 12-06-2012 Minutes Page - 3 - Signature of Commission Member .~~ 9!t& Steven Bish, Chairperson Vd&e PeItIWHe Debbie Perrone, Recording Sec. 12-06-2012 Minutes Page -4-