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Final 4-4-24 MinutesTransportation Safety Advisory Commission Minutes Thursday, April 4, 2024 5:30 PM The Transportation Safety Advisory Commission (TSAC) convened for a Called Meeting on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers, Building #4 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154 TSAC Commissioners Present: Dziewit, Richard, Chairman Cornelisse, Chuck Heyward, Ferrando kke, Steven Martinez, Will Ragsdale, Roy Stevens, Ronald Wiley, Paul Marks, Robert TSAC Commissioners Absent: Hormel, Chris Winter, Michael Staff Present: Brian James, Deputy City Manager Kathy Woodlee, City Engineer Mark Davis, City Council Liaison Albert Arriaga, Schertz Police Tammy Lawrence, Administrative Assistant CALL TO ORDER at 5:30 PM by Chairman Richard Dziewit. ROLL CALL HEARING OF RESIDENTS None present. 1. Minutes: Consideration/action for approval of February 1, 2024, TSAC Meeting Minutes. Motion was made by Commissioner Roy Ragsdale to approve the February 1, 2024, minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Ronald Stevens. Motion passed. 4-4-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 1 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 2. Aero at Oak Street- Recommendation of establishment of a four-way stop intersection: Presented by Kathy Woodlee, City Engineer Stop signs on Aero Street but not on Oak Street- the speed limit is 20 mph in each direction. Counts on Oak Street ADT- 1300 to 1500 per day, Aero Street ADT 900 to 1000 per day, speed limits were slightly over 20 mph, on Oak St, traffic speeds were higher over 25 mph. Evaluation for putting stop signs on Oak to make it a four-way stop. Warrant is 200 vehicle an hour for 8 hours a day on Aero, not met, 300 vehicles for 8 hours was not met, 5 crashes in a 12-month period, only 4 reported, one noted as drivers' assumption there was a stop sign there. Did not meet warrant. This is near two parks with heavy vehicle traffic during event times. Recommendation: Staff recommends a multi -stop be installed. • Commissioner Chuck Cornelisse asked when we add new stop signs, would we add flags or other indications that new stop signs are coming or there. • Kathy stated the City has a procedure for when a new stop sign is installed, including message boards, bagging new signs. • Commissioner Chuck Cornelisse asked if the signs would be installed before park events. • Kathy states staff will make an effort to install before Jubilee but not Movin on Main. • Commissioner Richard Dziewit asked that commissioners announce themselves before speaking. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward made a motion to make a Council agenda item to make this location a four-way stop location. Seconded by Commissioner Ronald Stevens. Motion passed. 3. Traffic Study Updates: a. Mobile Villa Data Collected: Cabana, Irola, Plaza, Well No. 1, Well No. 2 o Cabana, ADT (2017) - 115, 85% - 16.8 MPH Cabana, ADT (2024) - 79 (decrease), 85% - 25.6 MPH (increase) o Irola, ADT (2017) - 135, 85% - 17.1 MPH Irola, ADT (2024) - 88 (decrease), 85% - 23.8 MPH (increase) o Plaza, ADT (2017) - 162, 85% - 20.6 MPH Plaza, ADT (2024) - 146 (decrease), 85% - 21.5 MPH (increase) o Well No. 1, ADT (2017) - 93, 85% - 22.3 MPH Well No. 1, ADT (2024) - 92 (decrease), 85% - 21.7 MPH (decrease) o Well No. 2. ADT (2017) - 85, 85% - 18.0 MPH Well No. 2, ADT (2024) - 69 (decrease), 85% - 22.6 MPH (increase) Commissioner Ferrando Heyward asked if the speed check effected traffic. Commissioner Richard Dziewit asked what time another check of this location would happen. Brian James stated that construction on IH 35 Nex project could also be affecting traffic, people are looking for cut throughs. The City will reach out to Brake Check. If there are more complaints, then staff would reach out to PD. 4-4-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 2 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission b. Alsatian Way (Rhine Valley Muldway Stop or Speed Hump Request) Data Collected: Bening o North of Bening, ADT - 1,018, 85% - 28.9 MPH o South of Bening, ADT - 664, 85% - 29.6 MPH Request from HOA to inquire about multi -way stops. Alsatian does not have stop signs between Ray Corbett and Lower Seguin. Speeds are high on Alsatian, but counts are low. It does not warrant multiway stop — City Staff installed a missing stop sign and a couple extra stop signs. Staff have concerns at Kruth and Alsatian, there is a site distance issue, this is a bus stop, traffic comes around the curve very quickly. Recommendation: Enhance signage, deploy dynamic speed trailer, add regular patrol, increase public awareness. This location would not be eligible for speed humps, due to low volume. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward asked what the traffic control implications of a crosswalk are, do people have to slow down for a crosswalk. • Kathy Woodlee stated that yes, state law is that vehicles would have to stop. She also stated that the sign on Pecan says yield and it needs to be changed to stop. If a crosswalk is established, staff would find the safest place for it to be installed. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated this was near a bus stop, so it would need a heads up. c. Lazy Oak at Crest Oak Recommendation: City to trim bush in the right of way and issue citation • Kathy Woodlee stated that a site triangle is be cleared 3' and up, staff contacted the homeowner, it was successful. A citation has not been issued yet but looks like staff will need to go through code enforcement and most likely the city will have to remove it to get the site distant. • Brian James explained that part of the bush might be in the right of way and part of it is on private property. The City has the right to remove the bush in the right of way. Staff looked to TSAC for direction but that if staff agrees and TSAC agrees would work together to resolve this issue. • Commissioner Chuck Cornelisse stated he is familiar with this area as he lives right behind there, it is a safety concern, there is a hill coming down Crest Oak to see to the right and coming off FM 3009. He did see the resident doing some minor pruning, so he was making an attempt. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated that this was for safety, made a motion to recommend for staff to whack the tree, much needed haircut. Commissioner Ronald Stevens seconded the motion. Motion passed. d. Schertz Parkway Crosswalk — Pecan and Buffalo: • Kathy Woodlee stated that this was an ongoing concern about safety of the crosswalk at Schertz Parkway at Pecan and/or Buffalo. A council member brought this up again. Staff reviewed recent warrant analyses for a stop signal at Pecan, it did not include an evaluation of Buffalo. Staff had signal warrant done in 2018 when Elbel was being repaved, Pecan, Buffalo, Westchester, and location of the Hawk system, recently we did not include Buffalo. In 2023 warrant study included only Pecan. 4-4-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 3 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission Recommendation: Perform additional warrant analyses including both Pecan and Buffalo and include pedestrian counts in both. Could include dynamic crossing like Hawk system, or other treatment, less passive than painted strips in the road. 4. Citizen -Requested Item Updates a. Scenic Hills — Gated subdivision stop sign request (Cherryhurst at Hunters Glen) Kathy Woodlee stated that the City had a request from Scenic Hills, a private gated community, this is not the same as a public street, the city does not enforce traffic rules within a private subdivision unless they petition that to happen. All they want is a stop sign at the intersection of Cherryhurst at Hunters Glen. The HOA would pay the City to fabricate and install a stop sign there. b. Truck Traffic complaint i. Crossvine - Kathy Woodlee stated that a complaint came from a citizen in the Crossvine subdivision, not sure if signage will help. City will install No Thru Truck traffic signs at the major entrances at Crossvine, there is already an ordinance to address this, trucks over 15,000 pounds are not permitted to cut thru subdivisions. ii. Woodland Oaks East of FM 3009 - This complaint was from an owner on Persimmons which is in Cibolo, but through trucks going to Woodland Oaks, staff were sent a ring camera recording, staff to be more research, take appropriate action for signage. 5. Commissioner -Requested Item Updates: a. Basketball Goals in ROW Brian James shared the history of the ordinance, January 7, 2014, Council passed 13-H-51, added section 86-18 in the traffic code, puts a prohibition of putting an unsafe obstruction on any street, its worded broadly, which was intentional. Citation could be issued that is a class c misdemeanor. Prior to that, Nuisance Code Chapter 54 had a provision that made it a violation to put items on sidewalk, street, or public right of way. The basketball goal was struck on the same day as the ordinance, it was done in tandem. The language in the minutes of that council meeting gave PD discretion, is the goal creating an unsafe condition. Not just is there a goal in the street, then it's a violation. Example, cul de sac, put goal at the end of the cul de sac, probably not creating an unsafe condition, which is very different than Aero in Aviation Hts. Council discussed in June 2013 and referred it to TSAC. TSAC discussed in August 2013, TSAC position was clearly this is a safety issue, goals are not allowed in the street. The council requested a joint meeting on September 17, 2013, with TSAC who held to their safety concern. The council gave staff direction, and the ordinance was created and approved in 2014. • Commissioner Richard Dziewit commented that the ordinance locks in safety, there is not a reason for change. • Brian James stated that we don't think the ordinance needs to change but want to understand how staff evaluates what is an unsafe situation. 4-4-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 4 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward asked if the language in Section A should say "temporarily or easily removed". • Brian James stated that the language is not problematic, house down the street installed a pole permanent in the ground in right of way. Also have plastic goals which are temporary, both would be a violation. Including a bike ramp, blocks, and wood. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated he played in the street as a child, kids yelled "car" and got out of the way, but the way it's written now, you can't put it out on the street at all. • Brian James stated that if the goal is touching the curb and doesn't stick out further than a parked car, then it is not creating an obstruction. But if it is moved out further into the street, that is different. Field hockey with net in the middle of the street, haven't heard of reports that goals were left in the street. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated that if a goal is over 18" from the curb, it is in the street. Brian James stated that an obstruction hanging even an inch over the curb is a violation. Referenced kick the can in the street, ordinance is written to give the city a lot of power to enforce, but it is a judgement call for safety. • Commissioner Ronald Stevens stated that there is a basketball goal that has been in the street for over 2 years, it is not temporary on Fields Way in Kramer Farm, showed picture to staff and commissioners, and you can't use the goal unless you are in the street. This is different than a sparsely populated area with light traffic. But on a street light Fields Way which cuts thru Aviation Heights or Planters Pass, this goal is unsafe, can say car, but can still miss things and people can get hit, wants more clarification on what is safe and unsafe. Doesn't want opinions, wants something more concrete for Police to enforce this issue. A more heavily used street would be something that staff can review data from PD. To better define what is safe or unsafe. • Commissioner Richard Dziewit stated that prohibition is in the ordinance. There is not a point of exception based on the ordinance, the goal on Fields Way is illegal. It is dangerous even if in a cul-de-sac. If something is in the street, it's illegal. • Brian James stated that goals are not prohibited in the street, it would need to be deemed unsafe. Staff would need to create criteria. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated that the goal shown in the photo would be in violation. • Brian James stated only if it is determined to be unsafe. Albert Arriaga stated that anytime it involves children, its touchy, goals are moved into their yards out of the roadway but still playing in the street. Also, that a child was killed in the street in McKinney when a ball rolled out of the driveway. • Albert Arriaga stated that 3 or 4 years ago on Cook Street, a child was playing in the driveway and ball went into the street and struck but was unhurt because it was 20 mph. 4-4-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 5 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission • Commissioner Ronald Stevens stated that the HOA wanted action taken in their neighborhood and wants to know the restrictions. • Brian James stated that it would be helpful if a HOA said we don't want goals in the street at a council meeting, that it would help enforcement. Then we have council and TSAC saying it was a problem, not just a rouge staff person. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward asked about $200 fine per citation. • Brian James stated that a resident could be cited every day. • Albert Arriaga stated that it would go through the judicial process, judge would decide. • Commissioner Will Martinez stated that an obstruction, is it unsafe or safe is in reference to the street, an officer is making a discretionary decision, he is not basing it on should a child be in the street, it a goal an obstruction to traffic or pedestrian use. • Commissioner Paul Wiley stated that any obstruction, what obstruction is safe, can you put a safe obstruction in the street? maybe take out unsafe in the ordinance, meant to minimize and promote safety and discourage unsafe practice. Making it difficult to define what unsafe is, so remove it unsafe the prohibition. • Brian James asked if that would be TSAC's recommendation, put basketball goals back in the ordinance as prohibited. • Commissioner Ronald Stevens stated that yes, if that clears up the matter and then there is no ambiguity. • Commissioner Chuck Cornelisse asked Albert Arriaga, is it clear enough to him and his colleagues. • Albert Arriaga stated that if it's removed unsafe, then it's clear. • Brian James stated Council wanted staff to use discretion. Is TSAC saying no more discretion, if a goal is in the street, it's a violation, is that the direction TSAC wants to go, we need a motion. • Commissioner Ronald Stevens made a motion to revise the ordinance be make it clear that Basketball goals are not permitted in the street or the right of way. • Commissioner Chuck Cornelisse seconded the motion. Vote was tied, 4 nay (WM, SI, RR, RD), 4 aye (PW, RS, FH, CC). • Commissioner Richard Dziewit asked that everyone look at what is before us now, it is still ok, it is working. 4-4-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 6 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission • Albert Arriaga gave examples of discretion. If the ordinance is changed, PD will follow it. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated his neighbors have a basketball goal, the current situation, how do we bring sanity. • Commissioner Richard Dziewit stated that we review this with more clarity. • Brian James stated that we are missing one of our regular members, but an alternate arrived late, he should be seated and could revote and settle the tie. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated to bring up Robert Marks and settle the tie or is there a comprise position. • Commissioner Ronald Stevens would rather have the commission unanimous than a split vote, but would still like a resolution, could we differentiate, or mitigating risk, ok to table until the next meeting to discuss further. • Brian James asked for a motion. • Commissioner Ronald Stevens said we need a new motion. • Commissioner Robert Marks made a motion to table this for more information, Commissioner Ferrando Heyward seconded the motion. • Brian James said it will probably be the June meeting before we can discuss this. b. Randolph Avenue Street Signs on FM 78 • Kathy Woodlee sent Tammy Lawrence out to take a new photo of the correct spelling of Randolph sign on FM 78. 6. Staff Comments and/or New Requests • Kathy Woodlee gave Public Works kudos for installed speed humps at Westchester. • Commissioner Richard Dziewit asked for Robert Marks to be allowed to speak. • Robert Marks addressed the commissioners about Rhine Valley subdivision concerns. The intersection of Kruth and Alsatian. There have been near head on collision in this area. This is also a bus stop and neighbors have contacted him with concerns about almost being hit when walking with their children. Vehicles go around stopped buses as well, he asked for stop signs to be installed at two corners of Kruth and Alsatian. Robert Marks has gone to Schertz PD and knows they are stretched thin. Another issue is crime, it has picked up. There are 3 entrances/exits. His neighbor had his brand-new Audi stolen between 2-4 am on March 28. The car was returned and dumped in the same neighborhood. Also, property theft, drug deals in the park that he has broken up, graffiti, stolen trailer from driveway in plain sight. Schertz PD has increased presence at midnight. He has also reached out to Bexar County Sheriff but has not seen them on FM 1518 or Lower Seguin. He is also looking at issues in the Crossvine subdivision. Robert Marks asked for stop signs right now. 4-4-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 7 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission • Commissioner Richard Dziewit stated that the information has been turned over to Kathy. 7. Future Agenda Items Requests from Commissioners • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated that based on the late Council meeting last night, could we bring back Savannah and FM 1518 on the agenda for later. • Brian stated that staff is putting the crosswalk on the expanded program request. Many of those issues were discussed at council last night, but TSAC has not heard from those residents about it. • Kathy Woodlee stated Mr. Duffett did reach out to the City for continued updates on the traffic issues on Savannah. Also, that staff will request again that Council fund the proposed crosswalk. 8. Adjournment: Motion was made by Commissioner Ferrando Heyward to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Ronald Stevens. Motion passed. Vote was unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 6: 55 PM by Chair Richard Dziewit. Attest: chard Dziewit, hairperson a y awrence, Recording Secretary 4-4-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 8 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission