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Final 6-6-24 MinutesTransportation Safety Advisory Commission Minutes Thursday, June 6, 2024 5:30 PM The Transportation Safety Advisory Commission (TSAC) convened for a Called Meeting on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers, Building #4 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154 TSAC Commissioners Present: Dziewit, Richard, Chairman Heyward, Ferrando kke, Steven Ragsdale, Roy Stevens, Ronald Wiley, Paul TSAC Commissioners Absent: Martinez, Will Cornelisse, Chuck Hormel, Chris Winter, Michael Staff Present: Brian James, Deputy City Manager Albert Arriaga, Schertz Police Robert Martinez, Street Maintenance Supervisor Tammy Lawrence, Administrative Assistant CALL TO ORDER at 5:31 PM by Chairman Richard Dziewit. ROLL CALL HEARING OF RESIDENTS None present. 1. Minutes: Consideration/action for approval of April 4, 2024, TSAC Meeting Minutes. Motion was made by Commissioner Paul Wiley to approve the April 4, 2024, minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Ferrando Heyward. Motion passed. 2. Traffic Study Updates: a. Rhine Valley Data Collected: Alsatian, Kruth Point, Bening Valley, Remily Way, Erstein Way • Kruth Point, ADT - 311, 85% - 17.1 MPH • Alsatian Way North, ADT - 1,568, 85% - 29.0 MPH • Bening Valley, ADT — 371, 85% - 17.2 MPH • Alsatian Way South, ADT— 647, 85% - 29.8 MPH 6-6-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 1 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission • 12122 Kruth Point, ADT— 154, 85% - 20.2 MPH • 12242 Bening Valley, ADT — 130, 85% - 22.0 MPH • 12145 Remily Way, ADT —140, 85% - 17.9 MPH • 12352 Erstein Way, ADT —156, 85% - 23.7 MPH • Brian James stated that staff received complaints of speeding in this neighborhood and vehicles passing school buses. Residents requested adding 4 way stop signs on Alsatian. He also stated that installing stop signs would force vehicles to slow down and stop. He reviewed all speed data that is required to warrant a multiway stop, and none were met. There was not enough cross traffic. Cars get used to there not being any cross traffic. There were no crashes in a 12-month period, there was not a lot of volume either. But there could be a sight distance issue and staff a currently reviewing this and will report their findings at our next meeting. Brian did state that was a speed issue on Alsatian Way as the speed limit is 20 but our results show an 85% speed of 29.0 mph. The City sets a lower speed limit than the City of San Antonio which is 30 mph. Alsatian is the main spine that runs through the neighborhood and that no homes front Alsatian Way. On the cross streets, we did not find a speed issue. • Albert Arriaga did direct patrol on Alsatian Way, and he stopped 3 cars in 30 minutes. In 1 hour, only one car was speeding between 23-25 mph. Another time he stopped two speeders at 31-32 mph, and it was a contractor, another was a Converse resident in a 1-1.5-hour patrol. • Brian James stated that this might be like a previous situation in Mesa Oaks, where the City sent postcards, attended meetings. PD took an active role of patrolling, using dynamic speed signs. Brian also mentioned that the construction on FM 1518 is going to be an added variable as drivers will be looking for alternative routes, but that the City would tackle any issues as they arise. A four-way stop is not going to solve this problem. Recommendation: Enhance signage, deploy dynamic speed trailer, add regular patrol, increase public awareness through mailers, attending a HOA meeting. This location would not be eligible for speed humps, due to low volume. Staff to report sight distance findings. • Commissioner Richard Dziewet understood that school buses being passed was the primary issue of concern, aside from speeding. He asked if there was a way to patrol when kids leave and come home when school begins again and would a Crossing Guard be an option. • Brian James stated that staff can look at a Crossing Guard, but that he had not heard that kids crossing the street was an issue, but vehicles are going around buses. • Commissioner Richard Dziewet stated that the fines are tremendous for passing a bus. • Albert Arriaga stated that he also patrolled Corbett Drive and did not have speeding. It is very difficult for traffic to navigate around a bus. He also stated that buses to do have cameras and explained that the city did request video evidence before from an issue on FM 78 by the Guadalupe County offices, but that Corbett Drive was not an issue. • Brian James stated that there should a neighborhood outreach. Signs about kids walking and enforcement during school times. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated that maybe the Police Academy, COP could patrol these problem areas when school is back in session. 6-6-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 2 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission b. Lazy Oak at Crest Oak Robert Martinez visited this site several times and spoke to the resident several times. This was a visible issue. Neighborhood Services also met with the homeowner, and he was unwilling to trim the shrubs. The homeowner received a written warning. But after further discussion with the homeowner, he finally trimmed back his shrubs. There is now much better visibility, approximately 95% better. The resident complied and no further action was required, and the case was closed. • Brian James reviewed the sight triangle picture but stated that the homeowner would have to remove half of his fence to achieve this goal and that was not a viable option. He also cleared the junk and debris by his mailbox. This site will never be a clear site. But you can creep up and look around the metal pole. The homeowner will need to trim this area every year and staff will likely need to remind him. Brian stated that the middle area of this location was trimmed up and we can now see much better. • Robert Martinez stated that because this area is in the right of the way, the City has the right to cut shrubs and trees, but that staff always want to contact the homeowner prior to doing any clean up. Staff often leave door flyers that notify homeowners that if they need assistance, the city can help. Also, the city has a neighborhood tool shed where residents can borrow tools and we offer chipping services. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward asked if the City gives guidance and that the shrubs should not be higher than the mailbox. • Commissioner Richard Dziewet asked if other citizens can submit a complaint when they see issues like this. • Robert Martinez stated that yes anyone can, but that the City will always talk to the homeowner to resolve an issue before Neighborhood Services is involved and a case is opened. • Brian James stated that the homeowner knows what we are looking for now since he has trimmed it up once and he should be able to do so each year. c. Schertz Parkway Crosswalk — Pecan and Buffalo Brian James stated that this was an ongoing concern about the 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. Recommendation: The City will use a consultant to perform additional warrant analyses including both Pecan and Buffalo and include pedestrian counts in both once schools has restarted, August/Sept time frame. Could include dynamic crossing like Hawk system, or other treatment, less passive than painted strips in the road. 6-6-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 3 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 3. Citizen -Requested Item Updates a. Scenic Hills — Gated subdivision stop sign request (Cherryhurst at Hunters Glen) • Robert Martinez stated that he spoke to the HOA president Gregory Sebold, and he asked that City do an evaluation of all the signs in his neighborhood as there are other missing signs or signs that need to be replaced. Public Works will complete an evaluation and send a quote for any new or replacement signs. The HOA would pay the City to fabricate and install all signs, but if the cost was too expensive, we could do 2-3 at time. b. Truck Traffic complaint i. Crossvine Data Collected: Hollering Vine to Lower Seguin, Hollering Vine to FM 1518, Trellis Walk • North of Hollering Vine to Lower Seguin, ADT — 1036, 85% - 38.0 MPH Axle Class over a 10-day period: Total vehicles — 9,070 30 motorcycles 3,558 trucks 5,355 cars 17 buses 89 (2) axle trucks 3 (3) axle trucks 5 trailer/3 axle trucks 2 trailer/4 axle trucks 9 trailer/5 axle trucks 2 trailer/6 axle trucks North of Hollering Vine to FM 1518, ADT — 394, 85% - 24.4 MPH South of Hollering Vine to FM 1518, ADT —109, 85% - 39.2 MPH Axle Class over a 10-day period: Total vehicles — 4,405 32 motorcycles 1,194 trucks 2,534 cars 63 buses 571 (2) axle trucks 3 (3) axle trucks 5 trailer/3 axle trucks 3 trailer/5 axle trucks • North on Trellis Walk, ADT — 242, 85% - 25.8 MPH • South on Trellis Walk, ADT — 362, 85% - 31.4 MPH Axle Class over a 10-day period: Total vehicles — 5,295 29 motorcycles 1,603 trucks 3,560 cars 49 (2) axle trucks 16 (3) axle trucks 2 (4) axle trucks 11 trailer/4 axle trucks 12 trailer/5 axle trucks 2 trailer/6 axle trucks 6-6-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 4 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission • Brian James stated that the City received a request to install No Thru Truck Traffic signs. He also stated that we don't have to post signs, we still do not allow trucks through this type of street designation. The vast majority of the traffic is from normal vehicles. There is not a ton of big trucks, only 21 larger vehicles in 10 days. But there is a high speed of 38.0 mph in a 30 mph. The City has not received a lot of residents calls for speeding. Brian stated that he had concerns about the counters and the speed being skewed if you review the speeds for North vs South. It is very weird, so he was not fully confident of the report. Brian also stated that since construction is starting on FM 1518, many people will be looking for alternative routes. Albert Arriaga stated that he patrols his area and FM 1518 at Lower Seguin Road is notorious for vehicles going into the ditch. And that large tractor trailers get into trouble at this intersection. Brian James stated that the City is not inclined to install No Thru Truck Traffic signs here because we just are not seeing a significant problem. But we can install signs, but how much will it stop traffic. He mentioned that the road construction will last 4 years into 2028. He stated that the City can respond to complaints but how many resources are we going to invest in at this point. ii. Woodland Oaks East of FM 3009 - This complaint was from an owner on Persimmons Street which is in the City of Cibolo. • Brian James stated that there are No Thru Truck Traffic signs posted on Woodland Oaks in the City of Cibolo already. He said that it was just very odd, maybe the truck made a wrong turn, why drive through a neighborhood street. It's also possible the driver did not see the sign. The City of Schertz has not received any complaints, just the one from a Cibolo resident. He is inclined to let the City of Cibolo PD enforce their street and if a Schertz resident complained, we would investigate. • Albert Arriaga stated that he agreed it was an odd complaint, AJ works in this area in the City of Schertz side, and he has not observed any trucks. Recommendation: The City is not recommending any action given that the only complaint was a Cibolo resident. And Cibolo already has a No Thru Truck Traffic ordinance in place. Barring no objections from TSAC, staff will close this item. Commissioner Ferrando Heyward stated that this is a short segment of street. Brian James stated maybe it was a delivery driver that took a wrong turn. c. Aero and Oak Multiway Stop • Brian James stated that he is working on the Chapter 86 updates, and it will go to Council for approval. Then the City can fabricate and install signs, just not before Jubilee Days. We don't want to make a change to traffic patterns before a large event and delaying it until after Jubilee Days will allow staff time to complete work and properly install signage and public awareness of the new multiway stop. 6-6-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 5 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 4. Commissioner -Requested Item Updates: a. Basketball Goals in ROW • Brian James stated that PD has provided a draft which stated goals are allowed in the street abutted against the curb line only if the width of the street is 38'* or less and the speed limit is 20 mph or less. * Width of the street is based on the feeder street for a cul-de-sac not the diameter of the cul-de-sac. • Albert Arriaga stated he did a lot of research, contacting surrounding cities. This was a difficult situation but want residents to be safe and enjoy outdoor activities. His research found nothing. Seguin said Good Luck but let them know what Schertz comes up with. San Marcos utilizes their nuisance code, but it is not defined for basketball goals. The City of Schertz will try to navigate this, but it is not easy. • Brian James stated that the City will handle it as situations come up and we will leave the obstruction wording intact so we can still use that to enforce it if needed. • Commissioner Richard Dziewet asked if this was a safety issue. He mentioned Sycamore Street and goal on this street. • Albert Arriaga stated that it could be an enforcement issue, once we have the criteria approved. • Brian James stated that it is the staffs recommendation to approve the wording provided and wanted TSAC to provide a recommendation. • Commissioner Ronald Stevens thanked Albert Arriaga for his research. He asked how the 38' was determined. • Brian James stated it was determined by roadway classification • Commissioner Ronald Stevens asked where to find a list of streets by size to determine which street is legal or illegal. • Albert Arriaga stated that he uses Google Earth, and it is exact, as PD uses this for collision reconstruction. • Brian James stated that if there is a problem in the neighborhood, we could produce a flyer or map, but we currently don't have the staff to create this, possibly a GIS intern. • Albert Arriaga stated this flyer or map would provide a definitive document to push back and enforce when needed. • Commissioner Ronald Stevens stated that he didn't have any problem with the wording that PD has provided. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward thanked Albert Arriaga and said that he agreed to the wording and moved to approve the draft. 6-6-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 6 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission • Commissioner Roy Ragsdale made a motion to approve. • Commissioner Ferrando Heyward seconded the motion. Motion passed. Vote was unanimous. 5. Staff Comments and/or New Requests a. Ware Seguin — Estrada Fence Damage • Robert Martinez explained the photos on Ware Seguin heading toward Hallie Heights. There was only one Arrow Chevron showing a sharp turn. The City added 2 Chevron signs showing a sharp turn ahead, one in both directions. Staff kept the signs off resident's driveways and mailboxes as residents had voice concerns about getting their driveways with their large trailers. Staff also dug out grass and will install a 6x6 concrete pad under each sign, so our mowing tractors don't knock over the signage. Robert also stated that CPS will be installing two led lights on existing poles to improve visibility at night, but that CPS has a back log so it might be the end of July before they are installed. He will provide photos and an update once the lights have been installed. b. FM 1518 school zone speeding near Founder's Academy • Brian James stated that the City received a complaint of speeding. Also, there were vehicles trying to make a left hand turn on a busy road. Albert Arriaga stated that he observed this location and when vehicles leave the school, they go right on FM 1518 and then make a U-turn. Cars can make the turn, but traffic is very heavy. This area does have flashing lights but observed several cars that had close calls. He did not observe a lot of speeding. 35-39 mph a few times, mostly normal compliance with speed signs. PD will continue to monitor this area. • Brian James again mentioned that construction on FM 1518 could complicate issues, but staff can evaluate, and PD will continue to enforce. c. Schertz Parkway at Curtiss • Robert Martinez stated that the City removed the tattered signs as they were only meant to be temporary. He is reviewing the need to install stop signs on both lanes of traffic. Also, the possibility of using thermal paint and rumble strips on Schertz Parkway. Robert stated that buses have had close calls because they don't see the signs and believes that advance warning with thermal paint and rumble strips will help get drivers' attention. Like FM 78 at Pat Booker Rd. The goal is not affecting any businesses and comply with MUTCD. His goal is to complete this before school starts this fall. 6. Future Agenda Items Requests from Commissioners • None 6-6-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 7 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission 7. Adjournment: Motion was made by Commissioner Ron Stevens to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Paul Wiley. Motion passed. Vote was unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM by Chair Richard Dziewit. Attest: 1 and Dziewi , Chairperson am y awrence, Recording Secretary 6-6-2024 TSAC Minutes Page 8 of 8 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission