LODI CITY COUNCIL
SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2023
A.
Call to Order / Roll Call
An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, May 2, 2023, commencing at 7:13 a.m.
Present: Council Member Nakanishi, Council Member Yepez, and Mayor Pro Tempore Craig
Absent: Council Member Bregman, and Mayor Hothi
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Nashed B.
Topics
B-1
Receive Information on Traffic Calming (PW)
Public Works Director Charlie Swimley provided an introduction to the topic of traffic calming.
Fire Chief Ken Johnson provided information on speed bumps and traffic calming devices, including the hazards to fire response, life saving measures, and equipment.
Discussion ensued with Council Member Nakanishi and Chief Johnson regarding speed bumps in other cities.
Police Chief Sierra Brucia echoed the statements of the Chief Johnson and stated that exhibitions of speed to make up for lost time due to speed bumps and revving engines are common.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Craig, Chief Brucia stated rumble strips do not have a different response from speed bumps.
Senior Traffic Engineer Dorothy Kam provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding traffic calming. Specific topics of discussion included types of traffic calming devices, radar trailers, radar speed boards, signage, street striping, bulbouts, entry features, raised medians, roundabouts, chicanes, speed bumps, speed cushions, speed tables, police enforcement, in-street crossing signs, LED pedestrian crossing signs, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, pros and cons of speed bumps, existing speed bump usage in City of Sacramento and City of Stockton, traffic calming methodology used by other agencies, agencies opposed to speed bumps, reasons for opposition to speed bumps, screening criteria for agencies-adopted traffic calming policy, construction budget and staffing of other agencies, and maintenance. Senior Traffic Engineer Kam provided examples of litigation due to speed bumps and stated that the California Vehicle Code prohibits speed bumps unless approved by the Fire Department.
Discussion ensued with Mayor Pro Tempore Craig, Chief Brucia, and Public Works Director Swimley regarding problem areas, speed cameras, focused enforcement and radar, and increased citations because offenders are often the residents.
Discussion ensued with Council Member Yepez, Chief Brucia, and City Manager Schwabauer regarding radar trailers, citations, revenue from citations going mainly to San Joaquin County and the courts, and focus on primary collision factors.
Discussion ensued with Mayor Pro Tempore Craig and Chief Brucia regarding the cost of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), overtime costs, and grants.
Mayor Pro Tempore Craig noted that public information is crucial.
Mike Kaminski, a member of the public, spoke regarding traffic calming measures on Evergreen Drive.
Chief Brucia stated that there is a direct correlation between traffic calming measures and driving habits and discussed staffing needs.
Council Member Nakanishi stated he felt the City should not install speed bumps but staff should meet with Public Works to find solutions to the traffic problem in that area.
Discussion ensued with Mayor Pro Tempore Craig and Chief Brucia regarding the need for traffic officers.
C.
Comments by Public on Non-Agenda Items
None.
D.
Adjournment
No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 a.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk