Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of March 23, 2023 Page 1 of 4
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
April 27, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting of the Parking and Public Improvements Commission of the City of Manhattan Beach, California was held in hybrid format (Zoom Call and in person at City Hall, 1400 Highland Avenue. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) on March 23, 2023 at the hour of 4:04pm.
B. PLEDGE TO FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners DaGiau, Kirschenbaum, and Chair Paralusz
Absent: D’Amico, Apostol
Staff Present: Erik Zandvliet, Traffic Engineer
Katherine Doherty, City Engineer
Erick Lee, Director of Public Works
Talyn Mirzakhanian, Director of Community Development
Clerks: Tatiana Manokian, Agenda Host
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
04/27/23-1 Regular Meeting – March 23, 2023
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (Kirschenbaum/DaGiau) to approve the minutes without corrections.
AYES: DaGiau, Kirschenbaum, Chair Paralusz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: D’Amico, Apostol
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-minute Limit)
Chair Paralusz opened Audience Participation.
There were no speakers.
Chair Paralusz closed audience participation.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
04/27/23-2 Discussion of Potential Traffic Calming Measures on Valley Drive between 27 th Street and Sepulveda Boulevard
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet summarized the staff report. At the March 7, 2023 meeting, the City Council heard public testimony from residents concerned about traffic safety on Valley Drive after a collision between a young bicyclist and a motorist near the intersection of Valley Drive and Pine Avenue. The City Council directed staff to work with the Parking and Public Improvements Commission to consider possible traffic calming measures for City Council’s future consideration. On April 17, 2023, staff received a petition signed by over 100 local residents circulated by resident Chad Feilke (3011 N. Valley Drive). The following are the requests made by the petition signers:
• Requesting stop signs at Valley Drive and Pine Avenue • Safe crossings to Veteran’s Parkway such as raised crosswalks and corner bulb -outs at Walnut Avenue and Elm Avenue
• Solid, double-yellow centerline on Valley Drive
Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of March 23, 2023 Page 2 of 4
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet explained that the Parking and Public Improvements Commission reviewed a request for stop signs at the Valley Drive /Oak Avenue /35th Street intersection in 2015 . The commissioners voted to recommend stop signs at that intersection including a temporary realignment of the south and west approaches on a trial basis. The recommendation was considered by the City Council in March 2015 and directed staff to go back to the Commission to evaluate other forms of traffic calming measures. On July 7, 2015, City Council recommended to install painted crosswalks on t he north and west approaches of Oak Avenue and 35th Street and temporarily install a speed awareness sign on Valley Drive.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet further summarized the staff report providing field observation metrics and reiterated the potential traffic calming measures, stated previously.
Staff’s recommendation is to continue with strict enforcement of speeding violations on Valley Drive between 27th Street and Sepulveda Boulevard, to recommend the installation of a speed activated flashing speed limit sign on Valley Drive west of Oak Avenue, to construct a landscaped center median, eastbound left turn pocket and curb extension on Valley Drive between Oak Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard on a trial basis (to be reviewed at least six months after inst allation), and initiate a capital project and pursue funding to construct raised crosswalks and bulb- outs on Valley Drive at Walnut Avenue and on Valley Drive at Elm Avenue.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet read public comments received after the agenda posting.
Commissioner DaGiau asked why speed cameras were not considered as part of the traffic calming measures. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet responded that speed cameras are not legal in the state of California. Commissioner DaGiau asked if the Police Department was asked about the number of speeding tickets that were issued in this area. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet responded that he did not have this information because a current speed study had not been completed at the time. Commissioner DaGiau asked whether any of the traffic calming measures that were suggested have been prioritized by funding or feasibility. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that at the time staff presents its report to the commissioners, there are no financial estimates available because the Commissioners’ responsibilities should be independent of finances and costs. He further stated that most of the trial measures could be installed with current budget/funds.
Commissioner Kirschenbaum asked about the flashing speed sign and whether it be an issue to residents.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated that the flashing speed sign would be placed in an area that faces away from residents. Commissioner Kirschenbaum asked where the proposed bulb-outs would be placed.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet r esponded that the proposed location for the bulb- outs would be along the northwesterly curb line. Commissioner Kirschenbaum asked if the bike lane would be widened.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated the City is exploring different ways to construct a bike path on Veteran’s Parkway.
Chair Paralusz asked why the City Council did not approve the stop signs in 2015. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated the Council was concerned that, during peak times, the number of cars coming southbound on Sepulveda Boulevard turning right onto Valley Drive would back up onto Sepulveda Boulevard waiting for the stop. Chair Paralusz asked if it was feasible to install the stop signs on a trial basis. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated it is possible.
Chair Paralusz opened public comment.
The following members of the public expressed support for varying traffic calming measures on Valley Drive between 27
th Street and Sepulveda Boulevard:
• Chad Feilke (3011 North Valley Drive)
• Kasey Burke (3109 Pine Avenue)
• Dale Keldrauk (3007 North Valley Drive)
• Dan Constant (2811 North Valley Drive)
• Scott McPhee (3403 – 3409 North Valley Drive)
• James Gill (3017 North Valley Drive)
• Catherine Morris (3313 Walnut Avenue)
• Teal LeVine (3113 North Valley Drive)
• John Kennard (3412 Elm Avenue)
• Anne Stuart
Chair Paralusz closed public comment.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet responded to questions raised during public comment.
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Minutes of March 23, 2023 Page 3 of 4
Chair Paralusz opened Commission discussion.
Commissioner DaGiau asked which of the measures could be decided at th is meeting and which measures need to go to City Council. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet responded that any items that require additional funding or stop signs would require City Council approval and resolution. Commissioner DaGiau asked if the double -yellow line is an action that could be taken at the meeting. Discussion followed on other measures that could be approved administratively.
Commissioner Kirschenbaum asked about the crosswalk s at Walnut Avenue and Elm Avenue and would a concrete path be included to make it ADA accessible. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated the preliminary design includes an ADA accessible path using a build- up of dirt. Commissioner Kirschenbaum suggested making two recommendations to separate the measures ; one that can be approved at the meeting and the other for measures that need to be approved by City Council. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated it would not be necessary to separate the motions.
Recording Secretary Manokian asked on behalf of Anne Stuart if Traffic Engineer Za ndvliet could remind the audience where the sidewalks are recommended to connect to Veteran’s Parkway. Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated the locations are at Walnut Avenue and Elm Avenue.
The commissioners discussed and gave their support for the traffic measures.
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (Kirschenbaum/DaGiau) to approve the installation of double-yellow lines, flashing speed limit sign, and enhanced police enforcement.
AYES: DaGiau, Kirschenbaum, Chair Paralusz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: D’Amico, Apostol
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (Kirschenbaum/DaGiau) to recommend the installation of a left-hand turn pocket and center median at Valley Drive and Oak Avenue on a trial basis, installation of painted crosswalks on Valley Drive at Walnut Avenue and Elm Avenue to be later constructed as raised crosswalks, the installation of bulb -outs with ADA ramps on Valley Drive at Walnut Avenue and Elm Avenue , and installation of 3- way stop signs at Valley Drive and Pine Avenue.
AYES: DaGiau, Kirschenbaum, Chair Paralusz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: D’Amico, Apostol
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet stated the items will go to City Council at a future date.
04/27/23-3 Review of Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 through 2027-2028 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan
City Engineer Doherty summarized the staff report.
The commissioners had questions about the following projects during the presentation:
• Budgetary clarifications
• Proposing electric vehicle chargers at the park
• The ceramics kiln (currently in plan check)
• Parking Fund – Parking Lot 3
• Pier Railing Replacement
Commissioner DaGiau asked for clarification on the golf course storm drain project. City Engineer Doherty stated this project would start design in 2024. Commissioner DaGiau stated that the golf course was flooded many times during the year. Director Lee responded that the issue has been fixed.
Commissioner Kirschenbaum thanked City Engineer Doherty for a great presentation.
MOTION: It was moved and seconded (DaGiau/Kirschenbaum) to recommend approval of the CIP as presented.
AYES: DaGiau, Kirschenbaum, Chair Paralusz
Parking and Public Improvements Commission
Minutes of March 23, 2023 Page 4 of 4
NO
ES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: D’Amico, Apostol
G. O
THER ITEMS
04/27/23-4 Staff Updates
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet provided the following staff updates on the following items:
• Fire Station #2
• Installation of traffic signal poles at Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Peck Avenue • S
lurry Seal Project in Sand Section
• Boards and Commissions Recognition Event on May 11, 2023 • Traffic Engineer Zandvliet introduced Talyn Mirzakhanian, the new Director of Community Development
04/
27/23-5 Commissioner Items
Commissioner DaGiau reminded everyone of the Outdoor Dining Task Force meeting on May 1, 2023.
H. ADJ
OURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:23p.m. to the Parking and Public Improvements Commission Regular Meeting on May 25, 2023 at 4:00p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers (1400 Highland Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266) and via ZOOM Call.