CITY OF MERCED Merced Civic Center
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Minutes
MERCED
Traffic Committee
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 2:00 PM
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson WEGLEY called the Regular Meeting to order at 2:04 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: 5- Member Juan Olmos, Member Nathaniel McKinnon, Member Casey Wilson, Member Mike Wegley, and Member Jonnie Lan
Absent:
C. ORAL COMMUNICATION
Joseph BURKELY- Merced - asked for a stop sign or other traffic calming measures along 5th Street and P Street.
Ashley Marie SUAREZ- Merced - asked if previously discussed curb enhancements or further improvements of prior requests have been made to date. Resident urged the committee members to implement permanent traffic calming measures at Childs Ave and N Street. Citizen also mentioned the previous request of a speed bump at the intersection of 5th Street and P Street.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
D.1 SUBJECT: Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2024 ACTION:
Approving and filing the Traffic Committee Minutes of March 5, 2024
ATTACHMENTS
1. Traffic Committee Minutes of March 5, 2024
A motion was made by Member Lan, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this be approved the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wilson, Member Wegley, and Member Lan
No: 0
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Absent: 0
E. REPORTS
E.1. SUBJECT: Committee Member Reports
There were no Committee Member Reports.
F. BUSINESS
F.1 SUBJECT: CONTINUED REQUEST #24-16 Requesting A Controlled Crosswalk Across Golden Valley Health Center In Between N And R Street On W Childs Ave.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states residents that go to GVHC and students in the nearby schools do not have a crosswalk on W. Childs Ave. and have to either walk all the way to R St. where there is little public lighting at night, or at N St., to get across to the other side of W. Childs Ave.
Member MCKINNON provided the collision data as follows: two collisions in 2022, two collisions in 2021, and four collisions in 2018. The collision data for the intersection of Childs Ave and Q St provides one in 2024, two in 2023, and three in 2022.
Member WEGLEY stated he contacted the on-call engineer to evaluate changing the timing at the intersection of Childs Ave and N Street.
Member MCKINNON stated he worked with the Lights Division to determine other avenues of possible traffic calming measures without taking on the highly costly route by reconstructing the entire intersection.
A motion was made by Member Olmos, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this Business Item be denied. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wilson, Member Wegley, and Member Lan
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.2 SUBJECT: CONTINUED REQUEST #24-12 Requesting Signage Or Markings At The Loading Zone Off N And Main Street And Red Paint Or Markings To Distinguish The "No Parking" Spot.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states there are no marked time frames or signage to enforce the CITY OF MERCED Page 2 Printed on 7/1/2024
Traffic Committee Minutes May 14, 2024
loading zone and no parking area. Residents and drivers are left confused when ticketed for using these zoned parking spots.
Citizen clairified that the last parking space on the left should be given red markings for a no parking spot.
Members agreed that there be one passenger loading zone and the other two spaces be used as a 30 min parking spot during the day. Members reasoned that timed parking is more beneficial than loading zones to solve the issue with citations and allows residents to have additional overnight parking spaces.
Member WEGLEY asked for clarification of Member OLMOS motion.
A motion was made by Member Olmos, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this Business item be approved and keep one passenger loading zone, add two 30 minute parking spaces and an additional motorcycle parking spot in front of the Tioga Apartments. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5 - Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wilson, Member Wegley, and Member Lan
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.3 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-27 Requesting Proper Signage and Markings For Limitations On Loading Zones and The "No Parking" Spot In Front Of The Tioga Apartments On 1715 N Street.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states that many residents have been issued parking citations for parking in the loading zones in front of the Tioga Apartments, yet there is no signage posted that displays the limitations of the loading zone. Citizen also mentions that community members have used the first space closest to the trash bin and received a ticket due to the lack of proper markings on the street designating this spot as a "No Parkina" zone.
Chairperson WEGLEY stated that the committee will hear Agenda Items F.2 and F.3 together.
A motion was made by Member Olmos, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this Business item be approved and keep one passenger loading zone, add two 30 minute parking spaces and an additional motorcycle parking spot in front of the Tioga Apartments. The motion carried by a unanimous vote CITY OF MERCED Page 3 Printed on 7/1/2024
Traffic Committee Minutes May 14, 2024
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wilson, Member Wegley, and Member Lan
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.4 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-25 Requesting Curb To Be Painted Red For No Parking.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states there is traffic congestion in the McCombs Youth Center parking lot due to drivers parking along the curb. Painting the curb red within the parking lot can support the flow of traffic.
Citizen explained that painting the curb red is mainly for safety purposes and to support further traffic flow.
Members supported the addition of red curbing due to fire and police accessibility for emergencies.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member Lan, that this agenda item be approved as amended to paint the north and south side of the curbs in the McCombs Youth Center parking lot, and create a work order for Public Works to trim the bush on the left hand side of the exit to a manageable visibility height for pedestrians and drivers. The motion carried by a unanimous
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wilson, Member Wegley, and Member Lan
No:
Absent:
F.5 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-26 Requesting A "No Left Turn" And "Right Turn Only" Sign At The Intersection Of Sandpiper Avenue And Yosemite Avenue.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states that many drivers coming from Sandpiper Ave onto Yosemite Ave turn left to go around the median island into the Raleys shopping center. Citizen states their concerns regarding the safety hazard this poses. Adding the "No Left Turn" and "Right Turn Only" signs can aid in protecting all drivers.
Member WEGLEY stated a "Right turn only" sign would be sufficient.
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Member MCKINNON states he has written tickets at this cross street, however he has to determine what the cross traffic is like before issuing citations, therefore proper signage can mitigate this issue.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member Olmos, that this Business Item be approved with the addition of a "Right Turn Only" sign at the cross street of Sandpiper Ave and Yosemite Ave. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wilson, Member Wegley, and Member Lan
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.6 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-28 Requesting The Speed Limit Be Reduced From 30 Mph To 25 Mph On Columbia Avenue.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states many drivers coming from G Street continue at 45 mph while traveling down Columbia Avenue. This neighborhood is filled with children and teenagers who are frequently outside. Reducing the rate of speed would enhance the safety for children in the area.
Member WEGLEY stated that Columbia Avenue is due for a speed study, however speed studies often result in the speed limit being raised because of the large percentile of vehicles moving at a faster speed.
Member MCKINNON states a speed study can be set up through engineering.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member Wilson, that this Business Item be denied and to refer to engineering for a speed study. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5 - Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wilson, Member Wegley, and Member Lan
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.7 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-29 Requesting A Stop Sign At The Corner Of 12th Street And G Street.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states that the cars and trucked parked in front of the corner CITY OF MERCED Page 5 Printed on 7/1/2024
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apartments along G Street obstruct the view to make a safe left turn northbound onto G Street. There are stop signs at the intersection of 13th Street and G Street as well as 11th Street and G Street, however this does not reinforce safety when drivers attempt to turn left onto G Street from 12th Street.
Member MCKINNON stated this intersection does not meet the warrants for a four way stop based upon the collision data and added that the existing four way stops before and after this intersection would delay the thoroughfare traffic on G Street.
A motion was made by Member Olmos, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this Business Item be denied. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5 - Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wilson, Member Wegley, and Member Lan
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.8 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-30 Requesting Bollards To Be Installed To Restrict Access To The Dead-End Road Of Nottingham Avenue.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen and community states that this neighborhood is filled with constant occurrences of illegal and dangerous activities, specifically taking place in the dead-end road of Nottingham Avenue. This poses a significant safety hazard for citizens in the area. Citizen adds that these dangerous activities also include an accumulation of debris that requires city cleanup resources.
The addition of bollards that restrict access to the dead-end road can support a safer environment for community members, while also reducing the opportunity for illegal activities to take place in this area.
Citizen speaks of how dangerous and alarming the illegal activities that take place in the area are.
Member MCKINNON recommended to shut off this dead-end road for parking but should remain available for emergency services.
Member OLMOS is not in favor of blocking off the street as it can become a maintenance issue and Member LAN suggested looking into other avenues to utilize the area for the community.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member Lan, that this Business Item be continued and be referred to development services for review.
The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wilson, Member Wegley, and Member Lan
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No: 0
Absent: 0
F.9 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-31 Requesting Enhanced Traffic Control Evaluations At The Intersections Of MLK Jr Way And West 27th Street, West 23rd Street And | Street And West 23rd And H Street.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states that there is a lack of signage at the corners of these 3 intersections which can be confusing to drivers on who has the right of way.
MLK Jr Way and West 27th Street is a cause for concern with the lack of signage due to this being a high vehicle traffic area with an elementary school a block away. Citizen adds that West 23rd Street and I Street and West 23rd Street and H Street have no signage at either corner to yield or stop. An addition of proper signage would enforce safety measures for residents and school children in the community.
Member MCKINNON suggested discussing this item at a later date to allow time to gather the data of all 3 intersections.
Member WILSON left the Regular Meeting.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member Lan, that this Business Item be continued after further review of all 3 intersections. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 4- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wegley, and Member Lan No: 0
Absent: 1 - Member Wilson
F.10 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-32 Requesting Proper Signage/Markings Of Public Or Private Parking And Parking/Code Enforcement To The Parking Spaces Along W Main Street Next To The Tioga Sequoia Brewery.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states that the public parking spaces along W Main Street next to the Tioga Sequoia Brewery are consistently reserved for food trucks by the Tioga Sequoia Brewery without proper permits. The employees of the brewery place noncompliant traffic devices into the public parking spaces to reserve a space for food trucks, even when food trucks are not present or will not be providing services that day. This takes away parking for residents who already have a hard time finding a safe place to leave their vehicle and allows employees of the brewery to benefit by taking these
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Traffic Committee Minutes May 14, 2024
spots when available instead. Citizen states employees with also illegally double park to save the spaces, place these traffic devices around community members cars who park there, and food trucks block the crosswalk and road to wait for a space to be available. Adding signage/markings and obtaining permits can eliminate these issues and allow a safer environment for all citizens, patrons, and vendors in the area.
Member MCKINNON stated that although the Tioga Sequoia Brewery has submitted an application for a use agreement of these parking spaces, it is not an enforceable parking area for the brewery because there are no permits issued. He suggested referring the issue of non-compliant traffic signage into the public street to code enforcement in accordance to the municipal code of signage in roadways.
Citizen stated that although the brewery has been issued tickets and spoken to by code enforcement, they continue to reserve the public spaces which takes away parking for residents of the Tioga Apartments.
Member OLMOS mentions how blocking the 30 minute parking spot exacerbates the existing parking issue in the downtown area.
Members agreed to work as a team between development services and code enforcement to resolve this situation, and to take time for further review on how to proceed with this request.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member Lan, that this Business Item be continued and review the matter with development services and parking/code enforcement. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 4- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wegley, and Member Lan No: 0
Absent: 1 - Member Wilson
F.11 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-33 Requesting A Handicap Parking Space Or A "No Parking" Spot Off Tamworth Court and Nottingham Lane To Better Access The Driveway.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states that their neighbor insists on parking their car in front of their house and blocks their driveway which does not allow them to move their car safely. Designating a handicap parking space or "No Parking" signage in front of the home would allow the citizen to both park and leave their driveway easily.
Citizen stated that he is the caregiver for both his elderly mother and his brother who is handicapped and that the neighbor blocking the driveway makes it difficult to access their home with the canes/wheelchair.
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Members discussed that this item does not meet the state ADA requirements, however they offered widening the driveway to allow for a third parking space. They also stated there may not be enough space to lawfully park near the corner of the intersection after extending the driveway.
A motion was made by Member Lan, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this Business Item be denied, but to work with the residents by referring to engineering to extend driveway and coordinate with parking enforcement to monitor parking in the area. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 4- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wegley, and Member Lan No: 0
Absent: 1- Member Wilson
F.12 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-34 Requesting Traffic Calming Measures At R Street And 2nd Street, S Street And 2nd Street, And Grogan Avenue And 2nd Street.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states that though there are stop signs at R St and 2nd St., S St. and 2nd St., and Grogan Ave and 2nd St., there are no stop lights, speed bumps, or speed meters. There are many speeding drivers within this residential area who must brake abruptly to prevent accidents whereas others do not have enough time to slow down and fatally struck neighborhood pets. Citizen also states there have been car accidents in this area within the past two years and that establishing other traffic calming measures can prevent further accidents since there are parks and schools nearby.
Member MCKINNON stated that all of these intersections would not meet the warrants for any additional stop signs or traffic control lights based upon the collision data.
Member WEGLEY encouraged the citizen to review the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Guidelines provided through the city website. 4 motion was made by Member Lan, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this Business Item be denied and be referred back to the applicant to review the Note motor aried by a maimous vor urther avenues to migate this
Aye: 4- Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wegley, and Member Lan No: 0
Absent: 1 - Member Wilson
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F.13 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-35 Requesting Red Light Cameras And Traffic Enforcement At The Intersections Of W Childs Ave And N St, R St And 13th St, Childs Ave And Hwy 59/MLK Jr Way, And Hwy 59/MLK Jr Way And 13th St.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states that drivers run red lights and speed up at yellow lights which poses a safety hazard at these busy intersections. Many of the traffic cameras are located in the north Merced area, however the addition of these cameras and traffic enforcement in the busier south Merced intersections could support a safer environment for those in the community.
Citizen requested to have research on whether it is possible to provide lighting at the intersection of Childs Avenue and HWY 59, speed reduction at all listed intersections, and red light camera installation at these intersections as well.
Member MCKINNON stated there are currently no red light cameras within the city, but that city council did recently approve two red light cameras for the city under a trial basis. He continued and explained that all intersections except Childs Ave and N Street are under Caltrans, and would require state level approval for the installation of red light cameras.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member Lan, that this Business Item be denied, but to refer to the traffic division for additional enforcement. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 4 - Member Olmos, Member McKinnon, Member Wegley, and Member Lan No:
Absent: 1- Member Wilson
G. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVED: Mind Way
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