CITY OF MERCED Merced Civic Center
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Minutes
MERCED
Traffic Committee
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 2:00 PM
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson CARDOSO called the Regular Meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: 5 - Member Juan Olmos, Member Joe Cardoso, Member Nathaniel McKinnon, Member Jonnie Lan, and Member Thomas England
Absent: 0
C. ORAL COMMUNICATION
Angelita ARCHER- expressed her concern for the traffic near Gracey Elementary School. She mentioned that she had been hit a few times and does her best to make sure children are safe, yet the speed in which vehicles travel by the school is highly dangerous. She requested a high visibility crosswalk or a four way stop to support pedestrian safety in this school zone.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
D.1 SUBJECT: Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2024 ACTION:
Approving and filing the Traffic Committee Minutes of September 10, 2024
ATTACHMENTS
1. Traffic Committee Minutes of September 10, 2024
A motion was made by Member Olmos, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5 - Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent: 0
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E. REPORTS
E.1. SUBJECT: Committee Member Reports
Member OLMOS shared that the split-facing work that was previously requested at Childs Ave and N Street near Alicia Reyes Elementary School is now complete.
Member LAN shared that the planning department recently released a request for proposals for consultants to help the City of Merced with the General Plan update which will include traffic circulation. This is proposed to take a few years.
F. BUSINESS
F.1 SUBJECT: CONTINUED REQUEST #24-07 Requesting Signage And Other Measures To Discourage Drivers From Turning Left Out Of The McDonald's/ Tractor Supply Parking Lot Onto Campus Parkway. (Corey Plagenza)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states cars exit the parking lot and cross both the traffic lanes dirt median to make a left turn onto Coffee Street instead of making a right turn.
Member LAN shared that planning is looking into the approvals of this development, however signage for a no left turn may be required either way.
Member CARDOSO suggested that the developer install a right turn only sign in hopes that drivers will not drive across the dirt median. He recommended that planning and engineering should collaborate to then determine a recommendation for the developer to address this issue.
Members agreed that this item could be continued to be discussed internally to find a solution rather than to keep continuing this request.
A motion was made by Member Cardoso, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this agenda item be deferred to the planning and engineering departments to determine a solution with the developer. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5 - Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent:
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F.2 SUBJECT: CONTINUED REQUEST #24-38 Requesting The Installation Of Speed Bumps And A Temporary Speed Trailer On Northwood Drive.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen explains many drivers use Northwood Drive as a throughway to avoid the traffic on Olive Ave and Bear Creek Dr. These vehicles travel at high speeds, causing safety hazards to residents of this area, many of whom include both children and elderly veterans who enjoy spending time outside frequently. The potential risk of an accident has led some fearful residents to discontinue the walks outdoors. The installation of speeds bumps could urge drivers to slow down and would allow for a safer environment for all residents and drivers in the area. A temporary speed radar would be beneficial until speeds bumps are installed.
Citizen shared that the Northwood neighborhood offered thanks to the committee members for putting speed trailers on Northwood Dr.
Member MCKINNON shared that one of the speed trailers was vandalized and the other produced corrupted data.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member Lan, that this agenda item be continued for one more meeting so proper data could be provided to the public. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England No: 1- Member Olmos
Absent:
F.3 SUBJECT: CONTINUED REQUEST #24-42 Requesting Street Lights Between The 500 To 600 Blocks Of East 21st Street.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen is requesting streetlights in the 500 block of East 21st Street to deter speeding and racing drivers attempting to beat the red light at the intersection of 21st Street and Glen Avenue.
Member OLMOS shared that he had been in contact with PGE and is waiting for them to follow up.
Members agreed that since our public works department is doing the best they can to work with PGE, there is no need to continue this request.
A motion was made by Member Cardoso, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this agenda item be deferred to the Public Works department to continue to work with PGE. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
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Aye: 5 - Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.4 SUBJECT: CONTINUED REQUEST #24-43 Requesting A 3-Way Stop, Marked Crosswalks, and Parking Enforcement At The Intersection of Meadows Avenue And Loughborough Drive.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen is concerned about possible pedestrian-vehicle accidents in this area. Citizen notes there have been multiple accidents since the beginning of the year and with there being many children living in the area, traffic calming measures such as speed bumps are requested. In addition, there are no markings for a crosswalk, which raises safety concerns for community members who walk to nearby businesses. Lastly, the vehicles parked on the street causes visibility issues for drivers approaching the stop sign on Meadows Ave and Loughborough Dr.
Citizen shared their concerns on this item as they have witnessed speeding vehicles racing down Loughborough Dr and recommends speed bumps and a crosswalk. They added that the parked vehicles along Loughborough Dr does not allow drivers to have enough visibility of pedestrians which is a big safety issue.
Member MCKINNON explained that there are no reported collisions at this intersection within the past year.
Member CARDOSO stated there will be a public meeting with the Traffic Engineer conducting the Traffic Study looking for community feedback on what to do for the traffic calming measures on Loughborough Dr.
Members explained that beginning 1/1/2025 'NO PARKING' signs are enforceable for parking within 20 feet of an intersection.
Member OLMOS shared he does not support a crosswalk at this 3-way intersection.
A motion was made by Member Olmos, seconded by Member Cardoso, that this agenda item be denied and defer this request to the engineering department based upon the recommendations of the Traffic Engineer from the upcoming Traffic Study. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
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Absent: 0
F.5 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-44 Requesting Painted Bike Lanes And 4 Way Stop Signs At The Intersection Of 15th Street And D Street And Before The S-99 Ramp Along 16th Street.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen is concerned about the bicyclist and vehicle traffic traveling on both 15th Street and D Street and 16th Street towards the S-99 on ramp.
Citizen explained that he has witnessed several near-misses of pedestrian vs. vehicle accidents. Adding a four way stop at both intersections and painted bike lanes could improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety.
Citizen shared concern for pedestrian safety and mentioned research they had pulled from MCAG in regards to supporting the issue of safe transportation. They expressed there could be opportunity for bike lanes and crosswalks.
Member OLMOS mentioned how Caltrans owns a part of the street on Yosemite Parkway/ Hwy 140 therefore the City of Merced does not have the jurisdiction to add markings or signage. He also requested to bring accident data to the next meeting regarding this request.
Member LAN suggested to continue the item to one more meeting so that she can share the concern and look into the Active Transportation Plan and the Local Roads Safety Plan that is in process.
A motion was made by Member Lan, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this gathe iformationaind res to th on t Traeue hete mont ing ro lly statt to
Aye: 5 - Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.6 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-45 Requesting Speed Bumps On Esplanade Drive From El Redondo Drive To Catalina Drive.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen is concerned for the safety of all citizens in the neighborhood, many of which are children and elderly. Drivers are traveling at excessive speeds, posing a serious safety risk for those who spend time on the sidewalks. Installing speed bumps along this street can significantly CITY OF MERCED Page 5 Printed on 1/10/2025
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increase safety for all citizens and will alert drivers to be more cautious of their speed.
Members share there are no warrants for this request, however they recommended that residents in the area should look into the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Guidelines.
motion was made by Member Olmos, seconded by Member McKinnon, that thi genda item be denied. The motion carried by a unanimous vote
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.7 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-46 Requesting A 3 Way Stop At The Intersection Of Ashby Rd And Cooper Ave.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen states this road poses increased traffic concerns during shift change and due to the bend in the road along Ashby Rd. Vehicles travel at high speeds, making turns onto Ashby Rd from Cooper Rd a safety risk.
Member MCKINNON shared that Merced PD does not respond to vehicle collisions in this area along Ashby Road.
A motion was made by Member Cardoso, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this agenda item be denied and referred to the County of Merced as this location is outside of Merced city limits. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.8 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-47 Requesting A Crosswalk Traffic Signal At The Intersection Of Gerard Avenue And Starlight Avenue.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen shares concerns for the safety of pedestrians who utilize this crosswalk, many being children. Citizen adds that they witnessed a near-miss of a vehicle-pedestrian accident at this location due to the driver speeding. Adding signage with lights to add more attention to the crosswalk could support pedestrian safety.
Citizen shared that she witnessed a near miss accident with a child and vehicle due to speeding.
Member MCKINNON mentioned he is sitting on a meeting panel with the CITY OF MERCED Page 6 Printed on 1/10/2025
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school district which they are assessing school sites, safety plans, etc. He stated that they are looking at all city school's within our jurisdiction to support children's safety. stated there are no warrants to modify this location and add a stop sign.
Member OLMOS proposed adding a rapid flashing beacon to this intersection.
Members clarify this rapid flashing beacon would be the rectangular shape added underneath the existing sign.
Member MCKINNON shared there are no warrants at this location to alter this intersection to adding a stop sign.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member England, that this agenda item be approved to adding a rapid flashing beacon underneath the existing sign. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5 - Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.9 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-48 Requesting Additional Traffic Calming Measures At The Intersection Of Olive Avenue And Austin Avenue.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen expresses growing concern about the intersection of Olive Avenue and Austin Avenue. She shares that she has witnessed three major vehicle collisions, amongst other near misses with pedestrians. Drivers constantly run the red lights and do not allow a safe space for pedestrians to cross the street. The following recommendations can support the safety of all of those within the area. Reducing the speed limit by 5 mph, installation of cameras at this intersection, increasing the time for yellow lights, improving the visibility of the traffic lights, additional signage on other streets such as Meadows Ave and Loughborough Dr, and increasing the fines for running red lights.
Citizen shared that she has witnessed several vehicle collisions at this intersection along with her and her son almost being struck as well. She offered her recommendations once again and really stressed the importance in possibly increasing the fines for running red lights.
Members shared that the fines for running red lights are set by the state, not the city. Additionally, there is a speed survey to be done for the City of Merced. A Traffic Engineer will analyze various traffic intersections throughout the city by completing a Traffic Sync project.
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A motion was made by Member Cardoso, seconded by Member England, that this agenda item be referred to engineering for their traffic calming synchronization project and other possible traffic calming measures. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.10 SUBJECT: REQUEST #24-49 Requesting Speed Bumps On Laurel Avenue Between Yosemite Parkway and Pine Street.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Citizen shares how many drivers in the area speed through the neighborhood at all hours of the day. With this being a street full of families and children, the installation of speed bumps could deter drivers from speeding meanwhile promoting safe driving in the neighborhood.
Members noted there were no warrants for this request, but were willing to offer a speed trailer on this short residential street. Continuing this request to see the results of the speed trailer.
A motion was made by Member McKinnon, seconded by Member Lan, that this agenda item be continued to the next Traffic Committee meeting to allow staff to gather data from the speed trailer and determine how to proceed. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent: 0
G. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Member Lan, seconded by Member McKinnon, that this agenda item be adjourned at 3:17pm. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Aye: 5- Member Olmos, Member Cardoso, Member McKinnon, Member Lan, and Member England
No: 0
Absent: 0
APPROVED: Duge ndar
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