COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: March 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of a Passenger Loading Zone On Panther Drive
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the establishment of a Passenger Loading Zone on Panther Drive for student loading and unloading operations.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution establishing a Passenger Loading Zone on Panther Drive.
BACKGROUND:
Santa Maria Joint Union High School Transportation Manager requested City staff review Panther Drive between the northernmost and southernmost driveways of Pioneer Valley High School’s current Passenger Loading Zone. The request is based on improving student loading and unloading operations at Pioneer Valley High School.
DISCUSSION:
Per City Council Resolution No. 2061 and CAM 63 -15, a Traffic Committee was formed to “be responsible for the review, approval or denial, and recommendations to City Council on all matters and requests relating to traffic circulation and safety within the public right-of-way”. The Traffic Committee has reviewed and approved the request for establishing a no-stopping zone to improve both line of sight and school bus loading and unloading operations. The City Council has the authority to locate, establish, or eliminate no-stopping zones within the City.
The Passenger Loading Zone recommended to be established is described as follows:
1. Panther Drive, along the westerly curb face, beginning at the southerly curb return of the northernmost Pioneer Valley School driveway and continuing south for a length of 1740 linear feet to the northerly curb return of the southernmost driveway of Pioneer Valley High School.
2 Alternative(s)
The alternative to the recommended action would be to not approve the establishment of the Passenger Loading Zone on Panther Drive.
Fiscal Considerations
Establishing the Passenger Loading Zone will require labor and materials to paint the curb and install signage. The painted curb and signs will need to be maintained in the future as the paint fades. Staff estimates it will cost the City $3,000 to install the paint and signage.
Impact to the Community
By establishing a Passenger Loading Zone on Panther Drive, pick -up and drop -off activities by both school buses and passenger vehicles will be more efficient.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution
B. Proposed Passenger Loading Zone to be Established on Panther Drive