COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: May 6, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of a Multi-Way Stop Control at the Intersection of East Taylor Street and North Miller Street
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the establishment of a multi-way stop control at the intersection of East Taylor Street and North Miller Street pursuant to Section 7-5.20 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code.
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 multi-way stop control at the intersection of East Taylor Street and North Miller Street.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria’s Public Works Department is overseeing Public Works (PW) Project No. 2024-08, Taylor Street Pocket Park, which will create a park at the northern terminus of North Miller Street. Currently, East Taylor Street is stop -controlled at the intersection with North Miller Street. North Miller Street is uncontrolled at this intersection.
The Public Works Department is proposing to establish a three -way stop control to improve pedestrian safety. The anticipated increased pedestrian activity near the park warrants additional traff ic control to enhance safety. Multi -way stop control will clarify right-of-way and improve safety for pedestrians at this conflict point with vehicles adjacent to this new park.
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 this re quest to establish multi- way stop control at this location and recommends the establishment of multi-way stop 2 control. The City Council has the authority to locate, establish, or eliminate stop control within the City.
Pursuant to Section 7-5.20 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code, all streets and highways within the City are considered "boulevards" for the purposes of intersection control. Under this provision, the City Council is authorized to designate stop -controlled locations by order entered into the Council minutes. The City Engineer is then responsible for placing and maintaining signage or markings indicating “STOP,” “SLOW,” or “BOULEVARD STOP” to ensure safe and orderly traffic movement. In accordance with this authority, the proposed installation of stop signs at this intersection is consistent with municipal code requirements and is intended to improve safety at a location anticipated to experience increased pedestrian activity due to the new park.
Alternative(s)
The alternative would be to deny t he establishment of the multi -way stop and keep the intersection as it is.
Fiscal Considerations
The cost of signage and striping required to establish the multi-way stop has already been included as a bid item in PW Project No. 2024 -08; therefore, no add itional fiscal considerations are necessary.
Impact to the Community
Drivers traveling on North Miller Street may experience a slight delay, as they will be required to make a complete stop at the intersection of North Miller and East Taylor Street.
Pedestrians will have improved accessibility and visibility due to the improvements associated with the establishment of multi -way stop control, as the Public Works Department proposes to install high visibility crosswalks and ADA -compliant curb ramps as part of these changes.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Proposed Multi-Way Stop at the intersection of East Taylor Street and North Miller