COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: August 5, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Establishing a Multi-Way Stop Control at the Intersection of South Thornburg Street and West Morrison Avenue
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the establishment of a multi-way stop control at the intersection of South Thornburg Street and West Morrison Avenue to improve safety for pedestrians crossing the roadways and for vehicles making left-hand turns from South Thornburg Street onto West Morrison Avenue.
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 multi -way stop control at the intersection of South Thornburg Street and West Morrison Avenue, pursuant to Section 7 -5.20 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code
BACKGROUND:
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) contacted City staff to address concerns regarding the efficiency and safety of student pick -up and drop -off activities at Santa Maria High School. In response, staff visited the site during peak hours on May 13 and 14 to observe traffic conditions. During the afternoon release period, staff observed a high volume of students crossing South Thornburg Street at an unmarked crosswalk, as well as light veh icle queuing on South Thornburg Street for left -turn movements onto Morrison Avenue. These delays persisted even after pedestrian crossings had cleared, due to continuous cross-traffic on Morrison Avenue.
The intersection of South Thornburg Street and Mor rison Avenue is currently controlled by stop signs on South Thornburg Street only, with a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) located on the eastern side.
Staff recommends converting the intersection to multi -way stop control, removing the existing RRFB on the east side, and installing a marked crosswalk on the south side of the intersection. The multi-way stop will help manage left -turn conflicts, and the marked crosswalk will enhance pedestrian visibility at the controlled intersection.
2 DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to Section 2B.07 of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, one of the acceptable criteria for installing multi -way stop controls is to address vehicle - pedestrian conflicts near areas with high pedestrian activity.
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 request and recommends the establishment of multi-way stop control. The City Council has the authority to locate, establish, or eliminate stop control within the City.
Alternative(s)
The City Council can decide not to establish a multi -way stop control at the intersection of South Thornburg Street and West Morrison Avenue.
Fiscal Considerations
Initial installation of stop signs and pavement markings will cost approximately $125 per stop sign, plus labor and long-term maintenance.
Impact to the Community
Drivers traveling west or east on West Morrison Avenue will experience a slight delay, as they will be required to make a complete stop at the intersection of South Thornburg Street and West Morrison Avenue.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Proposed Multi-Way Stop at the Intersection of South Thornburg Street and West Morrison Avenue