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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - BENZ RD TRAFFIC CALMING (2)Agenda Item: 0210 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT UNFINISHED BUSINESS City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: DATE: July 13, 2010 SUBJECT: UPDATE ON BENZ ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC-CALM]NG EFFORTS DEPARTMENT: Public Works RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. City Council receive staff s presentation on the Benz Road neighborhood speed cushion pilot project and a citywide Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Program. 2. Direct staff to leave the existing speed cushions in place on streets in the Benz Road neighborhood under the condition that residents pay for the direct cost of the speed cushions through formation of a benefit assessment district. Approve the permanent removal of the turn restriction signs. 4. Adopt the attached proposed procedures and criteria for a citywide Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Program with a benefit assessment district. BACKGROUND At the special City Council meeting on September 30, 2008, the City Council directed staff to install te miporary speed cushions in the Benz Road neighborhood and conduct a comprehensive traffic evaluation on the effectiveness of the temporary speed cushions and removal of the peak -hour turn restrictions within the neighborhood. Additionally, staff was directed to conduct a neighborhood survey and gather residents' feedback on the speed cushions installation and turn restriction removal for presentation to the City Council. Traffic Evaluation Staff has conducted a traffic evaluation that includes, an analysis of traffic volumes and speeds, before and after the speed cushions were installed, with and without the turn restrictions. The speed cushions were installed at 17 locations in March 2009 (diagrams attached) and the peak -hour turn restrictions were removed four months after the speed cushions were installed. Traffic volume and speed data were collected for three different periods: before the speed cushions were installed, three months after the speed cushions were installed, and three months after the turn restrictions were removed. Most neighborhood streets experienced a significant reduction in traffic volumes and speeds after the speed cushions were installed. The. turn restrictions were removed four months after the speed cushion installation, which had a minimal impact on traffic volumes on a majority of the streets in the neighborhood. Benz Road experienced a small increase in volume while Kathleen Avenue experienced a decrease. Detailed results of the before and after volumes and speeds are attached. Public Opinion Survey A number of public opinion surveys have been conducted by staff. The most recent was by letter asking three main questions and was mailed to 607 residents in the Benz Road neighborhood on May 14, 2010, 14 months after the installation of speed cushions (letter and survey form are attached). A total of 297 surveys (49 percent) were returned by the time of preparation of this agenda report and a detailed survey summary is attached. The survey results indicated that about 50 percent of the residents in the Benz Road neighborhood support the speed cushion installation. The residents that reside on streets with speed cushions showed a higher level of support (55 percent). The majority of residents support the removal of the turn restrictions after the speed cushions were installed (61 percent), A - substantial majority were not supportive of financial contribution to keep the speed cushions in place on their neighborhood streets (80 percent). The results of the traffic evaluation and public opinion survey on the pilot project indicate the speed cushions have had a significant impact in reducing traffic volumes and speeds in the Benz Road neighborhood. In addition, a slight majority of residents surveyed showed approval of using the device in their neighborhood. Therefore, staff recommends the City furnished speed cushions remain on the streets in the Benz Road neighborhood with the residents paying for the direct cost of the speed cushions through formation of a benefit assessment district. The direct cost for the Benz Road neighborhood speed cushions was approximately $70,000, which does not include staff time for installation and evaluation. A total of 288 residences front the streets with speed cushions, so each residence is responsible for $250. Citywide Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Program As the City Council is well aware, the City has been working hard to address the challenge of neighborhood traffic issues with certain levels of success since incorporation. Based on the City's experience with speed humps/speed cushions in the Old Orchard and Benz Road neighborhoods, staff has concluded that these devices are a viable option to address residents' concerns, provided the neighborhood supports their installation. Speed humps/speed cushions have been '101% demonstrated to reduce vehicle speeds, reduce traffic volumes, and help control cut -through traffic. There are also some negatives associated with their use, including increased noise to adjacent residences, potential damage to vehicles, and reduced response time by emergency vehicles. Proposed procedures and criteria for a citywide Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Program are attached, To assess the suitability of installing speed humps/speed cushions in different areas, staff has developed the attached Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Procedures and Criteria. These criteria will limit the installation of speed humps/speed cushions to only those streets for which traffic -calming devices meet the needs of the community, increase public safety, and are appropriate for the situation. A flowchart is also attached outlining each step of the process. Based on the City's experience with the Old Orchard and Benz Road pilot programs, staff has estimated the number of qu * alifying streets and total cost for a citywide Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Program. Based on the attached Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Procedures and Criteria, staff anticipates there could be up to 100 qualifying streets with an implementation cost of up to $6 million. It is important to note that depending on the specific streets for which residents request speed humps/speed cushions installation, it may be necessary to install the devices on adjacent neighborhood streets to prevent diversion of traffic onto those streets. For example, Benz Road only had four speed cushions installed, but an additional 13 speed cushions were necessary on adjacent streets to minimize the diversion of traffic from Benz Road onto these other streets. Therefore, should it become necessary to expand the area in which speed humps/speed cushions are installed beyond staff s projected 100 streets, the final cost of the program could be significantly higher. It should be noted that although the Los Angeles County Fire Department has a policy that strongly discourages the use of speed humps/speed cushions, they acknowledge the City's need to address public concerns regarding traffic in residential areas. The Fire Department's policy states that out of the three options of speed bumps, speed humps, and speed cushions; speed cushions are the least destructive. With significant budget constraints facing the City and the high cost of implementation of a citywide Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Program, the program has been designed for residents to finance the installation. Staff anticipates the cost would be $2,500 per street in staff time and resources for each street included in the program. This would be the City's contribution to the program while the residents reimburse the City for the installation of speed humps/speed cushions by establishing a benefit assessment district. Under this plan, staff estimates that the annual cost to each household will not exceed $ 100 per year for a duration of ten years. Speeding on residential streets is a behavioral issue that can often be effectively addressed through education and enforcement. Enforcement by the Sheriffs Department could.be more effective if residents work with a Homeowners Association or Neighborhood Watch program. However, the Sheriffs Department has fixed resources and can only patrol a limited number of streets at any given time. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other action as determined.by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT To date, the City has spent approximately $120,000 on the Benz Road neighborhood speed cushions pilot project. This includes material costs, staff time for installation and evaluation, and fixed expenses associated with the volume and speed data collection and analysis of the results. Any future citywide program would cost approximately $2,500 per street to the City and installation costs would be financed by residents through a benefit assessment district. ATTACHMENTS Traffic Speed Diagram Traffic Volume Diagram Survey Letter/Form Survey Results Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Procedures and Criteria Speed Humps/Speed Cushions Procedures Flowchart F'�� ci" 0' SANTA CLARITA 23920 Valencia Boulevard 9 Suite 300 a Santa.Clarita, California 91355-2196 Phone: (661) 259-2489 - FAX: (661) 259-8125 www.santa-clailt,a.com May 14,2010 Dear Resident or Property Owner: Subject: Benz Road — Speed Cushion Public Opinion Survey Continuing in the City of Santa Clarita's ongoing efforts to address traffic concerns within the Benz Road neighborhood, we are requesting your assistance in completing the attached public opinion survey on the effectiveness of the speed reduction efforts. As you may recall, after careful consideration of traffic data and considerable public input, the City Council directed staff to install temporary speed cushions in March 2009 within the Benz Road neighborhood and report back to them on their effectiveness. As part of that process, the Council also directed staff to collect additional input from the neighborhood regarding the effectiveness of the speed cushions along with the previously -installed peak hour turn restrictions. The results of this public opinion survey and the before/after traffic data wi ' 11 be provided to the City Council to help them in making their decision regarding the final outcome of these devices. Your'thoughts and experiences are important to the City. Please take a few minutes to consider your responses carefully and be sure to return the enclosed questionnaire by June 4 in the self-addressed stamped envelope provided, Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (661) 286-4047 or gpivettiQsanta-claritaxom. Sincerely, Gus Pivetti Senior Traffic Engineer GP:ar SAl`W\Trafflc\Gus\Benz Road\Speed Cushioh Opinion Letter.doc Enclosure cc: Robert Newman, Director of Public Works CITY OF SANTA CLARITA PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SPEED CUSHIONS INSTALLED IN THE BENZ ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD Please return this questionnaire in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope provided by June 4, Name: Address: Email: I arn the property owner on record for the above address? 0 Yes 0 No I do currently live at the abov . e address? El Yes 0 No I feel that the speed cushions have had a positive impact on traffic conditions and livability within our neighborhood, and would like to see them rernam in place. 0 Do not agree 0 No opinion 0 Strongly agree I feel that the turn restriction signs are not necessary with the presence of the speed cushions. 0 Do not agree 0 No opinion 11 Strongly agree Please answer the following question only if you live on a street with speed cushions on it. (Your answer to this question is neither a vote nor a commitment to contribute to an assessment district.At this time it isfor opinion and survey purposes only). I live on a street that currently has speed cushions on it, and I would be willing to contribute financially to keep the speed cushions in place (such contribution is estimated not to exceed $100 per household each year for 10 years). 0 Do not agree 0 No opinion El Strongly agree COMMENTS: Date Note: Only one questionnaire per residence will be accepted. No questionnaires will be acceptedfi,om properties outside the mailing boundaries. For n7ore information on the boundaries of this mailing, pleasefeelftee to contact Gus Pivetti at (661) 286-4047. PAN Ifeel that the speed cushions have had a positive impact on traffic conditions and livability within our neighborhood and would like to see them remain in place. M Do Not Agree 0 No Opinion 13 Strongly Agree Ifeel that the turn restriction signs are not necessary with the presence of the speed cushions. I live on a street that currently has speed cushions on it, and J would be willing to contribute financially to keep the speed cushions in place (such contribution is estimated not to exceed $100 per household each yearfor 10 years). 011 Do Not Agree 0 No Opinion E) Strongly Agree City of Santa Clarita PROCEDURES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS/SPEED CUSHIONS 1. A Homeowners Association (HOA) or Neighborhood Watch Group (NWG) that believes the residents on their street will support the installation of speed humps/speed cushions must submit a request in writing to the City. A NWG shall be formed in absence of an HOA for purposes of making the request. 2. City staff will make an initial determination of whether the street in question is eligible for further consideration for the installation of speed humps/speed cushions based on the City of Santa Clarita Speed Humps/Speed Cushions criteria. City staff will also consult with the Sheriff and Fire Departments as part of the determination. 3. If it is determined upon the initial study that the street in question is not eligible for speed humps/speed cushions, the HOA or NWG will be notified in writing as to the reason the street is not eligible. 4. If it is determined that the street is eligible for further consideration, the HOA or NWG for the neighborhood will be notified to submit a petition (forms provided by the City) from the abutting property owners or residents indicating that at least 67 percent support the installation of speed humps/speed cushions on their street. The sponsor of the petition is required to contact every property.owner or resident of the abutting properties on the subject street. If the sponsor is unable to contact a property owner or resident, "NO CONTACT" will .be noted on the petition signature space with the days and times the contact was attempted. It is required that the sponsor make at least two attempts on separate days to contact a property owner or resident. I Any petitions submitted prior to eligibility determination (Step 2) by City staff will not be processed until eligibility is determined. In addition, any petitions submitted with incomplete information are subject to rejection. 5. Upon verification of the petition, City staff will conduct a formal evaluation, including collecting traffic speed and volume measurements and reviewing the traffic accident history for the subject street. In addition, the Traffic and Transportation Planning Division will submit the petition to the Sheriff and Fire Departments and Transit Division for their comments. 6. Upon completion of the formal evaluation, the representative will be notified in writing as to whether or not the subject street meets the minimum criteria for installation of speed humps/speed cushions. It is the representative's responsibility to notify the other abutting property owners or residents of the results of the formal evaluation. 7. Upon completion of the formal evaluation and the required minimum criteria for speed humps/speed cushions are met, a neighborhood meeting will be held to inform the residents of the advantages and disadvantages of using speed humps/speed cushions on their street. In addition, other non-physical remedies will be introduced. 8. If the group chooses to proceed with the installation of speed humps/speed cushions, the group shall establish a speed humps/speed cushions benefit assessment district to finance the installation per the requirements of Proposition 218. The City will. advance the money .to install the speed humps/speed cushions and be reimbursed from the established speed humps/speed cushions benefit assessment district. 9. Upon the establishment of a speed humps/speed cushions benefit assessment district, the City will proceed with installation of speed humps/speed cushions. 10. The physical installation of speed humps/speed cushions and the associated traffic control devices shall conform to the design standards established by the City and all City procedures for roadway work within the public fight -of -way, including all appropriate permits and inspections. Page 2 43 City of Santa Clarita CRITERIA FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPYSPEED CUSHIONS I Street Type: Street shall conform to the definition of "Residence District" in the California Vehicle Code Section 515 and qualify for a,25 mph speed limit. A street is defined as a "Residence District" in the California Vehicle Code if there are 13 or more homes within a quarter -mile along one side of the street or 16 or more homes within a quarter -mile along both sides of the street. 2. Traffic Volume: Street shall have a minimum daily volume of 2,000 vehicles. 3 I Traffic Speeds: A speed survey shall demonstrate that the 85th percentile speed is greater than 30 mph. 4. Street Length: Street shall have a minimum length of 500 feet. 5. Street Width: Street shall have only one lane in each direction. 6. Street Grade: Street shall not exceed a sustained grade of six percent. 7. Request: Speed humps/speed cushions request must come from a Homeowners Association (HOA) or a Neighborhood Watch Group. A neighborhood watch group must be formed in absence of an HOA. 8. Petition: At least two-thirds of the affected residents (i.e. properties abutting the subject street) shall vote in favor of the speed humps/speed cushions. 9. Parallel Streets: Speed humps/speed cushions installation should not cause diversion of traffic to other residential streets. 10. Other Physical Considerations: Other physical characteristics that may limit the feasibility of speed humps/speed cushions on a particular street include locations of driveways, locations of access covers to underground utilities, locations of catch basins and other drainage structures, and existing drainage issues or difficulties. No severe vertical or horizontal curves, and speed humps/speed cushions should be visible for safe stopping distance. 11. Removal Policy: The removal of any speed humps/speed cushions or series of speed humps/speed cushions shall be based on a two-thirds vote of the affected residents (i.e. properties abutting the subject street). Procedures for Installation of Speed Humps/Speed Cushions HOA or NWG submits City conducts request to City preliminary evaluation Does steet No HOA or NWG notified meet that street preliminary is not eligible c t r , riteria? Yes �ed HOA or NWG,notif ,, n to submit petition Do 67% of No 0/0 No HOA or NWG notified residents of support i t 11 t insufficient support ristallation? Yes City conducts formal evaluation Does steet HOA or NWG notified meet formal that street criteria? >�� is not eligible Yes I City conducts neighborhood meeting Are residents willing to >No HOA or NWG notified establish benefit re. lack of support assessment district? City investigate alternative speed co measures