11.a. Keep Clear Pavement Markings and SignageMEMORANDUM
TO: CITYCOUNCIL
FROM: TERESA DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: MIKE LINN, ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION TO INSTALL "KEEP CLEAR" PAVEMENT
MARKINGS AND SIGNAGE AT THE MASON STREET DRIVEWAY
ENTRANCE TO THE ClTY HALL BUILDING AT 300 EAST BRANCH
STREET
DATE: MAY 8,2012
RECOMMENDATION:
The Traffic Corr~mission recommends "KEEP CLEAR" pavement markings and signage
not be placed on Mason Street at the driveway for the new City Hall at 300 East Branch
Street.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The estimated cost to paint pavement markings within the intersection and associated
signage is approximately $750. This can be funded from the FY 2011112 Operating
Budget. City crews will also need to repaint the markings on a yearly basis as part of
their citywide restriping program.
BACKGROUND:
Due to difficulties entering the City Hall driveway, staff assigned the City's on-call traffic
consultant, Omni Means, to perform an analysis and provide recommendations
accordingly. Omni Means completed the review and forwarded a June 3, 2011
Memorandum to City staff (see Attachment No. 1) advising the placement of "KEEP
CLEAR" pavement markings and "Do Not Block Intersection" signage.
On July 18, 2011 and October 24, 2011, staff presented the issue to the Traffic
Commission for consideration. The Traffic Commission discussed the information and
accepted public comment (see meeting minutes - Attachment Nos. 2 and 3). Based on
this information, the Traffic Commission advised against the subject request.
At the City Council meeting on March 27, 2012, Mayor Ferrara requested the item be
reviewed by the City Council. The City Council concurred.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 1
CITYCOUNCIL
CONSIDERATION TO INSTALL "KEEP CLEAR" PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND
SIGNAGE AT THE MASON STREET DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE TO THE CITY HALL
BUILDING AT 300 EAST BRANCH STREET
MAY 8,2012
PAGE 2
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
At peak times, it is difficult for a vehicle proceeding southbound on Mason Street to
make a left turn into the parking lot as it is located only 50 feet from the East Branch
Street intersection. This is particularly a problem in the morning and afternoon when
Paulding School students are being dropped off and picked up.
The Traffic Commission discussed the following at the July 18, 201 1 and October 24,
201 1 meetings:
The close proximity of the driveway to the East Branch Street intersection;
Possible disruption of the intersection signal timing loop detectors due to a gap in
the northbound Mason Street vehicle queuing;
The need for emergency vehicles to exit the City Hall parking lot;
Tractor trailers stopped on northbound Mason Street at the signal may extend
into the "Do Not Block" area;
The use of Mason Street as an alternate route 1 detour during City events;
Potential enforcement issues;
Approval of the designated "Do Not Block areas may set a precedent for similar
requests at private business driveways.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration:
- Do not approve the placement of "KEEP CLEAR" pavement markings and "Do Not
Block Intersection" signage; - Approve the placement of "KEEP CLEAR" pavement markings and "Do Not Block
Intersection'' signage; or
- Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
The advantage of the recommendation and disadvantage of the pavement markings is
that they will add to the responsibilities of the maintenance staff as they require yearly
repainting. The Traffic Commission advised against the installation primarily due to the
close proximity of the City Hall driveway to the Mason Street and West Branch Street
intersection.
DISADVANTAGES:
The disadvantage of the recommendation but advantage of the pavement markings
and signage is that they have been used in similar situations throughout the nation and
clearly define the boundaries of the area to keep open. Similar markings within the City
have been successful, such as at the intersection of West Branch Street and East
Grand Avenue (near the Bank of America building).
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 2
ClTY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION TO INSTALL "KEEP CLEAR" PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND
SIGNAGE AT THE MASON STREET DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE TO THE ClTY HALL
BUILDING AT 300 EAST BRANCH STREET
MAY 8,2012
PAGE 3
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The subject considerations are categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section
15304(c).
PUBLIC NO'TIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, May 3, 2012. The Agenda
and report were posted on the City's website on Friday, May 4, 2012. No public
comments were received.
Attachment:
1. June 3,201 1 Memorandum - Omni Means to City
2. July 18, 201 1 Trafic Commission Mtg. Minute Excerpt
3. October 24, 201 1 Trafic Commission Mtg. Minute Excerpt
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 3
Attachment No. 1
To: City of Arroyo Grande Date: June 3,201 1
Attn: Mike Linn Project: City Hall Driveway Access Analysis
From: Marty Inouye, Todd Tregenza
Re: Driveway Access Recommendations Job No.: 25-1275-17
File No.: C1516MEM001 .DOC
CC:
INTRODUCIlON
This memorandum presents the results of an analysis performed by OMNI-MEANS for the City of Arroyo Grande.
City Hall was recently moved hm its previous location on East Branch Street west of South Mason Street to the
southeast comer of the E Branch Street / S Mason Street intersection. City staff have indicated observing queuing
problems on S Mason Street at the new location's driveway, creating spill-back into the adjacent signahzed
intersection on E Branch Street. This memorandum presents a review of the queuing issue centered on the S Mason
Street driveway for the new City Hall location and presents a recommended solution to the observed issue.
BACKGROUND
City Hall was previously located in the southern Eace of E Branch Street between S Mason Street and Short Street.
When City Hall moved to the southeast comer of E Branch Street / S Mason Street, traffic into and out of the
parking lot w& essentially redirected from the west side of S Mason Street to the east side of S Mason Street. The
parking lot to the new City Hall offices is located on S Mason Street less than 50 feet south of E Branch Street.
During peak commute times, the northbound approach to the E Branch Street / S Mason Street signalized
intersection can queue beyond the driveway entrance. The City has observed that inbound left turns into the City
Hall driveway during peak conditions are at times unable to cross into the project due to northbound queuing at the
E Branch S-t / S Mason Street Mc signal. In turn, the inability for southbound left turns to cross S Mason
Street is creating a queuing condition that extends into the adjacent Mc signal such that vehicles can queue into E
Branch Street, at times restricting circulation through the intersection.
TRAFFIC SIMULATION AND OBSERVED CONDITION
OMNI-MEANS simulated the existing operations at the E Branch Street I S Mason Street and at the S
Mason Street I City Hall Driveway intersections. Due to the low turning movements in and out of the
driveway, the observed queuing was not identified as a prominent issue in the Synchro or SimTraffic
analyses. Despite not being identified in the simulation, however, it is clear that during brief periods of
peak commute times, such queuing issues are being observed. This condition is accentuated during the
AM commute time that coincides with school drop-off traffic. For these reason, solutions to the queuing
issue are recommended in this memorandum despite the lack of significant queuing observed in the
simulations using the Synchro and SimTraffic software. Even though the queuing issue occurs
infrequently, it poses a potential public safety issue that should be mitigated.
REKOMMJNDATION
OMNI-MEANS recommends installing signage and a roadway marking indicating a "DO NOT BLOCK"
zone in hnt of the City Hall driveway on S Mason Street. Figure 1 presents the proposed location of the
"DO NOT BLOCK" roadway marking and "DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION" sign. The locations of
these items were detamhed using the following Federal MUTCD guidelines and standards:
-
943 Reserve Drive, Suite 100, Roseville, CA 95678 - (916) 782-8688 fax (916) 782-8689 Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 4
June 3,201 1
Do NOT BLOCK ROADWAY ~&UUNG
The California version of the MUTCD does not include recommended marking standards for'a ':DO NOT
BLOCK" zone. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) version of the MUTCD was therefore
used as a reference. Figure 3B-18 in the Federal .MUTCD presents options for various intersection
markings denoting a "DO NOT BLOCK" zone.
Figure 3518. Do Not Block Intersection Markings
NXC. ~t mc oagcs or UIC oox to
a& the rmjtc ma *at s na
mtxwuo. Them-..m
haw to k remnauh: m
Oplion 8. WC: Option 0:
Bm mlh -DO NOT BLDCK:'KEEP BorwmLlo6inch?ldrd p0 NOT 6LOM:XEEP CLEAR.'
CLEnR: or slndljr rsn anh mmsmc whm mMkh hnQ or tima31 IUXI maaac lno om)
OMNI-MEANS recommends using Option B as it includes the "DO NOT BLOCK text as well as a box,
clearly denoting the limits of the desired clear zone. Option A or Option C are also viable solutions, as
they both also clearly indicate the desired clear zone, yet both lack the textual feedback
Do NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION SIGN
As with the roadway markings, the California MUTCD does not include a section for "DO NOT BLOCK
INTERSECTION" signs (Federal MUTCD sign R-10-7). 'The Federal MUTCD was therefore consulted,
and the placemnt of the sign, as depicted in Figure 1, is recommended on the existing street light pole just
south of the City Hall driveway entrance. This placement is in accordance with the placement indicated
in Figure 3B-18 of the Federal MUTCD (shown above).
SIGNAL OPERATIONS WITH 'DO NOT BLOCK" ZONE
The traffic operations north of the driveway at the E Branch Street / S Mason Street signalized
intersection were analyzed in Synchro and SirnTrafic. No changes to signal timing or phasing will be
required with the 'TI0 NOT BLOCK" zone installed, as no deleterious effect on signal opmtions was
observed in our analysis.
2
943 Reserve Drive, Suite 100, Roseville, CA 95678 - (916) 782-8688 fax (916) 782-8689 Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 5
NOTES:
1. SIGN R10-7 MAY BE MOUNTED ON THE EXIS1-ING
LIGHT POLE.
2. THE "DO NOT BLOCKn MARKING SHOWN IS PER
OPTION B OF THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
MUTCD, FIGURE 3B-18.
Clty of Arroyo Qrande Figure 1
W. Branch St and S. Mason Ct 'Do Not Blockm Detail'
lCMala~\~~ool.awg win
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 6
Attachment No. 2
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
July 18, 201 1
6:00 PM
CONSIDERATION TO INSTALL "DO NOT BLOCK" PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND
SIGNAGE AT THE MASON STREET DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE TO THE CITY HALL
BUILDING AT 300 EAST BRANCH STREET
Assistant City Engineer Linn presented the staff report addressing Mayor Tony Ferrara's
request to review the possible placement of "KEEP CLEAR" pavement markings adjacent to
the Mason Street driveway entrance to the new City Hall at 300 East Branch Street. The
Mayor believed that during peak times, it is difficult for a vehicle proceeding southbound on
Mason Street to make a left turn in to the parking lot as it is located 50 feet from the East
Branch Street intersection.
During public comment, Aaron Henkel, South Alpine Street, opposed the concept as he
believed the driveway gap may create conflict with the operation of the signal loop
detectors. He stated that an additional loop detector may need to be installed south of the
driveway.
Commissioner Carson and Brownlee agreed that the signal operation is addressed by
Omni-Means; stated that with no pavement markings and signage this could make it difficult
for the Police to get out of the City Hall parkirrg lot.
Commissioner Ross expressed concern with the kind of stacking of vehicles that will
happen by installing the loop detector causing other vehicles to go around into oncoming
traffic; stated this is a truck route; some trucks with trailers may stick out; is against the
placement of pavement markings; and would not approve for other businesses.
It was moved by Corr~missioner Carson, seconded by Commissioner Brownlee to advise
staff to install "DO NOT BLOCK pavement markings and signage on Mason Street at the
driveway for the new City Hall at 300 East Branch Street. Upon roll call vote: AYES:
Commissioners Carson and Brownlee; NOES: Commissioner Borda and Ross; ABSENT:
Commissioner Hall. Motion died due to a tie vote.
Mr. Linn stated that staff will do further research on this item and bring back to the
Commission.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 7
Attachment No. 3
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
OCTOBER 24,201 1
6:00 PM
CONSIDERATION TO INSTALL "DO NOT BLOCK" PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND
SIGNAGE AT 'THE MASON STREET DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE TO 'THE CITY HALL
BUILDING AT 300 EAST BRANCH STREET
Assistant City Engineer Michael Linn presented the staff report as a follow-up to the July 18,
201 1 meeting. The request centers on the installation of pavement markings and signage
to prevent vehicles from blocking the City Hall driveway entrance during corlgested traffic
periods.
The meeting was opened to the public:
Aaron Henkel, South Alpine Street believed that the proposed markings would set a bad
precedent, creates an enforcement issue for the Police Department, and that the City Hall is
not a designated emergency facility.
Commissioner Carson expressed concerns about the close proximity of the City Hall
driveway to East Branch Street and noted that Mason Street is often used as detour and
alternate routes during City events. Commissioner Ross added that a similar application
near Bank of America at the Wesley Street and East Branch Street intersection was to keep
the intersection clear and he could not locate another instance where the markings were
placed for a driveway entrance.
It was moved by Commissioner Brownlee and seconded by Commissioner Borda to deny
the requested placement of requested pavement markings and signage. The motion
passed on a roll call vote: Ayes: Commissioners Brownlee, Borda and Ross; Nay:
Commission Carson; Abstain: Commissioner Hall.
Agenda Item 11.a.
Page 8