CITY COUNCIL: Resolution Authorizing Installation Three-Way Stop at Dolores St. & 5th Av.

Meeting Date: November 3, 2009
Prepared by: Commander Michael Calhoun

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the installation of a three-way stop at the intersection of Dolores Street and 5th Avenue.

Description: The City contracted in July 2009 with Traffic Engineer Malcolm Knisely to conduct a feasibility study to install a three-way stop at the intersection of Dolores Street and 5th Avenue. His study supported the addition of two stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic on Dolores Street at 5th Avenue, and recommended adding ladder-style crosswalks to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians.

The Traffic Committee and Safety Officer Steve Rana unanimously agreed to convert the intersection of Dolores and 5th Avenue into a three-way stop and improve the crosswalks.

Overall Cost: $1,300.00

Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

Important Considerations: The intersection of Dolores Street and 5th Avenue has the City’s highest number of collisions. The additional stop signs are intended to improve traffic and pedestrian safety. Traffic safety engineer Malcolm Knisely recommended adding two stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic, and adding ladder-style crosswalks to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians. Both the Traffic Committee and Safety Officer Rana believe both measures will improve motorist and pedestrian safety.

Decision Record: None

Reviewed by:
_________________
_____________ _________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date

TO: MAYOR McCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
THROUGH: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: GEORGE E. RAWSON, PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR
MIKE CALHOUN, POLICE COMMANDER
DATE: OCTOBER 12, 2009
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF A THREE-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF DOLORES STREET AND 5TH AVENUE

I. RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt the Resolution.

II. BACKGROUND:
In July 2009, the City of Carmel by-the-Sea contracted Traffic Engineer Malcolm Knisely to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of installing a three-way stop at the intersection at Dolores Street and 5th Avenue. There is a single stop sign at this intersection now for eastbound traffic on 5th Avenue stopping at Dolores Street. Since there is a high volume of motorist and pedestrian traffic at this intersection, staff
considered installing two more stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic, and to convert the existing intersection into a three-way stop.
Knisely’s study recommended installing stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection at Dolores Street and 5th Avenue.

He also recommended painting ladder-type crosswalks at this intersection to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians. For more details, refer to the Memorandum by Traffic Engineer Malcolm Knisely dated September 2, 2009, and attached as Exhibit “A”.

On September 24, 2009, staff presented the study to the Traffic Committee, which unanimously agreed to convert the existing intersection into a three-way stop by adding two stop signs for north and south bound traffic at the intersection of Dolores street and 5th Avenue and improving the crosswalks.

III. STAFF REVIEW:
Staff concurs with the findings of the traffic study regarding installing stop signs for north and south bound traffic on Dolores Street and 4th Avenue and improving the crosswalks. In addition, Traffic Safety Officer Steve Rana examined the intersection and agreed with the Traffic Committee that a three-way stop at Dolores Street and 5th Avenue is warranted and will improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians.

IV. FISCAL IMPACT:
The total estimated cost, including labor, for posting two new signs and painting the crosswalks is $1,300.00. Funds are allocated in the FY 09-10 Public Works Budget Account 01-76045 (Materials and Supplies).

V. SUMMARY:
An engineering study was completed with the recommendation to install two stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic at Dolores Street and 5th Avenue, and painting ladder-style crosswalks to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians using the intersection. The Traffic Committee and staff concur with this recommendation to convert the intersection to a three-way stop.

CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
RESOLUTION 2009-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF A THREE-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF
DOLORES STREET AND 5TH AVENUE

WHEREAS, the City contracted in 2009 with Traffic Engineer Malcolm Knisely to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of installing a three-way stop at the intersection of Dolores Street and 5th Avenue; and

WHEREAS, the results of this study recommended installing a stop sign for northbound and southbound traffic on Dolores Street at 5th Avenue, and adding ladder-style crosswalks to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians; and

WHEREAS, the Traffic Committee reviewed the findings and agreed to install stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic on Dolores Street and 5th Avenue and improve the crosswalks; and

WHEREAS, Traffic Safety Officer Steve Rana agreed with the recommendations of the Traffic Committee;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA DOES:

1. Concur that adding stop signs on northbound and southbound Dolores Street at the intersection of 5th Avenue will improve motorist and pedestrian safety by converting the intersection into a three-way stop.

2. Authorize Public Works to install stop signs on northbound and southbound Dolores Street at the intersection of 5th Avenue and to paint ladder-type crosswalks at the intersection of Dolores Street and 5th Avenue. Funds will be paid from Public Works Account # 01-76045 (Materials and Supplies).

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA on this 3rd day of November 2009 by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

SIGNED:

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SUE McCLOUD, MAYOR

ATTEST:

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Heidi Burch, City Clerk