HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/18/2002, AGENDA I
council agcnba
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
ACTION UPDATE
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING Council Chamber
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Allen K. Settle
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL: Council Members John Ewan, Christine Mulholland,
Ken Schwartz, Vice Mayor Jan Howell Marx,
Mayor Allen K. Settle
All Council Members were present.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Settle presented a proclamation to Parks and Recreation Director LeSaae
declaring the month of July 2002 as Recreation and Parks Month.
Police Chief.Gardiner introduced Nicole Brandt and Dan McDow recently hired
Communication Technicians. He also introduced Armando Limon, Nick Kennedy,
Gina Salazar, Jed O'Rourke, and Caleb Kemp, recently hired as San Luis Obispo
Police Officers.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA(not to exceed 15 minutes total)
The Council welcomes your input. You may address the Council by completing a speaker slip and giving it to the City
Clerk prior to the meeting. At this time, you may address the Council on items that are not on the agenda or items on the
Consent Agenda. Time limit is three minutes. State law does not allow the Council to discuss or take action on issues not
on the agenda, except that members of the Council or staff may briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by
persons exercising their public testimony rights(Gov.Code Sec.549542): Staff may be asked to follow up on such items.
Staff reports and other written documentation relating to each item referred to on this agenda are on file in the Office of the
City Clerk in Room 1 of City Hall.
� I
Council Agenda Action Update l Lesday, June 18, 2002
Situ Kelvin Harrison reiterated claims of harassment and discrimination.
Gary Fowler spoke against the City's Ore truck donation to La Paz because Mexico
refuses to extradite felons back to the United States.
Mary Beth Schroeder urged Council to encourage Cal Poly to develop
studentffacu/ty housing on campus.
Willow Kelly discussed a recent fatal accident on McMillan Road, asked Council to
erect a stop sign at the corner of Laurel Lane and Orcutt Road, and urged Council
to agendize a discussion about pedestrian safety. City Administrative Officer
Hampian noted that pedestrian safety will be discussed as part of the Annual
Traffic Safety Report tentatively scheduled for July 2, 2002. Council directed staff
to coordinate another date to consider the report and to communicate the
information to Ms. Kelly.
Fred Vernacchia asked speakers to respect the three-minute time limit.
Victor Montaomery representative of Albertson and Steve McGrath, Economic
Opportunity Commission representative, asked Council to consider a written
request to reconsider the Council's March 19,2002 decision regarding 2238 Broad
Street(letter on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Council took no action to
reconsider.
CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda is approved on one motion. Council Members may pull consent items to be
considered after Business items.
C1. MINUTES OF TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2002 AND TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2002.
(PRICE)
RECOMMENDATION: Waive oral reading and approve as presented.
ACTION. Approved. (5:0)
C2. APPROVE COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
AND DISPOSAL ACCOUNTS. (MOSS/ MUNDS)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution authorizing the San Luis Obispo County
Assessor to assess the amounts due to San Luis Garbage Company on delinquent
accounts for provision of solid waste collection and disposal services as described
within Municipal Code Section 8.04.070 as liens against the properties involved.
ACTION. Resolution No. 9322(2002 Series) adopted. (5:0)
2
Council Agenda.Action Update 7 esday, June 18, 2002
C3. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS CALLING THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
FOR NOVEMBER 5. 2002. (PRICE)
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Adopt a resolution calling and giving notice of the holding of a
General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2002 for the election of certain
officers as required by the provisions of the Charter; 2) Adopt a resolution requesting
the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors to consolidate the General Municipal
Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2002 with the Statewide General Election to be held
on that date; 3) Adopt a resolution calling and giving notice of the holding of a General
Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2002, for the submission of a proposed
Charter Amendment (Council-Initiated); 4) Adopt a resolution setting priorities for filing
written arguments regarding a City Measure and directing the City Attorney to prepare an
Impartial Analysis.
ACTION. 1) Resolution No. 9323 (2002 Series) adopted. 2) Resolution No. 9324
(2002 Series) adopted. 3) Resolution No. 9325(2002 Series)adopted. 4)
Resolution No. 9326(2002 Series)adopted. (5:0)
C4. APPROVE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR WATER REUSE PROJECT-
MITIGATION PLANNING AND MONITORING. (MOSS / PIERCE)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve an increase of $20,000 from $60,000 to $80,000 for
fisheries consultation services from Thomas R. Payne and Associates and authorize
the Mayor to execute contract Addendum No. 2 not to exceed a total contract price of
$80,000.
ACTION. Approved. (5:0)
C5. APPROVE FINAL MAP FOR TRACT 2419 (1795 MCCOLLUM STREET)
AURIGNAC ENTERPRISES. SUBDIVIDER). (MCCLUSKEY/ KENNY/ LIVICK)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution approving the final map for Tract 2419 and
authorizing the Mayor to execute the subdivision agreement.
ACTION. Resolution No 9327(2002 Series) adopted. 2) Staff directed to monitor
the use of garages for the balance of the year and bring back periodic reports.
(4:1, Mulholland)
C6. ADOPT 2002-03 APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT. (STATLER/ DOMINGUEZ)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution establishing the City's appropriations limit for
2002-03.
ACTION. Resolution No 9328(2002 Series) adopted. (5:0)
3
Council Agenda Action Update I uesday, June 18, 2002
C7. AUTHORIZE APPLICATION.FOR GRANT FUNDS PER CAPITA BOND ACT
2000. (LESAGE / MILLS)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution supporting an application for grant funds in
the amount of $391,000 to the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation
Per Capita Program under the Safe Neighborhood Parks and Clean Water, Clean Air,
and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 for lighting Damon-Garcia Sports Fields.
ACTION: Resolution No 9329 (2002 Series).adopted. (5:0)
C8. APPROVE 1123 MILL STREET (FORMER BOY SCOUT OFFICE) BUILDING
MATERIAL REMOVAL, SPECIFICATION NO. 90313. (MCCLUSKEY/ LYNCH)
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Find the bid submitted for the 1123 Mill Street building
material removal project non-responsive; 2) Adopt a resolution dispensing with the
competitive bidding process as authorized under the Public Contract Code Section
20166; 3) Authorize staff to solicit written quotes for completing the building material
removal, 4) Authorize an additional appropriation from the CIP Reserve Account up to
$5,000 to allow the CAO to award the contract if the cost is in excess of the Engineer's
Estimate.
ACTION. 1) Approved. 2) Resolution No 9330(2002 Series)adopted. (5.0)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. DAMON GARCIA SPORTS FIELDS:
A. APPROVE GENERAL PLAN LAND_USE ELEMENT TEXT AMENDMENT
AND-REZONING TO ACCOMMODATE PROPOSED SPORTS FIELDS IN
THE MARGARITA.AREA, ON BROAD STREET AT INDUSTRIAL WAY
(GPA/R 4402). (MANDEVILLE / DRAZE/ MATTESON / CODRON - 60
MINUTES)
RECOMMENDATION: As recommended by the Planning Commission: 1) Adopt a
resolution approving a negative declaration of environmental impact and amending the
General Plan policy to allow parks and sports fields development in the Margarita Area
before specific-plan adoption; and 2) Introduce an ordinance rezoning most of the
Damon-Garcia site to Public Facility, while leaving the creek corridors zoned
Conservation/Open Space.
B. APPROVE AN ADMINISTRATIVE.USE PERMIT TO ALLOW
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DAMON-GARCIA.SPORTS FIELDS COMPLEX
WITH CREEK SETBACK EXCEPTIONS AND.ENVIRONMENTAL_REVIEW.
(MANDEVILLE/WHISENAND /CODRON — 60 MINUTES)
4
Council Agenda Actlun Update Tuesday, June 18, 2002
RECOMMENDATION: As recommended by the Planning Commission, approve an
Administrative Use Permit for the Damon-Garcia Sports Fields Complex and adopt a
Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project.
ACTION. 1) Resolution No. 9331 (2002 Series)adopted as amended. 2)
Ordinance No. 1419(2002 Series) introduced. 3) Resolution No. 9334(2002
Series adopted as amended approving Administrative Use Permit A 185-99
approved and the Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted. (5:0)
2. ADOPT THE 2002-03 BUDGET. (STATLER —45 MINUTES)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving amendments to the 2001-03
Financial Plan and appropriating funds for fiscal year 2002-03 in the amount of
$77,125,200.
ACTION. Resolution No. 9332(2002 Series) adopted. (5:0)
BUSINESS ITEMS
3. CREEK AND FLOOD FUND AND FEE SCHEDULES. (JORGENSEN /
TRUJILLO - 15 MINUTES)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution deferring the effective date of the fee
schedules established in Resolution No. 9317 (2002 Series) from July 1, 2002 to
February 1, 2003.
ACTION. Resolution No. 9333(2002 Series)adopted as amended repealing the
fee schedule for residential and non-residential accounts. (4:1, Mulholland)
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS (not to exceed 15 minutes)
Council Members report on conferences or other City activities. Time limit-3 minutes.
Council Member Schwartz presented an update of the June 5, 2002 meeting of the
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG)and San Luis Obispo
Regional Transit Authority(SLORTA)(memo on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Council Member Schwartz summarized the June 13, 2002 meeting of the Highway
Barrier Design Ad Hoc Committee (memo on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Council Member Mulholland reported on the June 5, 2002 Water Resources
Advisory Committee (WRAC) meeting.
5
Council Agenda Actiun Update Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Council Member Mulholland recapped the June 11, 2002 Downtown Association
Board meeting.
Council Member Mulholland summarized the June 12, 2002 Mass Transportation
Committee meeting.
Vice Mayor Marx presented a review of the May 9, 2002 Zone 9 meeting and the
distributed a revised Zone 9 E/S/R schedule (on file in the Office of the City
Clerk).
COMMUNICATIONS (not to exceed 15 minutes)
At this time, any Council Member or the City Administrative Officer may ask a question for clarification,
make an announcement, or report briefly on his or her activities. In addition, subject to Council Policies
and Procedures, they may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request
staff to report back to the Council at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to
direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda(Gov. Code Sec. 54954.2).
Mayor Settle questioned how the California Department of Housing and
Community Development determined the number of mandated housing units
required for individual cities. Council directed staff to acquire information from
the State of California about the methodology for assigning housing allocations.
Vice Mayor Marx discussed an Internet news article she recently read regarding the
relationship between urban design and the cost of living(memo on file in the Office
of the City Clerk).
A. ADJOURNED.
6
I
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council agenda
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
CITY HALL, 990 PALM STREET
Tuesday, Jane 18, 2002
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING Council Chamber
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Allen K. Settle
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL: Council Members John Ewan, Christine Mulholland,
Ken Schwartz, Vice Mayor Jan Howell Marx,
Mayor Allen K. Settle
PRESENTATIONS
RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH. (SETTLE/WALKER— 3 MINUTES)
INTRODUCTION OF SEVEN NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL.
(GARDINER — 10 MINUTES)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA(not-to exceed 15 minutes total)
The Council welcomes your input. You may address the Council by completing a speaker slip and giving it to the City
Clerk prior to the meeting. At this time, you may address the Council on items that are not on the agenda or items on the
Consent Agenda. Time limit is three minutes. State law does not allow the Council to discuss or take action on issues not
on the agenda, except that members of the Council or staff may briefly respond to statements made orquestions--posed by
persons exercising their public testimony rights(Gov.Code Sec.54954.2). Staff may be asked to follow up on such items.
Staff reports and other written documentation relating to each item referred to on this agenda are on file in the Office of the
City Clerk in Room 1 of City Hall,
® City Council meetings are broadcast live on KCPR, 91.3 FM and Charter Channel 20. The City of San Luis Obispo is
committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs, and activities. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)
781-7410. Please speak to the City Clerk prior to the meeting if you require a hearing amplification device. For more agenda
information,call 781-7103.
Council Agenda Tuezoday, June 18, 2002
CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda is approved on one motion. Council Members may pull consent items to be
considered after Business items.
C1. MINUTES OF TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2002 AND TUESDAY, JUNE 4. 2002.
(PRICE)
RECOMMENDATION: Waive oral reading and approve as presented.
C2. APPROVE COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
AND DISPOSAL ACCOUNTS. (MOSS / MUNDS)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution authorizing the San Luis Obispo County
Assessor to assess the amounts due to San Luis Garbage Company on delinquent
accounts for provision of solid waste collection and disposal services as described
within Municipal Code Section 8.04.070 as liens against the properties involved.
C3. ADOPT RESOLUTIONS CALLING THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
FOR NOVEMBER 5. 2002. (PRICE)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution calling and giving notice of the holding of a
General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2002 for the election of certain
officers as required by the provisions of the Charter; 2) Adopt a resolution requesting
the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors to consolidate the General Municipal
Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2002 with the Statewide General Election to be held
on that date; 3) Adopt a resolution calling and giving notice of the holding of a General
Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2002, for the submission of a proposed
Charter Amendment (Council-Initiated); 4) Adopt a resolution setting priorities for filing
written arguments regarding a City Measure and directing the City Attorney to prepare an
Impartial Analysis.
C4. APPROVE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR WATER REUSE PROJECT -
MITIGATION PLANNING AND.MONITORING. (MOSS / PIERCE)
RECOMMENDATION: Approve an increase of $20,000 from $60,000 to $80,000 for
fisheries consultation services from Thomas R. Payne and Associates and authorize
the Mayor to execute contract Addendum No. 2 not to exceed a total contract price of
$80,000.
3
Council Agenda Tuesday, June 18, 2002
C5. APPROVE FINAL-MAP FOR TRACT 2419(1795 MCCOLLUM STREET)
AURIGNAC ENTERPRISES,.SUBDIVIDER). (MCCLUSKEY/ KENNY/ LIVICK)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution approving the final map for Tract 2419 and
authorizing the Mayor to execute the subdivision agreement.
C6. ADOPT 2002-03 APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT. (STATLER / DOMINGUEZ)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution establishing the City's appropriations limit for
2002-03.
C7. AUTHORIZE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS PER CAPITA BOND ACT
2000. (LESAGE/ MILLS)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution supporting an application for grant funds in
the amount of $391,000 to the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation
Per Capita Program under the Safe Neighborhood Parks and Clean Water, Clean Air,
and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 for lighting Damon-Garcia Sports Fields.
C8. APPROVE 1123 MILL STREET (FORMER BOY SCOUT OFFICE) BUILDING
MATERIAL REMOVAL, SPECIFICATION NO. 90313. (MCCLUSKEY/ LYNCH)
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Find the bid submitted for the 1123 Mill Street building
material removal project non-responsive, 2) Adopt a resolution dispensing with the
competitive bidding process as authorized under the Public Contract Code Section
20166; 3) Authorize staff to solicit written quotes for completing the building material
removal; 4) Authorize an additional appropriation from the CIP Reserve Account up to
$5,000 to allow the CAO to award the contract if the cost is in excess of the Engineer's
Estimate.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. DAMON GARCIA SPORTS FIELDS:
A. APPROVE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT TEXT AMENDMENT
AND REZONING TO-ACCOMMODATE PROPOSED SPORTS FIELDS IN
THE MARGARITA-AREA, ON BROAD STREET AT INDUSTRIAL WAY
(GPA/R44-02). (MANDEVILLE/ DRAZE / MATTESON / CODRON - 60
MINUTES)
RECOMMENDATION: As recommended by the Planning Commission: 1) Adopt a
resolution approving a negative declaration of environmental impact and amending the
General Plan policy to allow parks and sports fields development in the Margarita Area
before specific-plan adoption; and 2) Introduce an ordinance rezoning most of the
4
Council Agenda Tuebday, June 18, 2002
Damon-Garcia site to Public Facility, while leaving the creek corridors zoned
Conservation/Open Space.
B. APPROVE AN ADMINISTRATIVE USE PERMIT TO ALLOW
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DAMON-GARCIA SPORTS FIELDS COMPLEX
WITH CREEK SETBACK EXCEPTIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.
(MANDEVILLE/WHISENAND /CODRON —60 MINUTES)
RECOMMENDATION: As recommended by the Planning Commission, approve an
Administrative Use Permit for the Damon-Garcia Sports Fields Complex and adopt a
Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project.
2. ADOPT THE 2002-03 BUDGET. (STATLER — 45 MINUTES)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving amendments to the 2001-03
Financial Plan and appropriating funds for fiscal year 2002-03 in the amount of
$77,125,200.
BUSINESS ITEMS
3. CREEK AND FLOOD FUND AND FEE SCHEDULES. (JORGENSEN /
TRUJILLO — 15 MINUTES)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution deferring the effective date of the fee
schedules established in Resolution No. 9317 (2002 Series) from July 1, 2002 to
February 1, 2003.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS (not to exceed 15 minutes)
Council Members report on conferences or other City activities. Time limit-3 minutes.
COMMUNICATIONS (not to exceed 15 minutes)
At this time, any Council Member or the City Administrative Officer may ask a question for clarification,
make an announcement, or report briefly on his or her activities. In addition, subject to Council Policies
and Procedures, they may provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information, request
staff to report back to the Council at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to
direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda (Gov. Code Sec. 54954.2).
A. ADJOURN.
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f VEIIICLE ACCIDENTS: CITY RANKS HIGH IN STATE
Unsafe str e
of SLO town
No. 6 among 101 cities �
San Luis Obispo ranked No.6 for bad accidents among 101 California cities
of a similar size in a 1991 study,the most recent available. kk
Cat Polo �d
Santa Rosa Rd.at Montalban St. G •,.•:;. Johnson Ave.at Ella St.
R Foothill 0
$ 1; 'Iurray St. a t0i
' two l In June 1998,a man was killed In a
-� N.-' � � •� three-car'oolil9tbn as 1,e attempted
I In September, a San Luls.0blspo os Y� to cro« , 1e.
motorcycle officer was#fruck by a.
car and thrown from his.blkb,
t oycWay °J L�
Madonna Rd.at EI ay
Mercado '- c brcukRd.
•up commuter corridors
a Top 10 collision locations
1. Santa Rosa St.at Foothill Blvd.
2 Marsh St.at Osos St.
3. Los Osos Valley Rd.at Madonna Rd.
5 T (�n, '(�,ii• ` 4. Santa Rosa Rd.at Murray St.
5. Marsh St.at Morro St.
6. Marsh at Chorro
1. Santa Rosa St.at Palm
St.
`F 8. Santa Rosa St.at Montaiban St.
The driver of a car was not; `X0 e"Gr_ti" 4 Santa Rosa St.at Monterey St.
Injured In a January 19991 10.Los Osos Valley Rd.at Royal Way
accident that flipped the czar.
TRIBUNE GRAPHIC BY BET((p ANDERSON
• SOURCE:STATE OFFICE OF TRAYFIC SAFETY
yearn two incidents over the has only added one since.
POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL ATTEMPT la t
the serant in
TO GET TWO MORE TRAFFIC OFFICERS San Luis Obispo ranked No.6 charge Rocof the S n Luis Obispo
for bad accidents among 101 Police Department's traffic divi-
California cities of a similar size sion,first worked traffic detail in
in a 1997 study,the most recent 1978. He described his experi-
S A N Luis O B I S P o. through its congestion —and available. That means that the ence now facing the surging cvr-
through the city's other main streets in 95 other comparable rent of traffic on the city's streets
BYJIINF RICH I thoroughfares—regardless of cities are safer to drive than San every day.
THP TRIBUNE their mode of transport:drivers Luis Obispo's.
On an darting from lane to lane,pedes In the coming months,the po- "It's so heavy that it s very dfi-
y given day,, Rosa Irians scuttling across streets,bi- lice department will attempt to cult to enforce traffic laws. It's
Street can seem like r artery in cyclists breezing past stop signs get two more traffic officers. difficult to maneuver through
need of bypass surgery. without blinking.
Many try to hasten their ride The result? me traffic division started with
three officers back in 1977, and Please see TRAFFIC,A4
r
t
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2000
Traffic 'sip 0 size)fades (of'
From Page Al traffic collisions
traffic.And when you do stop a
car,you feel a little unsafe because 1.Hollister a v
there's so much traffic around. 2 Coronado
The next thing You know, some-
one is rear-ended." 3.East Palo Alto
Miller described how California 4.Eureka
Street turned into a bumper car 5.West Hollywood ,
rideTuesday after be stopped ata
minor two car accident. 6, son Luis Obispo }s�
"litwas just a simple,little colli 7.Murietcrfl
sion.I was trying to interview and -.8.Madera '�`'
a six-car pile-up happened right in
front of me," he said. "I had to 9.Azusa
close off the 200 block of Califon- . 10.Beverly,Hills ' . ..
bi'',
nia and then there's another colli Source:From the Office of �� '
sion up on Hathway and Califor Traffic Safety's 1947 survey��rt;
nia in reTr
action to the closure"
Miller won the City Council's ofcities with populations
ht to apply between 25,000 and
approval Tuesday nig
offi
for a grant for the new cers. 50,000 people. r
tThe money,if approved,will come
from the j 1>,fornia Offices before two traffic-related deaths
Trans ortation The land will ack occurred in the city last Year.
for a years• In January, g year-old Tommy
in$115,800 to match the
state'sRadich of San Luis Obispo was hit
$319,8W over the gran a school bus on Laurel Lane.
year rife.The money will pay for by
salaries,police motorcycles,lap In May, an 89-year-old woman ` ^
top computers and various other named Lena Wilson was struck
equipment and killed by a"city bus as she
equipment
year 2002,the city will crossed the downtown intersec-
take on all salary costs,at about tion of Palm and Santa Rosa
$178,300 annually. streets. the gra nt also .
If the grant is approved,the de- Gardiner said
partment hopes to place the two would allow other traffic safety
new traffic officers on the streets Programs, including four drunk
driving checkpoints every year.
by July.By the end of the year,the
police intend to increase hoz Currently,the police only conduct
one in cooperation with the Carr
ardous traffic stations by 25 per fornix Highway patrol.
cent The department also would
"The message Is that we reduce ive out 200 bicycle helmets
accidents when enforcement in year a'safety preseatahons
creases,",said J'uri Gardiner,chef , during the life of the grant
of the San Luis Obispo Police De- The money also would launch a
partment 'Teaching Your Teen to Drive"
Gardiner said the grant Preps ro for parents.;
rations were already under way Program
L 1* vable Aaces Up ate- ;
August 2001 Emerging Trends in Community
Planning.and Design f ;
New Ways to Address Traffic Congestion: . taking such a measure can be both inexpen-
There is little debate on the matter—traffic sive"and effective:;The key is to "remember .
congestion is increasing almost everywhere. that walking and biking are also forms of
The U.S. Conference of Mayors,published a transportation.
national survey of ten metropolitan areas
early this year which revealed that 89% of Surprising as it might sound;increasing the
those polled agreed—traffic is getting worse, speed of traffic on a road to more than 30"
nationwide. Last year,,a poll by the Princeton , miles per hour decreases the volume the road
Survey Research Association revealed that can handle. According to the Transportation
the two most important issues facing com- Research Board's 1985 Highway Capacity;
munities are traffic and crime. Manu , the capacity of a lane of vehicle n` ,�,�,�,
traffic is at its maximum at about 30 mph. As ��'f'w
Can we build our way out of this situation speeds increase above 30 mph,drivers in7
with more freeways and wider roads? Prob- crease the space between cars to allow for.
ably not. First, the cost is prohibitive. The greater stopping distance.
Southern California Association of Govern-
Speed-Flow Relationship
ments has estimated a $10.7 billion shortfall
just to keep existing transportation systems in
its five-county area operating.
SS
30- 25-30 Miles Per
Second, there is the truism that if you build
'01 20-
it, more will come. This happened,recently in
Salt Lake Valley, Utah,where euphoria over
the newly opened ten-lane I-15 rapidly • • •
disappeared as thousands of commuters Mau.rly Vehicles Per Lane
flocked back to the freeway, only to find Despite the fact that newer:versions of the
bumper to bumper traffic during rush hour. Highway Capacity Manual have increased
the most efficient speed to 40 MPH,noted '
Research confirms that adding more capacity transportation'engineer Walter Kulash says'
to highways generates more travel, as people the experience of local streets supports the
take additional and longer car trips and new 1985 version.
development creates even more demand. A 060 Will
recent study by the Surface Transportation In addition,when traffic fa slower,people are �5
Policv Project of 23 metropolitan areas re- more likely.imwalk or bike because i eiodl�
vealed t- 1a' rr is cff ong ion waslust as bad safer'toA on or near a.road where tra fic
in cities that increased their road capacity not speeding. CT'
TRAJ►=L
over the past ten years as in cities that actu-
ally decreased road.space over that same One way to reduce traffic speeds and increase
period of time-. other forms of travel may be to reduce traffic'
lanes and add bike lanes. Success stories
Even more surprising, when freeways or supporting this new way ofithinking are
bridges are eliminated altogether, so is a lot popping up all over the country. The City,of
of the traffic. Examples include San San Francisco-has striped eight streets for
Francisco's Embarcadero and Central free- . bike lane's. On one'of,these,Valencia Street,
ways, Harbor Drive on Portland's water- four lanes were reduced.to three,with a'bike
front, New York's West Side Highway, and lane added in each direction and a left-turn
London's Tower and Hammersmith bridges. lane. The result—the number;of cyclists.
When these routes disappeared,so did 20 to increased by 88 percent,or 188 per hour, and. '
60% of the cars. cou is revealed the 2-lane street teas han-
dli almost the same amount of traffic.
In light of these facts, what's a poor transpor-
tation planner to do?A new fact sheet writ- Other communities that•have replaced traffic;
teri'by the LGC for the California Depart- lanes with bike lanes a California cities ;.
ment of Health Services,New Thinking for a cd Santa Barbara, Palo Alto,Sacramento,
New Transportation Age, suggests an answer Mountain View, and Sunnyvale;Cambridge, Q
reduce road widths and slow traffic. Massachusetts; the Vancouver region of
British Columbia;West Palm Beach and .
While this is admittedly counter-intuitive, Orlando, Florida;Seattle, Washington;Port-
land, and Corvallis, Gregor,,. .eenbelt, sidewalk width:—.d setback, and safety
Maryland;Austin, Texas; and Denver and, features for pedestrians and bicyclists de-
Boulder in Colorado. pending on the roadways function and the.
surrounding land uses. The information is
There are additional ways to reduce auto provided in a handbook, Creating Liable
lanes, slow speeds, and improve capacity. Streets, which has been distributed'free of- .
Cities have converted horizontal parking to charge to over 1,500 planners, engineers,
diagonal parking with sidewalk bulb outs at local officials, and citizens in the Portland
street corners, added two-way turn lanes, metropolitan region. Overall the plan allevi
and/or added landscaped median islands. A ates congestion by placing transportation
document byDanBurden and Peter improvements in the "context of community
�Lagerway-titled Road-Dicts, profiles such building."
cases around the country
�Jl¢ (www.walkable.org). Like a Good Neighbor: Insurance compa-
nies are now getting the picture—traffic
The fact sheet,New Thinking for a New Trans- calming prevents crashes and saves lives. '
portation Age, addresses the myth that we can State Farm now lists traffic calming as-one of
build our way out of congestion by increas- the measures communities should enact; in
ing vehicle traffic speed and road capacity. It addition to building roundabouts and im-
outlines the new paradigm proposed by proving pedestrian facilities. The company
Kulash: "How about movinQ_peo lep instead_ has released its annual "10 Most Dangerous
of cars. Isn't that why we were moving cars Intersections" report and is offering grant
in the first place?" money to the cities where they are located to
help improve the situation. To read the
The fact sheet can be downloaded from the report, visit www.statefarm.com/media/
LGC Web site in pdf format (www.lgc.org). danger.htm.
Glossy, nicely illustrated versions can be had
for the cost of shipping by calling the publi- Ahwahnee Awards Call-for,Entries: The
;i! I cations unit at the LGC (916) 448-1198. We Local Government Commission is pleased to
I can provide these in bulk so that you can announce our upcoming 2001-2002 Ahwah-
j distribute them to those responsible for nee Awards Program. Named in honor of the
transportation planning in your community. Ahwahnee Principles, the awards'recognize ,
outstanding local efforts which further the
Portland Addresses Traffic Congestion development of more livable, walkable, and
The New Way: Building on the concepts transit-based communities.
embodied in New Thinking for a New Transpor- I I ,
tation Age, Portland's regional government, The contest is open to projects, plans, and
Metro, has developed a Regional Street policies carried out in one of the 14 Western
Design Project intended to reduce'conszestion States which reflect the goals of the Ahwah-
-by reducing auto usage. The plan includes nee Principles. The five eligible categories
adding new sidewalks,bikeways, and pedes- are: • Projects built in the Last Decade;
trian crossings,but it also pays attention to Government Adopted plans, -.Government
transit and land use. In a recent Metro travel Adopted Policies, •Community/Neighbor-
survey of the Portland region, households in hood Programs and • Regional Initiatives.
areas with mixed land uses and good transit
averaged 1.5 vehicles per household com- The program is sponsored by the Bank of
pared to 2.5 vehicles in other areas. America and cosponsored the American
Institute of Architects California Council and"
A new Metro regional street design concepts the California Chapter of the American
document assigns zoning for major streets, Planning Association. The awards will-be -
providing certainty to local jurisdictions, presented at a special banquet honoring the
residents, and property owners as to the winners,held'as part of the New Partners for
future form and function of street improve- Smart Growth.conference, to be held January
ments in a given area. This approach allows 24-26,2002 in San Diego.
for redevelopment to occur along key routes i -
that can be efficiently served by transit, and A request-for-entry-materials form must be
are appropriate for compact, mixed-use submitted by September 28, 2001. The dead-
development. line for submitting entry binders is'Novem-
ber 2.To receive a copy of the Call for Entries
Street design guidelines educate city and brochure, contact Bismarck Obando at (916)
county engineers,planners, and citizens 448-1198, ext. 311 or visitwww:.Igc.org and
about the range of choices for street width, click on "What's New."
Livable Places Update is published monthly and is a project of the Local Government Commission's Center
'8
for Livable Communities. For subscription information call us at (916) 448-1198. If you have news from
Yourarea to include in future issues,please send it to: LPU, 1414 KStreet,Suite 600, Sacramento, CA 95814.