Citizens Traffic Advisory Board

CITY OF HENDERSON CITIZENS TRAFFIC ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING AGENDA October 15, 2015 I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairman Horlacher called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m., in the Council Chambers Conference Room, 240 Water Street, Henderson, Nevada. II. CONFIRMATION OF POSTING AND ROLL CALL Tedie Jackson, Council and Commission Services Reporter, confirmed the meeting had been posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law by posting the agenda three working days prior to the meeting at the Multigenerational Center, City Hall, Whitney Ranch Recreational Center, and Fire Station No. 86. 6 Via Antincendio, Henderson, Nevada. In addition, copies of the agenda were mailed to each person having an item on the agenda and to all those on the Agenda Master Mailing List. Present: Vice Chairman Wayne Horlacher Ken Curry Karen Fabian Scott Heiny Sheri Lileikis Absent: Jerry Slater Alissa “Blythe” Matkin Staff: Kevin Futch, Project Engineer II Brent Gunson, Asst. City Attorney III Rob Herr, Interim Director of PW/PR Tedie Jackson, Council and Commission Svs. Reporter Alyssa Rodriguez, City Traffic Engineer Guests: Brandon Brooks Lee Jacoby Steve Kirk Doyle Meacum John Penuelas Citizens Traffic Advisory Board Page 2 of 6 October 15, 2015 – DRAFT Minutes III. PUBLIC COMMENT Rob Herr, Interim Director of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, introduced Alyssa Rodriguez, City Traffic Engineer, for the traffic division. Steve Kirk, 2043 Shadow Brook Way noted traffic concerns at Gilford and Whitney Ranch Drive, which is located behind Green Valley High School. He noted hundreds of kids exit the school out the back gate and there are no traffic control devices or crosswalks. IV. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA (Motion) Ms. Fabian introduced a motion to accept the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Curry. The vote favoring approval was unanimous. Vice Chairman Horlacher declared the motion carried. V. NEW BUSINESS 1 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS AND RECREATION Approve minutes of September 17, 2015. (Motion) Ms. Fabian introduced a motion to approve the minutes of September 17, 2015, as presented, seconded by Ms. Lileikis. The vote favoring approval was unanimous. Vice Chairman Horlacher declared the motion carried. 2 PROPOSED WINDMILL PARKWAY/VALLE VERDE DRIVE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS AND RECREATION Recommendation to Council that the most appropriate traffic control measure at the intersection of Valle Verde Drive and Windmill Parkway is a roundabout. Vice Chairman Horlacher abstained from voting on this item because he is employed with the consultant who worked on the Valle Verde/Windmill Roundabout project. (Motion) Ms. Fabian introduced a motion that Scott Heiny will act as vice chairman for this item, seconded by Mr. Curry. The vote favoring approval was unanimous. Citizens Traffic Advisory Board Page 3 of 6 October 15, 2015 – DRAFT Minutes Kevin Futch, Project Engineer II, reported that the City received CMAQ Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding, which will be used for projects throughout the city as well as a proposed roundabout project at the intersection of Valle Verde Drive and Windmill Parkway. Lee Jacoby, representing Horrocks Engineers, gave a PowerPoint presentation entitled Valle Verde/Windmill Roundabout Project. He reviewed the following slides: Aerial photograph of the intersection; Options Evaluated; single-lane roundabout; Benefits of single-lane roundabout; Improved Traffic Operations, Traffic Model; Average Delay Per Vehicle; Traffic Flow Efficiency; Increased Safety; Speed affects crash avoidance; Speed affects crash severity; Conflict Points graphs; Case Study; Environment Considerations, air quality; Vehicle Emissions; and Aesthetic Opportunities. Steve Kirk, 2043 Shadow Brook, agreed that roundabouts move traffic; however, he expressed safety concerns regarding the middle school students crossing at this intersection. He pointed out that kids do not abide by traffic rules and is opposed to a roundabout at this intersection. He also noted a concern that drivers do not know how to navigate appropriately through roundabouts. Mr. Kirk asked staff to research the number of deaths and serious accidents that have occurred at this intersection within the last ten years. Mr. Jacoby replied that there have been 13 accidents and zero deaths reported by the Police Department at this intersection within the last five years. He briefly explained the difference between a traffic circle and a roundabout. Mr. Jacoby explained that the traffic study did account for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. He also reviewed findings from the two neighborhood meetings that were conducted. John Penuelas, previous City of Henderson Traffic Engineer, reviewed fatal accidents that he believes would have been prevented if the accidents occurred in a roundabout. He noted that statistics indicate safety aspects for roundabouts, and he supports roundabouts at this intersection. DoyleNorm Meacum, 235 John Quail Circle, mentioned several studies regarding roundabouts. He voiced concern for the safety of the middle school students who cross the intersection. He noted that a majority of the residents at one of the public meetings were opposed to the roundabout. Responding to a question by Mr. Curry as to whether there are warrants for a roundabout, Mr. Jacoby said not like warrants for a traffic signal. Regarding a question as to whether a crossing guard could be posted at this intersection, Ms. Rodriguez explained that crossing guards are not used for middle school students. She noted that staff received resident requests to install a traffic signal at this intersection; however, there were no warrants for a traffic signal. Staff then considered the roundabout as an alternate traffic control measure at this intersection. Citizens Traffic Advisory Board Page 4 of 6 October 15, 2015 – DRAFT Minutes Ms. Lileikis commented on the importance of the middle school students being made aware how traffic flows through roundabouts. She asked when construction would occur should this item be approved. Mr. Jacoby replied that construction would begin in the summer when school is out. He noted the City would be responsible for maintaining the landscaping associated with the roundabout. He stressed that the elements in the design of this roundabout will protect all pedestrians crossing the intersection. Mr. Curry stated he is concerned about putting in a roundabout in a residential area and is opposed to this proposal. He pointed out that pedestrians and junior high kids are different people, and kids are inconsiderate and do not abide by laws. Staff commented that this is an enforcement issue that could be addressed by the Police Department. Robert Herr, Interim Director of Public Works/Parks and Recreation, stated that another option is to shorten the curbs on Windmill Parkway and tighten up the existing four-way stop. In response to a question as to whether a flasher would be installed, Mr. Jacoby said they are still evaluating flashers and no final determination has been made. Mr. Futch commented that the best approach for flashers would be install them after the roundabout is completed. Vice Chairman Heiny commented that the data shows roundabouts are more safe and move traffic at a better flow. Ms. Rodriguez reviewed the options available to the Board: 1) leave the all-way stop intersection as it is: 2) narrow the lanes for the all-way stop; 3) continue to explore traffic signals when appropriate; 4) approve the proposed roundabout; or 5) continue this matter to the next meeting and have staff present accident data. There was a consensus that the main concern of installing this roundabout is the safety concern for the junior high school students who cross this intersection. A suggestion was made to help educate the students through a presentation at the school and through the Safe Routes to School Program. Responding to a suggestion to revisit this issue in six months after more data is available, Mr. Futch said the CMAQ funding is time sensitive and will not be available if this project is delayed for six months. Ms. Lileikis said she would be in favor of the roundabout as long as students would be educated. Citizens Traffic Advisory Board Page 5 of 6 October 15, 2015 – DRAFT Minutes Ms. Rodriguez said the flashers provide a warning the pedestrian is present. It is an added safety measure. (Motion) Mr. Curry introduced a motion to continue this item for one month and have staff provide traffic counts, accident data, and more information on pedestrian flashers. The motion died due to lack of a second. (Motion) Ms. Lileikis introduced a motion to approve the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Valle Verde Drive and Windmill Parkway, with understanding of a thorough education of how to properly navigate roundabouts for the middle school students. The motion died due to lack of a second. (Motion) Vice Chairman Heiny introduced a motion to approve the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Valle Verde Drive and Windmill Parkway, and look at possibility of adding flashers for pedestrian safety. The motion died due to lack of a second. (Motion) Ms. Fabian introduced a motion to continue this item to the next meeting to get input by all the Board members, seconded by Mr. Curry. The vote favoring approval was unanimous. VI. CHAIRMAN\MEMBER COMMENTS Vice Chairman Horlacher asked if he can make general comments regarding roundabouts. Brent Gunson, Assistant City Attorney II, advised that Mr. Horlacher not make any comments regarding roundabouts. VII. SET NEXT MEETING The next meeting was set for November 19, 2015, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers Conference Room, 240 Water Street, Henderson, Nevada. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no comments presented by the public. Citizens Traffic Advisory Board Page 6 of 6 October 15, 2015 – DRAFT Minutes IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, Acting Chairman Horlacher adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, __________________________________ Tedie Jackson, Council and Commission Services Reporter