pages: TransportationCommission/2013-01-23.pdf, 8
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TransportationCommission | 2013-01-23 | 8 | will accommodate 6th through 8th graders. She recently has taken on the principal position at Encinal High School, but she is not new to administration. Her goal as an instructional leader is to keep students, staff and families safe. There are 1,100 students and they share the campus with a charter school. Whenever possible, she is outside to help youth cross the street along with two other administrators. At this point, her community needs help and there is an active parent and the Police Department has stepped up to support the cause. Yet, there is only one resource officer that is assigned to the youth and the officer has other duties within the City. She explained that Mr. Juhala has a very clear plan, and she would like the Commission to consider his thoughts. She also explained that she has worked with Staff Payne and corresponded frequently with her by email. Since starting at Encinal High School, what worries her is the fact that she has sent three electronic alerts to families about students being struck by vehicles. Commissioner Vargas explained that staff received a ten-page document proposal authored by Mr. Juhala. Jerry Juhala is the parent of an Encinal High School student and since October 2012 he volunteers as a crossing guard. He felt that the biggest issue was the congestion caused by cars entering into the school and the backup of vehicles trying to turn left onto Third Street from the east and westbound directions of Central Avenue. He mentioned that the City's plans to include an additional painted line in the crosswalks and the street divider was a good idea. However, the City's plan to include wheel stops and paint on the southwest corner will only increase congestion in the area since cars will not be able to get around a driver who wants to turn left onto Third Street. Additionally, he believed the City's decision to include a painted island near Taylor Avenue will back up cars heading towards the school as westbound drivers now have less space when trying to turn left or right onto Third Street. Thus, he came up with five alternative options which include: 1) make a dedicated left turn lane from westbound Central Avenue onto Third Street; 2) create a permanent barrier to block traffic from entering and exiting Taylor Avenue; 3) combine alternative 1 and alternative 2; 4) do not allow left hand turns onto Third Street going north from Central Avenue, which would be coming from the school; and 5) create a right turn only lane on Taylor Avenue. Commissioner Vargas asked staff if they looked into Mr. Juhala's suggestions. Staff Naclerio replied he reviewed his comments and suggestions. At this point, staff is trying to create a quick interim solution to address the current problem. He believed the solutions proposed are viable and the next steps would be to meet with the community at large and the school. He suggested the Commission move ahead with staff recommendations because traffic must be calmed within the intersection and staff's goal was to queue vehicles to slow them down. Commissioner Vargas asked Principal Brown Garcia if the City's proposal might create additional safety issues or changes to the drop off locations. Roxanne Brown Garcia replied the options made by Jerry are the most viable for them. She understands the City has limitations, but she would like City staff to meet with her stakeholder groups and discuss options that work for everyone involved. Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 14 | TransportationCommission/2013-01-23.pdf |