Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-2025 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MINUTESCALDWELL TRAFFIC COMMISSION MI May 6, 2025, 1:00 P.M. Present August Medellin (AM), Hallie Hart (HH), Bruce Mills (BM), Morgan Beesaw (MB), Nicole Nicholson (NN) Glossary AASHTO American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials, CPD Caldwell Police Department, ITD Idaho Transportation Department, MOU Memorandum of Understanding, MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, ROW Right -of -Way, RRFB Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon, TC Traffic Commission Motion for Agenda Motion made by HH and seconded by MB Old Business 1. U Turn issues at Ustick Rd & Ashton Ave —Anna House "My name is Anna House and I live in Ashton Hills subdivision just off of Ustick near the corner of Cleveland Blvd. Since the road changes were made at that intersection (Ustick & Cleveland Blvd near the Wal mart/Maverick/ Dutch Bros) we have had a HUGE issue with people making U turns where they shouldn't be. The major issue is right on Ustick & Ashton. It happened THREE times just today, but happens almost everyday I have to leave somewhere. I come home, heading west on Ustick towards Ashton. There is a left turning lane to get into Ashton Hills and there will be a car in front of me turning left, I am too so I can get home, and they turn, if clear I turn as well and they U turn RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME causing me to hit my breaks to avoid an accident. This is now happening ALL THE TIME and if it hasn't happened yet, accidents will happen. This is getting ridiculous and dangerous. There is a round -about just up the road, but they U turn there at the entrance of the subdivision." From the previous meeting held on February 5, TC had reviewed the roadway on the City's web map and determined there is not an appropriate place to install a "No U Turn" sign on the roadway and installing it on the side of the roadway would not be in the line of sight for those drivers making a U-turn. RM had stated that a median is scheduled to be installed in that area within the next few years. BM stated that the Electrical Division has a mobile pole -mounted camera that runs on batteries that can be used at this location to determine how many cars are making U-turns to see if any action is warranted at this location. Action: Motion made by AM and seconded by MB to place the camera at the location for 3 days and review the data for discussion at the next scheduled TC meeting. New Business 1. Flashing signs at crosswalks for Lakevue Elementary — Ken Pahlas I have concerns about Cirrus Dr, East of Lake Avenue near Lakevue Elementary School (12843 Cirrus Dr 83651). When the school opened, there were no houses in the immediate vicinity and very little traffic other than student pick up and drop offs. Our student enrollment has grown to nearly 900 students and there are now hundreds of houses within a 1/4 mile of us. This has led to many more student pedestrians, much more traffic at pick up and drop off times and much more traffic in general. The only thing that hasn't changed is the safety measures in place. We still have two painted crosswalks and signs for both. I propose that we need lighted/flashing signs that either flash/are lighted from 7-8:15 am and 2:15-3:00 pm or that can be activated to flash by pedestrians. The school, neighborhood, and Cirrus Dr. and crosswalks are pictured below. Thanks for your consideration, Ken Pahlas Principal, Lakevue 208-453-4536 BM stated that a couple of schools have recently worked with the City to get RRFB's installed whereby the school district provides the funds and the City does the installation work. If the school district is willing to cover the cost, then the City will install them at this location. Action: Motion made by BM and seconded by MB to have BM contact the Superintendent to discuss this option. 2. Crosswalks on Slipstream Way — Ben Faux We have a rather large and growing employee count, and a very small parking lot at 1711 Slipstream Way. We've acquired warehouse space at 1805 and 1701 Smeed Pkwy, on the East Side of each building (30k Sq ft of Warehouse at 1805 and 15k sq ft of Warehouse at 1701) As you can see, there is a healthy amount of parking at the Smeed locations, so employees will be walking across Slipstream to enter the facility. For that, we'd like to have official crosswalk lines painted on the street. Likely no other signage needed. Ben Faux Office: 208.453.2000 BM explained that only one midblock crosswalk is preferred by TC and therefore the crosswalk to the south is acceptable. BM further explained that there needs to be a 30' section of no parking in the crosswalk area for motorists to have visual of the pedestrians. "No Parking" signs would need to be purchased from the City and installed by the Street Division. AM stated that the crosswalk can be painted by the Street Division. He added that parking enforcement is much needed on Slipstream Way. Action: Motion made by AM and seconded by MB to have NN reach out to Ben Faux relaying the TC's determination. 3. Crosswalks on Spruce Street and Smiley Peak Avenue — Becky Torgrimson Good Morning, I was given your email in regards to possibly adding some crosswalk signage to our street. Our street gets many cars, delivery drivers, and multiple types of off road vehicles, all speeding up and down the street. Some younger drivers even "drag race" sometimes. We have a canal walkway crossing the street, and we get lots of pedestrians and dog walkers who use this area. I would love it if we could get some crosswalk signs to help deter people from driving so fast and unsafe in this area. There are two crossings that would really benefit from some crosswalk signage. Smiley Peak just north of Spruce St, and Spruce St east of Santa Ana Ave, Nampa. I have included a few maps. The subdivision and the end of Spruce St. is new, so finding an accurate new map is tricky. The street is Spruce Street, (not Silversun). The green line I drew is the pathway. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information. Thank you, Becky Torgrimson 208-320-8213 beckvtoreie@email.com AM stated that crosswalks are not painted inside of subdivisions. BM explained that crosswalks aren't installed to slow speeding vehicles. It would be appropriate to install "Pedestrian Crossing" signs at the location if the subdivision HOA were to purchase them from the City. TC discussed having a midblock crossing on Spruce Street and noted that the roadway is currently a dead-end with the only traffic coming to and from a small subdivision at the end. HH stated that the installation of a crosswalk would be warranted when Spruce Street punches through to Midland Road because of the increase in vehicular traffic. Action: Motion made by AM and seconded by MB to have NN reach out to Becky Torgrimson of the TC's determination. 4. Intersection of Everett Street & 2nd Avenue —Carrie Otterness To whom it may concern, am writing to express my serious concerns about the intersection at Everett Street and 2nd Street, particularly where it connects with Painter Avenue. I have witnessed and personally experienced multiple near -misses at this location due to drivers failing to yield properly. Specifically, drivers coming from Evans Street, crossing Painter Avenue, and turning from Everett st onto 2nd Street do not yield as required. Instead, they frequently proceed as if they have the right-of-way, forcing vehicles on 2nd Street —who actually have the right -of -way —to brake suddenly to avoid collisions. This has happened to me numerous times, and today alone, two vehicles back-to-back forced me to slam on my brakes to avoid an accident. This is a major safety hazard. If I had not reacted quickly, there would have been a collision, putting myself and my service dog, who rides in his car crate in my vehicle, at risk of injury. I strongly urge the city to take action to address this issue. Possible solutions could include: Increased police presence and enforcement to ensure compliance with traffic laws. Replacing the current yield sign with a stop sign, as it appears many drivers do not understand or respect the need to yield. I appreciate your time and attention to this matter, as well as any updates you can provide on potential steps to improve safety at this intersection. Please feel free to respond via email. have attached pictures indicating the location of the intersection. Thank you, Carrie Otterness. AM relayed that a stop sign has been installed within the last month at the intersection of 2"d Avenue and Everett Street. Action: NN will inform Carrie Otterness that her concern has already been taken care of with the recent installation of a stop sign. S. Stop signs at N. 111h Avenue & E. Denver Street — Lynda Derrick Hello, i was told to send an email in regards to an inquiry i had. On N 11th Ave and E Denver St. there is a 4-way intersection with no stop signs. My boyfriend was almost T- Boned in the intersection because there is no stop sign for that 4 way. If you could please go out and have a look, maybe put a stop sign out there, that would be great! Thank you Only reason he went that way was because of the construction on the main road. BM stated that the Canyon Springs Alternative School will close at this location at the end of the school year, therefore reducing the traffic in this area. HH reviewed the accident data on the AASHTO website at this location and there have only been 3 reported accidents between 2019 and 2024. HH viewed the area on the City web map and there are 20 MPH speed limit signs posted. Action: Motion made by MB and seconded by BM to place the mobile camera at this location and review the data for discussion at the next scheduled TC meeting. 6. Stop signs at N. 11`h Avenue & E. Elgin Street — Jordan Creek & Jennifer McCormick To whom it may concern, I, Jordan Creek and my mother Jennifer McCormick are working towards getting a stop sign placed at the intersection of Elgin and 11th Ave in Caldwell. My mother has lived right beside this intersection for 9 years, and during the 9 years there has been accident at least once a month here. Today is April 17th, writing this at 2 pm. There was an accident 45 minutes ago even. My concern is there is a school right here with people just flooring it through this intersection. 11th Ave is a speedway throughout the day, I'm hoping with having a stop sign put in it will slow drivers down and reduce the amount of accidents here. We have spoken to many officers throughout the years and have never gotten a clear answer on who has the right away. There is no stop sign and no yield sign. After the McDonald's was placed here, it has definitely gotten more busy with those leaving McDonald's. Especially those exiting the "Not An Exit" side. I'm writing this as a mother, I have 3 young children who are so aware of this corner. Today, my 3 year old watched the wreck and I decided that I'm going to attempt to do something about this. Two teenage boys were in the truck heading up Elgin and the woman in the Suv pulled out of the not an exit and it was pedal to the metal not slowing down and they just crashed hard into each other. As a mother, I worry for the teenagers who drive leaving school. I come visit my mother just about every day, I worry so much about these teens. It's not safe right here anymore. Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I deeply appreciate you listening to my concerns, and I hope we can pull together to put a stop to the accidents here as much as we can. Please feel free to email back for any additional information. Sincerely, Jordan Creek and Jennifer McCormick. BM stated that the Canyon Springs Alternative School will close at this location at the end of the school year, therefore reducing the traffic in this area. HH reviewed the accident data on the AASHTO website at this location and there have only been 2 reported accidents between 2019 and 2024. TC viewed the area on the City web map and there are 20 MPH speed limit signs posted. Action: Motion made by MB and seconded by BM to place the mobile camera at this location and review the data for discussion at the next scheduled TC meeting. 7. Reduce curb height at Kimball Avenue & Beech Street — Tim Sheppard Hi there. There's a busy intersection used for bus stop and cross walking (kimball and beech st. Adjacent to that Ids church.). But the curb is not accessible to use cross walk via mobility device; wheelchair, walker, stroller. Can we get the curb dropped to ensure safer crossing. The crosswalk is highly used and also maybe we could get crossing button to highlight tonthe cars to observe for passing by children at cross walks. My neighbor(s) is often seen crossing with her kids and another in wheelchair and another has kids crossing from street to avoid the high curb Thank you. Tim Sheppard TC viewed the intersection on the City's web map. It was noted that a pedestrian ramp does need to be constructed at the southeast corner of the intersection. BM stated that the Street Division does currently have funds to cover this cost, and the project should be added to the Street Division's list. Action: Motion made by BM and seconded by MB to have the Street Division install a pedestrian ramp at the southeast corner of the intersection. 8. Crosswalk on Ustick Road at Newbury Subdivision walking path — Rick Vertrees I would like to request a cross walk on Ustick Road between loth Ave and Airport Rd where the walk path crosses Ustick along the canal. The crossing would work great with the flags on both sides of the road. Like the ones on other cross walks. We walk this path often and find it very difficult to cross Ustick safely. Thanks Rick Vertrees 208-250-1044 BM stated that if a crosswalk were to be installed it would need a RRFB since it is midblock, and the street is classified as a major road/principal arterial. It was noted that Caldwell School District owns the empty parcel next to the Newbury Subdivision and a crosswalk could be added when the parcel is developed. MB added that she will investigate the conditions for the Soterra development across the street to see if a crosswalk installation is part of the conditions. Action: Motion made by BM and seconded by HH to have MB report back to TC on the conditions for the Soterra development. 9. Intersection of Ustick Road & Airport Avenue — Jenny Atkins via Hallie Hart She is concerned about the intersection of Airport and Ustick. I am going to meet her at 9 next Wednesday, but told her I would add the potential for asphalt on Airport to the next traffic commission. AM stated that this issue has come up in previous years to TC and the City has tried unsuccessfully to acquire ROW from the property owners of 420 W. Ustick Road to widen this section of Airport Avenue. It was discussed that there are new property owners as of 2023 and the City should contact them to discuss ROW acquisition. HH stated that staff from the Engineering Division can contact the property owners. HH viewed the area on the City web map and determined that without ROW acquisition there is only room to place some asphalt on the edge of the roadway. AM stated that he would have the Street Division patch the current potholes in the roadway. Action: Motion made by MB and seconded by AM to have the Engineering Division contact the property owners of 420 W. Ustick Road regarding ROW acquisition and the Street Division will patch the potholes.