HomeMy WebLinkAbout22 - Post Installation Review of Mariners Neighborhood Traffic Calming MeasuresSEW PpRr
CITY OF
z NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Staff Report
November 15, 2022
Agenda Item No. 22
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David A. Webb, Public Works Director - 949-644-3311,
dawebb@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Antony Brine, City Traffic Engineer, tbrine@newportbeachca.gov
PHONE: 949-644-3329
TITLE: Post Installation Review of Mariners Neighborhood Traffic Calming
Measures
ABSTRACT:
On January 12, 2021, the City Council directed staff to implement neighborhood traffic
calming measures including installing speed cushions on various streets throughout the
Dover Shores and Mariners neighborhoods. This direction followed the preparation of an
extensive traffic calming study, three neighborhood meetings to discuss the issue, and
submission of a petition from the residents showing sixty percent support within the entire
neighborhood for the project. The speed cushions were installed in July of 2021.
As a follow-up to this neighborhood traffic calming project, staff completed post
installation speed surveys. The results of the follow-up speed measurements showed a
reduction of speeds of 3 mph to 9 mph on the streets within the neighborhood.
Recently staff received some concerns from residents adjacent to 1911 Highland Drive in
the Mariners neighborhood about the speed cushion that was installed near their homes.
The concerns from the residents are related to noise. Staff met with the residents at the
speed cushion location on November 2 to discuss their concerns. At the meeting, the
residents requested the speed cushion be relocated or removed entirely. Staff advised
the residents of the challenges of relocating the speed cushion, and the negative impacts
with removal of the speed cushion.
RECOMMENDATION:
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because
this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
and
b) Receive and file the report and make no modification to the current traffic calming
measures unless otherwise directed by City Council.
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Post Installation Review of Mariners Neighborhood Traffic Calming Measures
November 15, 2022
Page 2
In response to residents' concerns related to high neighborhood traffic speeds and safety,
a comprehensive neighborhood traffic study for the Mariners and Dover Shores
neighborhoods was prepared in 2019. The study included the collection of a significant
amount of daily traffic volume and traffic speed data. During the study process, three
separate Town Hall meetings were held to discuss the study preparation and traffic speed
data. City Council Policy L-26, which covers neighborhood traffic management, was also
discussed with the residents. To address the neighborhood traffic speeding issues, the
final study provided a conceptual plan for the installation of speed cushions and traffic
striping improvements on the streets that met the criteria and guidelines of City Council
Policy L-26.
Following the completion of the traffic study, a neighborhood representative circulated a
petition to determine community support for the installation of speed cushions on the
specific streets that met the minimum criteria for traffic calming. The neighborhood, as a
whole, supported the project with 60 percent total signatures.
On January 12, 2021, the City Council directed staff to implement and install speed
cushions on various streets throughout the Dover Shores and Mariners neighborhoods.
As the plans and funding only included 15 speed cushions for the entire Dover Shores
and Mariners neighborhoods, staff was judicious in locating them.
The plans that were included in the study showed preliminary and conceptual locations
for the speed cushions, not final locations. When staff was ready to install the cushions,
the signed petitions were reviewed to determine where there were property owners that
supported the project and, importantly, did not support the project. The speed cushions
within the neighborhood were installed in July of 2021.
Speed cushions are installed for the purpose of safety and reducing the speeds (mph) of
vehicles on the streets. They are there to make the motorists aware of speed reduction
and the consequences of not following the speed limit. When studying speeds, the
measured 85t" percentile speed is used as the criteria to establish whether a residential
street is considered for traffic calming. The 85' percentile speed is the speed at which
85 percent of cars are travelling at, or below.
Staff has now collected "before and after" speed data and determined that the speed
cushions are working as planned to reduce speeds on the targeted neighborhood streets.
The results of the follow-up speed measurements after the project showed a reduction of
speeds from between 3 mph to 9 mph on the streets within the neighborhood.
Of the 15 speed cushions that were involved as part of this neighborhood traffic calming
project, we have only received complaints about two locations. Earlier this year, we
received a complaint related to noise concerns associated with a cushion installed on
Dover Drive. Staff reviewed this cushion and location and was able to move this speed
cushion to a new location close by on Dover Drive.
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November 15, 2022
Page 3
It is important to note that Dover Drive is a street with homes on only one side of the
street. We were able to move the speed cushion on Dover Drive next to a resident's side
yard, as there is a wall and landscaping in that location. We also contacted that resident
regarding the relocation, and there were no concerns.
In the summer of this year, staff received some additional concerns from residents
adjacent to 1911 Highland Drive in the Mariners neighborhood about an individual speed
cushion that was installed near their homes. Their concerns are related to noise from the
speed cushion.
The two locations along Highland Drive that were chosen were based on the following:
• Support from adjacent residents.
• Equally spaced locations along the roadway segment.
• Adjacent to homes with front -yard walls and/or significant landscaping.
When the petitions were circulated, over 70 percent of the residents on Highland Drive
between Mariners Drive and Irvine Avenue signed the petition in support of the speed
cushion installation project.
The residents of the six homes on both sides of the street near 1911 Highland Drive all
signed the petition in support. The two speed cushion locations along Highland Drive are
also fairly equally spaced between Irvine Avenue and Mariners Drive. Across the street
from 1911 Highland Drive, there is mature landscaping, and thus this location was
chosen. The other speed cushion, installed in front of 2030 Highland, was placed in that
specific location using the same criteria.
The two cushions installed on Highland are proving to be effective in reducing street
speeds. The previous measured 85t" percentile speeds on Highland Drive ranged from
34 mph to 37 mph. After the speed cushions were installed, the measured 85t" percentile
speeds were 28 mph.
On November 2, staff met with the residents of the six homes near the cushion at
1911 Highland Drive. After hearing their concerns and request for the cushion to be
relocated or removed, staff reviewed the street again, as well as the petition, for an area
of strong support.
The relocation of the existing speed cushion at 1911 Highland Drive to an alternate
location on Highland Drive would shift the potential noise concerns to another property.
For this reason, receiving support from adjacent residents would be necessary. There
are two properties located between 1911 Highland Drive and Mariners Drive that did not
sign the petition nor support the project. For this reason, moving the cushion would be
difficult as the potential alternative location is fronted by adjacent residents that did not
support the traffic calming project.
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Post Installation Review of Mariners Neighborhood Traffic Calming Measures
November 15, 2022
Page 4
Removing the existing speed cushion entirely is not recommended as it would defeat the
purpose of the project to reduce speeds on the street and improve safety. A removal of
the speed cushion would cause the speeds along this segment of Highland Drive to revert
back to the original speeds. Speeds would be expected to rise approximately 6-9 mph
over the existing measured speeds.
Given the project history, overall neighborhood support, location criteria being met, and
verified speed reduction measurements after the project completion, it is staff's
recommendation to maintain the existing speed cushion system in the current location.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to this item
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not
result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment)
and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no
potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — January 12, 2021 City Council Staff Report
Attachment B — January 12, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes
Attachment C — Mariners and Dover Shores Traffic Calming Study Executive Summary
Attachment D — Exhibit for Speed Cushion Locations in Mariners/Dover Shores
Attachment E — Exhibit of Highland Drive Speed Cushion
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ATTACHMENT A
Q SEW Pp�r
CITY OF
z NEWPORT BEACH
cg44:09 City Council Staff Report
January 12, 2021
Agenda Item No. 14
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David A. Webb, Public Works Director - 949-644-3311,
dawebb@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Antony Brine, City Traffic Engineer, tbrine@newportbeachca.gov
PHONE: 949-644-3329
TITLE: Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study
ABSTRACT:
In response to resident concerns for speed and cut -through traffic in the Mariners and
Dover Shores neighborhoods, the City hired an engineering consultant to prepare a
comprehensive neighborhood traffic calming study. A significant amount of data was
collected including average daily traffic, cut -through traffic volumes, vehicle speed
measurements, and traffic collision history. During the review process, three (3) separate
Town Hall meetings were held to discuss the study preparation with residents. City
Council Policy L-26 outlines the step-by-step review process and criteria that shall be
considered in determining whether a residential street qualifies for implementation of
traffic calming measures. The final traffic calming study provides a specific plan for speed
cushions and traffic striping improvements in the two neighborhoods to help address the
residents' concerns. The next step is for City Council to determine if there is enough
community support to warrant the installation of said traffic calming measures, and if so,
to fund and construct those identified traffic calming measures.
RECOMMENDATION:
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because
this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
b) Receive and file the Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study;
and
c) If so desired, waive the City Council Policy L-26 requirement for seventy (70) percent
community support, and direct staff to implement and install the improvements
outlined in the Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study, or as
otherwise directed by the City Council; and
d) Direct staff to advertise the project, and appropriate the necessary funds at the time
of contract award; or
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Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study
January 12, 2021
Page 2
e) Uphold the City Council Policy L-26 requirement for seventy (70) percent community
support, and direct staff not to proceed with the improvements outlined in the Mariners
and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study, or as otherwise directed by
the City Council.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
The necessary funding to construct any desired traffic calming improvements is not
currently provided for within the City budget. Should Council direct staff to move forward
with installation of traffic calming measures, the necessary funding for the project will be
included for appropriation into the budget at the time of construction contract award.
DISCUSSION:
In an effort to address possible speed and cut -through traffic concerns received from
residents in the Dover Shores and Mariners neighborhood, staff budgeted $100,000 in
the Fiscal Year 2018/19 Capital Improvement Program for the preparation of a
neighborhood traffic study. Staff selected a proposal for preparation of the
comprehensive traffic study for the combined neighborhoods in early fall of 2018, and
work on the traffic study began in October of 2018.
The Mariners and Dover Shores neighborhoods encompass a large area, over 490 acres
with approximately 3,900 residents. The purpose of the traffic study was to quantify and
address the concerns expressed by residents. In order to collect resident feedback, share
traffic data results and discuss potential improvements, a total of three (3) Town Hall
meetings were held during the study preparation.
Town Hall Meeting # 1 was held on November 29, 2018. The goal of the first Town Hall
was to present the scope of the study and take questions and comments from the
residents. Through this dialogue, staff and the consultant were able to the define the
specific nature and locations of the residents' concerns.
After the initial resident dialogue, and internal discussions, it was determined that the
study should focus on the primary streets in the neighborhoods:
• Santiago Drive
• Highland Drive
• Mariners Drive
• Dover Drive
• Commodore Road
• Tradewinds Lane
• Westcliff Drive
• Polaris Drive
• Galaxy Drive
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Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study
January 12, 2021
Page 3
Following the first Town Hall, an extensive data compilation began including collecting
average daily traffic counts, vehicle speed data, traffic collision data, traffic associated
with the Newport Aquatic Center, and cut -through traffic counts. The data was collected
after the holiday season in February and March of 2019.
Town Hall Meeting # 2 was held on May 2, 2019. This meeting was very proactive, with
all of the compiled traffic data presented and discussed with the attendees. The top
concerns discussed, in order of resident importance, were 1) vehicle speeds, 2) cut -
through traffic, 3) bicycle safety, 4) traffic signage, and 5) high traffic volumes.
It is very important to note that throughout the preparation of the study, the consultant
and staff followed the guidelines outlined in City Council Policy L-26, the "Neighborhood
Traffic Management Policy". The Council Policy outlines the process involved in
reviewing traffic calming requests in neighborhoods. Additionally, specific criteria are
defined that are reviewed when considering the implementation of traffic calming tools
such as speed bumps or speed cushions. City Council Policy L-26 is Attachment B.
With the input provided by the residents, together with the traffic data collected, the
consultant and staff started the analysis to determine if any streets within the
neighborhood met the warrants for traffic calming features. Of the traffic calming tools
outlined in Council Policy L-26, staff and the consultant determined that striping
modifications and speed cushion installation would be the most appropriate tools for
consideration on those neighborhood streets that met the minimum criteria.
The striping modifications would include edgeline striping which visually narrows the
roadway without making physical modifications. Also, striped "bulb -outs" at select
intersections better channelize turn movements and traffic flow at intersections. These
striping techniques help reduce travel speeds.
Speed cushions are vertical changes to the traveled way that are similar to speed humps.
The difference is that a speed cushion is configured such that there are gaps created
between the rises in the pavement to allow emergency vehicles to proceed along the
street without having to slow or stop. Typical passenger vehicles, with shorter axles,
would have to slow in order to safely traverse the cushions. The Fire Department supports
the use of speed cushions.
Town Hall Meeting # 3 was held on September 12, 2019. At this meeting, the consultant
and staff summarized the information presented at the previous town hall meetings and
presented the Conceptual Improvement Plan.
The Traffic Study outlined the draft improvement plan which included edgeline striping to
narrow the roadway on Santiago Drive, Highland Drive, Dover Drive, Mariners Drive,
Commodore Road, Polaris Drive and Tradewinds Lane. The plan also includes the
installation of speed cushions at seventeen (17) locations throughout the community,
where the criteria from City Council Policy L-26 were met.
• 8 sets of speed cushions on Santiago Drive
• 3 sets of speed cushions on Highland Drive
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Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study
January 12, 2021
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• 2 sets of speed cushions on Polaris Drive
• 2 sets of speed cushions on Commodore Road
• 1 set of speed cushions on Mariners Drive
• 1 set of speed cushions on Dover Drive
Warning signs and advance roadway markings would be incorporated as part of the
speed cushion installation.
The Final Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study was
completed on October 23, 2019. Per the process covered in City Council Policy L-26, the
final study, including the draft improvement plan, was submitted by staff to the residents
in October 2019, together with an approved petition for signatures. A neighborhood
representative is then responsible for the circulation of the petition and draft plan. The
city staff worked with the neighborhood representative to provide a list of the affected
residences where the signatures should attempt to be obtained.
When City Council Policy L-26 was approved in 2006, the City Council determined that
the step-by-step process is the backbone of the program. The decision was made that
the process cannot include staff only. The petition process is a very important part of the
overall program. The City Council determined that responsibility should be placed on the
residents to discuss the issues with their neighbors, and garner support for a proposed
project. The process states that seventy (70) percent of the total number of affected
residences must support the project.
The neighborhood representative submitted the signed petitions on October 21, 2020. A
summary of the petition results was provided to staff. The results are summarized by
street with the following results:
• Santiago = 61 % support
• Commodore = 61 % support
• Tradewinds = 52 % support
• Dover = 60 % support
• Highland = 71 % support
• Mariners = 42 % support
• Polaris = 15 % support.
If Polaris Drive was removed from the project, which is staff's recommendation for lack of
resident support, then the overall support in the community is 60 percent.
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Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study
January 12, 2021
Page 5
There was limited communication and perceived interest from the neighborhood
representatives to staff between January and July of 2020, and staff did not receive the
signed community petition until October 2020. When the City budget was reviewed and
adjusted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, the decision was made to
remove the project funding from the Capital Improvement Program budget. Should the
City Council wish to proceed with the proposed project, necessary funding will need to be
appropriated back into the budget at the time of construction contract award.
The project has been designed such that installation of the improvements will not result
in excessive diversion of traffic to parallel and/or adjacent neighborhood streets. Thus,
should Council decide to go forward with this traffic calming project, inclusion of all
identified improvements is recommended and will be key to the success of the project.
However, given its unique location in the most southeastern corner of the community, and
the lack of resident support among Polaris Drive residents, staff recommends that Polaris
Drive be removed from the project.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not
result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment)
and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no
potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Dover Shores Speeding Petition and Results
Attachment B — City Council Policy L-26
Attachment C — Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study
Attachment D — Correspondence
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City of Newport Beach ATTACHMENT B
Study Session and Regular Meeting
January 12, 2021
City Attorney Harp clarified that the clean version of the ordinance provided in the packet is
the correct version.
SS3. Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study
Traffic Engineer Brine utilized a presentation to discuss the process outlined in City Council
Policy L-26, the study area, details of community outreach and the study, treatments for seven
key streets, a summary of traffic study findings, a map of the proposed project, the proposed
traffic calming project, a typical plan, various types of speed cushions, and an example of
edgeline striping.
Council Member O'Neill expressed a concern about paying for rubber speed cushions with the
potential of having to remove them at a later date. In response to his questions, Traffic Engineer
Brine advised that staff did not.look at striping chokers, short segments of edgeline striping are
not effective, the rubber speed cushion does not address police vehicles, and added that vehicles
parked around cushions may cause bicyclists to travel further into the roadway.
Traffic Engineer Brine continued the presentation by discussing staff working with residents to
ensure the locations of speed cushions do not cause disturbances, the widths of Santiago and
Dover Drives, the neighborhood petition process, and percentages of resident support.
In response to Council Member Dixon's question, Traffic Engineer Brine indicated resident
interest in the project increased after the fatal accident that occurred in July 2020.
Traffic Engineer Brine concluded the presentation highlighting cost estimates, striping on
Polaris Drive, proposed recommendations to Item 14, and consideration of a comprehensive
project to prevent traffic from shifting to a different street in the neighborhood.
Mayor Pro Tem Muldoon believed Council has enough knowledge of the neighborhood to know
where the hot spots are and where there is no support, and recommended taking Polaris Drive
off the table to have 15 cushions instead of 17 in the area. Traffic Engineer Brine explained that
striping will decrease traffic speeds, but not as much as traffic cushions, and with the higher
speeds found in this neighborhood, cushions will be more effective than striping alone. He added
that chokers are another option for speed reduction, but they are not as effective as cushions
and reduce the availability of on -street parking. Mayor Pro Tem Muldoon indicated that he
preferred chokers and believed center medians reduce speeds less than cushions.
Council Member Duffield advised that this neighborhood is located in his district and this idea
surfaced long before the accident, noted his support and respect for staffs work, stated his
surprise that not more people supported this effort, and hoped Council moves forward with the
traffic calming measures.
An unidentified speaker related his submittal of a letter, highlighted the increase in traffic
speeds, volumes, and distracted driving, and noted that only 12% of drivers along Highland
Drive comply with the speed limit, which is not acceptable.
Derek Landry noted door-to-door contact to obtain signatures on the petition was impossible
during the pandemic, so residents created an e-petition, and stated that, although this effort
may not change unsafe behavior, it may garner more support for options other than speed
cushions.
Jim Mosher inquired about the effects of traffic calming on the .Police Department's and Fire
Department's response times. the Police Department's support for speed cushions. and a
comparison of speeds in other similar neighborhoods. He expressed concern that speed cushions
may be a hazard for bicycles, especially at night, believed that striping is needed and speed
cushions are more controversial, and noted alternate routes for drivers to avoid speed cushions.
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session and Regular Meeting
January 12, 2021
Amv Von Der Ahe thanked Council for considering traffic calming for the neighborhood and
urged Council to install cushions and other measures.
Jim Hartung supported the general objective of calming traffic speeds, but not the use of painted
lines since drivers might not be able to see around corners, and noted that neighbors have
expressed concerns about noise and the impact of speed cushions on the value of their homes.
Elyse Avila Smith noted an elementary school is located at the end of Mariners Drive, believed
a speed cushion is needed on that street, and asked Council to approve the measures.
Paul Dambroso believed the cost does not relate to the loss of life, invited Council to Highland
Drive on a weekend to observe speeding and its impact on the neighborhood, and stated the
same old things will have the same results.
Glenda Lewis opposed using speed cushions, indicated the Police Department does not patrol
the neighborhood anymore, preferred trying the edgeline striping, and believed young children
riding electric bikes are a problem.
Chris Bugler related that, in the last five years, traffic has been noticeably aggressive and faster
and believed that something needs to be done to address this issue.
Dan Collins supported traffic calming efforts and asked if engineers could develop a design
better than speed bumps, maybe a swale or double speed bump.
Council Member Dixon noted this is the second time in six years that Council has listened to a
community/family that has lost a child on City streets, stated that the City is still trying to solve
the issue in Newport Heights, and now there is a second tragedy, indicated that the Police
Department has asked for additional traffic officers, but Council has denied the request, and
believed police need to be visible. She stated that Council Member Brenner talked about forming
a planning and traffic safety committee, but Council put the burden on staff to conduct studies,
and believed the City needs a holistic system for keeping high -traffic areas safer, perhaps a
combination of policing, better signage, and physical changes similar to Bayside Drive. Council
Member Dixon supported what Council needs to do and hoped to look at adding traffic officers
during the budget process.
Mayor Pro Tern Muldoon stated that it has been universally established that striping is good,
stated that drivers may not register the area as a residential neighborhood because of the older
design, preferred medians at the entryways, and supported striping everywhere and placing
speed cushions on streets with 60% or more support.
In response to questions from Council, Traffic Engineer Brine indicated speed cushions reduce
speeds more effectively than chokers or medians because cushions are a physical change for
drivers and because the number of driveways reduces the effectiveness of chokers and medians.
noted that existing asphalt speed bumps and rubber speed cushions are designed to reduce
traffic speed to 25 miles per hour, and added that staff collects speed data before and after traffic
calming measures are installed to determine the true benefit of the measures.
Council Member Brenner recalled requesting the formation of a traffic affairs commission.
advised that she will continue to request this at every opportunity, suggested a phased approach
in order to avoid making traffic on other streets worse, and emphasized that the primary concern
is safety.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Craig Sheets used a presentation to comment regarding missiles pointed at offshore oil wells, guns,
nuclear freight containers. water supplies. illegal drugs. and judicial courts.
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session and Regular Meeting
January 12, 2021
Paige Lynch supported safety for senior citizens and children, objected to speed cushions, and supported
striping or median strips.
Denys Oberman addressed the use of amplified sound without a permit, specifically a skating business
holding events at the Newport Elementary playground on Sunday afternoons, and asked Council to
direct staff to enforce ordinances.
IV. CLOSED SESSION - Council Chambers Conference Room
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54957.6): 1 matter
Agency Designated Representative(s): Will O'Neill, Council Member; and Diane Dixon, Council
Member
Unrepresented Employees: Grace K. Leung, City Manager; Aaron C. Harp, City Attorney; and
Leilani I. Brown, City Clerk
V. RECESSED - 6:36 p.m.
VI. RECONVENED AT 6:59 P.M. FOR REGULAR MEETING
VII. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Brad Avery. Mayor Pro Tern Kevin Muldoon. Council Member Noah Blom. Council
Member Joy Brenner (via Zoom), Council Member Diane Dixon, Council Member Duffv
Duffield, Council Member Will O'Neill
VIII. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Harp announced that no reportable actions were taken.
IX. INVOCATION - Council Member O'Neill
X. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member Duffield
Without objection, Mayor Avery requested that Item 10 be discussed at this ti.nte.
XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Ordinance Nos. 2021-1 and 2021-2: Land Use Entitlement Applications for the Residences
at 4400 Von Karman Project (PA2020-061) (C-7904-2) [381100-20211
Council Member O'Neill recused himself due to his membership at, the Pacific Club located
at. 1110 MacArthur Boulevard.
Mayor Avery reported that the applicant has requested a continuance to the January 26, 2021. City
Council meeting.
Motion by Council Member Dixon seconded by Council Member Duffield, to continue the
item to the January 26. 2021 City Council meeting.
With Council Member O'Neill recusing himself, the motion carried 6-0
XI. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session and Regular Meeting
January 12, 2021
In response to Council Members' questions, Assistant City Manager Jacobs estimated that 20-30
businesses should, but do not, have MAPS under existing code provisions and 20-70 businesses will
be exempt from obtaining iVIAPs. She stated that the 20-70 businesses currently operating and are
exempt from obtaining MAPS will be grandfathered under the proposed Code revisions, confirmed
that staff will use business licenses, lease agreements. and internet searches to determine if existing
businesses are grandfathered and contact those that need to obtain MAPs. and added that if
businesses do not comply with new regulations, a new code provision will remove them from the
grandfathering process. City Attorney Harp added that businesses eligible for grandfathering will
need to have a business license.
Council Member O'Neill utilized a presentation to propose amendments to Section 17.10.120.B and
Section 17.10.070 related to due process and insurance, respectively, and requested the four MAP
categories return to Council as a receive -and -file item.
Mayor Avery related that 6 pack operators are more common than 12 pack operators, 6-pack
operators are required to have a Coast Guard license, many owners operate 6-pack boats as a part-
time job or hobby, and operating a 12-pack business as a hobby is not financially feasible.
Jim Mosher believed the proposed ordinance needs more work, Council is approving the clean
version in the staff report, Section 17.70.020 does not contain any changes, and the entity that can
apply for a MAP is confusing. He inquired if some businesses may need more than one MAP, whether
revocation of a MAP disqualifies the applicant from a future MAP, and stated that the code does not
require anyone to register anywhere.
City Attorney Harp proposed a revision to Section 17.70.020.A-1.
Motion by Council Member O'Neill seconded by Council Member Dixon, to a) determine
this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections
15060(c)(2) and 10060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical
change to the environment, directly or indirectly; b) waive full reading, read by title only, introduce
amended Ordinance No. 2021-3, An Ordinance of the City Council of tVewport Beach., California,
Amending Title 17.10 Marine Activities Permits of Title 17 (Harbor Code) of the Newport Beach
Municipal Code and Other Related Provisions. and pass to second reading on January 26. 2021; and
direct staff to bring back future 1VIAPs to Council as a receive -and -file item.
Mavor Pro Tem Muldoon indicated he cannot support the item because of the grandfather provision.
Council Member Brenner expressed concern regarding the issues Mr. Mosher raised and suggested
staff clarify the issues and return to Council for approval.
In response to Council Member Dixon's question, Council Member O'Neill explained that the future
Study Sessions regarding parking requirements pertain to specific areas of the City that do not
include the Harbor. City Attorney Harp advised that Council may request a future agenda item
regarding parking requirements for Harbor -related businesses.
With Mayor Pro Tern Muldoon voting "no" and Council Member Duffield recusing
himself, the motion carried 5-1.
14. Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study [100-20211
Traffic Engineer Brine provided an overview of the Study Session presentation, including City
Council Policy L-26, the study area. the studv and timeline, traffic Study findings, the proposed
project minus traffic calming measures on Polaris Drive, examples of traffic calming measures, the
petition process and support by street, a cost estimate. and proposed recommendations.
Volume 64 - Page 603 22-13
City of Newport Beach
Study Session and Regular Meeting
January 12, 2021
Mayor Avery reported that Council discussed traffic calming during the Study Session and received
input from many residents.
Anne Ventura noted transient vehicles drive recklessly through the neighborhood with no regard
for children and animals, asked Council to consider speed cushions and testing a smart signal at
Highland Drive and Irvine Avenue, and indicated that people avoid the traffic signal by using
Commodore Road.
Tiffany advised that her family noticed the number of speeding vehicles shortly after moving into
the neighborhood and that speeding is not safe for anyone.
Noelle Perrin perceived that traffic safety measures would never pass, but neighbors will not give
up, and pleaded with Council to make changes.
Murphy McCann believed the streets in Dover Shores are designed for cars to speed, the design
contributes to the problem, believed the people opposing speed cushions are the ones speeding. noted
that sports cars and speed bumps get along just fine in Emerald Bay. and stated that the
homeowners where speed cushions will be installed support the project.
Derek Landry indicated the 70% requirement in the policy for support is a guideline, 60% support
during a pandemic is good, and this situation does not need to continue for another 10 or 20 years.
Lisa Ackley concurred with prior comments, advised that many neighbors support using speed
cushions, and believed there was no reason to delay.
Craig Perreault remarked that he has seen many speeding cars and close calls. Highland Drive is
unique in the neighborhood because of the percentage of drivers traveling at an extreme rate of
speed. there is a need for roadways to be adjusted. and neighbors want this solution because it will
make the neighborhood safer.
Jason Ward supported the project and encouraged Council to amend City Council Policy L-26.
Charles Klobe believed that Mr. Brine's outreach has adhered to Council Policv. believed the position
of a majority of residents should prevail, and suggested that the addition of stop signs may be a low-
cost way to slow traffic.
Jim Castova recalled the opposition to speed bumps on 1611, Street. low percentages of support,
gradual elimination of noise, and eventual support for speed bumps.
Mayor Pro Tem Muldoon supported the overall project, particularly striping. medians at
entranceways, and speed cushions on Santiago Drive. Commodore Road. Dover Drive. and Highland
Drive. but cushions on Tradewinds Lane. Mariners Drive. and Polaris Drive can wait until outcomes
are known. He indicated no preference for either asphalt or rubber speed cushions.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Muldoon seconded by Council Member Duffield, to a) determine
this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections
15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical
change to the environment, directly or indirectly: b) receive and file the ivlariners and Dover Shores
Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study: c) waive the City Council Policy L-26 requirement for seventy
(70) percent community support. and direct staff to implement and install the improvements
outlined in the Mariners and Dover Shores Neighborhood Traffic Calming Study. as amended by
the City Council: and d) direct staff to advertise the project, and appropriate the necessary funds at
the time of contract award.
Council Member O'Neill stated neighbors were clearly frustrated with those who refuse to sign the
petition. Council wishes people would follow the law. Council has to be careful with its language in
order not to offer false hope, the goal. is to avoid rhetoric. the data warrants some action. and he
would waive City Council Policy L-26 and support traffic calming measures. except speed cushions.
Volume 64 - Page 604 22-14
City of Newport Beach
Study Session and Regular Meeting
January 12, 2021
Council Member Blom agreed with waiving City Council Policy L-26, clarified that speed cushions
have permanent and temporary options, approving speed cushions sends a message that Council
cares about residents' concerns, speed cushions should be placed at the entrance at Mariners Drive.
and rubber speed cushions provide more flexibility.
Council Member Dixon supported the motion. In response to her question, Mayor Pro Tem Muldoon
clarified that the motion exempts Tradewinds Lane, Mariners Drive, and Polaris Drive because they
do not meet the threshold for support. Council Member Dixon expressed support for including
Tradewinds Lane. Traffic Engineer Brine noted that speed cushions are not proposed for
Tradewinds Lane, only edgeline striping.
In response to Council Member questions, Traffic Engineer Brine indicated speed cushions on Tustin
Avenue are not showing signs of wear after i years, the rubber cushions can be removed and stored,
placing speed bumps on Santiago Drive but not Highland Drive will cause traffic to shift to Highland
Drive, speed bumps should be placed on parallel streets to prevent a shift in traffic, recommended
the proposed plan because it targets the key streets in the neighborhood and addresses parallel
streets, and stated that staff will conduct before and after studies to determine the impacts of the
traffic calming measures.
Council Member Blom requested an amendment to place a speed cushion at Mariners Drive because
it is the corridor into Dover Shores.
Mayor Pro Tem Muldoon and Council Member Duffield accepted the amendment to add
Mariners Drive.
Council Member Duffield advised that his community has huge speed bumps but no complaints from
residents due to them being a safety measure.
In response to Council Member Dixon's question. Mayor Pro Tem Muldoon indicated the only change
to the study is the omission of speed cushions from Polaris Drive.
Council Member O'Neill questioned the need for City Council Policy L-26, Stated that Council is
trying to reduce speeding and driving under the influence, but believed Council is not following its
own policy. and disagreed with the present process.
Council Member Dixon believed COVID-19 has been a constraint to obtaining 70% support, the
policy is clear and has been followed, the key deciding factor is the speed study. City Council Policy
L-26 has never been modified, and Council may need to look at it. She proposed an amendment to
look at this policy.
Council Member O'Neill inquired regarding the standards for removal of speed cushions, clarified
that City Council Policy L-26 has been modified a few times, but the support percentage has not
been modified. and believed that none of the recommended traffic calming measures could have
prevented one of the fatalities or stop someone from drinking and driving.
Traffic Engineer Brine explained the reasons for developing City Council Policy L-26 in 2006 and
stated that, if Council wishes, Staff can review provisions within City Council Policy L-26.
With Council Member O'Neill voting "no," the motion carried 6-1.
15. Resolution No. 2021-5: City Council Policy G-Series (City Trees) Revisions [100-20211
Deputy Public Works Director Martin reported that. in 2019. the Parks, Beaches and Recreation
(PB&R) Commission formed an ad hoc committee to address specific issues in City Council
Polu:v G.
Volume 64 - Page 605 22-15
i
i
MARINERS
ATTACHMENT C
AND DOVER SHORES
TRAFFIC
City of Newport
=Study Area \
NEIGHBORHOOD
CALMING STUDY
Beach, California
engineering
group, inC. 22-16
engineering
group, inc.
MARINERS AND DOVER SHORES NEIGHBORHOOD
TRAFFIC CALMING STUDY
City of Newport Beach, California
Prepared for:
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Prepared by:
RK ENGINEERING GROUP, INC.
4000 Westerly Place, Suite 280
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Rogier Goedecke
Robert Kahn, P.E.
Elias Bandek, E.I.T.
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October 23, 2019
RG: sllrk 15509.doc
IN.0559-2018-01 0 22-17
1.0 Executive Summa
1.1 Summary of Findings
In response to concerns raised by residents in the Newport Beach communities of
Mariners and Dover Shores, RK Engineering Group, Inc. (RK) was retained by the City
of Newport Beach to perform an analysis of existing traffic conditions to determine
whether the concerns potentially support the implementation of conceptual traffic
calming improvements. All data collection, analysis and proposed conceptual
improvements were guided by City Council Policy L-26, which includes a definitive
set of parameters (approved by the City Council) for evaluating neighborhood traffic
and the feasibility of measures to address traffic calming.
"Traffic Calming" is an area of neighborhood traffic engineering that is focused
primarily on operational aspects and secondarily on design. That is, driver awareness
and behavior are of prime importance, with the goal being to reduce speeds and
decrease the potential of all types of traffic collisions within a given residence
district.
Representatives of the City of Newport Beach and RK organized a total of three (3)
"Town Hall" style meetings with residents of Mariners and Dover Shores
neighborhoods in order to collect resident feedback, share traffic data results, and
ultimately present conceptual traffic calming improvements.
Data collection performed by RK and its consultants was gathered to ascertain
resident feedback, average daily traffic (ADT), cut -through traffic, vehicle speeds,
and the nature and extent of traffic collisions. It was observed that the
neighborhood concerns about vehicular speeds were reasonable in justifying a
consideration of physical improvements aimed at reducing vehicle speeds in several
segments of the two neighborhoods.
1.2 Conceptual Improvements
After detailed analysis and a series of discussions with City of Newport Beach Traffic
Engineering staff, a list encompassing three types of conceptual improvements was
agreed upon: (1) speed cushions, (2) white edge line striping, and (3) white "bulb -
out" striping at intersections.
Speed cushions were suggested for seventeen (17) approximate locations along
street segments where vehicle speeds were observed to be above average and
where the criteria of Council Policy L-26 were met.
White edge line striping was recommended on seven (7) streets.
22-18
"Bulb -out" configurations were suggested at the Highland Drive intersections with
Estelle Lane, Marian Lane, Nottingham Road, Cambridge Lane, and Oxford Lane.
In accordance with Council Policy L-26, implementation of any conceptual
improvement must take into consideration input and approval from affected
residents.
2.0 Mariners and Dover Shores Neiqhborhoods
The Mariners and Dover Shores residential neighborhoods consist of approximately
490 acres and approximately 3,932 residents. The project is bound by Irvine Avenue
and Dover Drive to the west, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological
Reserve (Back Bay) to the north and east, and Blue Gum Lane, Grove Lane and
Polaris Drive to the south. The residential area also includes parks, public beaches,
and the Newport Aquatic Center.
The Study Area is identified in Exhibit A.
3.0 Purpose of Report and Study Objectives
The objective of this study is to quantify and address the nature of concerns
expressed by residents of Mariners and Dover Shores communities to City of
Newport Beach Traffic Engineering staff. In general, these concerns relate to "quality
of life" issues that are closely tied to traffic speeds and safety issues. RK has been
retained by the City of Newport Beach to perform comprehensive traffic collection
over a study area encompassing the entire communities of Mariners and Dover
Shores.
For both the study of ambient traffic conditions and the potential application of
traffic calming features in order to address concerns, RK adhered to guidelines set
forth in a City of Newport Beach Document identified as Council Policy L-26 (2018,
08114). This document, reviewed by City Council, is comprehensive in setting
parameters for the purposes of assessing where local streets should be considered
for treatment, and also the types of treatment which can be applied to specific
streets. Throughout this study, reference to a "residential" or "local" street adheres
to the definition of a "residence district" street, as set forth in the California Vehicle
Code (§515). It should be noted that the City of Newport Beach has augmented by
including parameters of speed limit posting 25 mph or 30 mph and maximum curb -
to -curb width of 44 feet.
RK acknowledges the amount of analysis and policy discussion that took place
between engineering staff and elected officials to have Council Policy L-26
approved, and is supportive of the parameters therein.
2
22-19
Roadway Widths
Dover Drive
32'
Polaris Drive
49
Santiago Drive
40'
Highland Drive
40'
Mariners Drive
40'
Tradewinds Lane
40'
Commodore Road
40'
Roadway Cross -Sections
• = Caltrans DcuA 2
• = Cal, 0e 1270
Newport Beach\
Fire Dept.
Mariners
Libra
Mariners
,f Park
cr
Mariners
Elementary
School
Ken`
ATTACHMENT D
Area -Wide Preliminary Conceptual Improvements
Based on Council Policy L-26
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( IN FEET)
0559-2019-01
MARINERS AND DOVER SHORES NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING
STUDY. Gry of Newport Beach. CA
22-20
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22-21