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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMins-PWC-11-18-21MINUTES CITY OF DOWNEY - PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE Regular Meeting November 18, 2021 MEMBERS PRESENT CITY STAFF PRESENT Timothy J. Horn, Dist. 1 Delfino R. Consunji, Director of PW/City Engineer Beth Gendreau, Dist. 2 Edwin J. Norris, Deputy Director of PW Kevin Ezeh, Dist. 3 Sgt. Mark Haxton, PD Carlos Aranibar, Dist. 3 Gigi Rodriguez, Engineering Div. Secretary, PW Adam Christin, Dist. 4 Dan Fox, Dist. 4 Dorothy Pemberton, Dist. 5 MEMBERS ABSENT Denny Chavez, Dist. 1 – absent Anthony Jones, Dist. 2 – excused Efferem Sanchez, Dist. 5 - excused I. CALL TO ORDER Public Works Committee Chair Gendreau called the meeting to order at 4:10 P.M. II. FLAG SALUTE – Committee Member Aranibar III. CONSENT CALENDAR Committee Member Pemberton made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 18, 2021 meeting. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Horn. The Minutes were approved as written. IV. OLD BUSINESS 1. Chairperson Gendreau updated the committee regarding changes that were made to the Public Works Committee By-laws. CM Christian also added for the information of the committee, that the sub-committee is still waiting for other committees’ by-laws for comparison. 2. CM Pemberton inquired what is the difference between a “commission” and a “committee”. Mr. Norris responded, a commission is instituted by statute whereas a committee has more of an advisory function. V. NEW BUSINESS 1. Presentation on Roundabouts Mr. Norris gave a presentation on Roundabouts. The presentation emphasized on what a roundabout entails, the advantages and disadvantages, when should a roundabout be used, initial deployment and estimated cost. Mr. Norris went on to advise the committee that the City is proposing a “pilot” roundabout project at the intersection of Brookshire Ave. at Cherokee Dr. Discussion followed. MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE November 18, 2021 Page 2 Questions: 1. CM Fox - How will northbound traffic on Brookshire Ave. be accommodated? Mr. Norris replied that there won’t be any change in the number of lanes on Brookshire Ave. 2. CM Pemberton - Would the roundabout require taking parts on any of the properties on the northern part of Brookshire Ave.? Mr. Norris responded that the intent is not to take any property at all, although there is a constraint on the northeast corner as per the consultant reviewing the design. One of the consultants which proposed on the roundabout design mentioned the roundabout would have to be shifted to the west to make it fit properly within the intersection. 3. CM Horn – What about pedestrian traffic? Mr. Norris answered that the pedestrian traffic will still be permitted through the intersection. Motorists would have to yield to the pedestrians within the crosswalks at the intersection, just as they do now. 4. CM Horn - Are the residents able park in front of their homes? How far will the curb need to be painted red if there will be parking allowed on the street? Mr. Norris responded that there should be minimal parking loss if any; however, the position of the crosswalk and the curb ramps may have a slight impact on street parking close to Cherokee Dr. 5. CM Christin – commented that he favors roundabouts, but does not think this location (Brookshire Ave. at Cherokee Dr.) is the best location in Downey. It has great potential but may not be the best place to start. Mr. Norris replied that as part of the roll out of this project, before a permanent roundabout is constructed, a temporary set up, or trial, will be implemented at the intersection to gauge the public reaction to see if it works and will be worth pursuing. 6. CM Aranibar – how are bike lanes affected by roundabouts? Mr. Norris replied that bike lanes would need to be terminated in advance of the roundabout and cyclists would have to yield the right of way and circulate through the roundabout just like a vehicle would. 7. CM Ezeh – is there going to be a public forum before implementation of the roundabout? Mr. Norris responded that there is not going to be a forum or public meeting, just the trial, to give the public a chance to view the operations and opportunity to express their support or opposition to the proposal. 8. CM Christin – commented that if the Brookshire Ave. at Cherokee Dr. intersection is converted to a roundabout, there will be a loss of on-street parking. If the crosswalks need to be relocated farther back from the intersection from where they are located currently, on-street parking will need to be removed from in front of some of the adjacent residential properties. Will the adjacent residents be notified? Mr. Norris replied that when we get to that point with the design and know which homes will be affected by the on-street parking loss, then the City will definitely discuss the matter with them at that time. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON REGULAR MEETING AGENDA AND NON AGENDA ITEMS None. MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE November 18, 2021 Page 3 VII. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS 1. CM Pemberton – made a comment that a resident on 9347 Parrot reported that the street is not being swept. Staff will investigate. 2. CM Fox – comment and appreciation to the Public Works staff for a job well done on the neighborhood of south of the 105 Fwy and west of Ardis Ave. 3. CM Christin – expressed gratitude for the quick response on the leaking water main at the northwest corner of Downey Sanford Bridge Ave. and Florence Ave. – Mr. Consunji responded that the Utilities Manager is well aware of the problem and will pass along the compliment. VIII. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS Updates were given on the following projects: 1. $1trlllion Infrastructure Bill signed by President Biden. 2. Third Street (between Rives and Paramount) Pavement Rehabilitation Project – is currently under construction 3. Solar Project – will start in a couple weeks. 4. CIP 22-03 – FY 21-22 Alley Improvements – scheduled to go to City Council for authority to bid on 12/14/21. 5. Introduction of an ordinance approving a development agreement with Sci-Fi network – scheduled to go to City Council for approval on 12/14/21. 6. Professional Service Agreement to design the Citywide Bus Signal Priority Project – scheduled to go to the City Council for approval on 12/14/21 7. Residential Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project, Areas 2, 8 and 4 for authority to bid as well as award construction contract in areas 1 & 10 – scheduled to go to the City Council at the first meeting in January. 8. CIP 22-19 – Street Improvements on Stoakes, Meldar, Manzanar and Vista del Rosa – scheduled to go to the City Council to award construction contract on 1214/21. IX. NEXT MEETING: December 16, 2021 The Public Works Committee meeting was adjourned at 5:27 P.M.