Installation of Traffic Calming Devices for Chestnut Ave Neighborhoodwx
s COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: AUGUST 21, 2014
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER
MEETING DATE: 09/02/14
ITEM NO: 5
SUBJECT: ACCEPT THE REPORT ON THE PERMANENT INSTALLATION OF
TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES FOR THE CHESTNUT AVENUE
NEIGHBORHOOD
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the report on the permanent installation of traffic calming devices for the Chestnut
Avenue neighborhood.
BACKGROUND:
Residents of the Chestnut Avenue neighborhood submitted a petition for consideration of a
traffic calming project to the Town in September 2012. Staff reviewed the petition and collected
speed and traffic count data to determine if the street qualified for a project, in accordance with
the Town's Traffic Calming Policy. In January 2013, Parks and Public Works staff hosted a
neighborhood meeting along with staff from the Police Department to present the data findings
and engage residents in a discussion about possible traffic calming options. Reducing vehicle
speeds on Chestnut Avenue was deemed the highest priority of the residents in attendance.
The neighborhood voted on and approved a proposed solution that included the installation of
stop signs, temporary speed signage, and a speed hump. On May 6, 2013 the Town Council
approved the temporary measures.
Staff gathered traffic data to assess the effectiveness of these temporary traffic calming devices
approximately six months after installation. The posted speed limit in this neighborhood is 25
mph. The traffic data collected demonstrated a reduction in vehicle speeds as a result of the
installation of temporary traffic calming devices, bringing vehicle speeds in this neighborhood to
acceptable levels.
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY dP W
Director of Parks and Publi ors v
Reviewed by: j..QAssistant Town Manager own Attorney Finance
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: ACCEPT REPORT ON THE PERMANENT INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC
CALMING DEVICES FOR THE CHESTNUT AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD
AUGUST 21, 2014
DISCUSSION:
In June 2014, in further alignment with the Town's Traffic Calming Policy, Town staff mailed
ballots to the residents of the Chestnut Avenue neighborhood to solicit a vote on changing the
project status from temporary to permanent. A total of 15 ballots were mailed and 11 residents
responded. The Traffic Calming Policy requires 67% approval rating from the votes returned in
order to forward the proposal to the Town Council for review.
The vote breakdown for permanent installation for these devices was as follows:
Approve of permanent installation 91%
Not in favor of permanent installation 9%
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the Town Council accept the report on the permanent installation of traffic
calming devices for the Chestnut Avenue neighborhood.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is a project as defined under CEQA but is Categorically Exempt (Section 15301c). A
Notice of Exemption will not be filed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The improvements have been installed and there is no additional cost for this project.