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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-07-28 08-252 ORDERCOUNCIL ACTION nem No, 08 252 Date: 7-28-08 Item/Subject. Order, Adopting Traffic Calming Policy Responsible Department: Executive At the last Council planning session In January, the Council Indicated an interest in developing a policy that would guide the consideration and Implementation of taffic calming techniques in residential areas. An Initial daft of such a policy is attached. In general, it Is aimed at impmAng the quality of life In our residential neighborhoods where It is Impacted by high levels of traffic that Is not generated by those who live in the neighborhood. It sets out the bask criteria that must be met for a street to be considered for calming including standards establishing a streets residential character, minimum densities, street type, traffic volume and speed, and accdent history. It also allows for consideration a situations where sidewalks are not available or where school children may be present, such as on school walking routes. Pmcedually, the policy sets out a number of steps that are Intend to insure that the neighborhood is supportive of a potential traffic miming Installation, that the area meets the required criteria, and that the neighborhood has an opportunity to participate in the selection of the type of installation to be employed. In addition, any recommendation finally arrived at must be presented to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for Its approval and to the full Council should funding for the project be required. The policy, does not commit the Qty to undertake any pmlec[ unless funding is already available or funding is provided by the Council. Department Head The Transportation and Infrastructure has had a preliminary discussion of the; pmposed policy and asked that It be placed on the agenda for first reading and referral back I: the ComrlN/ AdW 3-1 Yo„Lu.=«..,,f r�{� . C yD.1.-f1uJ.t,.aAle Adl,,Clty Manager A.x Associated Informmatat n v con ion: VaL=4 Finance Director Legal APpronmi: Solicitor Passage First Reading Page _ of 1t Referral to Transportation and Irdrastructure 8-5-08 @ 5 p.m. oe-]s3 aaslgredroCorrector (AS Amended) g CITY OF BANGOR (TITLE.) Order, Adolm g Traffic Calming Policy By the Qty CWMI of Che City ofBangor. ORDERED,THAT The attached R sed Traffic Diming Policy as recommended by the Transport mon and Inhastrocmre Committee is hereby adopted. 08 252 � _±^ Asgnar ocoundlor BLuchette July 28, 2808 CITY OF BANGOR (TITLE.) Order, adopting Traffic Calming Policy By the City Counnl of the CRY ofeangon ORDERED, THAT The attached Traffic Calming Policy is hereby adopted. ID CITF'. CDDflCL. July 28. 2008 First ge"Lag 'A p 08-252 ,.�llbcy ryi ,�{yi{}d 1,�_I_A o a D e x D�0'PY CISY CLQ[ Is CITY COUNCIL f33'1'L&l ea,,..ri..e 4nsfi e. C•b•i nv colica August 25, 2008 Motion Moae and Seconded for Passage Motion Nese and Seconded to Jamal by Substitution Aucuduent Motion Doubted Vate:6-2 Cauncilar voting Yes: Farrington Gratvick, Naves, Palmer, Stone AOigstdb Cwsege��IXWMWML and Wheeler Councllor voting No: Blanchette and D?a dsendelent Passed Doubted Vote: '6-2 Councilor voting Yes: Farrington Gratmick, beget. Palmer, Stone and _ Iteeaer Councilor Voting No: Blanchette evd D'Srrice end a as amended CITY CLFRK 08 252 TRAFFIC CALMING f101.9i19:e.9a The purpose of this policy is to 1.1 set forth standards to be used in determining when a primarily residenfial street is ehmerienang disproportionate Impacts due to traffic volume or speed; 1.2 outline a procedure to be followed in evaluating the problem and developing recommendations to address it; 1.3 insuring that residents of the street are afforded an opportunity to participate in discussing the problem and as potential solutions; and 1.4 outlining the procedures to be followed in funding and Implementing recommerMations. 2.0 . POLICY It is the policy of the City of Bangor to: 2.1 maintain and improve the quality of fife enjoyed in our residential neighborhoods by mitigating the Impact of vehicular traffic on those neighboMoods 2.2 promote safe conditions far pedestrians and tlwse using non -motorized modes of transportation 2.3 Reduce accidents 2.4 Encourage citizen involvement and efforts in neighborhood traffic management acgvities 3.0 TRAFFIC CALMING CRITERIA —TRAFFIC MDY 3.1 In order for a street or street segment to be considered for traffic calming, the following minimum conditions must be met: 3.1.1 The speed limit is 25 miles per hour 3.1.2 The street may not be a designated state or federal highway 3.1.3 No more than two lanes 3.1.4 Residential land uses account for at least 75% of total street frontage 3.1.5 A minimum of 12 dwellings per 1,WB feet of frontage, counting each aide 3.1.6 Residents of the street have requested that action be taken in accordance with the initiation procedure outlined below. 3.2 If these candiGas are met, a preliminary traffic study will be performed. 3.3 If, as a result of the preliminary traffic study, it is found that the street or street segment meets the following three conditions, the street or street segment will qualify for traffic calming measures. 08 252 3.3.1 The 85' percentile speed is at least 7 and preferably 10 miles per hour above the posted limit 3.3.2 Average Annual Daily Traffic (MDT) exceeds 1,000 with at least 30% cut -through traffic. The percentage of cut -through traffic may be calculated as follows: MDT— (number of dwelling units times American Society of Traffic Engineers estimated average dally trips generated by type of dwelling) divided by MDT. Example: A residential street has an MDT of 1,500. There are 100 single family residences on the street. Average daily trip generation for a single family residence is 9.5. 1,500 — (IOO)(9.5)/1,500=36.7%. ARernaWely, a more detailed traffic study may be performed which hacks vehicles entering and leaving the sheet to determine whether traffic is locally generated or cut through. 3.3.3 There have been a minimum of three traffic accidents on the street or sheet segment within the last twelve months. 3.4 If the street or street segment meets only lova of the three conditions outlined above, it may still qualify'd it meets any of the following conditions: 3.4.1 Sidewalks are not available for the full length of the sheet on at least one side 3.4.2 A portion of the street is posted at 20 miles per hour due to the presence of an elementary or middle school. 3.4.2 A designated school walking route street crossing is present. Designated crossings are those with an assigned crossing guard supplied by the City 4.0 INMTION PROCEDURE In order to be considered for a traffic review that might resuh in traffic calming installations, such a review must he requested W residents of the street in question. The following procedure shall be followed: 4.1 When an initial roMact is made, the Individual shall be directed to the Engineering Division. 4.2 The Engineering Division shall determine the basis for the request, i.e., whether the concem Is with traffic speed, traffic volume, or both. 4.3 A petition form requesting action shall be made available to the individual who contacted the City. This form shall specify the nature of the problem of concem and shall provide basic information on alter ti fors of baffic calming. 4.4 If 50% of pie households living on the affected street or sheet segment sign the petition, Engineering shall forward a request to the appropriate Cpuncll Committee that a traffic study be initiated to determine whether the area qualipes for traffic calming under this policy. 08 252 4.5 The appropriate Council Committee shall then determine whether the requested! traffic study will be performed. 5.0 TRAFFIC STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS The purpose of the traffic study is to verify wheCrer and the extent to which traffic in the study area meets the criteria set forth above to qualify for traffic calming and, if so, to develop recommendations on the traffic calming technique(s) best suited to address the problem. 5.1 Once completed, Engineering shall imri[e residents and property owners on the sheet or streets that have been studied to a public meeting to review the results of the study and the proposed remedles, If any, and to solicit the views of Mose in attendance. 5.2 If the study Indicates that die study area does not meet the requirements of Section 3.3 or 3.4 above, the residents shall be so informetl and, unless addltlonal data In support of the request is received, the results of the study and the recommendation that traffic calming efforts not be undertaken shall be reported to the appropriate Committee of the City Coundl which may accept the recommendations or outline additional steps or actions to be taken, including directing that traffic calming measures be installed subject to the procedures outlined in Section 5.3 below. 5.3 If the study Indicates that traffic calming techniques are justified, Engineering shall schedule and hold a public meeting M which the residents and property owners in Me study area are invited. 5.3.1 Engineering shall review the results of the study and outline the traffic calming techniques cwt are recommended. 5.3.2 Those in attendance shall be afforded an opportunity to comment on the results of the study and Me proposed recommendations. 5.3.3 Subsequent to such a mewing, Engineering may modify the proposed calming techniques in light of information prowdetl a the meeting. 5.3.4 Once finalized, a questionnaire shall be provided to the residents/property owners explaining what has been proposed and offering them the option of expressing Meir opinions. 5.3.5 The results of tlhe study, proposed remedies, and responses to the questionnaire shall Mem be presented to the appropriate Council Committee for Its review and recommendation. 6.0 FUNDING AND IMPIEMENTATION. 6.1 If Implementation actions are recommended by the Committee and such actions involve expenditures which can be absorbed by the City's Men current operating budget, dor Committee may direct that such changes be made. 08 252 6.2 If the Committee recommen& that the project or projects be Implemented immediately and has identified a funding mechanism, the Committee's recommendation shall be forwarded to the Poll Council for Its consideration and for funding. 6.3 If the Committee recommends that the project or projects be considered for funding during the next annual budget process, staff shall Include a request for funding In the above current and capital budget during the next annual budget process, 7.0 MISCELLANEOUS 7.1 If, In the opinion of Engineering, traffic calming measures to be recommended for one street may have the effect of treating a disproportionate traffic impact on one or more other streets, the residents of such streets shall also be invited to the public meeting called for In section 5.1 above. 7.2 Projects shall be implemented only upon approval of the appropriate Council Committee In instances where the necessary funds are available within the approved operating budget or upon a capital appropdation approved by the City Council. 7.3 In the event that the appropriate Council Committee determined Nat tragic calming techniques should not be implemented on a particular street, interested residents may request that the full Council review the situation. Such requests should be directed in writing to the Chair of time City Council with a copy to the City Manager. The Council Chair shall provide the written appeal to all members of the City Council. If, within five working days, a minimum of three Councilors recommend Mat the full Council consider the appeal, the Council Chair shall schedule a workshop for that purpose. 7.4 Wherever possible, Engineering shall propose the least costly and least Intrusive measures to address traffic impacts. 7.5 Nothing in this policy shall be Interpreted as limiting the authority of the City Council W independently direct staff W design and implement specific traffic miming measures on its own authority and nomads of the procedures set form in this policy. 8.0 RESPONSIBILITY FOR REVIEW The Director of Transportation and Infrastructure shall be responsible for periodically reviewing and updating cols policy. (Revised) TRAFFIC CALMING 1.0 PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to 1.1 set forth standards to be used in determining when a primarily residential street anclor nelahlbortrocic! is experiencing disproportionate impacts due m traffic volume or speed; 1.2 outline a procedure to be followed In evaluating the problem and developing recommendations to address it; 1.3 insuring that residents of the street and/or nelohborhootl areafforded an opportunity to participate in discussing the problem and its potential solutions; and 1.4 outlining the procedures to be followed in funding and implementing recommendations. 2.0 POLICY It Is the policy of the CRY of Bangor to: 2.1 maintain and improve the quality of life enjoyed In our residential neighborhoods by mitigating the Impact of vehicular traffic on those neighborhoods 2.2 promote safe conditions for pedestrians and those using non - motorized modes of transportation 2.3 Reduce accidents 2.4 Encourage citizen Involvement and efforts in neighborhood traffic management activities 3.0 TRAFFIC CALMING CRITERIA—TRAFFIC STUDY 3.1 In order for a street, ar street segment. to be considered for traffic calming, the following minimum conditions must be met: 3.1.1 The speed limit is 25 miles per hour 3.1.2 The street may not be a designated state or federal highway 3.1.3 No nrore than two lanes 3.1,4 Residential land uses account for at least 75% of total street frontage 3.1.5 A minimum of 12 dwellings per 1,000 feet of frontage, counting each side 3.1.6 Residents or the street have requested that action be taken in accordance with the initiation procedure outlined below. 3.2 if these conditions are met, a preliminary traffic study will be performed by Otv Staff. 3.3 If, as a result of the preliminary traffic study, It is found that the street or street segment meets the following three conditions, the street or street segment will qualify for traffic calming measures. 3.3.1 The W percentile speed is at least 7 and preferably 10 miles per hour above the posted limit 3.3.2 Average Annual Dalry Traffic (MDT) exceeds 1,000 with at least 30% cut -through traffic. The percentage of mt- through traffic may be calculated as follows: AAD1'— (number of dwelling units times American Society of Traffic Engineers estimated average dally trips generated by type of dwelling) divided by AADT. Example: A residential street has an AADT of 1,500. There are 100 single family residences on the street Average dally trip generation for a single family residence is 9.5. 1,500 — (100X9.5)/1,500 = 36.7%. Altemativeh/, a more detailed traffic study may be performed which tracks vehicles entering and leaving the street to determine whether traffic is locally generated or cut through. 3.3.3 There have been a minimum of three traffic accidents on the street or street segment within the last twelve months. 3.4 if the street or street segment meets only two of the three conditions outlined above, it nay still qualify if It meets any of the following conditions: 3.4.1 Sidewalks are not available for the full length of the street on at least one side 3.4.2 A portion of the street is posted at 20 miles per hour due to the presence of an elementary or middle school. 3.4.2 A designated school walking route street crossing is present. Designated crossings are those with an assigned crossing guard supplied by the City 4.0 INITIATION PROCEDURE In order W be considered for a traffic: review that might result in traffic miming installations, such a review must be requested by residents of the street and/or neighborhood In question. The following procedure shall be followed: 4.1 When an initial contact is made, the individual shall be directad to the Engineering Division. 4.2 The Engineering Division shall determine the basis for the request, i.e., whether the concern is with tragic speed, traffic volume, or both. 4.3 A petition form requesting action shall be made available to the Individual who contacted the City. This form shall specify the nature of the problem of concern and shall provide basic information on alternative form of tragic calming. 4.4 If 50% of the households living on the affected street or street segment sign the petition, Engineering shall forward a request W the appropriate Council Committee that a traffic study be Initiated to determine whether the area qualities for traffic calming under this policy. 4.5 The appropriate Council Committee shall than determine whether the requested traffic study will be performed. - 5.0 TRAFFIC STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS The purpose of the traffic study is to verify whether and the ¢Ment to which traffic in the study area meets the criteria set forth above to qualify for traffic calming and, if so, to develop recommendations on the tragic miming techniques) best suited tu address the problem. 5.1 Once completed, Engineering shall Invite residents and property owners on the street, er streets, and/or nelahhorhootl that have been studied to a public meeting to review the results of the study anti the proposed remedies, if any, and to solicit the views of those in attendance. 5.2 If the study Indicates that traffic miming techniques are Justified, Engineering shall schedule and hold a public meeting to which the residents and property owners In the study area are Invited. 5.2.1 Engineering shall review the results of the study and outline the traffic miming techniques that are recommended. 5.2.2 Those in attendance shall be afforded an opportunity to comment on the results of the study and the proposed. recommendations. 5.2.3 Subsequent W such a meeting, Engineering may modify the proposed calming techniques In light of information provided at the meeting. 5.2.4 Once finalized, a questionnaire shall be provided to the residents/property owners explaining what has been proposed and offering them the option of expressing; their opinions. 5.2.5 The results of the study, proposed remedies, and responses m the questionnaire shall then be presented to the appropriate Coundl Committee for its review and recommendetion. 5.2.6 Whenever Ile the and least lintrus ve measures to address trffici 5.3 If the study Indimtes that the study area does not meet the requirements of Section 3.3 or 3.4 above, the residents shall be so informed and, remyed, the results of the study and the recommendation that traffic miming efforts not be undertaken shall be reparted to the appropriate Committee of the City Council. sr eWine additienal steps or asters W be taken, including chrectin 6.0 FUNDING AND IMPLEMI MATION 6.1 If implementation actions are recommended by the Committee and such actions involve expebeitures which can be absorbed by the City's then current operating budget, the Committee may direct that such changes be made. 6.2 If the Committee recommends that the project or projects be implemented immediately and has identified a funding mechanism, the Committee's recommendation shall be forwarced to the full Council for 16 mnsideratton and for funding. 6.3 If the Committee recommends that the project or projects be considered for funding during the next annual budget process, staff shall include a request for funding in the above current arta capital budget during the mA annual budget process 7.0 MISCELLANEOUS 7.1 Nothing in this policy shall be Interpreted as limiting the authority of the City Council to Independently direct staff to design and implement specific haft calming measures on Its own authority and outside of the procedures set Porth In this policy. 8.0 RESPONSIW I FOR REVIEW The Director of Transportation and Infras cture shall be responsible for periodically rMemng and updating this policy.