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<br />78 <br />three traffic tables (the one nearest Alameda de las Pulgas). Other residents believe Page 2 <br />that the traffic circle has been ineffective at slowing traffic and creates safety issues. <br />This group of six neighbors, all of whom live on Chesterton Avenue, submitted a petition <br />requesting removal of the circle, and to instead install stop signs or speed tables. <br /> <br />Based on the resulting speed reduction and the general community support of the <br />devices, staff recommends permanently installing the same types of devices. <br />Permanent installations are more integrated in appearance and more aesthetic <br />compared with the temporary versions. Permanent speed tables will be constructed of <br />asphalt concrete and will be striped with standard pavement markings for visibility. A <br />permanent traffic circle installation will be constructed in concrete and can incorporate <br />landscaping if desired. Please see Attachment 3 for pictures of a typical permanent- <br />type speed table and traffic circle. <br /> <br />Please note that in addition to the approval of the temporary traffic-calming devices (on <br />September 27, 2008), City Council also approved installation of new stop signs on <br />McGarvey Avenue at its intersection with Euclid Avenue, making the intersection an all- <br />way (4-way) stop-controlled intersection. The stop signs were installed, (around the <br />same time as the trial traffic-calming measures), to improve pedestrian crossing safety <br />and convenience. No action is needed regarding the stop sign installation, as it was not <br />considered part of the trial. It is being mentioned merely as background information. <br /> <br />Staff has consulted with the City Council's ad hoc Traffic Committee (former Council <br />Member Jim Hartnett and present Council Member Ian Bain) regarding the <br />recommendation to install the subject permanent traffic-calming devices. The ad hoc <br />Traffic Committee has advised staff to bring this matter to the City Council for <br />discussion and for decision on approval of the permanent installations. <br /> <br />In November 2009, the city mailed notices to the residents of the McGarvey area <br />(approximately 480 addresses) to inform them that staff will recommend permanent <br />installation of all of the temporary trial devices, and that City Council will be taking <br />comment and deciding on approval of this recommendation at its meeting of January <br />11,2010. <br /> <br />ALTERNATIVES <br />Council may direct staff to modify or suspend any of the following proposals for <br />consideration or additional study: <br />1. Permanent installation of two speed tables and traffic circle. Removal of one <br />temporary trial speed table (nearest Alameda de las Pulgas). <br />2. Permanent installation of all three of the speed tables. Removal of the temporary <br />trial traffic circle. <br />3. Allow the existing temporary measures to remain in place as-is for now. Permanent <br />installation can be made at a later date, or not at all. <br /> <br />FISCAL IMPACT <br />The estimated cost of the permanent installation of the proposed traffic calming devices <br />is approximately $35,000.00. Funds were previously approved for this purpose and are <br />available from the Gas Tax Construction Fund - Traffic Calming which has an available <br />balance of $200,000.00 as of November 30,2009. <br />