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Council reviews draft traffic‑calming policy; Del Monte petition seeks speed cushions, funding unresolved
Summary
Staff presented a draft traffic‑calming policy funded by an $11,000 Blue Zones grant to cover the study; residents petitioned for speed cushions on Del Monte Drive, but the city has not identified construction funding and recommended grant and regional transportation funds as possible sources.
The council reviewed a draft traffic‑calming policy on July 21 and provided staff direction after hearing from residents and a traffic consultant about neighborhood speeding complaints and potential remedies.
A Public Works staff member said the draft policy formalizes the city’s existing, informal process for handling resident complaints about speeding and unsafe driving; the study and policy preparation were funded by Blue Zones at a cost of $11,000. The staff member said initial remedies follow the “3 E’s” of traffic safety — engineering, enforcement and education — and that residents should first contact the police department for enforcement responses before escalating to Public Works for engineering solutions.
Pete Metternino presented a petition for a short segment of Del Monte Drive, saying he had signatures from 80 percent of residences on the block. Staff and the consultant recommended installation of two sets of speed cushions for that block; the consultant estimated the capital cost for two sets plus signage and striping at roughly $6,000–$8,000 or more. Staff noted the city can install speed cushions but cannot perform the required sign and striping work in house.
Council and staff discussed funding. Staff said the city’s road fund (state gas tax) primarily covers operations and personnel and is limited for capital installations. Possible funding sources discussed included regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) surplus, Measure K, and future SB‑1 funds. Staff said it has applied for surplus RSTP money for truck‑warning signs on Fifth Street and indicated it requested an additional $25,000 in an RSTP survey to cover shortfalls.
Speakers identified accessibility and outreach concerns about the proposed request forms and suggested making a prefillable online form to increase participation and better collect photographic evidence.
Council accepted the draft policy for consideration and directed staff to pursue potential grant funding and return with cost estimates for pilot treatments; no construction funds were approved at the meeting.
