Gonzales to seek consultant, use Blue Zones grant to draft traffic‑calming policy; council and residents press for enforcement

City staff told the Gonzales City Council they will hire a consultant to develop a formal traffic‑calming policy and that the effort will be paid in part by an $11,000 grant from the Blue Zones Project.

“Staff requested a proposal from TL Engineering to develop the traffic calming policy,” a staff member identified in the meeting as Mr. Dobbs said. He described a four‑category approach that the consultant will use to assemble options relevant to Gonzales and noted that staff expect to present a draft policy for council comment at the June 2 meeting.

Why it matters: staff said a written traffic‑calming policy would give a consistent, documented process for reviewing resident requests about speeding and unsafe driver behavior and for recommending physical or educational countermeasures.

Scope and funding Staff outlined that the consultant’s scope will include compiling example policies (including the Caltrans traffic manual and nearby city practices), developing a list of measures and preparing a draft for council review. Dobbs specifically described four measure categories: traffic signs and pavement markings (and speed feedback signs), physical modifications such as roundabouts, roadway narrowing such as intersection bulb‑outs, and vertical elements such as speed humps or cushions.

“I need to give a shout out to Kendra Howell of the Blue Zones project for providing the $11,000 grant for preparation to cover the cost of preparing this traffic calming policy,” the staff member said.

Public and council concerns Council members and residents used the discussion to press on enforcement and the timing of improvements. Multiple speakers described repeated speeding and aggressive passing on the city’s main thoroughfares and narrower older streets; one council member said drivers use the left‑turn lane as a passing lane, creating hazards for pedestrians and other vehicles.

During public comment on related agenda items, resident speakers urged the city to update GPS and mapping data used by truckers to reduce heavy traffic on neighborhood streets and asked whether video or license‑plate evidence could be used for enforcement. Residents also raised safety concerns near schools and along Fourth/Alta corridors.

What’s next Staff said the draft calming policy will be presented to council on June 2. Staff also listed related efforts and partners that will complement the policy, including a radar trailer application, outreach and education with the health department and police‑led safety education and helmet giveaways. Staff noted the traffic calming plan will also support the city’s effort to achieve Blue Zones community certification.

Distinction from Vision Zero Staff clarified that the traffic‑calming policy is a separate effort from Vision Zero planning; the county and several cities are pursuing Vision Zero work through a TAMSI grant and related meetings.

Ending Staff expect to return with a consultant‑produced draft for council direction on June 2; residents and council members asked staff to prioritize enforcement options and community education while the policy is developed.