Traffic and Safety Commission approves blue-curb requests, parking-space removals and radar signs; minutes approved

The Montebello Traffic and Safety Commission voted on a series of routine and safety-focused items during its July 28 meeting, approving the June 30 meeting minutes, a blue-curb installation request, two radar feedback signs and three disabled-parking-space removals.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of June 30, 2025 meeting minutes: Moved by Commissioner Takayama; seconded by Chair Veil. Roll call: Commissioner Takayama ' Yes; Commissioner Hernandez ' Yes; Vice Chair Knox ' Abstain (recorded as absent); Chair Veil ' Yes. Outcome: Approved.

- Blue-curb installation at 828 North Hay Street (disabled parking space, 15 feet): Motion to approve by Vice Chair Knox; seconded by Commissioner Hernandez. Roll call: Takayama ' Yes; Hernandez ' Yes; Vice Chair Knox ' Aye; Chair Beas ' Yes. Outcome: Approved. Staff presentation noted the request responds to mobility needs for an elderly resident and that public works and planning staff inspected the site and recommended installation.

- Traffic-signal warrant study, Lincoln Avenue at Ria Drive: Commission received and filed the warrant analysis and approved installation of two radar feedback signs on Lincoln Avenue (one each direction, proposed 400 feet east and west of Ria Drive). Motion to approve by Vice Chair Knox; seconded by Commissioner Takayama. Roll call: Takayama ' Yes; Hernandez ' Yes; Vice Chair Knox ' Aye; Chair Beas ' Yes. Outcome: Approved. Staff reported the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD) warrants for a traffic signal were not met, but speed surveys showed motorists averaging about 8'9 mph above the posted 25 mph limit; radar signs were recommended as a low-cost safety measure and the city has units available for installation.

- Removal of disabled parking space at 748 South Taylor Avenue: Motion to approve by Vice Chair Knox; seconded by Commissioner Takayama. Roll call: Takayama ' Yes; Hernandez ' Yes; Vice Chair Knox ' Yes; Chair Beas ' Yes. Outcome: Approved. Staff noted removal will restore general on-street parking; the applicant indicated the curb space was no longer needed.

- Removal of disabled parking space at 764 North Garfield Avenue, Apt. 101: Motion to approve by Vice Chair Knox; seconded by Commissioner Hernandez. Roll call: Takayama ' Yes; Hernandez ' Yes; Vice Chair Knox ' Yes; Chair Beas ' Yes. Outcome: Approved. Staff explained that in multiunit locations a reserved curb space may be used by any driver displaying a placard; the requester asked removal because they were not receiving the exclusive benefit they expected.

- Removal of disabled parking space at 840 East South Fifth Street: Motion to approve by Vice Chair Knox; seconded by Commissioner Takayama. Roll call: Takayama ' Yes; Hernandez ' Yes; Vice Chair Knox ' Yes; Chair Beas ' Yes. Outcome: Approved.

Commission discussion and context

Commissioners asked for clarification on how long radar feedback signs can display a motorist's speed and whether the units record images. Staff said the city's signs do not take photographs but can be adjusted for display duration and placement; staff recommended mounting the units roughly 400 feet from the Ria Drive intersection pending on-site adjustment. Regarding blue-curb and disabled-space removals, staff reiterated that a removed space becomes general curbside parking and that a reinstated reserved space would require a new application and fee.

The commission's routine approvals were completed by roll-call votes recorded on the public record.