Title
SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Section 10.28.235 “Motorcycle Parking”, Section 10.28.330 “Thirty-Minute Parking Zones- Nine A.M. to Five P.M.”, Section 10.32.056 “Passenger Loading Zones - Permanent”, and Section 10.32.100 “Bus Zones-Location” of the Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second Reading and Final Adoption an Ordinance and approving recommendations from the Traffic Committee to approve amending the following to the Merced Municipal Code: “Motorcycle Parking- West side of N Street”, “Thirty-minute parking zones- Nine A.M. to Five P.M. on the West side of N Street”, “Passenger loading zones- Permanent on the West side of N Street” and “Bus zones- Location on T Street”.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Ordinance 2567, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Section 10.28.235 “Motorcycle Parking”, Section 10.28.330 “Thirty-Minute Parking Zones- Nine A.M. to Five P.M.”, Section 10.32.056 “Passenger Loading Zones- Permanent”, and Section 10.32.100 “Bus-Zones-Location” of the Merced Municipal Code.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by the Traffic Committee; or,
2. Modify ordinance for introduction; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
This request amends Section 10.28.235, Section 10.28.330, Section 10.32.056, and Section 10.32.100 of the Merced Municipal Code (MMC).
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) gives a local body (or official) jurisdiction for traffic control devices, provided the devices are installed in accordance with the State Traffic Manual.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
2024-25 City Council Priorities for Public/Traffic Safety.
DISCUSSION
March 5, 2024 Traffic Committee Meeting
• At the meeting of March 5, 2024, the Traffic Committee approved recommending the modification of the bus zone at Margaret Sheehy Elementary School.
School officials explained that the improvements to the school included adjustments to the current bus zones on the “T” Street side of the campus (see attachment no. 3 and no. 5). The Merced City School District requested that this modification be accepted as a new enforceable school bus stop as shown in Section 5 and Section 6 of the proposed ordinance. This new bus zone with proper curb markings and signage will increase proper traffic flow around the school and avoid cars from parking in the designated bus zone areas.
May 14, 2024 Traffic Committee Meeting
• At the meeting of May 14, 2024, the Traffic Committee approved recommending the addition of a motorcycle parking zone, two thirty-minute parking zones, and one passenger loading zone in front of the Tioga Apartments on West N Street.
Currently, there are two loading zones, one motorcycle parking, and five unmarked parking spaces in front of the Tioga Apartments. There was an influx in citations to residents utilizing the marked parking spaces which led to a vast number of complaints and confusion (see attachment no. 2 and no. 4). Freddie Rubacava, District Manager of GSF Properties, spoke on this item at the May 14, 2024, Traffic Committee Meeting and explained the need for loading zones for residents, such as for loading and unloading groceries or household items. He further expressed that residents should not have to stay close to their cars when using these loading zones, given the size of the apartment building.
Traffic Committee members researched this area and found that it would be in the best interest of residents, local businesses, and citizens to add an additional motorcycle parking, two thirty-minute parking zones from nine a.m. to five p.m. and modify the current loading zones to a singular passenger loading zone (see attachment no. 6) as shown in Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the proposed ordinance. Acceptance of these recommendations would allow for residents and others to use the timed spaces for overnight parking which offers a safer option than parking lots in the downtown area. In addition, the proposed ordinance offers the opportunity for residents and local businesses to load and unload items with ample time and fewer citations while also welcoming motorcyclists to the downtown area.
Past Actions
On August 19, 2024, Council passed the Consent Calendar which included the introduction of Ordinance 2567.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance 2567