Report Prepared by: Alivia Alfaro, Administrative Assistant, Engineering Department
Title
SUBJECT: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section 10.32.056 “Passenger Loading Zones - Permanent” of the Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers introducing an Ordinance and approving recommendations from the Traffic Committee to approve amending the following to the Merced Municipal Code: “Passenger loading zones- Permanent on the West side of N Street”.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Introducing Ordinance 2575, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Section 10.32.056 “Passenger Loading Zones- Permanent” of the Merced Municipal Code; and,
B. Approving the recommendation from the Traffic Committee listed above.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by the Traffic Committee; or,
2. Modify ordinance for introduction; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
This request amends Section 10.32.056 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
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 side of N Street near W. Main Street.
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. 3 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 modify the current loading zones to a singular passenger loading zone (see Attachment No. 5).
City Council approved the initial amendment to Section 10.32.056 “Passenger Loading Zones- Permanent” through Ordinance 2567 at the August 19, 2024, Council meeting, and the final reading and adoption was at the September 3, 2024, Council meeting.
After staff review, it was found that the measurements listed on Ordinance 2567 for the passenger loading zone were incorrect. Section 10.32.056 “Passenger Loading Zones- Permanent” is going back to Council for approval of the corrected measurements.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Amended Ordinance
2. Adopted Ordinance 2567
3. TC Request 24-12
4. TC Request 24-27
5. Minutes 05-14-2024