Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Garry Ford, City Engineer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4020 - gford@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Discuss and consider approval of the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 126-346 of the Code of Ordinances to restrict parking on Jesse Guerrero Circle.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Council District: 5
Engineering staff received a request from the Parks and Recreation Department to restrict parking along one side of a portion of Jesse Guerrero Circle in Cypress Bend Park. This request is due to concerns about lack of space for safe passage of vehicles trying to access the park, including concerns about the accessibility for emergency vehicles.
Jesse Guerrero Circle varies in width from approximately 23 to 26 feet wide between the entrance to Cypress Bend Park and the first parking lot and has a posted speed limit of 10 mph. This request is to restrict parking along the north side of the road only, which would allow for the free flow of traffic in both directions as well as maintain the parking availability that is required during the river activity season. Currently, Parks staff place cones to restrict parking during the river activity season; this amendment to the no parking ordinance would make this restriction enforceable.
There is an existing parking restriction in Section 126-346 (f) for Jesse Guerrero Circle that will be replaced with this request. The existing parking ordinance does not currently have the applicable signs posted and is in conflict with the existing shuttle loading zone in Section 126-368. Changes to the shuttle loading zone are proposed at this time to align with what is currently in operation at Cypress Bend Park during the river activity season.
Both the Park Ranger Superintendent and the River Operations Manager are in favor of the proposed changes to the parking restriction and shuttle loading zone ordinances.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
2006 Comprehensive Plan: Transportation Goal 21: Provide a system of convenient and safe transportation facilities through comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing transportation system planning and development.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $150 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY16-17 approved streets and drainage budget.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board unanimously voted to recommend to City Council that Jesse Guerrero Circle be widened to allow for parking on the north side and not restrict parking at their meeting on September 14, 2017.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of establishing a no parking zone on the north side of Jesse Guerrero from the entrance of Cypress Bend Park east for a distance of 687 feet and the changes to the shuttle loading zone ordinance to reflect current park operations.