Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout121202 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 12, 2002 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:01 P.M., on Thursday, December 12, 2002, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. FLAG SALUTE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Chairman Lanier. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Connerton, Katan, Ramos, * Wedel, and Chairman Lanier. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Police Chief Domenoe, Police Lieutenant Pingel, Police Sergeant Lohman, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Wedel arrived at 6:05 P.M.) PRESENTATIONS Presentation of Cedificate of Appointment for Commissioner Pete Ramos Deputy City Clerk Ballreich duly swore in the newly appointed Public/Traffic Safety Commission Commissioner, Mr. Pete Ramos; and presented him a Certificate of Appointment. Temecula Police Department Presentation re.qardinq enforcement at the Promenade Mall durinq the holiday season It is noted that Commissioner Wedel arrived at 6:05 P.M. Police Sergeant McEIvain introduced Mall Security Director Eckenrode; provided an overview of the enforcement at the mall during the holiday season, noting the 600-900 hours of additional enforcement deployed, a portion of which was volunteer time; advised that the Police Department augmented the mall's security program which was in double force during the holidays; for Commissioner Connerton, enumerated the tasks associated with policing the mall, i.e., crime prevention, traffic control, educating the merchants; and specified the type of crime which occurs at the mall and the police procedure associated with such. Commending Police Sergeant McEivain and the Police Department, Commissioner Connerton noted the excellent work at the mall with respect to deterring crime; and opined that the police presence and visibility served to lower the number of incidents. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Police Sergeant McEIvain provided additional information regarding traffic at the mall, advising that the ring road was private properly; and relayed the implementations that have been considered for slowing the traffic in this area. Commissioner Connerton advised that he would be opposed to the installation of speed undulations (speed bumps), on the ring road but would support increased enforcement. Mall Security Director Eckenrode provided additional information regarding the past discussions related to the installation of speed undulations, concurring that there were negative impacts associated with this installation. For Commissioner Katan, Police Sergeant McEIvain relayed that typically there were two Police Officers who addressed policihg the mall; specified the additional enforcement proximate to the Christmas holidays; specified the additional store hours of operation during the holiday season. Mall Security Director Eckenrode advised that the mall security does not patrol the outlot stores, but that if there was a call for a specific incident, security would respond, Police Chief Domenoe relaying that the Police Department patrolled the outlots, as well as the mall. In response to Commissioner Katan's queries, Police Chief Domenoe provided the history of the Police Department being located at the mall, noting discussions with Forest City prior to the mall opening; provided general statistics regarding the Iow crime at Promenade Mall in comparison to alternate malls, additionally noting that it was a high revenue generator; relayed the benefits of stationing the same Officers at a mall rather than varying the officers day to day; and commended Police Sergeant McEIvain for his excellent work. Complimenting the Police Department and the Mall Security Officers, Commissioner Ramos, as well as Chairman Lanier, applauded the Iow-crime rate at the mall and the overall provision of a safe environment. Temecula Police Department Update reqardin.q the Temecula Citizen Corps Proqram Police Lieutenant Pingel updated the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding the Temecula Citizen Corps Program, advising that in January staff would be introducing the program to the community, noting that when more specific information was determined regarding these meetings, that data would be forwarded to the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners. In response, Chairman Lanier relayed that if Police Lieutenant Pingel e- mailed specific information to him, he would forward the information to the alternate Commissioners. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR t. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Continue the approval of the minutes of October 24, 2002 to the January 23, 2002 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to continue Consent Calendar Item No. 1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Katan and voice vote reflect approval with the exception of Commissioner Ramos who abstained. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Summary Report of Hiqh Incidence Intersections and Se.qments RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file the report, and make recommendations as necessary. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record), relaying that this item was agendized at the request of Commissioner Katan in order for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to obtain input from staff regarding the top mid-block locations with the highest number of incidents (i.e., collisions); per agenda material (pages 1-2 of the staff report) specified each of the six locations, the number of collisions at each location, as well as data regarding the Average Daily Trips (ADTs) in this areas, and the primary collision factor, noting that since staff installed striping modifications at the Rancho California Road/Margarita Road to Calle Aragon location in July, there have been no reported collisions; and concluded the presentation with the following facts: That the number of accidents have been significantly reduced during the past few years; That since installations prohibiting left-outs at the Claim Jumper and the Target uses, the number of collisions at these locations have been significantly reduced; That since all these locations were signalized, right-of-way was not a contributing factor to the number of accidents, advising that the majority of incidents were rear- end or side-swipe accidents which typically were due to unsafe speeds, inattention, and unsafe lane changes; and That based on the volumes of traffic on these roadway sections, the accident rates were below the Statewide rates. For Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the collision incidents have been reduced at two locations, i.e., the Rancho California Road/Margarita Road to Calle Aragon location due to the revision in striping and at Rancho California R:\b'afficminutes~l 21202 3 Road/Cosmic Drive/Humber Drive to Moraga Road due to the construction in this area being complete; confirmed that once the median was installed proximate to the Target Center (which was expected to begin construction after the holidays) this high incident location could be removed from the list. In response to Commissioner Katan, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that to lower the incidents occurring at alternate locations where there were uncontrolled turning movements staff would recommend the installation of medians; noted that the Jefferson Avenue Median Project has been identified in the CIP; providing requested input, suggested that if it was the desire of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, the Commission could recommend to the City Council that when the CIP was updated next spring that this project be categorized at a higher priority; advised that the Jefferson Avenue Project would most likely be controversial due to the business owners opining that without free turning movements on Jefferson Avenue their businesses would be negatively impacted; with respect to High Incident Mid-block Location No. 4, relayed that at this time efforts were being made regarding construction drawings to upgrade the intersection of Winchester Road/Jefferson Avenue which could also include extending the median north of Winchester Road on Jefferson Avenue; and provided additional information regarding the accident which occurred on Jefferson Avenue whereby an Officer was injured. Commending staff, Commissioner Wedel relayed thanks for the informative data; recommended that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review this type of data on a quarterly basis, which was echoed by Commissioner Connerton, as well as reviewing the State averages as were referenced by Senior Engineer Moghadam during the report; and relayed kudos to Commissioner Katan for recommending the agendizing of this issue. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission was provided this type of information on a regular basis but that it was in a different format, Commissioner Katan noting that he was pleased with the format presented at this meeting. For Commissioner Ramos, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the data included in the staff report was reflective of the time period from January to September of 2002. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes provided additional information regarding the difficulties in acquiring right-of-way with one of the properties needed for the median project which could delay the project until March or April. For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes confirmed that on numerous occasions drivers do not heed signage, i.e., signs restricting left-turn exits, confirming that the median would stop this driving behavior due to the physical restrictions; reiterated that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could recommend that the City Council raise the priority of improvement projects addressing the High Incident Mid-block Location Nos. I and 3 during the CIP process, advising that at this time, although the projects have been identified there were no designated funds for these improvements for the next three years; and relayed that the CIP process began in approximately February. R:\trafficminutes\121202 4 In response to Chairman Lanier, Director of Public Works Hughes advised that due to the ineffectiveness of delineators and striping, it would be staff's recommendation to expedite the installation of the median rather than to install interim solutions. Addressing Commissioner Connerton's comments, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that if it was the desire of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, the Commission c~uld recommend that the City Council assign a higher priority to the improvement projects in the CIP impacting the High Incident Mid-block Location Nos. 1 and 3, and that staff could bring the construction drawings for the improvement project which would impact High Incident Mid-block Location No. 4 to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission at a future meeting. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to recommend that the City Council assign a higher priority to the improvement projects identified in the CIP which would improve High Incident Mid-block Location Nos. 1 (at Jefferson Avenue - Overland Drive to Via Montezuma) and 2 (at Rancho California Road - Cosmic Drive/Humber Drive to Moraga Road), specifically that funding be designated for these improvements. Chairman Lanier seconded the motion. (Ultimately this motion passed; see below.) Senior Engineer Moghadam provided additional information regarding the Planning Commission conditioning a project (a hotel use) subject to a portion of the Jefferson Avenue Median Project being complete prior to occupancy. Additional discussion ensued regarding whether to include in the recommendation to the City Council the reprioritizing of the improvement project improving High Incident Mid- block Location No. 4. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the improvement project impacting High Incident Mid-block Location No. 4 was further along in its process, noting that funding had been appropriated and the design work was in process, concurring that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission should review this particular plan in detail. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting unanimous approval of the motion. For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes confirmed that staff would bring the design drawings for the improvement project impacting High Incident Mid-block Location No. 4 forward to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for review at a future meeting. 3. Western Riverside County Transportation Uniform Mitiqation Fees (TUMF) RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file the report. Director of Public Works Hughes provided an overview of the Western Riverside County Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fees (TUMF) Program which would have a significant positive effect on the County's ability to implement regional transportation projects to mitigate for new development; relayed the projected volume increases anticipated in 25 years; noted that it had been estimated that $9 billion would be needed to mitigate for new development over the next 25 years; relayed that a uniform fee was established by WRCOG; advised that a nexus study was conducted, needed improvements were identified, two networks of needed roads were established, 83 interchanges which would need to be addressed were identified, and transit needs, intersection improvements and grade separations at rail road crossings were reviewed; relayed that it was determined that approximately eighty-five percent (85%) of the needed future improvements would be directly related to future growth; noted that the program had been adopted by the County Board of Supervisors and would go into effect March 1s~ of 2003 and would begin incrementally; and specified the TUMF fees, as follows: · For a single-family resident the fee would be $6,636; · For a multi-family resident the fee would be $4,598; · For Industrial property the fee would be at $1.44 per square foot; · For Retail Commercial the fee wou~d be $8.76 per square foot; and · For Service Commercial Office the fee would be $4.81 per square foot. Continuing his report, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that these particular fees were established based on the number of traffic volumes those uses would generate; advised that on January 14, 2003 the City Council would consider approval of the TUMF Program for implementation in the City of Temecula; provided additional information regarding the importance of this fee as it relates to regional improvements; and relayed that if an agency opted not to adopt TUMF, that agency would not receive Measure A funds. For Commissioner Wedel, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that TUMF would not impact existing development; confirmed that the fees would be utilized for a variety of improvements including $90 million for transit programs; and provided additional information regarding the anticipated increase in traffic. Commissioner Connerton further commented on the benefits associated with the implementation of the TUMF program. For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that Iow-income housing would be exempt from TUMF; for Commissioner Ramos, specified the manner in which the fee would be collected; for Commissioner Wedel, noted that approximately fifty percent (50%) of the monies collected from a city's development project would be utilized for regional improvements, and that approximately fifty percent (50%) would be utilizing within that city's zone, advising that the city would benefit from all the improvements. Senior Engineer Moghadam commented further regarding the benefits of TUMF due to providing the ability to obtain mitigation for the larger projects (i.e., improvements to the interchanges, and freeways). In response to Commissioner Katan, Director of Public Works Hughes noted the provisions designed to ensure that a developer was not paying for double mitigation, clarifying the credit program which would be part of TUMF. it is noted that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission received and file this report. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Director of Public Works Hughes updated the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding the Promenade Subdivision, a residential neighborhood located off of Margarita Road; and noted that the residents have continued contact with staff, and that due to the subdivision being laid out in a manner whereby the through roads "T" into a~ternate roads which constitutes a legal stop (per the Vehicle Code), the City would be installing the following implementations: Two stop signs; Signage stating "Not a through street"; LED speed indicators for a 30-day period; Red curbing; and Would request additional enforcement. For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes differentiated between stop sign installations which would require a resolution to be enforceable and those which could be installed per staff's determination due to the locations already being enforceable stops and the sign simply serving to emphasize the stop. Commissioner Wedel commended staff for addressing the concerns of these particular residents. For clarification, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission had never previously considered the right-of-way issue which was being addressed with the installation of these particular stop signs. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Apprising the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding the Police Department, Police Sergeant Lohman noted the following: Updating the Commission regarding the recent DUI checkpoint, relayed that the vehicle of a group of youths was impounded and the individuals arrested; and advised that the next DUI checkpoint would be held on December 20th. Relayed that the City's Christmas parade would be held this weekend, inviting all to attend; and For Commissioner Wedel, provided additional information regarding the 90-day period where additional focus was placed on the Stop Light Abuse Program (SLAP). FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. COMMISSION REPORTS A. For Commissioner Wedel, Hughes relayed that at a Commissioner's request, data sent to Administrative Secretary Pyle would be distributed to the Commission, Administrative Secretary Pyle noting that she maintains files for issues associated with traffic. B. Commissioner Connerton thanked staff for the thorough reports and information provided to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. Commissioner Connerton and Commissioner Katan relayed hopes that all would attend the Electric Light Parade on Friday night, Commissioner Katan noting that he had been working on the Temecula Sister City's Float. Commissioner Katan requested that at an upcoming meeting the group with a plan to create a connection between the 5 Freeway and the 15 Freeway (via a tunnel passageway) provide a presentation to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission and that the matter be agendized for a future meeting. Commissioner Ramos thanked the City Council for his appointment to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, noting that he looked forward to serving in this manner. F. Chairman Lanier welcomed Commissioner Ramos aboard. Chairman Lanier requested that the Police and Fire Departments provide information to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding needed additional staff or equipment so that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could forward a recommendation to the City Council, and that this item be agendized in February or March. Thanking all the staff and his fellow Commissioners for their help, Chairman Lanier relayed that it had been a pleasure to serve as Chairman of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for the past year. ADJOURNMENT At 8:10 P.M. Chairman Lanier formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, January 23~ 2003 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. ~~nier Administr~b~'Secr,9~ Anita Pyle