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HomeMy WebLinkAbout072403 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF'A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CiTY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 24, 2003 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2003, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Ramos led the audience in the Flag salute. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Connerton, Commissioners, Wedel Absent: Commissioners Lanier and Katan PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1 Minutes of June 26, 2003 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of June 26, 2003. MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1. Commissioner Wedel seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioners Katan and Lanier who were absent. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Red Light Abuse/Status of Red Liqht Photo Enforcement Systems RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission hear a presentation from the Public Works Director/City Engineer and the Police Chief in preparation for the Joint City Council/Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting regarding red light violations. Principal Engineer Moghadam stated that Mayor Stone had requested that Police Chief Domenoe provide an update on the Stop Light Abuse Program (SLAP). R:\Min utes\PublicTrafficSafetyCom mission072403 Police Chief Domenoe provided the Commission with an update on the Stop Light Abuse Program (SLAP), noting the following: That on July 9, 2003, the Police Department had enhanced the already in place SLAP program; · That between the dates of July 9th and July 23rd, 313 red light citations were written to violators at the primary intersections; That this citation process was accomplished by the rescheduling of motorcycle units and redeployment of officers in an effort to concentrate on the primary intersections; that officers may sign up for an additional 16 hours of overtime; That t he issued citation n umbers h ave not decreased, noting that 43 citations were issued on July 23r~; that, hopefully, with public education, this number will decrease; that by way of a local radio station, public information was distributed with regard to the SLAP program; · That Sgt. Pino, the City's first motorcycle officer, will be returning to the force as a Sergeant which will provide one additional motorcycle officer to the force. In response to Chairman Connerton, Police Chief Domenoe noted that prior to the implementation of the SLAP Program, approximately 20% to 25% of the issued citations (as stated above) would have been written. Police Chief Domenoe, for Commissioner Wedel, advised that very few traffic collisions are as a result of not stopping at red light but that the SLAP Program focuses on the intersections that have the most violation complaints. As a result of the SLAP Program, Police Chief Domenoe noted, for Commissioner Wedel, that officers are spending less time with regard to speed enforcement. In response to Mr. Wedel, Police Chief Domenoe advised that all City's have a red light problem and that, in his opinion, there is no acceptable level for red light abuse and speeding; that officers do run a higher risk with red light citations because if a red light were run, the officer must as well run the in order to issue a citation; and that, therefore, motorcycle officers are a valuable tool. Chairman Connerton thanked Chief Domenoe for his report. Director Hughes provided the Commission with a presentation on the Photo Enforcement Pilot Program, as follows: That two years ago, the City commissioned a photo enforcement study; that the study recommended against the Photo Enforcement Pilot Program for the following reasons: That most cities that implement a photo enforcement programs do so to correct collisions and to provide additional safety at intersections; that the City has a very Iow number of collisions due to red lights compared to other agencies; R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission072403 o That there is a limited camera technology for left-turn lane movements. · That intersections chosen for red light enforcement are those the most accidents tend to happen; that those intersections as well tend to have the most volume of traffic. Further addressing the Red Light Enforcement Program, Director Hughes noted the following: Proposed Red Liqht Enforcement · That the City Council has directed staff to develop a shod- and long-term solution to the red light violations · That the City enforces the SLAP Program · That a Photo Enforcement Pilot Program be implemented Red Liqht Violation Problems · That the City has 58 signalized intersections, not including State routes · That regional congestion will continue to increase, causing more traffic delays · That due to these traffic delays, drivers are more impatient and frustrated · That there is a lack of respect for traffic control devices · That left-turn violations are on the increase and that most complaints pertain to left-turn violations New Developments in Photo Enforcement Proqrams · That due to new growth, new laws, and technology, other agencies are re- modeling their programs That pending legislation, possibly June of 2004, will establish guidelines on how photo enforcement may be utilized by cities o That other agencies are utilizing dual camera systems; that these systems may obtain two to three photos for the same citation · That the City of San Diego and many other agencies are changing vendors to ensure that vendors are not profiting from the percentage of citations issued Pilot Proqram Parameters o That a top priority list of intersections be established. R:~Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission072403 · That one criterion for selecting intersections is based on accident data, requesting the Commissioners to provide any other criteria That the success or failure of the program would depend on how the program is implemented; that the Federal Highways Administration (FHA) provides guidelines on the formation of photo enforcement programs; that FHA would recommend that a program be developed with citizen input, possibly by forming a citizen's task force Pilot Proqram estimated cost over 2 years - approximately $600,000 · That the vendor costs vary from vendor to vendor That the maintenance cost could be approximately $50,000 to $60,000 per intersection; that this cost would include replacing the film, recalibrating the system, court cost, and any hidden costs · That some additional costs could be the public relations, media support, and public education Citation Revenues · That the City would receive revenue from the cost of the citation, which would be $321.00 a citation of which the City would receive approximately $145.00 · That the pilot program could beinitiallyself-funding butthatascomplianceis received, the program would need supplemental funding Pros and Cons of Photo Enforcement · Pros for this program are as follows: o Will discourage drivers from attempting to run red lights o Will generate revenue to help fund the program o Will promote positive City image in attacking red light violators o Will reduce red light collisions o Cons for this program are as follows: o Could result in increased roar-end collisions o May give impression that the system is to increase revenue, rather than safety concerns o Generates complaints regarding signal operations o Additional staff resources will be needed for administration of the program, noting that there would be a need for two additional administrative staff positions and additional two to three motorcycle officers R:~,linutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission072403 Pilot Pro.qram Recommendations · That to continue to enforce and monitor the SLAP Program. · That the following two intersections be implemented into the SLAP Program: o Rancho California Road and Ynez Road o Jefferson Avenue and Winchester Road o Possibly the State right-of-ways, but permitting may be difficult and lengthy · That photo enforcement be located at one of the four left-turn approaches at each intersection, noting that enforcement of left-turn approaches will require new technology Implementation Schedule · That the pilot program should be reviewed with County Traffic Courts for acceptance ·That time be spent analyzing to analyze the type of systems available · That a public hearing be held to educate the public · That a recruitment of City and Police Department staff would be necessary o That a warning notice be sent for the first 30 days of the program to violators o That the program will be in full operation within six to twelve months, depending upon the completion of other on-going street improvements at the intersections Next Steps · That a Joint City Council meeting be held for review on August 28, 2003 · That City Council appropriate funds and commit staff resources · That a citizen committee be formed. Commissioner Ramos inquired about what is meant by "two approaches". For Commissioner Ramos, Public Works Director Hughes clarified the term two approaches, noting that there are usually eight phases to an intersection, which consists of through movements and left-turn movements, and that each approach would require a camera setup; that the terms of a vendor contract may vary among vendors; and that results from the City of San Diego reflected a 60% collection as a result a driver and license plate photo. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCom mission072403 Commissioner Wedel inquired about the general attitude of law enforcement regarding the red light cameras to which Commissioner Ramos, echoed by Chief Domenoe, stated that, in his experience, welcome any additional tools that may be used to lower the amount of accidents. Commissioner Wedel requested that the manuscript regarding the design and effect of red light cameras on traffic injuries and drivers safety (from the General American Medical Association/Santa Barbara) be circulated to the City Council. In response to Commissioner Wedel, Chairman Connerton requested that this manuscript be included in the Joint City Council/Public Traffic Safety Commission meeting agenda packet. Advising that the manuscript would be forwarded to the Council/Commission, Mr. Hughes noted that staff has as well collected approximately 50 to 60 articles in support of photo enforcement to which Chairman Connerton requested that these articles be included as well. In response to Chairman Connerton's inquiry as to the need for two additional officers and additional administrative staff, Public Works Director Hughes stated that two additional officers would be for reviewing photos, recalibration of the machines, removing/replacing the film, answering public questions, and maintenance and that the additional administrative staff would be for citation processing. Mr. Hughes advised that the use of film is not absolute and that some courts permit the use of digital prints; that the connection for the cameras will be fiber optic, which would support high resolution and high-definition digital which could be transmitted to the City for downloading. Public Works Director Hughes further clarified the camera monitoring system, noting that most conduits are in place, mounting stands are being installed; that the Traffic Division is set up with the camera systems; and that the cameras should be operational within the month. Public Works Director Hughes, for Chairman Connerton, advised that, at the joint meeting, staff will be seeking direction in order to move forward with the pilot program. With regard to the timeline of the construction, Mr. Hughes advised that construction bids have been advertised for Rancho California Road and Ynez Road; that the completion date would be anticipated prior to the holidays; that because of the right-of- ways that the City must acquire and because of several utility conflicts, the Jefferson and Winchester Roads intersection will be completed in approximately one year. Mr. Hughes noted that although some conduit could be added, the camera program could not be added into those contracts. In order to keep the Commission apprised, Chairman Connerton requested that a report with recommendations be presented in 60 days. It is noted that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission received and filed the report with comments. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyComrnission072403 3. Multi-Way Stop Si.qns - Valleio Avenue at Cabo Street and Palma Drive RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend against the installation of Multi-Way Stop Signs on Vallejo Avenue at Cabo Street and Palina Drive. Principal Engineer Moghadam presented an overview of the staff report (as per agenda material), noting the following: That a request has been received to review the feasibility of installing a multi-way stop signs along Vallejo Avenue to reduce vehicular speeds and eliminate cut- through traffic · That the existing conditions are as follows: Vallejo Avenue is a 32-foot wide residential collector roadway with very Iow traffic volumes on one portion of Vallejo between Ynez Road and La Paz Road o The average daily traffic (ADT) on Vallejo Avenue (west) between Ynez Road and La Paz Road is approximately 522 vehicles per day o The average daily traffic (ADT) on Vallejo Avenue (east) between La Paz Road and Ynez Road is approximately 178 vehicles per day o The current posted speed limit is 35 MPH on Vallejo Avenue That a multi-way stop warrants analysis was performed during weekdays, not during church hours on Sunday That the volumes reported on the analysis did not meet the requirements to establish multi-way stop signs That church generated traffic may add to the perception of increased cut-through traffic movements; that the traffic generated by the church should not be considered as cut-through traffic since Vallejo Avenue provides the only source of access to Rancho Community Church · That another concern is the lack of adequate sight distance along Vallejo Avenue due to the horizontal and vertical alignment of the roadway. · That at the speed of 35 MPH, the minimum stopping sight distance required is approximately 250 feet · That the stopping sight distance at Cabo Street (in both directions) is unobstructed R:\Minutes\Pu blicTrafficSafetyCommission072403 That at the Palma Drive (looking south) intersection, sight distance was restricted by the vegetation located on the south corner of the intersection; t hat a work order was requested to remove the vegetation That with the removal of vegetation at one location and the adequate sight distance at both intersections, staff does not support the request for installation of multi-way stop signs at the intersections of Vallejo Avenue/Cabo Street and Vallejo Avenue/Palma Drive. Having visited the sites of discussion, Chairman Connerton noted that he had not observed any cut-through traffic. At this time, the public hearing was opened; there being no public input, the hearing was closed. MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to approve staff's recommendation to deny the installation of Multi-Way Stop Signs on Vallejo Avenue at Cabo Street and Palma Drive. Commissioner Wedel seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioners Katan and Lanier who were absent. 4. Traffic En.qineer's Report Director of Public Works Hughes gave an update on a Commission's previous action regarding t he Promenade C hardonnay Homeowners Association (HOA) project which involved having medians installed at the certain intersections; stated that there is not a consensus with the Association on how to proceed; referenced a letter from a Promenade Chardonnay homeowner (Mr. Joe La Marca), requesting that medians be installed at certain Iow-impact locations but that stop signs be installed at other locations; stated that because of the lack of consensus, the City Manager requested that the item be withdrawn from the City Council agenda; and noted that staff will continue to work with the representatives of the Association. Chairman Connerton requested that any changes that are made to the Commissions approval should be brought back to the Commission. 5. Police Chief's Report Police Chief Domenoe stated that the City Council approved three additional positions. 6. Fire Chief's Report Battalion Chief Deyo commented on the Department's involvement with the Purple Ribbon Month Program, scheduled for the month of August; explained that the Purple Ribbon Month is a nationally recognized event in the memory of Katen Russell and all children who have suffered and/or lost their lives due to preventable injuries in and around cars; advised that the Fire Department along with California Highway Patrol, Riverside City Fire Department, and the Riverside County Fire Department will be placing bumper stickers and placards on the fire vehicles throughout the City as a reminder to never leave children unattended in a car. R:\Min utes\PublicTrafficSafetyCom mission072403 7. Commission Reports Commissioner Ramos commended the Police Department for all their hard work. Commissioner Wedel also thanked the Police Department; commented on cut-through traffic concerns; and questioned how a citizen's complaint on cut-through traffic should be handled. Commissioner Ramos stated that traffic has significantly increased in the past years and noted that there is not a California law that would prohibit a registered vehicle from driving down a public highway. Chairman Connerton stated that the General Plan Review Committee will be reviewing traffic congestion. Chairman Connerton stated that green lights are continually burning out in various locations throughout the City. Chairman Connerton thanked the Police and Fire Departments on its response to the fire around the Recreation Center on the Fourth of July. ADJOURNMENT At 7:57 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to the special meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission and Joint City Council meeting of Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecuia. Adminis~J~e Se~ta~ Anita Pyle R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission072403