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HomeMy WebLinkAbout092503 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION September 25, 2003 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:08 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2003, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Connerton, Commissioners, Katan, Ramos, *Wedel, and Lanier. *It was noted that Commissioner Wedel arrived at 6:08 FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Katan led the audience in the Flag salute. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of July 24~ 2003 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of July 24, 2003. MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wedel and voice vote reflected unanimous approval with the exception of Commissioners Lanier and Katan who abstained. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Request for Traffic Controls - Promenade Chardonnay Hills RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend that the Temecula Police Department continue the enforcement of 25 MPH posted speed limit on Promenade Chardonnay Hills. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission092503 Senior Engineer Moghadam presented an overview of the staff report (as per agenda material), noting the following: That the Homeowners Association (HOA) is requesting three (3) median island and a multi-way stop sign at the intersection of Chemin Clinet and Promenade Chardonnay Hills; That it would be staff's opinion that three (3) median island installations would not achieve the results that the residents and HOA desire nor will it achieve the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's objective to reduce the 85% percentile speed to 30 mph. Staff would recommend the continuance of the enforcement of the 25 mph posted speed limit on Promenade Chardonnay Hills. In response to Commissioner Lanier's query, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the parcels in the new subdivisions would have access to Butterfield Stage Road. In response to Chairman Connerton's query, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted the following: · That the original agreement was to install seven (7), or as many island as it would take to reduce the speed to 30 mph; That after discussion with the homeowners who would directly be affected by the islands, the HOA representatives recommended that the median island installation be limited to only three locations; and that a multi-way stop sign at the intersection of Chemin Clinet and Promenade Chardonnay Hills be installed. At this time the Public Hearing was opened. Mr. Joseph La Marca, 41138 Promenade Chardonnay, representing Promenade Chardonnay Hills HOA, noted the following: · That the recommendation of the raised median islands was that of Public Works Director Bill Hughes, not the HOA; That initially the raised median island solution seemed to be a good resolution; but that after consideration, a n island adjacent to homes would b e impractical because residents exiting driveways in one of two directions would have to u-turn between islands, potentially creating a traffic hazard, as well as an inconvenience; That Mr. Hughes met with the Fire Department and was informed that the area between the curb and island was too narrow, creating difficulty for Fire Trucks and ambulances to circle around; That no other residential neighborhoods throughout the City have striping; that there are homes off Honors Drive, but none that face Honors Drive so this did not verify the efficacy of striping in a residential neighborhood. R:\Min utes'~'u blicTrafficSafetyCommission092503 ,~ · That the HOA, as well as residents, would propose stop signs at the following locations: Chemin Clinet - facing North Chemin Margaux--facing South Chemin La Tache - facing North and South Parducci Lane The following individuals spoke in favor of stop signs: Ms. Terri Feurestein 31469 Heitz Lane Donald Smith 41209 Promenade Chardonnay Hills Thomas M. Chimileski Jr. 41031 Promenade Chardonnay Hills Ken Peterson 41260 Promenade Chardonnay Hills Julie Wrather 41194 Promenade Chardonnay Hills Linda Dippolito 41028 Promenade Chardonnay Hills The above individuals spoke in support of the stop signs for the following reasons: · That Promenade Chardonnay Hills has a severe traffic problem; · That many children live in Promenade Chardonnay Hills; · That a 10-year old boy was almost struck by a vehicle; · That from 4:30 to 7:00 pm, there are many vehicles cutting through Chardonnay Hills to get to Rancho California Road traveling around 45 mph; · That stop signs must be installed at Sebastian and Culbertson Lane; · That the residents have been requesting stop signs for over three years; · That it is difficult sometimes to get in and out of driveways due to speeders. At this time the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Wedel commended the residents for their patience and strongly supported the residents and their recommendation of stop signs, recommending to phase in stop signs. For Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that there has been one (1) accident in the last three years and 40 tickets issued in the last three (3) weeks. For Commissioner Ramos, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the volume of traffic is three times as much on Calle Medusa and that stop signs on Calle Medusa were not recommended by staff. Commissioner Ramos concurred with Commissioner Wedel in phasing the stop signs. R:\Minutes\Pu bl[cTrafficSafetyCommission092503 ~ Commissioner Lanier relayed he would support staff's comment that stop signs do not work. Chairman Connerton supported the installation of two stop signs while in time phasing in the others and suggested police presence in the area during peak traffic periods. In response to Commissioner Wedel, Mr. Joseph La Marca relayed that it would be acceptable to start with two stop signs with the possibility of phasing in additional stop signs; that the HCA representatives would be willing to meet with Senior Engineer Moghadam and Director of Public Works Hughes to discuss the ideal locations for the initial two stop signs; that the decided locations could then be forwarded to the Commission for review. For Commissioner Katan, Mr. La Marca relayed that the letter he sent to Mr. Hughes, dated June 11,2003, would no longer be in effect. Senior Engineer Moghadam concurred with Commissioner Wedel's recommendation in having the Public Works Department and the HCA representatives get together to choose the two ideal locations for the stop signs. Mr. Moghadam also relayed that if the Commission were to allow the Public Works Department and the HCA representatives to agree upon two locations this evening, this item would not have to come back to the Public Traffic Safety Commission, it could go directly to the City Council. MOTION: Commissioner Wedel moved that the Public Traffic Safety Commission authorize Senior Moghadam and Director of Public Works Hughes to meet with the HCA representatives to determine the ideal locations to install two stop signs; that the matter be readdressed in one month with a resolution at which time this item would be agendized and brought back in a month from tonight. Commissioner Ramos seconded the motion. For Commissioner Lanier, Mr. Joseph LaMarca noted that the residents that may be affected by the noise due to the placement of stop signs would first be notified. Voice vote reflected unanimous approval with the exception of Chairman Connerton who voted N._.Qo. Request to Remove Speed Undulations - Calle Pina Colada RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend that the City Council approve the removal of the Speed Undulations on Calle Pina Colada between La Serena Way and Del Rey Road. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented a brief overview (as per agenda material), noting the following: · That staff has received a petition from the residents of Calle Pina Colada to remove all the speed undulations between La Serena Way and Del Rey Road. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission092503 4 That in 1993, the City Council conducted a speed undulation policy that had certain criteria which Calla Pina Colada met and those undulations were installed; That the criteria was that after two years, if 65% of the residents did not want the undulations, the undulations could be removed; · That the petition received from the affected residents covered 26 of the 29 Calla Pina Colada residents except for a two who were not available at the time. The City's speed undulation policy would allow the removal of undulations when the following conditions are satisfied: · Undulations are ineffective in reducing speeds and volumes of vehicles; · Undulations were placed in locations conflicting with adopted guidelines; · Evidence that the original locations are no longer in the best interest of the community; · A petition with 65% of residents are in favor of removal; · Undulations have been installed for at least two (2) years. Staff would recommend that the Public Traffic Safety Commission approve the request and recommend that the City Council approve the removal of the speed undulations and that staff will not support the installation of multi-way stop signs on Calla Pina Colada as a substitute for the speed undulations. For Commissioner Wedel, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the number of residents in favor of the speed undulations were greater than 65%, which was the minimum requirement. Assistant to the City Manager Yates relayed that in 1993 the majority of the residents on Calla Pina Colada were in favor of the speed undulations. In response to Commissioner Wedel's query, Senior Engineer Moghadam stated that the City Council decided on 65% as the removal policy. At this time the public hearing was opened. Mr. Rolfe Wittman, 30617 Calle Pina Colada, advised that he has been a resident of this address for 10 years and was a resident at the time the undulations were installed; that at that time, the City told the residents that this was an experiment and if it were to not work, the City would have them removed, noting that the undulations are not effective. Mr. Rolfe is in support of the removal of undulations. At this time the Public Hearing was closed. For Commissioner Wedel, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the last traffic speed survey was completed several years ago; that before the installation of the undulations, the speeds were in the 33 mph range but have decreased to 29 in one area and 27 in another area. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission092503 5 For Commissioner Lanier, Sergeant Pino relayed that the traffic officers are heavily enforcing on La Serena and that Calle Pina Colada has not been brought to the attention of the police but that this will be investigated. MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to approve staff's recommendation. Commissioner Wedel seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 4. Discussion on Planninq a Public Safety Expo RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file this report. Assistant to the City Manager Yates presented an overview of the Public Safety Expo, noting the following: · That Chairman Connerton and himself have discussed on occasion ways to bring additional items to the Commission for ideas; · That the Commission will see more of Mr. Yates and Mr. Aaron Adams discussing Public Safety items specifically Police and Fire items; · That the City will be hosting a Public Safety Expo on November 14 and 15, 2003, at Chapparal High School from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; · That on Saturday, November 15, the event will be in conjunction with the K-9 trials that are being hosted by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department; · That staff will be contacting agencies that have previously participated in the event to again participate; · That there will be no helicopter landings this year; · That there will be a booth set up for the Public Traffic Safety Commission. For Commissioner Ramos, Mr. Yates relayed that most of the agencies from the Public Safety Expo 2000 will be participating in this event. For Commissioner Lanier, Mr. Yates noted that Citizens Action Patrol (CAP) and Citizens Corps would be attending this event. In response to Commissioner Wedel's query, Mr. Yates noted that the K-9 dogs are police dogs. Commissioner Katan commented on what a tremendous event the last Public Safety Expo was. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission092503 {~ Mr. Yates also expressed that the Fire Department will advertise their Explorer Post Program. Mr. Yates relayed that the City will be creating a marketing brochure for the Commissioners to hand out to the public at the Expo and that the draft will be available for review at the next Public Traffic Safety meeting. MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to receive and file. Commissioner Wedel seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 5. Discussion on Red Liqht Public Safety Education Program RECOMMENDATION: 5.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file this report. Assistant to the City Manager Yates presented a brief report (as per agenda material), noting that staff is requesting Commission input on the public education program; that staff will come back before the Commission in November or December with a formal education program. Mr. Yates noted that if after today's meeting any of the Commissioners had any thoughts for the public education program, to please contact him. Commissioner Ramos, echoed by Commissioner Wedel, relayed that handing out pamphlets a t restaurants notifying t he p ublic of t he ramifications o f running red lights would be an ideal location with Commissioner Wedel suggesting passing out such information at the border check. Commissioner Lanier noted t hat t he Temecula residents w ho commute t o S an Diego should also be notified of the SLAP (Stop Light Abuse Program) as well. Chairman Connerton suggested advertising SLAP at the movie theater and also relayed his desire for a disaster preparedness pamphlet. Assistant to the City Manager Yates noted that he would be bringing for~vard the public education component of the Fire Department in November or December. Deputy Fire Chief Neuman relayed the following: That National Preparedness has been scheduled for October 5 through 11,2003, noting the message for this campaign would be "When fire strikes get out stay out" That the lessons presented will be installing smoke alarms in the home and testing them on a regular basis, in addition, practicing home fire drills in the home, having escape routes, meeting places and other alternative route should the primary escape route in the home be compromised; R:\Minutes~ublicTrafficSa fetyCommission092503 '? · That the overall goal would be to reduce the number of fire-related incidences throughout the year. Sergeant Pino relayed that the Police Department will be working with staff to resolve the traffic violations in the City. Commissioner Ramos also suggested informing the public on the adelphia community channel. MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to receive and file this report. Commissioner Ramos seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 6. Commission Meetinq Reschedule - October 23, 2003 RECOMMENDATION: 6.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission direct the Secretary to cancel and reschedule the regular meeting of October 23, 2003, and to perform the appropriate postings and noticing requirements per the Government Code. MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to reschedule the October 23, 2003 meeting to November 6, 2003. Commissioner Ramos seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. Traffic En.qineer's Report: Senior Engineer Moghadam gave a brief report noting the following: · That on September 16, 2003, the City Council awarded a contract to equip all the traffic signals with a battery back-up system which would last six hours; that these signals are City-owned and maintained; · That eight (8) monitoring cameras will be installed at major intersections in the next few weeks and that the Commission will be invited to these locations. For Chairman Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam clarified that these eight (8) new monitoring cameras are solely for the purpose of monitoring traffic flow, not for detecting speed violations. Police Chief Report: Sergeant Pino gave a brief report, noting the following: · That the Police Department will be continuing its enforcement with the SLAP Program; that weekly reports are being distributed rather than daily; and that there are 90 to 100 red light tickets issued a week; · That motor officers last month issued approximately 1,500 tickets to violators; R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommJssion092503 8 · That there has been a decrease in the number of speed violations; · That motor officers are enforcing other areas such as Promenade Chardonnay Hills and the local schools; · That there has been a decrease in the number of speed violations due to the enforcement of police officers. Fire Chief Report: Deputy Fire Marshal Neuman gave a brief report noting the following: · That the Fire Department will be preparing for Fire Prevention Week; · That members of the Fire Department will be volunteering for some of these events; · That year-to-date stats are: o 723 plan checks; o 418 inspections conducted in the City; o 2,303 Community activities which include special events and school programs; o 2,574 Emergency responses in the City; that 90% of these calls responded at the scene under five minutes or less; that in the City the average response time is 3 minutes and 8 seconds, out of the City average response time is 4 minutes 37 seconds. Commissioner Lanier commended staff and the Public Works Department on its efforts in working with the residents of Promenade Chardonnay Hills and Sergeant Pino for a job well done. Commissioner Wedel thanked the Police and Fire Department for its outstanding work. Commissioner Katan congratulated the Police Department for all tickets issued. Chairman Connerton welcomed Sergeant Pino back to the Police Department. Mr. Connerton also requested that fellow commissioners to bring copies of the CIP to every meeting, advising that the next few weeks the commissioners will receive their copies of the 2003 Vehicle Code. Chairman Connerton also requested that this document be brought to each meeting. Chairman Connerton also noted that the LEDs in the traffic lights are an embarrassment to our City and that close to half of the LED lights are missing. In response to Chairman Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that more than half of the LED lights in the city are out and that the City is currently awaiting the arrival of new LEDs. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission092503 ~) ADJOURNMENT At 8:10 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned to November 6, 2003 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Cha~rn~n D~rell Connerton ~,d m i n is~i~i v~9~cr et a ry Anita Pyle R:\Minutes\Pu blicTrafficSa fetyCommission092503 ] 0