HomeMy WebLinkAbout032504 PTS Minutes
MINUTES OF A REGULAR
MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PUBLlCfTRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
MARCH 25, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
The City of Temecula PublicfTraffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00
p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2004, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200
Business Park Drive, Temecula, California.
FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner Jacobs led the audience in the Flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioners Jacobs, Katan, Lanier, Ramos, and Chairman Connerton
Absent:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.
Commissioner's Reports
Commissioner Katan relayed that he has had requests from citizens regarding the possibility of
re-striping Butterfield Stage Road, noting that currently it is striped for one lane but that citizens
would like it to be striped for two lanes.
For Commissioner Katan, Principal Engineer Moghadam relayed that he would be of the opinion
that there is adequate width to provide four lanes and that staff will explore the possibility.
Commissioner Jacobs relayed his excitement in regard to his participation in Community
Emergency Response Training (CER) and also noted that he toured the Fire Dispatch Center
and Training Center at March Airfield.
Commissioner Ramos commended the Public Works Department on their quick and efficient
recovery of street signs that were down.
Chairman Connerton relayed that he attended the State of the City Address and noted that it
was a very impressive presentation and that he attended two ribbon cutting park dedications.
COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR
1.
Minutes of February 26, 2004
RECOMMENDATION:
1.1
Continued to the meeting of April 22, 2004
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MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Commissioner
Jacobs seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
2.
Citizen Services Award Proaram
RECOMMENDATION:
2.1
That the PublicfTraffic Safety Commission consider staffs recommendation for
the creation of a Citizen Service Award Program to communicate the City and
Commission's appreciation for exemplary service, by recognizing citizens who
make significant contributions to make Temecula one of the best cities to live in.
Human Resource Analyst Lanier presented a staff report (as per agenda material), noting the
following:
That staff was directed by the Public Traffic Safety Commission to design a Citizen
Service Award Program to recognize and award local citizens for exceptional service their
community;
That the program will consist of three levels of awards which will include the following:
Distinguished Service Certificate: major, exceptional personal effort;
Excellence Certificate: exceptional achievement above and beyond;
Meritorious Certificate: acts of-heroism performed at great personal risk.
That after a nomination has been considered and recipient determined; that person will
be recognized at a Public Safety Traffic Commission meeting and will receive the appropriate
certificate of appreciation;
. That a full outline of the program would be located in the agenda packet;
That there will be two accommodation awards at the next Public Traffic Safety meeting.
For Commission Chairman Connerton, Human Resource Analyst Lanier relayed that the two
recipients that will be awarded were recommended by staff.
MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to approve staff's recommendation. Commissioner
Katan seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
3.
Implementation of Geoaraphic Information Svstems IGIS\/Global Positionina Svstem
IGPS\ in Police Vehicles
RECOMMENDATION:
3.1
That the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission review the presentation and support
for the implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS/Global
Positioning System (GPS) in Police Vehicles.
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Director of Information Systems Thorson presented a staff report on the implementation of
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Global Positioning System (GPS) in police vehicles,
noting the following:
That two years ago implementation of a map mobile Geographic Information
System (GIS) applications were installed in fire vehicles;
That Councilman Stone recommended that staff examine the feasibility of
installing a digital map capability in Police Department vehicles;
That a Police Department pilot evaluation program would be recommended by
City staff;
That Police Department funds would be used to purchase two tablet PCs and
equipment necessary to start a pilot program (see attachment A in staff report);
That Gamber Johnson Vehicular Integration will be mounting the equipment in
the Sergeant's and Chief Police's vehicle;
That a gO-day evaluation would be performed;
.
That the a pplication will be customized with scenarios that would a pply to the
Police Department;
.
That after the evaluation period, staff will be providing a report to the Public
Traffic Safety Commission with recommendations;
That this item will be forwarded to the City Council on April 13, 2004.
For Commissioner Katan, Police Chief Domenoe relayed that for the gO-day evaluation period,
the digital map capability will only be allowed in the Sergeant's and Police Chief's vehicle; and
that after gO-days, more data will be required and, the equipment could be moved to other
police vehicles.
For Chairman Connerton, Mr. Thorson relayed that the test plan has not yet been developed,
but that a legitimate test criteria will be created that applies to the Police Department.
For Chairman Connerton, Police Chief Domenoe relayed that because it is a pilot program, the
Police Department has limited funds; that funds were not marked in the budget; and that he
would be of the opinion that integration into the current MDC system is essential before this
program could be pushed forward.
For Commission Katan, Mr. Thorson relayed that the application will be designed to install
various scenarios.
MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to approve staff's recommendation. Commissioner
Ramos seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
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4.
Safetv Review - State Route 79 South and Wabash Lane
RECOMMENDATION:
4.1
That the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission review the intersection of State Route
79 South and Wabash Lane for possible safety issues and determine if a traffic
signal should be considered.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Hughes presented a staff report (as per agenda
material), noting the following:
That Councilman Washington directed staff to review the intersection of State
Highway 79 South;
That State Highway 79 South is within Caltrans jurisdiction; and that although the
City does not have direct authority of the intersection, there has been ongoing
concern with all the intersections along 79 South;
That after the City's evaluation of the intersection of 79 South and Wabash Lane,
it was determined that the intersection is operating satisfactorily;
That there is a project under design to install a raised median along the entire
stretch of 79 South to further improve the safety of this corridor which will include
irrigation and landscaping as well as the raised median;
That the Public Works Department would anticipate that if the City were
successful in obtaining in control of the highway, the Public Works Department
would be able to instigate the construction of the project at an earlier date;
That in the event the relinquishment were not approved, staff would be of the
opinion that the delay in starting construction could be another two to three years
due to Caltrans' processing;
.
That the median project has been approached as though the City will have
control of the State Highway; and that it is being designed to City standards and
would avoid Caltrans processing to expedite the project;
That the median design will have the same left-turn configuration that currently
exists;
That along with the above-mentioned improvements, the City is in the process of
soliciting bids for the construction of sidewalks and landscaping improvements
along the south side of State Route 79 South.
For Commissioner Lanier, Mr. Hughes relayed that the signals at La Paz Road and Pechanga
Parkway are under Caltrans jurisdiction but that the City provides input to Caltrans with regard
to the signal timing; and that when the City has control of 79 South, it will give the City ability to
be creative with the signal timing.
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For Commissioner Ramos, Mr. Hughes relayed that the main reason for not implementing
median installation before the sidewalk and landscaping improvements, is that it would be very
difficult to process the U-turn through Caltrans at this time and that the proposed design will be
prepared with the assumption that the City will have full control the State right of way and,
therefore, would not require Caltrans processing or approvals.
At this time, the Public Hearing was opened.
Mr. David J. Zalasko, 30300 Pechanga Drive, representing the California Homeowners
Association, noted the following:
That he is requesting that the City install a security light;
That there has been increasing traffic speeds on SR 79 South;
That the City installed a turn lane which is dangerous.
At this time, the Public Hearing was closed.
For Commissioner Jacobs, Mr. Hughes relayed that the median design in currently underway.
For clarification purposes, Mr. Hughes also noted that because of the signal warrant analysis
performed for the intersection of SR 79 South and Wabash Lane, warrants are not satisfied and
traffic signals are not justified at this location and that it would be unlikely that Caltrans would
entertain a signal at this location but that the City may always approach Caltrans.
Commissioner Ramos thanked Mr. Zalasko for his comments and noted that he understands his
frustration and realizes that although there may be an inconvenience to access a safe route that
might be the only alternative at this time.
Commissioner Ramos also queried if a caution sign between La Paz Road and Wabash Lane
would be helpful.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Hughes clarified for Chairman Connerton, that staff
would recommend that the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission review the staff report; determine
whether any consideration for a signal should be made; allow staff to continue on the path with
the current design which will be readdressed by the Public Traffic Safety Commission prior to
any final decisions, and to request approval of the concept to continue to allow a refuge lane,
uncontrolled left-turn movements at Wabash Lane, and along with the concept of adding the U-
turn at Pechanga Parkway, noting that the full redesign project would be approved at a
subsequent Public Traffic Safety Commission meeting.
MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to support current plans to construct a median with
uncontrolled left-turn access at Wabash Lane, the proposed traffic signal modification to allow
U-turn movements at SR 79 South and Pechanga Parkway.
Commissioner Lanier requested that the motion be amended to include that staff aggressively
seek signage along SR 79.
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For Commissioner Lanier, Principal Engineer Moghadam advised that there is currently an
advanced street name sign approximately 200 feet in advance of the intersection which helps
indicate that there is an intersection approaching, but that if additional signs were the request of
the Commission, staff could process this proposal through Caltrans.
MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to support current plans to construct a median with
uncontrolled left-turn access at Wabash Lane, the proposed traffic signal modification to allow
U-turn movements at SR 79 South and Pechanga Parkway along with sidewalk and landscape
improvements along the south side of SR 79 South, and direct staff to explore the possibility of
installing additional advanced street name signs. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motion
and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
5.
Multi-Wav Stop Sians - Meadows Parkwav and Roval Oaks Drive
RECOMMENDATION:
5.1
That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend that the City Council
adopt a resolution establishing Multi-Way Stop signs at the intersection of
Meadows Parkway and Royal Oaks Drive.
Principal Engineer Moghadam presented a staff report (as per agenda material), noting the
following:
That the City received a request to review the sight distance for vehicles turning
left from Royal Oaks Drive onto Meadows Parkway and for students who ride
their bicycles and crossing Meadows Parkway;
That the City conducted a comprehensive study of the number of accidents at the
location, the traffic volumes both on Meadows Parkway and Royal Oaks Drive,
and the sight distance;
That based on the number of accidents and volumes, the warrants were not met
and the stop signs were not justified;
That during the two-year investigation period, there was only one accident that
was not attributed to the left-turn out of Royal Oaks Drive;
That there have been no accidents caused by this situation within two years;
.
That the volumes of side streets such as Royal Oaks Drive are a significantly
less than what is required to justify an All-Way Stop;
That an evaluation of the intersection sight distance indicates that the visibility
from Royal Oaks Drive traveling south was unobstructed; however, traveling
north the visibility falls below the minimum stopping sight distance for a 52 MPH
speed due to the vertical alignment of the roadway;
That Caltrans traffic manual states that Multi-Way Stop controls may be
considered at intersections where the sight distance cannot be improved by
removing the obstruction;
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.
That staff would be of the opinion that the installation of the stop sign will
increase noise levels due to vehicular acceleration and deceleration;
That staff would recommend the installation of Multi-Way Stop sign at this
location based on the lack of sufficient sight distance and visibility.
At this time, the Public Hearing was opened.
The following speakers spoke in favor of the proposed Multi-Way Stop signs for the following
reasons:
Ms. Carol Malin
Mr. David Brookhouser
41507 Eagle Point Way
31600 Champion Circle
That a petition has been signed by residents affected by the proposed multi-way
stop sign;
That the visibility is very low;
That there are no marked cross walks;
That there is a lack of visibility for pedestrians crossing the street;
That children cannot cross the street safely due to unmarked cross walks;
At this time, the Public Hearing was closed.
For the Commission, Principal Engineer Moghadam relayed that advanced signs would be
installed as well as Multi-Ways Stop signs; that staff would not be recommending crosswalks;
and that school area warning signs are installed within 500 feet of a school only.
For Chairman Connerton, Sergeant Pi no relayed the following:
That in the past month, motor officers completed high-visibility enforcement;
That 26 citations were written for traveling 12 to 15 mph over the speed limit;
That he would have no concerns with a multi-way stop sign being installed.
Deputy Fire Marshal Neuman noted that he would be of the opinion that a multi-way stop sign
would benefit that area.
For Chairman Connerton, Principal Engineer Moghadam relayed that the lights that would be
installed will be temporary, battery operated, low-level lights.
MOTION: Commissioner Katan moved to approve staff's recommendation.
Jacobs seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
Commissioner
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6.
Pedestrian Walkwav - Loma Linda Road east of Pechanaa Parkwav
RECOMMENDATION:
6.1
That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review this item and provide a
recommendation.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Hughes presented the staff report (as per agenda
material), noting the following:
That staff was directed by Councilman Washington to review the issue of
pedestrian access along Loma Linda Road between Pechanga Parkway and Erie
Stanley Gardner Middle School;
That a sidewalk on Loma Linda will be planned and constructed through the Wolf
Creek Specific Plan (SP);
That until the developer completes the work, residents that live west of Pechanga
Parkway will have to cross Pechanga Parkway at Loma Linda and walk along the
dirt shoulder of Loma Linda Road to the middle school;
That the situation that currently exists along Loma Linda Road, although not
desirous of staff, is an interim situation;
That since the opening of the school, the School District has provided bus
service for the neighborhood children t hat live west 0 f P echanga Parkway but
that many students still choose to walk to school;
That around 50 students a day, morning and afternoon use the Loma Linda dirt
shoulder to get to school and that there has been a large number of parents that
have expressed concern;
That when the school opened, the City explored the safety issue, discussed it
with the School District, and identified that the School District would be providing
the busing but that it was also decided that the walkway over the Loma Linda
Road bridge at Pechanga Parkway would be improved as well;
That the City installed a raised sidewalk across the bridge;
.
That staff would be of the opinion that the current conditions are adequate and
that appropriate alternatives are in place for any students that choose to take the
bus service until the improvements are completed;
That the Wolf Creek project will be providing the widening along the south side of
Loma Linda Road which would provide sidewalks from Pechanga Parkway to the
middle school which will be improving the situation;
That staff would recommend that the Public Traffic Safety Commission receive
and file this report.
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MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to receive and file staffs report. Commissioner Ramos
seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
6.
Traffic Enqineer's Report
Principal Engineer Moghadam reported that the fulltime, permanent Senior Signal Technician
started March 22, 2004.
7.
Police Chiefs Report
Sergeant Pi no presented a police update, relaying the following:
That the St. Patrick's Day Enforcement resulted in eight (8) drunk drivers and 35
citations;
That there has been a decrease in t he number of citations for t he Stop Light
Abuse Program (SLAP);
.
That injury traffic collisions are down.
8.
Fire Chiefs Report
Fire Marshal Neuman presented a fire report relayed that the new City Fire Truck was placed
into service Monday, March 15,2004 and was assigned at the Rancho California Fire Station in
the industrial area of the City.
ADJOURNMENT
At 7:49 p.m. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, April 22, 2004 at
6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula.
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