HomeMy WebLinkAbout052704 PTS Minutes
MINUTES OF A REGULAR
. MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
MAY 27,2004
CALL TO ORDER
The City of Temecula PubliclTraffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting
at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2004, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City
Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California.
FLAG SALUTE
Chairman Connerton led the audience in the Flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioners Jacobs, Ramos, and Chairman Connerton
Absent:
Lanier.
PRESENTATION:
Mr. Len Borok presented the end of the year review for 2003 Community Action Patrol
program (CAP), highlighting the following:
Background and History;
. Equipment;
. Three types of patrols conducted by CAP;
a Routine 1880 hours of which 940 hours were on the road;
a Extra and;
a Event;
. Unscheduled event patrols, 269 hours;
Scheduled event patrol 247 hours;
. Total hours 2396 hours;
Number of hours provided by CAP for calendar year 2003;
. 2004 outlook and goals:
. That the goal would be to increase the CAP membership. This increase would
allow routine patrols to increase to at least six and possibly seven per week.
More CAP members would translate to more "Eyes and Ears" for the Routine
Patrol efforts.
. That more CAP members would also increase the number of volunteers available
for unscheduled patrols, freeing up more Police Officers at accident/incident
scenes, and allowing them to go back on their respective assigned duties.
That to accomplish this, the streamlining of, and frequency of the CAP
indoctrination training must be addressed, so that recruiting new members can
be completed in a more timely manner;
That it would be the CAPs team goal to pursue this issue in 2004.
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SUMMARY:
That the City of Temecula is a Safe Place to Live and Work.
Chairman Connerton thanked the CAP team for all their hard work and dedication and
for all the hours that they have given to the program.
Commissioner Ramos commended the CAP team for their excellent work.
Commissioner Jacobs extended his appreciation to the CAP members for their
dedicated work.
Lieutenant Chris Davis, patrol operations and traffic bureau for the Temecula Police
Department, stated that Officer Ron Griffith is a 15 year Veteran as a DUI enforcement
officer; that as of December 2003, Officer Griffith has made approximately 70 DUI
arrests in the City of Temecula; and that his dedication to citizens of Temecula is
appreciated and commended by all.
Chairman Connerton presented Officer Griffith with a plaque for outstanding
performance and dedication to the Temecula Police Department DUI Enforcement
Program.
The Commission thanked Officer Griffith for his hard work and dedication.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Rob Leanza, 41555 Eagle Point Way, noted the following in regard to the newly
installed stop sign at Meadows Parkway and Royal Oaks:
That the noise is uninhabitable;
That the residences on the corner of Meadows Parkway and Royal Oaks have an
$80,000 difference in value compared to the residences down the street;
That there are four (4) residences that currently went up for sale due to the
newly installed stop signs on Meadows Parkway and Royal Oaks;
. That there are a number of cars who do not stop;
That what was initially intended to be a safety issue has turned into a false sense
of security;
. A tape was dispensed for the Commission to review.
For clarification, Director of Public Works Hughes stated that staff would be happy to
review the tape but noted that unless one of the Commissioner's requests that this item
be brought back to the Commission, the action has already been taken by the City
Council.
For Mr. Hughes, Chairman Connerton requested that the item be brought back to the
Commission at the next Public Traffic Safety meeting so that the tape brought in by Mr.
Leanza could be reviewed at that time.
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Mr. Ed Lindsey, 42375 Camino Merano, commended the PubliclTraffic Safety
Commission for their efforts in lowering the number of vehicles speeding through. the
neighborhood.
Mr. Jack Morehouse, 41334 Salt River Court, President of the Ridgeview Rancho
Homeowners Association (HOA), relayed that there is a high number of vehicles
traveling through the area and would request that the Commission and staff agendize
this item for the consideration of closing Calle Pina Colada.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORTS
No reports at this time.
COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR
1.
Minutes of April 22. 2004
RECOMMENDATION:
1.1
Approve the Minutes of April 22, 2004.
MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to approve the Consent Calendar.
Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the
exception of Commissioner Lanier who was absent.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
2.
Proposed Capital Improvement Proaram - Fiscal Years 2005-2009
RECOMMENDATION:
2.1
That the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission review and discuss the
proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Circulation Projects for
Fiscal Years 2005-2009.
Director of Public Works Hughes provided a presentation of the proposed Capital
Improvement Project (CIP) for the next five (5) years by Power Point Presentation,
advising the following: that the proposed CIP was presented to the City Council in a
workshop forum a week ago and will be scheduled to move forward to open session for
the City Council on June 8, 2004; that the purpose of the presentation is to ensure that
the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission is aware of all the proposed projects; and advised
that current CIP has 111 proposed projects for the next five (5) years, (see staff report)
. That there will be:
a 38 traffic circulation projects;
a 27 public facilities improvements;
a 39 park projects (new parks and upgrades to parks);
a 7 redevelopment department projects.
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That the proposed total value of the proposed projects will be over four-hundred
and forty million dollars. ...
At this time, Director of Public Works Hughes ended his Power Point Presentation and
queried if the Commission had any comments.
For Mr. Hughes, Commissioner Jacobs advised that he was impressed to see how many
projects the City is able to manage in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Commissioner Ramos relayed that City staff does an incredible job and is proud to be a
part of the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission.
For Mr. Hughes, Chairman Connerton requested the following changes:
. That Prioritv II, Diaz Road Extension to Cherry Street, be moved to Priority I;
. That Prioritv II, Diaz Road Widening from Winchester Road to Rancho California
Road, be moved to Prioritv I; Mr. Hughes clarified that although it will be
necessary to move it from a Priority I to a Priority II, currently there is no funding
for this project.
. That Prioritv III, La Paz Street widening from Ynez Road to State Route 79
South, be moved to Prioritv II;
That Prioritv III, Pauba Road improvements West of Margarita Road north side,
be moved to Prioritv II;
That Prioritv II, Santiago Road Assessment District Improvement Project, be
moved to Priority I:
That Prioritv III, Temecula Creek Crossing, access to State Route 79 South, be
moved to Priority I;
. That Prioritv IV, Western Bypass Corridor - Phase I and Phase II be moved to
Prioritv III;
That Prioritv III, Ynez Road widening from Rancho Vista Road to La Paz Street,
be moved to Prioritv II;
That Prioritv III, Ynez Road widening from Tierra Vista Road to Rancho Vista
Road, be moved to Prioritv I;
That Prioritv I, Traffic Signal Installation - Citywide, Jefferson Avenue at Sanborn
Avenue to be moved to vear 2004-05; Mr. Huges noted that the City Council has
moved this up to 2005-06; advising that the Development Impact Fees (DIF) will
not be available until 2005-06.
Director of Public Works Hughes advised the Commission that he will be advising the
City Council of Chairman Connerton's requests for priority changes.
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MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved Chairman Connerton's requests submitted to
the City Council for considèration: Commissioner JacobS secònded the motion and
voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Lanier who was
absent.
3.
School Area Traffic Circulation
RECOMMENDATION:
3.1
That the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission approve the following
recommendations:
Sparkman Elementary School
1.
Modify the striping on Pio Pico Road to provide an additional lane
for student loading/unloading.
Request that the Temecula Valley Unified School District
implement congestion management measures which will
encourage parents to use the southerly parking lot located on
Margarita Road.
2.
Temecula Elementary School
1.
Install an eastbound right-turn lane, red curb, and provide
westbound left-turn access into the site from Margarita Road when
the new driveway opens.
Maraarita Middle School
1.
Provide direction to staff regarding potential "u" turn restriction
alternatives on Margarita Road east of Avenida Barca.
Principal Engineer Moghadam presented a staff report (as per agenda material), noting
the following:
That at the Meeting of April 22, 2004, the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission
received a request from Ms. Kerry Hoffmans to review the feasibility of widening
Pio Pi co Road, east of Margarita Road, to relieve traffic congestion in front of
Sparkman Elementary School;
That staff met with Mr. Bill McKinney of Temecula Valley Unified School District
(TVUSD), to review potential alternatives that could alleviate congestion at
Sparkman Elementary during the student drop off/pick-up periods;
a That one alternative would be to remove the existing bike lanes on Pio
Pico Road, east of Margarita Road, and relocating the existing striping to
provide additional lane for loading/unloading and;
a that in conjunction TVUSD agreed to implement changes which would
encourage parents to use the south parking lot located on Margarita Road
as an alternate student loading/unloading area; that however, due to the
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median and Margarita Road, parents would not be able to make a direct
left turn access to go southbound on Margarita Road; . .
That while the proposed alternatives may not completely eliminate the
congestion during peak drop-off/pick-up periods, it would provide some relief at
the intersection of Pio Pico Road and Margarita Road.
At this time, the Public Hearing was opened.
Ms. Darilynn Fields, 31840 Calle Redondela, expressed concern with traffic congestion
on Pio Pico Road in front of Sparkman Elementary School and suggested having
parents park on the easterly portion of Pio Pico.
Ms. Kerry Hoffmans, P.o. Box 892881, stated that she concurs with staffs
recommendation and also concurs with Ms. Darilynn's suggestion of having parents park
on the easterly portion of Pio Pico.
Ms. Rebecca Weersing, 41775 Yorba Avenue, expressed concern with the traffic
situation on Pio Pi co and Margarita and also concurred with Darilynn's suggestion.
Ms. Michelle Anderson, 43797 Burletta Street, suggested assembling a task force
between the City, TVUSD, and PTAs to encourage a "Walk to School Week" to help to
encourage kids to walk to school.
At this time, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Ramos concurs with staff's recommendation and would request that
parking from Redondela Court to Margarita Road be restricted.
Commissioner Jacobs expressed concern with the removal of bike lanes; and concurred
with Ms. Anderson's suggestion of encouraging the kids to walk to school; and is of the
opinion that staffs recommendation would not have any long term effect.
Chairman Connerton concurred with staff's recommendation but also expressed concern
with the elimination of bike lanes; but is in concurrence with the use of the south parking
lot as a drop-off/pick-up area.
Mr. Moghadam noted that although it will not be a perfect solution, it would be a quick
and relatively inexpensive solution; and that there would not be any major side effects
from the proposal.
Mr. Bill Me Kinney, Director of Transportation for the School District, relayed the
following:
. That the School District has been working with staff to find a solution;
That the southern lot would be available to drop-off/pick-up;
That another option would be to install delineators which would prevent left-hand
turn into the parking lot headed in a westerly direction;
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That he will explore the possibility of having a left-turn and a right-turn exiting the
parking lot.
For Chairman Connerton, Sergeant Pi no commented on the following:
That it would be his opinion that the bike lanes do not necessarily create safety
zones for the cyclist in that area;
That in his opinion, removing the bike lane for the proposed recommendation is
a good solution;
That having two cars exiting at the same time (left-turn, right-turn) could be
hazardous;
That with the proposed recommendation and police enforcement efforts, this
would help to alleviate some of the congestion during the peak drop-off/pick-up
hours;
That there are not enough resources to have a net-officer posted every day.
MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to approve staff's recommendation and to
review this item in October. Chairman Connerton seconded the motion and voice vote
reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Jacobs who voted No and
Commissioner Lanier who was absent.
Principal Engineer Moghadam presented a staff report in regards to Temecula
Elementary School and Margarita Middle School, relaying the following:
Temecula Elementary School
That staff met with representatives of TVSD and it was requested that staff
investigate the feasibility of modifying the painted median on Margarita Road in
front of Temecula Elementary School to provide left-turn access into the school
site;
That an evaluation of conditions was performed determining that the striped
median could be modified to provide left-turn access into the site; that the
evaluation revealed that the eastbound curb lane is wide enough to support a
much needed eastbound right-turn lane at the Moraga Road intersection;
however, the striping of the right turn lane will require restricting parking on
Margarita Road adjacent to the school; and that all of the on-site improvements
have not been completed the striping modification improvements should be
deferred until the driveway opens;
That therefore, staff recommends the installation of an eastbound right-turn lane,
red curb, and providing left-turn access into the site from Margarita Road when
the driveway opens.
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For the Commission, Mr. McKinney relayed that the new driveway will be the new
ingress into the school;" that the existing entrance will be shutdown and so thåt as traffic
makes the right-hand turn, they will not be stacking up to enter into the school; and that
this would be doubling in size for parents to access the campus.
Maraarita Middle School
That staff received a request from the TVUSD Board Members to investigate the
feasibility of restricting mid-block "u" turn movements occurring on Margarita
Road in front of Margarita Middle School;
That the driveway located at the east end of the school provides ingress to the
site while the westerly driveway is designated for egress only;
. That the two-way left turn lanes located on Margarita Road in front of the school
serves a dual function by providing storage for left-turns in the school and a
refuge lane for left-turns out of the school; and that passenger loading/unloading
is allowed on Margarita Road, motorists often execute mid-block U-turns and that
while this alternative would only provide a "quick-fix" solution in the immediate
area of the school, it would only move the U-turn movements to other locations;
. That the most effective way to restrict U-turns is to construct a raised median
between Avenida Barca and La Serena Way which would effectively limit U-turn
movements to the intersections only;
For the Commission, Principal Engineer Moghadam noted that he is not aware of any
major accidents in that area.
Sergeant Pi no relayed that the U-turns that are taking place are illegal; and that the
center median that is being proposed would help to alleviate some of the existing
problems.
For Commissioner Jacobs, Mr. Moghadam clarified that the proposed recommendation
would be at a signalized intersection, that U-turns would be allowed.
At this time, the Public Hearing was opened.
Due to no speakers at this time, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Jacobs expressed concern approving staff's recommendation for
Sparkman Elementary School and Margarita Middle School; that he would request that
staff agendize " A Walk to School Week i.e. Safe Routes to School" for Temecula; and
that he is of the opinion that this would be along term benefit rather than a "quick-fix".
For the Commission, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the above mentioned
items would be a very time consuming type of activities; that this would not be in the
current budget; and that if the Commission would like to explore it further, it could be
brought back to the Commission at a later time to prepare a report to identify funding
sources, if any, in August or September.
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For Mr. Hughes, Chairman Connerton noted that he would request to have "A Walk to
School Week", be agendìzedfor July.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested that staff work with Temecula Valley Unified School
District (TVUSD), law enforcement, and as many other entities as possible to help with
funding sources.
Chairman Connerton suggested forming a subcommittee in August and that the
Commission appoint Commissioner Jacobs to spear head the program.
MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to approve staffs recommendation for
Temecula Elementary School and Margarita Middle School. Commissioner Jacobs
seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of
Commissioner Lanier who was absent.
4.
Reauest for Crosswalk Meadows Parkwav and Roval Oaks Drive
RECOMMENDATION:
4.1
That the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission deny the request to install a
crosswalk at the intersection of Meadows Parkway and Royal Oaks Drive.
Principal Engineer Moghadam presented a brief staff report (of record), noting the
following:
. That at the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission meeting of March 22, 2004, the
PITSC approved staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt a resolution
establishing multi-way stop signs at the intersection of Meadows Parkway and
Royal Oaks Drive, that although the intersection did not satisfy the necessary
warrants based on vehicular volume, staff recommended the installation of stop
signs primarily because of visibility constraints;
. That at the City Council meeting of April 13, 2004, the City Council approved the
Commission's recommendation; that the City Council directed staff to review the
feasibility of installing a marked crosswalk on Meadows Parkway and bring the
item back to the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission in sixty (60) days for further
consideration;
. That since the testimony indicated that the majority of the pedestrians crossing
Meadows Parkway were school children, pedestrian count data was collected
during morning and afternoon peak hours; and that data revealed that there were
no pedestrians observed crossing Meadows Parkway during the process;
That it was mentioned that the school bus stops at the intersection to load and
unload passengers and that children were required to cross Meadows Parkway
during this process;
. That although the school bus does load and unload children on the west side of
Meadows Parkway, staff did not observe any school aged children/pedestrians
crossing Meadows Parkway during the loading/unloading process;
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. That marked crosswalks are typically installed at èontrolled locations whère there
is a need to emphasize the presence of pedestrians such as adjacent to schools
and at signalized locations; and that a crosswalk at this location would not be
consistent with the City's current practice;
That furthermore, the installation of marked crosswalks could create a false
sense of security for pedestrians crossing Meadows Parkway;
That staff would recommend that he Commission deny the request for a marked
crosswalk at the intersection of Meadows Parkway and Royal Oaks Drive.
At this time, the Public Hearing was opened.
Mr. Rob Leanza, 41555 Eagle Point Way, concurs with staff recommendation to denv
the request to install a crosswalk at the intersection of Meadows Parkway and Royal
Oaks.
Ms. Carol Malin, 41507 Eagle Point Way, thanked the Commission for the installation of
the stop signs at Meadows Parkway; but that she would request a crosswalk at this
location due to the curvature of the road and incline of the hill; stating that at the last City
Council meeting she distributed a signed petition from neighbors who are in favor of a
crosswalk at Meadows Parkway and Royal Oaks.
At this time, the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Jacobs relayed that he supports staff's recommendation to denv the
request to install a crosswalk at the intersection.
For Chairman Connerton, Sergeant Pino relayed that crosswalks do create a false sense
of security.
Mr. Moghadam clarified for the Commission that the current stop signs are considered
controlled crosswalks.
MOTION: Commissioner Jacobs moved to approve staff's recommendation.
Commissioner Ramos seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the
exception of Commissioner Lanier who was absent.
5.
Reauest for Removal of Double Yellow Centerline - Calle Pina Colada
RECOMMENDATION:
5.1
That the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission deny the request for
permanent removal of the double yellow centerline.
Principal Engineer Moghadam presented a staff report (of record), noting the following:
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That staff received a petition from the residents of Calle Pina Colada requesting
thattlie double yellow centerline and raised pavement markers be removed from
Calle Pina Coiada due to perceived increase in vehicular speeds;
. That however, staff's observations do not support the residents' perception that
vehicular speeds have increased on Calle Pina Colada;
. That it should be noted that centerlines have been striped on several similar
streets in the vicinity;
That speeds have decreased since the centerline was removed but that it is
staffs opinion that it is attributed to the roadways rough surface, debris, and
appearance that the area is under construction, rather than the removal of the
markings.
For the Commission, Mr. Hughes relayed that Calle Pina Colada serves as a residential
collector road.
At this time, the Public Hearing was opened.
The following individuals spoke in favor of the permanent removal of the double yellow
centerline on Calle Pina Colada.
Mr. Rolfe Wittmann
Mr. Thomas Jeffrey
Ms. Cheryl Huber
Ms. Laura Upton
Ms. Jayme Christian
30617 Calle Pina Colada
30647 Calle Pina Colada
30737 Calle Pina Colada
30869 Calle Pina Colada
30762 Calle Pina Colada
At this time, the Public Hearing was closed.
For the Commission, Mr. Hughes relayed that if there were no double yellow centerline
and if there was an accident, the City would be liable.
MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to deny staff's recommendation pending a six
(6) month speed survey and that this motion be sent to the City Council for final
approval. Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion and voice vote reflected
approval with the exception of Commissioner Lanier who was absent.
6.
Traffic Engineer's Report
No report at this time.
7.
Police Chiefs Report
See Police Chief Report.
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8.
Fire Chiefs Report
Fire Marshal McBride relayed that the Fire Department is expecting delivery of the Fire
Safety Trailer in 30 days.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:10 p.m. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, June 24,
2004 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive,
/t;øVI
Chairman Darrell Connerton
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