HomeMy WebLinkAbout092304 PTS Minutes
MINUTES OF A REGULAR
MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 23, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting
at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 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, Youmans,
Connerton
Lanier, and Chairman
Absent:
Ramos.
PRESENTATION: Police Chief Domenoe honored a Citizen Service Award Certificate of
Excellence to Tom Fraler and Hank Hansen commending them for their countless hours
of volunteerism, extraordinary dedication, exceptional 'professionalism, and relentless
commitment to the Temecula Police Department Traffic Division.
Sergeant Pi no echoed Police Chief Domenoe's comments.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORTS
Commissioner Jacobs thanked Sergeant Pino and his staff for allowing him to observe
two DUI check points; noting that he was impressed on how well organized the check
points were and the excellent utilization of sworn officers, volunteers, and police
explorers.
Chairman Connerton echoed Commissioner Jacobs' comments.
COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR
1.
Minutes of July 22. 2004
RECOMMENDATION:
1.1
Approve the Minutes of July 22, 2004.
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MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to approve the Consent Calendar.
Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the
exception of Commissioner Youmans who abstained and Commissioner Ramos who
was absent.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
2.
Review of the Draft Updated City General Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
2.1
That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review the Draft General Plan
and provide the Planning Department with their cOmments and concerns.
Principal Planner Hogan presented the elements of the City General Plan noting the
following:
land use
circulation
housing
open space and conservation
growth management and public facilities
public safety
noise
air quality
community design
economic development
At this time, the Public Hearing was opened.
Mr. Larry Markham, representing Los Ranchitos HOA, expressed excitement toward the
commitment to some of the reduced standards, specifically, the modified secondary, and
respectfully request Ynez, DePortola, and La Paz, reflect as modified secondary
standard versus the limited which would bring it down in scale pursuant to the section on
the circulation component; intersection enhancements for turn lane capacity and would
request bringing it down a scale to the limited secondary to better reflect the fact that
there are homes there that take direct access onto those roads and bring that roadway
down in scale.
Ms. Jennifer Strutz, Temecula resident queried if the General Plan draft review was
already approved.
For Ms. Strutz, Mr. Hogan relayed that the General Plan draft review is more than a
suggestion, it is a proposal that has not been approved as of yet by the City Council.
At this time, the Public Hearing was closed.
MOTION: Commissioner Jacobs moved to have staff move forward with the General
Plan. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with
the exception of Commissioner Ramos who was absent.
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2
Reauest for Multi-Way Stop Sians- Del Rey Road at Avenida Verde and Via
Norte at Kahwea Road and Calle Tiarra
3.
RECOMMENDATION:
3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny the request for installation of
multi-way stop signs at the intersection of Del Rey Road and Avenida Verde,
Via Norte and Kahwea Road, and Via Norte and Calle Tiarra.
Principal Engineer Moghadam presented a staff report (of record), noting the following:
That the City received a request from the Meadowview Community Association
on behalf of the residents to install stop signs on Del Rey Road at Avenida
Verde, Via Norte at Kahwea Road and Calle Tiarra to reduce vehicular speeds
along both roadways;
That the Public Works Department conducted a study which includes volume
counts, review of collisions within the last 12 months and review of the visibility at
these intersections;
That some of these intersections have been previously reviewed by the
Public/Traffic Safety Commission; and at that time, the Public/Traffic Safety
Commission did not support installation of stop signs based on the knowledge
that multi-way stop signs are not meant to be used as a tool to reduce vehicular
speeds;
That in the past installation of multi-way stop signs have been proven to be
ineffective;
That the Average Daily Traffic (ADT) on Del Rey Road is in the 3,000 vehicle per
day range; and that Avenida Verde carries approximately 180 to 334 vehicles per
day;
That recent evaluation indicates that there has not been a significant change in
roadway conditions to justify additional multi-way stop signs; and that therefore,
staff recommends denial of the request for multi-way stop signs.
For the Commission, Mr. Moghadam relayed that the speed limit is established by the
85th percentile speed per the California Vehicle Code and the Caltrans Traffic Manual.
For Comrnissioner Lanier, Sergeant Pino relayed that there have been 145 to 150 tickets
issued for speed and stop sign violations in the Meadowview area in the month of
August; and that most of the violators have been residents.
For Cornmissioner Youmans, Mr. Moghadam relayed that they keep close
communication with the Police Department in regard to traffic updates.
At this time, the Public Hearing was opened.
The following individuals spoke in favor of the proposed multi-way stop signs:
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Mr. Chris Blakenship
Mr. Alfonso Mata
Mr. Bernie Thomas
Ms. Jennifer Strutz
Temecula
Temecula
Temecula
Temecula
For Mr. Thomas, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that although the majority of
the residents may wish to have stop signs installed, from a legal standpoint because the
streets are public streets, the City cannot arbitrarily install stop signs and have the Police
Department legally enforce them, or legally change the speed limits lower than the 85th
percentile because it would be unenforceable.
At this time, the Public Hearing was closed.
Understanding the concerns of the above mentioned individuals, Commissioner
Yournans concurs with staff's recommendation; advising that perhaps there are other
traffic calming measures which could be implemented, such as speed trailers and police
enforcement during peak hours.
For Commissioner Jacobs, Mr. Moghadam relayed that all visibility restrictions were
considered in the warrant analysis summary for Del Rey and Avenida Verde.
For Commissioner Jacobs, Mr. Moghadam relayed that staff would be happy to explore
the addition of speed limit signs.
For Commissioner Jacobs, Mr. Hughes relayed that the problem is a driver behavioral
problem and is of the opinion that installing equestrian crossing signs will not help.
MOTION: Commissioner Youmans moved to approve staff's recommendation; that
police enforcement be taken, and that staff explore the possibility of adding more speed
limit signs. Commissioner Jacobs seconded the rnotion and voice vote reflected
approval with the exception of Commissioner Ramos who was absent.
Chairman Connerton inforrned the audience of the Public Safety Expo to be held on
Saturday, November 6, 2004, at Chaparral High School.
Due to a conflict of interest, Commissioner Lanier stepped down from item No.4.
4.
Parkina Restrictions - Jefferson Business Park
RECOMMENDATION:
4.1
That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission consider the installation of
signs at all entrances to the City to reinforce Section 10.16.260,
Temecula Municipal Code "Certain Commercial Vehicles Prohibited from
Parking on Private Property and Public Rights-of Way."
Principal Engineer Moghadam presented a staff report (of record), noting the following:
That at the Public/Traffic Safety Commission Meeting of July 22, 2004, the
Public/Traffic Safety Commission denied the request for parking restrictions on
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Madison Avenue, Buecking Drive, Sanborn Avenue, and McCabe Court; and that
the request came from the Business Association.
That the HOA expressed concern with commercial vehicles parking overnight for
long periods of time noting that they are esthetically unpleasing;
.
That at that time, the Commission directed staff to explore alternatives for
parking restrictions including overnight parking restrictions and bring the item
back to the Commission for consideration;
That after reviewing Section 10.16.260 with the City Attorney, it was noted that
commercial vehicles are prohibited from parking on private property (unless
screened) and public rights-of-way unless they are exempted under Section
10.16.270; and the exemptions are as follows:
0 Pick-up trucks, utility vans and similar utility vehicles; and all vehicles while
being used in actual construction;
0 All vehicles in the process of making pick-up or delivery;
0 Governmental and utility emergency vehicles; and when displaying a parking
permit issued by the establishments or authorized by the Police Department;
That after discussions with the City Attorney, it was determined that the existing
ordinance is adequate to deal with the long-term truck parking on all City Streets;
and that the City Attorney also indicated that if any overnight parking is restricted
by specific signs, it would imply that parking is allowed during hours, which would
conflict with the intent of the present ordinance; and that with the placement of
signs at all entrances to the City, the existing ordinance could be justifiably
enforced by the Police Department.
For Commissioner Youmans, Mr. Moghadam clarified that the actual signage will
indicate the language: No commercial vehicle is allowed to park on any public streets
with the exception of the following vehicles...
For Commissioner Jacobs, Mr. Moghadam noted that by installing the proposed
signage, the existing ordinance could be enforced by the Police Department.
At this time, the Public Hearing was opened.
Due to no speakers, the Public Hearing was closed.
MOTION: Commissioner Jacobs moved to approve staff's recommendation.
Commissioner Youmans seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with
the exception of Commissioner Lanier who abstained and Commissioner Ramos who
was absent.
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5.
Traffic Enaineer's Report
Director of Public Works Hughes reported on the following:
That 12 million dollars will be awarded to the Sports Complex in the near future;
That the Community Theater is progressing well;
That the Jefferson Rehabilitation project has been delayed slightly due to its
failure to provide adequate traffic control plans;
That the City h as applied f or a major g rant for t he French Valley Interchange
Project, 79 South 1-15 interchange upgrade, and the alignment and concept
study to do a western bypass for the City.
For Chairman Connerton, Mr. Hughes relayed that he will explore the possibility of
removing the water retention basin adjacent to the freeway near Harveston.
6.
Police Chiefs Report
Sergeant Pino reported on the following:
That the school zones are doing well with only minor complaints;
That the average enforcement is 388 red light tickets per month;
That there was a total of 17 DUI arrests at the last three DUI check points;
That the injury traffic collision rate is down.
7.
Fire Chiefs Report
No report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
At 7:50 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, October
28, 2004 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive,
Temecula.
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