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HomeMy WebLinkAbout092597 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25, 1997 A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission was called to order on Thursday, September 25, 1997, 7:00 P.M., at the City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairman Markham called the meeting to order. PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Johnson arrived at 7:14 PM. Coe, Perry, Telesio, Markham Johnson Also present were Public Works Associate Engineer All Moghadam, Assistant Engineer Hasib Baha, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle, and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley. Commissioner Perry led the flag salute. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Markham called for public comments on non-agenda items. There were no requests to speak. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of August 28. 1997 It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to approve the Consent Calendar. ABSENT: 1 COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Perry, Telesio, Markham None Johnson Pedestrian Crossing - Winchester Road at Nicolas Road Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report. A video presentation, prepared by Becca Woodward, showing students crossing at the Nicolas Road/Winchester Road intersection was reviewed by the Commission. R:\traffic%commissn~rninutes\97\092597 ,rnin/ajp PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25. 1997 Commissioner Telesio asked if Caltrans made a decision based on their own analysis or did they take staff's recommendations/suggestions. Mr. Moghadam replied this signal was part of the County of Riverside Assessment District 161 project and City staff had no input. Commissioner Perry asked if the Commission could take any action to expedite the process and if the City Council needed to approve the decision. Mr. Moghadam stated staff is in contact with Caltrans and they have already reviewed the situation and City Council approval is not required for Caltrans action. Commissioner Perry requested staff to continue contact with Caltrans on this particular problem. Becca Woodward, 40225 Holden Circle, stated she has worked with the School District, the Police Department, City staff and Caltrans to rectify this problem, She commented she is in agreement with staff's recommendations and reiterated the need for a solution now. Barbara Miller, 30508 Sierra Madre, asked if an overhead pedestrian crossing would be appropriate. Commissioner Perry replied that experience has shown many people will not use an overpass crossing and there will still be jaywalkers. Chairman Markham suggested Ms. Woodward give a copy of her tape to Geneva Krag, Temecula Valley Unified School District. Traffic Signal Installation - Pala Road at Pechanga Casino Main Entrance Chairman Markham stepped down due to a conflict of interest and Co-Chairman Telesio presided. Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Perry asked if this signal could be conditioned for cost sharing of a signal at Pala Road and Wolf Valley Road. Mr. Moghadam replied there are discussions for cost sharing of a Loma Linda/Pala Road signal; the possibility of negotiating is open for a signal at Wolf Valley Road, but not conditioning. Dennis Chiniaeff, 27555 Ynez Road, #200, representing the Pechanga Development Corporation, stated the heavy traffic on Pala Road creates conflict with patrons exiting the casino and heading northbound toward Hwy. 79(S). He stated the Tribal Council plans to improve Pala Road from Via Eduardo/Wolf Valley Road to their southerly boundary. Mr. Chiniaeff said although it is planned to have the signal completed by the end of the year, an interim three-way "Stop" would be very beneficial if it could be approved in the meantime. Mr. Moghadam stated an interim "Stop" sign can be erected when signals are warranted and urgently needed, but he is reluctant to state a signal is urgently needed at that location. Commissioner Coe commented "urgently needed" often refers to a signal's position on the priority listing and since the Tribal Council is paying for the signal, it's position is moot. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25.1997 Mr. Moghadam stated the intersection will be monitored and if there are additional accidents, the matter will be brought back to the Commission to reconsider an interim "Stop" sign. Commissioner Perry asked Mr. Chiniaeff if the Tribal Council would be interested in participating in a signal at Wolf Valley and Pala Road. Mr. Chiniaeff replied it would depend on the development across the street. It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to recommend a traffic signal be installed on Pala Road at the main entrance to the Pechanga Casino. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAINS: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Markham 4. Request for Installation of a Traffic Signal - Nicolas Road at North General Kearny Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Perry asked how close the numbers were to meeting the 30-second-per- vehicle delay warrants. Mr. Moghadam stated during peak hours, traffic experienced a seven (7) to eight (8) second average delay. Wanda Faille, 30209 Sierra Madre Drive, described the problems she and her pre- schoolers have encountered getting to and from the park. Forrest Thomas, Director of Transportation, Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD), supported a four-way stop or a traffic signal, a painted crosswalk with a crossing guard there from eight to nine AM and three to four PM Monday through Friday. He said with these installations, the School District would no longer bus children living within a mile of the school on the south side of Nicolas. Jon Axton, 30169 Sierra Madre Drive, described his experiences in crossing the street and left a video for staff's review. He questioned whether any warrant should be connected to public safety. Mr. Moghadam stated the number of accidents at a location is the public safety consideration. Lori Cundiff, 30185 Sierra Madre Drive, supported a four-way "Stop" sign with a crosswalk. Cecilia Axton, 30169 Sierra Madre Drive, supported TVUSD's position. She questioned the bike/equestrian trail at Nicolas and Joseph Roads as many people use it as a pedestrian crosswalk and suggested it either be marked as a pedestrian crossing or taken out. Chairman Markham stated staff will review the trail. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25, 1997 Ms. Axton mentioned children were off track when the counts were taken. Chairman Markham stated the need for a signal will be reviewed at a later time and counts will be taken during all tracks. He mentioned a "Stop" sign can be installed immediately after City Council action. Ms. Axton stated Summerfield Development was approved with no left turns out of the exit closest to the park and North General Kearny Road, yet people are making left turns which create a traffic hazard. Chairman Markham stated a raised median on Nicolas Road from Winchester Road to the point urbanized development ends will be installed in the near future. It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to recommend to the City Council that a four-way "Stop" sign and crosswalk with appropriate flashing yellow lights be installed at intersection of Nicolas and North General Kearny Roads for 60 to 90 days. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Proposed Median Modification - Rancho California Road between Ynez Road and Lyndie Lane Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Telesio asked if the signal at Via Las Colinas will permit U-Turns and Mr. Moghadam replied it will. Commissioner Johnson asked about the right-turn only lane. Mr. Moghadam stated if the median is completely closed, the lane could be turned into a through lane. Commissioner Perry reported on the meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee and suggested another meeting or two, prior to the next Commission meeting, would be appropriate and recommended the matter be continued. Commissioner Coe, Ad Hoc Committee member, stated options developed were: determining if the City Council would delay the signal installation at Via Las Colinas, preventing left-turn exits from the two (2) driveways, keep the left-turn in, and the Center is looking at re-striping internally. Commissioner Perry proposed studying an alternative which would consist of traffic coming down Via Las Colinas and curving to Lyndie Lane beyond the medical center. He stated there were no problems with power lines, but right-of way would have to be acquired. 4 R:\traffic%commissn%mir~tee\97\O92697.rnin/ajp PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25.1997 Chairman Markham stated the City would lose grant money if the signal at Via Las Colinas is not installed and the money cannot be used at another location. He re- iterated Via Las Colinas is a dangerous intersection. He said he feels people will not drive east to go west and does not agree with the proposal because acquisition of right- of-way is a lengthy process. Commissioner Johnson suggested another option would be changing the Center's internal traffic flow. Commissioner Perry stated that option was mentioned at the meeting. The Center states they are prepared to review the traffic flow. He said the only compromise made by the Center was to limit left-turns out at the Claim Jumper exit. Larry Bill, 16721 Millican Avenue, Irvine, representing Claim Jumper Restaurant, stated it is his belief that at the last Commission meeting left-turns in at the Claim Jumper driveway would remain. He stated closing the median could cause a loss of up to $500,000 annually for the Claim Jumper and it is his belief, the proposed traffic solutions are at the expense of the businesses on the north side. Mr. Bill asked the Commission to reconsider their decision regarding the left-turns in at the Claim Jumper driveway. Chairman Markham stated the proposed closure will not benefit the office and medical buildings as it will cut off their direct turn movements and they will be restricted to right-in/right-out movements. He mentioned that proposed park development will move the existing barricaded driveways near the Duck Pond, about 200 feet to the south. Commissioner Perry noted the Black Angus and Chili's Restaurants do not seem to suffer due to indirect street access. Mr. Bill stated it was his opinion Claim Jumper has a distinct advantage over the two (2) restaurants due to its direct access. Jose Covarrubias, 29540 Rancho California Road, General Manager of Claim Jumper, recommended retaining the left-turn in and restricting left-turns out on a two (2) month trial basis. Arthur Robertson, 27450 Ynez Road, representing Town Center, stated the Ad Hoc Committee meeting was helpful, and he is of the opinion that there would be a recommendation to: 1 ) further study Rancho California Road between Ynez Road and Lyndie Lane as traffic is generated by both sides of Rancho California Road; 2) prohibit left-turns out of the Claim Jumper exit with left-turns in remaining for a period of time; 3) design/installation of the signal at Via Las Colinas be postponed; 4) consideration of a signal at another location; and 5) internal re-striping to provide easier access to Rancho California Road from the Town Center exit. He suggested the Ad Hoc Committee continue meeting and there be further study of Rancho California Road for traffic solutions. Commissioner Telesio asked if the signal at Via Las Colinas is negotiable. Mr. Moghadam stated because Via Las Colinas is the only access to the medical and office buildings, and because sight distance is restricted, the City Council approved a signal to be installed and therefore, it is not a consideration. 5 R:\trlffic%cornmilsn%minutes\97\Og2597,min/ejp PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25. 1997 Commissioner Coe mentioned a signal at Via Las Colinas was agreed to prior to consideration of the median closure on Rancho California Road which means the decision did not consider the signal's impact on the Center. Mr. Robertson stated concern has been addressed regarding public safety, yet a signal is being installed at a location where no accidents have occurred. Chairman Markham noted Via Las Colinas is a dedicated public street and all the other access points are driveways with a severe accident problem. Mark Katan, 30054 Corte Cantera, representing Target Stores, requested the Commission review the proposed signal at Via Las Colinas to determine if it would be installed based on current warrants. Chairman Markham stated the Via Las Colinas signal is not agendized for tonight's meeting so the Commission is unable to consider the issue. Commissioner Telesio expressed the need for ground rules in order to be able to determine options which the Commission can vote on. He mentioned one option is to restrict left-turns out, but not left-turns in at the Claim Jumper and Target access point. Commissioner Perry stated the only options without considering the signal at Via Las Colinas are compromises inside the Center; i.e, re-striping inside the Center to increase traffic flow. He commented Bob Davis mentioned at the Ad Hoc Committee meeting that possible egress from Via Las Colinas might be possible. Since he sees no other alternatives beyond closing the median, he would like to have the Via Las Colinas' signal reviewed. Commissioner Johnson stated he ~s not ready to make a decision tonight. He commented the Commission's concerns are the accidents and increased traffic along Rancho California Road and considering anything that can reduce driver antagonism. He said the Center must look at internal flow to direct traffic to safer exits and entrances. Commissioner Coe stated he also was not ready to make a decision as he is not convinced the Via Las Colinas signal is not negotiable. He stated the accident history cannot be permitted to continue but further study is needed for at least 60 days. Chairman Markham supported prohibiting left-turns out at both driveways; did not support closing left-turns in at the Claim Jumper driveway; does not support asking City Council to modify th~ Via Las Colinas signal design and installation; would like the Center to physically expand the Town Center driveway (i.e., dual lefts and rights out), to do some channelization back in the parking lot to eliminate cross movement and increase queuing space; supportive of a 30-day continuance; and encouraged that nothing be done to disrupt Christmas shopping. He mentioned the General Plan's circulation streets are being reviewed and it is possible Rancho California Road will be upgraded from a 110 foot standard to a 134 foot to get more through and turn lane capacity. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25, 1997 It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to continue the matter to the October 23, 1997 meeting and to request the Ad Hoc Committee to meet again. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Mr. Moghadam will schedule an Ad Hoc Committee meeting in about two (2) weeks at either 8:00 a.m, or late in the afternoon. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr. Moghadam stated a bid opening for the Rancho California Road loop improvements was held today. He reported most of the signals for FY 1997/98 are either under design or a design consultant is being selected. Commissioner Johnson suggested a listing of all the exceptions to the "pedestrian has the right of way rule" would be helpful. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Chairman Markham mentioned the local Masonic Lodge recently honored four (4) Temecula police officers. FIRE CHIEFS REPORT No report was given. Commission Coe complimented the Fire Chief for reporting a DUI. COMMISSION DISCUSSION Commissioner Perry has noticed many people going through red lights. Commissioner Johnson remarked about the excellence of traffic control on Margarita Road during construction; and suggested police patrol during the night to ascertain if the yellow lights are working. Mr. Moghadam stated the contractor is supposed to remove certain signs and dirt from the road. He will pursue the matter with the inspector. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25. 1997 Chairman Markham complimented the staff on their effectiveness in using excess budget money from the Winchester interchange to design and construct the widening of the southbound Winchester Road off-ramp. He asked if enforcement could be concentrated at Nicolas Road and Winchester Road until the matter is resolved by Caltrans. Sgt. Crisp indicated, they will continue monitoring this intersection, It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 PM. The motion carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday, October 23, 1997, at 7:00 P.M., Temecula City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairman Larry Markham NOTICE AND CALL OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION TO: THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA AND TO THE CITY CLERK: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission of the City of Temecula is hereby called on Thursday, October 23, 1997 at 5:00 P.M. in the Main Conference Room, Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula California. Said meeting shall be for the purpose of: A regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission pursuant to the attached agenda. Dated: October 16, 1997 ~~~r , son r:\tra~ic\coramission\agenda\97\specmtg.not NOTICE AND CALL OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION TO: THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA AND TO THE CITY CLERK: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission of the City of Temecula is hereby called on Thursday, October 23, 1997 at 5:00 P.M. in the Main Conference Room, Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula California. Said meeting shall be for the purpose of: A regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission pursuant to the attached agenda. Dated: October 16, 1997 /f~rry ar a' Chalrpe so , Midam, r n I hereby certify that I received the above "Notice and Call of Special Meeting of the "Public/Traffic Safety Commission", prio o 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 23, 1997. Chairperson Vice Chairperson Commissioner Commissioner r:\tnffic\commission\agenda\97\apeemtg .not