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HomeMy WebLinkAbout042999 PTS MinutesCALL TO ORDER MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION APRIL 29, 1999 The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:05 P.M., on Thursday, April 29, 1999, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. FLAG SALUTE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Commissioner Edwards. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Also Present: Commissioners Connerton, Edwards, *Markham, and Telesio. Chairman Coe. Acting Director of Public Works Hughes, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Management Analyst Adams, Management Assistant Comerchero, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Markham arrived at 6:50 P.M.) PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of April 15, 1999 MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Telesio and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Chairman Coe and Commissioner Markham who were absent. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Parking Restriction - Avenida De La Riena RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend a parking restriction program on Avenida De La Riena based on the input from the affected residents. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (per agenda material); relayed that this Agenda item was before the Commission to obtain further community input from the affected property owners; noted that staff had received three (3) correspondences regarding the parking impacts, as follows: a) one letter from the Villages No. 2 Homeowners Association (HOA), inclusive of eight signatures, b) one phone correspondence from an affected homeowner whereby it was relayed that the Police Depadment could not cite vehicles that were legally parked, and c) a letter rescinding a signature from the aforementioned HOA letter, relaying the her desire was to not implement a restricted parking plan after clarification that the resident's parking would also be restricted; for Commissioner Edwards, confirmed that if restricted parking was implemented, parking would be restricted for students, as well as the residents, clarifying the per Vehicle Code mandate there cannot be restricted parking solely for a certain group; and for Commissioner Telesio, noted that the property owners were noticed of the April 29, 1999 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting via door-to-door contact. The following individuals addressed the Commission regarding parking on Avenida De La Riena: n Mr. Bill J, Smith n Ms. Betty Lohrke Mr. Herschel Nave Ms. Diane Thorne 41664 Avenida De La Reina 41669 Avenida De La Reina 41682 Avenida De La Reina 41675 Avenida De La Reina The above-mentioned individuals relayed the following concerns and desires: / The student parking obstructed residential street sweeping, trash pick-up, and mail delivery. The negative impacts included oil residue and trash being left on the streets. / Relayed a need to park their vehicles on the street. Although not in favor of restricted parking for the residents, relayed a desire to implement a restricted parking program whereby the residents would be allowed to park on the street (i.e., parking stickers) Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed, for Commissioner Telesio, that there is no current City Ordinance in Temecula permitting parking for stickered vehicles only. Commissioner Telesio relayed that restricted parking during the designated street- sweeping day and hours could be implemented, alleviating the obstruction of street cleaning; noted that there was adequate parking provisions available for the students that was not being utilized due to the convenience of a shorter walking distance when parking in the residential areas; and commented that while the task of creating a City Ordinance would be an immense undertaking, he was not opposed to a restricted parking program to allow only residential parking via stickers; and relayed that in the Los Angeles area there was parking restricted to residents only in various residential areas. Commissioner Edwards reiterated the negative impacts the affected homeowners had addressed regarding student parking; and queried whether the Police Department could cite the students for jaywalking, thereby providing an impetus as to the desire for students to park in the residential areas. Police Sergeant DiMaggio clarified thatjaywalking only applied (per vehicle code) between two controlled intersections (i.e., traffic signals), relaying that it was not applicable at this particular location. Commissioner Edwards recommended that if parking were restricted for only an hour or two at an effective time, this would alleviate student parking, while imposing limited restrictions on the residents. Vice Chairman Connerton reiterated the parking areas available to students (i.e., the sporrs park.) In response to Vice Chairman Connerton's comments, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed the citations that could be applicable with the existing non-restricted parking (i.e., violations regarding parking distance from curb); and noted that if a no parking restriction was implemented that it would be enforceable. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to recommend that parking be restricted on Avenida De La Riena from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M., Monday through Friday, and that the School District be notified of the parking restrictions prior to the implementation of the restricted parking, via letter correspondence. Vice Chairman Connerton seconded the motion. For Commissioner Telesio, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the aforementioned proposal would be enforceable, noting, additionally, that the residents could call the Police Department for the purpose of notification that the no parking restrictions were being violated. Voice vote was taken reflecting approval of the motion with the exception of Chairman Coe and Commissioner Markham who were absent. 3. Bypass Roadway Alignment Study - Calle Pina Colada RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive the report and provide further direction to staff. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record); and, for Commissioner Edwards, relayed that the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) has implemented costly restrictions regarding construction of a roadway with the MWD's facility easement between La Serena Road and Del Rey Road, clarifying the estimated 1.5 million dollar cost of the project. Commissioner Telesio recommended that this project should be analyzed in conjunction with the Meadowview Study. Vice Chairman Connerton noted that Alignment "B" (per agenda material) would be more cost effective; recommended that the City pursue some relief from the MWD restrictions; and recommended that due to the complex implications of the project, that it be included in the Meadowview Study. It was noted for the record that Commissioner Markham arrived at the meeting at 6:50 P.M. The following individuals spoke in favor of incorporating this particular project into the Meadowview Study: [] Mr. Dennis Bueschel [] Ms. Jayme Christian 41358 Yuba Circle 30762 Calle Pina Colada The above-mentioned individuals relayed the following comments: · -' That the study explore further alternatives. · -' That the study take into account mall traffic. Expressed a desire for staff to expedite the process of completion of the study. The following individual spoke in opposition to the Bypass Roadway project due to the negative traffic impact near his residence: [] Mr. Terry Cordell 41284 Bravos Court For Ms. Christian, Commissioner Edwards relayed the lengthy process of completion of a thorough study. Acting Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff has prepared a Capital Improvement Program to request funding for this particular study, noting the process and timing constraints associated with completion of the study. For Mr. Cordell, Vice Chairman Connerton relayed the process of approving the potential Bypass Roadway project, clarifying that members of the public would be noticed, enabling them to address their comments and concerns at a future point in time. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to receive the report, and direct staff to continue the study, and include this project in the Meadowview Study. Commissioner Telesio seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Chairman Coe who was absent. 4. Speed Undulations - Calle Pina Colada RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission reaffirm the speed undulations on Calle Pina Colada to remain in place until after the completion of the Meadowview Circulation Study. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (via agenda material); clarified that the criteria for the removal of the undulations is that a finding be made that the undulations proved to be ineffective; relayed that the speed data indicated that the undulations have been somewhat effective at reducing vehicle speeds; and for Commissioner Telesio, specified the results of the speed data, clarifying that approximately one-third of the residents were of the opinion that the undulations were of some benefit. The following individuals addressed the Commission regarding the Calle Pina Colada issue: Ms. Jan Lee a Mr. Dennis Bueschel Ms. Jayme Christian a Mr. Terry Cordell Mr. Rolfe Whitman 30899 Calle Pina Colada 41358 Yuba Circle 30762 Calle Pina Colada 41284 Bravos Court 30617 Calle Pina Colada Although Vice Chairman Connerton clarified that the only issue the Commission could address was whether or not the speed undulations should be removed (per agendized matter), the above-mentioned individuals (with the exception of Mr. Whitman) relayed that they were not opposed to the undulations as such, and relayed their additional concerns and comments, as follows: ,-' Recommended raising the height of the undulations to render a more effective deterrent to speed Concern regarding the current speed of the cars, creating a hazard with respect to their children's safety, specifically denoting teen drivers ,-' That staff consider the opening of North General Kearny and Kahwea Roads to alleviate cut-through traffic Request that additional studies be done to consider alternate solutions / Volume of cam / Recommended placing Police Officers in alternate locations For the record a letter was submitted to the Commission from Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. and Mrs. Pettit, noting their concern with regard to the speed and volume of traffic on Calle Pina Colada. For Ms. Lee, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that during a 20-day timeframe there were officers and a radar trailer placed at the area of discussion; relayed that eight citations were issued, primarily to residents, noting that the top speed was 45 MPH; advised that the results of the data evidenced that speed was not an extensive issue; and relayed that officers are currently being sent to cite speed violators in the area of discussion. For Ms. Christian, Senior Engineer Moghadam clarified that when speed sensors are utilized for collecting data, that the sensors are placed for a minimum of two days, measuring speed for twenty-four hours a day during that period. Ms. Christian recommended that the sensors be placed in alternate locations (i.e., in front of her residence) in order to obtain accurate information regarding speed. Commissioner Markham recommended that the speed undulations remain in place until the completion of the Meadowview Study, requesting that the matter be expedited. Commissioner Telesio recommended that if the speed undulations are proved to be ineffective that they be removed; queried the effectiveness of a reduction in speed by solely 4 MPH; and recommended that the decision to remove, maintain, or raise the height of the undulations be made until after the completion of the study. Commissioner Edwards concurred with addressing this matter after the completion of the study. For Community informational purposes, Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that the traffic counts and studies that encompassed the speed data for this particular area were done by an independent data collection firm; and for Vice Chairman Connerton, relayed that although there is no code restricting the height of the undulations, that as far as liability for the City, the recommendation is a height of approximately two and a half inches-three inches. MOTION: Commissioner Markham moved to reaffirm the speed undulations until the completion of the study in the Meadowview area. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion. Commissioner Markham advised that the Calle Pina Colada matter, as proposed, would not be fully addressed until approximately five months after July 1, 1999, specifying the time-frame for adoption of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the funding process, and the awarding of a contract; recommended that staff investigate avenues to expedite the process (i.e., budget modifications), advising that the Meadowview HOA be contacted in order to aid in the formation of a plan to expedite this particular issue (i.e., an ad hoc committee); and concurred with Community input, that this issue should not be further delayed. Voice vote was taken reflecting approval of the motion with the exception of Chairman Coo who was absent. For the record Mr. Dennis Bueschel submitted to the clerk a memorandum expressing a request for consideration to sit on the aforementioned potential ad hoc committee. 5. Removal of Traffic Signal - State Route 79 South at Bedford Court RECOMMENDATION: 5.1 That the PubiicFFraffic Safety Commission discuss the feasibility of removing the traffic signal at the intersection of State Route 79 South at Bedford Court. Commissioner Markham advised that he would be abstaining with regard to this Agenda Item, and therefore left the dais for this matter; and recommended that the press, and its staff, duly note his abstention. By way of overheads, Acting Director of Public Works Hughes presented the staff report (per agenda material); clarified that the intent of agendizing this issue was to discuss the merits of conducting a study which would encompass whether the traffic signal at Route 79 South at Bedford Court should be removed, or alternative access be provided to the adjacent properties; relaying that the goal of staff is to mitigate traffic impacts, specifically, after mall opening; advised that the County is involved in traffic improvements in the area of discussion; relayed that the current trip count in the area of discussion was 20,000 trips a day, with a potential at build out of 70,000 trips per day; noted that if a study was implemented that the complex issues associated with this area could be addressed; and presented four diagrams with potential options for the area of discussion, relaying that for overall traffic improvement for the City alternate options could potentially vastly improve traffic circulation while still providing access to the adjacent properties. In response to Commissioner Edwards' comments, Acting Director of Public Works Hughes clarified that staff is recommending that the Commission support the implementation of a thorough study to maximize 79 South, inclusive of consideration of removal of the signal; relayed that the issue before the Commission is not based on whether or not the signal will be removed, but solely whether or not a study would be conducted to consider the best alternatives for traffic circulation in the area of discussion. Vice Chairman reiterated for the public that the issue before the Commission was to approve or deny recommendation of a study in the area of discussion, and not to remove the signal. The following individuals spoke in strong opposition to the removal of the traffic signal: n Mr. Victor Jones n Mr. Jack Raymond n Mr. Jay Beckley n Mr. Burton Merrill Mr. Matt Greenberg Mr. Kauser Salman Mr. Ray Bozarth PO Box 1624 44535 Bedford Court 44560 Classic Way 44535 Bedford Court 27311 Jefferson Avenue 44515 Bedford Court 44515 Bedford Court n Mr. Fred Grimes 27311 Jefferson Avenue n Mr. John Moramarco PO Box 9061, Temecula The above-mentioned individuals relayed the following concerns and comments: Opposition to the signal being removed Opposition to a study that would consider removal of the signal That the commercial properties have invested millions of dollars locating in this particular area, relying on the signal access That if a study was done, it be postponed until construction on Highway 79 is completed That if a study was implemented, that the adjacent properties' egress and ingress be taken into consideration For the record a memorandum was submitted expressing opposition to a study that would consider removal of the signal, inclusive of three signatures from the Par Crest Plaza Business Owners. Commissioner Edwards, echoed by Commissioner Telesio, concurred that while removal of this particular signal would improve overall traffic circulation, relayed that the alternate options would not ensure safety; and recommended that the signal not be removed. Commissioner Telesio relayed that prior to the installation of this signal there existed a safety hazard regarding access to the adjacent properties, that resulted in fatalities; noted that the potential options presented would compromise safety standards; and therefore expressed opposition to a study to consider removal of the signal. Vice Chairman Connerton concurred with the Commissioner's comments, reiterating the detrimental impact the removal of the signal would have on the adjacent property owners. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to recommend that the signal not be removed, and that the study be denied. Commissioner Telesio seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Markham who abstained and Chairman Coe who was absent. At 8:29 P.M. a short recess was taken, and the meeting reconvened at 8:33 P.M. 6. Public Communication Tools for Traffic Issues RECOMMENDATION: 6.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission reviews and approves two (2) new programs to improve public awareness regarding traffic improvements. 8 Acting Director of Public Works Hughes presented the new programs for the provision of public awareness; and introduced Management Analyst Adams and Management Assistant Comerchero, noting that they would present detailed information regarding the programs. Management Analyst Adams presented the computer accessible interactive traffic map; relayed that the user could obtain information pertaining to current projects in the City, specifically, regarding the cost, the benefits, the closures associated with the construction of the project, and an estimated completion date; presented the second program which would be an information phone hotline, relaying information regarding three options, listed, as follows: a) general information, b) CIP information, and c) up-to- date descriptions of the City's current projects (i.e., the mall); advised that the City could advertise for this toll-free number, informing the public of the accessibility to obtain pertinent City information; relayed that the City has developed a traffic newsletter, distributed on a quarterly basis; and noted that the press could access the City's website in order to publish the City's up-to-date information in the newspaper; and for Commissioner Edwards, clarified the process of filing a complaint via the proposed programs. Management Assistant Comerchero clarified, for Commissioner Telesio, that at this time the City doesn't have the capability of measuring the number of incoming users that access the website; in response to Commissioner Markham's comments, regarding provision of the Public Works Report that is currently in the City Council packets, noted that any information provided to her could be made available through the website, relayed that the CIP could be made accessible through the program; and for Vice Chairman Connerton, clarified that the programs presented tonight would be implemented in conjunction with the City's current website. In response to Commissioner Markham's comments regarding the size of the City's add in the newspaper, providing the Public Works Report, Acting Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the City will be funding a quarter-page ad next year. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the new programs improving public awareness. Commissioner Markham seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Chairman Coe who was absent. Street Improvement Projects Associated with the Temecula Regional Center RECOMMENDATION: 7.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receives and files a report on the approved street improvement projects associated with the Temecula Regional Center. By way of maps, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record). The Commission received and filed the report. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT For Commissioner Telesio, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the street re-striping project would be complete in approximately a week. Acting Director of Public Works Hughes informed the Commission of the upcoming legal seminar the City will be holding on June 1, 1999 at 6:00 P.M, regarding the Brown Act and conflict of interest issues. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Telesio queried the area of issues that encompassed public safety issues, specifically, regarding animals. Commissioner Edwards commented on the small size of the City's newspaper ad which provides the Public Works Report. Vice Chairman Connerton thanked staff for their diligent efforts associated with the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. Vice Chairman Connerton reiterated a request previously address by Commissioner Markham, requesting staff to address the issue of traffic issues as they relate to the site plan. Acting Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff is in the process of addressing that issue. To more effectively utilize public input, Commissioner Telesio noted for the record that if members of the public submitted their statements and letters to the Commission prior to the meeting, their input could be considered before action was taken on an agenda item. ADJOURNMENT At 9:00 Vice Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, May 13, 1999.at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Chairman Charles Coe Admini~~ Pyle 10