Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout062499 PTS Minutes?ol. o~ MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COM MISSION JUNE 24, 1999 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:01 P.M., on Thursday, June 24, 1999, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Ddve, Temecula, Califomia. FLAG SALUTE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Commissioner Telesio. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Connerton, Edwards, Telesio, and Chairman Coeo Absent Commissioner Markham. Also Present: Acting Director of Public Works Hughes, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Fire Battalion Black, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Nelson Betancourt, 40835 Calle Medusa, relayed that he would like the matter of the closure of Calle Medusa agendized; advised that by the City's standards he believes that the street warrants closure; noted that the residents have funded a Traffic Count Study revealing that the street generates approximately 5,000 trips a day, and have conducted surveys of the surrounding residents; relayed that he had himself been hit by a vehicle in front of his house; and advised that the matter of closure of Calle Medusa be scheduled for consideration at a Public Headng or the matter would potentially be pursued legally. For Mr. Betancourt, Chairman Coe recommended submittal of the traffic count study, and the resident surveys for review pdor to agendizing the matter. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that he had initially presented Mr. Betancourt's request to agendize the aforementioned issue at the May 13, 1999 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting; noted that in light of the City Councils' determination to postpone consideration of the Meadowview Study until after review of the CIP, it was the recommendation of the Public/Traffic Commission to postpone the Calle Medusa matter; and noted that due to the concern expressed from Mr. Betancourt that he was advised that if it was his desire he could readdress the issue with the Commission dudng the Public Comment portion of the meeting. For Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Bedancourt clarified the specific location of the area of concem, specifically at Calle Medusa between La Serena and Nicolas Road. Commissioner Telesio provided clarification with regard to the matter, relaying that initially the Commission had recommended addressing the matter of closure of Calle Medusa after completion of the Meadowview Study; noted that, subsequently, the City Council determined that the study would be postponed until after mall opening; and advised that due to the Council's determination, the Commission, therefore, had recommended postponement of consideration of the matter. Providing assurenca for Mr. Betancourt, Commissioner Connerton relayed that once all the data has been provided in order to address the facts of the matter adequately, that the Commission would take action and agendize the matter. In order to provide clarification regarding Mr. Betancourt's comment that Senior Engineer Moghadam had not presented his request to agendize the matter at a Commission meeting, Senior Engineer Moghadam read into the record, page 4, paragraphs 2-3, from the minutes of the May 13, 1999 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting, referencing the portion of the meeting at which point he addressed the Commission with the request, and the Commission's recommendation to postpone the matter. After submittal of the referenced data (surveys and traffic study) which would substantiate Mr. Betancourt's concam, Chairman Coe requested that staff investigate City standards as to whether or not the cdteda has been met warranting the agendizing of the issue. Mr. Robert Purmont, 45099 Corte Valle, recommended that a stop sign be installed on Loma Linda Road to control the rapid speed of vehicle traffic. In response to Chairman Coe's querying, Senior Engineer Moghadam and Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed the data collected with respect to the Loma Linda area, relaying that the average speed is less than 40 MPH (40 MPH being the highest cited speed); and noted that recently additional speed limit signs have been installed in the area of discussion. Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that the area did not meet the warrants for installation of stop signs. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. 'Minutes-May 13, 1999 and June 3, 1999 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of May 13, 1999 1.2 Approve the Minutes of June 3, 1999 MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the minutes of May 13, 1999, as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connerton and voice vote reflected approval with the exce!otion of Commissioner Markham who was absent. It was the consensus of the Commission to continue the matter of approval of the June 3, 1999 minutes to the July 7, 1999 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Request for Traffic SiQnal Controls - Santiaqo Road at "C" Street RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny the request for installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Santiago Road and "C" Street. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record); relayed that the initial traffic study revealed that the area did not meet the warrants for installation of a traffic signal; noted that due to a second request to evaluate the area spedfically with respect to parishioners being able to access Santiago Road, additional studies were perforTned inclusive of both weekday and Sunday traffic volumes; relayed that justification for the installation of traffic signals is based on 11 warrants that have been established by Caltrans, noting that the analysis performed for the intersection indicated that one warrant is met on Sunday; advised that sinca none of the warrants are satisfied on weekdays, it is staff's recommendation to deny the request; presented altematives due to the impact involving pdmadly the church use and not the City as a whole, as follows: 1) that the church fund the installation of the signal, or 2) due to the limited hours the traffic is generated, that the church hire a uniformed officer to assist with the direction of traffic on Sundays; for Commissioner Telesio, relayed that the vehicle code states that only a uniformed offcar can direct traffic; for Chairman Coe, advised that at alternate sites, signals have been installed and funded by the entity which beneflted from the signalization; for Commissioner Connerton, relayed that the cost of installing the signal would be approximately $120,000, with an additional annual cost of $5,000 for energy and maintenance. For Commissioner Edwards, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that one officer could adequately direct traffic at the intersection, relaying that there is a four-hour minimum on an off-duty basis at a cost of approximately $75 an hour. Father Anthony DiLeo, 43981 C Street, specified that the church holds six services on the weekend, with 200 vehicles exiting at one time, creating chaos; advised that the traffic would increase to 400 vehicles after the church's expansion; relayed the he directs traffic on Sundays due to the padshioner's fear in exiting the parking lot; and for Connerton, noted that the services were held Saturday evenings, Sunday mornings, and Sunday evenings. In response to Chairman Coe's quedes with respect to the church participating in the funding of the signalization due to the fact that the project may benef'~ only the church, Father DiLeo relayed that due to the use being utilized by 25% of the population that the City should participate in the installation of the signal. For Commissioner Telesio, Father DiLeo clarified that 25% of the Temecula residents are Catholic. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the improvements the City has funded in the area of concern, as follows: approximately one and-a-half years ago Santiago Road was re- striped for provision of a left-turn lane, and there was provision made for a left-turn pocket onto C Street; advised that the church's plan to expand was appreved many years ago; and noted that if the request to expand was proposed at this point in time, the City would have requested a traffic study which would have revealed that a signal would be required and the development would have been conditioned to install the signal. In response to Commissioner Edward's suggestion for the padsh to utilize volunteer police officer parishioners to direct traffic, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that there would be liability issues with respect to the officers not working, spedficelly regarding workmen's compensation. Mr. Frank Miklas, 30625 Avenue Buena Suede, noted that he was advised not to direct traffic voluntarily as an off-duty Highway Patrol Officer due to the workmen's compensation issue; relayed that the church parking lot is impacted by parking for weekend City activities (i.e., the Rod Run); and requested that the City participate in the signalization project due to a large podion of the community being impacted. Chairman Coe relayed his own personal history with respect to his own church's expansion project; and advised that after requesting the City to fund the street project associated with the expansion project, ultimately the church was required to fund the costs associated with the signal; and advised that for this particular project, the church consider the matter of funding the signal as a pad of the expansion program. Commissioner Connerton relayed that the financial comparison between hiring officers verses the church funding the installation of the signal would be that the signal installation would be justified in less that four years, yielding a long-term lowor cost; and suggested continuing the matter in order for the church to consider participating in the funding of the signal. Commissioner Edwards relayed that while she could not suppod the project being installed by the City, she had no objection to continuing the matter. After additional Commission discussion with the representatives of the church, Acting Director of Public Works clarified for informational purposes that the Commission's charge was not to present offers with respect to the City funding a podion of the signal; and advised that the Commission make a recommendation to deny or approve the request for the installation of the signal. Commissioner Edwards relayed that if the Commission recommended approval of the request, conditioning the church to fund the project that the matter would go before the City Council and at that time the church could be prepared to present their contributory ability to fund the project. Commissioners Connedon and Telesio relayed that based on the analysis provided they could not suppod the City funding the entire project. 4 MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the request for installation of the signal, conditioning the church to fund the costs associated with the project. Commissioner Connerton seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Markham who was absent. Request for Multi-Way Stol) Controls - Via Cordoba between Redhawk Parkway and Via Del Coronado RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny a request for Multi-Way Stop Controls at the following intersections: Via Cordoba at Court Zodta; Via Cordoba at Loma Linda Road; and Via Cordoba at Corte BravoNia Salito By way of overheads, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (per agenda material); noted that the request was generated from community concem with regard to speed and traffic in the area; relayed that the analysis revealed that none of the intersections warrant installation of a stop sign; advised that (per Caltrans standards) stop signs are effective in controlling right--of-way assignments and not speed; relayed that the volume counts revealed that the traffic impact is generated from the residential area and not from cut-through traffic, specifying the details of the data; provided additional information with respect to speed in the area; and for Commissioner Connerton, confirmed that two of the three proposed stop signs would be 3-way stop signs. The following individuals relayed their desire for installation of the stop signs: Mr. Robert Purmont Mr. William Kelley Mr. Larry Vicino Mr. Matthew Dixon Ms. Janet Dixon Mr. Theodore Angle Mr. Jeff Jones Mr. Chades Hankley Ms. Keli Jones Miss Camellia Mclntosh Ms. Kim Ciabattini 45099 Corte Valle 31542 Via San Carlos 31850 Via Cordoba 31860 Via Cordoba 31860 Via Cordoba 31750 Via Cordoba 31675 ViaCordoba 31745 Via Cordoba 31675 Via Cordoba 31990 Via Cordoba 32000 Via Cordoba The aforementioned individuals relayed their concems and comments, as follows: · / Stop signs are effective in centrolling speed The area is impacted by additional traffic due to soccer activities on weekends, (also impacting the area with double parking on the streets) The area is used as a short cut from Pala Road and the Redhawk area · ~ Resident Highway Patrol Officer has cloGked speeds of 40-50 MPH in the area -- Not safe for children to play in their own neighborhood Relayed a desire to be individually noticed of Public Hearings regarding this issue · ~ Appealed to the City to not wait until a death occurs to address the issue ,- Queded the results of the survey -- Suggested increased police enforcement · ~ The danger is emotionally upsetting · / Placing house for sale due to the danger For informational purposes, Commissioner Telesio relayed that the Commission serves as a recommending body, and did not have the power to approve of deny the installation of stop signs, but only to make a recommendation. One individual spoke in opposition to the installation of stop signs listed, as follows: ~ Mr. Mario Carvajal 31645 Via Cordoba The aforementioned individual relayed the following cencems and comments: -' Read the data and concurred with the analysis -' Not enough traffic to warrant a stop sign · / Stop signs do not control speed ~' The speed of vehicles is negatively affected by the street sloping ,' Recommended increase in traffic enforcement Commissioner Connerton relayed that while he concurred with community input with respect to the speed in the area, that since stop signs would not address the problem, he would recommend increased police enforcement. Concurring with Commissioner Connerton, Commissioner Edwards advised that the stop signs would provide a false sense of security; and ensured the community that if stop signs were effective tools in reducing speed, th~ Commission would recommend the installation of stop signs; and recommended additional enforcement for speed violators. Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the majority of citations issued in the area of discussion were issued to residents in the area. Commissioner Telesio relayed that the City of Temecula has installed stop signs in alternate areas due to community concern regarding speed, and the data has revealed that the stop signs are ineffective for controlling speed; advised that the only solution for the control of speed is traffic enforcement; and commended the public for taking the time to address their comments to the Commission. For Chairman Coe, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that it would be possible to install additional speed limit signs; and reiterated that the analysis revealed that 1400 out of 2200 ddvers in the area are ddving within a reasonable speed; noted that with respect to individual notification of the headng, that all members of the' public in the area of discussion who had contacted staff via phone correspondence over the past few years were noticed of the headng via a phone call; and in response to community comment, relayed that the City has recently extended a right-turn lane on Pala Road at Highway 79 South. For Chairman Coe, Acting Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that although the data reveals that stop signs are not warranted, if the City Council determines to install stop signs, the stop signs would be enforceable; and advised that City installation of unwarranted stop signs could potentially involve the City in liability issues with regard to accidents associated with the stop signs. Chairman Coe expressed that he was opposed to the installation of unwarranted stop signs; advised that the children should not be in the streets; noted that due to similar matters with respect to the Commission recommending denial of unwarranted stop signs, and the City Council approving the stop signs due to the appeals of the community, that he would, therefore vote to approve the request. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to deny the request for the installation of stop signs. Commissioner Telesio seconded the motion. For Commissioner Edwards, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that there is heavy police enforcement in the area of concem; noted that it would be maintained; and relayed that due to the community comments he would increase enforcement on Saturdays due to the sports activities, and the associated traffic impacts. At this time voice vote was taken and reflected approval of the motion with the exception of Chairman Coe who voted n._Q.o and Commissioner Markham who was absent. Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that to have the matter agendized for a City Council meeting, a member of the public would need to address the Council dudng the Public Comment portion of the meeting and present their request that the matter be agendized. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam invited the Commissioners to provide input with respect to the Planning Applications provided to them. For informational purposes, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the Engineers report (per agenda material) was inclusive of the high-accident locations, and a list of improvement projects, and the status of those projects. For Commissioner Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided additional clarification regarding the striping project at Rancho California Road. For Commissioner TelesiO, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayedthat with respect to the project at Winchester Road/Jefferson Avenue the cost of the signs associated with the project was approximately $1,000. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Sergeant DiMaggio commended Commissioner Edwards for her recent assistance with respect to an overturned mobile home on Winchester Road on the 1-15 overpass. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. COMMISSION REPORTS For Commissioner Connerton with respect to the dead vegetation located on the newly constructed on and off-ramps at Rancho California Road, Acting Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the plants are still under warranty, noting that staff has contacted the contractor in order to address the issue. Commissioner Connerton relayed that in five days he has received approximately ten phone correspondences with respect to the traffic control at Diaz Road and Rancho Califomia Road, recommending additional enforcement in the area with regard to vehicles blocking the intersection; and with regard to the Wolf Valley Ranch project, recommended that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review the project, with respect to traffic impact pdor to the project being presented to the Planning Commission. For Commissioner Telesio, Acting Director of Public Works Hughes clarified the street projects with regard to trenching and the phases of improvement. Commissioner Edwards commended the Police Department for their diligent efforts regarding the overturned mobile home on the Winchester Road 1-15 Overpass. Commissioner Edwards commended Administrative Secretary Pyie for her diligent efforts regarding the provision of an excellent, comprehensive agenda packet. For Commissioner Edwards with respect to the median project at Rancho California Road, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the medians would be landscaped. For informational purposes, Commissioner Edwards relayed that the construction of the pedestrian ramp associated with the Margadta Road Improvements has been completed, noting that the Commission recommended project was very functional; and thanked the Community Service Commission for their diligent efforts associated with the project. ADJOURNMENT At 8:29 Chairman Coe formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, July 8. 1999 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Chairman Chades Coe Pyle