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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101499 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OCTOBER 14, 1999 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:05 P.M., on Thursday, October 14, 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 Connerton. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Connerton, Edwards, *Markham, Telesio, and Chairman Coe. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Markham arrived at 6:12 P,M.) In response to Chairman Coe's recommendation, it was the consensus of the Commission to consider the Commission Reports portion of the meeting at this time, modifying the order of the agenda. At this time the Commission Reports were heard. COMMISSION REPORTS Commenting on the recent Commission decision to prohibit left-turns in and out of the Target Center, Commissioner Telesio relayed that he had witnessed an accident in the area of discussion, reconfirming the need for this particular project in order to ensure safety. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the Ynez Road Project which encompassed adding an additional third through lane of travel, would begin construction the week of October 18, 1999. In response to Commissioner Telesio's comments regarding the De Portola and Margarita Roads area, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the Home Depot Project would be conditioned to install a traffic signal and to temporarily widen the road in the area of discussion. R :~traffVninutes\101499 In response to Commissioner Connerton's querying regarding the four-second timing of the green light at the Yne7JRancho California Roads intersection for westbound traffic (for left-turning motions travelling south), Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that the four-second timing of the green light was most likely construction related. For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes provided additional information regarding the GTE claim dispute with the City which was reported in the newspaper, specifying the City's specific direction to GTE to relocate the facilities pdor to the onset of construction; and advised that for construction projects in general, Dig Alert was enforced per contract requirements, noting that potholing was required when utilities are involved in construction projects. It was noted that Commissioner Markham ardved at 6:12 P.M. For informational purposes, Commissioner Markham relayed that the streetlight at the corner of Santiago and Margarita Roads appeared to have been removed via a vehicle striking it. Commissioner Markham queried the consistent parking of vehicles on the south side of Solana Way, east of Ynez Road; and requested that staff investigate the issue. Commissioner Markham requested that staff investigate re-stdping the area adjacent to the newly installed signal at Enterpdse Circle (south of Winchester Road), in order to restrict on-street parking. Due to the unsafe U-turn movements at the uncontrolled intersection in the vicinity of the Farmer Boy's site, Commissioner Markham recommended that staff investigate extending the Winchester Road median to Enterprise Circle. For Commissioner Markham, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that a traffic study was underway with respect to the Enterprise Circle, Rider Way, Commerce Center, and Via Montezuma areas. In response to Commissioner Edwards comments regarding the drag racing of vehicles on the new Meadows Parkway extension (between De Portola Road south to Highway 79), Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that he would investigate the matter. For informational purposes, Commissioner Edwards relayed that the traffic circle recently installed on Via Cordoba was removed via vandalism, noting that the City has since reinstailed the traffic circle. Applauding the Police Department, and specifically Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Commissioner Edwards relayed the thorough response by the Police Department to address the concerns of residents in her neighborhood regarding traffic volumes and speed on Calle Marquis. R:~raffirninutes\101499 Nm Chairman Coe requested that staff investigate extending the left-turn pocket at Margarita Road (for traffic travelling northbound), for vehicles turning left into the sport's park. With respect to the recently installed traffic circles on Via Cordoba, Chairman Coe relayed the favorable response of the residents that he had received. Pm Commending the additional second westbound lane constructed on Highway 79 (from Pala Road to the Interchange), Chairman Coe recommended that staff investigate the left-turn signal timing in order to alleviate traffic congestion of Pala Road. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Bob Lopshire, 40244 Atmore Court, relayed his concern regarding excessive speed and traffic on North General Kearney Road and Deer Meadows Road; submitted to staff a petition encompassing approximately 200 signatures from residents in the area relaying their concern, as well; and requested that staff investigate installation of traffic circles in the area of discussion. For Mr. Lopshire, Chairman Coe requested that staff agendize the matter for a future Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting. In response to Commissioner Edwards, Mr. Lopshire confirmed that the concern of the residents represented on the petition was due to excessive speed and traffic, and the safety of children in the area. Mr. John Dedovesh, 39450 Long Ridge Drive, relayed his desire for the City to eliminate all designated left-turn lights at major intersections, specifically referencing the Winchester Road intersections; recommended that there be solely green lights, allowing left turns and straight-through traffic in order to reduce the number of vehicles going through red lights, and to alleviate traffic congestion. in response to Mr. Dedovesh, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that all the intersecting signals on Winchester Road, east of Jefferson Avenue are controlled by Caltrans; and provided additional information regarding the studies conducted prior to new signalization and after completion, in order to develop the phasing at the intersections. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of September 9, 1999 MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Edwards and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. R:~raf~minutes\101499 COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Traffic Siclnal Photo Enforcement Status Update RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file a status report regarding implementation of a Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement System. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record); noted that the City was in the process of working with the Police Department and the vendors to determine the benefits of the system; advised that there are numerous issues for consideration, inclusive of the matter of processing the violations; for Chairman Coe, relayed that Caltrans does not recommend the system, noting that the signals controlled by the City would be evaluated for installation of the system; noted that the Commission would be updated upon completion of the analysis; for Commissioner Connerton, relayed that he would query the City Attorney regarding any legal restrictions with respect to the Commissioners attending the demonstration and discussion meeting staff had scheduled to receive information with respect to the traffic signal photo installations. Commissioner Connerton relayed Commissioner Edwards' recommendation that the housing of the camera unit be installed at various signals, and that the active unit be moved from intersection to intersection, in order to allow the posted signage to serve as a warning, while the cost of the actual unit would be minimized; requested that staff investigate the issue; and queried the procedure of safeguarding the private information (i.e., the DMV photo) received by the monitors of the system. For Chairman Coe, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed concurrence with Commissioner Edward's recommendation; noted that the signage would be an effective deterrent; and relayed the favorable remarks of the Police Departments in the San Diego, and Santa Rosa area with respect to the traffic signal photo enforcement system. 3. Commission Meeting Schedule - November and December 1999 RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission direct the Secretary to cancel and/or re-schedule meetings for November and December 1999, and to perform the appropriate postings and noticing requirements per the Government Code. Commissioner discussion ensued. MOTION: Commissioner Markham moved to re-schedule the November and December meetings for the Commission as follows: November 18, and December 9, 1999. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion. While relaying no objection to the proposed temporary schedule change due to the holiday season, Commissioner Connerton expressed a desire to return to the regularly scheduled meeting schedule after this period of time, in order to address the numerous upcoming traffic issues (i.e., the Target Center, mall opening) R :~raffVninutes\101499 Senior Engineer Moghadam advised the Commission bring forward to staff any matter of concern with respect to traffic issues. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting unanimous approval. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Highlighting the status of the short-term circulation projects (per agenda material), Senior Engineer Moghadam was available for questions of the Commission. With respect to the Overland Drive Crossing Project, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that there would be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony scheduled for Friday, October 22, 1999, at 5:30 P.M., noting that there would be food and entertainment provided; invited the Commissioners to attend; for Commissioner Edwards, advised that the crossing would be open for travel on Saturday morning, October 23, 1999; for Commissioner Connerton, relayed that there would be signage directing parking for the Friday, October 22, 1999 festivities. Ce With respect to the traffic loops at Margarita Road and Rancho Vista Road, Commissioner Connerton relayed the condition of the wires as loose and exposed. De For Commissioner Markham, with respect to the Margarita Road Wsdening Project (from Pauba to Dartolo Road), Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the design portion of the project was currently underway. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided additional information with regard to the proposed signal at Margarita Road and Pio Pico Road, for Commissioner Markham. For Commissioner Markham, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff would update the Commission at the October 28, 1999 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting with respect to the specific timing of the installation of the Pauba Road signal. Gm Commissioner Edwards recommended that the Pauba Road signal be installed expeditiously. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT For informational purposes, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed the Police and Riverside County Sheriff Department's attendance to the funeral of a fellow officer. Police Sergeant DiMaggio provided additional information regarding the recent motorcycle accident, which resulted in a fatality. Ce Updating the Commission with respect to community activities, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the Hog Rally (a Harley Davidson motorcycle group R :~traf~minutes%101499 function sponsored by the Hog Organization) was scheduled for the weekend of October 15, 1999, noting that vadous activities would be held in Old Town Temecula; and advised that there would be increased Police enforcement during this period of time. In response to Police Sergeant DiMaggio's comments regarding the lengthy timing of the signal lights during the period of time from 2:30-3:00 A.M., specifically denoting the signal at Rancho Califomia Road and Jefferson Road, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the loops were completed at that particular location on October 14, 1999, noting that the timing was related to the construction projects. For Senior Engineer Moghadam, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that he had not received any accident information regarding the removed streetlight pole at Santiago and Margarita Roads, which was earlier referenced by Commissioner Markham. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. COMMISSION REPORTS This Agenda Item was heard out of order. See page 1. ADJOURNMENT At 7:03 P.M. Chairman Coe formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, October 28, 1999 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Chairman Charles Coe Administra~:~-t~ry Anita Pyle