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HomeMy WebLinkAbout102899 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OCTOBER 28, t999 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, October 28, 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. ROLLCALL 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, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Markham arrived at 6:11 P.M.) PUBLIC COMMENTS The Public Comment portion of the meeting was considered out of order, see page 2. COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Connerton applauded the Public Works Department for a job well done with respect to the Overland Bridge Opening, and the associated improvement of traffic circulation. With respect to the temporary closure of the median in the proximate area of the Target Center, Commissioner Telesio commended the Public Works Department. Commissioner Edwards relayed kudos to the Public Works Department for their successful efforts regarding the following: 1) the Overland Bridge Opening, and 2) the lack of traffic congestion at mall opening. For informational purposes, Commissioner Edwards relayed her attendance to the Red Light Camera presentation, noting the utilization of the system by TraffCommlminutes1102899 alternate cities; and advised that further data is currently being investigated, and would be relayed to the Commission at a future point in time. Commissioner Edwards noted her receipt of Ms. Kathleen Pace Osborne's correspondence (via agenda material), relaying that she had contacted Ms. Osborne and would keep her updated with respect to the status of her recommendation to install red light camera units (after the analysis has been completed determining the feasibility of installation of the units in the City of Temecula.) Chairman Coe commended the Public Works Department for the success of the recent traffic improvements, which have vastly improved the general traffic circulation in the City of Temecula. Relaying that his current term limit was as Commissioner was about to expire, Chairman Coe commended the Commission for their diligent efforts, noting that it had been a pleasure to serve on the Commission; and noted that he had applied for re-appointment. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR '1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of October 14, 1999 MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connerton and voice vote reflected approval with the excel3tion of Commissioner Markham who was absent. At this time, Chairman Coe reopened the Public Comment portion of the meeting in order to hear Ms. Fregoso's comments. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Linda Fregoso, 29760 Via Norte, thanked the Commission for hearing her comments, apologizing for her delayed attendance; noted her concern with respect to the high speed of traffic travel in the Meadowview area; recommended that the Commission consider installation of a stop sign at Via Norte/Carmalita Circle for the purpose of reducing the speed of traffic in this particular area; commended the Public Works Department for their successful efforts with respect to the recent improvements in traffic circulation; and thanked Sergeant DiMaggio for his efforts in addressing her concerns with respect to traffic issues. It was noted for the record that Commissioner Markham arrived at the meeting at 6:11 P.M. At this time the meeting returned to the regular order of the Agenda, and Agenda Item No. 2 was considered. TraffComm/minutes/102899 COMMISSION BUSINESS Recluest for Removal of Bike-Lane and Parkincl Restrictions-North General Kearnv Road RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review a request to remove the bike-lane and associated parking restrictions along North General Kearny Road. Director of Public Works Hughes provided a detailed overview of the staff report (of record), apprising the Commission of the parking issues with respect to the pickup/drop- off times of children at James L. Day Middle School; specified the restrictions associated with the alternate recommendation to re-stripe North General Kearny Road; provided a video presentation, displaying the parking of vehicles in the vicinity of the school; and advised that the placement of the bike lanes was consistent with the City's General Plan Circulation Element. For Commissioner Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff would not recommend implementing specified time periods, allowing the parking of vehicles in the bike lane; provided additional information regarding the potential for the vehicles to utilize the adjacent neighborhood for parking at a future point in time; clarified that he was not aware of any plan of the School District to eliminate bussing, and allow the bus zone to be utilized as a parent pick-up area, acknowledging, however, that this would improve the impact of parking on the streets; for Commissioner Markham, confirmed that this particular parking impact being addressed by the City was due to the inadequate pickup/drop-off zones at the school site; specified the parameters of the bike lanes; for Commissioners Coe and Connerton, provided additional information regarding the status of the upcoming residential development in the area. For informational purposes, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff is in the process of preparing a cost estimation for the request to install concrete curbs, gutters, and sidewalks in this particular area; advised that the issue would be brought forward to the City Council at a future point in time; and for Commissioner Markham, relayed that the request for the proposal was received by an neighboring property owner. In response to Commissioner Edwards querying, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff was of the opinion that the temporary removal of the bike lanes would not alleviate the parking issue. For Chairman Coe, Sergeant DiMaggio advised that the parking of vehicles in the bike lane was a violation. In response to Commissioner Telesio's comments, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the bike lanes were utilized by the students of the school; noted that there was existing signage indicating that the area was a school zone; and clarified that the sole removal of the bike lane was not an adequate width for provision of vehicle parking. TraffComm/minutes1102899 For Commissioner Markham, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed the restrictions associated with the suggestion to widen the sidewalk for installation of a dedicated bike lane, and to remove the restricted parking area. For Commissioners Connerton and Telesio, Director of Public Works Hughes provided additional information regarding the City's lack of authority with respect to the development of school sites; and advised that the City was in the process of working with the School District with respect to future school sites in order to review any negative impacts prior to construction. With respect to Commissioner Connerton's comments, Director of Public Works Hughes noted the School District's response in order to address the vandalism issues associated with the impact of the students in the area. Ms. Eva Kinsella, 40765 La Colina Road, advised that she had written an additional, subsequent letter dated October 7, 1999 (referencing the letter in the agenda material dated September 14, 1999); specified the impact of the numerous students on her property; recommended that the Commission continue the matter until the City Council takes action of the previously mentioned concrete curbing and sidewalk project proposed to be installed in this particular area, suggesting that if approved, the bike lane be continued; recommended that if the proposed project was denied, that the bike lanes be removed, due to the safety hazard for the children impacted by the vehicle parking in the bike lane zone; and for Commissioner Connerton, specified her attempts to address the issue with the school. MOTION: Commissioner Markham moved to continue the issue until the City Council considers the concrete sidewalk and curbing project in this particular area. (This motion died for lack of a second.) For Commissioner Coe and Markham, Director of Public Hughes relayed that the above- mentioned project would potentially be brought before the City Council in December, and if approved would not be completed until approximately March of 2000. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to continue the matter to the first meeting in March, 2000. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion. (This motion was ultimately amended.) Ms. Kinsella relayed her desire for the Commission to continue the issue until December, 1999 at which time the Council would take action on the previously mentioned project. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to continue the matter to a December meeting for review as to whether the issue should be further continued. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. Commissioner Connerton expressed a desire for the Commission to recommend that the City Council actively pursue the issue of the School District working in conjunction with the City in order to alleviate the safety hazard impacts associated with the school sites in the City of Temecula. 4 TraffCornmlminutesl102899 MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to recommend that the City Council strongly encourage the School District to submit all future school site plans to the City of Temecula for review of traffic impacts, and to ensure adequate loading and unloading zones for children pickup. Commissioner Markham seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. For informational purposes, Commissioner Markham relayed that the School District did process the bus barn as a Land Use Application through the City of Temecula. 3. Request for Removal of Bike-Lanes and Parkinq Restrictions-Temeku Drive RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review and deny the request to remove the existing bike-lane and parking restrictions on Temeku Drive between Tee Drive and Flag Way. Commissioner Connerton advised that he would be abstaining with regard to this issue. Noting the modified staff recommendation, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided an overview of the staff report (per agenda material); relayed the receipt of the recently submitted letter form the Homeowners Association (HOA) which was received on October 22, 1999, expressing concern with respect to safety issues related to the vehicular parking on Temeku Drive. Chairman Coe suggested that the matter be continued until after the HOA had voted on the issue in order for that input to be considered by the Commission. In response to Commissioner Markham's querying, Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that the placement of the existing bike lanes was not a requirement of the Specific Plan. Commissioner Markham relayed that it was his opinion that the property owner of the Temeku Hills Clubhouse should address the negative impact of the street parking due the inadequate onsite parking provisions. Mr. Anthony Maggio, 31106 Iron Circle, concurred with Commissioner Markham's recommendation to place the burden of mitigation on the property owner of the Temeku Hills Clubhouse; for Chairman Coe, relayed that there was no open space available at the site for provision of additional parking areas; and specified the negative impact on the adjacent neighbors due to the on street parking. Commissioner Telesio reiterated the Commission's previous recommendation for the property owner to consider constructing a dedicated bike lane above the street, noting that the response of the property owner was that the proposal was too costly. Mr. George Clark, 41799 Cascades Court, relayed his opposition to the removal of the bike lanes, noting that the width of the street was not adequate for the safe parking of vehicles; and recommended that the existing onsite driving range be replaced with a parking area, or that additional lots on Rancho California Road be utilized for public parking with the provision of shuttling the patrons to the Clubhouse. 5 TraffCommlminutesl102899 Commissioner Edwards recommended continuing the matter until data had been received relaying the results of the HOA vote on this issue; concurred with Commissioner Markham's' recommendation that the property owner should provided mitigation for the on-street parking issue; advised that she was not in favor of removing the bike lane; and recommended that the Police Department cite the violators parking in the restricted parking area. Sergeant DiMaggio advised that the residents to contact the Police Department in order to specify the times when the illegal parking was occurring. in order to effectively enforce the restrictions. Ms. JoAnn Clark, 41799 Cascades, relayed the potential safety hazard if the parking restriction was removed, which would restrict the access of emergency vehicles to the area. In response to Commissioner Markham's comments, Commissioner Edwards clarified that her recommendation to postpone the issue until the HOA vote was conduct was not an inference that the Commission would take action solely based on the results of that vote. In response to Commissioner Telesio's querying, Commissioner Markham provided additional information regarding the previous approval of the Temeku Hills Clubhouse development, noting that the project had been approved by the County. Deputy Director of Public Works Parks provided clarification with respect to the original County approval of the project, and the subsequent foreclosure of that development project; specified the negotiating polices agreed upon by the City with the new property owner, in order to allow the previously recorded maps to go forward; provided additional information regarding the placement of the bike lanes on Temeku Drive; and relayed the potential for the Clubhouse to not be utilized for public functions at a future point in time. Mr. Maggio provided additional information regarding the potential for the Clubhouse to be controlled by the HOA at a future point in time. MOTION: Commissioner Markham moved to deny the request t.o remove the bike lane and the associated parking restrictions along Temeku Drive. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion. Commissioner Edwards relayed that the HOA could request the Commission to agendize the issue after the HOA's consideration of the matter of removing the bike lanes. Due to the safety hazard associated with the on street parking in this area, it was the general consensus of the Commission to recommend that the City Council encourage the property owners of the Temeku Hills Clubhouse to mitigate the negative impacts generated from the inadequate onsite parking provisions. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting approval with the exception of Commissioner Connerton who abstained. TraffComm/minutes/102899 TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Commissioner Markham recommended that staff investigate the installation of an additional lane in the Palm Plaza exit driveways in order to provide a right-turn only exit lane. In response to Commissioner Edwards querying regarding the First Street Bridge Project (denoted on page 3 of the agenda material), Director of Public Works Hughes provided additional information with respect to the City's prior rights associated with this particular project. In response to the letter from three Meadowview residents dated October 28, 1999 (per supplemental agenda material), the Commission addressed the request to consider agendizing the road openings of Kahwea Street, Sanderling Way, Starling Street, and the portion of North General Kearney Road between Pina Colada and Nicolas Road. Due to the recent City Council action regarding these particular streets and the decision to postpone the Meadowview Circulation Study, Commissioner Markham recommended that the Commission not agendize these particular issues at this time. Concurring with Commissioner Markham's recommendation, Commissioner Edwards reiterated the City Council's action with respect to the denoted areas. Chairman Coe recommended that the residents present the issue to the City Council, and that the Commission agendize the issues if the Council provided that direction. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the request was generated by the residents in the area; relayed that the Commission's comments have been duly noted; advised that the North General Kearney issue would be brought forward to the City Council as part of the Cimulation Element at a future point in time. In concurrence with Chairman Coe's comments, Commissioner Markham advised that the Commission not reconsider the requested issues until further direction from the City Council. Commissioner Connerton relayed his opposition with respect to the Commission waiting for further direction from the City Council prior to reconsideration of the requested road openings; advised that it was the Commission's charge to consider issues of concern in order to provide recommendation to the City Council; and concurred with postponing the agendizing of these particular issues until the Circulation Element Update was complete. Commissioner Telesio recommended that the Commission reconsider the issues solely when additional data was available since the Commission had previously addressed the requested matters. TraffCommlminutesl102899 Relaying concurrence with the previous Commission comments, Commissioner Edwards, echoed by Chairman Coe, advised that the matter was a mute issue until the Meadowview Circulation Study had been completed. Director of Public Works Hughes reiterated the direction of the Commission to postpone the agendizing of the requested road openings until the Meadowview Circulation Study was conducted in order to more thoroughly address the matters. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the Police Department had received numerous calls regarding the malfunction of the Overland Bridge signal, advising that the issue had been resolved; and noted the improved traffic flow due to the opening of the Overland Bridge. With respect to the previously mentioned Hog Rally activity held in the City, Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the event went well. Ce Noting the upcoming Race for the Cure Event scheduled to be held November 13, 1999, Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that there would be various street closures in the City during the race. For informational purposes, Sergeant DiMaggio noted the upcoming Christmas Parade scheduled to be held on December 2, 1999, which may impact traffic flow. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. ADJOURNMENT At 7:37 P.M. Chairman Coe formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, November 18, 1999 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Chairman Charles Coe Pyle