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HomeMy WebLinkAbout111899 PTS MinutesR:TrafficCommission%rninutes~,111899 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION NOVEMBER 18, 1999 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, November 18, 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. ROLLCALL Present: Commissioners Connerton, Edwards, *Katan, Telesio, and Chairman Coe. Absent: None. Also Present: Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Fire Battalion Chief Ritchey, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Katan was sworn in, and present at the November 18, 1999 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting.) PUBLIC COMMENTS This Agenda Item was considered out of order, see below. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS At this time, Deputy City Clerk Ballreich duly swore in the newly appointed Commissioner Mark Katan, At this time the Commission continued back to the Public Comment portion of the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Janet Dixon, 31860 Via Cordoba, noted the effectiveness of the temporarily installed traffic circles on Via Cordoba, relaying that the installation at the T-intersection was not as effective; commended Director of Public Works Hughes, and the Public Works Department, for their diligent efforts associated with the project; and noted that she looked forward to the installation of the permanent traffic circles. R:TrafficCommisslon~rninutes~111899 COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Telesio queried staff as to the procedure of providing the Fire Depadment with new unlisted streets and developments within the City. Deputy Director of Public Works Parks advised that the City provided Thomas Bros. Maps®with recorded final maps on an annual basis; and noted that in the past, Permit Engineer Crisp had provided the updates, and that staff would ensure that the process continued after Mr. Crisp's retirement, at the end of November. Fire Battalion Chief Ritchey relayed that each Fire Station traveled the streets of the City on a regular basis in order to update their map guide. In response to Commissioner Telesio's querying, regarding the recent new article referencing a grant application, inclusive of a foot bridge at 1st Street, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that the article could potentially be referring to a separate trail bridge in that area; and updated the Commission with respect to the current 1st Street Bridge Project, noting the need to relocate a sewer line. With respect to the recent improvements at the Target entrance to the Town Center, Commissioner Edwards commended staff; and noted, additionally, that the interior driveways had been re-striped. D, Regarding the ongoing improvements on Highway 79 South, Commissioner Edwards recommended that staff relay to the residents of the Rainbow Valley area that this particular road improvement project was being constructed by the County; and noted that numerous residents had relayed that they were upset with the City of Temecula, unaware that this was a County project. For informational purposes, Commissioner Edwards relayed that she had received input from residents in the Via Cordoba area, concurring with Ms. Dixon comments, regarding the effectiveness of the temporary traffic circles; and further relayed that the residents had also commented on the vehicles that still traveled at high speeds even with the traffic circles. Due to the consistent complaints from certain neighborhood residents (i.e., Via Cordoba, Calle Pina Colada, North General Kearny Road, Meadows Parkway, and Loma Linda Road areas), Commissioner Edwards recommended that the issue of adding additional Police Department personnel be agendized, in order to adequately enforce speed limits; and suggested establishing a Zero Tolerance Policy for neighborhood speed violators. Concurring with the City's need for additional Police Officers, Commissioner Connerton relayed the ineffectiveness of random police enforcement; and recommended that the Meadowview Traffic Study incorporate vehicle speed into the data, in order for the Commission to adequately address the problem. R:TrafficComrnissionlminutes~l 11899 Commending all the participants in the Race forthe Cure Event, recently held in the City of Temecula, Commissioner Connerton relayed that he had had the opportunity to direct traffic; and noted that the event was a success. For the upcoming year, Commissioner Connerton recommended agendizing the previous-mentioned heavily impacted residential areas in order for the Commission to address the traffic concerns in those specific areas (denoted in Section F). Applauding the Public Works Department, and the Commission, with respect to the recent circulation improvements within the City, specifically, commenting on the recent Target Center improvements, Commissioner Katan relayed what a honor it was to serve on the Commission; and noted that on November 15, 1999 there was a news article commenting on the success of the traffic improvements in Temecula. Concurring with the previous Commission comments, Chairman Coe relayed kudos to the Public Works Department for the numerous recent projects which had improved traffic circulation, specifically, at the south end of the City; and noted that his driving time from his residence to the City Hall had been only eight minutes. With respect to the traffic circles, Chairman Coe recommended improving the design at the T-intersections; noted the effectiveness of the traffic circles; and commended the Police Department, due to the Via Cordoba residents' comments that there had been increased enforcement in that area. For informational purposes, Chairman Coe relayed that although the issue had been previously addressed, that numerous community members had been querying him with respect to the likelihood of the City installing passive left-turn lights; and noted that at a future point in time, the matter may need to be re- addressed. With respect to the 1st Street Bridge Project, Chairman Coe recommended that the City investigate a connector between 1st Street, and 2"d Street, at Mercedes Street. Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that after the completion of the I st Street Bridge Project, staff would evaluate the circulation of Old Town Temecula; and relayed the considerations for future improvements in Old Town. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes. RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of November 18, 1999 3 R:TrafficCommis$ion/n~inutesll 11899 MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the minutes, as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connerton and voice vote reflected approval with the excel~tion of Commissioner Katan who abstained. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Request for Speed Undulations - North General KearnV Road RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny a request for the installation of speed undulations on North General Kearny Road between Nicolas Road and Willow Creek Drive Noting the submittal of a petition signed by approximately 240 residents (requesting that the City install speed undulations), Senior Engineer Moghadam provided an overview of the staff report (of record); relayed the existing speed limit of 25 MPH on North General Kearny Road between Nicolas Road and Willow Creek Drive; noted that the analysis revealed that there was not excessive speed, or high volumes of traffic in the area of discussion; relayed that speed undulations have not been proven to be an effective tool for reducing vehicle speed; advised that any traffic control devise recommended for this area should, additionally, be considered for Sierra Madre Drive, since this area would be heavily impacted if traffic was diverted from North General Kearny Road; for Commissioner Edwards, specified that staff had received complaints, confirming that traffic currently negatively affects Sierra Madre Drive; and for Commissioner Connerton confirmed that the average speed in the area was 28 MPH. Commenting on the traffic analysis, Commissioner Connerton noted that while excessive speeding was not frequent, that there was speeding consistently cited at approximately 6:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. The following individuals relayed their comments and concerns regarding traffic on North General Kearny Road: n Ms. Cindy Mathes n Mr. Bob Lopshire n Ms. Andrea Duncan n Ms. Lara Kiester Ms. Arlene Ferguson 39797 North General Kearny Road 40244 Atmore Court 39880 North General Kearny Road 39868 North General Kearny Road 39847 North General Kearny Road The above-mentioned individuals relayed the following comments: Thanked the Commission for consideration of traffic improvement in their area. Noted that the residents were aware of traffic control devices not recommended for the area, imploring the City for an alternate solution. Relayed that the speed data was inaccurate due to the placement of the speed trailer, and the road speed-measuring device. R:TrafficComrnission~minutes~l 11899 ,/ Expressed concern regarding the safety of children in the area due to the location of the school. v Advised that vehicles were travelling at high rates of speed. v Noted the attempts of the residents to control the traffic situation via the PTA, and various volunteer-monitoring procedures. Concurred with the recommendation of increased Police enforcement, noting the recent effectiveness of a vacant Police vehicle, which had been parked in the area. ,/ Noted the negative impact of the closure of the parking lot located at the rear of the school site, and the associated request by the school to encourage pedestrian access which would further impact the number of children on the streets. Advised that the news article associated with this noticed meeting, and the referencing of staff's recommendation to deny the request for speed undulations (implying that the decision had already been made) had discouraged many residents from attending the meeting. Noted that the PTA and the school had sent notices to the parents, directing them to drive at safe speed limits. Advised that a red vehicle driven by a young female driver had been cited numerous times speeding, noting that the driver was not responsive to the residents' caution to slow down. Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that the speed measuring devices had been placed at both ends of the street in the area of discussion; for Chairman Coe, relayed that the completed analysis associated with the traffic circles would be presented to the Commission in January 2000; noted that the input received from the Via Cordoba residents (regarding the traffic circles) had been primarily negative; relayed that the Homeowners Association in that area was conducting a residential survey; and advised that the City's traffic analysis in all these areas was performed by an independent firm. For Ms. Mathes, Chairman Coe clarified that the City was in the process of investigating effective traffic control devices (i.e., traffic circles); advised that the rationale for not recommending stop signs or speed undulations, was that these installations were not effective traffic calming devices; provided the rationale for the City Council solely recommending the placement of the temporary traffic circles on Via Cordoba until further data had been completed. For Ms. Duncan, Commissioner Connerton noted that the City could not control the news stories, advising that she relay to the residents that the Commission desired to hear the residents' comments, and that no decision was made regarding agenda items until the public meeting. Although the analysis revealed low average rates of speed in the area of discussion, Commissioner Edwards relayed that the data revealed one vehicle travelling at R:TrafficCommission~minutes~l 11899 excessive speeds consistently in the early morning hours and then repeated in the afternoon hours; recommended that the Police Department attempt to cite this violator; requested that there be increased enforcement in the area; and noted that if the traffic circles prove to be effective traffic calming devices, that after the analysis was completed, the Commission could consider recommending the installation of the traffic circles on North General Kearny Road. For Commissioner Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff would investigate as to whether the dip on North General Kearny Road (referenced by the community members) was within the parameters of the County or the City. For Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Lopshire clarified the location of the present bus parking area at the school site. Commissioner Connerton advised that the Commission could make a recommendation that staff request the School District to ensure a safer condition for the children, and additionally, recommending that Police Chief Labahn alert the Sheriff's Department (amended to be the California Highway Patrol) regarding the safety hazard in the vicinity of the school site due to excessive speeding; noted that the City did not have jurisdiction with respect to the school site; and relayed that via his visits to the site, he had witnessed vehicles travelling at high speeds. For Commissioner Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that traffic enforcement within the County was handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP.) Commissioner Connerton requested staff to pursue the matter of the City providing a radar gun for the use of the residents; and provided additional information regarding the news article; clarified the process of approval or denial of requests of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission; and assured the community that he would personally continue to visit the area of discussion in order to monitor the traffic conditions. Commissioner Telesio advised the community members that it was the Commission's desire and charge to address the concerns of the community; relayed that the City had been requested numerous times to address the negative impacts caused by the School District's decision to site schools in certain areas; reiterated the rationale for the recommendation to deny speed undulations and stop signs; and advised that at this time, while there was no immediate solution, that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission would continue efforts to seek a remedy for their concerns. For clarification with respect to Ms. Mathes comments, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that while staff did provide information regarding the data that revealed that speed undulations and stop signs were not effective tools for addressing traffic speed, that staff had not relayed that any request was impossible; and that staff had, specifically, commented that the study being conducted with respect to the traffic circles on Via Cordoba may provide an alternate option for the North General Kearny Road area. Ms. Mathes noted for the Police Department's information that school would not be in session beginning November 22, 1999, due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, relaying that there would be a reduction in traffic during this interim period; in response to Senior Engineer Moghadam's comments, apologized, noting that he had never stated that any improvements would be impossible; relayed that the residents have become so 6 R;TrafficCommission~minutes~l 11899 discouraged due to the lack of a recommended solution which would address their traffic concerns, and that she had misspoken; and reiterated her gratitude for the Commission hearing the comments of the residents. Commissioner Katan relayed that he had visited the area of discussion on a Monday evening, noting that while the majority of the residents appeared to have been driving the speed limit. he had witnessed a vehicle attempting to pass a car in this residential area; relayed the impact of the community comments, providing the Commission and staff with additional information, emphasizing the need to seek a solution addressing the expressed concerns; and concurred with Commissioner Edwards recommendation, that enforcement be increased in the area. For informational purposes, Chairman Coe relayed that the previously mentioned petition with 240 signatures demonstrated the degree of community concern with respect to this area; and relayed that the results of the traffic circle study could potentially provide a solution to the traffic impacts in this area. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to deny the request for speed undulations on North General Kearny Road. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion. (This motion was ultimately amended.) Concurring with staff's recommendation that speed undulations would not be an effective tool in addressing the traffic impact in this area, Commissioner Connerton recommended that speed limits be strictly enforced; requested that staff present to the Commission a method, whereby the Commission could make a recommendation to the City Council for the purchase of radar guns, advising that although the community members could not cite violators, that the visual impact of the radar gun would serve as a deterrent to speeding. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to deny the request for speed undulations on North General Kearny Road; and moved to bring the matter back to the Commission after completion of the traffic circles' feasibility evaluation. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion. Taking into consideration the comments and data presented, Commissioner Telesio relayed that the majority of the vehicles were travelling at safe speeds; and recommended that the few violators travelling at excessive speeds be severely fined in order to make the public aware that speeding would not be tolerated in residential areas. Concurring with Commissioner Telesio's comments, Commissioner Connerton advised that if repeat speed violators had their licenses revoked, the message would be relayed that the City of Temecula would not permit speeding in residential areas. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting unanimous approval. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam welcomed Mr. Mark Katan to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. R:Traf~cCommissionlrninutes~l 11899 Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that December 6, 1999 had been scheduled as an Employee Appreciation Day; invited the Commissioners to sign up for a guided tour of the City via Administrative Secretary Pyle; and invited the Commissioners to attend the luncheon to be held at 12:00 noon. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT With respect to the request for increased Police enforcement, Police Sergeant DiMaggio concurred with the recommendation to consider recommending to the City Council that additional Police personnel be added; relayed the potential of an officer being added to staff in January; provided an overview of the collision incidents in the City; noted that per Commission request, and community concern, officers are sent to residential areas, although the officer may not issue any citations; noted that speed was not always the major factor in a collision (referencing the recent fatal accident which occurred at a speed of 5 MPH), advising that inattention and driver unawareness were primary factors in the cause of collisions; recommended that the focus of collision prevention be concentrated on Public Education; specified that statistically, collisions rarely occurred in residential areas; noted that if it was the desire of the Commission to address the impact of the collisions within the City, which posed the greatest safety hazard with respect to traffic, that speed in residential areas would not be the primary focus; and relayed that the Police Department's foremost charge was to reduce collisions. With respect to residential areas impacted by the location of a school, Police Sergeant DiMaggio recommended that the School District be directed to consider additional bus transport; and noted that one bus would alleviate the need to vehicle transport 40-60 children, thereby, reducing the vehicle volumes. With respect to increased Public Awareness, Police Sergeant DiMaggio recommended televising a program in order to educate the public with respect to speeding, unsafe lane changes, driver awareness, and other primary collision factors. Commissioner Edwards relayed that she was in the process of pursuing the matter. In order to reduce traffic volumes in neighborhoods impacted by the location of a school, Police Sergeant DiMaggio recommended implementation of a staggered- school start schedule. In response to Ms. Mathes' comments, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that he could place an empty Police vehicle (ghost car) in the North General Kearny Road area, noting that this would serve as a temporary deterrent to speeding. Police Sergeant DiMaggio reiterated that a permanent solution to traffic hazards would be to educate the public. G, For Commissioner Telesio, Police Sergeant DiMaggio concurred with the Police Department making efforts to cite the few extreme speed violators in residential areas (referenced in the data associated with Agenda Item No. 2.) R:Traf~cComrnission',minutes1111899 H, For informational purposes, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that although there was limited staff, and various priority issues for the Police Department to address, that the Police Department consistently responded to the requests of the community, and the Commission, to increase enforcement in specific residential areas. In response to Commissioner Edward's querying, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that public awareness could be addressed in residential areas (i.e., the North General Kearny Road area) by holding a public forum at the school via the PTA, relaying that the Police Department would be wilting to conduct a special program, educating the community with respect to collision prevention tactics. In response to Police Sergeant DiMaggio's comments, Commissioner Connerton concurred with Commissioner Edwards' recommendation associated with agendizing the issue of the feasibility of adding additional Police personnel; relayed that as a Commissioner, he was directed to receive input and address the concerns of the community members; and noted that if the residential speed was not addressed, the occurrence of residential collisions could rise, with the potential of children being harmed. Police Sergeant DiMaggio invited the community members to take a ride-along with the Police Officers. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Fire Battalion Chief Ritchey relayed that he would be replacing Fire Battalion Black as the Fire Department's representative at the Public/Traffic Safety Commission meetings; and noted that he, and Mr. Howard Windsor, would serve as operational Battalion Chiefs in the City of Temecula. Updating the Commission with respect to the traffic collision, which occurred on Saturday, November 13, 1999, Fire Battalion Chief Ritchey relayed the incident involving three vehicles, with four injuries, which the Fire Department had responded to. With respect to the Race for the Cure Event recently held in Temecula, Fire Battalion Chief Ritchey relayed that the Fire Depadment had fielded a 25- member team to participate in the race. Fire Battalion Chief Ritchey noted that the Fire Department was in the process of evaluating the Optican System, advising that he would keep the Commission updated. Chairman Coe welcomed Fire Battalion Chief Ritchey as the Fire Department's representative for the Commission. R:TrafficComm[s$1onVninutesI1~i1599 ADJOURNMENT At 8:15 P.M. Chairman Coe formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, December 9, 1999 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Chairman Charles Coe 10