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HomeMy WebLinkAbout120999 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 9, 1999 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:03 P.M.. on Thursday, December 9, 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: Commissioners Connerton, Edwards, Katan, 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. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Victor Jones, PO Box 1624, representing the Los Ranchitos HOA, relayed his concern regarding the speed of vehicles traveling on De Portola and Ynez Roads; noted that a seven-year old child had been killed in a vehicular accident on De Portola Road; relayed that the driver was not cited due to traveling within the parameters of the posted speed limit of 55 MPH; recommended that the Commission investigate the matter of lowering the posted speeds in the area of discussion; advised that he had been informed that the State governs the speed limits on the particular mad, relaying that in his opinion this was not an adequate rationale for not addressing the issue. For Mr. Jones, Chairman Coe relayed that there were legal restrictions prohibiting the City from regulating the speed limits on this particular street. The Public Comment portion of the meeting was continued, see page 8. COMMISSION REPORTS With respect to the negative parking impacts at Nicholas Valley Elementary School, Commissioner Katan relayed that the matter had been addressed, noting that the bus area had been relocated. Regarding the previous request to increase Police enforcement in the vicinity of the schools, Commissioner Katan noted that the Police Department had effectively increased enforcement. Commissioner Katan relayed that he had visited the Calle Medusa area, noting the improvements the City had installed (i.e., stop signs, additional signage off of Nicholas Road directing traffic to the altemate route). With respect to the Pauba/Margarita Roads signal, Commissioner Connerton recommended that the City expedite the timing of the onset of operation of the new signal. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the signal was scheduled to be in operational status on December 16, 1999. Commissioner Connerton reiterated that the traffic loops at Margarita/Rancho Vista Roads were in disrepair, noting that the wires were exposed; and recommended that staff address the issue. Commissioner Connerton relayed kudos to the Public Works Department and the Police Department for their work associated with the traffic direction at the Christmas Parade event. With respect to the Pauba/Margarita Roads intersection, Commissioner Telesio advised that there was no connection between the recent accident in the area and the subsequent installation of the signal, noting that the signal was part of a previously planned improved circulation element, and that the timing of the installation was coincidental. Commissioner Edwards commended the Police Department for the increased enforcement in the proximate area of the schools, requesting that it continue. With respect to the City's construction update reported in the newspaper, Commissioner Edwards relayed kudos to the Public Works Department for the denoted completed projects. With respect to traffic on Highway 79 South (westbound) from Pala Road, Chairman Coe noted that the circulation flow had continued to be greatly improved due to the recent improvements, applauding the Public Works Department for their diligent efforts associated with the projects; and relayed that the traffic circulation in the City, in general, had vastly improved. Chairman Coe relayed the honor of having his wife and son in attendance at tonight's meeting. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of November 18, 1999 MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve the minutes, as wdtten. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Edwards and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Request for Street CIosure-Calle Medusa RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny a request to close Calle Medusa between Nicolas Road and La Serena Way. Via overhead maps, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record); specified the City's installation of stop signs on Calle Medusa, and the construction of the Walcott Corridor which was designed to relieve traffic on Calle Medusa; noted that the analysis revealed lower volumes of vehicles utilizing the corridor than had been anticipated; specified the 25-MPH posted speed limit signage, and the diractional signage directing traffic towards the Walcott Corridor; advised that the majodty of the traffic trips in the area were generated by the residents; relayed that the volume counts (based on a national average ratio) were not excessive; and with respect to the request to close Calle Medusa, noted the specified requirements which would warrant street closure, relaying that the requirements had not been met. Senior Engineer Moghadam addressed the comments of the Commission, as follows: >- For Commissioner Edwards, specified the residential dwellings and streets that would be affected by the closure of Calle Medusa; provided additional information regarding the data associated with the area; relayed that an additional concorn of staff with respect to the requested closure would be emergency vehicle access; and specified that the signatures on the submitted petition reflected a general request for closure, not differentiating between specific concern with respect to volumes or speed. .- For Commissioner Connerton, relayed that Calle Medusa was not being extensively utilized for truck travel, noting the three-ton weight limit posted on signage in the area. >- For Chairman Coe, confirmed that the results of the survey (or record) revealed that approximately forty-four percent (44%) of the residents in the area were in favor of street closure. For informational purposes, Commissioner Telesio relayed the ease of utilizing the Walcott Corridor, querying the lack of use by the community. The following individuals spoke in favor of the Calle Medusa Street Closure: Mr. Nelson Betancourt a Mr. Russ Greenhage n Mr. Chris Olsen a Mr. Brian Sampson Mr. Bred Cooksy 40835 Calle Medusa 40462 Calle Medusa 40763 Calle Medusa 40655 Calle Medusa 40571 Calle Medusa The above-mentioned individuals relayed the following comments and concerns: The first five denoted speakers provided a presentation addressing the following: Relayed the previous efforts to improve the impacts in the area, attempting to solve the speed and volume issues. Noted the petition procedure, and the associated statistics (of record). Relayed traffic counts based on updated data (which had been funded by the residents), noting that the volume was more than double Temecula's cdteria for excessive volume on a regular street. Presented the proposed location of the closure (south of Riverton Lane); and via photographs, relayed a fencad gated-type closure with provision of emergency access by way of remote control. Noted that the Walcott Corddor could be utilized as an altemate access road. Mr. Betancourt relayed that a vehicle had struck him in front of his house, noting the safety hazards associated with the traffic on Calle Medusa. · Based on the provisional data, noted that the volumes on Calle Medusa were continuing to increase. · Advised that the School District's decision to return to the traditional school term schedule had increased traffic volumes. Noted that mall traffic utilizes Calle Medusa for cut-through access. Relayed that the surrounding development residential areas utilize Calle Medusa for cut-through access. · Advised that the proposed additional peripheral roads would further negatively impact the volumes on Calle Medusa. For Chairman Coe, Mr. Betancourt relayed that although the statistics associated with the petition (of record) revealed that forty-four percent (44%) of the residents were in favor of the street closure, Mr. Betancourt specified that seventy-three percent (73%) of the residents polled were in favor of the street closure, relaying that not all of the residents were available for polling (although every house was visited). In response to Chairman Coe's querying, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the analysis data relayed during the presentation by the public members was accurate. Applauding the residents for their excellent presentation, Commissioner Connerton recommended that the material presented be provided to staff and the Commission, specifically the updated traffic study. For Commissioner Edwards, Mr. Olsen relayed that there were new residential housing dwellings completed between the initial traffic study and the subsequent one, noting that 4 in his opinion the new housing was not the major impact causing the increase in volumes. For Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Sampson, echoed by Mr. Betancourt, advised that while the presented solution was a fenced closure, that the residents would be agreeable to alternate solutions; for Chairman Coe, relayed that if the proposed closure was installed, the traffic would be diverted to the Walcott Corridor; and for Commissioner Edwards, acknowledged that Calle Medusa was a public road, noting the residents' desire to reduce the volumes. The following individuals spoke in opposition to the Calle Medusa Street Closure: n Mr. Daniel Mullins a Mr. John Broderick Ms. Linda Nords n Mr. Rick Norris n Mr. Corey Wallace Mr. Keith Caddy n MS. Catherine Davis Mr. Bill Dull Ms. Penny Sargent [] Mr. Craig Dearth n Mr. William Trop n MS. Philippe Trop n Mr. Larry Phelps n MS. Sharon Duvall [] Ms. Cassy Taylor-Campos n MS. Mellisa Jacobson Mr. Reynaldo Campos n MS. Rosemaria Kilian n Mr. David Hogan n Mr. Michael R. 40598 Nob Court 40612 Nob Court 31077 Wellington Circle 31077 Wellington Circle 39731 Jacaranda Court 40571 New Town Drive 31885 Monique Circle 40436 Chauncey Way 31101 Wellington Circle 40727 Calle Katedne 31109 Humbolt Court 31109 Humbolt Court 40600 Windsor Road 40312 Windsor Road 39822 Amberley Circle 31309 Enfield Lane 29822 Amberiey Circle 31065 Wellington Circle 40595 Windsor Road 31252 Enfield Lane The above-named individuals relayed the following comments and concerns: Noted the primary concern was emergency vehicle access. Recommended improving the Walcott Corridor, relaying that the corridor was not safe for travel, and, additionally, not an expeditious access route. Challenged the results of the petition, which surveyed the residents. Relayed that the future proposed area improvements would aid in alleviating the traffic volumes on Calle Medusa. Advised that Calle Medusa was designed to be utilized as a collector road, noting the width of the street. Noted that the proposed street closure would increase volumes on Riverton Lane, which would pose a safety hazard for residents accessing the park. Recommended that an additional survey be conducted polled by residents in opposition to the street closure. Advised that the City needs additional roads to improve traffic circulation, not less. · Relayed that volumes and speed on Calle Medusa were not excessive. · Noted that closure would cause access of the school sites to be difficult for the residents. · Recommended installing signage restricting the use of Calle Medusa dudng certain hours, stating No Through Traffic, acknowledging that the signage would be difficult to enforce. For the record, Ms. Sargent submitted two letters to the clerk from Ms. Lillie Sargent, and Mr. and Mrs. Peders, relaying their opposition to the street closure. Commended the Police Department for continued enforcement in the Calle Medusa area. · Relayed that the updated traffic data revealing higher volumes may have been impacted by construction on Calle Katerine. · Recommended prohibiting on-street parking on Calle Medusa. Relayed that the traffic on Calle Medusa was primarily generated by residential use, and not cut-through traffic. · Reiterated that the report prepared by staff revealed that there was no justification that would warrant a street closure. · For informational purposes, relayed that the vehicle that struck Mr. Betancourt was driven by a resident residing on the same side of the proposed street closure as Mr. Betancourt. In response to Commissioner Connerton's querying, Mr. Brodedck recommended that Kahwea Road be re-opened. For Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Norris relayed that he would be willing to organize an additional survey. For informational purposes, for Mr. Wallace, Commissioner Edwards advised that the City did not vacate right-of-way for the Calle Pina Colada matter. In response to Commissioner Edward's querying, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the recommendation to post signage stating No Through Traffic would not be enforceable. At this time Chairman Coe closed public comment, and relayed the ratio of proponents and opponents to the street closure, as follows: twenty-five percent (25%) for the closure (representing seven public members in favor of the closure), and seventy-five percent (75%) opposed to the closure (representing twenty-one public members in opposition to the street closure). Chairman Coe's figures were inclusive of two members who filled out request to speak forms, and then opted not to speak (which encompassed two community residents, one in favor, and one opposing the street closure). The Commission relayed their concluding remarks, as follows: Commissioner Connerton relayed that the street closure would not be a proficient manner of resolving the traffic issues due to the negative impacts associated with the closure; noted that the proposed traffic circulation study associated with this area could potentially reveal the need to seek alternate solutions (i.e., re-open streets that had been previously closed) which could have a positive impact on Calle Medusa; commended the community members (proponents of the closure) for their thorough, professional presentation program; recommended revisiting the matter at a future point in time when the traffic circulation study for this particular area had been completed; and relayed that based on the evidence presented, he could not support closure of Calle Medusa. Commissioner Katan also relayed kudos to the public members who had contributed their time and money in order to present the provision of data associated with their request for closure; confirmed that there were high volumes of traffic on Calle Medusa (per his visits to the area), and that while the Walcott Corridor was safe, it was not an effective time-saver as an alternate route; commended staff for their past efforts associated with addressing the community concerns in this area (i.e., installing stop signs); relayed that the primary factor in the generation of traffic volumes was due to residential use, noting that the closure would inconvenience the residents of this particular area; and advised that street closure would not be a positive alternative in addressing the impacts on Calle Medusa. Commissioner Edwards commended all of the public members who spoke, with respect to their clear, factual manner in expressing their concerns; reiterated that the majodty of the Calle Medusa residents were not in favor of the closure; advised that the residents in the area generated the majodty of traffic in the area, evidenced by the data; relayed that staff was in the process of analyzing methods of reducing speeds in residential areas (i.e., traffic circles); specified altemate residential streets within the City with similar concerns; relayed that the negative impact the residents experienced was due to poor planning of this particular neighborhood development; implored the residents not to allow the issues to divide them as a community; advised that the method of improving traffic circulation was to open streets, and not to close them; cautioned the public members to slow their speed of travel on Calle Medusa; and relayed that she would not recommend closure. Commissioner Telesio relayed that an objective survey would most likely have yielded more impartial results; advised that the Commission made decisions based on the facts presented, and not on the number of residents for or against an issue; recommended that with respect to access, residential neighborhoods needed to be more open, and not closed off in order to facilitate smooth traffic flow; relayed his concurrence with Commissioner Edwards' comments, that street closure was not a viable solution for improving circulation impacts; advised that if he had the opportunity to re-vote on the issue at this time, he would not be in favor of the Kahwea Road closure; and reiterated that the traffic generated in the area was due to residential use. Chairman Coe sympathized with the residents who chose to reside on Calle Medusa long ago, prior to the developed growth in the area; concurred with the previously expressed Commission's comments regarding the street closure, reiterating that there was no justification for street closure with respect to meeting the City's cdteda; and noted that the majodty of the residents concurred with staff's recommendation to deny the request for street closure. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve staff's recommendation. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. At 8:38 P.M. a short recess was taken, and the meeting reconvened at 8:44 P.M. At this time the Commission continued back to the Public Comment portion of the meeting in order to hear the comments of Mr. Curtsinger, whose attendance was delayed due to travelling form Los Angeles. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Curt Curtsinger, representing the Los Ranchitos HOA, relayed his concem regarding the speed of traffic on De Portola and Ynez Roads, noting the two fatal accidents in the area; relayed the recent near collision incident involving a neighborhood child; implored the City and the Commission to address the issue; advised that Director of Public Works Hughes had recently addressed the issues of cencem with the residents; expressed opposition to Mr. Hughes' comments that there were limited avenues for controlling the speed of citizens who did not abide by the posted limits; advised that Police enforcement aided in the adherence to speed limits; and reiterated his request to have the City find solutions to slow the speed of vehicles in this particular area. Additional Commission discussion ensued regarding the issue, reiterating the restrictions associated with the Caltrans restraints on this particular street. Chairman Coe relayed that until the Highway 79 South improvements were complete, it would be ineffectual to address the issues in the area of discussion. For Mr. Curtsinger, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided additional information regarding the decision to rescind previously proposed traffic improvements in the area; and relayed that the issue had been brought back to the Commission at that time. Commissioner Connerton recommended that the issue be agendized for the first meeting in February. At this time the Commission continued back to the regular order of the Agenda, and Agenda Item No. 3 was considered. 3. Appointment of Public/Traffic Safety Commission Chaimerson and Vice Chairperson RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission entertain nominations from the Commissioners to appoint a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to preside until the end of the 2000 calendar year. Commissioner Edwards nominated Commissioner Connerton for the position of Chairman of the Commission. It was the consensus of the Commission to appoint Commissioner Connerton as Chairman of the Commission. Commissioner Connerton nominated Commission Edwards for the position of Vice Chairwoman. It was the consensus of the Commission to appoint Commissioner Edwards as Vice Chairwoman of the Commission. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam was available for questions or comments of the Commission. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT A. Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that at the January 13, 2000 meeting he would present a 12-minute video regarding legislative updates associated with the Vehicle Code. Commissioner Connerton recommended that the video presentation be agendized for the January 13, 2000 Commission meeting. B. Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that there had been a fatal collision at Margarita/Pauba Roads, which was caused by the failure to stop at the stop sign in that area. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. ADJOURNMENT At 9:05 P.M. Chairman Coe formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, January 13, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Ddve, Temecula. Chairman Chades Coe Administ~e~c~tary Anita Pyle