HomeMy WebLinkAbout030900 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR
MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
MARCH 9, 2000
CALL TO ORDER
The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting
at 6:06 P.M., on Thursday, March 9, 2000, 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.
ROLLCALL
Present:
Commissioners Coe, Edwards, *Katan, and
Chairman Connerton.
Absent: None.
Also Present:
Deputy Director of Public Works Parks,
Senior Engineer Moghadam,
Associate Engineer Gonzalez,
Police Sergeant DiMaggio,
Administrative Secretary Pyle, and
Minute Clerk Hansen.
* (Commissioner arrived at 6:55 P.M.)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Larry Markham, 41750 Winchester Road, expressed the following comments and
recommendations to the Commission:
Recommended that the Commission investigate adding an additional left-turn lane
on Winchester Road at Nicholas Road proximate to the entrance to Chaparral High
School.
Recommended that the Commission investigate establishing no parking zones on
Overland Drive to Commerce Center Drive, and at the intersection area of
Enterprise Circle/Winchester Road, recommending that this area should be re-
striped with respect to the turning movement designations.
With respect to the Beauty College students utilizing on-street parking on Commerce
Center Drive, for Chairman Connerton, relayed that there was most likely insufficient
parking provisions on site for this use.
R:~trafficrninutes~030900
For informational purposes, provided the Commissioners with an article from the
Los Angeles Times newspaper, dated March 1, 2000, entitled Pedestrian Versus
Automobile; Irs a Two-Way Street.
Commissioner Coe, echoed by Commissioners Connerton and Edwards, relayed to Mr.
Markham that he was greatly missed on the Commission.
COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:
1.1 Approve the Minutes of February 10, 2000
MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the minutes. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Coe and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of
Commissioner Katan who was absent.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
2. Traffic Si,clnal Photo Enforcement
RECOMMENDATION:
2.1
That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review a presentation on
Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement, and make a recommendation to the
City Council.
it was noted for the record that Commissioner Katan arrived at the meeting at
6:55 P.M.
Senior Engineer Moghadam introduced Ms. Keller, noting that she would provide
additional information regarding the photo enforcement system.
Ms. Laud Keller, representing Lockheed Martin IMS, via overheads, provided a detailed
presentation regarding Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement, relaying the following:
Provided information regarding the technology of the system, as follows: 1 ) the
automated traffic enforcement which created photographic evidence of the
violation, 2) the key components of the photo enforcement inclusive of the detection
system, and the violation processing system, and 3) the deployment strategy.
Relayed the procedure of processing citations, noting the alternate entities that
would be involved (i.e., the Police Department, Court Services).
Apprised the Commission of the documented data regarding reduction in red light
violations ranging from 40-92% in alternate cities after the implementation of the
program.
2 R:\trafficminutes~,030900
· Noted that the housing components for the red light cameras could be custom
designed, citing examples from alternate cities.
Specified that for each violation there were two images taken, noting that the speed
was also measured.
Via photographs, presented samples of the photo images, noting the additional
specifications provided per the violation data box.
Provided additional information regarding the complete violation processing
service, collection efforts, and provision of monthly analysis reports.
Relayed that per California Legislative requirements there would be a 30-day
warning period prior to commencement of the program, noting the community
education process.
Noted that warning signs were required via State law to be installed either at the
major entrances to the City (which was recommended) or at the intersections.
Provided additional information regarding the studies completed in order to
determine which intersections and which approaches would be effective locations
for placing the units.
· Relayed the comprehensive services offered by Lockheed Martin IMS.
Noted the potential for the utilization of digital cameras at a future point in time,
relaying that the cameras would be upgraded to digital at that time.
Provided additional information regarding the manufacturing firm utilized by the
company.
For Commissioner Edwards, Ms. Keller provided additional information regarding the
reduction in red light violations after installation of the units.
In response to Commissioner Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the
interaction between the loop system had been investigated, noting that there would be
no negative impacts.
For Chairman Connerton, Ms. Keller relayed that initially the film would be picked up
daily, noting that there was a six-day turnaround time from the day the violation was
photographed to the time the citation was sent out; noted that the costs associated with
the warning signs would be funded by the City; provided additional information regarding
tickets fought in court, noting that after the first three months, there was a dramatic
decrease, relaying that there was training involved with respect to the courts; and
confirmed that for five camera units (which had a three-year contractual period) the cost
would be $17,000 a month for one year which would be for the construction, hardware,
and technology, noting that there was an on-going per ticket processing fee which would
be a portion of the violation fee.
In response to Chairman Connerton's' queries, Police Chief Domenoe provided
clarification regarding the revenues associated with violations, noting that there was a
3 R:~trafficminutes\030900
cap amount of revenues the City could collect from the issuance of citations;
recommended that the City make its decision as to whether to install the cameras based
on the safety aspects of the program.
Clarifying that this particular program would not be a revenue generator for the City,
Commissioner Edwards recommended that the consideration be aimed at the program's
effectiveness with respect to preventing accidents, saving lives, and safety issues.
For Commissioner Coe, Police Chief Domenoe advised that red light violations
contribute to solely 10% of traffic collisions; and advised that prior to making a
recommendation in favor of, or opposed to the program, he would need to investigate
input from alternate cities that had utilized the cameras.
For Commissioner Edwards~ Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that red light violations
associated with left-turning movements did not significantly negatively impact the traffic
circulation in the City; advised that the majority of collisions in the City were caused by
rear-end accidents which the red light cameras were not expected to decrease; and for
Commissioner Coe, noted that this issue could be brought back to the Commission with
additional data from alternate cites that had utilized the red light camera program.
Police Chief Domenoe relayed that the most effective aspect of this device would most
likely be with respect to changing the driving culture due to the surety of being cited.
For Commissioner Edwards, Ms. Keller provided additional information regarding
installing additional housing units, and transferring the camera units.
In response to Senior Engineer Moghadam's queries, Ms. Keller provided additional
information regarding the companies involvement with public awareness programs (i.e.,
press conference, training, web-site page); clarified the analysis process with respect to
the data revealing reductions in violations; and provided additional information regarding
the City's share of revenues that would be collected on a per ticket basis.
For Commissioner Edwards, Ms. Keller relayed that videos regarding the red light
camera program would be available for the City's use for public awareness.
Chairman Connerton relayed that it appeared to him that the cost figures and
percentages denoted in the data provided were inaccurate.
Deputy Director of Public Works Parks clarified that this presentation to the Commission
was for the purpose of reviewing the red light camera system, noting that the cost
aspects of the issue would be addressed by the Council in the Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP); relayed that if the City pursued the matter, a consultant would be hired to evaluate
numerous systems, and then the project would go out for competitive bid.
Mr. John Dedovesh, 39450 Long Ridge Drive, noted that the number of red light
violations has increased in the City; and relayed that he was strongly in favor of the
program.
In response to Commissioner Edwards' queries, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks
noted that the Commission should consider the following with respect to the red light
camera system, and its recommendation to Council: the enhancement of public safety,
4 R:~rafficminutes'~30900
the impact on accidents, the minimizing of the need of patrol officers; and advised that
the Commission could additionally recommend that specific intersections be considered
for this program.
For Commissioner Katan, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that the
intersection monitoring system denoted in the five-year CIP was unrelated to the red
light camera units; and provided additional information regarding the monitoring system.
For Commissioner Coe, Police Chief Domenoe relayed that the red light camera
program would most likely not significantly impact citizens committing alternate
violations.
Commissioner Edwards recommended that the program be pursued by the City Council
and that additional data be compiled.
Chairman Connerton relayed that this program would be beneficial to the City.
MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to recommend that the City Council pursue the
implementation of the red light camera program. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Edwards. {This motion was ultimately amended, see below.)
In response to Chairman Connerton's' queries with respect to funding issues, Deputy
Director of Public Works Parks relayed that the Commission's recommendation could be
inclusive of a recommendation to add this project to the CIP.
MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to recommend that the City Council pursue the
implementation of the red light camera program; and recommended that this program be
included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Edwards and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
3. Citywide Traffic Enforcement - Additional Police Officers
RECOMMENDATION:
3.1
That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file a report
regarding additional Police Officers and Citywide Traffic Law
enforcement. and provide further direction to staff.
Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the Commission's request to agendize this issue to
investigate the feasibility of providing additional Police Officers in order to increase
enforcement throughout the City.
Police Chief Domenoe thanked the Commission for its continued support of public safety
in the City of Temecula, specifically with respect to the Police Department's role in the
matter; noted his involvement with the Commission prior to City's incorporation,
acknowledging that the Commission has always sought to serve the best interests of the
community; relayed that the Police staffing levels are ultimately set by the City Council
via the annual budgeting process after consideration of recommendations from the
Police Department and the City Manager; advised that the current staffing level was
adequate for this budget year, noting that he anticipated that the Police Department
would be requesting additional personnel due to the continued growth with respect to
5 R:',trafficminutes~030900
population and the increased attraction to the City of Temecula due to the mall site, and
alternate new businesses; while reiterating that the determination of Police staffing
issues would be addressed by the City Council, noted his encouragement from the fact
the Commission recognized the importance of the Police Department's mission, and the
need to maintain adequate resources in order to carry out that mission; relayed that
during the next few months there would be discussions with the City Manager and the
Council to address adequate staffing issues; commented that due to the recent roadway
improvements, the Police Department had been relieved of the need to address gridlock
enforcement; and advised that if it was the Commission's desire he would relay any
comments, concerns. or recommendations of the Commission to the City Council during
the discussion process.
The Commission relayed the followinq comments reqardinq the need for additional
Police Officers in the City of Temecula:
Acknowledging that Police staffing issues were outside of the jurisdiction of the
Commission, Commissioner Edwards relayed the rationale for requesting that this
issue be agendized in order to address the following issues with respect to the need for
additional Officers: 1 ) the impact of additional traffic coming to the City of Temecula from
outside the area, and 2) the inability for Police Officers to maintain consistent
enforcement at the school sites, the busy intersections, and alternate sites due to the
need to address alternate specialized tasks (i.e., Officers being pulled from a site to
complete accident reports).
In response to Commissioner Edwards, Police Chief Domenoe relayed that the Police
Department was in the process of making a determination with respect to the number of
people in the City daily; noted that the ratio of maintaining one Officer per one thousand
residents was inclusive of every Officer (i.e., including administrative Officers); advised
that after Police staffing determination by the City Council, it was his charge to allocate
those resources effectively in order to address all facets of police work; relayed that the
factors of dealing with the additional generation of people aftracted to the City via the
mall and alternate businesses would be addressed with the City Council; confirmed that
the duties of the Police Officers varied and was inclusive of completing accident reports,
advising that it was his goal to utilize motorcycle Officers for enforcement, and the
alternate Officers for the handling of accidents; and relaying concurrence with
Commissioner Edward's comments, provided assurance that he would diligently strive to
obtain adequate Police resources.
Commissioner Coe commended the Police Department for their assiduous efforts
associated with responding to the needs of the community, attributing this diligence to
the condition of safety established in the City of Temecula; and echoed the
recommendation to add additional Police Officers if it was feasible to do so at this time.
For Chairman Connerton, Police Chief Domenoe confirmed that if the City needed
additional Officers for certain periods of time (i.e., special events held in the City) that the
Police Department could seek aid from alternate stations, or from the County, in order to
address those impacts.
Referencing the charge of the Commission to make recommendations to the City
Council with respect to public safety, Chairman Connerton relayed the consistent
concern expressed by community residents at the Public/Traffic Safety Commission
6 R:~afficmin~es~30900
meetings that there needed to be increased Police enforcement, citing the previous
comments relayed earlier at this meeting whereby Mr. Dedovesh noted the need for
increased enforcement with respect to intersection violations; advised that the rationale
for relaying to the City Council the Commission's recommendation to add additional
Police personnel was due to the numerous community comments heard by the
Commission that the Council would never hear; relayed that although the target was to
have one Officer, per every 1000 residents, that the mall site utilized two of those 50
Officers, that the school site utilized additional Officers, and that the Police Officers who
served solely in an administrative capacity were included in that ratio, recommending
that the ratio be based on the number of Officers available to the public at large; advised
that the number of Officers needed would be additionally increased if Vail Ranch was
annexed; and while acknowledging that the Police Department would address the needs
for adequate staffing with the Council, suggested that the Commission could additionally
forward its recommendation to add additional Officers based on the input and data
received at the Public/Traffic Safety Commission meetings.
Commissioner Edwards suggested that based on the expressed comments of the
Commission, a letter of support be drafted, enumerating the relayed concerns, such as
the need to pull Police Officers from one needed site to complete alternate specialized
tasks, and that those comments then be presented to the City Council.
In response to Commission comments, Police Chief Domenoe relayed his appreciation
of the support of the Commission, providing assurance that in seeking the best interests
of the City, he would diligently address the staffing issues with the Council; noted the
goal of the Police Department to actively pursue proactive police work, preventing crime
with Police presence, and via educating the community; and advised that he concurred
with the need for additional Officers, relaying that as the City continues to grow, this
would be a natural progression.
Addressing the comments of the Commission, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks
advised the Commission to specify the concerns, such as: Police Officers being utilized
at the mall site, the i:lesire for increased enforcement to address intersection violations or
speed, relaying that staff could then forward those comments to the Council for
consideration.
In response to Commissioner Coe, Police Chief Domenoe relayed that the City of
Murrieta employed fewer Police Officers than Temecula, with an approximate ratio of
three-quarters of an officer, per 1000 residents; and advised that in addition to
population, factors relating to the type of activity involved needed to be addressed in the
employment of Officers within a city.
MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to have the Commission's summarized
comments warranting the need for additional Police Officers relayed to the City Council.
Commissioner Katan seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
Chairman Connerton queried whether the Commission desired to attach the specific
concerns with the motion.
Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that based on the record of the
Commission's remarks in the minutes, staff could draft a letter denoting the specified
concerns and comments, and bring that letter forward to the Commission for review at a
7 R:~trafficminutes~030900
future date (prior to the budgeting process), and subsequently provide the letter to
Council for consideration.
In response to Deputy Director of Public Works Parks' recommendation, the
Commission expressed consensual concurrence.
4. Neii3hborhood Traffic Calmin~l ProWlram
RECOMMENDATION:
4.1
That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review the report and provide
input regarding the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program.
Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record), noting that the
majority of complaints received from residents with respect to traffic were speed-related,
and then, secondly, volume-related; relayed the past efforts of the City to slow the
speeds of drivers within the City; clarified that the purpose of this program was to
improve the relationship between staff and the neighborhood representatives, clarifying
that the City was interested in addressing their concerns, and to present options for
traffic calming that would be effective; advised that the City was in the process of
purchasing a radar gun for residential use, noting that signage would be installed
warning speed violators that there were residents surveying speeds in the area; and
noted the goal to create cooperation between City staff and the community, to increase
awareness, and to educate the general public.
Senior Engineer Moghadam concurred with Commissioner Edwards' recommendation
that a Public Works staff member attend neighborhood Homeowners Association
meetings as an avenue for further educating the public.
Additional discussion ensued regarding the Commissioners attending community
meetings in order to address the public's traffic concerns; and to encourage the
residents to attend the Public/Traffic Safety Commission meetings.
Commissioner Katan recommended that prior to an issue being presented to the
Commission at the request of a resident, that there be a requirement that the residents
must first schedule a meeting with staff and a Commissioner in an informal setting in
order to provide education with respect to viable options to address their concerns.
Senior Engineer Moghadam concurred with Commissioner Katan's recommendation,
noting that staff could relay to residents that an issue would not be agendized until the
meeting had been held.
MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved that from this point forward, that an item not be
agendized via a request from a resident until a meeting had been held in an informal
setting with staff and a Commissioner to provide data and additional information related
to their concerns prior to the Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Edwards and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
8 R:~trafficrninutes\030900
TRAFF)C ENGINEER'S REPORT
Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the southbound dual left-turn lanes from
Margarita Road to Rancho California Road had been completed, noting that it
appeared to have improved the traffic flow.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
For information purposes, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that if it was the
Commission's desire, a Police Officer could additionally attend the previously
mentioned community meetings in order to support the Commission and provide
educational information to the community.
Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that on March 23, 2000 there would be
increased enforcement of red light violations in specific areas, relaying that the
public would notified.
In response to Senior Engineer Moghadam, Police Sergeant relayed that the
Police Department would be willing to aid in the training of educating the public
with respect to the use of the radar gun, noting that guidelines could be
developed.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
No comments.
COMMISSION REPORTS
In response to Commissioner Coe's queries regarding the intersection at Pala
Road and Clubhouse Drive, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the Police
Officers were directed to begin directing traffic at the point the cars were stacked
with between four and six cars, advising that he would further investigate the
matter.
Commissioner Coe commended the Public Works Department for their fine work
in the City, noting their expeditious manner in addressin9 his concern regarding
the height of barricades that had been impeding visibility.
Commenting on The Every FiReen Minutes Program regarding drunk driving,
held at the high schools, Commissioner Edwards relayed that the program was
tremendously effective.
Chairman Connerton provided additional information regarding the viewing of
films displaying accidents, inclusive of graphic accounts of the associated
impacts and injuries, noting the effectiveness with respect to awareness; and
recommended that Commissioner Coe bring up the issue for discussion at the
next Traffic Awareness Now (TAN) Committee meeting.
With respect to the dual left-turn lanes recently installed at Margarita Road,
Chairman Connerton relayed that the additional lane had vastly improved
9 R:',trafficminutes~030900
circulation in that area, commending the Public Works Department for the
expeditious completion of the project.
Chairman Connerton commended his fellow Commissioners for their diligent
work in the past, looking forward to the upcoming issues which would be
addressed by the Commission; and queried staff as to when the Disaster
Emergency Preparedness Plan would be reviewed by the Commission, noting
that the Commission was required to review this material.
With respect to the TAN Committee discussions, Commissioner Coe updated the
Commission, noting that the high schools were currently involved in a poster
contest to create a poster for the awareness of traffic attitudes; noted that the
Police Department was in the process of setting up hotlines to receive residents
concerns regarding vehicle violations, relaying the potential to send a written
warning to the violators; and advised that there were discussions regarding the
development of good driver awards.
Police Chief Domenoe relayed that it had been suggested at the TAN meetings
that there be painted lines (in a unique color, i.e., pink) on the pavement at
intersections to provide an indicator as to whether a vehicle could make it
through the signal if the light was yellow. while driving at the speed limit; and for
Commissioner Coe, noted that it was a viable idea, providing a visual reference
point for drivers.
Commissioner Coe requested that this issue be agendized for a future
Commission meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:16 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, March
23, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive,
Temecula.
Adminis tary Anita Pyle
10 R:~trafficminutes~030900