HomeMy WebLinkAbout032300 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR
MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
MARCH 23, 2000
CALL TO ORDER
The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting
at 6:01 P.M., on Thursday, March 23. 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 Edwards.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioners Coe, Edwards, *Katan, and
Chairman Connerton.
Absent: None.
Also Present:
Deputy Director of Public Works Parks,
Associate Engineer Gonzalez,
Police Sergeant DiMaggio,
Battalion Chief Ritchey,
Administrative Secretary Pyle, and
Minute Clerk Hansen.
* (Commissioner Katan arrived at 6:13 P.M.)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Ri.qht Turn Lane - Palm Plaza North at Ynez Road
RECOMMENDATION:
1.1
That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file the report
regarding a right turn lane - Palm Plaza North at Ynez Road.
Associate Engineer Gonzales provided the staff report (of record), noting that this issue
had been brought before the Commission due to Commission request; referencing
Exhibit B (per agenda material), relayed that during the evaluation, staff had reviewed
the peak hour turning volumes during the AM, mid-day, and PM periods; advised that the
counts indicated that a dual eastbound left-turn lane was required to adequately handle
the volumes at this location, noting that the right-turn and through volumes were
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significantly lower; and noted that due to the width of the driveway and the median island
(which was privately owned) installing an additional lane would be very difficult.
For Commissioner Coe, Associate Engineer Gonzales specified that this item had been
agendized at the request of Chairman Connerton.
In response to Chairman Connerton, Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that the
feasibility of installing the additional lane would be negatively impacted due to the width
of the driveway, and the median island that was privately owned,
Chairman Connerton relayed that the rationale for requesting this issue to be agendized
was that he had received input from various individuals expressing concern with respect
to the vehicles which were attempting to make turning movements at this signal,
blocking the vehicles behind them, creating a stacking effect and causing congestion
within the Plaza parking lot.
For Chairman Connerton, Associate Engineer Gonzalez noted that the negative impact
was caused by the interior drive aisle's proximity to the intersection, relaying that the
solution would be to modify the median and close this particular drive aisle, modifying
the interior; advised that it would be unlikely for the property owner to be agreeable to
this modification; and provided additional information regarding the alternate signalized
entrance to this shopping center.
For information purposes, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that when the
Michael's use (located within this center) came before the Planning Commission, that
the Commission had requested the developer to investigate the interior traffic conditions
within the shopping center and to come back with a plan as development continued; and
advised that the matter had not been addressed by the developer, noting that the City
could potentially have some leverage in requesting modifications to the drive approach.
In response to Deputy Director of Public Works Parks' comments, Chairman Connerton
relayed that he would recommend that the issue be pursued due to the impacts, which
could ultimately cause an accident.
For Chairman Connerton, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that staff could
investigate the matter, relaying that the City did not have control with respect to the
private property; and noted that due to the width of the driveway, there was not much
space available for expansion, while advising that the property owner would most likely
desire the most efficient traffic flow for the center.
For Commissioner Coe, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed the process of
staff addressing traffic impacts throughout the City.
MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to receive and file this report, Commissioner
Edwards seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of
Commissioner Katan who was absent.
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TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT
It was noted for the record that Commissioner Katan arrived at the meeting at
6:13 P.M.
For informational purposes, Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that the Via
Cordoba Traffic Circles issue would go before the City Council on Tuesday,
March 28, 2000.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the Police Department was in the process
of conducting a red light enforcement program at several main intersections; and
noted that at the next meeting he would update the Commission with respect to
the number of citations issued.
For Commissioner Edwards, Police DiMaggio relayed that the majority of the
citations were issued to residents, providing additional information regarding the
publids response to being cited; and for Chairman Connerton, relayed that the
Police Department utilized two Police Officers who operated in unmarked Police
vehicles.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
Battalion Chief Ritchey relayed that there had been a mass casualty incident in
the De Luz Canyon area approximately two weeks ago with two fatalities (local
residents), noting that excessive speed could have been the cause of the
accident.
Relaying the upcoming changes, Battalion Chief Ritchey noted that within a year
the Fire Department would be wearing blue uniforms; and advised that the
change would be Statewide, relaying that the modification was a safety issue.
COMMISSION REPORTS
Commissioner Coe commended the Police Department for their diligent efforts in
the Pala Road/Rainbow Canyon Road area during the construction period, noting
that he had cited Police Sergeant DiMaggio directing traffic in this particular area.
Associated Engineer Gonzales relayed that Rainbow Canyon Road would be
open on March 24, 2000.
In response to Commissioner Coe's comments with respect to the Alcohol Sting
Project, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that on March 17, 2000 (St. Patrick's
Day) the Police Department had arrested eight individuals driving under the
influence of alcohol.
For Commissioner Coe, Police DiMaggio relayed that at this time no alcohol was
served at the Pechanga site.
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Commenting on the agenda for the March 23, 2000 Commission meeting
(tonight's meeting), Commissioner Coe relayed that in his opinion the brief topic
could have been added to the subsequent meeting agenda, noting that it was an
improper use of staff time to schedule this meeting.
Commissioner Edwards relayed that at the Lowe's site, with respect to the
Margarita exit which only allowed dght turns, drivers were making left turns; and
queried whether signage could be posted stating right-turn only, or whether
delineators could be installed,
Associate Engineer Gonzalez relayed that staff would investigate the matter.
Commissioner Edwards noted that the Homeowners Association president of the
residential tract off of Via Cordoba was planning to schedule a meeting with staff
in order to address the residents' questions regarding traffic circles prior to the
matter being presented to the City Council.
G,
With respect to the recent TAN Committee meeting, Commissioner Coe relayed
that he had been unable to attend due to being out-of-state at the time of the
scheduled meeting,
Chairman Connerton recommended that Commissioner Coe contact the
alternate member if he was unable to attend,
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:26 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, April
13, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive,
Temecula.
~a~rman Darrell L. CoLnerto
Adminis~ry Anita Pyle
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