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HomeMy WebLinkAbout121197 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 11, 1997 A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission was called to order on Thursday, December 11, 1997, 7:02 P.M., at the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairman Larry Markham called the meeting to order. PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Coe Also present were Public Works Associate Engineer All Moghadam, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, Battalion Chief John Winder, Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle, and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley. Commissioner Johnson led the flag salute. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Markham asked for public comments on non-agenda items. Cecelia Axton, 30169 Sierra Madre Drive, representing the Temecula Valley Council PTA, requested a review of the posting of a "No Left Turn" sign on Warbler Circle because the alignment of Nicolas Road inhibits westbound traffic from seeing traffic at that intersection. Ms. Axton thanked the Commission for recommending approval of the four-way "stop" at Nicolas Road and North General Kearny as it has reduced the speeding motorist. Commissioner Perry recommended the "No Left Turn" sign for Warbler Circle and Nicolas Road matter be placed on January, 1998 agenda. Chairman Markham asked staff to pull Conditions of Approval to determine if the striping plan denotes a "No Left Turn". Ms. Axton suggested checking the City Council minutes relating to this matter. Ms. Axton also asked for an inspection of the trees around the June Street intersection as sight is restricted because the trees need trimming. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of October 23.1997 and Special Meeting of November 20. 1997 It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Perry to approve the Minutes of October 23, 1997 and the Special Meeting Minutes of November 20, 1997, with the following amendment: PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 11. 1997 Minutes of November 20, 1997, - Page 4, 3rd sentence - ...left-turns onto Ynez Road. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONER: Coe Flashing Yellow Lights - Nicolas Road near North General Kearny'Road Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report. Chairman Markham asked about the status of the median construction. Mr, Moghadam stated the median fronting the gas station up to the southerly boundary should be constructed within a year, but he is unaware of any plans east of the driveway. Cecelia Axton, 30169 Sierra Madre, representing the Temecula Valley Council Parent Teachers Association (PTA), spoke in support of a permanent warning signal at Nicolas Road near North General Kearny Road. It was her understanding the temporary flashing signs would be in place for a minimum of six (6) months, but were in for only one (1) week. She expressed the need for the temporary warning light for a longer period of time. Mr. Moghadam stated he talked to Forrest Thomas, Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) and the TVUSD is in favor of flashing beacons and a crossing guard. Commissioner Johnson asked if school children are crossing Nicolas Road. Ms. Axton replied, because there are not proper sidewalks on Nicolas Road, the children are currently being bused. Chairman Markham noted since the school district determines the school sites and develops those sites with very little infrastructure in place, it places children at risk, he suggested Ms. Axton talk to Mr. Thomas of the TVUSD about the issue. Ms. Axton replied she is working closely with TVUSD, individual developers, City and County staffs regarding various traffic/school safety issues. Bob Lopshire, 40244 Atmore Court, expressed concern about children crossing at Nicolas Road and North General Kearny because motorists continue to speed along Nicolas Road. He supported east and west warning lights on Nicolas Road, a crossing guard, and a lower speed limit. Commissioner Perry mentioned that Mr. Thomas, TVUSD, stated to this Commission the school district would have cross guard stationed at this location when busing is stopped. He noted temporary flashing yellow lights are put up to warn drivers of a change in driving conditions at a particular location. He commented that since this particular "Stop" sign can be easily seen, a flashing warning light will not stop motorists. Commissioner Perry stated increased traffic enforcement might be a solution. Illl PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 11. 1997 He said in his opinion, a permanent flashing yellow light will set a precedent and he does not support putting one at this location. Commissioner Telesio recommended the temporary flashing lights be installed for the period the Commission approved, to daily acclimate motorists to a different driving condition and he also expressed concern about setting a precedent. Commissioner Johnson stated temporary flashing beacons were installed when "Stop" signs were put in at the Del Norte/Calle Pina Colada and Via Norte/Del Rey intersections and people still ran the "Stop" signs. Chairman Markham inquired about any accident history since the "Stop" signs were installed and Sgt. Crisp, Temecula Police Department, replied no accidents had been reported. Chairman Markham asked about the cost of permanent warning signs. Mr. Moghadam replied the cost is approximately $15 to $20,000 for a new solar powered two- directional permanent flashing light in both directions. Chairman Markham noted on September 25, 1997, flashing lights were approved for 60 to 90 days at that location. Mr. Moghadam stated the initial lights had been stolen were replaced, vandalized and stolen again within a three-to-four week period. It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Telesio, that temporary flashing lights be erected for the remainder of the original 90-day period and to formally request enhanced enforcement at that intersection, The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe Chairman Markham inquired about reviewing the intersection from a traffic signal warrant basis. Mr. Moghadam replied it would be possible to do a new study in approximately six (6) months and he will report back to the Commission after the study is completed. Proposed Driveway - Jefferson Avenue North of Winchester Road Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Johnson asked if it would be worthwhile to make the present Arco driveway a "Right-Turn-Only". Mr. Moghadam replied it does not seem feasible for motorists to go to the north driveway to make a left turn during off-peak hours. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 11. 1997 Carliene Anderson, 41593 Winchester Road, Nichol Investment, representing the property owners and tenants, stated since motorists cannot make a left-turn out of the Center between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and often cannot turn right due to blockage, the owners are proposing this driveway for the safety of tenants and clients and it will be paid for by the owners. She said it is recognized traffic will cut through the Center and that this will be dealt with internally, Commissioner Perry asked if the owners would participate in a "No Left-Turn" out of the existing driveway between certain hours. It was Ms. Anderson's opinion they would be amenable for specific restricted hours. Dennis Jackson, 43180 Business Park Drive, representing the applicant, spoke in support of the driveway. Chairman Markham recommended enlarging the driveway to 40 feet to facilitate the three (3) turning movements because with a 26 foot driveway, motorists making a left- turn out will freeze right-turn movements and possibly even the ability to enter, and making the driveway a curb-return style to maximize entrance speed. Chairman Markham asked staff to make certain there is a "No Parking" restriction to the north on Jefferson Avenue in front of Richie's Dinner, due to sight distance problems. Mr. Moghadam will determine if the City Council has approved the red curbing on Jefferson Avenue, if not, he will bring the matter to the January, 1998 Commission meeting. It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to recommend the City Council adopt a resolution vacating a portion of restricted abutters right-of-access to Jefferson Avenue. The own ,ers are to post a "No Left-Turn" sign for the hours they deem appropriate at the existing driveway, and the driveway is to be extended to 40 feet. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 11. 1997 Median Modifications - Rancho California Road between Ynez Road and Lyndie Lane Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report. Chairman Markham inquired about the timing on the modifications of the Town Center driveway and the relocation of the crosswalk. Mr. Moghadam stated the Center's consulting engineer has preliminary drawings and the work should be completed within two (2) months. He noted all of these on-site improvements are to be paid by the property owner. Chairman Markham asked about the schedule for the signalization project of via Las Colinas. Mr. Moghadam replied the signal is estimated to be operational by July 1998. Chairman Markham questioned whether consideration had been given to extending the left-turn lane on Rancho California Road at the Town Center driveway to provide additional stacking room. If not, he suggested staff alert the Center's consultant to that possibility. Mr. Moghadam answered he is unaware of any extension consideration since no median modifications were recommended by the Joint Adhoc/Public Works Committee. Owen Wickstrand, 13062 Caminito del Rocio, Del Mar, representing GMS Realty who is in the process of purchasing the Town Center complex, stated he had been led to believe Radnor was offering the engineer's studies as their portion of the cost and the City was paying for the signalization and other changes. He is in support of the left-turn at Target Center drive to remain open. Commissioner Perry stated it was his understanding, from a previous meeting, the Center would pay for all on-site improvements and the City would pay for the street improvements. Mr. Moghadam said it was his impression the Center would pay for the proposed on-site improvements. He commented these on-site improvements will help the Center as outbound traffic flow will be improved, however, they will not solve the accident problem on Rancho California Road. Chairman Markham noted the original action item was to close the median openings at both driveways. If that is denied or continued, until the signal at Via Las Colinas is operational for 90 days, the issue can be reconsidered. In the interim, the on-site improvements do not involve the City; the Cit,y's involvement is modifying the timing of the signals and the loop detectors tieing into the signal. It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to receive and file the report of the Public Works Committee/Ad Hoc Committee meeting as submitted. Second to table the matter until the Via Las Colinas signal has operational for 90 days. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 11. 1997 The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe 5. Election of Public/Traffic Safety Commission Chairperson and Co-Chairperson Commissioner Johnson nominated John Telesio to serve as Chairperson of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for the 1998 calendar year. The nomination was unanimously accepted. Commissioner Johnson nominated Ron Perry for Co-Chairperson, who will assume the duties of the Chairperson in his absence, for the 1998 calendar year. The nomination was unanimously accepted. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr. Moghadam reported the following: The field work for the interconnection and timing of City traffic signals is near completion. A consulting engineer is currently inputting the software and new timing, and will provide one (1) year for training and monitoring the system. Traffic signals in design and to be advertised soon: Fire Station No. 84 at Pauba Road; Meadows Parkway at Rancho California Road; Santiago Road at Margarita Road; and Rainbow Canyon Road at Pala Road. The design for the signal at Via Las Colinas will begin shortly. A preliminary design for signal and median installation on Winchester Road at Enterprise Circle West and Jefferson Avenue will be presented to the Commission in the near future. Preliminary design for flashing warning beacons, which are to be installed near schools on high vehicular volume streets, is complete. Chairman Markham asked if the Intelligent Management System (ITMS) has the capability to show the entire signal system and feedback capability regarding traffic counts, etc. Mr. Moghadam stated this system will show a map of the City and all signalized intersections which will enable staff to determine if a signal is malfunctioning and timing, as needed, can be changed from the office. He mentioned there is the possibility of adding options, such as counts, loops, etc. Chairman Markham asked staff to demonstrate the system to the Commission after it is operational and Mr. Moghadam indicated he will try for a February 1998 presentation. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 11, 1997 Chairman Markham reported Don Spagnolo, POE., Capital Improvements Principal Engineer, has accepted a position in the California Central Coastal area. Chairman Markham inquired about the status of the Overland Drive Bridge and Pala Road Bridge. Mr. Moghadam replied he was not aware of a schedule for the Overland Drive Bridge and design is completed for the Pala Road Bridge, with an anticipated completion by the end of 1999. Commissioner Johnson asked staff to look at the northbound left-turn signal at Margarita Road and Winchester Road. Mr. Moghadam stated he will review the signal and notify Caltrans. Commissioner Perry asked about the locations for the permanent flashing lights on Ynez Road. Mr. Moghadam replied exact locations have not been determined, but he is comfortable with the present southbound location. Commissioner Perry expressed his disagreement with that location because when the warning is seen, the "Stop" sign is also visible. He would prefer a location just before the top of the hill; and for northbound, just around the curve. Mr. Moghadam stated that proposed southbound location was considered, but then the flashing light would be placed in front of a residence. He mentioned the effectiveness is lost if located too far away from the "Stop" sign. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Commissioner Johnson expressed his satisfaction in seeing the radar trailer throughout the City. Sgt. Crisp reported there had been 189 hours of use in November. Commissioner Johnson mentioned enforcement is needed at the southbound off-ramp at Winchester Road and Interstate 15. Sgt. Crisp stated enforcement has been present during peak hours at this location. Commissioner Telesio reported 20 to 25 skateboarders are skating through the Town Center in the off-hours creating potential accidents. Sgt. Crisp stated he will pass the information to the swing shift officers as well as the Center's security. Chairman Markham inquired about the status of reviewing other cities' ordinances relative to false alarms. Sgt. Crisp stated he had been conducting a study shortly after the issue was raised. Chairman Markham suggested the Fire Department could hand out an awareness flyer about false alarms when undertaking the annual building permit inspections. Chief Winder stated Temecula needs a more flexible policy. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Chief Winder stated he will make arrangements for a tour of the new fire station for the Commissioners. Chairman Markham inquired into the status of staffing a fire station at French Valley Airport. Chief Winder stated that the County is looking into the staffing of this facility. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 11.1997 COMMISSION REPORT Chairman Markham reported at the Tuesday, December 9, 1997 City Council meeting, staff was directed to consider obtaining a consultant to review the southbound off-ramp at Rancho California Road and Interstate 15. He noted the southbound Winchester Road ramp is presently being designed. Chairman Markham clarified traffic controllers being are proposed to direct traffic at Hwy 79S/I-15 Interchange during construction. Chairman Markham stated at the December 2, 1997 Murrieta Council meeting, Council selected three (3) representatives to serve on an interview panel to select a firm to update the Circulation Element of the Temecula General Plan. Mr. Moghadam explained that due to the proposed mall the City of Temecula and invited members of the City of Murrieta staff to participate in the consultant selection process. Chairman Markham asked about Temecula's representation on the panel. Mr. Moghadam responded a Councilmember, Planning Commissioner Guerriero, and Public Works Director Kicak have been designated to serve. Chairman Markham asked that the City Engineer be strongly encouraged to request the City Council appoint Commissioner Johnson to the panel. Chairman Markham noted a letter received from Mr. "Curt" Curtsinger expressing his appreciation for the Commission's action and responsiveness regarding the "Stop" signs at Ynez Road and La Paz Street. Commissioner Perry asked staff to review the idea of monitoring intersections with cameras for red light violations and suggested a field trip to a city where they are used effectively. Mr. Moghadam reported they are effective where some of the cameras are portable so motorists are not aware of the day-to-day locations. Commissioner Telesio asked for clarification from an enforcement viewpoint of the "25 MPH when children are present" sign. 'Sgt Crisp stated the 25 MPH is enforced one (1) hour before and one (1) hour after school and whenever school guards are present. Commissioner Johnson noted the flashing yellow lights, to be erected around schools, will flash one (1) hour before and after school. Chairman Markham commented the City of Temecula came through the recent rain in good shape and Chief Winder indicated he had not heard of any problems. Chairman Markham asked staff to look into the paving of Santiago and John Warner Roads. Chairman Markham asked staff to develop a schedule for the studies, such as Winchester Road/Jefferson Road, Meadowview and Los Ranchitos areas. Chairman Markham discussed changing the time of the meeting to 6 PM. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 11, 1997 It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to adjourn the Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting to the third Thursday of January 1998 at 6 PM, and requested staff to prepare a resolution to the Commission, establishing the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM as the scheduled meeting time for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe It was moved by Commissioner Telesio, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 PM. The motion carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday, January 15, 1998, at 6:00 P.M., Temecula City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ir rry Markhamh