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HomeMy WebLinkAbout082897 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AUGUST 28, 1997 A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission was called to order on Thursday, August 28, 1997, 7:00 P.M., at the City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairman Markham called the meeting to order. PRESENT: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham COMMISSIONERS: None Also present were Public Works Associate Engineer All Moghadam, Assistant Engineer Hasib Baha, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle, and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley. Commissioner Telesio led the flag salute. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Markham called for public comments on non-agenda items. Ron Guerriero, 41510 Chenin Blanc, asked the Commission to recommend to the City Council installation of a traffic signal at Rancho California Road and Meadows Parkway be revisited as traffic and speeds are increasing. Associate Engineer All Moghadam reported a signal is under design and should be in operation by Summer 1998. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of April 24, 1997 It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to approve the minutes of April 24, 1997. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 3 COMMISSIONERS: NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Perry, Markham None Coe, Telesio PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFET't~OMMISSION AUGUST 28, 1997 Minutes of June 26, 1997 It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to approve the minutes of June ;?6, 1997. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Telesio, Markham COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Median Modification - Rencho California Road between Ynez Road and Lvndie Lane Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Perry asked about the distance between the Town Center and the Target Center entrances. Mr. Moghadam replied it was 200 feet intersection to intersection. Commissioner Johnson asked if there were sensors for traffic build-up at the Town Center entrance. Mr. Moghadam stated sensors have been installed at that location. Commissioner Coe inquired into the possibility of two (2) left-turn lanes into the shopping center at the Town Center intersection. Mr. Moghadam stated two (2) left- turn lanes would require major re-striping and reconstruction and since there is not much demand, it does not appear the cost is justified. He also stated that the existing left- turn pocket could be extended to allow for additional left-turn storage. Commissioner Johnson inquired if the right-turn-only lane on Rancho California Road could be eliminated with proposed median closures. Mr. Moghadam replied it is proposed to be eliminated, which should improve Rancho California Road traffic as right- turn and through traffic would utilize the same lane. Commissioner Telesio noted the Ynez Road entrances are under utilized and could pick up a large portion of the Center's traffic. He mentioned Via Las Colinas provided good access to the northern part of the Center. Mr. Moghadam read into the record a letter from the manager of the Temecula Gardens Apartment complex supporting closure of the median at the Target Center driveway even though it is their exit intersection. Ron Guerriero, 41510 Chenin Blanc, stated his support for closing the left-in and left- out movements at the Target Center and Claim Jumper driveways. He suggested extending the left-turn bay at the Town Center entrance and to re-phase the signals due to the tremendous increase in Rancho California Road traffic in the last five (5) years, plus the high number of accidents. Mr. Guerriero also suggested establishing left-turn arrows on Ynez Road for traffic exiting Tower Plaza and the Town Center. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY~OMMISSION AUGUST 28,1997 Nancy Bane, Director of Retail Properties, Radnor California Service Corporation, 27450 Ynez Road, Suite 314, stated she would like to work with staff and share the findings of the Center's traffic engineer to develop solutions that consider economic impact as well as safety. She stated new businesses, Oscar's, Texaco, etc, also contribute to the Rancho California Road traffic problems and should be studied. Ms. Bane suggested possible solutions were: widening of Rancho California Road; an additional signal, at the Target Center entrance; deceleration lanes into the Center; and restriction of left-turn- out movements from Target Center and Claim Jumper driveways. Jose Covarrubias, 29370 Rancho California Road, General Manager, Claim Jumper Restaurant, stated he has never had a problem making a left-turn movement into the Claim Jumper driveway in his five (5) years of employment and statistics show only one (1) left-turn-in accident has occurred. He believes eliminating the left-turn-in movements will increase the existing traffic jam because motorists will have to use the already congested Rancho California Road/Ynez Road intersection, or the Town Center entrance. Mr. Covarrubias supported eliminating the left-turn-out movement out of the Claim Jumper driveway. Commissioner Coe reiterated the proposal is to have a deep pocket left-turn at Town Center which makes entering the Center safer; and if the Center re-stripes, customers can access the stores easier. Larry Bill, 16721 Millikan Avenue, Irvine, Director of Customer and Community Relations, Claim Jumper Restaurants, stated his opposition to the closure of the median break, because the majority of his customers are traveling eastbound. He does not believe the impact on traffic by new area businesses has been sufficiently studied. Mr. Bill agreed with the recommendation for dual left-turn lanes at Town Center, and for right-turn only movements out of the Claim Jumper driveway. Robert Katan, 29676 Rancho California Road, representing Target Stores, expressed his opposition to the closure of the median at the Target Center entrance as it is one of the Center's most popular entrances, the signal should be located at the Target Center entrance rather than Via Las Colinas, which leads to a back parking lot of Target Center. He mentioned the distance between signals on Ynez Road is also very short. Chairman Markham stated the signal at Via Las Colinas has been approved by the City Council and there are five (5) or six (6) office buildings utilizing Via Las Colinas. Commissioner Johnson commented that one of Temecula's major medical buildings also utilizes the Via Las Colinas access. Bob Davis, 2300 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim, Wilbur Smith Associates, and technical consultant for the Town Center, presented the findings of his traffic analysis of the proposed median closures. His traffic counts were done over three (3) days with 24- hour counts, including Saturday mid-day, one of the busiest times for the Center. He found the Town Center access had the heaviest usage, while Via Las Colinas was generally used by employees and trucks, and is the narrowest of the driveways. He stated aisle orientation and close spacing create congestion at the Town Center entrance and as most of the traffic is left-in and left-out movements, the intersection would operate at Service Level D, and possibly Level E during the heaviest usage, without modification. He stated the problem with focusing all left-turns in at Town Center and lengthening the left-turn lane, is if there are no opposing left-turns, the left- PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETYtLIIOMMISSION AUGUST 28, 1997 turns and the easterly-through traffic move at the same time. If there is a need to accommodate more left -turns, the westbound through-traffic would have less time. Mr. Davis listed a number of possible alternatives: 1) Left-turns-in at the Claim Jumper Entrance Left-turns out are a problem and could be accommodated at the main signalized intersection. 2) Signalizina Target Center Intersection in Lieu of Via Las Colinas He said the signal warrants need more review because with a signal at Target Center, traffic within the Center would redistribute and there would be a better balance of left-turn movements which would improve the existing signalized intersection. Mr. Davis noted it is not unusual to have signals at intersections 300 feet apart and if signals are interconnected with similar phasing and timing, traffic demands would look very similar. 3) Pedestrian Crossina at Existing Town Center signal Pedestrians crossing the street get 10 seconds and according to the Highway Capacity Analysis, it should be 20 seconds. Pedestrians are moving across the intersection at the same time traffic is coming out of the Hope Way driveway. Since there are many times during the day with no traffic demand at that driveway, except for pedestrians, Mr. Davis suggested moving the pedestrian crossing to the westside of the signal so pedestrians can cross while traffic is exiting the Center, and to allow at least 20 seconds. He noted that a signalized Target Center would be a better pedestrian crossing location. 4) Comoarison of Volumes between Via Las Colinas and Target Center Weekday volumes are comparable or higher at Target Center. Weekend volumes are higher at Target Center. 5) Accident History Since Target Center has had more accidents than Via Las Colinas, it warrants consideration for a signal. 6) Re-striDe the Exit out of the Center Two (2) outbound lanes stripped into the Center to Rancho California Road would segregate traffic and increase outbound capacity movement. 7) Adjust the Driveway Design i.e., modify aisle to allow for a longer throat. Mr. Davis stated if Target Center is signalized, the two entrances should operate at Service Level B. Commissioner Telesio asked if the Via Las Colinas signal is an absolute. Mr. Moghadam replied it is the only access to the Medical Center and apartment complex and the City Council has approved installation of the signal. He stated it is his opinion there is no interconnect timing system that will let the two (2) signals operate efficiently together since there are several other signals in the proximity of this location. Mr. Davis commented both Oscar's and the Temecula Gardens contribute to the U-turn movements at the Town Center intersection. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AUGUST 28, 1997 Commissioner Perry stated if both signals are linked and both have left-turn out movements at the same time, there is no storage on Rancho California Road for waiting vehicles. Mr. Davis suggested the left-turn out at Target Center start first, with Town Center delayed slightly when Town Center traffic gets to Target Center, that signal will be turning green for through movements. Chairman Markham stated he would like modifications of the internal parking lot, i.e longer stacking lanes to get in and out, and to eliminate crossing movements especially at the Town Center entrance. Mr. Moghadam noted the 300 foot spacing between the Town Center and Target Center intersections is from center line to center line and cars cannot be stacked at the center of the intersection. Chairman Markham stated it was his understanding that Radnor developed, sold the parcels, and designed the Center, i.e., driveways and overall land use. Ms. Bane replied it was a joint effort by the individual owners. Mobil, Target, Claim Jumper and Albertsons had input into the approved plans as well as Radnor. Ms. Bane stated the Wilbur Smith and Associates, narrative will be given to staff as soon as she receives release approval from the corporate owners. It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to continue this item to the September 25, 1997 meeting, to allow staff and Commissioners time to review the Wilbur Smith and Associates report further on possible solutions, appoint Commissioners Coe and Perry to an Ad Hoc Committee to work with Town Center and Public Works staff, and to report back at the September meeting. The motion was unanimously carried. AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Installation of Painted School Crosswalk, Flashing Beacons and Temporary Sidewalk - Rancho Vista Road School Crossing Associate Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report. Chairman Markham asked if Paseo Golita would meet warrants for a "Stop Sign". Mr. Moghadam replied warrants consider volume and the number of accidents. He said the numbers for Paseo Golita are not close enough to justify a "Stop Sign". However, since warrants are only guideline, a "Stop Sign" could possibly be justified on a safety basis. Chairman Markham stated children are going to cross at that location; a three-way stop would help make a safer crossing. Mr. Moghadam noted students only cross twice-a- day, while a "Stop Sign" would stop traffic 24-hours-a-day. Also, there could be rear- end accidents, because a "Stop Sign" is not expected, and the location is at the crest of a vertical curve. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AUGUST 28, 1997 Commissioner Johnson suggested the school district be asked to take another look at a "Safe School Route" for that area. Geneva Krag, 29917 Via Puesta del Sol, representing the Temecula Valley Unified School District, stated counts of children crossing Rancho Vista Road at Camino Romo were taken on several different occasions. She said a crosswalk gives children a false sense of security. The school district could look into adding a crossing guards for next year. She stated another location that may need a crossing guard is the middle of Meadows Parkway where many children are crossing and going through the park to get to school. Sergeant Crisp stated a "Stop Sign" is a good idea at Paseo Golita; the problem with a flashing amber light is sight distance. Commissioner Telesio noted that there is not heavy traffic on Paseo Golita and therefore a "Stop Sign" would not be a great inconvenience. He said he is uncomfortable with a flashing beacon, a crosswalk, and not having a crossing guard, and strongly encouraged the school district to fund a crossing guard for next year. Mr. Guerriero brought up the possibility of using a Vehicle Code section which permits the City to do a speed reduction in areas close to parks and schools. This has been used for four-way "Stop Signs" at Rancho Vista Road and Meadows Parkway, at Pauba Road and Meadows Parkway. Mr. Moghadam replied one criteria is the school must front the street and Vintage Hills Elementary School does not front Rancho Vista Road. It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to review the issue in six (6) months and to obtain the School District's input. The motion was unanimously carried. AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 4. Reauest for "Stop Sian" and "No Parkina" Zone - Corte Mendoza at Camino Romo Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report. Tom Frederick, 31806 Corte Mendoza, chairman of the Neighborhood Crime Watch, expressed support for a "Stop Sign" at Corte Mendoza and Camino Romo, and a "No Parking" zone on Camino Romo, south of Corte Mendoza. He noted when an event is held at the school, parking creates a sight distance problem and eliminates the use of two (2) fire hydrants. It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to recommend the City Council adopt a resolution establishing a "Stop" location on Corte Mendoza at Camino Romo and a "No Parking" zone on Camino Romo south of Corte Mendoza. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AUGUST 28.1997 The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: NOES: 1 COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: Speed Limit - Various Locations Coe, Johnson, Telesio, Markham Perry None The motion was carried unanimously. AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Election of Public/Traffic Safety Commission Co-Chairoerson to Serve for the Remaining 1997 Calendar Year It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to nominate Commissioner Telesio to serve as Co-Chairperson of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for the remainder of the 1997 calendar year. The motion was unanimously carried. AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Telesio A~ooint a Public/Traffic Safetv Commissioner to the Joint Temecula/Murrieta Transoortation Committee Commissioner Johnson volunteered to serve on the Joint Temecula/Murrieta Transportation Committee and the Commission unanimously agreed. Associate Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report. It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance establishing a speed limit on the following roadways: 1. Pio Pico Road between De Portola Road and Margarita Road 2. Preece Lane south of Ynez Road 3. Del Rio Road between Front Street and Via Montezuma 4. Walcott Corridor between La Serena Way and Nicholas Road PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AUGUST 28.1997 TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr. Moghadam indicated that two (2) new traffic signals have been added to the 1997/98 Citywide Traffic Installation List, Margarita Road at Yukon Road and at Pauba Road near Fire Station 84. Commissioner Johnson inquired about the turning arrangements at the Winchester Road/Jefferson Avenue intersection. Mr. Moghadam replied the turning arrangements will be part of the Jefferson Avenue Corridor Study and major re-striping will be required. He stated he is trying to get approval to hire a consultant to do the study. Commissioner Perry asked if it would be worthwhile to have a hearing, sponsored by the Commission after the consultant has been hired, to listen to the concerns of businesses. It was agreed by the Commission to have a meeting between the consultant and business owners. Commissioner Johnson recommended Commissioners Perry and Telesio be named to an Ad Hoc Committee to work with the consultant. The Commission unanimously agreed. Chairman Markham clarified the signal at Winchester Road and Enterprise Circle East is the westerly most intersection before the creek. POLICE CHIEFS REPORT Commissioner Johnson complimented the Police Department on their traffic control at the July 4 fireworks event. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No report was given. COMMISSION DISCUSSION Commissioner Perry mentioned the unloading of cars in the median of Ynez Road is continuing. He suggested meeting with the auto dealers to participate in a concerted effort to eliminate the problem rather than having the police write tickets. Chairman Markham asked staff to draft a letter to the Auto Dealers Association expressing a desire to jointly develop solutions to eliminate the problem. Chairman Markham stated the Ford Dealer service customers are queuing up in the center lane before the service center opens. Commissioner Perry invited all Commissioners to attend an event honoring several Temecula police officers on September 24, 1997, 7:00 PM, at the Masonic Center. Police Chief Lebahn and the Chairman Larry Markham, will speak. Commissioner Telesio asked if there is any way to extend the westbound Winchester Road left-turn storage or the signal time at the Ynez Road intersection. Mr. Moghadam responded that any change requires Caltrans approval. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AUGUST 28, 1997 Chairman Markham asked staff to compile a list of the proposed improvements/changes for Margarita Road, Winchester Road, Ynez Road, and Overland Crossing for the Commissions information. Commissioner Johnson welcomed Commissioner Telesio to the Commission. Commissioner Coe stated La Serena Way has a double yellow line and between Camino Corto and Via Halcon, there is a broken yellow line which does not seem reasonable since it is a winding, hilly location. Staff will review the situation. It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:56 PM. The motion carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday, September 25, 1997, at 7:00 P.M., Temecula City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California.