HomeMy WebLinkAbout052297 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
MAY 22, 1997
A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission was called to order
on Thursday, May 22, 1997, 7:05 P.M., at the City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business
Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairman Markham called the meeting to order.
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS:
Coe, Guerriero, Perry, Markham
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
Johnson
Also present were Public Works Associate Engineer All Moghadam, Assistant Engineer Hasib
Baha, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, and Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle.
Commissioner Guerriero led the flag salute.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chairman Markham called for public comments on non-agenda items.
Frank Klein, 30180 Santiago Road, reiterated his offer to make a 20-minute presentation on
Temecula winds.
David Simon, 12555 High Bluff Drive, Suite 160, Del Mar, representing Winchester Plaza,
reported customers are having difficulties leaving his parking lot during the AM, noon and PM
peak hours; it is affecting tenants' businesses, and the leasing of offices. He suggested three
(3) ideas for consideration which his company is willing to fund: 1) add an additional curb cut
on Jefferson Avenue; 2) put directional arrows in existing driveway; and 3) add some sort of
cross hatch in the median to create a break similar to the other side of the intersection for left
torn movements. Mr. Simon left his exhibits for the record. He stated he supports the raised
median on Winchester Road.
COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes of March 27. 1997
It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Guerriero, to approve
the minutes of March 27, 1997, and to continue the minutes of April 24, 1997 to the
meeting of June 26, 1997, due to lack of a quorum.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
4 COMMISSIONERS:
Coe, Guerriero, Perry, Markham
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS:
Johnson
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MAY 22. 1997
PRESENTATION
2. Air Qualitv Programs. Western Riverside Council of Governments
Ms. Ruthanne Taylor-Berger, Director of Air Quality Programs, Western Riverside Council
of Governments (WRCOG) presented a report on air pollutants and stated Temecula has
relatively good air, but the air pollutants for the Riverside metropolitan area exceed
federal standards by 138% and exceed the State's clean air standards by a significant
amount. She further reported on the State Implementation Plan (SIP) when tied to the
Regional Transportation Plan (RTIP) and if the RTIP does not conform to the air quality
mandated within the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), there could be sanctions,
loss of federal funds or disapproval of projects.
Commissioner Guerriero asked about the test locations used to generate SCAG's
numbers. Ms. Taylor-Berger stated the numbers were generated from the inventory and
modeling data done for the 1997 Air Plan which includes meteorological data, and the
issue of transport which is based on wind along with heat.
Commissioner Guerriero asked if Ms. Taylor-Berger had any recommendations for the
Winchester Corridor Program. Ms. Taylor-Berger stated Temecula might be a logical
stop for a commuter-type rail, like Southtracks, because short trips are the gross
polluters.
Commissioner Perry asked if WRCOG is working with the City of Temecula on any
program. Ms. Taylor-Berger replied she is working with them on the Quick Charge
Program. Councilmember Ron Roberts is Temecula's representative on WRCOG.
Commissioner Perry inquired about grants available to assist cities in converting their
vehicles to non-polluting ones. Ms. Taylor-Berger answered grants are available to make
up the differential between the purchase price of a standard combustion-engine truck
or larger vehicle and a CNG vehicle.
Chairman Markham asked about Federal PM 2.5 regulations. Ms. Taylor-Berger stated
Particulate Matter 2.5 is most unhealthy. Congress is empowered to change the method
of measurement for that standard; and if they change the measurement method,
California will have 400 + counties in violation of the Federal Clean Air Act which will
in turn put pressure on the federal government to address national standards.
Chairman Markham asked how unpaved rural roads will be handled from the County's
and WRCOG's perspective. Ms. Taylor-Berger stated WRCOG revised Rule 1186 which
was developed to handle fugitive dust, PM 10, and WRCOG now says dirt and debris
which accumulate through a storm need to be cleared within 72 hours of notification.
State law, Ayala Bill 191, which sunsets in 2006. The date we are supposed to reach
PM 10 attainment, allows a city one of three (3) options to remain in compliance: 1)
lower speed limit to 15 MPH on three (3) miles of dirt road per year; 2) chemically
stabilize two (2) miles per year; or 3) pave one (1) mile per year. In 1999, PM10
efficient street sweepers must be purchased for roads identified with heavy silt loading
by a City's Traffic Engineer. WRCOG has committed to find additional funding to help
cities pay for the street sweepers or to defray costs, possibly pooling resources so cities
can share the street sweepers.
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MAY 22. 1997
COMMISSION BUSINESS
3. "All-Way Stol~" - Intersection of Via Elinda and Calle Halcon
Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report.
Larry Murphy, 30326 Calle Halcon, expressed his appreciation for the professionalism
of the Public Works staff, and asked for a "Dead End" sign on Calle Halcon as well as
the "Stop" sign at the intersection of Via Elinda and Calle Halcon.
Robbin McGregor, 30345 Calle Halcon, stated he was in favor of the "All Way Stop"
sign.
Commissioner Guerriero inquired about the possibility of getting the brush cut back as
close to 200 feet as possible. Mr. Moghadam replied some of the trees and bushes can
be trimmed/removed, but it may not help due to the roadway alignment.
It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Guerriero, to
recommend the City Council adopt a resolution establishing an "All-Way Stop" at the
intersection of Via Elinda and Calle Halcon.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Guerriero, Perry, Markham
NOES: 0 None
ABSENT: 1 Johnson
4. Installation of Raised Median Island - Winchester Road
Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report.
Commissioner Guerriero would like to see the median landscaped.
Chairman Markham stated there are businesses on the south side with a predominate
number of customers coming from the east, and asked if there is a possibility of
providing a protected left-only turn into a driveway near M&M Tire and El Rancho
Animal Hospital. Mr. Moghadam said it is a possibility and he will look at this during the
design stage.
Chairman Markham shared a letter he received from the El Rancho Animal Hospital and
reported he distributed the staff report to properties on the north and south sides of
Winchester Road affected by this action.
Commissioner Guerriero reminded the Commissioners of an Ad Hoc Committee of
several years ago that approved the concept of a raised median with signalization at one
end and a request for a protected left-turn placed toward the middle for this portion of
the roadway.
Mr. Moghadam expressed his support of Mr. Simon's request for the second driveway
on Jefferson Avenue.
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Linda Peterson, 41670 Winchester Road, representing El Rancho Animal Hospital,
thanked the Commissioners for considering the left-turn lane near their location.
Mark Telford, 28481 Rancho California Road, Suite 204-A, representing Business Center
One Association, expressed concern with the traffic flow stating while a stop light will
help the situation, a median which prevents access to business would be another
deterrent at a time when businesses struggling to survive.
Chairman Markham mentioned he served on the Board of Directors for First Pacific
National Bank and their facilities staff reviewed and support the proposal. Chairman
Markham suggested an alternate solution with the raised median in place, Mr. Telford
could move the driveway so it lines up with a straight-thru-shot with the driveway that
runs from front to rear. Mr. Telford replied he had looked at doing a second driveway
to make it easier for trucking and was told the driveway was too close to the next
driveway. Chairman Markham replied with a raised median that restriction does not
apply and encouraged Mr. Telford to approach staff with the issue.
Donald Coop, 41755 Rider Way, a left- turn only by the tire store will facilitate a new
project coming forward and it might relieve the pressure of people not stacking up at
the signal. He supports a signal at Enterprise Circle West.
David Simon, 12555 High Bluff Drive, Suite 160, Del Mar, asked if there was any
consideration of having a protected left turn for eastbound Winchester Road onto
Enterprise Circle North by the bank. Commissioner Perry stated that would be an open
invitation to come across both ways due to the streets on both sides of Winchester
Road.
Commissioner Coe stated he was not in favor of left turn pockets in either direction.
It was moved by Commissioner Guerriero, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to
recommend the City design and install a continuous raised landscaped median on
Winchester Road between Jefferson Avenue and Enterprise Circle West, including a
traffic signal at Enterprise Circle West and a protected left turn lane somewhere in the
vicinity of the M&M Tire Co./El Rancho Animal Hospital.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Guerriero, Perry, Markham
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson
Chairman Markham asked staff to notice property owners and tenants along this stretch
so they can provide input into the process.
Commissioner Perry requested the north side driveway issue suggested by Mr. Telford
be agendized for the June 26, 1997 meeting.
5. Request for Installation of Various Traffic Control Devices - Old Town Temecula
Chairman Markham stepped down due to a conflict of interest and Co-Chairman
Guerriero continued with the meeting.
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MAY 22. 1997
Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report.
Ed Dool, 41920 Sixth Street, representing The Temecula Stage Stop, stated the
crosswalk at Sixth and Front Streets is very important due to the 20 busses per day
with 200 to 250 people getting off and heading to Old Town. He showed photos of
other transportation centers with entrance/exit signage and requested the same for
Temecula. Mr, Dool asked that parking for the ATM and direct parking for taxis,
trolleys, and RTA be discussed.
Commissioner Coe stated his comments are: 1) never been convinced crosswalks
accomplished anything; 2) signage for the busses seems to be a good idea to avoid
busses coming from opposite directions which could have a conflict at small
intersections--i.e., Sixth and Front Streets; 3) he believes the signage shown by Mr.
Dool would fit within the context of what is being done on Front Street, and would get
the busses off Front Street. As for the ATM taxis, trolleys and RTA parking, he stated
it probably would be a good idea some time in the future.
Commissioner Perry stated a crosswalk provides a false sense of security and would like
to see the Redevelopmerit Agency's projection of the traffic circulation pattern for Old
Town before approving a crosswalk.
Commissioner Guerriero said he was not in favor of marked crosswalks in light of the
national findings which show marked crosswalks are more negative than positive in
assisting pedestrians; if it is a problem after the terminal opens, it should be revisited.
He believes there is bus signage that would not take away the aesthetics of the Old
Town Plan since signage for bus traffic is necessary. Commissioner Guerriero stated
with 40 foot width lanes, there is room for curbside parking, and he is not in favor of
any additional parking for the taxis, etc. on Front Street for aesthetic and safety
reasons; he said he would like to determine traffic at some future time and revisit this
matter if necessary.
It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Perry, not to install a
crosswalk at Sixth and Front Streets at this time; to direct staff, to investigate and
consider putting up bus directional signing; to not include a limited parking area in front
of the ATM; and to not have special on-street parking for taxis, trolleys, and RTA.
Commissioner Guerriero moved to amend the motion to include the issue of designated
on-street parking for trolleys, taxis and RTA will be revisited. Commissioners Coe and
Perry agreed to amend the motion.
The amended motion carried as follows:
AYES:
3 COMMISSIONERS:
Coe, Perry, Guerriero
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAINS: 1 COMMISSIONERS:
Markham
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS:
Johnson
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MAY 22, 1997
m
Speed Limits - Various Locations
Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented the staff report.
It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to recommend
the City Council adopt an ordinance re-affirming the speed limits on:
Winchester Road between Jefferson Avenue and Diaz Road
Pauba Road between Ynez Road and Meadows Parkway
Diaz Road between Rancho California Road and Winchester Road
Rancho Vista Road between Ynez Road and Meadows Parkway
The motion was carried as follows:
AYES:
4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Guerriero, Perry, Markham
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson
Prioritization of Present and Future Traffic Improvement Needs
Short-term Projects by Traffic Staff
Jefferson Avenue Corridor - Commissioner Guerriero stated he would like to see
Mr. Simon's recommendations followed. He would recommend a solid median,
and extend the left-turn bay (Southbound Jefferson Avenue movement to
eastbound Winchester Road) be able to stack more cars.
Commissioner Guerriero reiterated two (2) Ad Hoc Committees recommended raised
medians with dedicated left-turn lanes and driveways going north which has never been
brought to this Commission. He said modified driveways are needed, plus signalization
for a couple driveways.
Chairman Markham stated during a discussion with Mr. Simon and Mr. Lowry, owners
of the opposite corner, they were open to working with the City to widen Winchester
Road in order to get more turn movement/stacking capacity and possibly adding a
dedicated right-turn lane with two (2) through and two (2) left-turn lanes eastbound
onto Winchester Road. It is his opinion there are three (3) critical intersections -
Winchester Road/Jefferson Avenue, Ynez Road/Rancho California Road and Front
Street/Rancho California Road.
Installation of "No Left Turn" sign at car wash driveway at the northeast corner
of Jefferson Avenue and Winchester Road - Chairman Markham stated this needs
to be considered with the Jefferson Avenue Corridor item.
Concern over sight distance at the intersections of Del Rey Road/Avenida Del
Reposo and Del Rey Road/Avenida Buena Suerta - Commissioner Guerriero
reported on an Ad Hoc Committee meeting with the Meadowview Homeowners
Association (HOA) concerning this issue, and recommendations for traffic
calming methods were made which are to be taken to the HOA.
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MAY 22, 1997
Estimated cost of traffic circles - Mr. Moghadam stated costs could range from
$2,000 to $50,000 depending upon location. Chairman Markham suggested
estimating the cost for an intersection with two (2) 40 foot paved streets, and
a standard R-1 tract type scenario. He also suggested putting in a traffic circle
on Calle Medusa as a test case.
"No" Parking on Rancho California Road adjacent to the Duck Pond and right-turn
lane to Oscar's - Commissioner Guerriero stated he continues to see people
making a right turn into Oscars from the middle of the number two eastbound
lane which causes problems especially when cars are parked at the south
curbline. Chairman Markham mentioned a "No Parking" Zone recommendation
for this area was passed at the April 24, 1997 meeting and forwarded to the
City Council, where it should be heard at their June 10, 1997 meeting.
Encourage use of Walcott Corridor - Mr. Moghadam reported the completion date
is May 23, 1997. Commissioner Guerriero stated with the 30 MPH speed limit,
the public is going to have to be educated that Walcott is open and it is the
eastern corridor to get from La Serena Way to Winchester Road or Nicholas Road
instead of Calle Medusa. Mr. Moghadam noted enforcement of Calle Medusa's
speed limits may encourage use of Walcott Corridor. Commissioner Perry asked
Sergeant Crisp if someone in the Police Department could write press releases
to let the public know when new routes are opened and to encourage their use.
Sergeant Crisp stated he would look into the matter.
Speed enforcement on Margarita Road south of Rancho California Road -
Sergeant Crisp requested a review of a raised/landscaped median in front of the
Margarita Middle School to discourage U-turn movements which are dangerous
due to sight distance, speed, and children in the area. Chairman Markham asked
staff to review the situation and possibly agendize the matter.
Red curb on Pujol Street south of First Street around the curve - Mr. Moghadam
stated a traffic ordinance allows staff to extend a red curb without bringing it to
the Public/Traffic Safety Commission or City Council when sight distance is
limited. It was the consensus of the Commission to have staff to handle this
matter.
Review of plans for Middle School on North General Kearny Road - Chairman
Markham requested staff contact Mr. Gallaher or Ms. Dixon of the School District
and ask them to submit the proposed site plans. He would like to see the item
agendized.
Pursue Neighborhood Speed Watch Program/Articles on California Vehicle Code -
Commissioner Guerriero stated he would like articles on codes which are most
often violated -* right-of-way, speed, tailgating, failure to yield. He discussed
this with the Meadowview Ad Hoc Committee as part of the Neighborhood
Watch Program and it was agreed these articles should be published, on a
periodic basis, in the newspaper. It was suggested Sergeant Crisp and Public
Works staff come up with a program. Chairman Markham suggested the
pamphlets, which are posted downstairs and never noticed, be handed out at
Commission meetings.
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MAY 22. 1997
Review circulation in Los Ranchitos, Santiago Estates, and Santiago Ranchos
area and review Pujol Street connection to Western Bypass - Chairman Markham
suggested moving these issues to the Long-Term Capital Improvement Projects
category. Chairman Markham stated Pujol Street needs to connect to the
Western Bypass to provide access to the plateau.
It was the consensus of the Commission the Number 1 priority is the Jefferson Avenue
Corridor study with proactive recommendations regarding widening, medians and
driveway movements and signalization from Santa Gertrudis Creek to Via Montezuma,
and they would like the process to begin as soon as possible.
Short-Term Capital Improvements Projects
Pala Road/Rainbow Canyon Road - stop signs/traffic signal - Chairman Markham
stated this project has been moved to Number 1 on the Traffic Signal Priority
List.
Installation of delineators at the entrance to Target or a closed driveway -
Commissioner Guerriero stated delineators are needed to keep westbound traffic
from going straight to the intersection along Target's easterly entrance prior to
the signalized intersection. Mr. Moghadam stated it is being proposed to close
the median and to signalize Via Las Colinas and the item will probably be on the
agenda for the June 26, 1997 meeting.
Installation of reflective marks on major arterials - Commissioner Guerriero
reiterated the striping on Rancho California and Winchester Roads disappear
when wet. Mr. Moghadam stated additional funds have been requested in the
Fiscal Year 1997/98 budget for pavement markers.
Long-Term Capital Improvement Projects
Diaz Road Extension to Murrieta - Mr. Guerriero reported at the request of the
Joint Temecula/Murrieta Transportation Commission, Murrieta has agreed to
continue Diaz Road through to Murrieta and Ynez Road through to the North City
Limits, and it is going before both Councils for funding capacity. The Joint
Committee recommended to DKS, an engineering firm, that Overland Drive
should end at Commerce Center Drive instead of Jefferson Avenue and that is
being passed on to both Councils. At the Joint Transportation Commission, DKS
reported that at 2015, most intersections will be at today's level -- Hwy 79S/I-15
would stay a D level; but he is unclear whether or not Redhawk Development or
Butterfield Stage as a corridor were included in the numbers.
Dual left-turn lane from Rancho California Road to Front Street - Chairman
Markham requested the engineer for Old Town to bring modification of the first
two or three lanes by adding lane capacity to Public Works staff.
Pedestrian bridge between the proposed mall and Palm Plaza - Mr. Moghadam
reported unless a fence is erected on both properties to direct people, the bridge
will not be utilized.
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MAY 22. 1997
Rancho California Road/Front Street intersection improvements as part of Old
Town Redevelopmerit - Chairman Markham stated the item has been forwarded
to the Old Town Redevelopment engineer.
Rancho California Road/Diaz Road realignment and signal installation - Chairman
Markham stated realignment of Diaz Road to tie into Felix Valdez is planned. Mr.
Moghadam mentioned that the project is on hold.
Miscellaneous Issues
Public/Traffic Safety Commission involvement with future projects
Commissioner Guerriero stated he would like the Commissioners to receive a
copy of site plans and have staff review them with the Commission.
Removal of Rancho Way from circulation element of the General Plan - Chairman
Markham stated Margarita Park is being built over a part of Rancho Way.
Modify and review design of collector streets keeping speeding problem in mind -
Chairman Markham requested staff to bring how this issue is being accomplished
back to the Commission. Mr. Moghadam stated one of the problems is that 44
foot wide streets are not prima facie 25 MPH and streets can be designed that
are not straight shots which people then use as a highway; the developer still
gets the same number of lots and speeding is not as easy. Commissioner Perry
reiterated you are encouraging the Planning Department to require developers to
design 40 foot residential streets instead of 44 feet. Chairman Markham noted
collectors without driveways should be narrow because there will never be
parking -- red curb or bike lane.
TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT
Mr. Moghadam reported the following:
Bedford Court/Hwy 79S - Traffic signal bids were opened today.
Western Bypass - John Firestone and Zev Buffman are reconsidering their plans and if
anything, they will build the bypass.
Southbound Ynez Road at Rancho California Road - Dual right-turn lanes working well.
Rancho Vista Road Sidewalk - Mr. Moghadam reported it would cost approximately
~50,000 to construct a temporary asphalt sidewalk on Rancho Vista Road because the
toe of the slope comes down to the pavement edge thereby requiring a retaining wall,
to install a flashing beacon and to remove dirt. Chairman Markham suggested getting
a slope easement rather than building a retaining wall. Commissioner Guerriero reported
Mr. Thomas, of the School District, was in favor of putting up warning lights, especially
for eastbound traffic.
It was moved by Commissioner Guerriero, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to accept
the Maintenance Superintendent's report with thanks to him and his staff for the great
work they do regarding tree trimming, road maintenance, etc. The motion was
unanimously carried.
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MAY 22. 1997
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
No report was given.
Commissioner Guerriero asked Sergeant Crisp to relay to Captain Lebahn that Deputy
Powers presentation regarding drugs to the students of Temecula High School was quite
impressive and very knowledgeable.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
No report was given.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION
Commissioner Guerriero reported on the traffic controls that will be in place for the June
8, 1997 Taste of the Valley event.
It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Chairman Markham, to place an
emergency agenda item regarding traffic and crowd control for the Taste of the Valley
event held June 8, 1997.
The motion was unanimously carried with Commissioner Johnson absent.
It was moved by Commissioner Guerriero, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to accept
the Police Department's recommendations for traffic and crowd control for the Taste of
the Valley event on June 8, 1997, from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Guerriero, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to adjourn the
meeting at 9:55 PM. The motion carried unanimously.
The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday,
June 26, 1997, at 7:00 P.M., Temecula City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park
Drive, Temecula, California.
~Ch/ai/'/rrman Larr~y Markham
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