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HomeMy WebLinkAbout072700 PTS Minutes7O/--O~o MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 27, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:03 P.M., on Thursday, July 27, 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 Chairman Connerton. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Coe, Lanier, and Chairman Connerton. Absent: Commissioners Edwards, and Katan. Also Present: Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. COMMISSION BUSINESS Request for Removal of the Multi-Way Stop Siqns - Old Town Front Street at 6th Street RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review and consider removal of the existing multi-way stop signs at the intersection of Old Town Front Street and 6th Street, and make a recommendation to City Council. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided an overview of the staff report (of record), noting that this item had been agendized due to Councilman Roberts' request for review of the feasibility of eliminating the multi-way stop signs at Old Town Front Street/6th Street in order to reduce the diverted traffic volumes on Mercedes Street and to reduce the traffic delay and congestion on Old Town Front Street created from the stop signs; advised that in 1996 when the stop signs were approved that the intersection had not met the criteria for warranting an all-way stop sign, and still did not, noting that one of the conditions for R:ltrafficminutes1072700 an all-way stop (per Caitrans standards) was for the traffic on the two approaching streets to be equal, relaying that there were approximately 20,000 vehicles on Old Town Front Street, and approximately 600 on 6th Street; noted, additionally, that based on volumes and accidents the stop signs did not meet the warrants; advised that the stop sign installation had been recommended for pedestrian safety, relaying that there were alternate methods for ensuring pedestrian safety (i.e., the flashing LED lighting system for crosswalks); and provided additional information regarding the volumes, and the posted speed limit (25 MPH) in this particular area. For Commissioner Lanier, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the traffic diverted to Mercedes Street was in both directions of travel (north and south), noting that the volumes were not a significant impact. In response to Commissioner Coe's queries, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that the 1st Street Bridge project would most likely be completed at the beginning the year 2001; and relayed that the Western Bypass Project was being considered with the land development applications being setforth from property in that area, relaying that the estimated time for initiation of this project would be in approximately five years. At this time Minute Clerk Hansen read into the record two letters, as follows: 1 ) A letter received from Mr. G.T. Tucker, ownedoperator of the McDonald's in Old Town, stating his opposition to the removal of the stop signs due to the large number of children that use that crossing daily, and 2) A letter received via eomail from Mr. Karel Lindemans, stating his opposition to the removal of the stop signs, expressing that in his opinion Old Town should be automobile "unfriendly", and that a stop sign should be placed on every street corner. It was noted that a letter had been submitted from Ms. Michele Dawn, representing Rancho Attorney Service, expressing her opposition to the removal of the stop signs, noting her concern with regard to the safety of pedestrians in the area. It was noted that two petitions were submitted, relaying opposition to the removal of the stop signs, one, which encompassed 143 signatures, and one, which encompassed 5 signatures. For the Commission's review a letter was distributed via supplemental agenda material from Mr. Roger W. Epperson, stating his opposition to the removal of the stop signs, noting that the stop signs were effective. The following individuals relayed their opposition to the removal of the stop signs: Ms. Ginny Reynolds Mr. Jon Nagelsvoorf Mr. Thomas Stultz Ms. Judi Scaliatine Ms. Linda Brewer a Ms. Karen Gray n Ms. Ed Dool 42097 Via Cuesta AI Sol 28475 Old Town Front Street 32076 Corte Soledad 28465 Old Town Front Street 44113 Northgate Avenue 28465 Old Town Front Street 28464 Old Town Front Street 2 R:\~afficminute~072700 n Mr. Larry Markham 30105 Cabrillo Avenue n Mr. Steve Wheeler 2044 Gird Road, Fallbrook The above-mentioned individuals were opposed to the removal of the stop signs for the following reasons: Relayed that the primary concern was with respect to the safety of the pedestrians, specifically proximate to the public parking lot. Noted the ongoing goal to keep Old Town pedestrian friendly. Advised that children were utilizing this area to cross over to the McDonalds' site. 3 Recommended conducting a pedestrian count of those utilizing this area to safely cross the street. Noted that disabled individuals and senior citizens could more easily cross the street at this stop sign site. Relayed that at the Saturday Farmer's Market Event in Old Town numerous pedestrians utilized this crossing. Advised that the stop sign served as a traffic-calming device. 3 Noted the merchants' past efforts to have the City install the stop signs. Relayed that alternate stop signs in the City of Temecula had been installed which had not met the warrants for stop sign placement. 3 Noted the bus traffic in this area. s Relayed the need for additional stop signs in Old Town. Advised that the stop sign aided in the ability to make left turns onto Old Town Front Street during peak hours. In response to Commissioner Coe's queries, Mr. Dool confirmed that unequivocally, pedestrian safety had increased with the placement of the stop signs. Commission Coe commented on the Commission's past decision to recommend the installation of the placement of these stop signs, requesting Mr. Markham to elaborate on his knowledge with respect to this decision. The Commission relayed the following closing remarks: Commissioner Coe noted that he had been on the Commission in 1996, recommending the installation of the stop signs at that time; relayed that Old Town was a unique portion of the City; advised that the stop sign installation had been effective; noted his opposition to Councilman Roberts' request; reiterated that for safety reasons, stop signs had been installed at alternate sites when the criteria for the warrants had not been met 3 R:ltrafiicminute$1072700 (i.e., Via Cordoba); and clarified that he was opposed to removing a stop sign that was extremely effective. Commissioner Lanier relayed that he had visited the site, noting that pedestrians appeared to gravitate towards the crossing at the stop signs; with respect to traffic on Mercedes Street, relayed that based on his investigation that there were no significant impacts regarding cut-through traffic; and concurred with previous comments that the stop signs should not be removed. Chairman Connerton relayed that he had spent numerous hours observing the traffic in this area; noted that on Tuesday, July 25th, during a 30-minute period he had witnessed approximately 600 vehicles entering this intersection, relaying that solely 24 vehicles stopped at the stop sign; advised that the stop sign was not effective, noting that increased enforcement could potentially improve the situation; relayed a concern raised via resident's comments had been regarding the traffic diverted to Mercedes Street, past the Senior Center which made it difficult for the seniors to exit the center; relayed that an alternate complaint had been with respect to traffic at certain peak hours backing up on Old Town Front Street past the post office; advised that the growth in the community was contributing to the traffic; noted that this area would be an area for consideration of the installation of the LED flashing lighting system for crosswalks; relayed that if the traffic congestion which backs up past the post office was caused from the placement of these particular stop signs, then he would recommend that there be consideration to relocate the stop signs to 5th Street, placing the lighted crosswalk at 6th Street; provided additional information regarding the lighted crosswalk system; reiterated that the criteria had not been met at this intersection warranting the stop sign placement; and relayed his concern if the stop signs were removed due to the potential increase of the speed of vehicles in the area, and if the stop signs remained due to the fact that if individuals were cited for stop signs violations, the citations could be contested due to the stop sign being unwarranted. For Chairman Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that citations could be issued for stop signs violations at this intersection, confirming that the citations could be contested due to the unwarranted placement of the stop sign. Chairman Connerton recommended that additional research in this area be conducted, suggesting that there be a lighted crosswalk initially placed at 5th Street in order to further evaluate the effectiveness of the system, noting that if the system was effective, that there be consideration for placement of the flashing crosswalk lights at 6th Street; and relayed his reluctance to support the current stop sign placement which did not meet the warrants, reiterating the restrictions with enforcing stop sign violations. With respect to the fact that these particular stop signs were nonconforming, Commissioner Coe commented on the numerous stop signs located throughout the City, which did not meet the warrants. Chairman Connerton recommended continuing this item until the City Council could consider placement of the LED flashing lighting system for crosswalks in the Old Town area. Commissioner Coe recommended that the stop signs remain at this location, relaying that after completion of the 1 st Street Bridge Project this issue could be revisited; noted 4 R:\trafficminutes\072700 his concurrence with the recommendation to consider a lighted crosswalk system in this area; and reiterated that he was opposed to removing a stop sign that was extremely effective. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to have the stop signs remain at this location, and that the Commission consider the issue again when the 1~t Street Bridge Project was completed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier. (Ultimately this motion passed; see below.) In response to Commissioner Lanier's queries regarding the impact of removing the stop signs, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that in the past, the City had not removed any stop signs, with the exception of for the installation of traffic signals, advising that due to the confusion the removal of the stop signs could create, that generally it was not good practice. Ms. Reynolds recommended that the issue of the seniors' difficulty exiting the Senior Center be considered as a separate issue; and relayed that the traffic congestion that backed up on Old Town Front Street was impacted by the placement of the sign restricting right turns on a red light onto Rancho California Road during peak hours. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting approval with the exception of Chairman Connerton who voted n__o. Chairman Connerton relayed that in his opinion there needed to be additional research and evaluation. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that with respect to the two signal issues relayed by the Commission at the July 13th meeting, that staff had investigated, noting that one of the signals had a faulty detector which had been addressed, and that the alternate signal was effected by the timing of the signal, which if modified would create negative impacts in other areas. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that via supplemental agenda material a Police Department report had been distributed regarding traffic enforcement and Police activity for the month of June. Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that Officer Matt Hughes would be graduating from the Motorcycle Academy on July 28, 2000, would subsequently have two additional weeks of training prior to being assigned to the Neighborhood Enforcement Team; and for Chairman Connerton provided additional information regarding the additional Police personnel being added to the Department. Chairman Connerton requested that there be increased stop sign enforcement at the Old Town Front Street/6th Street intersection; and requested an update report at the next Commission meeting. 5 R:\trafficm2nutes\072700 FIRE CHIEFS REPORT No comments. COMMISSION REPORTS In response to Commissioner Coe's queries regarding the timeframe for the Pala Road Widening Project, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the project was dependent on the timing of the Pechanga sewer improvements in this particular area. Deputy Director of Public Works Parks provided additional information regarding the projects in this area. For Chairman Connerton, Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that the traffic control plans associated with the project did have provision for maintaining a lane of travel in each direction during construction, noting the phasing of the project. In response to Commissioner Lanier's comments, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that he could call and obtain the date of the next DUI checkpoint. Chairman Connerton also expressed a desire for the information. In response to Chairman Connerton's queries regarding the depression in the read at Ynez Road/Overland Drive (while traveling towards Margarita Road), Senior Engineer Moghadam reiterated that the street capping was being postponed until the Cosco development had completed its utility readwork; and advised that there could be a temporary sign installed indicating that there was a dip in the road. With respect to Chairman Connerton's comments regarding newly paved roadways being consistently trenched after being newly paved, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided additional information regarding efforts to minimize the trenching, noting that the City held meetings with the utility companies to coordinate all aspects of a project. Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that the City was in the process of developing an ordinance that would limit the ability to open a trench in freshly paved readways, clarifying that since these were public streets, at times utilities would be permitted to be installed. ADJOURNMENT At 7:33 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this eeting to Thursday, Auqust 10, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 4 Business Park Drive, T emecu,a. arre,, Anita PyleAd 6 R:\trafficminutes\072700