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HomeMy WebLinkAbout071300 PTS MinutesCALL TO ORDER MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 13, 2000 The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:01 P.M., on Thursday, July 13, 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 Coe. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Coe, Edwards, Katan, Lanier, and Chairman Connerton. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Police Chief Domenoe, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Battalion Chief Ritchey, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of June 8, 2000. Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that on page 3 of the minutes, in the penultimate paragraph, that the word approximately should be added prior to the phrase 12 hours a week. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to approve the minutes, as revised. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Edwards and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. R:ltrafficminutes1071300 COMMISSION BUSINESS Request for Multi-Way Stop Installation - Honors Drive at Balata Drive/Vardon Drive RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution establishing multi-way stop controls at the intersection of Honors Drive at Balata DriveNardon Drive. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the staff report (of record), noting that this issue had been agendized due to the receipt of a petition from the Temeku Hills Community residents; relayed that based on a warrant analysis evaluation that this area did not meet the warrants for installation of a multi-way stop sign with respect to the volumes and the number of accidents; advised, however, that based on the sight distance analysis (noting the speeds of 37 MPH, although the speed limit was posted at 30 MPH), that due to the site distance restriction, staff was recommending establishment of an all-way stop at this intersection; and noted that if the Commission recommended the installation, that the project would not be implemented until such time as these particular streets were designated City streets (which could be potentially in approximately 30 days). Chairman Connerton relayed that based on his visit to this particular area, it was his opinion that the all-way stop would, additionally, enhance the safety at the proximate golf cart crossing. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to approve staff's recommendation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. Commissioner Coe noted that, historically, this was the City's most expedient Commission approval of a recommendation for a stop sign. 3. In-Pavement Amber LED Flashinq Lights for Crosswalks RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review and evaluate the feasibility of installing In-Pavement Amber LED Lights for crosswalks and make a recommendation to the City Council. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that this item had been agendized due to the request of Chairman Connerton; and noted that representatives from the JTB Supply Company would provide an overview of the In-Pavement Amber LED Lights for crosswalks, inclusive of a video presentation. Chairman Connerton relayed that this product had first been introduced to him via a television program, noting his subsequent further investigation. Mr. Jeff York, representing JTB Supply Company, provided a history of the development of the In-Pavement Amber LED Lights for crosswalks, noting the similarity to airport runway lighting; advised that this product was not designed for signalized intersections 2 R:\trafficm[nutes\071300 due to the plethora of existing lights at intersections, clarifying that it was developed for placement at unprotected crosswalks (i.e., school, or park crossings); relayed that currently there were approximately 15 locations in southern California where this product had been installed and was operational, citing specific locations; provided a video presentation which relayed the statistics related to fatalities of pedestrians in crosswalks, demonstrating the application of the project, noting the visibility of the lights at a distance up to 1500 feet; and provided an actual demonstration of the product for the Commission in the Council Chambers, relaying the activating system, and specifying the typical street installation for the lighting system. For Chairman Connerton, Mr. York relayed that Caltrans had installed the system in various locations in northern California; advised that the device had been approved by the California Traffic Control Commission; further specified the installation process; reiterated that this device was not recommended at lighted intersections, noting the restrictions related to tying the device to the controls at the intersections, advising that he could relay the request for additional investigation for installment at lighted intersections to the company. Ms. Rose Lee Cunningham representing JTB Supply Company relayed that Caltrans would most likely approve the device in approximately December of 2000. In response to Commissioner Edwards, Mr. York relayed that at night, the driver awareness was increased by approximately seventy-five to eighty percent (75-80%) with the installation, noting that during daylight hours awareness was increased by approximately fifty-five to sixty percent (55-60%); advised that the effectiveness of the product was due to the fact that it was pedestrian activated, noting that it was not always flashing. For Commissioner Coe, Mr. York relayed that the closest location of a device was in the City of Orange, providing additional information regarding that site. In response to Commissioner Katan's queries, regarding the effectiveness of utilizing the device as a speed deterrent (i.e., to activate the lighting system when drivers reach a certain speed), Mr. York relayed that the device had been installed preceding a blind crosswalk in order to warn drivers of the coming crosswalk (which was also flashing); provided additional information regarding alternate installations, noting the multi-faceted effectiveness of the device. In response to Commissioner Coe, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that he did not have enough information to provide an opinion with respect to the device; and for Chairman Connerton, noted that the City of Temecula had not had significant negative impacts at unsignalized crosswalks. For Senior Engineer Moghadam, Mr. York relayed that if the device was activated by children at play, the lights would only flash for 20-25 seconds, noting that with the existing installations that there had not been a significant negative impact associated with unnecessary activation of the system. Prior to the data revealing that the device was not developed for lighted intersections, Chairman Connerton relayed that he had had several recommended locations in the City where the device could be effective; noted that the La Serena crosswalk proximate to 3 R:\trafficminutes\071300 the school and the park site might be a potential location for this installation; advised that after obtaining additional information that the Commission may at a future date make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the device. Commissioner Coe relayed that the issue could be agendized for a future date, after obtaining the additional data, and identifying appropriate recommended locations for the system. Commissioner Katan relayed that he was impressed with the technology, noting that he could see the merits of recommending installation of the system at an initial location in order to further evaluate the effectiveness. Commissioner Lanier concurred with the need for additional information; queried whether there were other companies manufacturing the system. In response, Chairman Connerton relayed that via the investigation that he had conducted that there was not an alternate similar system. In light of the information regarding the lack of significant negative pedestrian impacts at crosswalks in the City of Temecula, Commissioner Edwards relayed that at this time she would not recommend the installation; noted that for a future date, after additional information was obtained, an appropriate location for the device could be the crosswalk at Rancho Elementary School Chairman Connerton advised that it would be appropriate for the City to take a proactive approach at identifying potential sites for the installation, noting that traffic would be increasing. Commissioner Coe relayed that additional information could be obtained from data with respect to cresswalks that have been requested to be installed by community residents, that the Commission had subsequently not recommended for installation due to the unsafe aspects of an uncontrolled crosswalk, relaying that the additional investigation may reveal locations appropriate for this type of system. Director of Public Works Hughes noted that the system was still in the initial stages of development; reiterated that Caltrans had not adopted the device as a uniform traffic control device, advising that until that approval, it was his opinion that unless there was a severe negative impact with respect to pedestrian injuries in crosswalks that he would not recommend the installations; provided additional information regarding the goal to minimize conflict points with respect to traffic; and noted that vehicles would not be required to stop for the lighted crosswalks which could provide a false sense of safety for pedestrians. In response to Director of Public Works Hughes' comments, Chairman Connedon relayed that although it was illegal, at times pedestrians crossed the street where there were no crosswalks; relayed that after additional investigation, that it may be shortsighted to not consider the installations at certain locations (i.e., the unprotected crosswalk at La Serena); and relayed that if the Commission at a future date made a recommendation, the City Council would provide specified direction. 4 R:\t~afficminutes1071300 Commissioner Edwards concurred with filing the data, and obtaining additional information; and noted that she would not recommend installation until Caltrans had approved the device. Chairman Connerton recommended a fact-finding process at this time with respect to this system. While not desiring to ignore the potential of any new device, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed the process of determining the appropriate technical devices to be implemented for addressing traffic impacts. Chairman Connerton relayed that the Commission would receive and file this data, requesting that staff obtain additional information and include updates in the Traffic Engineer's Report; and concurred with Commissioner Edwards, that this data could be sought after Caltrans" approval. Commissioner Lanier recommended that when staff obtained additional data, that specific information be investigated regarding the total costs associated with the installations. Chairman Connerton thanked Mr. York and Ms. Cunningham for their excellent presentation. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam introduced Signal Technician Bill Brown to the Commission, commending his excellent work in the City. Via supplemental agenda material, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the Commission a copy of the collision report for the month of June. For Commission Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that plans are currently under design for the restriction of all left turns at the Target Center. Chairman Connerton provided additional information regarding the internal modifications to the parking area at the center. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that on July 14th, the Police Department would have in force the roving DUI Task Force, and that red light enforcement would also be taking place in the City. Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted the Police Department would be purchasing a new Police Motorcycle. For informational purposes, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that Officer Liggett would be transferring to the Perris Police Department, noting that Officer Matt Hughes would be the new motorcycle Officer taking his place. Chairman Connerton commended the Police Department for the effective direction of the traffic at the City's 4th Of July Event. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Battalion Chief Ritchey noted that there had been minor vegetation fires in the area. COMMISSION REPORTS Echoing previous comments, Commissioner Lanier commended the Police Department and the Fire Department for their diligent efforts with respect to the successful 4th Of July Event. Via community comments, Commissioner Edwards relayed the queries regarding whether or not the Police Department had decreased enforcement in the Via Cordoba area. In response to community comments, Commissioner Edwards relayed queries regarding when the community meeting in the North General Kearny area would be scheduled. For Commissioner Edwards, Fire Battalion Ritchey relayed that there was currently a fundraising event taking place for the Local Chapter of CDF Firefighters. Per citizen request, Commissioner Katan requested staff to investigate the timing at the following signal locations: 1) the Ynez Road signal for left movements into the K-mart shopping center, and 2) the left-hand turning lane on Jefferson Avenue (south) onto Rancho California Road. In response to Chairman Connerton's queries, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the caps were intentionally left off the street project in the Ynez Road/Overland Drive area until the development in this area was completed. Chairman Connerton commented on the street widening projects constructed by developers, noting that after the street was capped, the street would be cut across (i.e., for installation of irrigation); and queried whether there could be a more effective schedule mandated. Per the comments of four citizens, Chairman Connerton requested staff to investigate the timing at the signal at Ynez Road into the Tower Center, noting the stacking impacts. ADJOURNMENT At 7:28 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adj ned this meeting to Thursd y, July 27, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Ch ers, 4320 sine Par rive, Temecula.d'ned t~'l~n '~ ~~~ y le 6 R:ltrafficminutes1071300