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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101200 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OCTOBER 12, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, October 12, 2000, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hail, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. FLAG SALUTE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Commissioner Edwards. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Edwards, Katan, Lanier, and Chairman Connerton. Absent: Commissioner Coe. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, *Battalion Chief Ritchey, Police Officer Nelson, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (it was noted that Battalion Chief Ritchey arrived at 8:00 P.M.) PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Joe LaMarco, 41138 Promenade Chardonnay Hill§, noted his concern regarding the volume of vehicles travelling on Promenade Chardonnay Hills; and recommended that there be a minimum of three stop signs installed at the following intersections: 1) at the intersection of Promenade Chardonnay Hills/Chemin Clinet, 2) at the intersection of Promenade Chardonnay Hills/Chemin Margaux, and 3) at the intersection of Promenade Chardonnay Hills/Chemin La Tache, relaying that children access the school bus at these locations. In response to Commissioner Edwards, Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that the streets of discussion have not been finally accepted into the City at this point in time due to maintenance issues. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the streets of discussion were scheduled to be accepted by the City in the near future, advising that the review of the request for stop signs could be agendized parallel to the acceptance process, clarifying that the City Council would need to take action with respect to the installation of stop signs, noting that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's recommendation could be forwarded to the City Council in conjunction with the timing of R:~trafficminutes~101200 the final acceptance of these streets; and relayed that this issue could most likely be agendized in November or December. Chairman Connerton advised Mr. LaMarco that he would be notified as to the date that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission would consider this issue. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of September 14, 2000 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of September 14, 2000 MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to approve the minutes. Commissioner Katan seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent and Commissioner Edwards who abstained. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Traffic Concerns Alonq GeorRetown Lane, Carelton Way, and Winwood Circle in the Promenade Subdivision RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny the request to close Winwood Circle at Rycrest Drive. Relaying that this item had been agendized due to a request from the Promenade Homeowners at the September 14, 2000 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting, Associate Engineer Gonzales presented the staff report (of record); and noted that traffic counts were conducted at three locations (i.e., Georgetown Lane, Winwood Circle, and Rycrest Drive). Via overheads, Associate Engineer Gonzales presented the information from the traffic data revealing that the total volumes are half of what would normally be considered significant, advising that the data does not warrant a road closure; and provided additional information regarding the speed of vehicles in this area. Per Commission request, Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that staff investigated the Planning Commission's and the County's approval of the projects associated with the area of discussion, and per agenda material, provided an overview of the configuration of the subdivision tracts. In response to Chairman Connerton, Associate Engineer Gonzales reiterated that when the Woodcrest Subdivision was approved by the County in 1987, that the connection point at Winwood Circle and the adjacent tract was denoted on the plan; and advised that the rationale for prohibiting southbound left-turn movements onto Margarita Road was due to visibility impacts. 2 R:~afficminutes\101200 For Commissioner Edwards, Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that there were 227 units in the Woodcrest Subdivisions which would generate approximately 2270 vehicle trips a day; and confirmed that these two tracts (the Woodcrest tract and the Promenade tract) were designed to be connected, and that the streets were functioning as planned. For comparison, Commissioner Edwards provided additional information regarding the vehicle counts at alternate areas within the City. Ms. Sue Temblador, 29477 Georgetown Lane, thanked staff and the Commission for their investigation of this issue; noted that when the traffic data was collected that there had been rainy weather, relaying that there was not as much traffic as normal; and relayed that she was concerned about the traffic at the Margarita Road entrance into the subdivision, and the speed of vehicles on Margarita Road, recommending that signage be installed making drivers aware of the proximate residential tract entrance. For Ms. Temblador, Chairman Connerton relayed that the recommendation denoted on the agenda was solely the recommendation of staff, clarifying that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission had not taken action with respect to this item at this time. Mr. Roger Temblador, 29477 Georgetown Lane, queried whether the traffic generated from the future shopping center was taken into consideration when the subdivision tracts were approved. In response to Mr. Temblador, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that when the tract maps were approved, the future mall development and surrounding commercial development were taken into account; and advised that there had been no formal application to the City at this time regarding the proximate commercial development, noting that the preliminary concepts that have been brought before the City revealed that there would be no significant negative impacts, as proposed in the preliminary plan, relaying that the primary access to the commercial development would be the interior 'mall roads. In response to Mr. Temblador, Chairman Connerton relayed that since the commercial development would not have a significant negative impact that the traffic generation would either raise slightly or remain the same. For Commissioner Katan, Mr. Temblador confirmed that it was the desire of the residents that Winwood Circle and Rycrest Drive be closed, noting that it was the opinion of the residents that while the speed was posted at 25 MPH, that drivers were not adhering to this limit. Mm. Temblador relayed that she was concerned with the children's safety (i.e., skateboarders) in her neighborhood due to the speeds of travel in this area. Commissioner Lanier noted that he was pleased with the traffic counts and vehicle speeds revealed in this area per the study that was conducted, relaying that the configuration of the tract had been designed to calm traffic; and advised that via visiting this area, he had noticed that there were numerous construction vehicles, noting that this would improve after the construction was completed. 3 R:~afficm[nutes~101200 For Commissioner Lanier, Officer Nelson confirmed that there had been no accidents at the Georgetown Lane/Margarita Road entrance/exit point. Relaying that she had visited the area of discussion, Commissioner Edwards noted that there was a plethora of on-street parking; advised that the curves in the configuration of the tract layout were effectively slowing the traffic speeds; with respect to traffic volumes, noted that the two subdivisions were designed to be connected, relaying that the circulation was functioning as designed, with the traffic counts within limits; and advised that since there have been no accidents on Margarita Road, and the traffic counts and speeds are within normal limits to service this entire area, that she would support staff's recommendation. Advising that he, too, had visited this particular neighborhood on five or six occasions, Commissioner Katan noted the tremendous amount of street parking on both sides of the street which would contribute to slower traffic speeds; relayed that he would be reluctant to close the streets of discussion since the traffic counts indicate that the two tracts are utilizing this access to Solana Way, or Margarita Road; and relayed his support of staff's recommendation, noting that this area was most likely not utilized as a short cut due to the difficulty of traveling through the tracts. Relaying that he, too, had visited the area of discussion, Chairman Connerton noted that he had measured the width of the streets in the neighborhoods, relaying that Rycrest Drive was forty-four feet (44') wide, noting that if one entered the tract from Solana Way, that Dawncrest Cimle (the cul-de-sac) was thirty-six feet (36') wide, and Amwood Way was forty feet (40') wide, relaying that Shorewood Court and Waynewood Drive were, additionally, forty feet (40') wide, and that all of the cul-de-sacs were thirty-six feet (36') wide; noted that the width measurements were consistent with the design of the tracts; and relayed the rationale for the two access points to the tracts. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the rationale for the installation of narrower streets was to decrease cut-through traffic, noting the intent in the planning stages to configure the streets to slow the speed of vehicles; advised that the City did plan to maintain the forty-foot (40') minimum standard street width, while noting that in particular areas, the thirty-six foot (36') width would be appropriate; advised that while the narrow streets and the curvature of the streets did reduce traffic speed, that there were other factors to be considered for planning developments with these elements, such as: less room to pass other vehicles, and less reaction time, noting that merely narrowing a street does not make it safer without taking into account other considerations (referencing the Planning Commission's recently expressed desire to narrow the streets in the Wolf Valley Project); advised that in the industry, it has been revealed that the most appropriate street width for a street with on-street parking on both sides was forty feet (40'), while noting the rationale for the design features implemented in this particular area in order to calm the speeds. Chairman Connerton concurred with the plan to maintain a forty-foot (40') minimum street width, noting the negative impacts with respect to narrower streets. In response to Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes reiterated that in this particular area, if the streets had been widened there would be a slight increase in traffic speeds. Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that a contributing factor to the speed slowing was the amount of on-street parking in these particular neighborhoods. In response to Chairman Connerton, Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that staff could investigate the feasibility of installing advance warning signage stating that there was a tract entrance (on Margarita Road), per the request from Ms. Temblador during the public speaking portion of this agenda item. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve staffs recommendation. Commissioner Katan seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the. exception of Commission Coe who was absent. 3. Wolf Creek Proiect Circulation Plan RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file a presentation regarding the Wolf Creek Project cimulation project plans. Director of Public Works Hughes provided an overview of the Wolf Creek Specific Plan, as it has been presented to the City, relaying the traffic situations and concerns that have arisen with this project that were reviewed in the traffic study; via overheads, presented the site plan, inclusive of the park sites, residential areas, school sites, fire station, recreational facilities, and the commemial area; relayed that this project has been in the planning stages for approximately two years, noting the elements of the Specific Plan that have been thoroughly analyzed by the Planning Department, as well as, the Public Works Department; advised that this plan was inclusive of various meritorious features, noting that the proposed Iobp road would have wide boulevard parkways with separated trails for pedestrian access; relayed that the primary concern with staff with this project was the impact that the project would have with respect to the City streets; noted that this project has been conditioned to widen Pala Road to four lanes prior to the issuance of any building permits, relaying that at a certain threshold in the development Pala Road would be widened to six lanes from Via Gilberto to Highway 79; advised that the traffic studies indicated that with the improvements to Pala Road, as well as, the improvement to Loma Linda Road and Wolf Valley Road that the project would mitigate its traffic impacts to this area; noted that the project was conditioned to make the applicant responsible for all the infrastructure in phasing with the development or there was an option to negotiate and enter into an agreement with the City to form a Community Facility District where the City would have the control of completing the infrastructure for the project, at their cost, noting that it was expected that the Pechangas would participate in these costs; relayed that for the most part, staff was of the opinion that this was a great project plan, noting that the commercial components would aid in relieving traffic on Highway 79, and Pala Road, advising that with the proposed components of this project that there would be a net benefit to the traffic circulation; relayed that at this point in time the project had been reviewed by the Planning Commission at three meetings, noting that the Planning Commission had denied the project and would be reviewing the resolutions of denial at the next Planning Commission meeting; and relayed that staff was uncertain what the final outcome of this project would be, noting the efforts of the applicant and staff with respect to the project plan, advising that the City had been looking forward to gaining the positive components of this project. Director of Public Works Hughes provided ~dditional information regarding the interior loop roa.d, noting that there has been a great deal of discussion regarding whether Pala Road should be improved to six lanes to Fairview Avenue, noting that at this time the project was conditioned to widen Pala Road to six lanes to Via Gilberto, and to four lanes from that point, south, which was consistent with the City's General Plan and Circulation Element; relayed that the interior loop road would aid in reducing traffic on Pala Road; noted that an alternate concern expressed by various residents was that this project should have its own separate route rather than utilizing Pala Road, providing additional information regarding the development of a new connection, advising that staff was of the opinion that the most proper condition would be to have Pala Road built out to its planned roadway width (to six lanes); with respect to the traffic study and analysis, relayed that once this project was built out with the improvements, it was indicated that the service levels of the intersections along Pala Road and Highway 79 would continue to operate at Level of Service (LOS) "D," or better; and noted the original proposal to have a high school site in this project, relaying that the high school site has been relocated further to the south on the alternate side of Fairview Avenue, noting that ultimately there would be an alternate access point to the southern portion of the project at Fairview Avenue which would ultimately connect to the extension of Redhawk Parkway and Butterfield Stage Road at a future date, relaying that the primary access to the school would be this particular reute. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the location of an additional extension road had not been determined at this point in time, noting that there have been discussions with the Pechangas, confirming that this extension road was part of the City's Circulation Element in order to provide a connection to Highway 79 at some point in the future. In response to Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that the trigger for the street improvements was that prior to this issuance of any building permits, Pala Road would have to be widened from Wolf Valley Road to Clubhouse, providing further information regarding the condition to build Pala Road to six lanes at a certain point in the construction process; with respect to grading, noted the mandates in place with regard to dust control and keeping the streets clean; and relayed that since the primary concern regarding traffic was on the weekends, and at peak hours, that if there were to be hauling reutes for this project, staff would require the hauling times to not impact these peak periods. Chairman Connerton noted that at an alternate sites in the City (i.e., at the construction project located off of Ynez Road), hauling trucks impacted the traffic substantially. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that in the Wolf Creek Project it was fully expected that the four lane improvement to Pala Road would be completed prior to any other work being initiated, advising that the City could not condition the project with respect to this timing without revising the City Ordinances. Chairman Connerton relayed concern with respect to Loma Linda Road being utilized for cut-through traffic at a future point in time. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that there would be minimal increases on the streets in that area, advising that this project would most likely relieve some traffic movements on Via Cordoba and Loma Linda Road due to the Wolf Creek and Rainbow subdivision residents doing their shopping at the proposed commercial area; noted that overall, there would be some increases in traffic, and some reductions, as well, noting that the net difference would not be substantial; and relayed that the total anticipated increase of traffic on Pala Road would be approximately 18,000 new trips. Chairman Conner'ton relayed concern with respect to the casino project, and its impact to this area. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the traffic analysis did not identify any major impacts as a result of the Pala casino operation, noting that the attractors to this site would most likely utilize the freeway, primarily. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the existing traffic signals were located at Rainbow Canyon, and at the casino entrance; noted that there was a City proposed signal at PalaNVolf Valley Roads, relaying that the signals at the Loop Road A on the north and south sides of the project would be required to be installed, as well as, the Loma Linda Road signal, and the Loop Road/Wolf Valley Road signal; and relayed that, additionally, there were off-site signals conditioned to be installed, if warranted. In response to Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that Loma Linda Road and Wolf Valley Road were warranted signals at this time, relaying that the signal at Via Consuelo was not warranted, and would most likely not be warranted at any time in the near future without this project; and advised that Via Consuelo intersection had a LOS A without a traffic signal at this time, noting that the LOS took into account average delays at peak times. Chairman Connerton relayed that the previous comments encompassed his concerns with regard to this project, noting his primary concern was with respect to the potential grading and hauling associated with this project, advising that if there were designated lanes for truck travel until such time as it became necessary to enter the left-turn lane that this would ease the traffic impacts. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff would take these comments into consideration. In response to Commissioner Lanier's queries, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that at this particular point in time, staff was comfortable with the authority and jurisdiction over these projects; provided an overview of the layout of the streets within the planning areas of the Wolf Creek Project, noting that there were no houses proposed on the loop road, or the local collector roads, advising that the houses would solely be constructed on the cul-de-sacs or on short segment streets which are feeding the cul-de- sacs; and noted staff's efforts to proactively minimize neighborhood traffic impacts in the planning stages. For informational purposes, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that with respect to the Wolf Creek Project, as well as the upcoming Lennar Project, that there was a desire of the Planning Commission as well as various Councilmembers to implement narrower streets in these Specific Plans; and noted that staff has been opposing the recommendation due to the negative impacts with respect to the local circulation and fire access issues. Commissioner Edwards noted the negative impact of on-street parking with the implementation of narrower streets. In response to Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that traffic from this area would be attracted to Highway 79, providing additional information regarding the circulation plan; and advised that the applicant for this particular project has been extremely accommodating with respect to the concerns of staff. In response to Commissioner Katan's queries, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that he was in the process of preparing a presentation to be presented to the City Council regarding implementation of narrower streets, noting that he could bring this issue before the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for review prior to presentation to the City Council. Director of Public Works Hughes, additionally noted the Planning Commission's desire to implement parkways with trees between the sidewalk and the street, advising that staff was opposed to this element being installed along single family residential streets, but not along the major parkways or in the commemial areas; noted the negative impacts with respect to maintenance issues and liability issues if this element was implemented in the residential areas; advised that staff was not opposed to the implementation of the parkways as long as there was a uniform HOA that would maintain this area; and relayed that the costs associated with the maintenance to address the negative impacts on one tree at one house could be approximately $2200-3500. Additional discussion ensued regarding the implementation of installing parkways between the sidewalks and the streets, specifically, the high costs associated with this issue. Since this agenda item required no formal action, the Commission moved on to consider the next agenda matter. 4. Commission Meetin,q Schedule - November and December of 2000 RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission direct the Secretary to cancel and/or reschedule the regular meetings for November and December of 2000, and to perform the appropriate posting and noticing requirements per the Government Code. Associate Engineer Gonzales provided the rationale for the recommendation to cancel or reschedule the November and December meetings. In response to Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the issues that the City Council requested the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to review could be agendized for the November 16th Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting. For Chairman Connerton, Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that with respect to installing a crosswalk at Roripaugh Road, that if there were not warrants to place a signal at this location, that the School District would have to hire a crossing guard if a crosswalk was installed at this location, advising that sta. ff would have discussions with the School District with respect to this matter; and relayed that staff would make efforts to place this issue on the November 16th agenda. Discussion ensued regarding agendizing the issue regarding the Drive 25, Keep Kids Alive Program, per Commissioner Edwards's request. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to direct the Secretary to schedule the Public/Traffic Safety Commission meetings for November and December, as follows: November 16, 2000, and December 14, 2000. Commissioner Katan seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT No input. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Battalion Chief Ritchey provided an overview of the 551 calls that the Fire Department responded to in the City of Temecula during the month of September; and for Chairman Connerton, relayed that AMR was meeting the five-minute response time forty-one percent (41%) of the time. COMMISSION REPORTS In response to Commissioner Lanier's queries, Officer Nelson relayed that he would provide information regarding the upcoming checkpoints to the Commissioners. Noting that his appointment to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission was about to term, and that he was up for reappointment, Commissioner Lanier commended the excellent work of Facility Maintenance Coordinator Kanigowski, Administrative Secretary Pyle, Minute Clerk Hansen, Director of Public Works Hughes, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, the Police and Fire personnel, Associate Engineer Gonzales, Senior Engineer Moghadam, and his fellow Commissioners, noting that he would consider it an honor to serve again; and relayed that his goal to make an impact in the community had been fulfilled, noting his hope of being re-appointed. Commissioner Edwards noted that there was a large pothole on North General Kearny just past the dip, acknowledging that this was on County property. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that he would call the County, providing additional information. Noting that an item of discussion at the recent School District Transportation Committee was to investigate the feasibility of a signal at Nicolas Road/North General Kearny Road, Commissioner Katan relayed that this matter would most likely be agendized; noted that an alternate issue of discussion was the fact that in most alternate cities, the city paid for the crossing guards. 9 R:~trafficrninut es\l 01200 in response, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that this was not the case in the majority of cities, noting that there were some cities which did, and others who shared the cost with the School District, relaying that there was no mandate that the City provide crossing guards, advising that it was the School District's responsibility to ensure that children get to and from school safely; relayed that if the School District would fund the bussing of all the children in the City, he would be willing to suggest to the City Council that the City pay for crossing guards; and noted that the City would most likely have to hire a full-time staff member if the City were to take on the responsibility of administrating the crossing guards within the City. In response to Commissioner Katan's queries, Associate Engineer Gonzales provided additional information regarding the criteria for qualifying to be a crossing guard, advising that the responsibility was solely designated for adults. Director of Public Works Hughes provided additional information regarding the City's diligent efforts to address the School District's needs. For Commissioner Katan, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that it would be a City Council decision whether the City would be willing to fund the costs associated with hiring crossing guards, recommending that an appropriate forum for requesting monetary assistance would be via the School District Subcommittee meetings. In order to clarify his request for traffic accident summaries, Chairman Connerton brought a sample of the type of report he would desire to have provided to the Commission. In response, Associate Engineer Gonzales provided additional information regarding the City's computer technology capabilities which was able to generate this type of data, noting that the information could be provided an a monthly or a quarterly basis, advising that the City has been experiencing computer difficulties recently. After additional discussion, it was the consensus 'of the Commission that the data be provided on a monthly basis. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the flashing lights proximate to Temecula Valley High School would be replaced when the parts were received, noting that they were on order. Chairman Connerton relayed that at the four-way stop sign intersections in the City, specifically, the locations proximate to the school sites, drivers were not coming to a complete stop; and requested the Police Department to increase enforcement with respect to this issue. Advising that at the location of North General Kearny Road and Nicolas Road drivers were ignoring the crossing guard, and not stopping when the guard was in the crosswalk, Chairman Connerton requested increased enforcement with regard to this issue. Chairman Connerton request'agendizing this issue of adding an additional Police Officer or two for neighborhood enforcement, noting the success of the existing neighborhood Officer, relaying a desire for the Commission to review the matter and make a recommendation to the City Council. ADJOURNMENT At 8:26 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Chairman-D~r~ L Con~erton A~tminis~"b S~'F'~tary Anita Pyle