Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout091400 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, September 14, 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. ROLLCALL Present: Commissioners Coe, Katan, Lanier, and Chairman Connerton. Absent: Commissioner Edwards. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Police Officer Nelson, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Scott Eggum, 41833 Carleton Way, via an overhead map, presented the Commission with information regarding the heavy volumes and speeding in the Promenade housing tract, specifying the streets most heavily impacted; noted that the neighboring residential area was utilizing the Promenade tract as a cut-though route; and requested the Commission to address these concerns regarding the safety of the residents, and to provide the residents with a recommendation in order to create safer conditions. In response to Chairman Connerton's request, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that this issue could be agendized for the October 12, 2000 Public/Traffic Safety meeting. Commissioner Coe requested that staff obtain information regarding the Planning Commission's approval of the Promenade housing development with respect to the traffic circulation plan, reiterating the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's recommendation that prior to the Planning Commission approving developments, the . traffic circulation portion of the project should be presented to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for review and input. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that he would investigate obtaining data with respect to the approval of this circulation plan. For informational purposes, Chairman Connerton relayed that with respect to cut- through traffic, since these were City streets this impact could not be controlled, advising that the alternate issues would be addressed. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 1.2 Approve the Minutes of July 13, 2000. Approve the Minutes of July 27, 2000. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1.1, and 1.2. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Edwards who was absent. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. North General Kearny Road Neiqhborhood Meetinq Status Report RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file the status report on the North General Kearny Road Neighborhood Meeting. Director of Public Works Hughes presented the staff report (of record), noting that the City had held an informal meeting on August 28, 2000 with the North General Kearny Road residents to discuss the speeding impacts in the area; relayed that numerous suggestions for solutions were brought forward by the residents, listed as follows: enforcement at 25 MPH, education, residents listing violators via identifying license plate numbers, installation of stop signs or speed bumps, placement of signage reflecting Children at Play, closing the north end of the road; advised that there would be assurance that increased enforcement would be directed to this area; noted that there was additionally interest in working with the School District to distribute a flyer educating the parents with regard to the fact that North General Kearny Road was a residential street, reminding drivers to respect the property owners in the area when transporting their children to and from school; and relayed that staff would investigate the feasibility of installing signage denoting the fine for a speed violation. Chairman Connerton relayed that he had emphasized to the residents at the meeting that a joint effort was necessary between the City and the neighborhood residents in order to effectively address the negative impacts; reiterated the topics of discussion at the August 28, 2000 meeting; and advised that the most effective speed deterrent was enforcement. Ms. Cindy Mathes, 39797 North General Kearny Road, queried the rationale for the lack of enforcement in the area during the past months; thanked the Police Department for the increased enforcement during the last two days, confirming that when Police Officers were present, drivers were reducing their speeds, requesting that the enforcement be consistent to yield a long-term effective impact; and advised that the contacting School personnel had not been an effective tool for addressing the traffic. In response to Ms. Mathes' comments, Police Officer Nelson relayed that the Neighborhood Enfomement Program would address speeding impacts during school hours, as well as at alternate times of the day; and clarified that the neighborhood enforcement Officer was now working full time to address residential impacts. For Ms. Mathes, Chairman Connerton relayed that staff was in the process of investigating the feasibility of installing signage denoting the fine for speeding. Mr. Bob Lopshire, 40244 Atmore Court, commented on the concept of pursuing the program entitled Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25, noting that the City of Oceanside was currently utilizing this campaign, relaying additional information regarding the implementation of the program; read into the record a letter drafted by the PTA staff, for distribution, which addressed the need for cautious driving on North General Kearny Road, providing information regarding alternate travel routes; and relayed that after approval by the School District the letter would be distributed; and queried the Commission for input regarding the letter. For informational purposes, Ms. Mathes relayed that per earlier discussions with the Commissioner that Commissioner Edwards was in the process of obtaining additional data regarding the Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25 program. In response to Commissioner Katan's comments regarding the upcoming new development in this area and the potential for sidewalks which could create a feasible condition for the placement of crosswalks, Mr. Lopshire relayed that due to the developer's plan to pursue development of this property adjacent to the school, the property which had been utilized for parking (due to the past generosity of the property owner) was no longer available which was further impacting the traffic situation. In response to Mr. Lopshire's queries, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that the figure denoted in the letter referencing 1500 vehicular trips a day on North General Kearny Road was an accurate approximate figure. The Commission relayed that the draft letter was well written, advising that it should be effective, Chairman Connerton relaying that the PTA could consider forwarding the letter to the press. Ms. Carolyn E. Harrison, 30239 Silver Ridge Court, relayed her opposition to the request of residents to close off residential roads; and queried the rationale for not placing stop signs on North General Kearny Road to control speed. For Ms. Harrison, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided additional information regarding the ineffectiveness of stop signs to control speed (via the results of numerous traffic studies). Confirming the ineffectiveness of stop signs to control speed, Chairman Connerton provided further comments, reiterating that community involvement and increased enforcement were the only proven tools effective in reducing speeds in residential areas. Noting that this Agenda Item was a receive and file issue, Chairman Connerton recommended agendizing the issue to consider the feasibility of installing signage denoting fines for traffic violations, and to address the street closure issue in order for 3 R:~trafficr~nutes\091400 the Commission to make a recommendation to the City Council. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the issue could be agendized for a November Commission meeting. 3. Limit Line for Yellow Chan.qe Interval at SiRnalized Intersections RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review and provide input regarding limit line for yellow change interval at signalized intersections. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided an overview of the staff report (as per agenda material), relaying that this issue had been agendized due to a request from the Commission to review the feasibility of installing a limit line prior to signalized intersections in order to provide drivers an indication mark to determine whether or not a vehicle would have sufficient time to go through the intersection without violating the red light; noted that after additional research, staff noted that there were no other jurisdictions utilizing this type of application; and advised that the disadvantages of installing the application outweighed the benefits, reiterating that the application had not been utilized, noting the liability issues, and relaying the variables of the placement of the limit line associated with the speed and volume of traffic. The Commission concurred with staff's findings, Commissioner Coe commenting on the potential danger of additional rear-end type accidents with the use of the application. Additional discussion ensued regarding potential dangers associated with the use of this application. Chairman Connerton relayed that since this was a receive and file issue, no further action would be taken by the Commission. 4. Public/Traffic Safety Commission MeetinR Schedule Revision RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission consider the feasibility of holding one (1) regularly scheduled Commission meeting per month. Director of Public Works Hughes presented the staff report (of record), relaying the original rationale for the proposed schedule to hold two regularly scheduled monthly meetings for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, noting the selected short-term traffic circulation improvement projects that required immediate attention, advising that those particular projects have all been completed; relayed that due to the lack of current action items necessitating two monthly meetings, staff was requesting input from the Commission regarding holding one regularly scheduled meeting per month, noting that in staff's opinion the issues could be adequately served with one monthly meeting; and advised that numerous hours of staff time were expended each time a Commission meeting was scheduled. Chairman Connerton relayed that the Commission had made previous requests to review certain items (i.e., the review of tract maps), but that due to time constraints had been unable to do so; and noted that if the meetings were scheduled for twice a month, that a meeting could be cancelled more easily than scheduling an additional Special meeting. Relaying that he was not opposed to scheduling the meetings once a month, Commissioner Katan noted that the additional availability of the Commissioners could be utilized for Opportunities to hear public concerns and/or to attend scheduled neighborhood public meetings, advising that if a regular neighborhood forum was held the residential comments could be heard and addressed. Commissioner Coe advised that in his opinion this Commission has been grossly underutilized, noting that there were numerous issues related to traffic that required addressing; noted that residents consistently brought forward to the Commission concerns regarding developmental impacts (i.e., the public comments expressed at tonight's meeting), relaying that it would be beneficial for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to address these concerns prior to development, at which time traffic circulation impacts could be mitigated more effectively by the Commission. Commissioner Lanier concurred with maintaining the currently scheduled two monthly meetings, noting that if a second meeting was deemed unnecessary that it could be canceled, relaying hopes that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could be more effectively utilized. With respect to reviewing developmental projects prior to the Planning Commission's approval, Chairman Connerton relayed that the response to this request in the past by Deputy City Manager Thornhill had been that this review process was not required by Law and that the Planning Department would not recommend the additional review; and advised that in his opinion, it would be beneficial for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to proactively address the circulation issues in order to forward recommendations to the Planning Commission for its consideration. Commissioner Coe concurred with the need to address potential negative traffic impacts prior to development, siting current development projects in the approval process at this time; and noted his frustration with respect to continually attempting to mitigate traffic impacts "after the fact." Chairman Connerton concurred with the previous Commission comments, reiterating that this Commission was underutilized. In response to the Commission concerns, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that with respect to the Commission's desire for additional involvement in the planning process, that this suggestion had been previously explored, noting that it was not within the Pubtic Works Department's purview to grant this formal review process to the Commission; noted that for informational purposes, a courtesy review of the development plans could be presented to the Commission, relaying that the Commission comments could be considered for incorporation into the Public Works Department's' Conditions of Approval for the project, clarifying that there would be no official action taken by the Commission. 5 R:\trafficrnnutestO91400 Chairman Connerton advised that it would be beneficial to have an additional formal review of the developmental circulation plans, noting the benefits of a supplementary review by five additional individuals (i.e., the Commissioners). Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that protocol was received via the City Council with respect to the charges of the Planning Commission and the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, advising that staff could bring the request to the City Council for direction regarding the Commission's desire to review Land Use Plans, clarifying that at this time staff did not have the jurisdiction to grant the request; and for Chairman Connerton, relayed that the issue could potentially be presented to the City Council in October. Chairman Connerton clarified that it was not his intention to imply that the Public Works Department was not doing excellent work, noting the desire to simply address traffic impacts at an earlier stage; relayed that the public member who spoke during the comment period at tonight's meeting brought forward to the Commission a new development of residential housing with undersized streets. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes advised that to the best of his knowledge the development plan (the Promenade housing tract) that was discussed were plans that had been approved prior to the City's incorporation, clarifying the direction the Public Works Departmental staff provide during the review process. Chairman Connerton relayed that previously approved Subdivision Tract Maps could be reviewed prior to development if it was determined to be an outdated map or if it would create future safety impacts. For Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the Public Works Department thoroughly reviews the new development maps prior to approval. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that typically the majority of conditions placed on a project originated from the Public Works Department, advising that a Public Works Department staff member was always in attendance and available for input and questions at the Planning Commission meetings when the Commission reviewed projects; advised that when expansive project plans were presented to the Planning Commission, siting the Wolf Creek Project, that an extensive environmental review was conducted, relaying that approximately forty percent (40%) of the review regarding the Wolf Creek project was the review of traffic impacts inclusive of the impacts on the surrounding areas, relaying that the conditions on these type of projects were comprehensive. Chairman Connerton reiterated that the Public Traffic Safety Commission's comments regarding projects could be forwarded to the Planning Commission for its consideration. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to maintain the current meeting schedule until the first meeting in January, of 2001, when the issue could be brought back to the Commission. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Edwards who was absent. In response to Senior Engineer Moghadam, the Commission relayed that if staff found it necessary to cancel a meeting, the current process was satisfactory. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that there were new signals that have been recently energized in the City of Temecula. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Officer Nelson relayed that the Police Department would continue efforts of enforcement in the residential areas, noting that the use of radar trailers would also be implemented; with respect tot the North General Kearny Road area, advised that in a 16-day period of time, nine speeding violations had been issued, noting that at the next meeting additional data would be available due to the focus in this area. Chairman Connerton requested that the Police Department provide a report stating the number of citations issued and the location of the issuance, and an additional report denoting the number of accidents, and the locations of the accidents for the Commission's review. In response, Police Officer Nelson relayed that this information could be provided to the Commission. For Chairman Connerton, Police Officer Nelson ensured that data could be relayed to him regarding the next scheduled checkpoints. Commissioner Lanier relayed that the subsequent checkpoint would be held on September 22, 2000. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Chairman Connerton commended the Fire Department for their excellent work with respect to the recent fires. COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Lanier expressed gratitude to the Police Department, noting that he was able to obtain information requested by a community resident expeditiously due to the quick response to his queries from the Police Department. With respect to the traffic congestion surrounding the schools, Commissioner Katan commended the City Council and the School District for their efforts to meet together to address the impacts. Commission Katan noted that at the School District Transportation Committee meeting the question had arisen regarding whether it was possible to place a No Left Turn sign at the Margarita Middle School exit (exiting onto Margarita Road). Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the City had requested that a formal letter denoting the request be received from the School District's Transportation Department, advising that at that point the request would be investigated. Concurring with Commissioner Coe's comments regarding proactively addressing traffic safety issues, Commissioner Katan provided data to the Commission regarding Roundabouts (i.e., traffic circles), commenting on the informative data. 7 R:\trafficminu[es1091400 In response to Chairman Connerton, Commissioner Katan relayed that he was currently serving on the School District Transportation Committee. After Commissioner querying, Chairman Connerton relayed that it was the Commission's recommendation that in his service on the Committee, Commissioner Katan serve as the Public/Traffic Safety Commission liaison. Commissioner Katan queried the timing of the left-hand turn signal from Winchester Road to Margarita Road at the time period between 2:00-2:30 P.M., noting that it had been reported to him that the timing of the signal solely allows three-to-four vehicles to make a left turn which impacts traffic flow, noting that even when there were no individuals in the crosswalk the timing was minimal; and relayed that numerous drivers were running the red light which was further impacting traffic flow. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that he would investigate and provide an update at a subsequent meeting. Commissioner Katan queried whether staff could investigate avenues utilized by alternate cities, which address the public's use of cell phones while driving (i.e., educational programs regarding a hands-free use of cell phones). In response to Commissioner Coe's queries, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that in the five-year CIP there had been study funds identified for a potential location for a crossing between Highway 79 South and Pala Road; and noted that the priority process for categorizing projects in the CIP was determined by warrants which justify the rationale for the improvements. For Commissioner Coe, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that with respect to consideration to install signage denoting fines for traffic violations, that this matter was currently being investigated by staff. Commissioner Coe recommended that the issue of renaming Highway 79 South be agendized for a future meeting, relaying that currently there are no major roads named after the City of Temecula. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that it would most likely be more effective to petition the City as an individual for that name change; and in response to the request for additional information regarding the associated data, provided information regarding the approximate costs of the name change, the process, and the necessary approvals. After additional discussion it was determined that Commission Coe and Director of Public Works Hughes would further discuss this issue at an alternate time. For information purposes, Chairman Connerton relayed that the Border Control was holding a Citizen's Academy which would begin on October 4, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., meeting weekly for six weeks, noting the topics of discussion in order to develop awareness of the Border Control's authorities and activities. For the record, Commissioner Coe advised that in his opinion when the United States began dealing with the Mexican border in a similar manner as the Canadian border there would no longer need to be the border checkpoint. 8 R:\trafficmlnutes\091400 Chairman Connerton relayed that at numerous left-hand turn signals in the City of Temecula, drivers were turning on red lights, which was negatively affecting congestion (i.e., Rancho California Road, Ynez Road, and Winchester Road.) ADJOURNMENT At 7:48 P.M. Chairman Connedon formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, September 28, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Cha~rmar~Darrell L Connerton Adminis~' SeCtary Anita Pyle 9 R:\trafficminutes\091400