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HomeMy WebLinkAbout100898 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OCTOBER 8, 1998 A regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission was called to order by Chairman Telesio on Thursday, October 8, 1998, at 5:57 P.M., at the City Hall Main Conference Room, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Markham Also present were Councilmember Karel Lindemans and Jeff Comerchero, Public Works Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam, Senior Planner Matthew Fagan, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, Police Sergeant Mark Damagio, Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle, and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley. Commissioner Johnson ted the flag salute. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of September 10, 1998 It was moved by Commission Perry, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to approve the Minutes of September 10, 1998. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None COMMISSIONERS: Markham ABSENT: 1 COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. General Plan Circulation Element Update Status Report Senior Planner Matthew Fagan reported the consultant had completed traffic counts in Temecula and Murrieta which will be utilized as a baseline, and refined goals and policies within the circulation element. All information will form traffic demand models which should be available for Committee review at the October 19, 1998 meeting. The Committee will be considering options/alternatives for Citywide traffic issues. Mr. Fagan will have a report to this Commission in about two (2) months for review and comment. I r:[ttaffic\cotmnissnXaninutes\98\ lO0898/ajp Commissioner Cee asked if a realistic circulation plan would include both Murrieta and Temecula. Mr. Fagan stated it is recognized both Cities are affected by each other as well as Riverside County and the Pechanga Casino, and the Committee will be soliciting information from the Riverside County and the Pechanga Casino so circulation can be studied on a regional basis. Commissioner Cee asked if communication has improved with the City of Murrieta. Mr. Fagan replied the City is represented on the Committee. He mentioned there have been discussions with Murrieta regarding Diaz Road, the widening of Jefferson Avenue, overcrossings north of Winchester Road, etc. and the hard data being developed may help regarding improvements that need to be in place. Chairman Telesio questioned Caltrans representation on the Committee. Mr. Fagan stated at this point, Caltrans is not involved, but the Committee is aware of Caltrans' position on 1-15 and Hwy 79 and has an understanding of their desires and the limitations which they have placed on the City. Commissioner Perry stated a Caltrans representative at the meetings might be more sympathetic regarding solutions which are outside their standards. Mr. Fagan said he would take the suggestion to the Steering Committee and mention that a Caltrans representative would be helpful when the Committee looks at alternatives. Request for Installation of Traffic Signal - Margarita Road at Stonewood Road Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report. Jade Davis, 29160 Stonewood Road, Apt. 13, supported a traffic signal for the safety of children and to ease a left-turn offer Stonewood Road Brenda Williamson, 29160 Stonewood Road, Apt. 12, stated she would like to see a signal installed sooner than five (5) years. Roger English, 29683 Stonewood Road, presented letters from Howard and Karen Northrup, Jim and Jeanette Cunningham and Janette Hawley, supporting installation of a traffic signal. He stated his support of the traffic signal and urged its installation sooner than five (5) years. Commissioner Cee asked if the signal is included in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), would it be five (5) years before installation. Mr. Moghadam stated the City Council considers all signal requests for a five (5) year period and then prioritizes the projects. Commissioner Johnson commented traffic should slow down in that area due to the recently installed flashing beacon at the nearby school. Mr. Moghadam informed the Commissioners that a Planning Commissioner suggested to Public Works Director Kicak, a signal be installed at the crosswalk at the new playground on Margarita Park between Moraga Road and Stonewood Road. Chairman Telesio mentioned there is a crosswalk at the corner of Moraga Road and Margarita Road. 2 r:\lxaffic\commissnhninut~\98\100898/ajp It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to recommend the City Council consider installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Margarita Road and Stonewood Road in the five (5) year Capital Improvement Budget. Commissioner Johnson asked to amend the motion by adding "the location be placed on the priority list and moved as traffic conditions warrant." The amendment was agreed to by Commissioners Coe and Perry. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: l COMMISSIONERS: Markham 4. Request to Reduce Posted Speed Limit - Cabrillo Avenue Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Coe thanked staff for bringing the issue back to the Commission as requested. Commissioner Perry asked if there was any cut-through traffic and Mr. Moghadam replied there was no cut-through traffic. It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to deny the request to reduce the existing posted speed limit on Cabrillo Avenue between Vallejo Avenue and Jedediah Smith Road. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: I COMMISSIONERS: Markham 5. Traffic Circulation - Old Town Area Councilmember Karel Lindemans stated it was not his intention to have the one-way street issue in Old Town decided before November 15; but he does think one-way traffic would enhance Old Town. 5.1 Recommending the City Council amend Section 10.20.070 of the Temecula Municipal Code to include Front Street between Rancho California Road and Santiago Road in the streets restricted to vehicles not to exceed a maximum gross weight of six (6) thousand pounds. Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Johnson asked Sgt. Crisp if there would he problems enforcing a gross weight limitation. Sgt. Crisp replied it would be an enforcement problem. 3 Commissioner Telesio suggested a height limitation should be established with warning signs installed because of the archway entrance to Old Town. Mr. Moghadam stated there will be signs detailing height restrictions. Commissioner Perry stated at 8,000 pounds, pickups, sport utility vehicles and vans will be eliminated. Commissioner Coe asked Sgt. Crisp for his weight recommendation. Sgt. Crisp replied 13 to 14,000 pounds. Ron Walton, 28495 Front Street,.stated semi-trucks make daily deliveries to his restaurant and to other businesses in the area and there are very few semis trucks that travel through. Commissioner Perry suggested a 10,000 gross pound limitation, as Old Town emerges as a tourist destination, there will be a limited number of trucks using Front Street as a thoroughfare. Ed Dool, Temecula Stage Stop located on 6th and Front Streets, supported the 10,000-pound limitation with an exemption for commercial vehicles coming in to serve businesses. Chairman Telesio stated the exception is in the present ordinance. Costas St. John, 28690 Front Street, suggested adding vehicle length and height to the ordinance and signs placed at both ends of Old Town. David Lewis, 28561 Front Street, suggested limiting daytime deliveries in order to keep the streets open to pedestrians. Audrey Hicks, 28635 Front St., #B, raised the problem of trucks parking overnight and longer at Sam Hicks Park. Mr. Moghadam stated that issue is being looked into and will be on a future agenda. It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to recommend the City Council amend Section 10.20.070 of the Temecula Municipal Code to designate Front Street between Rancho California Road and Santiago Road restricted to vehicles not to exceed a maximum gross weight of ten thousand pounds. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Markham 5.2 Feasibility of establishing one-way streets and angle parking on Front Street between 6th Street and 2nd Street. Mr. Moghadam stated he had received a letter from Norman Kelley, former Caltrans District Director who stated diagonal parked cars will back up into traffic which then disrupts traffic and studies have shown this type of parking increases accidents. 4 r:\traffic\cornmissnhninutes\98\lOO8981ajp Commissioner Johnson asked about the street width. Mr. Moghadam stated it is 40 feet from tgp of rolled curb to curb. Commissioner Perry asked Sgt. Crisp if he was aware of any problems/accidents experienced by Lake Elsinore with their angle parking and Sgt. Cris. p stated he had no knowledge concerning Lake Elsinore's parking. Ed Dool, Temecula Stage Stop, 6th and Front Streets, stated he was in favor of one-way streets if Mercedes Street is improved, but is not in favor of angle parking because of street width. Commissioner Johnson asked if the buses have sufficient turning radius. Mr. Dool replied they did because the corners at the transportation center were designed for buses. Bonnie Reed, 42050 Main Street, stated one-way streets in a small town are confusing and frustrating for tourists and will create more traffic problems. She also stated she does not believe the families with small children on Mercedes Street are being considered. Audrey Hicks, 28635 Front Street, #B, said she did not favor one-way streets; and angle parking creates an eyesore and would be disruptive for the trolley and horse-drawn carriages. Ms. Hicks suggested re-examining this issue in a couple of years. Costas St. John, 28690 Front Street, stated a two-way Front Street gives businesses double exposure and it will cost a lot of money to improve Mercedes Street. David Lewis, Taos, 28561 Front Street, mentioned Santa Monica took out one-way streets because businesses declined drastically. ~ He suggested making 2nd through 6th Streets one-way might improve traffic movement. Ron Walton, Texas Lil's, 28495 Front Street, suggested studying the one-way idea and maybe even trying one-way streets on a temporary basis with store signing at each corner of the southbound artery. He stated angle parking would be a traffic hazard. Councilmember Jeff Comerchero stated effort is underway to have parking lots at 6th Street, 2nd Street and behind the Stampede which will improve Old Town parking. Lou Kashmere, 29115 Front Street, advocated having more parking in front of businesses, and one-way streets will create faster moving traffic and accidents. It is his opinion the City should buy property behind the buildings on the east side of Front Street for parking. Commissioner Johnson stated the one-way street issue should be considered by the Circulation Element Update Steering Committee because it would mean a major modification of Santiago Road and Front Street. Commissioner Coe said he did not think angle parking would work and suggested a minimum six-month wait after current construction is completed before making any recommendation. Chairman Telesio stated angle parking is not needed, and does not believe one-way streets will work because of street width and the overall Old Town environment. He remarked the issue might be revisited when Mercedes Street is commercially developed. 5 r:\traffic\conunlssn~nlnute~\98~ lO0898/ajp Commissioner Perry stated angle parking does not have any real benefits, but one-way streets should be seriously considered and suggested Front Street be northbound to eliminate rush- hour traffic. 5.3 All-Way Stop" installation on Front Street at 2nd Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street and 5th Street Commissioner Coe stated this item is premature and should be discussed after the current project is completed. Commissioner Johnson said the issue should be left to the Circulation Update Committee. He mentioned the 6th Street "Stop" has created back-ups, especially during peak hours. Chairman Telesio stated it was his opinion that a tourist area should not have any more restrictions than absolutely necessary. Ron Walton, 28495 Front Street, favored "Stop" signs at Main Street and 5th Street for visual exposure and to eliminate Front Street as a thoroughfare. David Lewis, 28561 Front Street, stated "Stop" signs at 5th and 6th Streets cause traffic to slow down and pedestrians can cross the street safely and speed bumps are not the answer. He mentioned he had given a petition signed by approximately 20 merchants to the City Council to have "Stop" signs installed. Bonnie Reed, 42050 Main Street, stated "Stop" signs are needed at least at every other block because turning is very difficult for side street traffic. - Ed Dool, Temecula Stage Stop located at 6th & Front Streets, spoke in favor of "Stop" signs in order to promote a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Chairman Telesio temporarily excused himself at 7:50 p.m. and Vice-Chairman Perry conducted the meeting. It was moved by Commission Perry, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to put this issue on the November 12, 1998 agenda as an action item. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Perry NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Markham, Telesio Commissioner Perry suggested staff look at alternative of "Stop" sign locations between 6th Street and Santiago Road rather than every road. Chairman Telesio recessed the meeting at 7:55 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m. 6 TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Chairman Telesio asked about the signal at Via Las Colinas. Mr. Moghadam replied he anticipates Caltrans approval in approximately three (3) weeks. Chairman Telesio inquired about the signal at Margarita Road and Pauba Road. Mr. Moghadam stated Public Works is working on signal design plans. Commissioner Johnson asked about the Solano Way /Margarita Road signal. Mr. Moghadam replied the signal should be installed within a month. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Sgt. Crisp introduced Sgt. Mark Damagio, a new addition to the Police Department and the third member of the Special Team. Sgt. Crisp stated patrolmen will be at the intersections of Front Street and Rancho California Road and Winchester Road and Jefferson Road again in a couple of weeks. Commissioner Johnson asked about any feedback on the flashing beacons at the schools. Sgt. Crisp replied a few positive telephone calls have been received. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No report given. COMMISSION REPORT Commissioner Perry stated the Commission needs to be watchful to make Ynez Road complete to four (4) lanes from Margarita Road to beyond Santiago Road. Commissioner Johnson stated there are serious traffic problems at Rancho California Road and Ynez Road because there are only two (2) eastbound lanes. Commissioner Coe mentioned the stacking problems on northbound left-turn lanes on Ynez Road at Winchester Road. Commissioner Coe questioned whether the school flashing beacons were installed at private schools. Mr. Moghadam replied flashing beacons were installed at public and private schools located on high traffic volume streets. Commissioner Coe suggested switching the 45 MPH speed limit sign with the School Zone sign on westbound Santiago Road to enhance school safety and to eliminate driver confusion. 7 r:gtraffic\commissn~nlnutcs\98\lOO898/ajp It was moved by Chairman Telesio, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 P.M. The motion carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday, November 12, 1998, at 6:00 P.M., Temecula City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. airman John H. Telesio ~Se~ary 8 r:\tra ffic\commlssnXa~xinutes\98 \ 100898/ajp