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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040998 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION APRIL 9, 1998 A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission was called to order on Thursday, April 9, 1998, 6:00 P.M., at the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairman Telesio called the meeting to order. PRESENT~ ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio COMMISSIONERS: Coe Also present were of Public Works Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, Assistant Engineer Hasib Baha, Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle, and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley. Commissioner Markham led the flag salute. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Telesio called for public comments on non-agenda items. Jim Caldwell, 30260 Cabrillo Avenue, asked the Commission to reduce the speed limit on Cabrillo Avenue to 25 MPH because of its narrow width, and restricted visibility at the intersection of E. Vallejo and Cabrillo Avenues. Commissioner Markham noted Cabrillo Avenue's speed limit was changed from 55 MPH to 35 MPH, which was according to the Vehicle Code, and Public Works had recently cleaned the culvert at Cabrillo Avenue and John Warner and is working to clean up silt in the area. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of March 12. 1998 It was moved by Commission Perry, seconded by Commissioner Markham to approve the Minutes of March 12, 1998. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONER: Coe pUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION ~P~ COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Reouest for Traffic Control Modifications - Los Ranchitos Community Commissioner Markham stepped down due to a conflict of interest, being a resident of Los Ranchitos and a member of the Los Ranchitos Homeowners Association. Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report. Donald Barker, 275 Centennial Way, Suite 208, Tustin, representing Hartzog & Crabill, Inc., stated in his traffic study for the Rancho Community Church improvements, the number of students projected for the Church expansion would increase traffic by approximately 580 vehicle trips per day. Approximately 23% of the Church's parishioners who turn west onto Vallejo Avenue would be affected by a right-turn only driveway, trips would be lengthened and the number of intersections crossed would be increased if La Paz is made a one-way street. Stanley Heaton, 42102 Elgin Court, representing Temecula Engineering Consultants, supported denial of an "Ali-Way Stop Sign" at Ynez Road and Jedediah Smith Road, establishing one-way streets and installing "No Left Turn" signs at the exit from Rancho Community Church on Vallejo Avenue. Mr. Heaton stated the traffic problems experienced in Los Ranchitos will minimize when Hwy 79(S) improvements are completed. James Beckley, 45560 Classic Way, representing Rancho Community Church, supported denial of the no left-turn from the Church and establishment of one-way streets as they would cause a hardship to parents bringing children to the church daycare and school, and handicapped parishioners. He stated traffic improvements are included with the expansion of the campus, to lessen the inconvenience for Church members and the neighborhood. Doug Johnson, 30175 Cabrillo Avenue, supported staff's recommendation on all four (4) issues. Pauline Nelson, 30033 DePortola Road, supported an "All-Way Stop" at Ynez Road and Jedediah Smith Road and reducing the speed limit to 35 MPH on Ynez Road between Santiago Road and Margarita Road. She expressed her appreciation for the recent culvert cleaning. Rebecca Weersing, 41775 Yorba Avenue, supported staff's recommendations, but believes an "Ali-Way Stop" at Ynez Road/DePortola Road and Jedediah Smith Road is a good idea. Jim Caldwell, 30260 Cabrillo Avenue, suggested a "Left-Turn" lane on Ynez Road, at Vallejo Avenue. Diane Oakden, 39671 Cedarwood Drive,' Murrieta, representing Sunshine Preschool and Rancho Community Christian School, supported staff's recommendations. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Carole Corazza, 44220 La Paz Street, thanked the Commission for the "Stop Sign" at La Paz and asked if speeds in the area have changed since the installation of the "Stop Sign". Mr. Moghadam replied there has not been any significant change in mid-block speeds. Ms. Corazza asked if a facility, such as a library, at Santiago and Ynez Roads, would require that a traffic survey be taken. Mr. Moghadam answered when there is a significant change, a survey would be conducted to determine if stop signs or lower speed limits are justified. She supported the "Stop Sign" at Jedediah Smith and Ynez Roads. Jack Williams, 41640 Y0rba Avenue, expressed his appreciation for the La Paz "Stop Sign" and supported staff's recommendations. James Dittman, 45330 Camino Monzon, representing Rancho Community Church, read a letter from Pastor Steve Struikman, who supported staff's recommendations. Mr. Dittman expressed his support of a "Stop Sign" at Ynez and Jedediah Smith Roads. Donald Coop, 41755 Rider Way, representing Rancho Community Church, expressed support for reducing the speed on Ynez Road and a "Stop Sign" at Ynez and Jedediah Smith Roads. Terry Gassoo, z14501 Verde Drive, expressed her support of reducing the speed limit on Ynez Road and having an "All-Way Stop" at Ynez and Jedediah Smith Roads. She suggested 35 MPH might be a safer speed limit for Ynez Road and proposed the church's ingress/egress needs be studied because their increased traffic impacts the people living near the church. Curt Carlson, 30230 DePortola Road, supported a four-way "Stop Sign" at Ynez and Jedediah Smith Roads, and reducing the speed limit. Victor Jones, 30655 DePortola, representing Los Ranchitos Homeowners Association, stated the Association had received the issues discussed tonight from various Los Ranchitos homeowners and the Association had wanted to meet with City and Church staffs to discuss the concerns and possible solutions prior to bringing the matter to the Commission. He requested the matter be kept open. Mr. Moghadam stated the report was sent to the Homeowners Association and this is the proper forum for a discussion. Commissioner Johnson noted traffic on both intersecting streets must meet warrants and asked about the number of accidents at Ynez and Jedediah Smith Roads. Sgt. Crisp stated he did not have any statistics with him. Commissioner Johnson pointed out an accident of less than $500, with no injury, is reported to DMV only and the City is not notified. He is concerned about the increase of traffic in the area and supported a 4- way "Stop Sign" at Ynez Road and Jedediah Smith Road. Commissioner Perry stated he drives the route several times a day and has not personally observed a problem accessing Ynez Road from Jedediah Smith Road. He noted Ynez Road is considered an arterial street, not a residential street and the City of Temecula receives federal and state funding for transportation projects. He expressed support of staff's recommendations. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Chairman Telesio stated warrants are guidelines only and the City Council has the option to designate a "Stop Sign" anywhere. He supported a "Stop Sign" at Ynez and Jedediah Smith Roads. Chairman Telesio remarked this is the correct forum for discussing the issues. He supported staff recommendations regarding the denial of a lower speed limit, the one-way streets and the no left-turn signs at Rancho Community Church. It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Chairman Telesio, to recommend the City Council approve the installation of an "Ali-Way Stop" at the intersection of Ynez Road and Jededia~ Smith Road and to deny the requests to reduced the posted speed limit to 35 MPH on Ynez Road between Santiago Road and Margarita Road, to establish La Paz Street as "One-Way" toward Hwy 79(S) and Jedediah Smith Road as "One-Way" toward Ynez Road and DePortola Road and to install "No Left-Turn" signs at the exit from Rancho Community Church on Vallejo Avenue. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Telesio NOES: I COMMISSIONERS: Perry ABSTAIN: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Markham ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr. Moghadam reported the Intelligent Traffic Management System's equipment is almost entirely connected and he. will provide a tour for the Commissioners in the near future. Mr. Moghadam asked the Commissioners for their input regarding the draft street sign standards. Commissioner Markham stated there should not be any variability regarding glued/painted letters, Commissioner Johnson noted reflectivity life and level as well as the life of the sign should be necessary specifications. Mr. Moghadam announced a joint City Council and Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting to be held June 16, 1998. Commissioner Markham suggested meeting in the Conference Room around a table would be a more productive setting than Council Chambers. Commissioner Markham requested a current list of signals and their priority, those under design, and in the CIP. Mr. Moghadam stated staff is working on the list and the only signal being recommended for the next fiscal year is one at Margarita and Pauba Roads, which will have the highest priority. Commissioner Markham asked if Commissioner Perry's letter to Councilmember Ford regarding pre-application or design review by this Commission could be agendized for the joint meeting as there are concerns about this Commission's review delaying the approval process. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Commissioner Johnson inquired about the time frame for the installation of the school flashing beacons. Mr. Moghadam answered bid solicitation approval is going before the City Council on April 28, 1998. Chairman Telesio asked about the Town Center situation. Mr. Moghadam stated since the cost of the improvements is more than $5,000, it will have to be budgeted in the next fiscal year. Commissioner Markham asked if the letter to the Town Center inquiring when they plan to proceed with on-site traffic improvements had been sent. Mr. Moghadam replied it had not. Commissioner Markham inquired about the status of the Via Las Colinas traffic signal. Mr. Moghadam stated it is in the first draft of design. Commissioner Perry asked that the Commissioners be notified if the June 16 joint meeting would be agendized. Commissioner Perry asked about the status of the Jefferson Avenue project. Mr. Moghadam answered the project is in the proposed budget for a design consultant and improvements. Commissioner Markham asked if the project was a Priority 1 in the next year's CIP and Mr. Moghadam answered the study is a number 1 Priority. Commissioner Perry questioned if the Overland Bridge was funded. Commissioner Markham mentioned the district had been transferred from the County to the City and the means for obtaining funding identified. There are major changes to Jefferson Avenue because part of the Overland Bridge construction effects the first six (6) driveways going north on Jefferson Avenue. Commissioner Markham asked if the Commission would have more input into the CIP than in the past. Mr. Moghadam stated he would make the CIP available to the Commission as soon as possible. Commissioner Markham stated the priority of a study of Los Ranchitos' overall circulation should be accelerated in the CIP as it is going to be a problem area until Hwy 79S is widened. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Chairman Telesio asked when accidents are reported. Sgt. Crisp explained a CSO usually investigates a non-injury accident, gives the involved parties the paperwork and a file number, and they have the option to file a report, and that information does not get transferred to the City; when the Police Department takes a report, it is sent to Sacramento and the City. Chairman Telesio inquired about traffic flow when a school bus is at the school curb loading children and the.flashing red lights are on. Sgt Crisp will investigated the matter and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Perry questioned the increase in hazardous cites. Sgt. Crisp explained it was the result of restructuring of the Police Department's enforcement. pUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Commissioner Perry noted he is receiving increasing complaints about parking violations in red and loading zones and fire lanes and asked staff to contact other cities to determine what is being done to curb these violations and any use of an enforcement group other than the Police Department. Sgt. Crisp mentioned some truckers rather pay the fine ($25) than look for another parking place. Mr. Moghadam will research the matter and report back to the Commission. No Report given Commissioner Markham reported a meeting of the General Plan Update Committee had not yet been scheduled, but the consultant, Wilbur Smith and Associates, was on board. Chairman Telesio mentioned the need for a signal at Wolf Valley and Pala Road. Commissioner Markham reported a signal at the entrance of the Casino should be in soon; a neighborhood request for a signal at Muirfield and Pala Road was denied; a developer request for one (1) at Loma Linda and Pala Road is under consideration. Commissioner Perry suggested asking,the Pechanga Tribe to participate in joint funding of a signal at Wolf Valley to exl~edite installation. Commissioner Markham stated the proper avenue would be to recommend the City Council request the City's ad hoc committee (Mayor Roberts and Councilmember Ford) to make the request. Commissioner Perry suggested a memo be written from the Commission to the City Council recommending such a request. Commissioner Markham asked to have the analysis of warrants at Loma Linda and Pala Road and Wolf Valley and Pala Road agendized, if the previous survey concluded warrants were not met. It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Markham, to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 PM. The motion carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday, May 14, 1998, at 6:00 P.M., Temecula City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. VChairman John H. Telesio