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HomeMy WebLinkAbout111600 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, November 16, 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 Lanier. ROLLCALL 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 Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Scott Eggum, 41833 Carleton Way, noted his previous request relayed at the September 14, 2000 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting to have the Commission address the negative traffic impacts in the Promenade Housing tract; noted that at the October Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting which he was unable to attend (due to his daughter being in the hospital) that the Commission had denied a request for the closure of Winwood circle; clarified that the residents had been primarily interested in receiving a recommendation with respect to solutions to the traffic impacts in this area; queried whether the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could re-agendize this matter in order to consider feasible solutions; noted that his wife was involved in a near head-on collision in this area on November 15, 2000; specified the issues of concern, as follows: 1 ) that this particular area was being utilized for access for the Woodcrest tract, noting the narrow street widths, and 2) that there was concern regarding the speed of vehicles accessing the Margarita Road entry into the tract. For Mr. Eggum, Chairman Connerton relayed that the above-mentioned issues were addressed at the October Pbblic/Traffic Safety Commission meeting when this matter was agendized, advising that the Promenade housing tract was designed to be utilized for access for the adjacent tract development, relaying that the significant curves in the roads served as a traffic calming tool; and noted that during the discussion of the agenda items for tonight's meeting, alternate traffic solutions would be discussed. For Chairman Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the signage making drivers aware of the Margarita Road access into this tract would most likely be installed within a week's time period. In response to Mr. Eggum, Chairman Connedon relayed that this area does not warrant the installation of a stop sign; and noted that Mr. Eggum could obtain the minutes from the October meeting via the City's website, when available. (It was no~ed that the following comments by Mr. Wedel were actually heard after Agenda item No. I due to the confusion with respect to the request to speak form data.) Mr. Mark Wedel, 41522 Temeku Drive, provided additional information regarding the Temeku Drive area, noting the high speed of vehicles on this street; requested that the radar trailer be placed at this location; expressed gratitude to the Police Department for the increased enforcement (prior to Officer Hughes short leave to due a minor motor cycle accident), noting the effectiveness of his presence at the site; and for Commissioner Coe, noted that Officer Hughes was a tremendous asset with respect to improving community relations. For Mr. Wedel, Commissioner Edwards advised that Temeku Drive would most likely be positively effected when Meadows Parkway goes through. For Chairman Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio confirmed that he would place a radar trailer in this area; and relayed that the Police Department was in the process of purchasing technology that would enable the radar trailer to record the time and the speed of vehicles. COMMISSION BUSINESS 1. North General Kearny Road Traffic Concerns RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive the report and provide direction to staff. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided an overview of the staff report (of record), updating the Commission with respect to the Stage I implementation of the Traffic Calming Program in the North General Kearny Road area which consisted of installation of the radar trailer, enforcement, and a neighborhood meeting to discuss the issues of concern; relayed that on August 28, 2000 a neighborhood meeting was held, noting the topics of discussion, as follows: the feasibility of closing the street, installing stop signs at four locations on North General Kearny Road, and installation of signage denoting the fines for speed violations; advised that the signs (denoting the fines) were installed, noting that Police Sergeant DiMaggio could provide an update regarding the effectiveness of the signage; with respect to stop sign installations, relayed that none of the four intersections met the criteria warranting stop sign installation; provided additional information regarding stop signs that have been installed in alternate neighborhoods, noting the ineffectiveness of stop signs to slow speed; with respect to road closure, noted that this was not staff's recommendation and would mostly likely not be considered a viable solution by the residents or the City Council; and advised that staff recommended that continued enforcement be implemented to whatever extend feasible, as the effective solution to the traffic issues in this area, noting that eighty-five percent (85%) of the drivers in this area are driving at speeds of 32 MPH and below. For Commissioner Lanier, Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that Officer Hughes (the Neighborhood Enforcement Motor Officer) was out due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident for approximately a three-week period. Commissioner Coe queried the manner in which the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could reconcile the difference between the data in neighborhoods, which revealed that the speeding and volumes of vehicles were not significant impacts, and the residents' perception that these impacts were viable concerns. In response to Coe, Commissioner Edwards relayed that in the Via Cordoba area the residents residing proximate to the recently installed stop signs were of the opinion that the installations were effective, while the residents residing further distances from the stop signs viewed the installations as ineffective due to the drivers not slowing their speeds. Chairman Connerton reiterated that data has revealed that stop signs are ineffective at reducing speeds, providing additional information regarding the perception of residents. Senior Engineer Moghadam further commented, siting the Calle Medusa area where there were numerous stop signs, noting that at this time residents are requesting alternate solutions for traffic calming, advising that at a cedain point in time residents typically concur with the ineffectiveness of the stop signs to control speed. Commissioner Coe relayed that it would be beneficial if the public could be educated with respect to the ineffectiveness of stop signs to slow traffic speeds. Ms. Cindy Mathes, 39797 North General Kearny Road, relayed that the greatest negative impact with respect to traffic in this area was due to the school traffic; noted the residents futile efforts to have the School Principal distribute a letter regarding the traffic issues. For Ms. Mathes, Chairman Connerton relayed that if he was provided with a copy of the letter that he would address the issue with School Officials. Ms. Mathes relayed that the combination of the distribution of the letter, the installation of the signage denoting fines, and the increased enforcement would aid in addressing the traffic issues. For Ms. Mathes, Commissioner Edwards relayed that the Drive 25, Keep Kids Alive Program was still being investigated and would be addressed by the Public/Traffic Safety Commission at a future point in time.~ Chairman Connerton advised Ms. Mathes that she could call any of the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners with her concerns. R:\[rafficr~ nutes\l 11600 3 The Commission relayed closinq remarks, as follows: Referencing the recent seminar he attended, Commissioner Lanier advised that enforcement and education are the most effective tools for addressing residential traffic concerns; empathized with the residents on North General Kearny Road who have continually made efforts to have their concerns addressed, suggesting that at a future point in time when the Drive 25, Keep Kids Alive Program was implemented that this neighborhood would be an appropriate location to test the program. Concurring with Commissioner Lanier, Commissioner Edwards relayed that this location would be an ideal area for implementing the Drive 25, Keep Kids Alive Program when it was in place; reiterated the numerous implementations the City has installed in various locations that have been ineffective at slowing speeds (i.e., traffic circles, stop signs, speed undulations), concurring that enforcement was the most effective tool; and advised that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission should continue to recommend that additional Motor Officers be added to the Police Department. Commissioner Katan concurred that enforcement would be the most effective solution for this area. For Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that Stage II of the program included installation of traffic calming tools such as stop signs, and speed undulations; and noted that the Drive 25, Keep Kids Alive Program would be part of the Stage I Program. Director of Public Works Hughes advised that the data regarding the Keep Kids Alive Program would be presented to the Commission in December. Commissioner Coe referenced a newspaper article, noting that a Councilmember had recommended that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission be involved in neighborhood seminars and alternate local formats, concurring with the need in the community for education. Confirming that the City Council was in favor of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission becoming more involved in the community, Chairman Connerton noted that he had had discussions with a Councilmember; with respect to the North General Kearny Road area, recommended that enforcement in this area be increased, recommending that this body forward a recommendation to the City Council for the addition of three additional Neighborhood Motor Officers for residential enforcement only. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to recommend that the City Council consider the feasibility of adding three additional Motor Officers to the Police Department for the purpose of neighborhood enforcement. Commissioner Coe seconded the motion. (Ultimately this motion was amended; see page 5.) For Commissioner Lanier, Police Sergeant DiMaggio provided additional information regarding the existing Police Department staff, advising that with the addition of two Motor Officers and the addition of an additional Accident Investigation Vehicle that it would make it feasible to increase neighborhood enforcement. AMENDED MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to recommend that the City Council consider the feasibility of the addition of two Police Motor Officers, and the addition of an additional Accident Investigation Vehicle in order to effectively increase enforcement in the neighborhoods. Commissioner Coe seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 2. Request for Traffic Siqnal - Nicolas Road at North General Kearny Road RECOMMENDATION: That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny the request for installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Nicolas Road and North General Kearny Road. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record), highlighting the criteria, justifying placement of a traffic signal, relaying that none of the criteria at this location warrants the installation of a traffic signal. Chairman Connerton noted his disagreement with staff's recommendation to deny the request for a traffic signal at this location due to the traffic counts in excess of 5,000 trips within a short period of time (four hours); and provided additional information regarding the disregard of the stop sign at the school crossing area; and relayed that traffic would increase in this area when Meadows Parkway was opened. For Commissioner Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that this signal would be placed on the City's traffic signal priority list, confirming that at a future point traffic volumes on this street will increase, providing additional information regarding the intersections in this area which may be signalized at a future point in time; and for Chairman Connerton, clarified that the priority level of a signal would be established and then funding for those specific signals would be determined by the City Council. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to approve staff's recommendation to deny the request for installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Nicolas Road/North General Kearny Road. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioners Connerton and Katan who voted n._~o. 3. Request for Multi-Way Stop Controls - Nicolas Road at Roripau.qh Road RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny the request for Multi-Way Stop Controls at the intersection of Nicolas Road and Roripaugh Road. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided an overview of the staff report (via agenda material), highlighting the warrants for justifying Multi-Way Stop controls; advised that an important factor in the establishment of a Multi-Way Stop was for the traffic on both streets to be equal, or qear equal; noted the proximate safe signalized crossings in this area; and clarified that the criteria for this installation at this location has not been met. Additional discussion ensued regarding the location of school crossing guards. R:\trafficminutes\l 11600 5 Chairman Connerton clarified the rationale for requesting that this issue be agendized, noting that children are crossing in an unsafe manner in this area, and his desire to have additional information regarding the traffic counts. Commissioner Coe noted his reluctance to place unwarranted stop signs in the City, relaying some of the dangers associated with an unwarranted stop sign. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to approve staff's recommendation to deny the request for a Multi-Way Stop Control at this location. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motions. (Ultimately this motion passed; see below.) Commissioner Katan relayed the Commission's recent charge to recommend safe routes for children to access the school sites, noting that in his opinion a safe route was not being provided at this location; advised that children would not travel a long distance to cross at safer crossings; and relayed that this was an opportunity for the Commission to be proactive with respect to the children's safety. Commissioner Coe, echoed by Commissioner Edwards, noted the dangers of installing an unwarranted stop sign. Chairman Connerton specified that it was approximately 500 yards from Roripaugh Road to Winchester Road, as well as, to North General Kearny Road, advising that the children would utilize the shorter path; noted that the stop sign would provide the Police Department the ability to enforce vehictes stopping at this location; and recommended that the Commission discuss interim solutions until this stop sign was warranted, referencing the charge of the Commission to site safe routes to school for the children. Director of Public Works Hughes clarified that safe routes to the schools were addressed, advising that staff was not recommending that Roripaugh Road route be utilized as a safe pedestrian route; relayed that the warrant analysis included the proximity to the schools and the number of pedestrians, reiterating that this intersection did not warrant a Multi-Way Stop Control; acknowledging that the City could not control pedestrian patterns (whether one opts to cross at a less safe crossing), noted that it the City was to endorse the installation of stop signs at these numerous unwarranted locations, then the City would be contributing to the negative driver problems. Commissioner Edwards concurred with Director of Public Works Hughes, noting that with this installation, 10,000 vehicles would be required to stop at an intersection unnecessarily; and relayed that the Commission has provided the students with safe alternatives. Chairman Connerton relayed the benefits of reviewing this data. Commissioner Coe noted the importance of the community residents making wise choices to cross where it is safer, noting that the Commission could not legislate this concept. Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that this was one of the few intersections in the City which staff has not received any complaints. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting unanimous approval. 4. Signalized Intersection Enforcement RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive the report and provide direction to staff. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the City Council has requested that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review feasible options to minimize the red tight violations at the major City intersections; with respect the to Red Light Camera Enforcement program, noted that the City Council has budgeted to have a consultant hired to investigate the available options; provided additional information regarding the negative issues associated with the use of the Red Light Camera Enforcement in alternate cities, noting that staff would bring a report forward to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission at a future meeting; and relayed that if it was the desire for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to have alternate concepts investigated that staff would assist in that process. For Commissioner Coe, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the various options regarding the Red Light Camera Enforcement Program would be investigated by the consultant; and specified that there was a Red Light Camera located in the City of Indian Wells at Fred Waring Drive. In response to Commissioner Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that if the City opted to implement the Red Light Camera Program each movement monitored would necessitate the need for an additional camera. Commissioner Edwards noted that in her opinion the greatest impact needing to be addressed was the red light left turn violations. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the camera enforcement could be utilized for turning movement violations. For Commissioner Coe, Director of Public Works Hughes clarified the request of the City Council regarding this Agenda Item. For Commissioner Katan, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that approximately $35,000 was allocated for this particular study (i.e., Red Light Camera Survey). For Commissioner Katan, Police Sergeant DiMaggio ndted that one new motorcycle would cost approximately $12,500, relaying that the costs of the schooling to train an Officer would be $1500, noting that the Officer would need to outfitted with gear which would bring the total cost to approximately $20,000-25,000. Commissioner Katan queried whether the City could fund one additional Police motorcycle rather than one additional survey, noting that there was concurrence within the Commission that enforcement would be the most appropriate action with respect to red light violations. Chairman Connerton noted that the agenda material regarding this issue was extremely thorough, commending staff; relayed that this data served to answer questions that he had had; provided additional information regarding the automated enforcement issues associated with the Red Light Camera Enforcement program, and the data regarding the associated negative impacts of red light violations; recommended that there be an R:\traffic~nules\l I ~ 600 7 additional six-to-eight Officers brought in to the City of Temecula from time to time for targeting red light violations at major intersections for specified periods of time which would provide an immediate solution to the red light violations; recommended that concurrently, there be a community outreach program designed to educate the residents with regard to the serious negative impacts associated with running red lights; recommended that the study continue to determine the viability of the Red Light Camera Program, and that the data be presented to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission; and advised that during the 30-day warning period associated with the Red Light Camera Enforcement Program that the individuals who receive warnings be required to attend a traffic safety class. For Chairman Connedon, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that in four-to-five months the data would most likely be completed regarding the Red Light Camera Program. For Commissioner Edwards, Chairman Connerton relayed that the City Council has the ability to temporarily hire Police Officers for specified periods of time, noting his discussions with City and Police Officials; and advised that the fines for the red light violations cannot be increased, relaying that these fines are determined by the State. Director of Public Works Hughes noted that the red light violations were a problem nationwide, noting that the fines were not deterring the violations effectively; and advised that it may be a viable concept to make efforts to contact legislators requesting that the fines be increased. In response, Commissioner Coe relayed that there was not an adequate number of repeat violators for the higher fines to be effective; and relayed that enforcement was the greatest deterrent. Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that red light violation enforcement was one of the most dangerous tasks of the Police Department, providing additional information; and with respect to the concept of bringing in additional Officers from alternate cities, noted the issues associated with this recommendation (i.e., liability issues). Chairman Connerton commented on the charge of the Commission to make recommendations, noting that the City Council could make modifications. Commissioner Edwards recommended that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend increased enforcement and not specify the manner in which the increased enforcement was attained. For Commissioner Lanier, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that for court purposes it was preferred that the Officer visually see the red light that the violator passed through; and provided additional information regarding the negative issues associated with Reserve Officers viewing the violation and subsequently calling an alternate Officer to cite the violator. Commissioner Edwards concurred with Chairman Connerton's recommendation to increase enforcement and to continue the study associated with the Red Light Camera Enforcement. For Commissioner Edwards, Chairman Connerton relayed that individuals could relay their request that traffic fines be raised to their legislators. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that the Commission's desire for additional Officers could be relayed to Police Chief Domenoe for his recommendation as to an adequate enforcement plan. Chairman Connerton noted that the City Council desired a recommendation expeditiously. For Commissioner Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff could discuss the issue with Police Officials and still present the recommendation to the City Council in December. Chairman Connerton relayed that he recommended the addition of six-to-eight Officers as soon as possible, noting that ultimately the Officers would be needed for the Vail Ranch annexation. For Commissioner Coe, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the Red Light Camera Study would be conducted per City Council direction. Commissioner Coe relayed that it was his opinion that the Police Department Officials, with their expertise, should determine the number of Officers needed for increased red light enforcement. Director of Public Works Hughes reiterated the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's previous recommendation regarding Agenda Item No. 1 for the addition of Police Officers for neighborhood enforcement, noting that it may be the Commission's desire to have a percentage of these Officers' time spent on red light enforcement. Chairman Connerton relayed that the Commission had an oppodunity to make a recommendation at the request of the City Council, reiterating that the City Council could modify the recommendation. Commissioner Katan relayed that since the Public/Traffic Safety Commission was requested to provide a recommendation that it was his opinion that it should be specific and reflect the Commission's concept of a viable solution. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to recommend that the City Council consider the following: to hire additional Officers, as deemed necessary, to adequately mitigate red light violations; to investigate a protocol to increase the costs of traffic fines; to continue to investigate the feasibility of the Red Light Camera Enforcement Program; and to establish an outreach program to educate the public with respect to safety at intersections. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motion. (Ultimately this motion was amended; see page 10,) Commissioner Lanier noted that if the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommended a specified amount of additional Officers it would clarify the Commission's direction. For Coe, Commissioner Edwards provided avenues, which could be utilized, for the recommended community outreach program. Chairman Connerton noted that if the City Council app'roved the program the matter would most likely be directed to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for additional specificity. Director of Public Works Hughes offered that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could request that there be a budgeted item prepared for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to utilize for the outreach program. Chairman Connerton queried whether Commissioner Edwards desired to amend the motion to include the budget issue associated with the outreach program. AMENDED MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to recommend that the City Council consider the following: to hire additional Officers, as deemed necessary, to adequately mitigate red light violations; to investigate a protocol to increase the costs of traffic fines; to continue to investigate the feasibility of the Red Light Camera Enforcement Program; and to establish an outreach program to educate the public with respect to safety at intersections, and for the City Council to identify funding for such a program. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam noted the inclusion of the traffic count data on the City's major streets in comparison to the last three-year's counts at the same locations. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted the light phasing program in Mexico, noting the flashing light prior to phasing to the next color (i.e., flashing green light prior to phasing to a yellow light). In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided additional information regarding the likely ineffectiveness of the flashing lights, noting that he had no knowledge of any standards in the State of California regarding this implementation. For informational purposes, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the Police Department would be holding a DUI Checkpoint on November 17, 2000 at 7:00 P.M., noting that there would be red light enforcement between 4:30-7:00 P.M. Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that the City's Electric Light Parade would be held on December 1, 2000. Chairman Connedon relayed that the Promenade Mall's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony would be held on November 17, 2000; and noted that the City's Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Electric Light Parade would both be held on December 1st at different locations. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. R:\trafficmlnutes\111600 10 COMMISSION REPORTS For Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could be provided the current priority list of traffic signals. Commissioner Katan commended Mayor Pro Tem Comerchero and the RTA for the .25 fee for bus transportation for shopping during the Christmas season, recommending that efforts continue towards providing bussing for school transportation. Commissioner Katan noted that he attended the Community POP Team meeting, relaying that it was a well-attended, informative event. For informational purposes, Commissioner Lanier noted that he had attended the Police Department's Children Identification Program, which was held at the Home Depot site. With respect to the recent traffic workshop seminar he attended, Commissioner Lanier noted that it had been informational, relaying that a concept had been offered to utilize honor students at school pick-up and drop-off zones. Commissioner Edwards, echoed by Chairman Connerton, relayed that the Safety Exposition would be held this weekend at Chaparral High School, noting that there would be breakfast from 7:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. With respect to his past experience attending the traffic workshop seminars, Commissioner Coe noted the benefit to the City of Temecula in that there were still opportunities to make a positive impact with respect to traffic issues while in alternate cities it was too late to be as effective. For informational purposes, Commissioner Coe relayed that he would be involved in a musical drama held at the Temeku Hill Clubhouse on Friday, November 17th at 8:00 P.M. and on Sunday, November 20th at 2:00 P.M. With respect to the recent traffic seminar workshop, Chairman Connerton relayed that he had gained a plethora of information; and concurred with Commission Coe, that alternate cities were dealing with worsened traffic conditions. ADJOURNMENT At 8:25 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, December 14, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the Cit~kCouncil Chambers, 43200 Business Park ~ft~'i'~m;~(~ ~t~ell L. Connedon Ad~in~ S~etaw Anita Pyle R:\trafficminutes\l ~ 1600 11