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HomeMy WebLinkAbout022802 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION FEBRUARY 28, 2002 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, February 28, 2002, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS Presentation of Certificate of Appointment for Commissioner Mark Wedel At this time, Minute Clerk Hansen swore in the newly appointed Public/Traffic Safety Commissioner, Dr. Mark Wedel; presented him with a Certificate of Appointment; and offered congratulations. FLAG SALUTE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Commissioner Connerton. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Connerton, Katan, Wedel, and Chairman Lanier. Absent: Commissioner Coe. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Sen[or Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Police Chief Domenoe, Police Lieutenant Pingel, Police Officer Nelson, Fire Captain McBride, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Sam Pratt, 40470 Brixton Cove, relayed that he was organizing a 4.6 K walk which would be held on Saturday, March 23rd at 9:00 A.M. beginning at Palomar Village Shopping Center (located at the corner of Rancho California/Margarita Roads) and continuing to City Hall; noted that the purpose of the walk was to promote community participation and awareness regarding traffic solutions (i.e., share-the-ride program, the importance of adherence to traffic laws, and public transit), relaying an emphasis on attaining a Level of Service (LOS) C at the City's intersections by 2003; and invited all to attend this event. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of January 24, 2002. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve Consent Calendar No. 1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Katan and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent and Commissioner Wedel who abstained. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Additional Police Officers/Stop Liqht Abuse Proqram (SLAP) RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission discuss the need for additional Police Officers and make a recommendation to City Council. Updating the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding the Stop Light Abuse Program (SLAP), Police Chief Domenoe advised that the citation count for the month of January was 144, relaying that during this period of time normal on-duty personnel was utilized as well as ovedime Officers stationed at key intersections. In light of Mayor Pro Tern Stone's request that Officers be stationed overtime to cite the plethora of red light violators, Chairman Lanier relayed that it was the Commission's desire to agendize this item to ensure that the Police Department had adequate means for effectively addressing this issue. Citing specific intersections where he was currently witnessing an abundance of red light violations, Commissioner Connerton advised that if additional Police personnel would more adequately address this problem, the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could make a recommendation to the City Council that there be consideration to increase the Police staff during the upcoming budget process. in response to Commissioner Connerton, Police Chief Domenoe relayed that while additional Officers would assist in the enforcement of SLAP, that most likely no matter how many Officers were deployed, violations would continue to occur when Officers were not present; advised that at this time he, and his staff, were in the process of determining the number of additional Police Officers needed, which would be requested during the budget cycle, noting the City Council's commitment to have one Officer per one thousand residents which will most likely serve as an impetus for adding Police personnel, relaying that subsequently the Police Department (as managers of the policing programs) would determine the deployment and focus of the additional Officers. Referencing the recent newspaper article regarding implementing SLAP and the associated deficient Police manpower issue, Commissioner Katan advised that it was the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's desire to support the addition of additional Police Officers and/or needed equipment based on a recommendation from the Police Department. In response, Police Chief Domenoe expressed appreciation for the Commission's supped. For Chairman Lanier, Officer Nelson provided an overview of the deployment of Police Officers which most effectively addressed SLAP enforcement, noting that the Officers moved from one intersection to the next; for Commissioner Connerton, relayed that the one Officer who was specifically designated for SLAP enforcement 30 hours a week was in addition to the standard Police enforcements; and provided additional information regarding the various types of Police enforcement conducted throughout the City. In response to Chairman Lanier, Police Chief Domenoe advised that most red light accidents occur mid-cycle; with respect to making a measurable impact, for Commissioner Wedel, noted that statistics have revealed that the issuance of citations was effective in addressing traffic matters; and provided additional information regarding accident rates which are determined via vehicle miles traveled, advising that while traffic has increased the accident rate has not significantly changed, specifying that the rates of injuries and fatalities have decreased, in part due to safer vehicles and roadways; for Commissioner Katan, noted that with the projected population growth the Police Department would add approximately four to five additional Officers in order to maintain the 1/1,000 ratio; advised that the number of SLAP citations issued from general enforcement varies from day to day; with respect to adequate Police coverage, provided information regarding the importance of the response time associated with calls for service (i.e., 9-1-1 calls) which at this time was satisfactory, advising that when additional Officers are added to staff, that there will be additional Officers dedicated to traffic, reiterating that traffic was a primary focus of the Police Department; and noted that 20% of the Officer-level personnel were dedicated to traffic issues at this time in the City of Temecula. In response to Commissioner Connerton's comments, Police Chief Domenoe reiterated gratitude for the Commission's support of the Police Department and any associated staffing issues. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to recommend to the City Council that there be efforts made to support the addition of Police Officers as recommended by the Police Department during the next budget cycle, and that if feasible, there be Officers added specifically for traffic purposes and in particular for Stop Light Abuse Program (SLAP) enforcement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Katan and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Cee who was absent. 3. Request for Multi-Way Stol~ Siclns - Alcoba Drive at Savona Street RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission: 1. Deny the request for installation of multi-way stop signs at the intersection of Alcoba Drive at Savona Street; and 2. Recommend the implementation of Stage 1 of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. R:~traffi cr~r~ut es\022802 3 Noting the request from a resident to investigate the feasibility of installing multi-way stop signs at Alcoba Drive/Savona Street, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the staff report (of record); apprised the Commission of the results of the analysis (collected over a seven-day period) inclusive of the evaluation of the number of accidents, volumes, speeds, and visibility issues (as per agenda material); described the road conditions at this particular location; advised that the criteria was not met to warrant the installation of a multi-way stop; clarified that the installation of a stop sign was an ineffective method of addressing speed; noted that it was staff's recommendation that Stage I of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program be implemented, that speed limit signs be installed, and that there be consideration to install signage denoting the cost of speed violations; and relayed that the City was in the process of budgeting and purchasing LED portable speed display signs, advising that this neighborhood, as well as other areas will be Placed on a list for future installation. Additional discussion ensued regarding the maximum cost for speed violations, which was denoted on signage to aid as a speed deterrent. Police Chief Domenoe relaying that the fines were set by the court. For Commissioner Wedel, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that implementation of Stage I of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program would encompass all three components (i.e., increased enforcement, use of the radar trailer, and installation of speed regulatory "Fines up to $281" signs); for Commissioner Katan, specified the differentials for warranting stop signs for stopping three to four legs of an intersection in comparison to stopping one approach of an intersection; advised that if it was the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's desire to recommend the installation of a stop sign for the purpose of stopping one approach at the intersection, staff would forward that recommendation to the City Council; and for Commissioner Connerton, confirmed that currently there was no stop sign at Alcoba Drive approaching Savona Street. Referencing Senior Engineer Moghadam's comments regarding residents having the perception that a stop sign would effectively reduce speeding, Commissioner Wedel noted the need for education within the community; and with respect to the denial language in staff's recommendation, noted his strong opposition to the phrase deny the request, suggesting that this language be replaced with the item will be continued in order to convey to the citizens that there will be follow-up regarding their concerns, relaying that the word deny implied that the residents' requests would not be processed. In response to Commissioner Wedel's comments, Commissioner Connerton provided additional information regarding staff's recommendations to deny requests which was based on analysis and policies, noting that the Public/l'raffic Safety Commission takes staff's recommendation under consideration and then takes action, clarifying that stafCs recommendation was not the final determination; and advised that this recommendation provided direction for the Commission. For Commissioner Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the potential liability issues associated with accidents occurring at a location where the City had installed an unwarranted stop sign. Concurring with the analysis presented by Senior Engineer Moghadam, Commissioner Katan noted the Iow volumes of traffic in this area; relayed his e-mail discussions with Mr. Kean (the resident desirous of the installation of stop signs to curb the speeding in his neighborhood); and supported staff's recommendation to implement Stage I of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program which was designed to reduce traffic speeds, additionally recommending that at a future point there be consideration to implement the Keep Kids Afive, Drive 25 Program. Apprising the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted his discussions with Mr. Kean, relaying that it was his understanding that Mr. Kean understood the rationale for staff's recommendation to deny the request to install an all- way stop, advising that information was also provided to him regarding the potential to have LED portable speed display signage installed in his neighborhood. MOTION: Commissioner Katan moved to approve staff's recommendation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connerton. (Ultimately this motion passed; see below.) Commissioner Connerton queried whether Commissioner Katan would support a recommendation to install one stop sign at the "T" of the intersection. In response, Commissioner Katan relayed that due to the clear visibility at the site in all directions, it was his opinion that the installation of a stop sign would not be necessary. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting approval of the motion with the exception of Commissioner Wedel who voted n_9o and Commissioner Coe who was absent, 4. Request for Parkincl Restrictions - Business park Drive and County Center Drive RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review the request for parking restrictions and provide direction to staff. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided an overview of the staff report (of record), highlighting the request from Mr. J. B. OIhasso that there be investigation regarding the feasibility of restricting parking on Business Park Drive, Equity Drive, and Ynez Road (north of Winchester Road) in order to create consistency with the existing CC&Rs which requires businesses to have adequate on-site parking; relayed the collision history of this area for a two-year period; noted that there were no site distance issues on any of these particular streets; relayed that approximately two years ago, the Public/Traffic Safety Commission reviewed on-street parking throughout the City which resulted in established restricted on-street parking on most of the major streets (i.e., Jefferson Avenue, Ynez Road, Margarita Road, Rancho California Road, and Winchester Road), advising that it was determined that for the smaller streets, restricted parking would be determined on a case-by-case basis; clarified that since there were no safety issues associated with the agenda item, staff did not have a strong recommendation for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission; noted the correspondences which staff received after the agenda report had been distributed which have been distributed to the Commission; with respect to Equity Drive and the truck parking that occurs on this street, advised that there was an existing ordinance restricting truck parking on any street within the City, noting that if the affected streets have signage installed this ordinance could be enforced, advising that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could determine whether or not to recommend the establishment of a truck parking restriction. R:\trafncrninutes\022802 5 Pastor Ron Alsobrooks, 26109 Ynez Road, relayed his concern regarding parking being prohibited on Ynez Road due to church patrons utilizing street parking on Wednesdays , from 7:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. and on Sunday mornings from 7:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Mr. Dale Wooding, 26040 Ynez Road, noted that while he was in favor of prohibiting vehicular parking, that he was not opposed to the on-street truck parking, advising that it was his understanding that a majority of these trucks were parked in this area in order to service Temecula businesses. For Commissioner Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that truck parking on Ynez Road could create a negative impact at a future point once the Harveston Development is constructed; and noted that there will be a park or open space between Equity Drive and the Harveston Project, advising that trucks parking on this street will not be visible to these particular residents. Chairman Lanier recommended that the request for these particular parking restrictions be denied and that parking restrictions be addressed on a case-by-case basis. MOTION: Commissioner Connedon moved to recommend that parking be restricted on Ynez Road from Winchester Road to Equity Drive. (Ultimately this motion was withdrawn; see below.) Director of Public Works Hughes advised that staff has been requested to postpone restricting parking on Ynez Road until the Harveston Project is constructed due to street parking being utilized in this area, in particular on Sundays; and noted that Ynez Road was not expected to be an open through street for three to four years; concurred with the recommendation to address parking restrictions on a case-by-case basis; and for Commissioner Connerton, relayed that restricting parking on the east side of Ynez Road would not be as great a burden as restricting both sides of the street. Senior Engineer Moghadam advising that drivers parking on the west side and then crossing the street may create an unsafe condition. At this time Commissioner Connerton withdrew his motion. In response to Mr. Wooding, Chairman Lanier advised that there were no locations in the City that allowed truck parking, noting that at a future point the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could agendize the issue of provision of a designated location for truck parking, clarifying that this agenda item did not encompass that concept. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to deny the request for parking restrictions and to recommend that future parking restriction issues be addressed on a case-by-case basis. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wedel and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent. 5. Keel~ Kids Alive Drive 25 Proqram RECOMMENDATION: 5.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive the report and provide direction to staff. Updating the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding the "Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25" (KKAD25) program, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (per agenda material), noting that at the December 14, 2000 meeting the Commission had approved staff's recommendation to pursue with the City Council implementation of KKAD25 as a Stage I traffic calming tool, advising that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission additionally directed staff to obtain additional information regarding the program prior to City Council presentation; noted that in October of 2001, staff attended a KKAD25 Seminar; advised that with respect to the four cities in San Diego County which have implemented the program it was indicated what while the program was a good public relations tool, there was not a significant reduction in speeding (per the City of Santee's study); advised that the symbol used on the signage was a concern of staff's which pictured children kicking a ball (similar to the Slow, Children At P/ay signs) and may provide the false perception that it is safe for children to play in the street; noted that the signage was not recognized as a Uniform Traffic Control Device; relayed that discussions ensued with Mr. Everson (the campaign's creator) as to whether the symbol on the signage could be revised to eliminate the false perception of safety, and that Mr. Everson had indicated that while an alternative would be explored, there may be trademark issues restricting modification of the symbol; noted recent e-mail correspondences with Mr. Everson, advising that currently there is no indication that the sign is going to be revised; reiterated that there is no evidence that the signage significantly slowed the traffic, providing additional information from alternate cities' analysis which revealed that the high speed drivers were not significantly affected by the signs; and advised that staff had additional concerns regarding potential liability issues associated with installation of the signs. In response to Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that while he was unsure of the availability of the LED portable speed display devices, staff was in the process of getting purchase orders, and that the City would most likely have the signs in approximately a month; and confirmed that the specifications of the signs were Caltrans approved. For Commissioner Wedel, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that the City of Oceanside's analysis which revealed a 16% reduction in speed was inconclusive due to the fact that it was unknown whether this reduction impacted the high or Iow spectrum of speeding; clarified that the studies conducted regarding the Slow, Children At Play signs (which denote a similar symbol of a child appearing to play in the street) revealed that that particular signage did not reduce vehicular speeds; opined that Mr. Everson's effective sales techniques most likely contributed to the fact that 80 cities had implemented the KKAD25 campaign; and noted that he was not convinced that the signage would have a significant positive impact if installed in the City. In response to Commissioner Wedel, Chairman Lanier advised that the original intent of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding this campaign was to utilize this tool as a neighborhood calming device. For informational purposes, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that he has received calls from residents requesting that these types of signs (depicting children at play in the street) be installed in their neighborhoods in order that their children could play in the streets, clarifying the public's false perception that with these signs the street is a safe place to play. MOTION: Commissioner Katan moved to recommend that the "Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25" program be placed on hold until the liability issues are resolved and the present symbol on the sign is modified, and that staff continue to pursue obtaining the LED portable speed display signs in order to provide the public with an additional option for traffic calming. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connerton and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was .absent. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT No additional comments. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT A. Distributing the monthly Police Depadmental report to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission (via supplemental agenda material), Police Chief Domenoe updated the Commission, relaying that Police Sergeant Steger has been reassigned and that Police Sergeant Lohman would be attending future Public/Traffic Safety Commission meetings after he recovers from upcoming surgery, noting that in the interim'period, Officer Nelson and Lieutenant Pingel would be available to address any traffic issues, as well as himself; and provided additional information regarding Police Sergeant Lohman's concepts for providing the public with additional information (i.e., consideration of arranging a cable program, newspaper columns written on a regular basis, and a Police Department website whereby the residents can e-mail their traffic concerns.) FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT A. Introducing himself to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, Fire Captain McBride noted that he would be the Fire Department representative serving at the Commission meetings. COMMISSION REPORTS A. In response to Commissioner Connerton's queries regarding the Red Light Camera Enforcement Project, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that a draft report will be finalized in approximately one month, and that at that time staff would request the consultant to provide a presentation to the Commission. B. Commissioner Katan commended staff for the expeditious installation of the restricted parking zone on Solana Way. C. Applauding Police and Fire Department staff for their diligent efforts, Chairman Lanier advised that the Old Town Rod Run event was a success. D. Reiterating his recommendation, Chairman Lanier suggested placing a safety tip in the Public Works newspaper article every two weeks, specifically recommending that in the next upcoming article that emergency numbers be provided for the public's information; that during the holiday season Fire Department safety tips be included (i.e., Christmas tree safety, not utilizing a barbeque for a home heating device); that during the summer season tips be placed in the article regarding the unsafe issue of children and animals being left in vehicles, and tips regarding water safety; and that there be mention of the Civilian Action Patrol (CAP) which conducts vacation checks, as well as checks on shut-ins. In response, Fire Captain McBride advised that the Fire Department would be willing to aid in providing fire safety tips. Director of Public Works Hughes recommended that any ideas for safety tips be e-mailed to him, or Senior Engineer Moghadam, and that efforts would be made to include the information in the Public Works newspaper article. E. For Chairman Lanier, Director of Public Works Hughes specified events where staff participates in reaching out to the public (i.e., the Safety Expositions, the occasional school groups touring the City facilities), additionally noting the staff hours spent with residents, listening to their concerns, and subsequently providing education and direction; and advised that proximate to City Hall's lobby door were brochures which addressed basic speed law requests, stop signs, and children-at-play-type issues, which were available to the public. ADJOURNMENT At 7:46 P.M. Chairman Lanier formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, March 28, 2002 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. ~irm a n~Scott Lanier minis ~e Se, pfetary Anita y e R:\trafficr~nutes\022802 9