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HomeMy WebLinkAbout082202 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AUGUST 22, 2002 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:19 P.M., on Thursday, August 22, 2002, 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 Katan. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Connerton, Katan, *Wedel, and Chairman Lanier. Absent: Commissioner Coe. Also Present: Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Fire Captain McBride, Fire Apparatus Engineer/Paramedic Buckley, Police Chief Domenoe, Police Lieutenant Pingel, Police Sergeant Lohman, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (It is noted that Commissioner Wedel arrived at 6:21 P.M.) PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS Presentation by Fire Captain Fire Captain McBride - Fire Mappinq Program, Demonstration/History of Development It is noted that Commissioner Wedel arrived at 6:21 P.M. Fire Captain McBride relayed a brief history of the development of the Fire Mapping Program, highlighting the original concept to implement this program in Temecula Fire Department vehicles by Mayor Pro Tem Stone; provided additional information regarding the access to mapping, to permits, and to the internet with the program, and the future plan to utilize fire modeling analysis, and to operate a Reverse 9-1-1 System; and noted that the installation in the vehicles would be completed when a specialty bracket needed for mounting the systems was received. Via overheads, Fire Apparatus EngineedParamedic Buckley provided a demonstration of the mapping program, demonstrating the mapping system for residences, parcels, businesses, the access to emergency phone numbers for businesses, hydrant location, as well as floor plan information, and routing and directional mapping; noted the updating process, and the potential for clipboard use separate from the vehicle in order to better facilitate medical treatment; for Chairman Lanier, confirmed that the City of Temecuta had taken the lead in the County regarding implementing this type of program, Fire Captain McBride advising that no fire department in the State had a system as sophisticated as this particular program, and that the possibilities of access are near limitless with this program, including the potential in the future to be able to dial up a building's security camera in the event of a fire and see the fire inside. Commissioner Connerton commended Mayor Pro Tem Stone for his innovative recommendation, resulting in the expeditious installation of these systems in the Fire vehicles; and additionally relayed kudos to the Fire Department for its diligent efforts regarding this program. Fire Captain McBride noted gratitude to City staff, and in particular the Information Systems Department and the GIS Department for their great work associated with implementation of this program; and relayed that two of the units which currently have the mapping program would be out in front of City Hall after the meeting in order that the Commissioners could have the opportunity to observe how the program operates. Presentation by Police Chief Domenoe -- Meqan's Law Sex Offender Pin Maps Updating the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding Megan's Law, Police Chief Domenoe relayed that the City of Temecula now has an internet pin map accessible to the public on the City's website, noting that the mapping provides the general location of the residences of high-risk and serious registered sex offenders in the City of Temecula; via overheads, demonstrated the manner in which the information was accessed; clarified that not all of the registered sex offenders' crimes were related to rape or child molestation; advised that in order to obtain more specific information the public could access a Megan's Law Public Access Computer Program which would be installed in the Old Town Temecula Storefront Police Office in the near future; and relayed that the City of Temecula along with Riverside County participated in the Amber Alert System, and that three overhead sign boards would be placed on freeways in Riverside County. For Chairman Lanier, Police Chief Domenoe confirmed that the City of Temecula had 35 serious registered sex offenders and no high risk offenders; for Commissioner Katan, noted that in the near future the Police Department would most likely implement a laptop computer program for Police vehicles (similar to the previously presented program for the Fire Department) which could provide the Police with important information (i.e., the layout of a building, sex registrant information) via the GIS technology. Fire Captain McBride relayed that after the Temecula's Fire Department's program has been operational for a period of time, other agencies would also be implementing the computer technology informational programs; and for Commissioner Connerton, noted that the system currently has the capability for voice and handwritten recognition, and that ultimately the Fire vehicles will receive Fire address information digitally and the mapping will be provided when the call is sent through. Commissioner Connedon noted the benefits of the Policb Department having access to the computer program technology in Police vehicles for safety purposes. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of July 25, 2002. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Katan and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Request for Temporary On-Street Parking - Temeku Drive RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review a request to allow on- street parking along a portion of Temeku Drive and make a recommendation. Commissioner Wedel advised that he would be abstaining with regard to this item. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record), highlighting the request from the Temeku Hills Golf Club representatives for the issue of allowing temporary on-street parking along a portion of Temeku Drive to be re-evaluated due to construction activities; and provided an overview of the previous Public/Traffic Safety Commission discussions when this issue was agendized in September and October of 1999, advising that these meeting minutes were included in the agenda material. Addressing the queries of the Commission, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the following: That it was his understanding that the construction project would last approximately 30 days, and that it was scheduled to begin approximately at the end of August. That this was a unique situation in that the temporary on-street parking would only I~e permitted for a specific period of time during the construction process; That when this issue was previously addressed, the residents had been opposed to the on-street parking at that time due to concerns regarding removing the bike lanes, and the lack of visibility while exiting various residences if on-street parking were permitted; That while most of the on-street parking would occur in the evening, it would most likely also occur during the day; and That the width of the street was 44 feet. Addressing the Public/Traffic Safety Commission together regarding the request for temporary on-street parking, Mr. Craig Ballard and David Brennan, 41687 Temeku Drive, relayed the following: Clarified the rationale for the request, noting that the construction which would be taking place at the Temeku Hills Clubhouse encompassed expanding the parking lot in two phases, each of which would take approximately two weeks, ergo the request for temporary on-street parking while parking stalls would temporarily not be available for use during this construction period; That during this construction period, additional parking would be needed on approximately 20 of the 30 construction days based on the scheduled events; That it would be their desire that parking be allowed on both sides of the street during the construction period; Reiterated the anticipated timing of the project (30 days), as well as relaying the specific project plan (which encompassed removing the landscaped planters located in the parking area to allow for additional room for additional parking stalls); That the project was expected to begin in the middle of September; That if the temporary on-street parking was not approved, vehicles would most likely be parked in the two proximate cul-de-sacs; That there was no proximate undeveloped parcel which could be utilized for temporary parking; and That the additional 26 permanent parking spaces added during the expansion would be beneficial long term. Commissioner Connerton noted that when this issue was addressed in 1999, it was recommended that the developer be contacted and that a satellite parking system be developed due to the inadequate parking facilities on site, specifically noting that it was recommended that the parking area be set up on Royal Birkdale Drive which was Open SPace. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Ballard and Mr. Brennan relayed that there was no Open Space at this time. Commissioner Connedon relayed his comments regarding the request for temporary on- street parking, as follows: That if there were parking permitted on both sides of the street it should be staggered in order to allow enough space for cars to pull over for emergency vehicles; That an encroachment permit should be issued and that there be a designated amount of time for the allowance of on-street parking; and That if the temporary on-street parking causes significant negative impacts that it then be disallowed. Commissioner Katan relayed his comments regarding the requirement for temporary on- street parking, as follows: That he could support temporary on-street parking for a period of 30 days; and That it might be prudent to require additional safety patrol officers be added to aid in directing traffic during special events. For Commissioner Katan, Mr. Ballard and Mr. Brennan relayed that when big events were scheduled it was mandatory that the group provided valet service; and advised, for Commissioner Connerton, that the service could be directed regarding where and how the cars were to be parked on the street. Chairman Lanier, echoed by Commissioner Connerton, commented that the homeowners as well as the Homeowners Association in this area had inherited problems from the developer. Due to the potential for time overlap during the construction process, Chairman Lanier recommended that the parking be permitted for more than a 30-day period. Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that an encroachment permit could address the details regarding the temporary permitted on-street parking (e.g., a requirement for a traffic control plan which would include signage stating that bicycle lanes and golf lanes were closed for a period of time), additionally advising that since this was a request for temporary on-street parking it was his understanding that it would not need to go before the City Council. Fire Captain McBride advised that with a 44-foot street width (without a median) the Fire Department standards allow parking on both sides of the street. For clarification, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that on-street parking would not continue to the area where the median is located. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve on-street parking temporarily on a portion Temeku Drive subject to staff preparing an encroachment permit, limiting the parking to a 45-.day period; that there be traffic control included, and that the on-street permitted parking not continue into the portion of the street where the median was located. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Katan and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Wedel who abstained and Commissioner Coe who was absent. 3. Request for Pedestrian CrossinR - Meadows Parkway RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission consider the installation of pedestrian warning signs and flashing beacons on Meadows Parkway in the vicinity of Via Reina and Corte Florecita. Chairman Lanier advised that he would be abstaining from this item, ergo Vice Chairman Connerton presided during the consideration of this issue. Presenting the staff report (per agenda material), Senior Engineer Moghadam noted the request staff received to consider various alternatives to improve the safety of pedestrians that cross Meadows Parkway; relayed a detailed overview of staff's analysis of the recommended options to address pedestrian crossing safety in this particular area which included evaluating the following: the establishment of a school area prima facie speed limit of 25 MPH on Meadows Parkway, installation of a marked crosswalk at an uncontrolled location, installation of a mid-block pedestrian signal, installation of an all- way stop, installation of a traffic signal, and installation of flashing beacon lights with a marked crosswalk; and advised that after extensive analysis it was staff's recommendation that flashing beacons be installed in the vicinity of the park with the supplemental signs denoting pedestrian crossing, noting staff's hope that with this installation motorists be provided an indication that there was pedestrian crossing occurring in this vicinity. Addressing the queries of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the following information: That staff was not aware of whether staff's recommendation was acceptable to the HOA; That the second step staff would consider if this recommendation does not provide additional pedestrian safety would be the installation of an unwarranted stop sign at one of the intersections (noting that this installation would only serve as a last resort recommendation); That staff has received no additional information regarding Caltrans accepting flashing impeded LED crosswalks as a standard uniform traffic device; That the pedestrian signage recommended for installation denoted pedestrians crossing the street; Acknowledged that some of the through traffic would utilize Butterfield Stage Road when connected; That while similar flashing beacons had been installed in school areas, this installation would be the first implementation not in a school zone; That crossing was occurring currently in this area; and that it was staff's desire to expedite this recommendation, in order that, if feasible, the installation could be implemented expeditiously since school was now in session. For informational purposes, Vice Chairman Conner[on relayed that at a recent traffic engineer's seminar held in San Diego, an amber LED flashing light device was presented as a recommend, ed crosswalk. Mr. Paul Jacobs, 32370 Corte Zamora, noted how impressed he was with City staff's expediency and thoroughness in responding to his request regarding traffic control in the Vintage Hills area; clarified the rationale for his request; noted his complete agreement with staff's recommendation; noted that the analysis was completed while school was not in session, relaying the differentials existing while school was in session; provided the details of a recent accident which occurred in this area; urged the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to approve staff's recommendation; requested the City to monitor this area for speed enforcement and to conduct further review of the area as the area continues to build out; additionally requested that if the flashing beacons were installed that the lights be turned off between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.; for Commissioner Wedel, noted that he was representing himself, and not the HOA, regarding this matter; for Commissioner Katan, relayed the areas where children were picked up after school; and clarified that the HOA Clubhouse parking lot was not designed to accommodate school pick-up and drop-off parking needs. Commissioner Katan commended staff for their diligent work regarding this issue. MOTION: Commissioner Katan moved to approve staff's recommendation; and directed staff to re-evaluate this area in a six-month period. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wedel and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent and Chairman Lanier who abstained. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the Rancho Vista Road Right Turn Overlap Project has been completed which had been recommended by Commissioner Connerton. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Apprising the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, Police Sergeant Lohman relayed the following: Updated the Commission regarding Officer Pringle's (an Officer who had been involved in an accident on July 24th while on duty and traveling on a motorcycle) recovery; That SLAP enforcement has increased; Noted the process of adding two additional Motor Officers to staff; That there would be an article in the Press Enterprise Newspaper regarding traffic issues; and That DUI enforcement was increased over the previous few weeks, which resulted in some arrests. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Updating the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, Fire Captain McBride noted the following: Relayed that new Fire Department staff has recently been added, recommending that the issue of introducing the new Fire Department personnel be agendized for a future Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting; and Advised that it was noteworthy that the County Fire Department had utilized various hand-held GPS units to obtain information regarding the residents' location as well as the fire risks associated with a fire incident in the Juliann area. COMMISSION REPORTS For Commissioner Connerton, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that Caltrans was currently conducting a project on the 1-15 Freeway which would last approximately six weeks and take place from 7:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M. and would encompass lane closures as the project proceeded. Commissioner Connerton noted that the congestion appears to take place prior to the project hours, recommending that Caltrans monitor the number of vehicles accessing the freeway during these peak hours. R:\tr affi ca~in ut es~082202 7 Due to his appointment to Congressman Issa's Traffic Committee, Commissioner Connedon requested input from staff regarding traffic issues in the City as well as the County. Commissioner Connerton,.echoed by Chairman Lanier, commended the Police Department regarding the increased citation enforcement; and for informational purposes, noted that very few individuals were stopping at the intersection of Ranch Vista Road/Meadows Parkway. D. Chairman Lanier queried whether the City of Temecula was experiencing etching impacts besides the typical graffiti, as the City of San Diego was experiencing. E. Chairman Lanier noted that Saturday, August 24th would be Police Sergeant Lohman's birthday. ADJOURNMENT At 8:10 P.M. Chairman Lanier formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. C cott Lanier Administr~Secr~ry Anita Pyle R:l[rafficmlnu te s~082202 8