Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout092602 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2002 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, September 26, 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 Coe. ROLLCALL Present: Commissioners Coe, Connerton, Katan, Wedel, and Chairman Lanier. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Fire Captain McBride, Police Lieutenant Pingel, Police Sergeant Lohman, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of Auqust 22, 2002 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission approve the Minutes of August 22, 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 abstained. R:\t raffi cmin ut es\092602 1 COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Multi-Way Stop Siqns - North General Kearny Road at Golden Rod Road RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend the following: 1. That the present level of traffic control be maintained at the intersection of North General Kearny Road an Golden Rod Road; and 2. That the LED speed limit advisory signs be instal[ed on North General Kearny road just east and west of Golden Rod Road in compliance with the City's policy. Via overheads, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record), relaying the request (via a petition submitted to staff frem the residents on Golden Rod Road and North General Kearny Road) for the installation of stop signs at the intersection of North General Kearny and Golden Rod Roads; noted the results of the volume, speed, visibility and collision incident analysis, advising that the criteria was not met for warranting an all-way stop at this intersection, relaying that staff did observe several vehicles cutting the corner at Golden Rod Road into the southbound lanes, advising that if visibility was increased it could worsen this problem since the potential for drivers to make this turn faster would increase; presented a video demonstrating the morning peak traffic and pedestrians in this area; advised that one of the LED speed limit advisory signs has been placed on Golden Rod Road facing north, relaying that staff was recommending the installation of additional LED signs on North General Kearny Road to the east and west of Golden Rod Road; and specified alternate staff recommendations which the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could consider for implementation to address the various traffic impacts in this area, as follows: to stripe a center line on North General Kearny Road, to install special speed limit signs with the special supplementary signage indicating the fine for speeding, and/or to increase enforcement. Commissioner Connerton relayed that he and Councilman Naggar had met with the residents in this area in order to investigate and discuss the traffic impacts in this area, and in particular to hear the comments and concerns of the residents. For Commissioner Coe, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that additional housing would be constructed in the near future in this general vicinity, Commissioner Connerton specifying the areas currently being developed. In response to Chairman Lanier, Police Sergeant Lohman relayed that per his Officers patrols and the speed checks conducted, that although a few citations had been issued, generally the speeds in this area were not excessive; and for Chairman Lanier, noted that Officers typically consider issuing a citation when a driver was traveling 5 MPH, or more, over the speed limit. Commissioner Wedel specified his concerns regarding this particular area, as follows: the 40 MPH speed limit on the other side of Golden Rod Road, the downhill speeds, the vehicles cutting the left corner from North General Kearny to Golden Rod Road; and questioned what speeds vehicles were traveling on southbound Golden Rod Road. In response, Police Sergeant Lohman confirmed that Officers conducted speed checks on Golden Rod Road, as well as on North General Kearny and on the proximate side streets, Senior Engineer Moghadam advising that since there was an existing stop sign on Golden Rod Road and North General Kearny Road, and since an additional stop sign would not change the speeds on Golden Rod Road staff did not conduct a speed check on Golden Rod Road. Commissioner Coe commented favorably regarding the placement of the LED speed limit advisory sign on Golden Rod Road. The following individuals spoke in support of the installation of multi-way stop signs at North General Kearny and Golden Rod Roads: o Mr. Steve Chavez o Ms. Lisa Pidgeon o Mr. Johan Backlund o Ms. Laura Solomon 39810 Golden Rod Road Golden Rod Road North General Kearny 39795 Golden Rod Road The above-mentioned individuals spoke as proponents to the installation of a multi-way stop at North General Kearny and Golden Rod Roads, for the following reasons: · To create pedestrian and bicyclist crossing safety, in particular for children; · Staff's recommended solutions address speed impacts and not pedestrian crossing safety; · A crosswalk (which was needed in this area) at an uncontrolled location would provide a false sense of security; · Disagreed with the comment Commissioner Connerton had made at the neighborhood meeting that neither traffic lights, speed undulations, nor stop signs are effective devices for addressing various traffic impacts; · Noted the traffic congestion caused recently from the existing intersection in this area being out of operation; · The existing stop sign on Golden Rod Road creates safety at that location; · Once drivers realize that the road to the school has reopened traffic will increase in this area; · The analysis conducted was inadequate; · Requested installation of temporary stop signs, if not permanent, for review and evaluation; · The development taking place at this time would increase the generation of traffic; · The warrant criteria developed for justifying installation of stop signs was designed (per Caltrans) to serve as guidelines and not law; and · Referencing previous Commission minutes cited an instance when stop signs had been recommended for installation for safety reasons although the criteria had not been met to justify the installation. Commissioner Katan commended the public speakers, relaying that they had expressed good arguments; with respect to the criteria guidelines, noted the responsibility to create consistency in the City; and opined that although the warrants have not been met in this area, that since this location was in the middle of a mile stretch (as referred to by Mr. Chavez) installing stop signs would be appropriate. For Commissioner Coe, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that he had no knowledge of any injury children pedestrian accidents that have occurred in residential areas on City streets. In response to the previous reference to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission minutes, Commissioner Coe confirmed that the City has installed unwarranted stop signs occasionally due to outstanding issues, relaying the benefits generally associated with adhering to Caltrans' guidelines; noted that he was undecided at this point regarding whether stop signs should be installed at this location, advising that typically he concurred with staffs recommendation due to the extensive study conducted, the professional training associated with the recommendation, and the fact that City staff was concerned with protecting the safety of its residents; and relayed the importance of pedestrians being vigilant when crossing the street and not assuming that since there is a crosswalk, the crossing was automatically safe. Commissioner Wedel, echoed by Commissioner Connerton, thanked the public speakers for their passionate, well-reasoned comments; noted the petition which was included in the staff report material which encompassed the signatures of approximately 200 residents supporting the installation of the stop signs; concurred with Ms. Solomon's comments that the warrants were designed as guidelines and not laws; and concluded that in light of the ineffective alternate recommendations, and the overwhelming residential support for these stop signs, that he supported the installation. While Commissioner Connerton noted the negative impacts generally associated with installation of unwarranted stop signs, advised that in this case it would be his recommendation that the stop signs be installed at North General Kearny and Golden Rod Roads; recommended the installation of the LED in-pavement crossing device, providing additional information regarding the effectiveness of the device, advising that these installations would provide greater safety for children crossing; and recommended the semi-permanent installation of an LED speed limit advisory sign on North General Kearny Road. Chairman Lanier advised that the speeding impacts which the residents were witnessing in their neighborhood were most likely occurring by residents in this area which should be addressed; relayed that he was pleased with the effectiveness of the LED speed limit advisory signs; relayed the results of the speeds of the vehicles while he was investigating the area where the LED speed limit advisory sign was located; and advised that while he typically did not support unwarranted stop signs, he recommended installation of the multi-way stop signs at this particular location. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to not approve staff's recommendation, moving to recommend the installation of a three-way stop sign at the intersection of North General Kearny and Golden Rod Roads, recommending that after the installation it be determined whether that was a need for the LED advisory signs on North General Kearny Road. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connerton. (Ultimately this motion passed; see page 5.) Commissioner Connerton provided additional information regarding his recommendation to also install the LED in-pavement crossing device for additional safety at this crossing in addition to the LED speed limit advisory signs. In response, Commissioner Katan advised that the LED in-pavement crossing device was not designed for controlled intersections but for mid-block crossings, recommending that at this time the Public/Traffic Safety Commission solely recommend the installation of stop signs along with staff's recommendation to place the LED speed limit advisory signs on both ends of North General Kearny Road. For Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that it would be either months or years before the LED in-pavement crossing device was accepted by Caltrans. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting unanimous approval of the motion. Commissioner Connerton noted the importance of placing an LED advisory speed limit advisory sign prior to the location of the stop sign. Commissioner Coe advised that Commissioner Wedel's comments during Commission discussion, as well as the fact that the petition supporting the installation had the signatures of approximately 200 residents, aided in swaying his opinion to support the installation of these particular stop signs. Apprising the Public/Traffic Safety Commission and the public, Police Sergeant Lohman provided additional information regarding the fact that initially vehicles will most likely not stop at the stop signs due to unfamiliarity, urging the residents to not have a false sense of security when crossing at this location; and additionally noted that in the video presentation, every vehicle had run the existing stop sign in this area. For Commissioner Wedel, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed the City's procedure for installing new stop signs. 3. Pedestrian Brid.qe Over Winchester Road at Nicolas Road RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review the feasibility study for a pedestrian bridge over Winchester Road at Nicolas Road, and make recommendations to the City Council. Director of Public Works Hughes provided a detailed overview of the staff report (of record), relaying the following: That since the School District determined to locate the high school on Winchester/Nicolas Roads in the early 90's there has been a heightened concern with the fact that some students would be crossing at Winchester Road to access the school, advising that this location has been reviewed in detail by various agencies, e.g., the City of Temecula, the Highway Patrol, the City's Police Department, Chaparral representatives, and Caltrans, noting that the results of these efforts was that there was one conflictive movement that was of concern, which was the situation whereupon all the students utilizing the student parking lot had to use Nicolas Road to exit, that a large number of these drivers would be making a right turn on Winchester Road while at the same time a large number of pedestrian students would be attempting to cross Winchester Road at Nicolas Road, advising that it was determined that a new driveway would be desirable westerly of Nicolas Road in order that the students westbound on Winchester Road could exit the parking area without using the intersection of WinchestedNicolas Roads, relaying that this (right-out only) driveway was installed; That approximately one-and-a-half years ago, the City Council directed staff to review the feasibility of installing a pedestrian overcrossing, relaying the heightened awareness brought to this location again, this time due to a fatal accident; specified staff's numerous meetings and discussions with Caltrans regarding the overcrossing project which ultimately resulted in Caltrans' determination that a signalized intersection with pedestrian crossings was the proper and adequate device to control the intersection, and that the overcrossing concept could not be supported; That Winchester Road was a State facility, not owned or operated by the City, clarifying that prior to any facility being constructed Caltrans' approval would be necessary; That subsequent to Caltrans' rejection of the pedestrian bridge concept, staff was diligently attempting to pursue all feasible options at the direction of the City Council, and a request was brought forward to the City Council to commission a study by an independent engineering firm to evaluate all possible methods of crossing at this location; noted that the study determined structural improvements which would be physically feasible, i.e., a pedestrian overcrossing, a tunnel, raising either Nicolas or Winchester Roads in order to separate the grade; clarified that the problem related to these options was that Caltrans' standards still had not been met which the study denoted as the major constraint in building these improvements; That an additional obstacle to the project would be the usage issue, specifically due to the existing intersection and the new bridge or tunnel facility requiring the students to go out of their way for access, advising that if Winchester Road was a freeway and there was no access from Nicolas Road, if there were fences, medians, and barriers up, a pedestrian crossing would be an easy installation with a guarantee of usage; For informational purposes, relayed that the vast majority of students accessing the crosswalk at Nicolas Road and Winchester Road were being dropped off by their parents on the east side of Winchester Road, these parents introducing a larger percentage of the students to that crossing; Updating the Commission, relayed that the City was currently processing a Specific Plan in the Roripaugh Ranch area and that part of this project's mitigation measures would be to install improvements at this intersection; Relayed that this traffic situation was not unlike other intersections in the City; Noted the importance of pedestrians being responsible and cautious when crossing the street; Advised that staff would bring forward to the City Council the recommendation of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding how to proceed with the project; and For additional information, relayed that individuals who opted not to cross Winchester Road, there was an existing tunnel to the east of Nicolas Road at the creek crossing, advising that even though this was a safe crossing available to the students, it was not used due to the inconvenience of the students having to go out of their way. In response to Commissioner Katan's queries regarding staff's opinion, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that in light of all the information regarding this issue, it would be his opinion that the City should investigate implementing other types of improvements at this location that would be viable and aid in addressing the impacts; advised that a significant problem with the bridge or tunnel project would be how to get the students to utilize the facility; for Commissioner Connerton, relayed that Roripaugh Road was approximately one-quarter mile from this area which had signalized intersections and pedestrian crossings; confirmed that pedestrians planning on crossing at Roripaugh Road could not be expected to go as far as Nicolas Road to make their crossing; and provided additional information regarding the Caltrans' guidelines. Commissioner Wedel noted that it was his understanding from reading the independent study's executive summary that each alternative had pros and cons and that the study did not state the lack of support for a pedestrian bridge or tunnel. For clarification, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the reference from the study that he referred to was that none of the build alternatives would be supported by the Caltrans' criteria. Offering additional comments, Commissioner Wedel noted that staff's verbal recommendation was a vaporous solution; advised that while personal responsibility with respect to safety was important for pedestrians while crossing a street, that society dictates that children are the responsibility of the parents and the adults in that society; and relayed that since this high school was located next to a major highway the obligation for provision of a safe crossing option should be considered. For Commissioner Wedel, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that he had offered his opinion due to it being requested, advising that he would further discuss the 5t~ option in additional detail if that was the desire of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, clarifying that this option did not meet the direction given by the City Council, but was an alternative for in the event that a solution of building a pedestrian overcrossing was determined to be not feasible. The following individuals spoke in favor of the installation of a pedestrian bridge at Nicolas Road: Ms. Beverly A. Daniels Ms. Santanya Fable Ms. Suzanne Cacanindin 30478 Sierra Madre Drive 30485 Sierra Madre Drive 40132 Villa Venecia The above-mentioned individuals were proponents of the installation of a pedestrian bridge for the following reasons: Due to the large number of children crossing in this area and the heavy traffic present; The pedestrian bridge constructed proximate to a school in the City of Oceanside was utilized by students; As development and growth continued, traffic congestion in this area would increase; Relayed hopes that more children would not be killed at this crossing prior to the City installing a pedestrian bridge; The parents dropping off students across the street from the school were trusting that this crossing was safe, advising that it was the responsibility of the City and the School to ensure that this school zone was safe; With respect to the concept that the students would not utilize the pedestrian bridge, relayed that campus Police Officers could stand out on Winchester Road to ensure that the children were not crossing illegally; The improvements made at this intersection thus far were not adequate; Noted alternate accidents in this area; and Requested that the Commission put the lives of children ahead of the numbers and the politics when making its determination. Reviewing the information included in the study, Commissioner Connerton noted the constraints related to installing a pedestrian bridge, in particular the ADA requirements, i.e., requirements for ramps and rest areas, or an elevator, that are associated with the project, advising that the study denoted the need for the project to meet ADA requirements which would create significant constraints. With respect to enforcement in this area, for Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the Highway Patrol as well as the Temecufa Police Department has enforcement capabilities; noted the potential impacts if this intersection was controlled by Police Officers in lieu of the signal; specified that the speed limit west of Nicolas Road was 45 MPH, and 65 MPH, east of Nicolas Road, and that during school hours the speed limit was 25 MPH in the school zone; and noted that if it was the desire of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission and the City Council concurred, staff could begin discussions with the School District regarding provisions for a shuttle program to transpod the students across the street. Commissioner Connerton specified alternate constraints associated with the alternatives in the study, e.g., location of the sewer line, and the water line; and noted various County projects, which would most likely improve traffic in this area. Commissioner Wedel recommended that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend that the City Council direct staff to investigate additional alternatives, other than structural solutions, clarifying the desire for the study to be broader. With respect to the issue of politics, Commissioner Katan opined that this project would not be denied due to political issues (which was a concern expressed during the public R:~traffic~nutes\092602 8 comment period); and noted that of the four alternatives denoted in the study, the underground tunnel appeared to have the least amount of constraints. Commissioner Coe expressed his deepest sympathy to Ms. Cacanindin due to the loss of her son at this intersection; advised that this intersection was similar to a plethora of intersections in the City, advising that to install a bridge or tunnel at all these locations where there could be a potential for danger would not be feasible; while clarifying his passionate desire to provide safety for children pedestrians, noted the constraints of the study's alternatives; queried whether it would be possible to install large electronic signs prior to the approach of the intersection, cautioning drivers in advance of the fact that this was a pedestrian crossing school zone; and concurred that the bridge project would not be feasible. Chairman Lanier commented on the usage issue associated with the bridge project, concurring that children would use the most convenient path and not the bridge; queried whether the improvements to this intersection with the Roripaugh Hills project could be implemented sooner. Recapitulating the situation, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that Caltrans did not support a structural improvement at this location; advised that even though the City did not have jurisdiction over the Highway, there was the option that efforts could continue to push Caltrans for a solution; relayed that while Caltrans viewed the existing controls as adequate, there were alternate solutions staff has investigated that would most likely be feasible and supported by Caltrans, listed as follows for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's consideration: To install a countdown pedestrian crossing device which provides the seconds remaining that the pedestrian has available to continue crossing the street, advising that favorable comments were received regarding this installation proximate to the Guidant use; To install a different type of striping for the crosswalks with a higher visibility; To install the camera monitoring system in this area (if approved by the City Council) which would provide 24~hour surveillance of the area; To install raised concrete bollards (if approved by the City Council) on the corners at the intersection which would encourage the students to stand away from the street curbs, creating greater safety; and A bussing or shuttle program could be explored, as recommended by Commissioner Connerton, advising that this program would need to have the cooperation of the School District, recommending that a satellite location be developed in order that parents could drop their children off at a designated off-site location; Concluding his comments, Director of Public Works Hughes reiterated that the intersection improvements which would soon be coming forward would improve traffic congestion in this area; for informational purposes, noted that the speed limit east of Nicolas Road could be lowered in the near future, and that additional signals which would be placed north of the City would change the driving characteristics in the area; for Commissioner Coe, relayed that staff had proposed to Caltrans to install the lighted pedestrian school zone facilities utilized at alternate schools in the City, which Caltrans would not allow; for informational purposes, provided additional information regarding building bridges to address traffic issues; for Commissioner Connerton, advised that if the countdown pedestrian signal was installed, the School District could be requested to provide education regarding the device, noting that this installation would not require City Council approval. Commissioner Katan noted concern with respect to installing the countdown pedestrian signal due to the competitive nature of the students, i.e., students competing to beat the time, Commissioner Connerton relaying that educating the students may aid in the use of this device. Chairman Lanier noted that the countdown pedestrian signals were effectively used on the strip in the City of Las Vegas. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to recommend that the Public Works Department install the pedestrian countdown device at this location and that staff work with the School District to provide mandatory education to the students regarding use of the device. Commissioner Coe seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioners Katan and Wedel who voted n_9o. Commissioner Coe requested that if Caltrans was opposed to the installation of the recommended large electronic signs cautioning drivers regarding the upcoming school crossing that information be provided so that private citizens could contact Caltrans regarding this recommendation. Commissioner Wedel disagreed with Commissioner Connerton, noting that A~ternatives 2-4 were not deemed conclusively impossible projects, advising that a tunnel would not have the same ADA constraints as the bridge. After additional discussion and clarification was provided regarding Commissioner Connerton's recommendation, the following motion was offered: MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to recommend that the City Council approve Alternative No. 1 (the no-build alternative); directed staff to proceed with the options identified by staff, to pursue City Council and Caltrans approval, if necessary, for implementation of these alternatives inclusive of the following: the installation of bollards at the intersections, striping, electronic signs, and a shuttle/bus program; and requested that the installations be implemented expeditiously. Commissioner Coe seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioners Katan and Wedel who voted n__o. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT For informational purposes, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the City Manager's office would be generating a report regarding Neighborhood Watch Programs and Neighborhood Patrols, which would be coming forward soon. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT A. Fire Captain McBride relayed that the triennial editions to the codes would be brought forward to City Council in October for adoption, noting that there were no significant changes. Fire Captain McBride requested that the issue of introducing new Fire Department personnel be agendized for the October meeting. Fire Captain McBride noted that the Police Department as well as the Fire Department has been working on the citizen core (Neighborhood Programs), advising that there would be a report regarding this issue in October. COMMISSION REPORTS For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that Commissioner Connerton's concern regarding the berm at the high school has been addressed with the School District, advising that the School District did obtain the necessary encroachment permits and at this time, the berm was a legal temporary installation; noted that the School District stated that it would only be there through the duration of the current work that is going on at the School site; and advised that the ramp should only be used for the purposes for which the permit was issued. In response to Chairman Lanier, Police Sergeant Lohman confirmed that the final report for the fatal accident at De Portola/Margarita Roads was complete, that the accident was caused by a red light violation, and that the victim was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. For Chairman Lanier, Police Sergeant Lohman advised that the Police Department would schedule an upcoming DUI checkpoint. Commenting on the two emotional issues addressed by the Commission at tonight's hearing, Chairman Lanier noted that while the Commissioners may not always agree, he appreciated the input and the Commissioner's desire to do the right thing, advising that he was proud to be part of this Commission. ADJOURNMENT At 8:49 P.M. Chairman Lanier formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, October 24, 2002 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. ~ Scott Lanier