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HomeMy WebLinkAbout082803 CC/PTS Jnt. Workshop Minutes MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION WORKSHOP AUGUST 28, 2003 CALL TO ORDER The City Council and Public Traffic Safety Commission convened in an adjourned regular joint workshop at 6:07 P.M., on Tuesday, August 28, 2003, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers: Absent: Public Traffic Safety Commissioners: Absent: Absent: None. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION REPORTS Comerchero, Naggar, Pratt, and Stone Roberts Katan, Lanier, Ramos, and Connerton Wedel No comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1 Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the minutes of July 24, 2003. This item was continued to the Commission's next meeting of September 25, 2003. COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR - SUBSEQUENT NEED ITEM 2 Acceptance of Offer of Dedication - Road and Utility Purposes for Moraqa Road and Via Las Colinas as shown on Parcel Map No. 13466 RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 Adopt a resolution entitled: R:\Minutes\082803 1 RESOLUTION NO. 03-113 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA ACCEPTING AN OFFER OF DEDICATION OF RIGHT OF WAY AS SHOWN ON PARCEL MAP 13466 FOR ROAD AND UTILITY PURPOSES FOR MORAGA ROAD (LOT A) AND VIA LAS COLINAS (LOTS B AND E) BUT NOT ACCEPTING THOSE PORTIONS OF STREETS INTO THE CITY-MAINTAINED STREET SYSTEM AT THIS TIME Because the need arose after the original posting of the agenda, Assistant City Attorney Curley advised that the City Council, by way of a four-fifths vote, must make motion to approve discussion of this item. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem N aggar moved to approve review of this item. The motion was seconded by Councilman Comerchero and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Councilman Roberts who was absent. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Naggar moved to approve the item. The motion was seconded by Councilman Comerchero and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Councilman Roberts who was absent. COUNCIL/COMMISSION BUSINESS 3 Consideration of Red Liqht Enforcement Actions RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 Hear presentations from the Police Chief and the Public Works Director/City Engineer regarding red light violations; 3.2 Discuss and provide direction regarding the Stop Light Abuse Program (SLAP) and pilot red light photo enforcement system; 3.3 After deliberation, if appropriate, form a subcommittee of two City Councilmembers and two Public Traffic Safety Commissioners to establish goals, participate in the review of other agency's programs, to assist in the development of Temecula's program, and to provide input regarding a public relations campaign; 3.4 Maintain a focused SLAP Program during the development of the pilot program. Highlighting the item, City Manager Nelson introduced Police Chief Domenoe who, by way of a PowerPoint presentation, provided an overview of the City's Stop Light Abuse Program (SLAP) as well as the enhanced enforcement efforts to address this matter, noting the following: · That 50 days of enhanced enforcement resulted in 1,114 citations · That approximately $14,000 has been expended in overtime to ensure a high level of visibility · That prior to enhanced enforcement, an average of 115 citations were written monthly. In response to the City Council and Commission, Public Works Director Hughes and Police Chief Domenoe responded as follows: R:\Minutes\082803 2 · That an additional motorcycle police officer would cost approximately $150,000 plus equipment cost · That the Police Department as well has been amazed thatthe enhanced motorcycle enforcement has not yet resulted in a reduction in the number of citations · That it has not been determined if there have been repeat offenders · That it has not been determined what percentage of offenders are city residents · That two additional motorcycle officers should, with time, assist in the reduction of issued citations · That the placement of an officer in the middle of an intersection would not be safe · That enforcement is a proven method of decreasing accidents as well as obtaining lawful behavior · That during the increased enforcement period, an officer has been located from early morning to late evening at various intersections · That only a sworn officer may write citations · That drivers must be given ample time to safely travel through the intersection; would not support the lengthening of the yellow light sequence · That information could be published daily as to how many tickets were written and where they were written · That 90% of the written citations have been for left-turn hand violations · That the top five intersections have been identified - Rancho California Road/Ynez Road, Winchester Road/Ynez Road, Winchester Road/Margarita Road, Winchester Road/Jefferson Road, and Rancho California Road/Old Town Front StreetJJefferson Road · That as per accident data, the City's most prevalent accidents are rear-end accidents and that photo enforcement could increase these types of accidents by 60% · That the issue at hand would be more of a resident frustration level versus the need to address a safer environment at these intersections · That the accidents that are occurring are not occurring because of improperly designed or improperly functioning signals but because of driver error and driver judgment. Police Sgt. Pino noted that most of the cited violators were aware of the enforcement but were impatient and that the high visibility of motorcycle officers will be a deterrent, noting that these officers could explain the violation as well as educate the driver. In response to Commissioner L anier's comment, Pubiic Works Director Hughes advised t hat past testimony would indicate that there has been a reduction in violations within three to nine months after the enforcement of red light cameras. Mayor Stone relayed his desire to retain the police presence. Commending the Police Department on a job well done, Councilman Pratt spoke in support of a public education program. Mayor Pro Tem Naggar relayed his support of additional motorcycle police officers. For City Manager Nelson, Police Chief Domenoe advised that the hiring of one or two additional officers would take approximately three months but that enhanced enforcement could be continued through supplemental overtime. As the City's population continues to increase, Mr. Domenoe noted that the City would be maintaining, with the added officers, its desired police officer-to-resident ratio a nd that when the need for enhanced enforcement were to level off, R:\Minutes\082803 3 these officers could be diverted to other functions. Mr. Domenoe relayed his personal opposition to the use of red light cameras and spoke in support of a public education program. Commissioner Ramos suggested that the associated violation fine be clearly visible at the intersections. Councilman Comerchero recommended the posting of additional signs, advising the drivers that the intersections are patrolled by a motorcycle police officer and echoed his support for a public education program, including driver education classes. Commissioner Katan spoke in support of the increased enforcement. For Chairman Connerton, Police Chief Domenoe clarified the point system as to how a driver may loose his/her license. Echoing the support for a public education program as well as additional police officers, Chairman Connerton suggested the use of cable television, schools, homeowner associations, and predriver education. Councilman Pratt suggested publishing the names of violators in the newspaper. Mayor Stone relayed his desire for the City to be proactive in its enforcement of laws; to continue to promote the SLAP program; to enhance public education within schools/predriver classes; and to acknowledge the drivers obeying the laws. Mr. Douglas Neligh, 29500 Mira Loma Drive, noted that the real issue orconcern would be traffic congestion and suggested a short-term solution such as permissive left turns. Relaying his opposition to the installation of red light cameras, Mr. Tom Stobbo, 30396 Via Node, commented on increasing the yellow light timing sequence and suggested the posting of additional signage at major intersections, apprising drivers that the City will cite red light abusers. Mr. Stobbo as well supported the need for public education. In an effort to address driver frustration, Mr. Fred Schoonmaker, 38572 Corbett Canyon Circle, suggested the correlation of traffic lights such that if a driver were to maintain a certain speed, the driver would avoid any red lights, which, in turn, would as well address speeding issues. Mayor Stone spoke in support of Mr. Schoonmaker's suggestion. Commenting on the synchronization issue, Public Works Director Hughes advised that the inconsistencies in synchronization are a result of Caltrans; that staff has attempted to communicate with Caltrans, although to no avail, with regard to synchronizing Caltrans traffic signal with the City's signals; and that the City's signals are synchronized. City Manager Nelson further commented on the City's efforts to take over the responsibility of SR 7 9 north a nd south and advised t hat t he City Council, t o further address t he issue, h ad approved a full time position for a traffic signal technician. Having reviewed a list of traffic timing signals within the City, Councilman Pratt relayed his observation, contributing limited fault to timing but reiterated the need for a community education program. R:\Minutes\082803 4 For Councilman Comerchero, Public Works Director Hughes advised that because of the operation of the freeway, Caltrans would continue to maintain signal timing control at Rancho California Road and maintenance of the ramp signals but that the City will continue to communicate with Caltrans in an effort to receive cooperation. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Naggar, Public Works Director Hughes noted that previously approved road improvements as well as the ability to provide options to the drivers will provide driver relief. Addressing Chairman Connerton's comments with regard to traffic on the 15 freeway, it was noted that staff has been regularly communicating with Caltrans; that the completion of French Valley Interchange Project would greatly assist in that concern; and that discussions have ensued with the Border Patrol, requesting the lessening of the stacking distance. Although realizing the financial impact, Mr. Stobbo suggested the construction of bridges or possibly elevated left-turn lanes. Commending Mayor S tone for b ringing t his matter t o the City C ouncil/Commission a ttention, Mayor Pro Tem Naggar relayed his commitment to public safety; spoke in support of the addition of two motorcycle officers; supported the implementation of a public education program; and relayed his reluctancy with officers awarding good drivers with promotional items, suggesting that these promotional items be given to the violators. Echoing and supporting previously made comments, Councilman Comerchero supported the idea of providing promotional items to the violators; advised that unless it were the only possible solution to this matter, he would not support red light cameras; supported the City approving two additional motorcycle officers; and as well commented on the need for a public relations/education program. Reiterating his desire to publish the violators' names in the newspaper, Councilman Pratt spoke in support of a public education program. Mayor Stone thanked the Public Traffic Safety Commission for its support and input. Commissioner Ramos expressed his appreciation for being a part of this workshop. Speaking in support of additional enforcement, Commissioner Lanier suggested that the public education program be extended to schools, top commuting employers, DUI checkpoints, etc. Preferring the personal contact provided through enforcement, Commissioner Ramos spoke in support of additional motorcycle officers; relayed his opposition to printing names of violators in the newspaper; and suggested printing the number of people that have been cited at various intersections. Considering the additional enforcement would be self-funded by the violators, Chairman Connerton echoed the previously made suggestions. In closing, Mayor Stone noted that the existing red light abuse signs should be more visible with Public Works Director Hughes advising that the City does not have the authority to place signs at the Caltrans controlled signals. Mr. Hughes suggested the placement of signage at City entry points which would apprise drivers that a red light abuse program is in affect. R:\Minutes\082803 5 Councilman Pratt reiterated his desire to publish violators' names in the newspaper. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Naggar moved to approve the hiring of two additional motorcycle officers; to authorize overtime in the interim; to coordinate an education program with the Public Traffic Safety Commission, Police Department, and Public Works Department; to incorporate a public relations campaign; to review the updating of existing signage (staff and Public Traffic Safety Commission); to retain the stepped-up level of enforcement for another six months; to provide the City Council, on a month-to-month basis, information pertaining to the number of tickets written and whether the written tickets were City residents or non-residents; and to not publish violators' names in the newspaper. The motion was seconded by Councilman Comerchero and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Councilman Roberts who was absent and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Wedel who was absent. Chairman Connerton recommended that educational information be made available at the upcoming Safety Expo. In closing, Mayor Stone thanked the public for its input as well as the Police Department, Public Works Department, fellow Council colleagues, Commissioners, and City staff. ADJOURNMENT At 8:20 P.M., Mayor Stone Roberts formally adjourned the Joint City Council/Public Traffic Safety Commission Workshop to the next regular City Council meeting on September 16, 2003, 7:00 P.M., City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California, and to the next regular Public Traffic Safety Commission on September 25, 2003, at 6:00 P.M., City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairn Adminisy~e 'S~rcretary Anita Pyle R:\Minutes\082803 6