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HomeMy WebLinkAbout072596 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLlCITRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION July 25, 1996 A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Commission was called to order on Thursday, July 25,1996,7:00 P.M., at the City Hall Main Conference Room, 43174 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairman Coe called the meeting to order. PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Guerriero, Johnson, Perry ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Sander Also present were Joseph Kicak, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, Police Lieutenant Jim Domenoe, Battalion Chief Mark Brodowski, Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle, and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley. Chairman Coe called for non-agenda items at 7:05 p.m. Jim Nelson, Treasurer of the Temecula Volunteer Fire Department, requested $24.446.17 in financial assistance: $21,666.17 for payoff of a 1993 International 4900 truck (Squad 12) and $2,780.00 for a defibrillator purchase. Prudential Insurance will pay $2500.00 towards purchase of a defibrillator if the balance can be raised by November 30, 1996. The Volunteer's four annual fund raising events have not been adequate to cover the loan payment, defibrillator purchase, and other expenses for this year. Commissioner Perry asked Mr. Nelson to bring the matter back as an action item at the August 22, 1996 meeting. Frank Kline, 30180 Santiago Road, spoke about the need to address dirt road dust emissions and particulate matter and their effect on Temecula's air quality. He has computations developed over a two-year period to share with the Commissioners and the City Council. Chairman Coe asked Mr. Kline if he could prepare a 20-minute presentation for the September 26, 1996 Commission meeting. Mr. Kline responded he could. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of June 27. 1996 It was moved by Commissioner Perry and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Guerriero, Johnson, Perry NOES: o COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Sander MINUTES:7/25/96 1 PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 25. 1996 PRESENTATIONS Chairman Coe recessed the meeting at 7:38 p.m. for demonstrations by the Temecula Fire Department of an Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) unit, "Pluggie" Fire Hydrant Robot, and an AIM 600 Gas Detector (Agenda Items 2 and 3). Chairman Coe reconvened the meeting at 8:05 p.m. COMMISSION BUSINESS 4. Kiwanis Club Sion Prooosal Public Works Director Joseph Kicak presented the staff recommendation that the Kiwanis Club form a committee to establish guidelines for identifying potential sign locations through various Home Owners Associations and the proposed locations be submitted to the City for review and approval. Bev Stone. representing Temecula Kiwanis. stated that this Commission has more information regarding hazardous locations than the Kiwanis Club. However, the Kiwanis Club believe that the signs should be placed on main roads where speeders are a problem and at schools, not necessarily in neighborhoods. The Club needs help to determine the appropriate locations. Commissioner Guerriero inquired as to who will be responsible for maintenance. Mrs. Stone responded that all maintenance and installation costs would be borne by the Kiwanis Club. Commissioner Guerriero stated that the "Caution - Children in Area - Slow" sign gives a false sense of safety to children and parents. Mrs. Stone replied the Kiwanis wanted these signs to be placed at schools and asked if it was necessary to go before the school board to do so. Mr. Kicak responded yes, it is. Chairman Coe inquired if the Kiwanis had any documented information regarding improved safety from other cities where these signs have been erected. Mrs. Stone responded that they had not developed that information. Mr. Kicak stated that staff believed it is necessary to go through the Home Owner Associations because each neighborhood is made up of different residences and they have the knowledge of which areas should be signed rather than the city dictating placement. "Buckle Up" signs should be located at main entrances/exits and major arterial ways rather than on highways where people are driving at high rates of speed. Commissioner Guerriero inquired about making "Welcome to Temecula, Buckle Up" signs. Commissioner Perry responded that pre-made signs like that are in existence. Commissioner Johnson stated that people, for the most part, do not pay attention to signs and gave an example of how the large yellow construction signs being utilized on Ynez Road were ignored by most drivers. Chairman Coe stated that to be consistent with Commission policy, the Kiwanis Club should bring forth specific signing locations for approval. MINUTES:7/25/96 2 PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 25. 1996 Commissioner Guerriero stated he thought it was a good idea and would be willing to serve on a committee. It was moved by Commissioner Guerriero and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve staff recommendation that the Kiwanis Club submit proposed locations to the City for review and approval. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Guerriero, Johnson, Perry NOES: o COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Sander 5. "AII-Wav Stoo" - Rustic Glen Drive and Oak Cliff Drive: and Rustic Glen Drive and Stone Gate Drive Public Works Director Joseph Kicak presented the staff report and stated that the request for installation of speed bumps and "All-Way Stops" at the intersections of Rustic Glen Drive and Oak Cliff Drive and Rustic Glen Drive and Stone Gate Drive be denied since these intersections do not meet installation criteria. Nancy Kinder, 39749 Rustic Glen Drive, stated that although the corner of Rustic Glen Drive and Oak Cliff Drive is not a school crossing, it is a bus stop and she has seen many narrow escapes. Drivers are going 50 MPH on Margarita Road and continue at a high speed when turning on Rustic Glen Drive. John McMahon, 39772 Rustic Glen Drive, spoke regarding how dangerous it is for children crossing the street due to the high speed driving on Rustic Glen Drive. Additionally, traffic has increased due to the construction closing of Winchester Road. Detoured drivers, even though they are unfamiliar with the area, are driving fast, thereby creating an even more dangerous situation. He states semi-trucks have been seen in the area and something needs to be done before children are injured or killed. Jane Steinbach stated that her March 24, 1996 letter had been in error; the intersection being complained about is Rustic Glen Drive and Quail Slope Drive, not Rustic Glen Drive and Oak Cliff Drive. Mr. Kicak stated that staff only looked at the requested intersections. Mr. Kicak reported that the traffic signal at Rustic Glen Drive and Margarita will be installed and working within 2 Yz months. The City is working with the school board to change bus location for school children and a traffic coordinator could be placed at Margarita and Rustic Glen. He also advised, the detour was done by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and the City has asked both the Board and Caltrans to come up with better signing. Commissioner Guerriero asked, since there is a truck weight limitation for city streets, could restrictive signing be placed in this area? Mr. Kicak replied that when a good count and type of truck information is established, an appropriate sign could be placed. MINUTES:7/25/96 3 PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 25. 1996 Gloria Walker, 27122 Majello Court, stated that when stopping at Stone Gate and Rustic Glen Drive, a driver has to pull forward to see whether or not it is clear and several times she has almost been sideswiped due to the short sight distance she feels during Winchester Road construction, temporary stop signs are needed at the very least. Jane Steinbach, 39893 Rustic Glen Drive, stated that Rustic Glen is 1600 feet long with no stop signs, while there are two or three stop signs coming off of cul-de-sac streets. However, inconsistency of stop sign installation may be due to the different phases of the tract in 1985 thru 1987 and not due to City's decisions. She was disappointed that everyone in the area was not sent a copy of the agenda. She contacted many residents and while most couldn't come to the meeting, they are willing to sign a petition. When the new high school opens, traffic will increase. During the past two (2) years, the police have been called often and they have responded well, but she does not know how much that costs the City. She has seen two (2) accidents, but the police were not notified. The residents are no longer asking for speed bumps because fire equipment cannot get through as easily. Chairman Coe asked Ms. Steinbach if traffic has become more intense because of the detour or has it always been bad. Ms. Steinbach replied it has always been bad. Commissioner Johnson asked Lt. Domenoe if there is a minimum monetary amount of damage to one vehicle before an accident must be reported. Lt. Domenoe replied it was $500 and that information is only required to be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Ms. Steinbach stated that if cost was the issue, the residents of the area are willing to pay for the stop signs as they believe the signs would help maintain traffic uniformity. Shawn Spera, 39767 Rustic Glen Drive, stated the problem was with west-moving traffic on Rustic Glen. From 6 A.M. to 7 P.M., drivers are "flying" down the street. Speed limits are exceeded daily even though the police are doing their job. There are no crosswalks on Rustic Glen Drive. With the new high school. there will be more young drivers with less patience. Commissioner Perry stated that crosswalks are often seen by adults and children as a safety zone and give a false sense of security. Crosswalks are not a safety zone and the City does not want to create that image by indiscriminate usage. Chairman Coe asked the Police Department for their thoughts. Sgt. Crisp replied that the radar trailer and additional personnel have been there, especially since the detour. During the day, they have not seen the traffic as suggested tonight. Lt. Domenoe stated that the situation as described is no different from many other areas. He pointed out that if stop sign warrant requirements are not met, it is difficult for tickets to stand up in court. Ms. Steinbach asked if stop signs are not warranted, what about speed bumps? Mr. Kicak stated that since Rustic Glen Drive is 44 feet wide curb-to-curb, and is a collector. not a residential road, it would not meet criteria. He will send Ms. Steinbach speed bump installation guidelines. MINUTES:7/25/96 4 PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 25. 1996 Matt Aguiar, 39672 Rustic Glen Drive, stated he has seen three (3) accidents. Rustic Glen Drive is a hill with turns, and Quail Slope Drive is at the top of the knoll. He said in the mornings, drivers are blinded by the sun, and there are many young children and no parks in area. Commissioner Perry stated that from what he was hearing, the problem seemed to be mainly with the homeowners. He suggested getting the residents together to resolve the problems. Commissioner Guerriero stated that the issue of vegetation causing a sight distance problem, could be resolved by asking the resident to trim the bushes. If that is not successful, the City can request the owner to trim obstructing vegetation for additional visibility. Ms. Steinbach asked if the City would like to receive a petition. Mr. Kicak responded that the City has to follow the universal guidelines and even with a petition from homeowners, the City would have a difficult time requesting compliance. Commissioner Guerriero replied that a petition must be signed by 75% of property owners. Commissioner Johnson noted that stop signs are not used to control traffic speeds. Speed zones are established based on universal guidelin~'s adopted by all states and cities. Lt. Domenoe stated that if a signal is timed properly, people will travel at the speed of the timing. A stop sign does just the opposite. Commissioner Guerriero stated that even when stop signs are justified, many people request their removal after several weeks due to braking and acceleration noises, etc. He asked if there was a way to put up additional signs making people aware that this area is not a public thoroughfare. Mr. Kicak stated that the City has requested Riverside County and Caltrans to put up additional signs to channelize traffic along the appropriate streets and putting up "This is not a detour" signs which hopefully will occur in a week or so. Commissioner Johnson asked about having a "Local Traffic Only" sign at Margarita Road and Rustic Glen Drive. Mr. Kicak will talk to the County about such a sign. Lt. Domenoe stated the Police Department will devote as much time as possible to the area, especially during this construction period. Ms. Steinbach asked if she could receive a vertical profile for Rustic Glen Drive. Mr. Kicak will send one to her. Commissioner Guerriero recapped by stating the City will work with the School District to change the bus stop location; have a traffic controller at peak hours at Margarita Road/Rustic Glen Drive intersection; conduct a traffic count for a temporary stop sign; conduct a traffic study at Rustic Glen Drive and Quail Slope Drive; and look into additional detour signs being placed. MINUTES:7/25/96 5 PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 25. 1996 It was moved by Commissioner Perry and seconded by Commissioner Johnson that the City complete the tasks enumerated by Commissioner Guerriero and the matter be brought back to the Commission in 60 days for further review. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Guerriero, Johnson, Perry NOES: o COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Sander 6. "AII-Wav Stoo" Pala Road and Rainbow Canvon Road Director of Public Works Kicak presented the staff report and recommended that the request for an "All-Way Stop" at the intersection of Pala Road and Rainbow Canyon Road be denied. Chairman Coe asked if the proposed traffic signal at Hwy 79 and Pala will allow traffic to flow smoother and therefore faster. Mr. Kicak replied that there will be more storage after the signalization and restripping are completed. Commissioner Perry stated it would be great to put in an acceleration lane. Mr. Kicak responded that was impossible at this time due to the inadequate width of the bridge on Pala Road. Bridge widening is scheduled for 1999. It was moved by Commissioner Guerriero and seconded by Commissioner Perry to approve staff recommendation to deny the request to establish an "All-Way Stop" at the intersection of Pala Road and Rainbow Canyon Road. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Guerriero, Johnson, Perry NOES: o COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Sander TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Director of Public Works Kicak reported on the following: · Traffic Sianal at Hwv. 79(SI and Pala Road, work was started July 15, 1996 and is expected to be in operation by the end of August 1996. · Traffic Sianal at Margarita Road and Rustic Glen Drive, signal poles and controller have been ordered. The County's Winchester Road Widening Project from Margarita Road to Murrieta Hot Springs Road started July 8, 1996 and the detour onto Margarita Road was effective July 15, 1996. Commissioner Johnson requested the traffic count location schedule for the remainder of the year. MINUTES:7/25/96 6 PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 25. 1996 POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Lt. Domenoe stated there was no additional information to report. Commissioner Johnson thanked the Police Department for the Citation Statistics covering the first six (6) months of 1996. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Chief Brodowski stated there was no additional information to report. COMMISSION DISCUSSION Commissioner Johnson asked Public Works Director Kicak to review the removal and replacement of asphalt markings on Avenida del Sol. One area has been marked and an area on the other side of the roadway which appears to be just as deteriorated has not been marked. Commissioner Guerriero wanted to know the procedure for having median barriers installed on Interstate 15 within the city limits of Temecula. He has noticed many U- turns being made. Public Works Director Kicak will take the matter up with the Caltrans District 8 Director. Commissioner Perry requested a brief recap of the Joint Temecula/Murrieta Transportation Committee. Commissioner Guerriero responded that because the proposed Murrieta Mall was not included in the modeling, the Committee was unable to proceed. Chairman Coe stated the County is currently resurfacing Rainbow Canyon Road and as the City's portion is in very bad condition, asked when Rainbow Canyon Road is scheduled for resurfacing. Public Works Director Kicak will find out its position on the priority schedule and report back. Chairman Coe inquired if the Police Department had looked at how Oscar's Restaurant opening will affect traffic. Lt. Domenoe responded that he thinks an exit on Ynez Road is planned. Public Works Director Kicak will look into their planned exits and report back. It was moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Perry to adjourn the meeting at 10: 1 0 P.M. The motion was unanimously carried. The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be hold on Thursday, August 22,1996, at 7:00 p.m., Temecula City Hall Main Conference Room, 43174 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. (]~~ ~~ Chairman Charles Coe MINUTES:7/25/96 7