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HomeMy WebLinkAbout062206 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JUNE 22, 2006 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2006, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. FLAG SALUTE Corn missioner Jacobs led the audience in the Flag salute. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners: Youmans. Lanier, Ramos, Jacobs, Arbogast, and Chairman Absent: None. PRESENTATIONS: Sergeant Pino, Temecula Police Department, provided a brief review of the Police Organizational Structure, noting the following: . That under the direction of Police Chief Aim, there have been four lieutenants that were assigned to various functions of the Police Department . That currently there would be a fifth lieutenant pending that will be assigned to County Patrol and the Pechanga SRCSD District . That Lieutenant Hudson would be assigned to the Administrative Unit of the station at the Police Department . That Management Analyst Schrader would also be assigned to administrative functions under Lieutenant Hudson . That Lieutenant Wait would currently be responsible for the Mall, youth authority teams, and she would also have several deputy's and pop-deputy's assigned to her . That Lieutenant Rile would currently be assigned to the investigations unit; that he would also deal with evidence in the gang units with Sergeant Kondrit . That Lieutenant Meadows would be a patrol Sergeant and would have several Sergeants under him which cover the functions of patrol. PUBLIC COMMENTS No additional comments. R:\Minutes\PublicT rafficSafetyCommission062206 COMMISSION REPORTS A. Commissioner Arbogast stated that she had an opportunity to attend the Temecula Citizen Corps (TCC) drill held at Chaparral High School, advising that the Fire and Police Department did an excellent job arranging the drill. For Battalion Chief Deyo, Commissioner Arbogast apologized for skipping the Fire Chief's report at the May 25, 2006, Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting. Referencing the Inside Temecula news letter distributed by the City of Temecula, Commissioner Arbogast advised that the news letter would have valuable information with regard to public safety, and encouraged all to read it. Commissioner Arbogast gave thanks to the Police Department with regard to the new Driving Under the Influence (DUI) enforcement probation program that will begin in the near future. For Director of Public Works Hughes, Commissioner Arbogast requested that in the near future she would like to arrange a meeting with him with regard to finding a solution to temporary speed signs. B. Commissioner Lanier thanked in advance, the Police and Fire Departments for their assistance with the 4th of July events. Commissioner Lanier also noted that he visited the Mall and had an enjoyable evening, and advised that the Police Department has done an excellent job in keeping order at the Mall. C. Commending the Temecula Police Department for its weekly Temecula Police Highlights, Commissioner Jacobs noted that he is grateful to receive the information. Commissioner Jacobs expressed concern with the amount of merchandise that some stores have in front of its stores, and queried if the Fire or Police Department have had "issues or concerns with regard to this issue. For Commissioner Jacobs, Sergeant Pino noted that he would not be able to address his concern without first discussing it with his patrolling officers. In response to Commissioner Jacobs' concern, Battalion Chief Deyo noted that if anyone suspects that public safety is being compromised because of merchandise in front of stores and parking areas, they should contact the Fire Department. Commissioner Jacobs noted that it would be his opinion that if retailers are flagrantly violating the law without concern for public safety, then that perhaps the penalties should be more severe. Chairman Youmans suggested that the Fire Department, Police Department, and Code Enforcement Department, return with a report with regard to Commissioner Jacobs' concern. D. Commissioner Ramos relayed his appreciation to Sergeant Pino for his presentation for the media with regard to educating and aierting bartender's when their patrons have had enough alcoholic beverages. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission062206 2 Commissioner Ramos also noted that he had an opportunity to tour the storefront at the Promenade Mall and suggested that signage of the storefront outside of the Mall be installed. Commissioner Ramos noted that it wO,uld be helpful if staff would give the Commission a courtesy call the day before a conference. E. Chairman Youmans encouraged the community to view the Every 15 Minutes Program, advising that the film does an excellent job in portraying what occurs with drunken driving accidents. Thanking the City Manager and staff, Chairman Youmans noted his appreciation to a letter that was sent to the parents of the students of Great Oak High School with regard to traffic issues in the area. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of Mav 25. 2006 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of May 25, 2006 MOTION: Commissioner Jacobs moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Chairman Youmans who abstained. It was the consensus of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to address Item No. 5 before Item NO.2. . COMMISSION BUSINESS 5. Distribution of Temecula 911 Cellular Phone Number RECOMMENDATION: 5.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive a presentation on ways to market the Temecula 911 cellular phone number and discuss components of the system with staff. Per PowerPoint Presentation, Management Analyst Schrader provided a brief report regarding the distribution of Temecula 911 Cellular Phone Numbers, highlighting on the following: . Background . Phone Number Recognition . Distribution Ideas Mass Media . Directed Marketing . Targeted Distribution. R:\Minutes\PublicT rafficSafetyCommission062206 3 Commissioner Ramos suggested that a pamphlet iflforming citizens of cellular phone numbers be issued with the Rancho California Water District's monthly water statement. In response to Commissioner Ramos' query, Management Analyst Schrader noted that the cellular phone numbers would also apply to any unincorporated area of the county. Commissioner Arbogast stated that advertisement could also be distributed with the Chamber of Commerce's monthly news letter which is submitted to their businesses; and that the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) would have the ability of sending out broadcasting e-mails; and that she would be in favor of the sticker and clingy idea, but would suggest that it be included in the next Inside Temecula news letter. Commissioner Jacobs noted that bumper stickers would be a way to make known to the public of 911 cellular phone numbers. The Public/Traffic Safety Commission thanked Management Analyst Schrader for her presentation. It was the consensus of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to receive and file this report. Due to a conflict of interest with Item No.2, Chairman Youmans excused himself from the dais. 2. Temecula Vallev Hioh School Drivewav Access - Maroarita Road RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive the presentation and provide a recommendation to Staff. Director of Public Works Hughes noted that the City received a request from Temecula Valley High School to add a driveway on Margarita Road, south of Rancho Vista Road, to provide additional student parking at the high school. Mr. Hughes also noted that staff would suggest that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission agree to allow the proposed driveway on a trial basis; that the right-turn lane to the driveway be extended an additional 100 feet; and that the City reserve the right to modify andlor close the driveway if problems occur on Margarita Road as a result of the driveway. Via overheads, Mr. Dave Gallagher, representing Temecula Valley High School, provided the Commission with a report, noting the following: . That Temecula Valley School District will always encourage and provide as much on-street parking as possible to avoid school parking to spill onto City streets and become a problem for the City . That the school district is also encouraged to balance the loading and unloading of traffic in and out of schools . That the school district agreed to install a driveway and median improvements to restrict left-turns R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission062206 4 . That parking permits will be assigned to students through a lottery system for the whole year . That the high school would gain parking spaces. Mr. Scott Chaufal, Temecula Valley High School Principal, spoke in favor of the proposed changes noting the following: . That the proposed changes will decrease the amount of cars driving on Rancho Vista Road . That the proposed changes will increase safety for students . That the increased amount of parking on the school property will encourage students to park in the enclosed area. In response to Commissioner Ramos' comment, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that it would be his opinion that u-turns would not be restricted southbound at the corner of Margarita Road and Pauba Road The Public/Traffic Safety Commission expressed their excitement with the proposed changes. MOTION: Commissioner Ramos moved to approve staff recommendation. Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Chairman Youmans who abstained. At this time Chairman Youmans returned to the dais, and due to a conflict of interest with Item No.3, Commissioner Arbogast excused herself from the dais. 3. ReQuest for Multi-Wav Stop SiQns - Seraphina Road RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission: 1. Deny the request for Multi-Way Stop Signs on Seraphina Road; 2. Recommend the continued enforcement of the 25 MPH posted speed limit; and 3. Provide further recommendations. Principal Engineer Moghadam provided the Commission with a staff report (of record). At this time, the public hearing was opened. Mr. Shane Lesarsky, Temecula, requested the following with regard to Seraphina Road: . That Seraphina Road be closed but allow for emergency access . That stripes on Seraphina Road be painted on the street . That a "stop" be painted on Seraphina Street when approaching a stop . That police enforcement be visible during peak hours . That crosswalk or stop sign be installed around the Nicholas Valley Elementary. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission062206 5 At this time, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Lanier suggested increased police enforcement on Seraphina Road. Referencing Commissioner Lanier's comment with regard to flashing lights on street poles, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that the City was informed by Southern California Edison, that they will no longer be allowing the City to mount flashing lights on its street light posts or use its electric source; but that staff would be hopeful that the situation would be resolved in the future. Director of Public Works Hughes stated that the following could be implemented immediately: . Enhanced signage . Enhanced striping . Enhanced legends at the stop-bars . That the County could be contacted to ensure that their signage is consistent with the City's enhancements . That larger signs identifying the speed limit could be installed . That police enforcement could be implemented. Commissioner Jacobs noted that it would be his opinion that Seraphina Road would be an ideal location for the implementation of feedback signage and would request that staff explore the possibility. Commissioner Ramos commended Mr. Lesarsky for his comments and assured him that staff will be working to resolve the problem. MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to approve staff recommendation and denv the request for Multi-Way stop signs on Seraphina Road; subject to the recommendation of continued police enforcement; that a radar trailer be installed; that painted speed limits signs be enhanced; that battery powered feedback signage be explored; and that staff contact Riverside County and request the implementation of speed limit signs on its portion of Seraphina Road. Commissioner Lanier Jacobs seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Arboqast who abstained. Mr. Lesarsky thanked the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for its support. At this time, Commissioner Arbogast returned to the dais. 4. Traffic Conditions - Via Norte and Del Rev Road RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the PubliclTraffic Safety Commission review a request for additional traffic controls on Via Norte and Del Rey Road and recommend the continued enforcement of the 35 MPH posted speed limit. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCom mission062206 6 Principal Engineer Moghadam provided a staff report (of written material), and noted the following: . That staff would be referring to the entire loop of Via Norte and Del Rey Road . That the 35 mph speed limit would be an appropriate speed throughout the entire loop of Via Norte and Del Rey Road For Commissioner Arbogast, Sergeant Pino noted the following: . That in the last 2 weeks police offices have written half-a dozen tickets for stop light violations and~ that two to three of those citations were for speed . That the Meadowview Homeowners Association contacts the Police Department when problems occur . That police enforcement has been increased in the area . That feedback from motor officers patrolling the area would be that there would not be a major speeding problem, but occasionally catch younger violators . That the peak hours would be morning work and school drop off and afternoon home from school and work. Commissioner Jacobs requested that for future reports, he would be desirous of a list of the accident history period that would describe whether or not there were injuries or fatalities. At this time, the public hearing was opened. A. Ms. Jan Austin, Temecula, noted that there are a lot of problems in the Meadowview area with regard to speeders; that there have been three fatalities in the last six years; that it has been good having police enforcement in the area; and would request some striping along the horse trails to make known of horse crossing trails and would be in favor of the feedback signage. B. Ms. Diana Lovett-Webb, Temecula, stated that as of January 2006 through May 2006, there have been 15 fences crashed into with cars driving along Del Rey Road, Via Norte Road, and at the curb of Pina Colada and North General Kearny Roads; and that in Meadowview there were 74 traffic citations issued according to the police report issued for the month of May 2006. Due to no additional speakers, the public hearing was closed. Referencing crosswalks, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that it would be the policy of the City to not place crosswalks at intersections or mid-block crossings; that intersections would be legal crossing areas, not striped; that the City would not stripe locations unless they would have traffic control devices in place such as signalized intersections or if there are school crossings that would have crossing-guards; that although the City receives many requests for crosswalks, it was determined that crosswalks create a false sense of security. Chairman Youmans would be of the opinion that stop signs would not be the solution, but requested that staff explore the feasibility of implementing the feedback signage. R:\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission062206 7 Director of Public Works Hughes noted that based on Items 3 and 4 of the agenda, staff will explore the possibility of purchasing two solar powered feedback signs. MOTION: Commissioner Jacobs moved to increase police enforcement of speed and traffic laws in the Meadowview area; that staff explore the possibility of installing battery- powered feedback signage; and to continue discussions with Southern California Edison in hopes of working together to resolve the issue. Commissioner Arbogast seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. The Commission thanked Director of Public works Hughes and staff for their efforts. Item NO.5 was addressed on page 3 and 4. 5. Distribution of Temecula 911 Cellular Phone Number RECOMMENDATION: 5.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive a presentation on ways to market the Temecula 911 cellular phone number and discuss components of the system with staff. 6. Traffic EnQineer's Report No additional comments. 7. Police Chiefs Report Sergeant Pino noted the following: . That traffic accidents are down 61 % . That high visibility of motor officers writing tickets will always show a reduction in traffic accidents . That the Click it or Ticket It Program ended with 1,146 seat belt citations . That Citations for the month of May totaled 2,272. For the Commission, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that staff will work with the Police Department to get reports out to the Commission in a quicker manner. Lieutenant Rile referenced the Zone Deployment - Preliminary Statistics (per staff report). With regard to the proposed Temecula Valley High School drivewaylparking lot, Lieutenant Rile stated that per the request of Chief Aim, it would be important that the Police Department have the opportunity to be included in the discussions of final plans with staff and the school district. Director of Public Works Hughes noted that he will apprise the Police Department of plans with regard to the proposed drivewaylparking lot at Temecula Valley High School. R:\Minutes\PublicT rafficSafetyCommission062206 8 8. Fire Chiefs Report No additional comments. ADJOURNMENT At 8:28 p.m. Commissioner Arbogast formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, Julv 27,2006 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, and Temecula. R\Minutes\PublicTrafficSafetyCommission062206 9