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HomeMy WebLinkAbout090999 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 9, 1999 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, September 9, 1999, 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 Edwards. ROLLCALL Present: Commissioners Connerton, Edwards, *Markham, Telesio, and Chairman Coe. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Fire Battalion Chief Black, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Markham arrived at 6:01 P.M.) PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Corey Wallace, 39731 Jacaranda Court, queried the status of the recommendation to extend North General Kearney between Nicolas Road and Calle Pina Colada; and noted that he was in favor of the construction of the extension. For Mr. Wallace, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that the Circulation Element was in the process of being updated and that the Update would be potentially presented to the Planning Commission in December, relayed that, currently, the North General Kearney Extension was not part of the General Plan; and noted that when the General Circulation Update was presented to the Planning Commission, it would be noticed as a public hearing. R;~TraffCorrrn%minutes~090999 COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of August 26, 1999. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connerton and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. COMMISSION BUSINESS Recluest for Occasional Exception to the Parkin.el Restriction - Temeku Drive RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny a request to allow overflow on-street parking on Temeku Drive during certain events. Advising that this particular proposal was generated by a request from the Temeku Hills Management COmpany, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (via agenda material); provided additional information regarding the City's lack of control via the proposed guidelines denoted in Exhibit B (of record); relayed the potential for the City to be exposed to liability issues; noted that the City has not received any complaints from the neighboring residents with respect to the current overtlow on-street parking; for Commissioner Telesio, relayed that the proposal does not involve a permitting process; for Commissioner Edwards, confirmed that in the past, the City has not granted permission for this type of parking under these specific-type guidelines, for private events; and for Chairman Coe, noted the potential for additional concerns due to the City's lack of Control (i.e., covers not taken off the No Parking signs in a timely manner.) In response to the Commission's comments, Director of Public Works Hughes clarified that the request does not involve approval by the City on a case-by-case basis, noting that this particular request was proposing that full authority with respect to when, how, and where the parking would be restricted be granted to the Management Company; and advised that on-street parking was currently prohibited due to the bike lane. Initially, Commissioner Markham recommended that the bike lane be removed via a minor modification to the Specific Plan; and noted that due to the sloping of the streets, the bike lane provisions were most likely not utilized. Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that there was some opposition from the residents with respect to the removal of the bike lanes. Mr. Bill Miner, representing the Temeku Hills Homeowners Association, clarified the issue of the shortage of parking with respect to major events held at the Club; relayed that although there has been expressed residential support regarding the removal of the bike lanes, that there were some residents who strongly opposed the matter; noted that as the housing tracts further develop there may be a greater need for the bike lanes at a R:%TraffComrn%minutes~090999 future point in time; and for Commissioner Telesio, clarified the configuration of the streets in the area of discussion. In response to Commissioner Edwards' querying whether it would be more favorable to deny the request, while recommending the removal of the bike lanes, or to solely deny the request, Mr. Miner, while noting his reluctance to speak for the Board, relayed that the recommendation to remove the bike lanes would be preferred. noting the associated disadvantages. For Commissioner Telesio, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed the various costs associated with obtaining City permits for each event. Commissioner Markham recommended installing separate bike lanes in the area of discussion, eliminating the bike lane from the striped section, and converting the bike lane to a class one bike lane. Mr. Ned Heiskell, representing the Temeku Hills Management's Master Association, noted the public events that utilize the Clubhouse; relayed that there are currently three events a month that utilize overflow on-street residential parking; noted that hazards associated with the lack of provision for adequate parking; relayed the rationale for the request for special on-street parking in the prohibited parking area for special events, noting the control of the management over the reliability of the staff employees; and advised that the Board would most likely be agreeable to investigate the recommendation to create a separated, class one bike lane. For Commissioner Connerton, Commissioner Markham reiterated information regarding the costs associated with hiring a Public Works Maintenance employee for the tasks associated with the weekend events, at a four-hour minimum charge. Due to the facility being developed with the lack of provision for adequate parking, Commissioner Markham advised that the solution would require proactive participation on the part of the management or the ownership. Relaying the legal restrictions associated with the request, Commissioner Edwards recommended either the removal of the bike lane, or for the Management Company to provide alternate provisions for additional parking. Initially, Chairman Coe recommended that the Management Association receive permitting by the City for the special events, with the provision of signage specifying the permitted hours of parking. Echoing the previous Commission comments, Commissioner Telesio concurred with the recommendation to consider the removal of the bike lanes. MOTION: Commissioner Telesio moved to deny the request for Occasional Exception to the Parking Restriction on Temeku Drive; and recommended that the Temeku Hills Master Association consider the matter of removal of the bike lanes. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. R:%TraffCornrn~minutes~090999 3. ReQuest for Street Closure - Calle Pina Colada RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the PublicJTraffic Safety Commission deny a request to close Calle Pina Colada West of Salt River Court.. Providing a brief overview of the Commission's past actions regarding the issues of speed and volume with respect to Calle Pina Colada, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record); relayed Mr. Bueschel's recommendation to install a barrier or island on Calle Pina Colada (per agenda material, Exhibit G), noting that due to the current ineffectiveness of the posted 25 miles-per-hour posted speed limit signage, that the proposed posted one-way signage may also prove ineffective; additionally, relayed that while the recommendation may reduce the volumes of traffic, it most likely would not reduce the speed, noting the potential for diversion of traffic to Avenida Barca; and specified the current efforts of staff to investigate alternate improvements which could affect the area of discussion, relaying that analysis regarding the traffic circles (proposed to be installed on Via Cordoba) would soon be available. In response to the Commission's querying, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the following clarification: for Chairman Coe, provided additional information regarding the installation of traffic circles at T-intersections; for Commissioner Telesio, provided additional information regarding Mr, Bueschel's recommendation; and for Commissioner Connerton, specified the location of the stop signs in the area of discussion, The following individuals spoke in favor of closure of Calle Pina Colada: Mr. Dennis Bueschel Ms. Jan Lee Mr. Robert Denman Ms. Heather Johnson 41358 Yuba Circle 30899 Calle Pina Colada 30909 Calle Pina Colada 30702 Calle Pina Colada The above-mentioned individuals were proponents of the street closure, due to the following: Speed of cars ,,,- Cut-through traffic Recommended that the City expedite some form of solution Ineffectiveness of posted speed limit signage Queried the status of the recommendation to install photo-radar units ..- Fear that without improvement, there exists the risk of a fatal accident Queried the City Council's action to actively address traffic solutions on Via Cordeba in lieu of Calle Pina Colada Lack of enforcement with respect to speed violations R:%TraffComm~minutes~090999 Increased generation of traffic after mall opening The following individuals spoke in opposition to the street closure: Mr. Joe Femia Mr. Corey Wallace Mr. John Hoagland 30831 Avenida Buena Suerte 39731 Jacaranda Court 40481 Calle Fiesta The above-mentioned individuals relayed opposition to the street closure, due to the following: Closure would cause diversion of traffic to alternate streets Noted the current lowered posted speed limits existing on Calle Pina Colada Lack of excessive speed and volumes on Calle Pina Colada The closure would have a negative affect on the general circulation The existing condition of limited access in the Meadowview area For Commissioner Edwards, Mr. Bueschel provided additional clarification regarding his previously discussed recommendation (denoted in Exhibit G of the agenda material). Commissioner Edwards applauded Mr. Bueschel for his efforts in attempting to seek a solution to the Calle Pina Colada issues. For Chairman Coe, Ms. Johnson relayed that it was her opinion that if Calle Pina Colada was closed, traffic would divert to Margarita Road. In response to Commissioner Markham, Director of Public Works Hughes clarified that the proposed circulation study associated with the area of discussion would not have funding available until the third year of the CIP. Commissioner Markham recommended expediting the study in order to analyze traffic solutions for this area, which has been an area of discussion for many years, concurring that closure would not be an effective solution. While acknowledging the expressed community concerns, and concurring with Commissioner Markham's comments, Commissioner Connerton relayed that the overall general circulation needs to be considered; and noted that while he could not support closure, he recommended that a traffic circle be installed in the Calle Pina Colada area, temporarily, for study purposes. Commissioner Edwards provided additional information for Ms. Lee, regarding the recent decision by the City Council to place the traffic circles on Via Cordoba due to the potential for effectiveness of the traffic circles at intersections; and relayed that if the traffic analysis reveals that traffic circles are effective tools at T-intersections there would be consideration for installation of a traffic circle on Calle Pina Colada. R:~TraffCorrm~minutes~090999 Director of Public Works Hughes provided clarification regarding the specifications of the traffic circles; recommended not installing traffic circles on Calle Pina Colada until further analysis is received; for Chairman Coe, relayed the potential for improvements in the area of discussion after staff has completed their investigation with respect to alternate traffic calming tools; and for Commissioner Markham, noted that staff had requested that the City Council grant 90 days for the development of policy and guidelines in order to complete the analysis. For informational purposes, Commissioner Connerton advised that the street closure on Kahwea Road did not alleviate the issue of speed, noting the ineffectiveness of street closures to reduce speed; and recommended that the City Council consider installation of a traffic circle in the Calle Pina Colada area forthe purpose of analyzing the effectiveness at T-intersections. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed the potential to additionally install traffic circles at T-intersections within the Via Cordoba area for the purpose of analysis; advised that the traffic solutions would most likely slow down traffic, while not reducing the volumes; and further defined the phrase cut-through traffic. Via review of the map, Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that most of the traffic generated on Calle Pina Colada was due to traffic generated by the residents in the area; relayed that the 1,000 trips generated a day was not excessive; and for Commissioner Markham, specified the ample capacity of the road. Reiterating that the speed limit on Calle Pina Colada has been reduced to 25 miles an hour, with posted signage, that speed undulations have been installed with a speed limit of 15 miles an hour, Commissioner Telesio advised that while the volumes would most likely not be reduced, the impetus of the solutions has been, and would continue to be, to reduce speed; relayed that most of the speed citations in the area were issued to residents (echoed by Police Sergeant DiMaggio); noted that he would not support closure, relaying that Avenida Barca would be negatively affected; concurred with the recommendation to analyze the traffic circles at T-intersections; and in response to Mr. Denman's comments, clarified the previously mentioned accident and signal installation at Cosmic Drive. In response to Mr. Bueschel's comments, Senior Engineer Moghadam clarified the insignificance of the street width variant between 40 and 44 feet; and noted that per outlined cdteria the street does not warrant closure. Chairman Coe relayed encouragement due to the City's recent decision to prioritize the issue of developing calming strategies with respect to traffic; advised that the decision five years ago to close Kahwea Road was a mistake; recommended that the City Council revisit consideration of the matter; and noted that he would not support closure of Calle Pina Colada. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to accept staff's recommendation to deny the request to close Calle Pina Colada; and recommended that the City Council approve the installation of a test traffic circle at a T-intersection on Calle Pina Colada, recommending that it be a temporary installation in order to develop analysis as to whether or not the traffic circles alleviated the negative traffic impacts. Commissioner Markham seconded the motion. R:%TraffComm~minutes~090999 Referencing the agenda material with respect to the alternative staff recommendation, Commissioner Markham clarified that this motion was differentiated by the recommendation to expedite the implementation of the traffic circles along Calle Pina Colada, and to incorporate the traffic circles as part of the evaluation study. In response to Commissioner Markham, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff would not recommend converting Calle Pina Colada into a one-way street, noting the diversion of traffic to alternate residential streets the conversion would create. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting unanimous approval. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT In response to Chairman Coe's previous querying, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the School District has requested that the red curbing be removed on Margarita Road at the Temecula Valley High School, noting that the City has agreed to the request. Be For informational purposes, Commissioner Edwards relayed that there are fewer cars this year parking outside of the high school on Margarita Road. Per Commission request, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the mall tour for the Commissioners has been scheduled for Monday, September 13, 1999, at 1:00 P.M. , noting that the interested Commissioners should meet at the mall trailer site, advising that jeans and boots should be worn since it is a construction site. De With respect to the Ovedand Bridge Improvements, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the 1-15 freeway would be closed form 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. on September 14-16, specifying the detouring process; and noted for Commissioner Markham, that the improvement schedule for the Pala Road Bridge Project was on target with respect to the anticipated completion dates. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Sergeant DiMaggio clarified that the enforcement has continued with respect to the pdmary locations of community concern (i.e., Via Cordoba, Calle Pina Colada); invited the community members to ride along with the officers in order to observe the radar enforcement and the observations of the officers; and noted that with respect to Calle Pina Colada, officers generally only cite one violator in a two-hour period. Be Commissioner Telesio, echoed by Police Sergeant DiMaggio, relayed that actual speed is hard to judge from an observers point of view without the use of a radar gun. Commissioner Telesio, echoed by the Commission, invited Police Sergeant DiMaggio to address community comments as they adse during the meeting. R:~TraffCornrn%minutes~090999 In order to provided clarification with respect to the actual speed of traffic, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the possibility of the City providing a radar gun at a future point in time for the purpose of community members being able to more accurately evaluate the issue of speed violators. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT VVith respect to the recent significant fire within the City, Fire Battalion Chief Black relayed that 16 phone calls were fielded through the 911 process, noting that the response time from the first call received was approximately four minutes. With respect to the Medic Program affiliated with the Fire Department, Fire Battalion Chief Black noted that the program is on schedule for the September 15, 1999 target date. Commissioner Edwards commended the Fire Department for their diligent efforts with respect to the recent significant fire. COMMISSION REPORTS For informational purposes, Commissioner Connerton relayed the vast amount of illegal U-turn movements on Margarita Road at Temecula Valley High School, noting that he witnessed a near accident involving two jaywalking youths in the area. W~th respect to the proximate location of the Cosco Shopping Center, specifically at the left-turn at Winchester Road, towards the I-15 freeway, Commissioner Connerton witnessed 12 vehicles go through the intersection on a red light, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that he would address the matter. Concurring with Chairman Coe's previous comments, Commissioner Telesio recommended that the City Council consider revisiting the matter of the closure of Kahwea Road. In response to Commissioner Telesio's comments, Commissioner Markham advised that the circulation study in the aforementioned area be conducted in order to evaluate the matter accurately. D. Commissioner Edwards queried the status of installing red light cameras. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff is investigating the matter with the Police Department. For Senior Engineer Moghadam, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that he would arrange a time schedule for the Police Department to meet with staff with respect to further discussions regarding the red light cameras; and for Commissioner Connerton, relayed the procedure of enforcing citations issued with the use of the red light cameras. R:~TraffComm~minutes%090999 In response to Chairman Coe's comments, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the rationale for not posting signage on Calle Pina Colada, or Via Cordoba which would relay the cost of the fines associated with speeding. Fe For informational purposes, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed the effectiveness of installing delineators for the purpose of slowing down traffic, siting an example in Moreno Valley. ADJOURNMENT At 8:26 P.M. Chairman Coe formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, Sel~tember 23, 1999 at 6:00 P,M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Chairman Charles Coe Administ ~v~cretary Anita Pyle