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HomeMy WebLinkAbout012700 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:01 P.M., on Thursday, January 27, 2000, 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 *Coe, Edwards, Katan, Telesio, and Chairman Connerton. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Coe arrived at 6:03 P.M.) PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. COM MISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of January 13. 2000 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of January 13, 2000. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Telesio and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Review of SI3eed Limit - De Portola Road and Ynez Road RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission reaffirm the existing posted speed limit of 45 MPH on Ynez Road and 50 MPH on De Portola Road the input from the affected residents. It was noted for the record that Commissioner Coe arrived at the meeting at 6:03 P.M. Relaying that the matter presented before the Commission was requested to be agendized by community members, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided a brief overview of the staff report; noted that an unofficial speed survey had been conducted to determine if there were any changes in the area of discussion with respect to volumes and speed; relayed the legal restrictions associated with enforcing the speed limit if the speed limit were lowered; and relayed staff's recommendation that the center line be striped as a double-yellow line (which would prohibit passing) due to the drivers sited passing vehicles. Mr. Victor Jones, Post Office Box 1624, representing the Los Ranchitos Homeowners Association, noted that he was opposed to the posted speed limits, and relayed his desire to give his 3-minute public comment time to Mr. Curtsinger. Mr. Curt Curtsinger, 29083 Ynez Road, expressed the following comments and recommendations: With respect to the Temecula General Plan, challenged the designation of Ynez Road (from Santiago Road southbound to De Portola Road/Margarita Road) as a Secondary four-lane road, stating that this portion of Ynez Road had been solely improved to a Principal Collector two-lane road; and provided additional data regarding the surrounding area. · Per Caltrans discussions, relayed that the average posted speed on a Collector 2- Lane Road should be between 30-35 MPH. Queried the speed limit determination being established by the results of speed surveys; noted that the sole restriction to not adhering to a speed limit established by surveying (on State Highways) was that Law Enforcement could not utilize radar for enforcement purposes (acknowledging that the roads of discussion were not State Highways). · Noted that a properly posted speed limit could be enforced be means other than radar, · With respect to the Prima Facie Speed Law, sited the Vehicle Code, noting the Local Authority's jurisdiction to decrease local speed limits. Relayed the following three recommendations: a) that a speed survey be conducted expeditiously, b) that there be consideration to change the designation of Ynez Road and De Portola Road (between Santiago Road, and Margadta Road) to a Principal Collector two-lane road, and c) that when the Highway 79 Road Improvement Project was complete, the City install No Through Traffic signs at the four major intersections leading into Los Ranchitos, and additionally restrict turning movements onto those same roads dudng certain rush hour pedods of the day. Mr. Mike Krone, 29001 Ynez road, queded staff as to whether there were State funds received by the City of Temecula for the maintenance of Ynez and Margadta Roads, thereby restricting the City's jurisdiction to lower the speed limits. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the City maintained Ynez and Margadta Roads; and requested that Director of Public Works Hughes provide additional information. With respect to Ynez Road, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that to the best of his knowledge, the City had not utilized any Federal funds for the construction, maintenance or improvement of Ynez Road. In response to Mr. Krone's queries, Senior Engineer Moghadam specified that with respect to the speed survey results, that the average speed on Ynez Road was 47 MPH, and on De Portola Road was 52-53 MPH. Associate Engineer Gonzalez relayed that the speed survey had been conducted between approximately 2:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. Mr. Krone recommended that the City lower the speed limits in the area of discussion due to the tendency of ddvers to drive above the posted limits, or that there be increased Police enforcement of the current speed limits. In response to Commissioner Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam clarified the following: That the classification of a roadway does not determine the speed limit, or the authority of the local jurisdiction to establish a speed limit with the exception of a pdma facie speed limit such as a school zone, or a residence district. Noted that there were certain requirements associated with a residential area qualifying as a residential district (i.e., the number of residents accessing the roadway). Relayed that the speed limits established by the surveys (based on the 85 percentlie of speed traveled in a certain area) justified the posting of lowered speed limits regardless of the classification of a road (i.e., Rancho California Road had varied speed limits for portions of the same road, within the same road classification justified by the surveyed results). Advised that data revealed that the majority of drivers do travel at prudent speeds. For Commissioner Telesio, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the roads were classified in the City's General Plan, reiterating that this classification had no bearing on the establishment of speed limits. For Commissioner Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that the City maintained speed limits established by the standard guidelines (i.e., Caltrans standards) and confirmed that with respect to Mr. Curtsingers comment, the City could lower the speed limits (without utilizing the surveyed data), advising that the Police Department would not be able to enforce the lowered limits with redar. In response to Mr. Krone's comments, Commissioner Telesio advised that it would not be prudent to post a lowered speed limit in order to attempt to maintain speeds at the current posted limits (based on the comment that ddvers will drive faster than the posted limits); and recommended posting the speed at the safe limit, and enforcing that limit. With respect to Commissioner Katan's quedes regarding the Four-Lane designation in the General Plan, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the General Plan Circulation Element was in the process of being updated; advised that based on the overall projected build-out of the City, this area would most likely remain classified as a four- lane Secondary Arterial Road; relayed that if the road was constructed at a future point as a four-lane road, that if the volumes of traffic remained the same, the speed limits would not be necessarily be revised. In light of the current construction project on Highway 79 South, Commissioner Coe relayed that he would be reluctant to change the speed limits in this area at this time; and noted that when the construction project was complete there would most likely be significant reductions in speed and volumes. Noting that he had visited the area of discussion on Sunday, January 23, 2000, Chairman Connerton relayed that he timed the vehicles travelling from Villa Del Sur Drive to Verde Ddve; advised that during this two-hour period he witnessed five vehicles passing other vehicles in an unsafe manner; relayed that most of the vehicles appeared to be driving within the parameters of the posted speed limit; per his Tuesday visit to the area, noted that the results were similar; queried whether the speed limits could be modified to be consistently posted at 45 MPH, noting the existing vadant limits (i.e., 45 MPH, 50 MPH). For Chairman Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the restrictions associated with lowering the speed limit (if the revised limit were not based on surveyed results), noting that a citation for speeding could be dismissed, and therefore the speed could not be effectively enforced. Police Sergeant DiMaggio concurred that if a speed limit was posted without utilizing the aforementioned guidelines (the 85 percentlie surveyed results) that the citations could be dismissed, depending on the judge or commissioner sitting on the bench; advised that the lowered speed limit would pose restrictions on the enforcement process; and for Commissioner Edwards, relayed the rationale for utilizing radar in this area for speed enforcement. For informational purposes, Chairman Connerton noted that seven out of ten cars traveling in this area did not stop at the Jedediah Smith Road four-way stop sign, relaying the need for enforcement in this area. Chairman Connerton recommended that the speed limits in the entire area be posted at 45 MPH which would create consistency, regardless of the portion of the road where citations would have the potential of being dismissed; noted that the matter needed to be addressed; and relayed that during his visit to the area (previously noted) he had seen three Police vehicles drive by, commending the Police Department for their presence in the area. Commissioner Telesio queried the location of the area where the speed citations could not be enforced if the limits were lowered to 45 MPH in the entire area, noting that the inconsistency with respect to the existing varying posted speed limits could confuse drivers. Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that there were stop signs separating the varying speed limits. For Commissioner Telesio, Senior Engineer Moghadam and Commissioner Edwards clarified that if the posted speed limits were arbitrarily lowered (dismissing the 85 percentlie surveyed speed) that the speed citations issued via the utilization of radar could potentially be dismissed, and therefore the speed limits could not be enforced effectively. Chairman Connerton reiterated his previous recommendation, and recommended that additionally, the centerline be striped as a double yellow line in order to prohibit passing. Commissioner Edwards relayed that in her opinion, if the speed limit were lowered, the unsafe passing of vehicles would increase, creating a hazardous condition. For clarification, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff was in concurrence with the recommendation to place a double-yellow stripe in the area, to restrict the unsafe passing, and with respect to the recommendation to lower the speed limit overall to 45 MPH, advised that the speed could not be effectively enforced, advising that there was no data to support the reduced limit. Chairman Connerton queried whether this issue should be continued until additional speed studies had been completed. Director of Public Works Hughes recommended the following: a) that the area be double-striped at this time, b) that when the Highway 79 Road Improvement Project was completed that the area be surveyed, and c) after the conduction of the survey, that the speed limits be posted with enforceable limits. For Commissioner Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed the likelihood of a new survey revealing consistent data (after completion of the Highway 79 Project); noted the benefit of the Police Department being able to enforce the posted limits, relaying that studies have demonstrated that arbitrarily reducing the posted limits does not slow traffic speed. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to direct staff to double-stripe Ynez and De Portola Roads, and to maintain the current posted speed limits. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion. (This motion ultimately passed. See page 6) For Commissioner Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the approximate date for the completion of the Highway 79 South Project would be December of 2000. For community informational purposes, Commissioner Edwards noted that the Highway 79 South Project was not a City project. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting unanimous approval. For Chairman Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the striping project could be completed in approximately 3-4 weeks. Commissioner Edwards requested that this issue be agendized for consideration in November of 2000, in order to the Commissioner to receive an update regarding the Highway 79 Project, and a timeframe for the re-surveying of the area. For Mr. Curtsinger, Senior Engineer Moghadam clarified the relationship between the surveyed 85 percentlie speed and the posted limit, specifying that the posted limit was set at the next increment of 5 MPH below that 85 percentlie speed. In response to Mr. Curtsinger, Director of Public Wod~s Hughes relayed that based on years of evaluation, data had demonstrated that if all the posted speed limit signage were removed, the 85 percentlie speed traveled would remain the same; and noted that the factors that directed the speed of drivers were, as follows: a) the number of driveways in the area, b) the curves in the read, and c) site distance issues. For Mr. Krene, Chairman Connerton provided additional information regarding the posted limits and the inability to enforce lowered speed limits effectively if the limits were lowered; relayed that when additional studies were performed, that the speed limits could be lowered if the data justified the reducing of speed limits; and noted that the public members could appeal the Commission's decision (to not lower the posted speed limits) to the City Council. For Mr. Jones, Senior Engineer Moghadam and Commissioner Edwards provided additional information regarding the relationship between the curvatures presented in the roads and the associated speeds traveled in the area. Mr. Jones commented on Commissioner Coe utilizing the route of discussion to access the proximate school site. Commissioner Coe provided additional information regarding the publids access to public roads. 3. Commissioner Appointment to the Public Traffic Safety Awareness Group RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission appoint one (1) Commissioner to represent the City of Temecula on the Public Traffic Safety Awareness Group. Relaying the City Council's recommendation that one Public/Traffic Safety Commissioner be appointed to serve on the Murrieta/Temecula Public Traffic Safety Awareness Group, Chairman Connerton noted the issue before the Commission for consideration. Commissioner Coe volunteered to serve on the aforementioned committee. Chairman Connerton relayed that numerous individuals would volunteer to serve on this committee due to the opportunity to impact the community, noting that he had a desire to serve on the committee, himself. Commissioner Edwards relayed her desire to serve on the committee. Chairman Connerton queried Commissioner Edwards and Coe with respect to the amount of time available to devote to this effort. Commissioners Edwards and Coe relayed that they had sufficient availability of time to effectively serve on the committee. Chairman Connerton recommended that Commissioner Edwards be appointed as the committee member to represent the Publicrrreffic Safety Commission, and that Commissioner Coe be appointed as an alternate committee member to serve in Commissioner Edwards' stead if she was unavailable to attend; and relayed that the committee member would regularly update the Commission with respect to the committee meetings. Reiterating his recommendation, Chairman Connerton relayed the importance of the appointment, noting Commissioner Edwards' involvement in the community and the associated traffic aspects; and commended her abilities with respect to public awareness. Chairman Coe noted that his seven years of service on the PublicJTreffic Safety Commission contributed to his awareness of traffic issues with respect to the public; and relayed that if Chairman Connerton viewed this matter of appointment as his sole duty, to make the appointment unilaterally, then sobeit. Chairman Connerton queried whether the Commission disagreed with his recommendation, and whether the Commission had a desire to appoint an alternate Commissioner. Commissioner Telesio queried whether it was within the purview of the Commissioners to make this appointment. Chairman Connerton relayed that the Commission could make the appointment, noting that he recommended that Commissioner Edwards be the appointed committee member. Based on experience and a schedule that was unencumbered, Commissioner Telesio nominated Commissioner Coe for the committee member position, and Commissioner Edwards for the position of alternate committee member. Commissioner Edwards noted that per discussions with alternate committee members, the Red Light Camera issue would be matter for committee consideration; relayed that she had attended all the associated Red Light Camera workshops, advising that her involvement and recommendations with respect to this matter could be an asset to the committee; and noted that she would enjoy serving on the committee. It was the general consensus of the Commission to appoint Commissioner Coe to serve as the Commissioner to represent the City of Temecula on the Public Traffic Awareness Group, and that Commissioner Edwards be the alternate member (Voice vote reflected 3/2 in favor of the appointment recommendation). Commissioner Edwards noted that she was not opposed to the recommended appointment, but that she had looked forward to serving on the committee. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT VVith respect to Mr. Guerriero's comments raised at the January 13, 2000 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting regarding the recommendation to consider installing dual left-turn lanes from southbound Margarita Road to eastbound Rancho California Road, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff had investigated the matter and due to the increased volumes in this area, had concurred with Mr. Guerriero's recommendation. Chairman Connerton relayed his desire to have the matter agendized for a Publicrrraffic Safety Commission meeting. W~th respect to the problems reported by Commissioner Edwards at the traffic signal at Ynez Road/Tierra Vista Road, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the issue had been addressed. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT With respect to Sparkman Elementary School, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that numerous vehicles have been parking in the bike lane on Pio Pico Road; queded whether the curb in that area could be painted red or whether there could be signage installed, stating No stopping, standing, orparking for enforcement purposes; and noted that due to the width of the road, there was the potential for a collision. Senior Engineer Moghadam recommended that the issue not be addressed until the School District had completed the proposed additional provisions for on-site parking for parents. Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that the public members (parking in the restricted area) had relayed to the Police Officers that the school had distributed flyers stating that if the drivers remained in their vehicles while parking in the restricted zone, that they would not be cited; and noted his reluctance to cite the ddvers if they had been noticed by the school that there would be no violations. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff had had several meetings with the School District regarding the parking impacts at the school sites; advised that at this time the School Distdct had proposed to provide additional on-site parking in the area of discussion; and recommended that the Police not address the issue until the parent have an alternate option for parking, and that after the completion of the parking project that the City consider painting the curb red. While acknowledging the benefit of the School District working with the City at this point in time, Chairman Connerton relayed his dismay with the School District allegedly distributing flyers allowing parents to park in a no parking zone. For clarification purposes, Director of Public Works Hughes concurred that if the school distdbuted the flyer, it was an inapprepdate action; noted that if an individual parked in the restricted area, that individual would be subjecting themselves to possible enforcement; relayed the rationale for the recommendation that the matter not be aggressively addressed at this time due to the lack of provisions for parents to park in alternate areas; and reiterated that the School District was in the process of addressing the issue. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the School District had made diligent efforts within the last year to work with the City to find solutions to the negative impacts related to the school sites. With respect to the proposed parking provisions, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that although he could not provide a specific date for construction of the project, that the plans had been submitted to the City, and approved; and noted that the project would most likely begin construction within the next three to four months, possibly sooner. Commissioner Telesio noted his cencem with setting a precedent, allowing the School Distdct to determine which laws would be enforced unilaterally; and recommended that it be relayed that to the School Distdct that there needed to be coordination with the Police Department with respect to these issues. Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the Police Department was receiving calls from residents, requesting the Police to address the illegal parking. Commissioner Coe recommended that if the School did actually send the alleged flyer (stating that parents would not be cited while parking in a no parking zone) that the school should be instructed to send a new letter, correcting the misinformation. Police Sergeant DiMaggio reiterated that he had not seen the letter, but that it had been relayed to the Officers at the site by the parents that the school had distributed the letters; and queried whether a portion of the bike lane could be removed. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff would not recommend removal of the bike lane at this point in time. Director of Public Works Hughes noted that staff could address the issue of the letter with the School District and investigate who generated the letter. Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that his concern was with respect to the safety impacts of the situation, noting that the Police Department could move forward with enforcement; advised that he would instruct the Officers to provide warnings for a week's time, prior to the issuance of citations. After additional Commissioner discussion, Director of Public Works Hughes recommended that staff send a letter to the school addressing the flyer issue, and that there be a scheduled meeting with City staff, the Police Department, the principal, and the School District in order to address this issue. For Commissioner Katan, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the parking matter was a problem prior to the issuance of the alleged flyer. B= In response to Sergeant DiMaggio's queries (in response to community comments relayed to him) regarding funding issues for flashing yellow lights in the school zone at Chaparral High School, Director of Public Works Hughes provided additional information; advised that the City was working in conjunction with the School District regarding these matters; and noted that Police Sergeant DiMaggio could direct community queries to his office. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff was in the process of receiving quotes for the costs associated with installing additional school flashing lights. C, VVith respect to Police Sergeant DiMaggio's queries regarding the signals at Margarita Road/Rancho Vista Road, Senior Engineer Moghadam specified the improvements recently completed in this area, relaying that the improvements would be operational within a week's time. For informational purposes, Police Sergeant DiMaggio provided data to the Commissioners regarding State funding legislature issues. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. COM MISSION REPORTS For Commissioner Coe, Director of Public Works Hughes provided additional information regarding the delay in the Rainbow Canyon Road Improvement Project, noting that staff had deliberately attempted to delay this project until the completion of the trenching work associated with Fiber Optics was completed in this area; and advised that after the appropriation provisions for funding were obtained, that the Rainbow Canyon Road Project would begin construction. With respect to the 1't Street Bridge Project, Commissioner Coe recommended that there be consideration to connect 1st Street to Mercedes Street, noting that the connection would significantly improve circulation. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the property associated with the proposed connection was privately held; noted that the intersections in the area would be significantly changed in conjunction with the 1st Street Project, specifying, as follows: a signal would be placed at Old Town Front Street and 1st Street, and 1st Street would be re-aligned slightly to the south to lineup with Santiago Road, and would be signalized; and advised that staff would investigate the recommendation, noting that the current proposed project could significantly improve circulation in the area. J= Commissioner Coe recommended that there be consideration to rename Highway 79 South to a name inclusive of the word Temecula; and requested that the matter be agendized within the next 60 days. For Commissioner Telesio's quedes regarding the lack of a designation at Sparkman Elementary School notifying ddvers of the ending of the school zone, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the Vehicle Code and the Department of Transportation requires that within school zones there be an ending designation which could be implemented via one of the following options: 1 ) a sign stating End of school zone, or 2) installation of a speed limit sign; and relayed that staff would ensure that one of the designations had been placed at the site. Commissioner Coe expressed congratulations to Commissioner Telesio for his recent appointment to the Planning Commission; and relayed that he would be greatly missed. Commissioner Telesio noted that it had been a pleasure to serve on the Commission; and relayed that he would be an unofficial liaison of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission in his new role, promoting the responsibilities of the Commission; and noted that he was of the opinion that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission should review projects that are presented to the Planning Commission in order to proactively address traffic impacts. Commissioner Edwards expressed her congratulations to Commissioner Telesio, noting that she had gleaned knowledge from serving with him on the Commission; and noted that he would be missed. Chairman Connerton echoed the previous congratulatory comments to Commissioner Telesio; relayed that his experience would be a great asset to the Planning Commission; and provided additional information regarding his recommendation that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review the development plans presented to the Planning Commission in order to address impacts associated with traffic prior to development. For informational purposes, Chairman Connerton noted that at Temecula Valley High School the curb pick-up area had been painted white; and relayed that vehicles were still making unsafe U-turns in this area. Chairman Connerton commended the Police Department regarding their diligent efforts and expeditious response to two recent traffic incidents, one near his residence, and one on Rancho California Road. Commenting on the timing issues related to the City's signals, Chairman Connerton relayed that while traveling on Margarita Road he waited approximately two minutes at the Margarita Road/Solana Way signal although there were no cars on Solana Way. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff would investigate the matter. ADJOURNMENT At 7:38 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. '~/Ch~a~a Dna~rrr~rton