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HomeMy WebLinkAbout060800 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JUNE 8, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:04 P.M., on Thursday. June 8, 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. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners *Coe, Edwards, Katan, Lanier, and Chairman Connerton. Absent: None. Also Present: Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Battalion Chief Ritchey, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. *(It was noted that Commissioner Coe had to leave the meeting at 7:00 P.M.) PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of May 11, 2000. 1.2 Approve the Minutes of May 25, 2000. Commissioner Edwards indicated that on page 4, the May 25, 2000 minutes should reflect that Vice Chairman Edwards adjourned the meeting. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1.1, and 1.2, as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and voice vote reflected approval with the excel~tion of Commissioner Coe who abstained with respect to Item 1.1, and Chairman Connerton who abstained with respect to Item 1.2. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Vehicular SPeed and Volume concerns - North General Kearnv Road RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend the implementation of Stage 1 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program strategies. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the staff report (of record), noting the cut-through traffic in this area due to the location of Nicolas Elementary School; relayed the past discussions and City polices regarding the cdteria warranting the installations of stop signs and speed undulations; noted the ineffectiveness of the temporary use of traffic circles of Via Cordoba, and the subsequent removal of the installations; advised that in light of the City Council's decision to adopt the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy on April 25, 2000 which encompassed a Subcommittee/Neighborhood meeting for determination of solutions to address negative traffic impacts, the use of the speed trailer, and the use of a radar gun by the residents (after a training period), staff was recommending that Stage I of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy be implemented. For Commissioner Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that with respect to the temporary stop sign installations on Via Cordoba, a study would be conducted in approximately two months. In response to Chairman Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that although the radar trailer had been placed in the area of discussion, there were no speed strips measuring the times and volumes. Chairman Connerton clarified that Stage I of the program encompassed the following: 1) a Subcommittee/Neighborhood meeting which was for the purpose of discussing resolution of the traffic impacts, and 2) the use of a radar trailer and potentially the use of a radar gun by the residents, advising that subsequent actions would be determined from the results of the previously mentioned discussions and study data. The following individuals addressed their comments regarding North General Keamy Road to the Commission: [] Mr. Doug Suchecki 39789 [] Ms. Cindy Mathes 39797 r~ Mr. Todd Simon 39786 r~ Ms. Adene Ferguson 39847 [] Ms. Theresa Suchecki 39789 Q Mr. Alan Brunkon 39823 [] Ms. Libby Modadty 39827 [] Ms. Linda Warrick 39875 North General Keamy Road North General Keamy Road North General Keamy Road North General Keamy Road North General Kearny Road North General Keamy Road North General Kearny Road North General Kearny Road n MS. Edna Brunkon 39823 North General Kearny Road The above-mentioned individuals relayed the following: ./ Noted that Nicolas Elementary School was overcrowded, and the access provisions to the school were inadequate, ./ Recommended installing stop signs and crosswalks at Paloma Valley Road and at Cross Creek Court. Recommended implementing Stage II of the program. Noted that up to this point in time there had been no solutions implemented on North General Keamy Road. ,/ Advised that only if enforcement was increased during peak traffic hours would enforcement be an effective speed deterrent. Recommended temporary installation of stop signs. Relayed that the speed of numerous drivers on North General Keamy Road was excessive. ./ Noted that vehicles would not stop for pedestrians crossing the street, relaying that there were sidewalks solely on one side of the street. Relayed that vehicles (including busses) were passing vehicles while entering and exiting their driveways. For Mr. Suchecki, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that 85% of the drivers on North General Kearny Road were driving at a speed of 32 MPH or lower according to the study, In response to Chairman Connerton's queries, Mr. Brunkon relayed that he had noticed drivers driving at excessive speeds between 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. In response to public input, Chairman Connerton relayed that since the Council passed the resolution for the new traffic policy this would allow the Commission to offer solutions to the community. In response to Commissioner Edwards, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that in July the Police Department would implement a new program, the Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET) which would encompass a motorcycle officer being assigned solely to neighborhoods; provided assurance that there would be an Officer on North General Kearny Road for 12 hours per week; and with respect to the placement of the radar trailer, advised that this was solely an educational tool. Commissioner Edwards clarified that the Stage I phase of the program included the discussed increased enforcement, noting that it had been effective in the Via Cordoba area; relayed that numerous drivers were being cited for stop sign violations due to the recent installations on Via Cordoba, commenting further on the installation of stop signs; and recommended that Stage I of the progrem be implemented. Commissioner Lanier relayed concurrence with Commissioner Edward's comments, noting the ineffectiveness of stop signs and speed undulations for controlling speed; advised that the new preposed school associated with the new development in the area would most likely reduce the numbers of students accessing Nicolas Elementary School; and recommended that a study be conducted regarding speeds on connecting streets (to North General Keamy). For Commissioner Lanier, Police Sergeant DiMaggio confirmed that the CIP had incorporeted the addition of additional Police Department Officers, previding additional information. Commissioner Coe relayed concern regarding installing stop signs and cresswalks at locations where there were numereus children, noting that there could be additional danger due to the appearance of a safe street crossing, relaying that vehicles did not consistently stop at cresswalks; and concurred with the implementation of Stage I of the pregram, relaying that the increased enforcement would be effective. For Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the retionale for not installing crosswalks in this area; advised that if the School Distdct would provide a crossing guard, the City would install cresswalks at safe locations, advising that the crosswalk alone would not provide safety for the children, relaying that based on studies more accidents take place in crosswalks; in response to the public comments, clarified that staff was aware of the negative treffic impacts in the area of discussion, ergo, the numerous reports and studies had been conducted; and with respect to the installation of stop signs, advised that based on studies, stop signs were not effective at reducing speed. Commissioner Katan queried whether the traffic could be surveyed during the summer (when school was not in session) for comparison data in order to evaluate the additional generetion of traffic generated frem the school; advised that Stage I of the program would be more effective than past increased enforcement; relayed that the average speed surveyed on North General Kearny Road was 2 MPH higher than the average speed on Via Cordoba; and concurred with Commissioner Lanier's comments, noting that at a future point in time the new proposed school would modify the traffic flows. Chairman Connerton relayed that he had spent approximately 1.5 hours on Tuesday, June 6th, monitoring speed proximate to the radar trailer on Sierra Madre Drive, noting that of the 15 cars sited, there was one vehicle travelling 38 MPH, and the remainder were travelling between 23-27 MPH; relayed that he then positioned himself at three locations on North General Kearny Road to monitor traffic, noting that at Willow Creek Drive, out of 20 vehicles sited, none had stopped at the stop sign, nor at the stop signs at Sierra Madre, or the side streets; relayed that while monitoring traffic on North General Keamy Road, he had sited three vehicles parking on the wrong side of the road to unload passengers, noting that he had not witnessed vehicles travelling at excessive speeds; queried the resolve of placing additional stop signs in light of the vehicles not stopping for the existing stop signs in this particular area; recommended that by going threugh the stages of the program, the solutions would be designed for the specific needs of the area; recommended increased enforcement prior to July; and relayed that the cross gutter proximate to Willow Creek Drive which created a dip in the road was a natural deterrent to speeding. It was noted that Commissioner Coe left the meeting at 7:00 P.M. In response to community comments, Senior Engineer Moghadam reiterated that Stage I of the program encompassed meeting with the residents to gain specific input, placement of a radar trailer, and increased enforcement; and provided assurance that increased enforcement was an effective speed deterrent. Chairman Connerton provided additional information regarding the potential use of a radar gun by the residents. Senior Engineer Moghadam clarified that the temporary installation of stop signs was part of Stage I of the program, providing additional information. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve staff's recommendation to implement Stage I of the program which encompassed additional enforcement, a meeting with the residents, and implementation of the radar trailer. Commissioner Katan seconded the motion. (Ultimately this motion passed; see below.) Commissioner Edwards recommended that there be a program where the residents could write down the license plate numbers of speeding vehicles, and pass on the data to the Police Department in order for a written warning to be sent to the drivers. In response, Chairman Connerton relayed that without utilization of a radar gun or trailer, he would be reluctant to support the effectiveness of the concept. In response, Commissioner Edwards concurred, recommending that there be provisions for a radar gun for the resident's use. In response to public comment, Chairman Connerton provided additional information regarding peak hours of traffic volumes; reiterated that he had seen construction workers attempting to escape the street when a car passed, acknowledging that there was a speed problem even though he had not witnessed it. Ms. Mathes relayed that due to the speed of the vehicles, it would be difficult to write down license numbers. For Ms. Mathes, Chairman Connerton provided additional information regarding the use of the radar gun and the temporary installation of the stop signs; and advised that if a driver received three citations in a year it could result in the loss of a ddver's license. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was now absent. 3. En{:lineerin¢l and Traffic Survey Ul~date - Citywide RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review and recommend that the City Council adopt an Ordinance establishing the recommended speed limits identified in Exhibit "A." 5 R:\trafficrninutes¥)608CO Providing an overview of the engineering and speed surveys, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the staff report (of record); and noted that the survey was conducted Citywide, relaying that them were six proposed changes in speed limits, providing further specification. For Commissioner Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the residents had not been notified that the speed limits would be lowered in their areas. MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to approve staffs recommendation. Commissioner Katan seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Edwards who abstained from Location Nos. 6, and 25 in the report, Commissioner Katan who abstained from Location No. 33, and Chairman Connerton who abstained from Location No. 30. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT With respect to the request to contact the School District regarding the stop location on Ynez Road, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that there would be no revisions to the stop location due to the lack of provisions for turnaround movements for the busses, and due to visibility impacts. Chairman Connerton relayed that in his opinion, the School District's response was unacceptable in light of the negative traffic impacts caused from the existing stop location. Associate Engineer Gonzalez provided additional information regarding the School Distdct's decision to locate the stop location on Ynez Road, noting that Oscars Restaurant was private property. Chairman Connerton recommended agendizing the issue of installing provisions for bus radius turning movements at Tierra Vista due to the near collisions created at the existing stop location; and advised that the smaller busses could turnaround at Tierra Vista at this time. For Chairman Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the park site was City property, as discussion ensued regarding relocating the stop location. In response to Commissioner Edwards, Associate Engineer Gonzalez relayed that the School Distdct had noted that numerous dropped-off students resided in the apartments proximate to Oscars restaurant and others off of Tierra Vista. Additional discussion ensued regarding the potential of Tierra Vista being a through road when the development continued in this area. Chairman Connerton recommended additionally agendizing the Tierra Vista issue. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Chief DiMaggio provided information regarding the Traffic Awareness Now (TAN) Committee's program, noting the distribution of fliers, stickers, newspaper articles, and radio announcements associated with the traffic awareness; and advised that awards (gift certificates) were being distributed to safe and courteous ddvers. Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that the Police Department would be purchasing a new radar trailer in July, potentially with a speed strip and computer in order to calculate times and speeds, providing additional information regarding retrofitting the existing two trailers; and in response to Commissioner Edwards, relayed the plan to obtain additional radar guns. For Chairman Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed concorns regarding the use of radar guns by private citizens. In response, Chairman Connerton relayed the effectiveness of the radar use with respect to reducing speed. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that if there was a detailed program associated with the resident's use of the radar gun (inclusive of training by the Police Department), he could support the concept. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Battalion Chief Ritchey relayed that on Fdday, June 9t" the Balloon and Wine Festival would begin, noting that there would be 16 Fire personnel, and numerous fire vehicles associated with the event. COMMISSION REPORTS Per telephone correspondence she had received, Commissioner Edwards queded the stdping on 79 South, specifying certain locations of concern. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff was in the process of addressing the issue. B, Per community comments, Commissioner Edwards queried the stdping proximate to the Margadta Road/79 South intersection. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that this specific location south of the intersection was within the County, advising that staff would report the matter to the County. C= For Commissioner Edwards, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that Officer Scott had received notice of appreciation from the City. D= Commissioner Katan congratulated the TAN Committee and the Police Department for the successful traffic awareness program. W~th respect to the CIP, Commissioner Katan queried whether the denoted additional flashing school lights would include the North General Kearny area. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the signs need to be installed at the boundary of the school up to a maximum of 500 feet from the school boundary, noting the rationale for avoiding the 500 foot extensions. For informational purposes, Commissioner Katan relayed that via the newspaper, it had been noted that the School District was in the process of forming a traffic committee; and relayed that he had applied to serve on this committee. Chairman Connerton commended the Police Depadment for monitoring the parking at Temecula Valley High School; and noted that after the Officer leaves the site, that numerous vehicles were parking illegally. In response to Chairman Connerton's quedes regarding Fire trucks not stopping at red lights, Battalion Chief Ritchey relayed that the Departmental Policy required vehicles to come to a complete stop at red lights and then proceed through the intersection; noted that in the City of Temecula via the Opticom System the light changes to green for the fire vehicles; and requested that specific information be relayed if there were complaints in order for him to address the matter. For Chairman Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that it was the City's responsibility to monitor the maintenance of the Opticom System. Chairman Connerton thanked the Fire and Police Departments for their diligent efforts in aiding in the auto accident his wife had been involved in. ADJOURNMENT At 8:08 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjoumed this meeting to Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Administ e ~/'Anita Pyle