HomeMy WebLinkAbout021397 PTS Workshop Minutes MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
ADVANCED TRAFFIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 13, 1997
A Special Workshop Meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission was
called to order by Co-Chairman Guerriero on Thursday, February 13, 1997, 6:03 P.M., at the
City Hall Main Conference Room, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula.
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Guerriero, Johnson, Perry
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Markham
Chairman Markham arrived at 6:08 P.M.
Also present were Director of Public Works Joseph Kicak, Associate Engineer All Moghadam,
Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chairman Markham called for non-agenda items at 6:10 P.M.
Bill Benson, 30734 Del Rey Road, Temecula, presented the Commission with a traffic count he
had conducted for Del Rey Road between Calle Pina Colada and Buena Suerte. He suggested
Botts Dots be placed on the roadway to alert drivers of a pending stop sign and said he is
willing to purchase such buttons for a test area to determine their effectiveness. He also
express concerns of dangerous situations caused by people turning right at red lights on Solana
Way and Ynez Road and Winchester Road an Ynez Roads.
Chairman Markham stated the items would be referred to staff and taken under consideration.
COMMISSION WORKSHOP
Chairman Markham stated his concept for this meeting was a forum for the Commissioners to
voice their concerns, ideas and questions which, staff would then review for associated costs,
prioritization, etc. and return with their recommendations or responses.
Commissioner Johnson stated his comments are:
The no-parking area along the south side of Rancho California Road, east of Margarita
Road to the Temecula City Limits recommendation - there are long stretches with no
access and utility and/or maintenance people will have to park on side streets which
are often a significant distance from their work area. He suggested a bike lane for the
south side of Rancho California Road instead of red curbing; or "no parking" for several
hundred feet east of the Post Office.
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 13. 1997
Chairman Markham asked staff to confirm if utility or maintenance workers are allowed
to park along red curbs that are signed "No Parking" zones if cones and other safety
devices are in place for traffic control.
Commissioner Guerriero stated the red curbing of Rancho California Road was initially
raised because of sight distance problems at Rancho California Road and Meadows
Parkway.
Ynez Road and Rancho California Road Intersection - He recommends restrict parking
on Rancho California Road east of Ynez Road; or widen Rancho California Road through
to Moraga Road.
Public Works Director Kicak mentioned that at a recent meeting with Bill Johnson, the
property owner of Oscar's and vacant land to the south of the park property, Mr.
Johnson had agreed to give an easement for a driveway into the park, opposite Sierra
Vista.
Northbound traffic on Ynez Road at the intersection with Rancho California Road - he
feels additional stacking room is needed.
Santiago Road and Ynez Road - showing an increase of traffic. Recommendation: Widen
Ynez Road between Rancho California Road and Pauba Road.
Mr. Kicak reported widening of the east side of Ynez Road, between Rancho California
Road and Pauba Road, is in the Capitol Improvement Program (CIP) with construction
in 1998/99.
Front Street and Santiago Road - He has observed an increase in traffic beginning to
form in that area.
6. Intersections of Del Rey/Buena Suerte and Del Rey/Del Repose - sight distance problems.
Chairman Markham stated that area will be on the next meeting's agenda. Associate
Engineer Moghadam reported staff has not had sufficient time to develop the
information for the next meeting due to slurry seal work in the area.
Commissioner Coe reported his concerns are:
Rainbow Canyon Road and Pala Road - Possible "All-Way Stop" sign he feels it should
be revisited.
Texaco Service Station on Front Street - Rider trucks currently park on the west side of
the limits sight distances,.
Ynez Road and Rancho California Road - Oscar's is creating a serious traffic problem
while publicizing their product in the center median.
Mr. Moghadam stated the Police Department talked to Oscar's management and
employees will now stay on the sidewalk.
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 13, 1997
4, Widen Hwy 79(S) to interstate 15
Pala Bridge - He questioned if a decision regarding the new location. Mr. I(icak stated
it will be about 400' east of the existing bridge. The Environmental Study will probably
have total approval by the end of March 1997. The existing bridge will remain as a
bike/pedestrian trail. Mr. Kicak stated the Hwy 79(S) and Pala Road intersection will be
resignalized when the bridge is complete and Hwy 79(S) widened.
Commissioner Guerriero had the following observations:
North Jefferson Avenue, north of Winchester Road - at a minimum the northwest corner
shopping center needs another turnout north of the existing one.
Diaz Road extension to Murrieta shown in the CIP - desperately need this extension, 35
to 36 percent of the Jefferson Avenue traffic is going to Murrieta.
3. Enterprise Circle/Winchester Road - signal needed at the west entrance.
Westbound tractor trailer rigs turning onto southbound Front Street, making left turns
onto eastbound Moreno Road causing stacking on Front Street back to Rancho California
Road. Look into lengthening left-turn lane on Front Street for making left turns onto
eastbound Moreno Road.
Oscar's - red curb west of their entrance as eastbound vehicles are stopping in the #2
lane to enter the parking lot due to parked cars; or make a right-turn-only lane.
Walcott Corridor - how to get vehicular traffic to use it. He said the design speed was
going to be 45 MPH, but came back at 35 MPH so people probably will not use it.
Meadows Parkway and Rancho California Road - may need a traffic signal due to an
increase of development in the area.
Extension of Meadows Parkway to La Serena in CIP - should be left as is because if
extended, it will impact Calle Medusa.
Margarita Road south of Rancho California Road, both directions - need additional speed
enforcement.
10.
North bound Cosmic Drive at Rancho California Road - strip the street (Cosmic Drive),
right-turn drivers get confused and activate the signal trying to decide the correct lane.
Mr. Moghadam stated that the signal timing and phasing would be corrected
immediately.
11.
Astroid Way and Rancho California Road - Astroid Way is now being used by Starlight
Ridge traffic since the installation of the traffic signal at Cosmic Drive and Rancho
California Road.
12.
West bound Rancho California Road at the Target Shopping Center entrances - right-
turn-only lane needs delineators; or close driveways.
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 13o 1997
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Pauba Road between Meadows Parkway and Ynez Road - speed limits should be
reviewed and speed enforcement increased.
Pujol Street, south of Main Street - a flat-bed rig parks on Pujol Street where it curves
and creates a dangerous situation, possible red curb at curve. Staff will check on it.
Jefferson Avenue and Winchester Road - impossible to make a left turn out of the
driveway of the car wash - maybe a sign "no" left turns. Mr. Moghadam stated a
physical barrier is probably the only solution as closing existing driveways is very
difficult if not impossible.
Additional traffic enforcement on major streets as it is common to see vehicles not
stopping at red lights when turning right and traveling at excessive speeds.
Middle school plans on North General Kearney - would like to have the Commission
review the plans and provide input in the design phase rather than trying to resolve
traffic issues after the fact.
Winchester Road in front of Chaparral High School - major problems getting in and out.
Front Street - If the Commission had been part of the design for the boardwalks going
in Old Town, traffic cut-outs might have been considered which would get cars
completely off the roadway.
Jefferson Avenue Ad Hoc Committee Questioned what happened to the
recommendation to install a concrete median with dedicated left-turn lanes to avoid
cross-over right of way violations.
Mr. Kicak stated cost estimates were given to Marty and he never heard anything back.
Commissioner Johnson stated another suggestion was to restripe for left-turn zones and
eliminate acceleration lanes.
Commissioner Perry stated there is a threat of a head-on collisions inside the center lane
with two vehicles attempting left turning movements, and a designation of left turn
pockets are needed.
Chairman Markham remarked there are problems due to driveways which are opposing.
The proposed Overland Bridge stripping plan shows all driveways to Del Taco frozen due
to double left lanes to access the bridge. Look at a median or interim stripping, inform
the businesses in exchange for closing off or restricting a driveways to a right-in/out
configuration, the Stater Bros' center driveway will be signalized. The entire section
should be looked at, not individual sections.
Mr. Kicak stated staff needs to look at any restrictions of moving from one parking lot
to another. Chairman Markham suggested reciprocal easements as there are only two
or three ownerships in the area.
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 13, 1997
Commissioner Perry expressed the following concerns:
Consider cameras installed on signal posts that take pictures of cars going thru red
lights.
Mr. Moghadam will research the pros and cons. A possibility is having "Red Lights Are
Enforced By Cameras" signs posted at the City limits.
Mr. Kicak mentioned an application for an ISTEA grant for cameras to monitor traffic at
intersections has been submitted. Murrieta recently installed such cameras.
Jefferson Avenue south of Winchester Road from Overland Drive to the City Limits
traffic increasing.
Margarita Road completion in the CIP - should be accelerated as Margarita Road is
becoming a primary north and south arterial from Hwy 79S for the north of Temecula;
particularly widening approximately 2,000' south of Pauba Road.
Chairman Markham offered the following items for consideration:
Jefferson Avenue, from Overland Drive north to Santa Gertrudis Creek - the entire area
should be reviewed. Most of the driveways are the old style with 8" curbs and have
been broken up by drivers trying to exit fast enough to beat the traffic or they almost
stop in the curb lane so they do not bottom out. Standard commercial return driveways
would solve a lot.
Winchester Road from Jefferson Avenue to Diaz Road - extend median to the second
entrance of Enterprise Circle, prohibit left turn lanes; signalize the westerly entrance of
Enterprise Circle.
Diaz Road at Rancho California Road - Old Town Plan shows tie into Vincent Moraga and
possibly tieing into Felix Valdez and the Western Bypass. Why wait for the Western
Bypass the second intersection is worst due of no signals.
Rancho California Road and Ynez Roads intersection - double left turn lanes on Ynez
Road; widened Rancho California Road from Ynez Road to the freeway to get additional
left-turn movements.
Old Town Streetscape Plan - is Front Street, immediately south of Rancho California
Road, to be widened. Mr. Kicak stated he is not sure, but Front Street will be 40' at the
6th Street parking lot. Chairman Markham stated the Commission would like to review
the design plans.
6. Rancho California Road and Front Street - additional turning capacity needed.
Meadowview Area in general - develop a comprehensive plan of the Meadowview loop
and get the Homeowner Association's agreement so the issue can be permanently
resolved. Install a traffic circle, change roads, close streets for example.
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 13, 1997
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Los Ranchitos, Santiago Estates, Santiago Ranchos - area is developing problems due
to differences in land use and high speed traffic. Look at circulation elements,
realignments.
Diaz Road through to Washington Street - work with the Rancho California Water
District (RCWD) and finish Diaz Road, which is dedicated, to RCWD's property line and
let Murrieta finish their section.
Mr. Kicak reported Ben Minamide, City of Murrieta, said if Temecula wants to build Diaz
Road go right ahead and Mr. Minamide estimates it will cost $4 million.
Chairman Markham stated Murrieta wants Diaz Road to be a four-lane road to Murrieta
Hot Springs Road when a two-lane connector, no bridge widening can be built. One
problem is the City of Murrieta not accepting it for maintenance and then RCWD has the
liability and they will not allow a road to be built that puts them in a liable situation.
Overland Drive to Diaz Road - needs to extend west across the creek.
Commissioner Perry commented Overland Drive ending at Margarita Road, just south of
North General Kearney Road, creates another Z shape situation.
Mr. Kicak stated in conjunction with the mall, Margarita Road from Winchester Road
to Solana Way will be widened, and proposed development on the northeast corner of
Solana Way and Margarita Road will complete that portion of Margarita Road; Overland
Drive coming across Ynez Road into Margarita Road will eventually tie into the bridge.
Mr. Kicak mentioned according to the original traffic study that determined functional
circulation, Diaz Road had 30,000 cars per day; most recent study shows 9,000;
Western Bypass Corridor still fairly high.
Rancho Way - He asked Rancho Way going to come off the general plan since the City
is building a park over the alignment. Mr. Kicak replied a general plan amendment for
a circulation element is needed to take it off and at the same time do Overland Drive to
Diaz Road.
Pujol Street - will it connect to the Western Bypass and then up the hill. Mr. Kicak will
look into it.
Rancho California Road east of Ynez Road - signalize, red curb, restrict left turn
movements.
Design of collector streets with driveways; i.e., Calle Medusa - do we want these to be
tree-branch type circulation systems; look at traffic circles, cul-de-sacs, while still
maintaining proper fire, police and pedestrian access; 40' or less width to control speed
since speed surveys would not be required.
Pujol Street and Main Street - consider a three-way stop at this intersection.
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 13. 1997
GENERAL DISCUSSION
Commissioner Johnson suggested putting in a trial traffic circle at Cosmic Drive and Santa
Cecilia to determine traffic calming effectiveness, costs, impact to fire and police, etc.
Commissioner Guerriero asked if this Commission could be involved with the plans of the mall,
specifically safety and traffic issues and questioned if a pedestrian overpass to Palm Plaza was
considered. Mr. Kicak replied he would have Forest Cities Development Traffic Engineer present
their plans at a Commission meeting. Forest Cities Traffic Engineer developed the traffic plan --
i.e., widening of Margarita Road, signals around perimeter, deceleration lanes at the entrances,
etc. -- and a consultant will be selected soon for those projects.
Kenneth Ray, 31647 Pio Pico, Temecula, asked why traffic plans for the proposed mall were
not brought to the Commission. Mr. Kicak responded that since the proposed project is smaller
than the original plan and the original EIR's traffic study addressed the issues, the plans do not
have to be reconsidered.
Commissioner Coe stated the Commission's mandate has been to solve problems rather than
to prevent problems.
Commissioner Guerriero remarked that as a Commission, it is necessary to address our posture
with the fire and police departments and what impact this Commission has with them as there
is no interaction.
Commissioner Guerriero stated several Commissioners visited other cities to determine the pros
and cons of a Neighborhood Traffic Watch, developed a proposal which was agreed to and then
it was dropped. Writing educational newspaper articles regarding everyday traffic situations;
i.e., when does a car continue after a traffic guard has the children across the street; how long
can you travel in a left-turn lane; justification needed for stop signs, speed bumps, etc.
Chairman Markham suggested video tapes explaining how different traffic methods work would
educate the Commission and the public.
Commissioner Guerriero mentioned San Diego's neighborhood traffic watch tapes were brought
back and should be in the files.
Chairman Markham suggested it would be beneficial to do traffic counts to determine where
traffic is originating. Mr. Benson offered to set up a group of retired and other interested
people to help with anything the City needs at no cost. Commissioner Perry suggested they
could be called the Traffic Watch Task Force. Chairman Markham expressed his appreciation
for the offer and asked Mr. Benson to work with Mr. Moghadam.
Chairman Markham asked staff to consider innovative things such as 11' foot lanes, red curbs,
less bike lanes, etc. to obtain needed capacity.
Commissioner Guerriero mentioned the valley's growth means more and more white lights
which violate the Mt. Palomar Observatory agreement.
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 13,1997
Mr. Kicak assured the Commissioners that staff will address each item to determine what can
and cannot be done with a possible time frame. He cautioned that to accomplish many of the
items mentioned tonight, a consultant might have to be hired which means the general plan
circulation element should be reviewed.
Chairman Markham reiterated the Commissioners want to be more involved in the CIP process
and to deal with traffic issues on a proactive basis and perhaps a consultant needs to be hired
to handle specific projects and he is willing to interact with the City Council.
Mr. Moghadam handed out traffic calming information. He reported Stage I traffic calming
methods have been activated in Temecula; Stage 2 have not.
It was moved by Commissioner Coe and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn the
meeting at 8:20 P.M. The motion was unanimously carried.
The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday,
February 27, 1997, at 7:00 P.M., Temecula City Hall, Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park
Drive, Temecula, California.
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