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HomeMy WebLinkAbout012397 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 23, 1997 A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Commission was called to order on Thursday, January 23, 1997, 7:02 P.M., at the City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairman Markham called the meeting to order. PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: Guerriero, Johnson, Perry, Markham ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Coe Also present were Public Works Associate Engineer All Moghadam, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, Battalion Chief John Winder, Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle. Chairman Markham called for non-agenda items at 7:05 P.M. There were no items. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of December 12.1996 It was moved by Commissioner Guerriero and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the Minutes of December 12, 1996. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Guerriero, Johnson, Perry, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. SI;)eed Limit - Via Norte and Del Rey Road Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented staff's recommendation to deny the request to lower the speed limit from 35 MPH to 30 MPH on Via Norte and Del Rey Road. He stated an Engineering and Traffic Survey, conducted on January 7, 1997, did not support a lower speed limit. Also, these roads did not meet the criteria for prima facie 25 MPH speed limit on "Residence District" as defined by the California Vehicle Code. Mr. Moghadam also stated that the Meadowview Homeowners Association had sent a letter, dated January 22, 1997, requesting stop signs at specific locations, but staff has not had an opportunity to analyze the locations other than looking at last year's traffic volumes which indicate warrants are not met. Commissioner Johnson stated it is often necessary to consider sight distance and conditions which are not obvious to a driver unfamiliar with the area in addition to the warrants. He said southbound Via Norte, Calle Pina Colada, Avenida Barca, and Del Bey Road, to the east of the stop sign at Calle Pina Colada, has limited sight distance. He mentioned existing signs did not meet warrants, but in his opinion met sight distance criteria. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 23.1997 Commissioner Perry inquired if the speed survey was done in one day. Mr. Moghadam replied the survey was completed in one day during off-peak hours. Kathy Hoagland, 40481 Calle Fiesta, Temecula, representing the Meadowview Homeowners Association, asked the Commissionmembers to drive the loop, to observe the narrow streets in an equestrian area with no sidewalks and sight distance problems. She believes three-way or four-way stop signs are needed, and that speeding in the area is a problem. Chairman Markham asked why the Association was not in favor of striping the roadway. Ms. Hoagland stated the Association decided striping gives children a false sense of security and might lead to "no parking" areas. She said on-street parking is necessary in the area. John McCusker, 29170 Via Norte, Temecula, asked for a definition of the term "85th Percentlie." Mr. Moghadam stated 85th percentlie means the speed 85% of the motorists are traveling at or lower; 15%, at a higher speed. Mr. McCusker stated reduced speed signs are posted under certain circumstances for public safety and this area warrants such signs due to curves, hills, and reduced sight distances. He stated the stop sign at Del Rey Road at Calle Pina Colada has worked well. Mr. Moghadam reiterated that if posting lower speed limits would actually lower speeds, it would be considered, but studies show, without enforcement, traveling speeds are not lowered and in most cases the residents of the area are speeding. He stated staff will look further into the stop sign location request. Ron Roberts, 41140 Ave Verde, Temecula, stated he has seen an increase in traffic and speed levels from five (5) years ago. He said the driveways, lack of sidewalks, and horse crossings create a dangerous situation. Mr. Roberts mentioned existing stop signs were justified because of a dangerous intersection. He asked that a decision be delayed tonight to give staff an opportunity to drive the area, to conduct further traffic studies, and to consider traffic calming methods before making a recommendation. He agreed with the Association's request for stop signs at Via Norte at Calle Pina Colada and Del Rey Road at Via Norte. Ron Jolivette, 29795 Del Rey Road, Temecula, stated he lives on the southwest corner of Via Norte and Del Rey Road, where a fatal accident occurred in December 1996. He believes an additional stop sign would have prevented the accident; and since traffic goes down Via Norte Road very fast, he recommends a reduced speed. Commissioner Guerriero asked Mr. Jolivette when the best time would be for a traffic survey to be conducted. Mr. Jolivette replied early evening tiff 10:00 PM and early morning, Monday trough Friday. Denise Carter, 29723 Del Rey Road, Temecula, asked the Commission to consider a stop sign on Del Rey Road. Ron Barbeau, 29741 Del Rey Road, Temecula, stated Via Norte and Del Rey Road is a blind intersection for cars coming from the north and the foliage there also cuts down visibility. He requested that the residents of Meadowview be notified when these issues are back on the agenda. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 23, 1997 Commissioner Guerriero wondered if traffic calming measures, such as white striping along the roadside, speed undulations etc., had been considered by the Homeowners Association and suggested that they set up an ad hoc committee to look at alternatives other than stop signs, and stated he would be happy to participate. Ray McLaughlin, 30773 Del Rey Road, Temecula, said enforcement of speed limits is needed and the radar trailer presence seemed to lower speeds. Commissioner Perry stated the radar trailer is a good tool so residents of the area can see exactly what speeds are being traveled since vehicles often are not traveling as fast as appears. It was moved by Commissioner Perry and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to deny the request to lower the speed limit from 35 MPH to 30 MPH on Via Norte and Del Rey Road. Commissioner Guerriero stated he would like a Monday thru Friday 24-hour traffic study conducted. Commissioner Perry expressed his agreement, but suggested adding a Saturday. Commissioner Johnson stated he is not in favor of additional speed surveys as these possibly would result in a higher BEth percentile. Chairman Markham said the speed surveys could demonstrate where to focus traffic calming methods. The motion was amended by Commissioner Perry and seconded by Commissioner Guerriero to table staff's recommendation until the February 27, 1997 meeting to allow staff time to conduct a speed survey over a 48-hour period including a Saturday. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Guerriero, Johnson, Perry, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: I COMMISSIONERS: Coe Commissioner Guerriero asked staff to investigate stop signs for Del Rey Road at Via Norte and Via Norte at Calle Pina Colada at this time, and the other locations which were submitted by the Meadowview Association's January 22, 1997 letter. Chairman Markham suggested the City's Maintenance Division be made aware of the foliage obstruction, poor pavement and recommended staff develop creative design features, in addition to numbers, to slow traffic down. Commissioner Johnson asked staff to provide the Commission with the survey's raw data. Chairman Markham requested staff send the February 27, 1997 agenda package to Kathy Hoagland, the Association's Board of Directors President. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 23. 1997 All-Way "Stol;)" - Clubhouse Drive at Bayhill Drive Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented staff's recommendation to deny a request for installation of an All-Way "Stop" at the intersection of Clubhouse Drive and Bayhill Drive because this intersection does not meet warrants, as outlined in the California Department of Transportation Traffic Manual. It was moved by Commissioner Guerriero and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to deny the request for installation of an All-Way "Stop" at the intersection of Clubhouse Drive and Bayhill Drive. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Guerriero, Johnson, Perry, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe All-Way "Stoo" - North General Kearny Road at Pauma Vallev Road Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented staff's recommendation to deny the request for an All-Way "Stop" at the intersection of North General Kearny Road and Pauma Valley Road because the intersection does not meet warrants, outlined in the California Department of Transportation Traffic Manual, and to continue the use of the radar trailer and enforcement of the existing posted speed limit. Chairman Markham stated he visited the site and believes this situation will get worse as a result of additional houses and the street curvature. and asked if there is anything the City can do to modify this area. Mr. Moghadam mentioned requests for sidewalks have been forwarded to the County, but he has not received any response. it was moved by Commissioner Guerriero and seconded by Commissioner Perry to deny the request for installation of an All-Way "Stop" at the intersection of North General Kearny Road and Pauma Valley Road. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Guerriero, Johnson, Perry, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: I COMMISSIONERS: Coe "No-Parking" Zone - Winchester Road West of Diaz Road Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented staff's recommendation that the Commission recommend the City Council adopt a resolution establishing "No-Parking" zones on Winchester Road, west of Diaz Road, due to restriction of visibility for vehicles exiting the Rancho California Water District's driveways caused by parked trucks and roadway curvature. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 23. 1997 Commissioner Perry stated enforcement of the City's ordinance prohibiting truck parking on City streets was needed rather than painting red curbs. Sergeant Crisp stated parked trucks are issued warnings and tickets, which correct the problem for a time. He will reemphasize this problem with his staff. Bill Dendy, 41975 Winchester Road, Temecula, developer of Westside Business Center, stated the CC&R's for his developments prohibit parking on the street and when he recently asked a trucker to move, he was told truckers could park anywhere except in a red curb area. Mr. Dendy stated he would ask for "no parking" on Zevo Lane, Wilmington, Winchester and Diaz Roads, but agrees with not painting the town red; perhaps "No Parking" signs would be better and he is willing to help with the cost of such signs. Commissioner Perry suggested trying increased enforcement for a 60 day period and if at the end of that time there is still a problem, consider further action. Chairman Markham asked if it is necessary to have "No Truck Parking" posted for enforcement because it is a City ordinance and outsiders might not be aware of local ordinances. Sergeant Crisp said he will check into the matter. Commissioner Guerriero stated "No Parking" signs would include all vehicles and asked if specific signage for trucks could be made. Mr. Moghadam replied the City could probably come up with signage specifically for trucks, and he will look into any legal ramifications. It was moved by Commissioner Perry and seconded by Commissioner Guerriero to table staff's recommendation to establish "No Parking" zones on Winchester Road west of Diaz Road until increased enforcement is conducted by the Police Department for 60 days. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Guerriero, Johnson, Perry, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: I COMMISSIONERS: Coe Speed Limit - Margarita Road from Rancho California Road to State Route 79 South Associate Engineer All Moghadam presented staff's recommendation that the Commission recommend the City Council adopt a resolution reaffirming the speed limit on Margarita Road from Rancho California Road to State Route 79(S) . Chairman Markham stated if a Pauba Road at Margarita Road intersection signal is not in the Five (5) Year Capital Improvement Program, staff should look at including this location for future signalization. Commissioner Perry stated the issue of widening the west side of Margarita Road, south of Pauba Road, and installing a signal should be placed on a future agenda. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 23. 1997 Commissioner Johnson asked staff to give each Commissioner a copy of the Signal Priority List. It was moved by Commissioner Perry and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to recommend the City Council adopt a resolution reaffirming the speed limit on Margarita Road from Rancho California Road to State Route 79S. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Guerriero, Johnson, Perry, Markham NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr. Moghadam reported on the following concerns raised at the December 12, 1996 meeting: La Paz stril~ing - A work order to strip a southbound right-turn lane north of Hwy 79S has been submitted. Commissioner Johnson asked if the edge of La Paz was going to be stripped and Mr. Moghadam answered, not at this time due to the road edge being in poor repair. Installation of stol;) signs at Nicholas Road and North General Kearny Road - the last study, conducted November 1995, did not meet warrants and has a No. 18 priority for signalization. A new study will be conducted after the construction on Winchester Road is completed in order to obtain accurate data. Chairman Markham agreed waiting until construction is completed is appropriate. Median break at Claim Juml;}er - three (3) accidents per year have been caused by left- turn movements. This item will be addressed on a future agenda, and the shopping center owner will be notified. Commissioner Guerriero stated traffic flow, "no parking" areas, delineators etc., on Rancho California Road between Ynez Road to Lyndie Lane need to be addressed and staff needs to develop strategies to alleviate the traffic problems. Right-turn lane for eastbound Winchester Road at Jefferson Avenue - a right-turn lane was striped, two (2) large signs erected, and an arrow painted on the pavement a couple of weeks ago. Lyndie Lane signal - a malfunction (yellow lock) in the controller was discovered which caused the signal to change even though there was no traffic on Lyndie Lane. False alarm policy - staff has not received a requested San Marcos' policy. Commissioner Guerriero mentioned the City of Riverside also has a false alarm ordinance. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 23. 1997 Commissioner Guerriero asked about utilizing reflective tape/paint for markings as the current markings are obliterated in the rain. Mr. Moghadam stated cost could be a factor. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Chairman Markham reported the Police Department is involved with the supplemental allocation grant for equipment and the RAID grant he mentioned at the December 12, 1996 meeting. Commission Perry stated burglary seems to be on the increase and asked if it is a trend or a seasonal issue. Sergeant Crisp replied burglary is generally a seasonal issue, but it is up from last year probably due to the increase in population, and advised the department is targeting this problem. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Commissioner Guerriero asked Battalion Chief John Winder if he had an opportunity to look at the fire rope. Chief Winder replied he had not had that opportunity but is interested in any articles Commissioner Guerriero might have regarding the fire rope. Chief Winder mentioned he was looking into the possible purchase of a second Cairns Iris helmet. Chairman Markham asked when Fire Station 84 on Pauba Road will open. Chief Winder responded by mid-February 1997, it will be fully equipped and staffed upon opening. Commissioner Guerriero asked if Temecula was still relying on ASMAC I and II for air support and if any new equipment had been purchased. Chief Winder replied new sniffers, which are basically CO and hydrocarbon monitors, have been purchased for each Battalion. COMMISSION DISCUSSION Chairman Markham requested a general policy regarding red curbs for arterial circulation element streets (with a map showing their location) be placed on the February 27, 1997 agenda. Commissioner Perry asked that it be a discussion item with public notice so merchants can respond. Chairman Markham mentioned he would like the Commission to review the Capital Improvement Plan prior to approval. Commissioner Perry suggested a written request from the Commission to Public Works Director Kicak would be appropriate. Commissioner Guerriero stated the Neighborhood Traffic Watch Program should be readdressed at a future meeting to implement the program and to encourage people about educating their sphere of influence. Commissioner Guerriero discussed a Long Beach juvenile delinquency program which has eliminated habitual truants by approximately 35 percent; parents of students are fined and if that does not work, community service for both parents and students is required. Sergeant Crisp will discuss truant problems in Temecula with Officer Mike Roberts. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 23. 1997 Commissioner Guerriero explained a program concerning drugs, seat belts, bicycle/traffic safety, etc. put on by Jurupa law enforcement for students. Chief Winder stated he will look into the matter. Commissioner Johnson reiterated, that this Commission has been opposed to using stop signs for speed control. Commissioner Johnson inquired if the mall was a reality. Chairman Markham replied all indications are the mall will occur with a projected opening Thanksgiving 1998 or Thanksgiving 1999. Commissioner Johnson inquired about placing an interim signal at Solana Way and Margarita Road with the improvements of Margarita Road from Solana Way to Winchester Road. Mr. Moghadam stated the signal will be installed as planned. Chairman Markham asked staff to review the small stop signs at signalized intersections in the Tower Plaza. Chairman Markham asked staff to look into getting Rule 20A funds for under grounding of overhead utility lines, these funds, paid by utilities based on a percentage of their billing, may be used at a local jurisdiction's discretion for under grounding of overhead lines. Chairman Markham suggested a workshop focusing on Jefferson Avenue/Winchester Road, Rancho California Road/Ynez Road and Rancho California Road/Front Street intersections, the north/south corridors, Western By-Pass Phase 2, and Diaz Road connection to Washington Street and other Level D, E, and F intersections as advance planning is necessary, and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program review could also be incorporated. He believes such a workshop with Traffic and Planning staffs, businesspeople, and possibly consultants, be held in a room large enough to gather around maps/exhibits. Chairman Markham stated the plans for the Overland Overpass show a dual left-turn lane southbound to eastbound which is double-stripped to Del Taco. He feels if these plans are implemented, a left-turn on the west side of Jefferson Avenue could not be made until the third driveway of Stater Brothers. Commissioner Guerriero asked staff to advise the Commission if any California Traffic Engineers Workshops are available. Chairman Markham asked for any information/workshops on traffic calming measures. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 23, 1997 It was moved by Commissioner Guerriero and seconded by Commissioner Perry to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 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. C srm