HomeMy WebLinkAbout091098 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 10, 1998
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
Coe, Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio
None
Also present were Public Works Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam, Deputy Director of Public Works,
Ron Parks, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, Fire Captain Alan Black, Administrative Secretary Anita
Pyle, and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley.
Commissioner Perry led the flag salute.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes of July 9. 1998
It was moved by Commission Coe, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the
Minutes of July 9, 1998, with the following correction:
Page 1, PUBLIC COMMENTS, 4th paragraph .... Corte Montecito,...
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT: 0
COMMISSION BUSINESS
5 COMMISSIONERS:
0 COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
The motion carried as follows:
Coe, Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio
None
None
Kahwea Road Opening to Throueh Traffic
Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report.
Commissioner Coe inquired about the origination of the requests for opening Kahwea Road.
Mr. Moghadam replied they were basically from the residents on the east side, and a majority
of the west-side residents favor retaining the closure.
A regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission was called to order by Chairman Telesio
on Thursday, September 10, 1998, at 6:02 P.M., at the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park
Drive, Temecula, California.
Commissioner Markham asked if the City Council took action on this matter after the
Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommended closure at their January 27, 1994 meeting.
Mr. Moghadam replied he did not find any record to indicate the matter was considered by the
City Council.
Ron Parks, Deputy Director of Public Works, stated his research indicated the matter had
never been addressed or decided by the City Council.
Randall Pierce, 31148 Kahwea Road, spoke in favor of keeping Kahwea Road closed, and
suggested closing Calle Pina Colada.
John Harkey, 29755 Pasada Road, representing the Meadowview Community Association, read
a letter from the Association opposing the opening of Kahwea Road to through traffic, and
asked for a permanent closure with installation of a traversible-type barrier to accommodate
emergency vehicles.
Norman Clark, 31199 Kahwea Road, opposed opening Kahwea Road due to excessive speed by
motorists. He stated road maps show a through-road and if the Police and Fire Departments
had corrected maps, there would not be a problem for emergency vehicles to reach residents on
the other side of the barrier or Calle Medusa.
Chuck Peterson, 31196 Kahwea Road, requested the street remain closed. He suggested a
permanent closure with a breakaway section for emergency vehicles. Mr. Peterson asked why
the matter was being considered at this time. Mr. Moghadam replied it was on the agenda
because the City had received requests from citizens. Mr. Parks stated the issue was being
considered because permanently closing streets requires City Council action. He noted
subdivision maps show Kahwea Road as a thoroughfare; and since general circulation of the
City is being reviewed.
James Neeley, 31159 Kahwea Road, spoke in favor of closing Kahwea Road. Mr. Neeley
stated the road was not created to be a thoroughfare and there are other alternatives.
Joseph Wasek, 31393 Bandon Court, opposed the opening of Kahwea Road.
Chief Black , Fire Department, stated the City often utilizes fire personnel from outside the
area who use commercial map books and if the street is to remain closed, it should be
formalized. He noted if Kahwea Road was open, it probably would not be a primary access
for the Fire Department.
Sgt. Crisp, Police Department, stated Kahwea Road is not a major thoroughfare for the Police
Department.
Commissioner Perry asked if additional enforcement problems and accident liability would be
created if it was opened. Sgt. Crisp replied he believed it would.
Chairman Telesio asked if a breakaway gate or something, which could be opened by
enforcement personnel, would be of any value. Chief Black replied out-of-town personnel
would not carry a lock box key or know a combination number.
Commissioner Markham noted this is a design problem as there is a low density area connected
to a high density area and the road was not designed to handle high traffic volumes or through
traffic. He stated he supported a permanent closure with a provision for traversible access for
fire and police services.
Commissioner Perry supported a permanent closure with curbs, gutters and landscaping
installed with no public access.
Commissioner's Johnson and Coe supported permanently closing the street.
Chairman Telesio noted there are various other ways to get into the area that is more suitable
for safety equipment.
Randy Johnson, 31204 Kahwea Road, asked for permanent closure of Kahwea and to be made
a cul-de-sac, which would then be reflected on the maps.
Chairman Telesio asked the Public Works Department to do what they can to make certain the
Police and Fire Departments have updated maps.
It was moved by Commissioner Perry, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to recommend the City
Council permanently close Kahwea Road and a more permanent closure structure be erected to
include curbs, gutters and landscaping as appropriate.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
5 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio
NOES:
0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
3. Flashing Beacons and Right-Turn Lane Installation - Ynez Road at La Paz Street
Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report.
Commissioner Markham noted a dirt road for cutting the corner has developed. He expressed
concern that people will cut through the corners when Hwy. 79S construction starts, and
perhaps installation of an AC berm could be considered. Commissioner Markham mentioned
that the owner immediately north of the "T" intersection said the "Stop Sign" has been a help.
Commissioner Markham noted the concerns about rear-end accidents has not materialized and
the "Stop Sign" has reduced speed dramatically.
Commissioner Perry agreed with staff that flashing lights are not needed; and questioned the
need for a right-turn lane or a berm as he has not seen more than four (4) to six (6) cars backed
up at a time.
Commissioner Johnson stated traffic volumes may increase in this location until Hwy. 79S
construction is complete. He concurred flashing beacons are not needed and was of the
opinion the right-turn lane should be revisited at a later time.
Chairman Telesio mentioned the bike lane has become the right-turn lane and does not see a
need for a dedicated right-turn lane or flashing beacons.
It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Markham, to recommend the
City Council take no further action regarding installation of flashing beacons or construction of
a right-turn lane at the intersection of Ynez R6ad and La Paz Street.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
5 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
4. ReQuest to Install Barricades and Euuestrian Crossim, Siens in Los Ranchitos Area
Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report.
Commissioner Markham commented the Maintenance Department has installed horse crossing
signs in other locations within Los Ranchitos and whether the trails are public or private, they
are used as public trails by residents of Los Ranchitos, Santiago Estates and Santiago Ranchos
areas. He also noted the three-way stop has helped limit the accidents at this intersection.
Commissioner Markham suggested putting up the equestrian trail signs in both directions of La
Paz Street because of a blind trail crossing due to fencing and trees. He will provide staff with
a trail map.
Commissioner Johnson asked if the trails were in Los Ranchitos' CC&Rs and Commissioner
Markham answered yes.
Chairman Telesio asked if it was necessary for the City to bear the cost of the signs
installation. Commissioner Markham replied the existing signs in Los Ranchitos were installed
by the City.
Chairman Telesio stated he was hesitant about putting a horse crosswalk on La Paz Street and
is not certain a sign will really alert motorists to the presence of a horse.
Mr. Parks stated the equestrian sign is for traffic and should be in public right-of-way as it is a
safety issue to alert the motoring public of the possibility of a horse crossing.
It was moved by Commissioner Markham, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to recommend
the City Council install trail crossing signs at La Paz Street and to deny the request for
installation of additional barricades on the north side of Ynez Road.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
5 COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio
NOES:
0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0
COMMISSIONERS: None
4
Reuuest to Remove "No Turn on Red Siens" - Front Street at Rancho California Road
Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report.
Commissioner Markham commented this was a waste of staff resources to act on a complaint
by one (1) person even though it is nice to respond to each complaint, and ihe intersection
works much better with the sign.
Chairman Telesio asked if it was wrong to cut through commercial businesses rather than
waiting for the green light, and Sgt. Crisp stated it was illegal.
It was moved by Commissioner Coe, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to deny the request
to remove the "No Turn On Red, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Mon- Fri" signs on northbound Front
Street at Rancho California Road.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES: 5
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio
COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMISSIONERS: None
6. ReQuest for "All-Way" Ston" - Amarita Way at Via Rami
Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report.
Chairman Telesio remarked it does seem to be a four-way stop location, but the need is only
for a few hours of a day, before and after school, yet a stop will be there constantly.
Commissioner Perry expressed the belief that as soon as a "Stop Sign" is installed, school-
crossing guards will be eliminated.
It was moved by Commissioner Markham, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to recommend
the City Council adopt a resolution establishing an "All-Way Stop" at the intersection of
Amarita Way and Via Rami.
The motion carried as follows:
AYES: 4
NOES: 1
ABSENT: 0
COMMISSIONERS: Coe, Johnson, Markham, Telesio
COMMISSIONERS: Perry
COMMISSIONERS: None
Prohibition of Commercial Vehicles Parking on Private Property and Public Rights-of-
Way
Senior Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report.
Chairman Telesio commented he did not want to inhibit public traffic with red curbs around
the park; and hotel/motel operators or truckers apparently are not aware of the existing City
Ordinance prohibiting certain commercial vehicles from parking in various locations.
Mr. Moghadam stated information/warning signs must be posted.
Commissioner Coe asked if there is a "Commercial Parking By Permit Only" sign and Mr.
Moghadam replied such a sign could be ordered.
Commissioner Perry stated provisions need to be made for truck parking.
Chairman Telesio suggested making hotel/motel operators aware of the permit process by
letter.
Commissioner Markham stated in the Sam Hicks Park area, there are two (2) motels and they
do not have parking areas for truck/trailer rigs, trucks park around Moreno Road and in the
Kentucky Fried Chicken parking lot (after they close). He memioned the same problem exists
in the south end of town where they park in commercial and industrial parking lots after the
businesses have closed. Commissioner Markham suggested consulting the hotel/motel
operators on ways to solve the problem.
Commissioner Perry stated he would not be opposed to allow truck parking from 6 pm to 5 am
at the Park and Ride on the north end of town and the proposed one (1) in the south end and
suggested the motels provide shuttle service to drivers.
Commissioner Perry suggested the issue be agendized and truck companies and hotel/motel
operators be invited to attend the meeting.
Chairman Telesio requested for the matter be scheduled for the November/December meeting
and the hotel/motel operators be notified of the meeting.
Commissioner Markham asked about parking in the bicycle lane adjacent to the Sports Park.
Mr. Moghadam replied a work order to remove the bike lane signs on Margarita Road between
Rancho Vista and Pauba Road, as well as other areas where it is wide enough for parking, has
been submitted; but eliminating the signing does not mean bicyclists cannot use it. He stated
the intent of a "Bike Lane - No Parking" sign was to eliminate parking in areas where the
bike lane is only four (4) to five (5) feet wide.
Sut~,estions for Traffic Congestion Relief
Commissioner Coe related he took the route endorsed in Sam Pratt's letter from Lake Elsinore
and it took him 45 1/2 minutes compared to 14 1/2 minutes when using the freeway.
Chairman Telesio said he believes Mr. Pratt's proposed route is for the future.
R:~t~affi¢\cotmni~an~finutea\98\091098
6
Commissioner Markham mentioned the General Plan Circulation Element Update Committee
has discussed this issue and will possibly put forth adding several of these link segments.
Chairman Telesio stated the Commission has received and filed the letter from Mr. Sam Pratt.
TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT
Chairman Telesio asked about the much needed signal at Margarita and Pauba Roads. Mr.
Moghadam replied it is in the Fiscal Years 1998 - 02 Capital Improvement Program budget.
Commissioner Markham expressed concern about the driveway location for the Duck Pond
expansion as people, children especially, are going to have the cross the driveway. Mr. Parks
stated he could request TCSD to allow a Public Works' review to determine any possible
modifications and report back to the Commission.
Mr. Moghadam reported that when the flashing beacons are installed at the schools, the
newspapers will be notified.
Mr. Moghadam suggested a tour of the City Wide Intelligent Traffic Management System
(ITMS) be held October 8, 1998 at 5:30 P.M.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT
Sgt. Crisp stated he had nothing further to add.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
Fire Captain Black stated Station 83 opened September 1, 1998 and he is in the process of
planning and preparing for the safety expo. Some fire personnel were involved in the
Hemet/Juniper Flats fire.
COMMISSION REPORT
Commissioner Coe asked about placing additional asphalt in the right-turn lane on northbound
Pala Road at Hwy. 79S because there is only stacking room for 1 and 1/2 cars. Mr. Parks
stated it would be difficult and the construction for permanent realignment is about four (4)
months away, but he will look into it. He mentioned the Pala Road Bridge Project will go out
to bid in November 1998.
Chairman Telesio inquired about the Via Los Colinas/Rancho California Road signal. Mr.
Moghadam stated documents have been submitted to Caltrans for approval since Caltrans
funding is involved.
Commissioner Coe questioned the need for the straight ahead lane on the northbound off-ramp
at 1-15 and Winchester Road, cars entering from Winchester Road would not have to stop and
there would not be a back-up.
Commissioner Perry stated it took 1 1/2 hours to get to La Paz Street from about 50 to 100
yards on the Hwy. 79S/I-15 off-ramp on a Sunday evening because of re-paving Hwy. 79S and
there were no advance warning signs nor was there anything in the newspaper about possible
delays. Mr. Parks stated he would lodge a complaint with Riverside County and request better
notice; i.e., a flashing sign on the freeway.
Commissioner Perry expressed concern about the Hwy. 79S/I-15 Interchange project and the
impasse with Caltrans and asked for an update at the October meeting.
Commissioner Markham mentioned the study has been put on hold until the General Plan
Circulation Element Update is complete as new traffic counts are being developed for
Temecula, and parts of Murrieta and Riverside County areas.
Commissioner Markham reported the Circulation Element Update Committee will meet
Monday, September 14, 1998, at 6 p.m. and a substantial work product from the consultant
should be received; and hearings are targeted to begin by December 1998.
It was moved by Commissioner Markham, seconded by Commissioner Coe, to adjourn the meeting at
8:27 P.M. The motion carried unanimously.
The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday, October
8, 1998, at 5:30 P.M., Temecula City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula,
California.
~ ' ~hairman J~-hn H. Telesio