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HomeMy WebLinkAbout031298 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION MARCH 12, 1998 A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission was called to order on Thursday, March 12, 1998, 6:03 P.M., at the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. Chairman Telesio called the meeting to order. PRESENT: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio COMMISSIONERS: Coe Also present were Public Works Associate Engineer Ali Moghadam, Police Sergeant Rodney Crisp, Fire Captain Alan Black, Associate Planner Matthew Fagan, Assistant Engineer Hasib Baha, Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle, and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley. Commissioner Johnson led the flag salute. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Telesio called for public comments on non-agenda items. There were no requests to -speak. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of January 15. 19~8 It was moved by Commission Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Markham to approve the Minutes of January 15, 1998. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONER: Coe SAFETY~OMMISSION PUBLIC/TRAFFIC COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. General Plan Circulation Element Uedate RenQrt Associate Planner Matthew Fagan presented the staff report. It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to receive and file the status report on the General Plan Circulation Element Update. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Cee 3. Proposed Non-Standard Street Name Sians - Various Locatioq,s Associate Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Perry asked if the Commission's previous recommendation regarding street signs had been presented to the City Council. Mr. Moghadam replied a report was written, but was not forwarded to the City Council. Bullet Anderson, 40101 Avenida La Cresta, Murrieta, representing La Cresta Plastic Fence Company, displayed street signs made from recycled plastic milk jugs and polyethylene. He stated the signs have been erected in Murrieta and have held up very well as they are not affected by the elements, the cost of $345.00 includes a two-sided sign, four (4) 10 foot posts with caps, the post is made of the same plastic material so if it is hit by an automobile, less damage occurs, and the material is guaranteed for 25 years, Commissioner Perry inquired about reflectivity. Mr. Anderson replied it is difficult and expensive ($1.00/letter) to put in reflective tape. He has found that large letters with a black background work well. Chairman Telesio asked about the cost and life expectancy of the City's current signs. Mr. Moghadam replied the standard cost is $150.00 with a life expectancy of about five (5) years. Dan Christopherson, 40401 Via de Ore, manager of Earth Care, presented signs also made of polyethylene. He stated Earth Care's signs are filled with a polyethylene foam with 25% glitter material added for reflectivity, can be produced with a granite or wood grain appearance, nothing adheres to it, cost is approximately $340 ($300 to $325 for the mold process), and the advantages over a wooden sign are its lighter weight and therefore, not as much of a projectile when hit by an automobile, does not require maintenance, and has a guarantee life span of 25 years. Chairman Telesio asked about a reflectivity standard. Mr. Moghadam answered there is no requirement, but is a desirable factor. : ; SAFET,~IOMMiSSiO N PUBLIC/TRAFFIC Commissioner Perry inquired about lettering styles. Mr. Christopherson replied there are a number of fonts which can go as high as 3'~ inches depending on length of the street name. Sid Gitthens, 31520 Jedediah Smith Road, representing Santiago Ranchos Homeowners Association (HOA), stated he tested Earth Cafe's sign visibility and found it to be as visible as any sign he has seen on the road. He stated 409 cleaner will clean the signs if painted or marked on, and his HOA has ordered ten (10), but are waiting for the City's 'decision on the signs and possible assistance in installation costs. Commissioner Markham noted the City does not maintain the wooden signs and when replacement is necessary the signs are replaced with green metal signs. He mentioned on January 26, 1995, the Commission's vote was to have the signs replaced at the City's cost. Kathy Hoagland, 40481 Calle Fiesta, representing Meadowview Homeowners Association (HOA), stated Meadowview's signs are wooden with a reflective paint, but are similar to the signs demonstrated, the HOA has adopted a three-rail fence made from this plastic material. She said when their wooden signs need to be replaced, the HOA does not see any problem with using the style and material being shown. Commissioner Markham asked if staff had any technical issues with the signs. Mr. Moghadam replied he had not heard any negative comments about the signs. Commissioner Markham suggested staff develop specifications for street signs, with input from the Police and Fire Departments, to be forwarded to the City Council, and if approved, have a competitive bid process. It was moved by Commissioner Markham, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to recommend the City Council approve the use of this style as the standard street sign in the City of Temecula and replace the existing wooden signs as necessary, with the exception of the Meadowview area. Commissioner Johnson asked to amend the motion by adding, "existing metal signs to also be replaced". The amendment was agreeable to Commissioners Markham and Perry. Commissioner Markham mentioned a letter dated January 9, 1995, set forth the standard for metal signs which included the City Seal, horse head, block numbers and arrows. Commissioner Perry asked both companies if there is the capability to put block numbers and other additional information, not necessarily routed, on the signs. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Christopherson repiied it was 3ossible. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFET ON1MISSION The motion carried as follows: AYES: I COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe Removal of Barrier at the Duck Pond/Oscar's Driveway - Ynez Road Associate Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Markham asked if a physical barrier for left turns would not also restrict through movement since it is an extremely tight area. Mr. Moghadam stated it may be necessary to make the driveway one-way because it is off-set from Rancho Highland Drive and by striping and directing traffic to the south side of the existing Duck Pond driveway for exit only would take advantage of that off-set, and adding delineators in the center of Ynez Road would allow left-turns out of Rancho Highland Drive. Commissioner Markham noted there are existing problems with left-turns out of Rancho Highland Drive during peak AM hours and weekends. Commissioner Perry suggested making all the limitations to direct traffic for right-turn on Oscar's property and not on the street so as to not impede traffic flow. Steve Thomas, 29375 Rancho California Road, representing Oscar's, stated Oscar's would like the barrier removed because there is an immediate safety hazard for people exiting Oscar's wanting to travel westbound on Rancho California Road, and the barrier creates a traffic congestion problem as there is no turn-around space. Commissioner Markham expressed concern with trading one (1) problem for another as the left-turn lane on Ynez Road is often, blocked up to Rancho Highland Drive. Mr. Thomas mentioned the Ynez Road back-up is generally during peak AM hours when Oscar's and the Duck Pond are not busy, and Rancho California Road is busiest in the late afternoon/early evening which coincides with the busy period for Oscar's and the Duck Pond. Commissioner Johnson stated he saw no problem having a one-way exit and inquire if the driveway was wide enough for an entrance and exit, and southbound traffic will stack up to make left-turns in. Chairman Telesio asked about the width of the driveway. Mr. Moghadam replied it is about 28 feet. He stated striping onsite to direct northbound Ynez Road traffic, as suggested by Commissioner Perry, might be possible but there would not be enough room for ingress and egress. Commissioner Markham suggested accelerating the Ynez Road widening project, relocate the driveway, and build an interim connection to the existing parking lot. Mr. Moghadam Stated a widened northbound Ynez Road will have two (2) left-turn lanes, two (2) through lanes and a right-turn lane at the Rancho California Road intersection, and southbound Ynez Road will still merge into one (1) lane. PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFET~OMMISSION Chairman Telesio asked if the Marie Callender's Restaurant exit was conditioned for right-turn only. Mr. Moghadam replied he was unaware of any such condition, but ultimately there will be a median on Ynez Road which will prevent left-turns. Fire Captain Black stated fire engines need an access and departure point of approximately 75 feet for a minimum turn around. It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Markham, to recommend the City Council place the widening of Ynez Road from Rancho California Road to Tierra Vista Road and the ultimate driveway relocation on the fast track process and the request to remove the existing barrier at the Duck Pond/Oscar's driveway on Ynez Road be denied. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Markham, Perry, Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERSi None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Cee Reouest for Installation of a Traffic Signal - Intersection of Margarita Road and Pie Pice Associate Engineer Ali Moghadam presented the staff report. Commissioner Markham stated a signal at Santiago Road and Margarita Road will be installed in about five (5) months, and flashing yellow beacons at Sparkman Elementary School will be installed in approximately four (4) months. Commissioner Johnson suggested staff contact the local newspapers when the flashing beacons'are installed to publicize their purpose. Jamie Jeffers, 31646 Pie Pice Road, requested a permanent four-way "Stop" sign be placed immediately since it would require all motorists to stop and then perhaps proceed with more caution. Susan Thornton, 30385 Cupeno Lane, presented a petition of 298 signatures for a traffic signal at this location. She asked if the trees on the west side of Margarita Road, south of Pie Pice Road, could be trimmed to improve visibility at this intersection. Commissioner Johnson asked if there are school crossing guards at signalized intersections. Ms. Thornton replied there are crossing guards at certain intersections. Sheryl Johnson, 30175 Cabrillo, stated the PTA at Sparkman Elementary School supports a four-way "Stop" sign and flashing beacons at this location. Cece Axton, 30169 Sierra Madre, representing the Temecula Valley Council PTA, asked about the flashing beacons. Commissioner Johnson replied the beacons will be located at a school zone's boundary and will flash during the time children are going and leaving school. , ~ SAFET~IOMMiSSiO N PUBLIC/TRAFFIC MS. Axton asked how long it would take for the installation of a "Stop" sign'once it was approved. Commissioner Johnson replied the installation would occur very shortly after City Council approval. Ms. Axton recommended leaving the temporary warning signs for a time to determine how well the flashing beacons work and then evaluate the need for a permanent flashing warning sign, and she supports a four-way "Stop" at this time. Kenneth Ray, 31647 Pio Pico Road, representing Santiago Ranchos Homeowners Association, stated the Board supports a four-way "Stop" sign as a permanent solution because a traffic signal may increase the danger to the school children due to motorists increasing speeds. He also asked that Lena Way remain closed until Meadows Parkway is paved between Lena Way and Hwy 79S, due to an increase in traffic on Margarita Road and at Sparkman Elementary School. It was moved by Commissioner Markham, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to recommend the City Council approve the installation of a four-way "Stop" sign at Margarita Road and Pio Pico Road, to have the Maintenance Department review the trimming of the trees, and a report on the construction scheduling of the improvements in the southeast section of Paloma del Sol be given to the City Council. Commissioner Johnson expressed concern about a four-way "Stop" on major arterials such as Margarita Road. Commissioner Markham mentioned there are several east/west, north/south roads to be built which may disperse area traffic, and it is impossible to predict when warrants for a traffic signal would be met. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Johnson, Markham, Perry Telesio NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Coe AoDointment of a Public/Traffic safety Commissioner to the General Plan Circulation Element Uodate Committee It was recommended by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Chairman Telesio, to appoint Commissioner Markham to the General Plan Circulation Element Update Committee. Commissioner Markham accepted the appointment. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Mr. Moghadam reported on the award of contract for the installation of a traffic signal at Pala Road and Rainbow Canyon Road. Area residents have expressed concern that the signal at Pala Road and Rainbow Canyon Road is too close to the Pala Road and Hwy 79S, and are requesting reconsideration of that location, and requesting relocation of the signal to Pala Road at Muirfield Road. ~ .. : SAFET~OMMiSSiONY~ PUBLIC/TRAFFIC Commissioner Markham noted the intersection met "Stop" sign warrants, but a signal was recommended, signal installation at Pala Road and Muirfield Road should be considered as a separate issue. Commissioner Johnson a~ked that the City Council be made aware that the Commission believes a signal at Pala Road and Rainbow Canyon Road should be installed. Commissioner Johnson a. sked if the potholes have been fixed since the last rain. Mr. Moghadam replied the Maintenance Superintendent and Maintenance Crews are in the process of repairing potholes Citywide. Chairman Telesio inquired about the status of the work for the Town Center. Mr. Moghadam replied there is some confusion over who was to pay for the improvements and it is his impression the Center is responsible for the onsite repairs. Commissioner Markham mentioned the entire issue is to be agendized after the Via Las Colinas signal has been in operation for 60 to 90 days. He stated his impression was the City was going to move the striping and the crosswalk to the west side and modify the nose of the median, and the Town Center was to do the driveway widening, the channelization of the signalized driveway to create a right-turn lane, double left-turn lanes and an inner lane. Chairman Telesio suggested a letter be sent to the Town Center inquiring as to when they plan to proceed with on-site traffic improvements. Commissioner Perry stated it was always his understanding, the improvements done on public streets were the responsibility of the City, and the on-site, interior improvements, are the responsibility of the Town Center. Commissioner Markham suggested the letter to the Center should state, our understanding is that the "City will be responsible for items within the public right-of- way", and if their understanding is different, they should respond so closure can be reached. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Sgt. Crisp reported the Safety Fair has been tentatively scheduled for November 1998 and a Health Expo will be held April 18, 1998, at the Target Center Parking Lot with Fire and Police demonstrations. Sgt. Crisp mentioned the Police Department has reported 400 plus potholes. Commissioner Johnson asked for a City map showing the designated alpha sections be included in the Police Department's report or perhaps a permanent map can be developed. Captain Alan Black reported the following: A 28% drop in call volume during January/February 1998 from the same period of 1997. SAFET~OMMISSION PUBLIC/TRAFFIC Two (2) commercial fires in the last two (2) months, both originating on extremely foggy nights in the late evening/early morning hours with significant losses. · A pepper spray incident occurred at the high school involving 12 people. Commissioner Markham noted there is no sidewalk on Pauba Road between the Lutheran Church and Ynez Road and asked Public Works to consider adding it as a project. Commissioner Markham mentioned the sidewalk on Ynez Road behind the Bank of America parking lot drops off approximately three (3) feet and a handrail should be installed at this location on Ynez Road. Mr. Moghadam said the issue would be forwarded to the appropriate department. Commissioner Perry stated he sent a letter to Councilmember Ford requesting the Council look at the review process for developmental projects, for the Commission to review projects that could potentially affect traffic flow, concurrently with the Planning Department's review. Commissioner Perry asked about the progress of the Interim Hwy 79S/1-15 construction. Commissioner Markham stated bid openings were about three (3) weeks ago, the award may be on the Board of Supervisor's Tuesday, March 17, 1998 agenda and the work should be completed by the end of the year. Commissioner Perry asked for a report on the project. It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 PM. The motion carried unanimously. The next regular meeting of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday, April 9, 1998, at 6:00 P.M., 'remecula City Hall Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ~Chairman John H. Telesio 8 R:~tr ef ficlcommiun\r~inutes\98\031298.rain/nip