Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout102600 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR. MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OCTOBER 26, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, October 26, 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 Coe. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners *Coe, Edwards, Katan, Lanier, and Chairman Connerton. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Battalion Chief Ritchey, Police Chief Domenoe, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commiss)oner Coe left the meeting at 7:09 P.M.) PRESENTATION Presentation by the Police Department reqardinq Special Teams and Enforcement Programs in the City of Temecula Sergeant Aim relayed that the Commission would receive an update with respect to the numerous community-oriented policing programs, noting that these Officers are based at three of the storefront facilities, as follows: the Old Town facility, the Target Shopping Center facility, and the Promenade Mall facility; and introduced the POP II Team Officers, Officer Anderson, and Quinata. Officer Anderson presented an overview of the Temecula Against Graffiti (TAG) Program, noting that the program was conducted by volunteers from the Police Department under the supervision of the POP Team, relaying that there was additional assistance from the Temecula Public Works Department; via overhead data, provided information regarding the reduction in graffiti from 1996 to this point in time due to the effectiveness of this program, relaying additional information regarding a specific time period between October of 1999 to December of 1999 where one individual was responsible for a great amount of graffiti (i.e., 82 counts were filed against this individual). For Commissioner Edwards, Officer Anderson provided additional information regarding the individual who was charged with the numerous graffiti crimes, noting that after spending time in jail, this 17-year old juvenile ultimately (in lieu of restitution) was required to paint his street art for the Ollie House, a skateboarding facility, relaying that he was eventually hired by the company for his artistic works. In response to Chairman Connerton, Officer Anderson provided an overview of the updated laws regarding graffiti, noting that $400 or more in damages now constituted a felony, providing additional information regarding the consequences associated with this crime. Officer Anderson provided an overview of the Tobacco Decoy Program, also known as 308A, noting that Penal Code 308.A states that no person shall furnish or sell tobacco products to a minor; noted that the success of this program was based on compliance; relayed that the program was conducted quarterly, stating that in the year 2000 there were no incidents in the City of Temecula; and for Chairman Connerton, relayed the consequences of selling tobacco to a minor, noting that individuals were cited. Officer Quinata provided an overview of the Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program in the City of Temecula, noting the cooperative efforts between the Police Department, the City staff, Fire Prevention, and the apartment complex managers; relayed that the program was designed to enhance the quality of life within the multi-housing apartment complexes, relaying that there were approximately 25 complexes within the City, advising that of these 25 complexes, 17 were part of the program, providing additional information regarding the program; for Commissioner Edwards, relayed the rationale for all 25 complexes not participating, noting the costs associated with the inspection process which requires certain lighting standards, and maintenance and hedges standards; for Commissioner Edwards, advised that all 17 complexes involved with the program were in compliance, noting that there were yearly inspections, providing additional information regarding efforts to have all 25 complexes involved in the program; for Chairman Connerton, provided additional information regarding the current process of review of the Planning Commission's development plans in order to make recommendations to applicants associated with multi-housing complexes regarding the program; and for Commissioner Coe, confirmed that the complexes not participating in the program did have a higher crime history, noting the additional difficulties these complexes had evicting a person involved in a crime. Officer Quinata providing an overview of the ABC Juvenile Decoy Program which was a component of the Enforce Responsible Alcohol Sales in the City of Temecula (ERACIT) Program, noting that out of eighty businesses contacted, four were cited, relaying that there were administrative consequences due to ABC's additional involvement, advising that ABC had the jurisdiction to close a business for a period of time; and noted that this program was very successful, relaying that the success was based on compliance. Officer McEleain, from the POP I Team, provided an overview of the Off-road Vehicle Enforcement Program, noting that the program was initiated by the Police Department 2 R:\trafficminutes~102600 in 1996 due to the increase in calls of complaint; present the 3-Phase Program, as follows: Phase I which consisted of contacting and educating the affected property owners and obtaining a trespass letter to enter the property and enforce the laws, Phase I~ which consisted of the issuance of over 300 warnings, and the education of the drivers, and Phase III which consisted of citing individuals; provided an overview of the resources utilized (i.e., mounted posse reserves), noting that this was a labor intensive program, specifically due to the need to educate the drivers since for numerous years people have come from various cities to off-road and no longer can participate in this recreation in this area due to the development and the vested interests of the residents in maintaining a quality of life; provided information, via overheads, regarding the coordinated efforts with the City of Murrieta; for Chairman Connerton, relayed the areas that drivers were permitted to off-road, noting that drivers were educated regarding this information; and provided data regarding the decrease in incidents since the program's inception. Officer Potter provided an overview of the Promenade Mall Program; noted that the Police Department has responded to over 744 calls for service during the last year, inclusive of lost wallet incidents, and burglaries, relaying that the number of fraud and forgery calls in a year's time has been 21, specifying that there have been 53 burglaries (which are felonies), 123 shoplifting cases, 22 embezzlements, 149 misdemeanor · arrests, and 56 felony arrests; via overhead graphs, provided the statistical data related to the crimes at the mall site, noting that the lowest numbers represent the felonies; with pleasure reported that in comparison to alternate malls or regional shopping centers, the crime at the Promenade Mall was dramatically lower; for Chairman Connerton, noted that he attributed the success of the Iow crime to the high visibility of the Police Department, the Forest City Management, the Burns Security Services which was the service contracted for this site, and the overall great community; and for Chairman Connerton, relayed that there has not been a presence of gangs. Commissioner Coe, echoed by Chairman Connerton, commended the Police Department with respect to the great work. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Camerone Welch-Thornson, 43210 Via Sabino, read a letter into the record inclusive of 40 resident's signatures (which was submitted to the clerk) regarding concern with respect to of the increase in traffic flows and speeds in the Crowne Hill Development; requested the following: 1) that a speed limit sign (25 MPH) be installed at the bottom of the Via Sabino/De Portola Road intersection, 2) that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission consider installing signage stating Children at Play at the top of the hill on Via Sabino, intersecting Elizabeth Road, and 3) that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission consider increasing Police enforcement in this area to control speed. In response to Chairman Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that he would place the radar trailer on Via Sabino, and would additionally have the neighborhood Officer increase enforcement in this area. For Commissioner Edwards, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that per phone conversations, he had directed Ms. Welch-Thornson to address concerns to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, relaying that if it was the Public/Traffic Safety 3 R:~traffi cminut es~102600 Commission's desire, staff could be directed to investigate the matter; and advised that some of the streets in this particular area were still under construction. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that if it was the Commission's desire staff could investigate this issue and it could be agendized for a future meeting, recommending that there be additional enforcement at this time. Ms. Joni Dominguez, 43220 Via Sabino, requested that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission consider agendizing the issue of opening Via Sabino, and re-opening Via Alvaro. In response to Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that there had been a temporary street opening to facilitate construction activity, noting that the street opening issues could be addressed when the item was agendized. Chairman Connerton advised Ms. Dominquez that she would be notified when this issue would be agendized, reiterating that Police enforcement would be increased at this time in this area. COMMISSION BUSINESS 1. School Bus Construction Specifications and Requirements RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review and discuss the specifications and requirements for the buses. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that Director of Transportation William McKinney from the Temecula Valley Unified School District would provide a presentation regarding the differential between the specifications and requirements for school buses verses public transit buses. Mr. McKinney presented a videotape regarding the track record of school buses, which noted that it was the safest form of transportation in the United States, relaying that it was 172 times safer for a child to ride the school bus than for a parent to driver his or her child to school; relayed additional data regarding school bus safety standards, as follows: the fuel tank was covered with a steel cage, the roof bow which provided roll- over protection, the body strength inclusive of two sets of rivets, the mirrors which allow the driver to view the front of the bus, and the side of the bus, the seats with high padded construction which provided compartmentalization, the amber flashing lights and the stop arm; noted the requirements for school bus drivers, as follows: drivers must submit to drug and alcohol testing, have a minimum of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 20 hours of classroom instruction, and first aid training; relayed that solely 17% of the potential ridership are actually on the buses, noting that the majority of the students are being transported in passenger cars; and provided data regarding the vehicles that could be taken off the road with additional bussing. Mr. McKinney provided additional data regarding school bus transportation in the year 2000, noting that while no students were killed or sustained an incapacitating injury while riding a bus, that in vehicles driving during school hours, 21 students were killed in passenger cars, and 17 students sustained incapacitating injuries in the State of California; with respect to the recent discussion in the City of Temecula to utilize transit buses to augment the school transportation system, provided additional data regarding the great differential between school bus standards, and transit buses, relaying that there were approximately three times more bus collisions with the transit buses, noting that the significant difference was regarding the required safety features for school buses, reiterating the standards; noted the extensive required training for school bus drivers; relayed that students are educated with respect to emergency issues; and advised that there were specifically designed routes to minimize the distance that students were required to walk to the school bus stops. For Chairman Connerton, Mr. McKinney advised that any bus operating as a school bus would have to adhere to the previously mentioned standards; provided additional information regarding the bus inspection process; noted that the Temecula Valley Unified School District currently owns 44 school buses, noting that 14 of those buses were utilized to transport students with disabilities, advising that two of these buses, were built before the 1977 regulations were in effect, noting the efforts in the United States to remove the 1977 buses; relayed that the radius criteria determining whether a student qualified for school bus transportation varied per grade level, as follows: for elementary students the area radius was one mile, for middle school students the radius was two miles, and for high school students the radius was 2.5 miles; noted that there have been lobbying efforts to increase school bussing provisions, providing additional information; presented data regarding the need for additional buses if the area perimeters were based on walking distances; and relayed information regarding the California Department of Education's design of a California utility bus which meets the school bus safety features, and could additionally be utilized to transport other populations when not being utilized to transport children to and from school. Commissioner Coe noted that he was impressed with the safety aspects of the school bus transportation. For Commissioner Lanier, Mr. McKinney relayed that 17% of the population of students in California are riding a school bus, providing additional information regarding the lack of funding available for additional buses; and confirmed that in the City of Temecula, the buses are riding full, noting the maximizing of the capacity levels. Chairman Connerton recommended that the videotape be presented to the public during a City Council meeting recess over the cable network, advising that the data was extremely informative. Commissioner Lanier commented on the safety issues associated with school buses. Mr. McKinney distributed brochures regarding the Stop in the Name of Love Program, regarding the school bus transportation. For Commissioner Katan, Mr. McKinney relayed that if it was the desire of the City Council, that tonight's presentation could be provided at a City Council meeting. In response to Chairman Connerton, Mr. McKinney relayed that his staff was investigating having this data available at the upcoming Safety Expo. Additional discussion ensued regarding the benefits of informing community residents with respect to the safety issues associated with school bus transportation. It was noted that Commissioner Coe left the meeting at 7:09 P.M. Chairman Connerton thanked Mr. McKinney for the informative presentation. For informational purposes, Chairman Connerton announced that Commissioner Edwards had been nominated for the 2000 North County Times Woman of Merit Award along with nine alternate women, advising that she had been included in a list of women with noteworthy accomplishments; and noted that Commissioner Lanier had been re- appointed to another term on the Public/Traffic Safety Commission at the recent City Council meeting. 2. Harveston Specific Plan Circulation RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file a presentation regarding the Harveston Specific Plan Circulation. Via overheads, Director of Public Works Hughes provided an overview of the Harveston Specific Plan (per agenda material) which encompassed approximately 550 acres of primarily residential and commercial areas; highlighted the specific location of the site, the proposed densities, the park plan, the 17.5 acre park and lake component, the school site, and the Service Commercial zone; relayed that, primarily, staff was of the opinion that this was a good project plan, noting the interior circulation with the loop street, and the three main access points to major routes; provided additional information regarding the main access off of Margarita Road, noting the original proposal to implement a one-way in, and one-way out, relaying the plan to include an amphitheater and alternate park sites in this area; noted staffs concern regarding this entry, relaying the applicants' redesign of the configuration, noting the modified plan to include a single more conventional two-way street; advised that an additional revision was made regarding the Date Street alignment; relayed that there were approximately 1920 units proposed in this project, noting the phasing plan, providing additional information regarding the four phases; relayed that there have been extensive traffic studies conducted with respect to this project, advising that the conditions related to traffic were being developed at this time; noted that the plan was inclusive of the applicant making improvements off-site in order to develop each phase, relaying that the off-site improvements were inclusive of the following: additional turning movements at Winchester Road and Margarita Road, additional lanes and turning movements at Ynez/Winchester Roads, additional improvements to the ramps at 1-15NVinchester Road, additional turning movements on Winchester Road/Jefferson Avenue, and additional improvements on Ynez Road/Overland Drive; noted that the previously menti(~ned improvements would need to be supplemented with the new interchange (the Cherry Street Interchange) which was in the planning stages, advising that the applicant would not be required to fund the interchange project, noting that the applicant would be building Date Street, and dedicating the necessary right-of-way needed for the ultimate interchange which would be a significant contribution. With respect to the design of the residential areas, Director of Public Works Hughes noted the plan to have the streets designed as short segments without long straight continuous routes, relaying that the configuration would slow vehicle speeds, noting that the loop road would handle the majority of the traffic; reiterated that staff was pleased with the pedestrian-friendly project plan; relayed that staff was supportive of the project, noting the revisions implemented to address previous concerns; and relayed that the applicant was proposing thirty-six foot (36') wide curb to curb streets which has been a topic of discussion between staff and the applicant, relaying that staff was of the opinion that it would be appropriate to widen the streets to the normal street standard of forty feet (40') curb to curb, advising that various Planning Commissioners and Councilmembers favor the narrower streets due to the aesthetic issues, and the thought that the narrower streets would slow traffic speeds. In response, Commissioner Edwards relayed that due to the windy configuration, the traffic speeds would be slow without the narrower streets. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that this has been an ongoing issue, relaying that in the event that sidewalks are separated from the streets with parkways, that the City would solely permit this implementation if the applicant provides a maintenance mechanism in order to ensure that the parkways are maintained in a consistent manner, relaying that there would additionally be a requirement that the sidewalks be maintained by the HOA or the Special Service District that was created, providing additional information. For Commissioner Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the housing surrounding the lake was Medium Density housing. In response to Chairman Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the anticipated generation of traffic on Margarita Road would be approximately 30,000 vehicle trips a day which was inclusive of the impacts of development within the next five years. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that with this project the developer would be responsible for the construction of Ynez Road through this project limits, noting that at the point where Ynez Road enters the Murrieta City limits, there was no condition requiring the applicant to build improvements in this area, advising that when Murdeta adopted its Circulation Element, accepting the City of Temecula's recommendation to bring the Date Street alignment to a new interchange location, Murrieta restricted this particular area until the freeway overcrossing was in place, clarifying that it was not anticipated that Ynez Road would be built north of the Temecula City limits for quite some time, advising that this was the rationale for the off- site improvements conditioned with this project, providing additional information; relayed that the new interchange project would be constructed in phases, specifying the City's proposed phases of construction, noting that the cost was an estimated $40 million, providing an approximate time schedule. In response to Chairman Connerton's comments, Commissioner Edwards relayed that it was her understanding that this project would have the greatest impact at the intersections, and not the arterial and collector roads, advising that the intersection improvements have been conditioned with this project. Director of Public Works Hughes confirmed Commissioner Edwards's comments, noting that with this project's traffic, four lanes on Margarita Road would be sufficient. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that Margarita Road was identified as a 110' arterial road in the Circulation Element, advising that the rationale for this identification rather than an urban arterial designation was that the anticipated future volumes on this roadway were not forecasted to warrant a six-lane roadway, clarifying that the City could not condition a project beyond the parameters of the Circulation Element, noting that this project was not the sole project contributing traffic to Margarita Road, advising that by law the City could not require this developer to mitigate all the surrounding developments' traffic impacts (per Government Code Section 66,000) Chairman Connerton noted his desire to avoid gridlock situations at a future point in time. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that if there was a requirement to provide the right-of-way on Margarita Road for provision of a six-lane road, the City could not enforce that condition on the project due to the previously mentioned designation of Margarita Road as an arterial road; relayed that the developer's dedication of the six lanes for the future interchange connection would significantly improve traffic in the City of Temecula, noting that this right-of-way was most likely the most needed right-of-way in the City of Temecula. In response, Chairman Connerton relayed that the City Council could require additional conditions on the project, noting his recommendation to be proactive with respect to traffic issues. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that professional traffic engineers have conducted the studies and modeling that reveal that this project with the identified mitigation would not degrade Margarita Road to a Level of Service below Level D; advised that if it was foreseen that in 10-15 years the traffic was to increase, this particular project could not be required to mitigate for that impact due a lack of a nexus with the project; and provided additional information regarding the City Council requesting additional mitigation measures for a development. Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that, as mentioned, the impact of this project would be at the intersections, relaying the approach to require additional lanes at these locations, providing additional information regarding the revisions regarding the main access into the project. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed assurance that there were diligent efforts to ensure that each development mitigated its impacts. Chairman Connerton provided additional comments regarding the City Council imposing additional conditions on a project based on Commission comments. Chairman Connerton noted that the Commission would receive and file this information. 3. Procedures for Temporary Street Closures RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review and provide comments on the procedures for temporary street closures. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that per Commission request, staff has included in the agenda material a copy of various vehiclb code sections, and the procedures for Temporary Street Closures for the Commission's review. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that this policy was established by the City Council which designated the parties responsible for the appeal board; and provided an overview of the standard line of authority for an appeal, relaying that he was not aware of one appeal associated with this issue. In response to Commissioner Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes advised that while a street closure matter was a fairly normal process, the closures were presented to the City Council for approval. Chairman Connerton relayed that the Commission would receive and file this data. 4. Criteria for Traffic Control Plans RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review and provide input regarding the Traffic Control Plan criteria and Requirements. Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that this data (of record) was presented to the Commission for review, relaying that he was available for questions. Chairman Connerton relayed that the Commission would receive and file the information. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that per Commission request, there was an incident report regarding the 20 highest incident intersections for the Commission's review (per agenda material), providing additional information with respect to future improvements associated with some of these intersections. Director of Public Works Hughes noted that per Commission request, staff has provided a list of the planning cases that are being processed by the City, relaying that the packet (per supplemental agenda material) encompassed approximately 640 cases that the City was in process with, in some manner. In response to Director of Public Works Hughes comments, Chairman Connerton clarified that it was not his desire to have the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review in detail every planning case, but solely the larger projects that would have a greater impact on the community, noting that this information was extremely helpful. For Commissioner Edwards, Chairman Connerton relayed that the Commission would be receiving this data quarterly. Director of Public Works Hughes advised that the City Council has authorized staff to advertise for construction bids for the Margarita Road Widening and Improvement Project, specifically, for the first phase of improvements of Margarita Road from Highway 79 South up to Plo Pico Road, relaying that the project would cost an estimated $1,200,000, noting that the design of the next phase was additionally being developed (from Plo Pico Road to Pauba Road), relaying that in January this road would be under construction. For Chairman Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed the agenda items for the November 16, 2000 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting. Director of Public Works Hughes noted that the Red Light Camera Program was within this year's budget, noting the process of preparing proposals for the study to be conducted, inviting the Commission to provide input regarding items to be researched. For Commissioner Katan, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that there would most likely be an independent firm hired to review the various companies that have the Red Light Camera Program, noting that at this time the study has not been conducted. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Sergeant DiMaggio provided clarification with respect to the traffic collision report, noting that traveling at an unsafe speed may or may not mean that the driver was traveling higher than the posted speeds, but that the driver was driving too fast for the conditions at the time the collision occurred; and additionally noted that very few accidents were caused from red light violations. With respect to the Race for the Cure Event, Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that overall it was a successful event, thanking all those who participated. Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that on November 18~h the City would hotd the Public/Safety Expo Event. Noting the upcoming Christmas Parade, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that there would be street closures for this event. With respect to the Police Chief's Report (via agenda material), Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that he was available for questions. For Chairman Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that he would provide information to him regarding the next Police checkpoint. Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that Officer Hughes had had a minor motorcycle accident and would be back to neighborhood enforcement next week. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Battalion Chief Ritchey noted that he was available for questions regarding the Fire Chief's Report (per agenda material). For Chairman Connerton, Battalion Chief Ritchey noted that the emergency response times could be provided to the Commission. With respect to the Public/Safety Expo, Battalion Chief Ritchey relayed that the Fire Department would be involved with this event inclusive of holding a breakfast. COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Katan noted that he had received an e-mail regarding the timing of the signal at Margarita/Winchester Roads, relaying that it was the residents' observation that when the daylight savings time changes the signal synchronization goes off. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that he would address the issue with Caltrans, advising that the City signals have technology that adjust the signals for daylight savings time. With respect to the Police Checkpoint held on October 20, 2000, Commissioner Lanier relayed that attending the checkpoint had been informative, thanking the Police Department for the opportunity. Commissioner Lanier noted that a resident from a housing tract adjacent to the Crowne Hill Development had relayed that when exiting on De Portola Road, looking north off of Butterfleld Stage Road, that there were visibility impacts due to the trees located in this area. For Commissioner Edwards, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that there were vehicle code restrictions regarding the use of motorized scooters, noting that an individual was required to be 16 years of age, that if the area was not a 25 MPH zone, the scooter needed to be ridden in the bicycle lane, and that the rider was required to wear a helmet. Chairman Connerton relayed that at the recent City Council meeting, there were discussions related to having the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review crosswalk safety and the feasibility of painting the crosswalks a different color; noted that Mayor Stone additionally recommended that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission review the Stop Light Abuse program (SLAP); and relayed that the City Council recommended having the four motor officers have a major presence at the intersections, noting that while visiting the major intersections, he was almost hit at the Ynez/Rancho California Roads on Monday, October 23, 2000. With respect to the Race for the Cure Event, Chairman Connerton applauded the Police Department for a job well done. For informational purposes, Chairman Connerton relayed that he had been invited to attend the Border Patrol Citizen's Academy, noting that the experience had been extremely informative; recommended that if granted the opportunity, that the Commissioners attend; and noted that the Border Patrol applauded the Temecula Police Department for their fine work. ADJOURNMENT At 8:47 P.M. Chairman Connerton formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, November 16, 2000 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. ~irman Darrell L. Connerton Admin~ve Sj~etary Anita Pyle