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HomeMy WebLinkAbout022201 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION FEBRUARY 22, 2001 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, February 22, 2001, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hail, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. FLAG SALUTE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Commissioner Connerton. ROLLCALL Present: Commissioners Coe, Connerton, Lanier, and Chairwoman Edwards. Absent: Commissioner Katan. Also Present: Assistant City Manager O'Grady, Director of Public Works Hughes, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Councilman Pratt, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. PUBLIC COMMENTS The Public/Traffic Safety Commission considered public comments after consideration of the Consent Calendar; see page 2. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1 Minutes of October 26, 2000, and November 16, 2000 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of October 26, 2000. 1.2 Approve the Minutes of November 16, 2000. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to approve Consent Calendar Item 1.1, and 1.2. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connerton and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Katan who was absent. R:\tra~flcminutes\022201 1 At this time the Public/Traffic Safety Commission considered public comments. PUBLIC COMMENTS Dr. Mark Wedel, 41522 Temeku Drive, representing the Temeku Hills Homeowner's Association, provided a brief history of the past discussions between City representatives and himself regarding the Temeku Hills neighborhood speeding; via overheads, addressed the concerns regarding the speed and volumes of vehicles in the Temeku Hills area; relayed the results of the residential speed data collected from 210 readings via utilization of a calibrated speed radar gun, noting that ninety-seven percent (97%) of the drivers were traveling at speeds exceeding the posted speed limit, that forty percent (40%) exceeded 40 MPH, and that four percent (4%) exceeded 50 MPH, advising that most speed violators resided in alternate areas; concluded that speeding and cut-through traffic was a significant negative factor in this particular area; and requested the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to aid in addressing these impacts. For Commissioner Connerton, Dr. Wedel specified the manner in which it was determined that the speed violators resided in alternate areas, noting that 14 vehicles travelling at speeds greater than 40 MPH were followed; and advised that Officer Hughes had confirmed that numerous citations were issued to individuals residing outside of the Temeku Hills neighborhood. Chairwoman Edwards noted that a traffic study was conducted in this area at the end of January; and recommended conducting an additional traffic study now that Meadows Parkway has opened, recommending waiting until driving patterns adjusted to the newly opened street. For Chairwoman Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that this issue could be agendized for an April Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio confirmed that the Neighborhood Officer would continue to monitor this area. At this time the Public/Traffic Safety Commission considered Agenda Item No. 2, and resumed the regular order of the Agenda. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Emer,qenc¥ Transportation Circulation Plan (ETCP) RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 ETCP Subcommittee discussion of recent meeting. Assistant City Manager O'Grady noted that at the last meeting the Subcommittee members briefed the Public/Traffic Safety Commission as to the progress of the Subcommittee, relaying that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission had requested additional background information; advised that staff provided that data to the Subcommittee, noting that subsequently the Subcommittee has met to discuss this information and has developed recommendations which were distributed to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission (per separate cover agenda material); and relayed that staff has worked with the Subcommittee and supports these recommendations. Chairwoman Edwards read into the record the six traffic solution recommendations, and the five items denoting the work in process, as follows: Recommendations to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission Augment the City of Temecula's website to include comprehensive transportation information - entitling this element "Transportation Solutions;" Work with Caltrans to acquire additional "Rideshare" information signs for the 1-15 freeway on/off-ramps within the City limits; Include a "Transportation Element" in the upcoming Temecula General Plan revision inclusive of rideshare (including Park and Ride facilities), transit planning, and trail planning elements which would complement the traffic circulation element; Incorporate review of General Plan revisions by the Public/Traffic Safety Commission; That the City continue to address transportation issues through development agreements, specific plans, as well as, General Plan revisions/updates; and Establish the name of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee as the "Temecula Transportation Subcommittee." Work in Proqress City/TVUSD/RTA collaboration to conduct a survey at Temecula's high schools to gather input for a "Smart Shuttle" program - survey to be drafted by RTA and conducted by TVUSD with an expected completion date of late March or early April of 2001. Coordinate efforts with RTA to provide transportation to the County/City of San Diego; Collect information regarding extending HOV lanes on the 1-15 freeway, north of San Diego; Apply to State/Federal agencies for grants to fund a Temecula Rideshare Program; Explore conducting surveys to assess the rideshare needs in the Cities of Temecula and Murrieta, noting that this data could be utilized for the following: To update the Temecula General Plan Transportation Element, To restructure the current RTA routes throughout the Temecula/Murrieta area, and ~ To conduct Citywide a public transportation education program. Commissioner Connerton relayed that the information provided to the Subcommitee by staff was extremely thorough and helpful, commending staff for the compilation of this data. For Commissioner Lanier, Chairwoman Edwards relayed that if the recommendations are approved by the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, they would subsequently be presented to the City Council for review and action; with respect to the work in progress, noted that the Subcommittee would continue to meet with staff and bring updates back to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission; advised that as various programs are implemented, it would be advisable for the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners to become more involved at the community level. Commissioner Connerton additionally noted that community meetings would be held (i.e., with the HCA's), advising that it would be beneficial if the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners participated in these meetings, relaying that the gathered information would be collated into additional recommendations. Commissioner Coe commended the Subcommittee for their great work; Chairwoman Edwards and Commissioner Connerton commended staff for their diligent efforts. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to approve the Subcommittee's recommendations. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Katan who was absent. 3 Public/Traffic Safety Commission Meetin.q Revision Schedule RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission consider the feasibility of holding one regularly scheduled meeting per month. Director of Public Works Hughes provided an overview of the staff repod (of record), noting that in March of 1999 the Public/Traffic Safety Commission had approved scheduling two meetings a month due to the need to address and expedite implementation of several Category 1, 2 and 3 projects to minimize traffic in the City; relayed that in September of 2000 the issue of considering resuming the one monthly meeting schedule was considered, noting the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's decision to bring the issue back at the first of the year (i.e., 2001); and advised that staff was recommending that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission consider resuming the one monthly meeting schedule, relaying that in the event that there was the need for an additional meeting that an additional meeting could be scheduled at any time the Public/Traffic Safety Commission desired. Commissioner Coe noted the recent cancellation of Public/Traffic Safety Commission meetings, advising that traffic situations are moving along very well in the City, noting the significant improvements in traffic; and supported the meetings being held once monthly at this time. Commissioner Connerton concurred in part with Commissioner Coe, while noting that there would be numerous issues regarding the Emergency Transportation Circulation Plan coming up soon; relayed that there were issues that should be addressed by the Public/Traffic Safety Commission but that staff was not available to prepare the agenda R:/tra fflcminutes\022201 4 items in an expedient manner; recommended continuing the existing meeting schedule for a minimum of six months, and if necessary that the second meeting be cancelled at which time an open forum could be provided -- open to the community, in order to discuss community issues in a public noticed workshop meeting; advised that if there was inadequate staff available for the preparation of these meetings, that it was the City Manager's responsibility to ensure that there was adequate staff support; and noted that a Public/Traffic Safety Commissioner could request that items be agendized, relaying that at one time the intent was that each Commissioner would have a specific area of interest or responsibility in the community and would provide reports regarding these issues at every meeting. Commissioner Lanier relayed that it might be more prudent to hold one formal Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting and to schedule community meetings with the HOA's on the alternate meeting night. In response to Chairwoman Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes noted the benefits to holding one monthly meeting, listed as follows: 1) that when there are two meetings a month, the turnaround time to place an item on the subsequent agenda was restricted due to the timing necessary for the preparation of the report and the agenda, 2) that there was a plethora of staff hours involved in preparing for the meetings (i.e., the minutes preparation, the noticing, the hand-delivering of agenda packets), 3) that there was a great deal of work involved with the cancellation of the scheduled meetings, 4) that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission would be served as well, or better, with one monthly meeting, and 5) that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission had the ability to schedule Special Meetings when they were desired; with respect to staffing issues, relayed that although there was a shortage in the engineering division, that this did not effect the staff time spent to address the requested agendized items; and for Chairwoman Edwards, and Commissioner Lanier, relayed the normal process time for preparing agenda items. Chairwoman Edwards relayed that once various new programs were implemented from the previous recommendations to the City Council that the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners would be busier; noted that it would be her preference to have one monthly meeting scheduled and to schedule a Special Meeting, if necessary, rather than to schedule two monthly meetings and continually cancel the second meeting. Commissioner Connerton concurred that it appeared negative when meetings were continually cancelled, while noting that it also appeared negative to reduce the number of meetings when there were numerous community concerns regarding traffic issues that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission needed to address; relayed that he disagreed with Director of Public Works Hughes's comments regarding the initial rationale for scheduling two meetings being due to the construction, advising that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission never addressed any construction issues with the exception of striping; noted that the public would be better served with two scheduled meetings, advising that there were additional safety issues that should be addressed; and relayed that he would not support the schedule change. For Chairwoman Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes provided additional information regarding holding Special Meetings, confirmed that they could be scheduled at the request on one of the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners. Chairwoman Edwards, R:ltrafficminutes\022201 5 noting for Commissioner Connerton, that he would always have the avenue available to go to staff and request that a Special Meeting be scheduled. Commissioner Coe advised that his concern was based on the number of meetings where there was solely one agendized item, recommending that it would be more appropriate to schedule a meeting when there was a number of issues to address, supporting the concept of meeting once a month with an agenda of significance. in response, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that if the Public/Traffic Safety Commission had any items regarding issues to be agendized that staff would be open to agendizing an item, encouraging the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to bring forward any issues that needed agendizing. Chairwoman Edwards noted the proactive actions of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission since she has served on the Commission over the past two-and-a-half years, enumerating the issues that have been addressed, concurring that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's workload would ebb and flow. Commissioner Coe reiterated his comments regarding a desire to address vital issues, and not to just schedule two monthly meetings regardless of the matters at hand. For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes provided an overview of staff's efforts, relaying that there were over 80 CIP projects in various phases that were being addressed; noted that most of staff's efforts were being expended on the advance planning stages for numerous projects (i.e., the Cherry Street Interchange, and other Development Projects); with respect to the neighborhood traffic concerns, advised that as the Commissioners have seen the best solution was increased enforcement; and advised that the number of complaints have been reduced due to the Neighborhood Traffic Enforcement (NET) Program, commending the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for the recommendation to implement this program, relaying that numerous issues were addressed with the development of this program. Commissioner Connerton relayed that if it was a fact that the traffic solutions have been addressed he would be in favor of meeting less frequently, recommending that there be a four-month period of time to consider whether or not this revision in the meeting schedule would be appropriate, recommending that for four months two meetings be scheduled, but that one be cancelled in order to provide additional time to evaluate whether one meeting would be sufficient. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission agree to leave the meeting schedule as is, and to cancel the second meeting, if necessary, in order to have the meeting available, if needed. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motion for discussion. (Ultimately this motion failed; see page 7.) Commissioner Lanier relayed that he would be reluctant to revise the meeting schedule and to subsequently schedule 12 Special Meetings, noting that he would not be opposed to maintaining the existing schedule for a short period of time in order to further evaluate the need for the second meeting, and to cancel the second meeting, if necessary. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the outstanding issues planned to be agendized at this time which was inclusive of two matters pending the opening and operation of R:\traf~cminute$~022201 6 Meadows Parkway, Director of Public Works Hughes noting that in April the CIP Program would be presented to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, and at some point in the future alternate Specific Plans would be brought forward for review. For Chairwoman Edwards, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that with respect to the Red Light Camera Program that the City was in the process of advedising for consultants. Chairwoman Edwards advised that this recommendation was to revise the official schedule of two monthly meetings, noting that anytime a Public/Traffic Safety Commissioner saw an additional need, that an additional meeting would be held; and reiterated that the perception of the continual cancellation of meetings would provide a negative impact which was echoed by Commissioner Coe. At this time voice vote was taken (regarding the previous motion) and reflected denial due to Commissioners Coe, Edwards, and Lanier voting n_9_o, and Commissioner Katan being absent. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to recommend to the City Council that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission revert to meeting once a month with the option of calling a Special Meeting should the need occur. Commissioner Lanier seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Katan who was absent and Commissioner Connerton who voted n_go. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam provided an overview of items that were currently going out to bid (i.e., the LED Program, the traffic signal at Stone Wood/Margarita Roads) and the schedule for the anticipated completion; and relayed that efforts were being made regarding the final design of the Closed Circuit TV Project which was inclusive of installation of cameras to monitor traffic which would be going to Caltrans for final review. Director of Public Works Hughes noted that the City was recently awarded a $330,000 grant to upgrade and improve the guardrails on Rainbow Canyon Road, that an additional grant was received to upgrade the barrier rails on two culverts, that a grant was received for a City Tree Replacement Program which would be completed in the Margarita Road area - in the northeast portion of the City, and that an additional grant would potentially be received for $2.7 million for the Butterfield Stage Road Project, noting that this grant still needed RCTC approval. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that with respect to future agendized items, that Mayor Comerchero requested the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to review the feasibility of placing left-turn refuge areas along Margarita Road where the side streets made left-turns onto Margarita Road. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT With respect to the Rod Run Event, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that it was a great success, noting the attendance of approximately 40,000 pedestrians on R:~trafficminutes\022201 7 Saturday, noting that there were no arrests on either day; and provided additional information regarding enhancing the Police staff with volunteer help. Regarding the Stop Red Light Abuse Program (SLAP), relayed that within approximately two weeks this program would be initiated, advising that twice a week various Motor Officers would only enforce red light standards, relaying that the program would also include rewarding individuals who did not run red lights. Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that the Police Department has submitted a request for grants for updated traffic equipment (i.e., new breathalizing machines, radar trailers, and new motorcycles). Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that two weeks ago, two additional patrol cars were added to the Police Department which now would encompass eight sworn Officers, and one non-sworn Officer assigned to the traffic division, noting the potential for an additional NET Officer in July with the Vail Ranch annexation. Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that on February 23, 2001 the Police Department would hold a DUI checkpoint, inviting the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners to attend, noting that it would begin at 7:00 P.M., and would be held on Old Town Front Street, south of Santiago Road. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. COMMISSION REPORTS A. Commissioner Connerton reiterated his commendation to staff for the preparation of the material that was provided to the ETCP Subcommittee. Commissioner Connerton requested staff to investigate the traffic which backed- up on the southbound 1-15 freeway at the Winchester Road offramp. In response, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff has been monitoring this ramp, noting that staff had made the same observations, advising that drivers enter the auxiliary lane and begin slowing prematurely, relaying that the bridge was constantly flowing at an acceptable rate; noted that this impact was most likely due to driver behavior patterns; relayed that staff was in the process of addressing Caltrans (via a letter) in order to request assistance regarding the overall operation of that southbound ramp; noted that staff has visited the area of concern in order to capture the backed-up traffic on video cameras, advising that each time staff went to the area to videotape the impacts, the traffic was flowing just fine; relayed that there was only one exit lane at Winchester Road, noting that there had been a ClP program to widen the bridge over the Santa Gertrudis Creek, advising that the bridge widening was approximately eighty-five percent (85%) complete, while noting that the City was also proceeding with a project study report with the Cherry Street Interchange Project which has identified that the bridge at the Santa Gertrudis Creek would need to be removed for the new interchange at Cherry Street, clarifying that at this time the City was abandoning the bridge widening project; and noted that at R:\lra ft~cmin utes\022201 8 the offramp, drivers were forming two lanes, and that it would not be worthwhile to widen this area and construct two exit lanes. Commissioner Connerton noted that on Winchester Road there had been numerous accidents, querying if there was a specific cause. In response, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the accidents were primarily caused due to unsafe speeds traveled for the roadway conditions (i.e., rain). Commissioner Lanier noted that the Police Department was well represented at the Rod Run Event, commending the professionalism exhibited by the City. Per discussions with a resident, Commissioner Lanier relayed the request as to whether there were warrants to place a signal at Rancho California Road/Yukon Road. Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that this area had been investigated, advising that it was on a list of areas to closely watch, noting that there was no plan to install a signal at this time. Commissioner Lanier recommended adding a Safe Driving Tip (from the Police Department) to the Public Works News Release. Commissioner Coe thanked Councilman Pratt for his attendance at the Public/Traffic Safety Commission meetings. With respect to the flashing lights in the school zone in front of Temecula MiddLe School, Commissioner Coe noted that the lights were not working. Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the Signal Technician had investigated this issue three times; and queried what time the lights were not flashing, noting that the timing of the lights was based on the school's schedule. In response, Commissioner Coe relayed that the lights were not flashing between 7:30 and 8:15 A.M. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that he would personally investigate the lights and check if there had been changes in the school schedule. Director of Public Works Hughes recommended the Commissioner Coe be provided the times that the lights were set to be flashing, advising that he call staff if they were not flashing at these times in order for staff to address the problem. Commissioner Coe noticed that various yellow signs had been changed to a neon yellow color, querying whether this was a State standard, noting that it was a great concept. Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that approximately six months ago, the State approved the neon colored signs, advising that the City had retrofitted all the R:\trafficminutes\022201 9 school signs to the new color, noting that the intent was to create a variant color in the school zones. Commissioner Coe suggested that.if the amber color in the signals was changed to this neon color, that it would create a differentiation from the alternate yellow lights throughout the City. Chairwoman Edwards recommended agendizing the Active School Signs matter for a Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting, noting that the sign displayed the speeds traveled and was designed for implementation in school zones, presenting the sign to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, via overheads. For Chairwoman Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff had not received any complaints from the Via Sabino residents, noting the Iow volumes in this area. Police Sergeant DiMaggio added that the NET Officer patrolled this area, confirming that speeding in this area was not a significant factor. For Chairwoman Edwards, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that to address the car break-in issues at the mall, the Police Department has contacted the RAID task force, providing additional information regarding the proposed solution which would be implemented in approximately 3-4 weeks. Chairwoman Edwards noted that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission was interested in continuing to review Specific Plans. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Commissioner Conner[on moved to cancel the March 8, 2001 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting, and to adjourn to the March 22, 2001 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Katan who was absent. At 7:29 P.M. Chairwoman Edwards formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, March 22, 2001 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. 12hairwor~ Marya(~n Ed R:/trafficminutes1022201 1 0