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HomeMy WebLinkAbout032201 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION MARCH 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, March 22, 2001, 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 Connerton. ROLLCALL Present: Commissioners Coe, Connerton, *Katan, Lanier, and Chairwoman Edwards. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Police Officer Kubel, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. *(Commissioner Katan arrived at 6:04 P.M.) PRESENTATION Every Fifteen Minute Proqram {EFMP) Presentation by Deputy Kubel It was noted for the record that Commissioner Katan arrived at 6:04 P.M. Officer Kubel presented a video in which local students dramatized a drinking and driving incident involving fatalities which was developed in order to educate high school students regarding the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, relaying the fact that every fifteen minutes in the United States someone is killed by a drunk driver, and that alcohol collisions are the leading cause of death among teenagers; noted that this was the second Every Fifteen Minute Program (EFMP) presentation that the Temecula Police Department has organized, relaying that last year it was held at Temecula Valley High School and this year at Chaparral High School, advising that approximately 350 volunteers from approximately 30 agencies were involved in the making of the film, and the success of the program; for Commissioner Lanier, provided additional information regarding the second day of the program after the mock accident whereby a student is removed from class every fifteen minutes (to emphasize that fact the every fiffeen minutes an individual in the United States is killed by a drunk driver), and the teens (involved in the mock fatalities) are separated from their families while additional speakers address the hazards of driving under the influence of alcohol, and letters are written (by the parents and the teens) describing the experience of being separated, and that the subsequent day the families are reunited and the letters are read. Noting the effectiveness of this program, Chairwoman Edwards queried how the Public/Traffic Safety Commission could become involved in the program. In response, Officer Kubel relayed that each year numerous individuals volunteered for the program, noting the various tasks accomplished over an eight-month planning period. Chairwoman Edwards noted that all the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners had a desire to aid in the facilitation of this tremendous program, requesting Police Sergeant DiMaggio to update the Commission as to the timing of the organizing for next year's event. Commending Officer Kubel, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed the assiduous efforts Mr. Kubel dedicated to organizing this program, noting the months of organizing. For Commissioner Coe, Officer Kubel relayed that if special groups (i.e., driving schools) were interested in having a copy of the film, that the Police Department could provide information regarding obtaining this film. Commissioner Coe, echoed by Chairwoman Edwards, relayed that this film was not only educational but also emotionally touching. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Warren Knox, 44885 Muirfieid Drive, relayed his concern regarding the speeds of vehicles on Muirfield Drive, advising that this area was being utilized for cut-through traffic; and requested that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to consider the feasibility of installing speed undulations, the placement of radar trailers, and Police enforcement. For Chairwoman Edwards, Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that the radar trailer had been placed in this area, and that the Traffic Calming Program had been initiated. Mr. Sam Pratt, 40470 Brixton Cove, noted his encouragement due to the attendance of numerous community members at this meeting, relaying that in his opinion there was not a more impodant meeting in town; referenced the City Newsletter, relaying the informational data included, recommending that a Driving Tip be included on the front page; and per recent discussions with developers currently planning projects in the City of Temecula, noted that he was pleased with the attitude and efforts aimed at addressing traffic impacts in the City. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of December 14, 2000, and January 11~ 2001 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of December 14, 2000. 1.2 Approve the Minutes of January 11, 2001. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve the minutes of December 14, 2000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve the minutes of January 11, 2001. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who abstained. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Request for Left-Turn Access - Ynez Road at Saric Court RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny the request to rescind left-turn access restrictions at the intersection of Ynez Road and Saric Court. Providing a background of the issue, Senior Engineer Moghadam specified the location of the intersection at Ynez Road/Saric Court which provided access from Ynez Road to four parcels; advised that typically staff determined whether left-turn access was safe, noting that this matter was before the Public/Traffic Safety Commission due to the request of Chairwoman Edwards; clarified the rationale for staff determination that left access in or out of this small cul-de-sac off of Ynez Road was not appropriate, noting the proximity to the signalized intersection at Santiago Road, relaying that Ynez Road was an arterial road (which is 64 feet wide with four lanes, with bike lanes on both sides) with approximately 10,600 vehicles per day at this time, noting the anticipated 18,000 trips per day at build out on this portion of Ynez Road; relayed staff's concern regarding the speeds and volumes on Ynez Road with left-turn access into this cul-de-sac; reiterated that staff deemed left-turn access at Saric Court not safe, recommending that the striping be double solid lines to restrict left turns in or out of this cul-de-sac; acknowledged that this restriction would cause inconvenience to the residents, while noting that this was justified due to the ultimate 18,000 vehicles traveling on Ynez Road; relayed that the location of this access point was within a left-turn pocket which would be ultimately extended when Santiago Road goes through eastward; and advised that based on the safety issues, staff determined that left-turns in this area should be restricted. Noting the safety hazards associated with allowing vehicles to make a left turn in the middle of a left-turn pocket, Commissioner Coe noted his support of staff's determination. R:~t raffi c~minut es\l 21400 3 For Commissioner Lanier, Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that at times he received calls regarding speeding in this area on Ynez Road, advising that placement of the radar trailer effectively slowed the vehicles. In response to Chairwoman Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided information regarding alternate left-turn access points in the City, advising that to the best of his knowledge staff has not approved any full access movements this near a signalized intersection on a busy street. With respect to future improvements to extend Santiago Road, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that there was no CIP plan scheduled for the immediate future, while noting that the City has been contacted by the residents in the Santiago, John Warner Roads area with regard to paving the streets, advising that by virtue of these streets becoming paved streets it could potentially develop into a project connecting Santiago Road within the next 1-2 years. In response to Commissioner Connerton's queries regarding the similarity Of the situation at the Marie Callender's use on Ynez Road/Rancho Highland Drive, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that this condition was a temporary situation, relaying that the Marie Callender's use has been noticed that as soon as Rancho Highland Drive is constructed to Tierra Vista Road there will be a raised median and the turning movements will be restricted, advising that while there were locations such as this located in the City that it was not a preferred design due to the safety issues. For Commissioner Coe, Director of Public Works Hughes provided information regarding the development plan in the area of discussion. Mr. Larry Markham, representing the applicant of the associated application, provided a brief history of the project, noting the initial approval of the map on September 10, 1991, which included no condition to restrict access into the project, advising that if there would have been restricted access, the map would have been redesigned; relayed the numerous extensions of time for the project, noting that the street plans were reactivated and signed in December, 1999, which did not include a condition restricting access, advising that the map recorded on May 23, 2000; noted that the striping plan was submitted at the latter part of 2000 which is when this restricted access issue was introduced; provided additional information regarding approval of a neighboring project on March 15, 2000 with no restrictions with respect to access, acknowledging that this area was located further from the signalized intersection; opined that the owner of this property should have been made aware of the restricted access to this property at an earlier date, advising that if there is a desire to restrict access to this reach that it should be restricted in total and not to only one property, providing additional information regarding the proximate properties; relayed that since this property was not conditioned as such, it was not equitable to restrict access at this time, acknowledging that at some future point there may be a median installed on Ynez Road which would restrict access at that time; and noted that this issue has become a burden for the applicant since access was not restricted at the time of approval. Chairwoman Edwards queried whether the City Council approved the current striping conditions in May of 2000. In response, Mr. Markham clarified that it was the final map which was approved for recordation, noting that the map was originally approved in 1991, advising that the street improvement plans for the actual construction of the cui- de-sac and the widening of Ynez were approved approximately in December of 1999 without the striping plans; for Commissioner Coe, noted that these plans were complete and ready to record including the relocation of the signal at Santiago Road/Ynez Road in 1993, relaying that the recession postponed the plans, advising that the plans were subsequently phased and reactivated in 1999; and clarified that the access restriction was a change by City staff in the midst of plan check after the street plans were signed and the final map was approved and recorded. Commissioner Coe queried whether it would be beneficial for the purchasers of the three remaining parcels to know that at a future point there would be a median in this left-turn area. In response, Mr. Markham relayed that potential buyers would be made aware that at some point in the future there may be a raised median restricting access; and noted that he was opposed to restricting access at this point in time only to this property and not along the whole reach. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Markham confirmed that the throat of the cul-del-sac has already been improved. Mr. Robert Saric, 33246 Calle Langarcia, owner of the property in discussion, noted that he purchased the property in order to construct a home at the site; relayed that prior to the close of escrow he met with the seller (Mr. Meyler), Mr. Markham, and the selling agent to query the left turn access issue due to the final map being approved without the striping plan, noting that the meeting discussions provided assurance that left-turn access would not be restricted; while referencing the concerns of City staff, opined that restricting this access was not a valid safety issue based on the other left-turn accesses on this same street; and advised that the access issue has postponed him from moving forward with his project, and the sale of the other two parcels, relaying hopes that there would be an equitable resolution. Mr. Brian Sampson, 40655 Calle Medusa, the listing agent for the property, relayed that per traveling through the City he cited 12 other similar areas (proximate to a signalized intersection and located off of a busy street) that had no restrictions with respect to access; advised that the property owner had moved forward with plans based on the Conditions of Approval (COA's) associated with approval of this application which did not include restrictions with respect to access, advising that if staff opined that access was an issue it should have been addressed in 1999 and prior years; and with respect to safety issues, advised that a U-turn on a busy street was more dangerous than a left turn onto a busy street. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Sampson clarified that he was opposed to the left-turn restricted access; and for Commissioner Coe, noted that information related to the future median would be disclosed to future buyers. Commenting on Mr. Sampson's referenced 12 similar sites where access was not restricted, Commissioner Coe relayed an interest to visit these areas if Mr. Sampson could provide a list of the properties. Mr. Jim Meyler, 29930 Santiago Road, noted that at the Planning Commission hearing (approximately 10 years ago) where this application was approved that the subject of access into this property was discussed and it was agreed that it would be off of Ynez Road (relaying that while Commissioner Fahey had noted concern regarding this access, the other four Planning Commissioners had not), advising that left-turn access restrictions were never addressed, and the application was approved unanimously; while expressing his admiration for Director of Public Works Hughes and staff for their great work, noted that this decision (to restrict access) was based on opinion and not laws or regulations, reiterating the previously referenced similar locations throughout the City where access was not restricted; and relayed the possibility for the City to have to address the issue legally if there is financial damage suffered if this matter is not dealt with equitably. In response to Commissioner Coe, Mr. Meyler confirmed his knowledge that at a future point if a median was installed on Ynez Road, access would be restricted; noted that he did not agree that 10,600 cars traveled this podion of Ynez Road daily, providing information regarding his traveling patterns accessing this area, relaying that nine out of ten times there was no wait when making a right turn into the project. Commissioner Connerton noted that per information revealed at this meeting, the developer had the clear understanding that access to this project would not be restricted (via the COA's associated with approval of the application), advising that the City did have the mechanism at a future point, if necessary to restrict the left turns; and relayed that it would be equitable to allow the access at this time, noting his support in denying staff's recommendation. Noting that it appeared that the access restriction was presented at the 1 lt~ hour to the developer, Commissioner Lanier concurred with Commissioner Connerton. Chairwoman Edwards noted that she had requested that this item be agendized for all the reasons that have been discussed; relayed that she had had discussions with Director of Public Works Hughes, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Mr. Saric, and Mr. Meyler; confirmed that the access issue was clearly not a black and white matter; noted that she had the greatest respect for Director of Public Works Hughes' advise, relaying that the issue that troubled her with regard to this matter was that the rules changed in the middle of the game for the developer (i.e., access restrictions were not addressed at the time of the approval of the application), noting her strong belief in property rights; advised that she was reluctant to approve a situation where there were safety issues at risk, noting the liability risks to the City; acknowledged that disclosure would be provided to the future property owners in light of this noticed meeting, and that at some point a median would be constructed on Ynez Road, and that Santiago Road would be extended; advised that the most critical issue at this point was safety; and noted that at this point she would support rescinding the restrictions for left-turn access due to it appearing to be a safe movement at this point in time, relaying that when the median is constructed and Santiago Road is widened this access would change. Concurring with Mr. Markham and Mr. Saric, Commissioner Katan relayed that they should have been aware of the access restrictions at an earlier date, if at all possible, while advising that if mistakes with respect to access exist along Ynez Road, it should not be continued due to the safety issues at hand; and concluded that while it would have been better if the applicant would have been notified of the access restrictions earlier in the approval process, that he would support staff's recommendation due to the safety hazards. R:\trafficn'Jnutes~121400 6 MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission set aside staff's recommendation, approving the left-turn access. Chairwoman Edwards seconded the motion for discussion purposes. (Ultimately this motion failed; see page 9.) Commissioner Coe noted the following: acknowledged that a development that began ten years ago should anticipate changes due to growth in the City, relayed a concern that full disclosure be relayed to the future properly owners regarding the access restrictions, and advised that since the street was not as busy as it will be, he would be inclined to support rescinding the left-turn access restrictions, acknowledging that a median would be installed at a future point. Commenting on Commissioner Coe's remarks, Commissioner Connerton relayed that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission did not need to be concerned with the disclosure issue for potential future buyers, noting that it was regulated by other standards, relaying that it had been relayed that there would be disclosure; advised that the developer should have been apprised of the restricted access issue at an earlier date so as to have had an opportunity to plan access from another area, concurring with the applicant that it was not equitable for the City to determine that access be restricted at this point in time when the access issue could have been addressed much earlier. For clarification, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that there was no requirement in this City or any other city for the COA's on a parcel map to identify that a pamel will have restricted movements; advised that the City holds all jurisdiction with respect to determining the right-of-way on the roadways, clarifying that the City could elect to restrict any driveway in the City to right turns in and out at the City's discretion if it was determined by staff to be in the best interest of the public; provided additional information regarding the future median on Ynez Road; clarified that the 1999 approval for this application addressed curb and gutter and construction issues with regard to the shoulder improvements and did not address the striping plan for Ynez Road, noting that there was no approved plan that has been changed; advised that the first striping plan that came to the City and went through review for signature and subsequently was implemented was the plan that restricted the left-turn access which is when the applicant protested the restricted access; with respect to Mr. Meyler's comments that this restricted access was based on opinion, clarified that this determination was not a personal opinion, but a professional opinion based on engineering expertise; acknowledged that while the applicant most likely had hopes and anticipated the permitting of left turn access, that the City did not approve this striping plan until December of last year when the access issue was addressed. For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes confirmed that to the best of his knowledge the restricted access issue was not addressed with the developer during the original approval process; and confirmed that the Marie Callender's use was notified in their approval process that their left-turn access would be temporary. While advising that staff did not base their determinations on personal opinion but on safety issues related to engineering expertise, Commissioner Connerton noted that fairness to the applicant needed to be balanced with the safety aspects of this matter; relayed that he had visited the parcel numerous times, noting that safety did not appear to be a significant impact at this point in time; in light of the applicant not being noticed of the restricted access until the plans had been approved and recorded, opined that it was not equitable to restrict the access at this point when there was no opportunity to develop access to another area, advising that the applicant should be granted left-turn access at this time, noting that at a future point if a median is constructed then the access would be restricted at that time. In response to Commissione~' Connerton's comments, Director of Public Works Hughes clarified that restricting access does not require any type of public hearing, advising that the jurisdiction for controlling the streets lies with the City Engineer's position; noted that the only situation that would require a public meeting would be in the event that a party chose to appeal the decision; advised that modifications to striping plans are conducted daily without any type of public notice, noting that while not mandated to do so, that if there was a change in a condition, the City does contact property owners that would be effected by changes in access; clarified that the action approved in 1991 was for a tentative map approval, noting that a tentative map does not typically have physical improvements involved with it and would not usually have street improvement or striping plans associated with it; noted that the subsequent dates referenced by Mr. Markham were solely extensions of a tentative map approval; acknowledged that there was concern regarding fair play, noting that while this was not an opportune situation for the developer due to the expectation of having left-turn access, that in order to best address the safety issues staff has recommended restricting access which would ultimately be restricted at a future point with the construction of the median, relaying that at that future point in time the homeowners may voice their complaints regarding the restricted access (if access is permitted until then) due to buying a parcel with access and then having the access restricted; provided additional information regarding the safety hazards associated with turning movements from side streets going across striped dedicated left- turn pockets, clarifying that this particular issue was involving three parcels which would have restricted access now or at some time in the future, advising that in his opinion it would be more prudent to restrict the access at this time. Imploring the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to solely consider the safety issues, Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that this was not the forum for fairness issues, clarifying that since staff's signature would be placed on this access restriction or allowance, that safety should be the consideration of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. Commenting on the temporary allowance of left-turn access at Marie Callender's, Commissioner Coe advised that this issue was significantly different due to this restriction of access providing inconvenience to three parcels; while noting that the three lots would be impacted negatively with this restriction, relayed that it was an opportunity for the City to be proactive with respect to safety, concurring with Director of Public Works Hughes' comments that if the access is not restricted now, when.the median is constructed there will be three homeowners raising the issues of permitting access, whereas at this point the parcels will be sold with full knowledge of restricted access; with respect to the fairness issue, queried whether it was fairer to restrict the access now prior to the parcels being sold or at a future point when there were homeowners who bought with permitted access and would then be restricted when the median was built, relaying that after further consideration, he was leaning towards supporting staff's recommendation. R:llrafficmJnules~121400 8 For clarification, Minute Clerk Hansen read back the motion for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. (See page 7 of the minutes.) At this time voice vote was taken reflecting denial of the motion due to Commissioners Coe, Katan, and Lanier voting n_9o. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to approve staff's recommendation to deny the request to rescind left-turn access restrictions at the intersection of Ynez Road and Saric Court. Commissioner Katan seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Connerton and Chairwoman Edwards who voted n_9. 3. Proposed Drop-Off Facility - Mar,qarita Middle School RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend the approval of the proposed drop-off facility and circulation changes at Margarita Middle School. Referencing Exhibit B (per agenda material), Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the staff report, noting the current access points to Margarita Middle School which consisted of two driveways (an entrance, and an exit driveway) denoted on the left side of the map (Exhibit B); relayed that the School District was proposing a third driveway (denoted on the right side of the exhibit) to the south of the existing driveways for the purpose of getting the school buses and parent vehicles off of Margarita Road and onto the school site for drop-offs and pick-ups; noted that staff was not opposed to the proposal, relaying that staff had suggested changing the direction of flow, but that the School District had indicated that they would prefer the passenger side of the vehicles be towards the buildings; advised that this item did not require any City Council or Public/Traffic Safety Commission action, but was presented for informational purposes and for the Commission to provide comments; and relayed that the School District was attempting to cooperate with the City with respect to changes in site plans or the addition of driveways, providing the City an opportunity to comment. For Commissioner Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the driveway allowing left-turns was located approximately 800 feet from the signal, specifying the location of the proposed driveway, noting that the School District will submit a striping plan which could be brought back before the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, if that was the Commission's desire. Commissioner Katan advised that the permitted left-turn movements created an unproductive situation, noting that it was discussed at a previous meeting approximately eight months ago, relaying that restricting the left-turning movements out of the school would aid in the current disruption of the flow of traffic, advising that this would be a good opportunity to provide the School District with the recommendation to restrict the left-turn out movements. Commissioner Coe concurred with Commissioner Katan's recommendation. In light of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission comments, Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that staff would forward this recommendation to the School District, relaying that while passenger cars would be able to make a U-turn at Avenida Barca, the large school buses may have difficulty maneuvering the U-turn. In response to Senior Engineer Moghadam's comments, Commissioner Coe queried whether an exception could be made for the school buses. Commissioner Katan advised that the school buses would not be effected by the restriction, noting that their driving pattern was to travel straight. Commissioner Lanier commented that the buses most likely made the majority of their turns right turns for safety purposes. Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that he would forward the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommendation to the School District, specifically to restrict the left-turn movements out at the last driveway. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to recommend that the School District restrict left-turning movements out of the western driveway proximate to Avenida Barca at Margarita Middle School. Commissioner Katan seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 4. Margarita Road Left-Turn Refuge/Acceleration Lane RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend the installation of left-turn refuge/acceleration lane on Margarita Road at Via La Vida and Avenida Sonoma. Senior Engineer Moghadam provided a brief overview of the staff report (of record), noting that Mayor Comerchero had requested that the intersections of Margarita Road between Solana Way and Rancho California Road be investigated as to avenues to improve the ingress and egress from the side streets, specifically the streets without traffic controls; advised that a survey was conducted, noting that most of the intersections had a left-turn pocket or a center left-turn lane which could be legally used as a refuge area entering into the median portion, relaying that there were two locations where it was not legally allowable to get into the left-turn pocket (due to the median termination) to make a left turn without having to deal with both sides of traffic at the same time; noted staff's recommendation to change the striping at these two locations (at Margarita RoadJia La Vida and Margarita Road/Avenida Sonoma) to provide a left- turn refuge/acceleration lane. MOTION.: Commissioner Coe moved to approve staff's recommendation. Commissioner Connerton seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT A For informational purposes, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission had been provided with a copy of the timing of the school flashing beacons, as provided by the school principals; requested the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to let staff know if there were any inconsistencies, noting that Signal Technician Brown had been checking these times on a regular basis; for Commissioner Coe confirmed that the City provided the beacon lights for Linfield School which was a private school; and noted that R:~trafficminu[es1121400 10 staff could add on the schedule installation of beacon lights for the private schools located on Santiago Road, noting that the City would be installing beacon lights at the schools in Vail Ranch; and for Chairwoman Edwards, relayed that the three schools located in the Santiago Road area could be notified of the installation. With respect to the item the Public/Traffic Safety Commission brought forward regarding the signs displaying speeds in school zones, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff is working with the manufacturer in order to schedule a demonstration of the signage for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, noting that this item would be agendized for a future meeting. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT For informational purposes, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that on March 23, 2001 the Police Department would be scheduling a DUI checkpoint which would be conducted on Old Town Front Street, south of Santiago Road, at 7:00 P.M., inviting the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners to attend; for Chairwoman Edwards, confirmed that the Police Department would be focusing on red light enforcement in conjunction with the DUI checkpoint, advising that the Police Department was in the process of working on the Stop Red Light Abuse Program (SLAP) at this time; and for Commissioner Connerton, noted that the program would be initiated in approximately two weeks. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. COMMISSION REPORTS A. Per comments from a citizen relayed to him, Commissioner Katan noted that at the intersection coming out of Rodpaugh Hills to Winchester Road the wait at the signal was up to six minutes even when there was no traffic, noting that the resident was experiencing this wait at approximately 6:00 A.M. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the City had a good relationship with Caltrans, noting that the timing at this signal would be investigated. In light of the School District announcing that they would be charging for bussing, Commissioner Katan requested that the City investigate providing a grant (as long as the ridership level was 90%) in order to offset the costs incurred, noting that if this issue was not addressed the Public/Traffic Safety Commission would soon have issues coming forward regarding neighborhood residents being impacted by school traffic, advising that generally when schools begin charging for bussing, ridership decreases by 25%; requested that the City investigate an avenue to offset the costs that the School District anticipates, relaying that it would aid in getting the children off to school safer; and relayed that with additional school bussing, the distance of the radius of the circles which qualify children to ride a school bus (due to the distance from their home to the school) could be decreased. R:~trafficr~nutes\121400 11 Chairwoman Edwards suggested having the Transportation Subcommittee investigate the issue of having the City assist the School District with school bus transportation. Commissioner Coe recommended that former Councilman Lindemans be contacted regarding this matter in order to get his input. In response to Commissioner Coe, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the sound walls on Pala Road were part of the Pala Bridge Project, a mandated mitigation requirement, noting that they were constructed under a City- administered contract; and advised that there would be some landscape and irrigation replacement in this area, confirming that the restoration landscape plan was being coordinated with the HOA in the area. With respect to the signal which turns into the K-mart Center, Commissioner Connerton noted that on a regular basis the traffic stacks up beyond the stacking lanes, relaying that the timing of the signal appears to be off, specifying that on Monday, March 19t~ at 9:00 A.M. when there was no opposing traffic for a period of 45 seconds the left-turn arrow did not change; additionally noted that at Margarita RoadNVinchester Road on the same morning the west left turning lane signal was green long enough to allow two cars to go through, relaying that subsequently nine additional cars went through on a red light. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that staff would investigate the signal timing. Commissioner Lanier relayed thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ward for their attendance at this meeting. Noting that he had forwarded a citizen's recommendation to Senior Engineer Moghadam, Commissioner Lanier commended staff for the implementation of the striping in front of Temecula Valley High School. Commenting on the City's website, Commissioner Lanier commended Web Analyst Comerchero for the inclusion of the Driving Tips on the website. For Chairwoman Edwards, Police Sergeant DiMaggio confirmed that the Traffic Calming Program had been initiated in the Muirfield Drive area, providing an update. In response to Chairwoman Edwards' queries, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that staff needed additional data prior to initiating the Drive 25, Keep Kids Alive Program. Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that he had contact phone numbers and e-mail information for the representatives from the City of Oceanside's program. Director of Public Works Hughes advised that staff would work with Police Sergeant DiMaggio to obtain the additional information needed. Chairwoman Edwards noted that the North General Kearny residents had been told that their neighborhood would be utilized to initiate the program. For Chairwoman Edwards, Associate Engineer Gonzales relayed that the City would be conducting traffic counts in the surrounding neighborhoods after Meadows Parkway had been open for a duration of time, specifying that the study could begin in April. ADJOURNMENT At 8:12 P.M. Chairwoman Edwards formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, April 26, 2001 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. ~ann Edwards "Adminis~__~8 S,~dretary Anita Pyle