Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout072601 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JULY 26, 200t CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:01 P.M., on Thursday, July 26, 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 Connerton, *Katan, Lanier, and Chairwoman Edwards. Absent: Commissioner Coe. Also Present: Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Battalion Chief Ritchey, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Katan arrived at 6:05 P.M.) PRESENTATIONS Emergency Services Team - Lieutenant Golloqly Lieutenant Gollogly (from the Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department) provided an overview of the Emergency Service Team Program which is the Department SWAT Team, relaying a brief history of the program which was initially implemented as the result of a bank robbery (with an overwhelming amount of firepower) which led to the death of a deputy sheriff; noted the goal to develop a program to ensure that there would be a balance with respect to any heavy weapons of criminals, tactics to safely resolve high risk incidents, and provision of greater safety for the public and the Department; highlighted the type of responses this team would act on (i.e., high risk incidents), the activation process, the selection and training program for members of the team, and the specialty groups within the overall team (i.e., a hostage/negotiations team.) For Commissioner Lanier, Lieutenant Gollogly relayed that a partial team could respond to a Temecula incident within a five-to-ten minute period of time; for Chairwoman Edwards, advised that while there has been no incident warranting the need for the R:Wafficminutes~72601 1 SWAT team to respond in Temecula, that various warrents have been served; for Commissioner Connerton, confirmed that the team served on an as-needed basis, additionally confirming that after an immediate response frem the partial/local team to any specified city, additional units would follow, clarifying that the entire team would respond; and advised that the locations for treining varied (i.e., Camp Pendieton, March Air Force Base, etc.) PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Jay Leonard, Valentino Way, Vail Ranch in Temecula, relayed his concern regarding the high speeds of vehicles in residential areas; advised that he has developed signage which has been effective in slowing the speeds of vehicles, noting that after discussions regarding the signage with the Police Department, Police Sergeant DiMaggio had recommended that he present the signs to the Public/Treffic Safety Commission; presented the sign which was designed to be placed approximately two feet off curb side, advising that the device indicates the driver's speed; and relayed his plans to publicize the device, while clarifying his desire to first present the signage to the Police Department and the Public/Treffic Safety Commission in order to first provide the City the first opportunity to purchase the signage, specifying that the price was under $500. For Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Leonard displayed the manner in which the signage indicated speed. Thanking Mr. Leonard, Chairwoman Edwards relayed that the signage could be placed in the Public Works Department, that she would recommend that the signage be investigated, that subsequently a staff member would contact Mr. Leonard, and that the issue could potentially be agendized for a future meeting. Mr. Mark Broderick, 45501 Clubhouse Drive, relayed his concern regarding the negative traffic impacts on Highway 79 South, recommending that there be additional right-turn lanes placed in two areas on Highway 79 (South), as follows: 1) add an additional access lane to the northbound ramp of the 1-15 Freeway, and 2) add an additional access lane to Pala Road. Providing additional information, Chairwoman Edwards noted that Highway 79 (South) was under the jurisdiction of the State, noting that per discussions with Director of Public Works Hughes, Caltrens has been petitioned regarding this matter, relaying that Caltrens is currently experiencing merging problems with respect to entering the freeway lanes; and advised that as soon as the signals' timing on Highway 79 South are set (since the recent improvements) that treffic flow will improve. Commissioner Connerton relayed that since Highway 79 (South) is a State highway, that Mr. Broderick could file a complaint with Caltrans. COMMISSION BUSINESS 1. Temecula Transit ARency for Traffic Mitiqation RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 That the PublicFl'raffic Safety Commission receive and file the Temecula Transit Agency for Traffic Mitigation Presentation. Via a PowerPoint presentation, Councilman Pratt provided an overview of his recommended plan for a Temecula Valley Transit System, relaying the following information: A transit system will only work if a full comprehensive system is installed, one in which the bus waiting time would be approximately ten minutes. Noted the potential routes the proposed system would travel via a map. For Commissioner Connerton, specified that Slide No. 4 denoted the number of residences in the City of Temecula in comparison to the number of registered vehicles. Provided statistical information relating to the numerous accidents, injuries, and deaths caused from vehicular accidents. In response to Chairwoman Edwards, noted that density was not necessary for mass transit to be effective, noting the advantages to being proactive. Referenced a quote from the Secretary of Transportation regarding the impact that transportation has with respect to development, the pattern of growth, and the quality of life. Relayed the $9,000 average annual operating cost to operate a vehicle. Advised that the projected growth in the City of Temecula will further impact traffic. Noted the future potential annual ridership of 2,000,000 citizens. Specified Phase ~ of his plan for a transit system which would encompass RTA buses, local route buses, Dial-A-Ride buses, and interurban buses. Relayed the potential funding sources for the three-year start up and operating costs. Noted the growth of transit use in America over the last five years which increased by twenty-one pement (21%), while driving only increased by eleven percent (11%). Provided data regarding the Ben Franklin Transit System which effectively serves 150,000 people. Advised that with his plan, a transit system could be implemented in a six-month period of time, additionally relaying a proposed organizational plan. Addressing the questions of Commissioner Connerton, Councilman Pratt noted that while not an easy task, driving patterns can be altered over time with an effective transit system, that public transit is a safer mode of transportation, and that requiring that all cars be parked in a garage would restrict the number of cars that each residence could have. Commissioner Connerton, echoed by Chairwoman Edwards, commended Councilman Pratt for his diligent efforts with respect to this plan. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to submit this proposed transit plan to the Emergency Traffic Circulation Plan (ETCP) Subcommittee for further review and recommendations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent. For Commissioner Katan, Councilman Pratt relayed that for this plan to come to fruition, a City traffic specialist would have to be involved in coordinating the various entities, and that developers would need to participate, reiterating that this plan would only be effective if a comprehensive public bus system was implemented. 2. Speed Limit - Meadows Parkway RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance establishing a 45 MPH speed limit on Meadows Parkway between La Serena Way and Rancho California Road. Via overheads, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record), noting that since the opening of Meadows Parkway there have been requests to establish a speed limit on Meadows Parkway; highlighted the data from the speed surveys, noting that the 85th percentile speeds were 50 and 52 MPH, advising that the recommended speed limit to be established on this section of the roadway (between La Serena Way and Rancho California Road) was 45 MPH. Mr. Kenneth E. Clowe, 41087 Vintage Circle, relayed that the cars appear to be travelling at higher speeds then the data revealed, noting concern in particular with the speed of the vehicles proximate to the park site, recommending that the pedestrian sign be lowered in this area in order to be more visible; and advised that there is drag racing in this area at times between 11:00 P.M. and 2:00 A.M. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that while Police Officers have been posted in this area until 3:00 A.M. that no vehicles have been cited racing, recommending that at the time Mr. Clowe witnesses the racing that he call the Police Department and a Police Officer would be directed to the specific location. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve staffs recommendation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Katan. (Ultimately this motion passed; see below.) R:'~affic~ninut es~72601 4 For Commissioner Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff would investigate as to whether there was an intersection sign in this area and consider the installation of such if there was not. In response to Commissioner Lanier, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that the speed trailer revealed that most of the speeds traveled in the neighborhoods were in the 85th percentile range. Commissioner Lanier recommended that during the soccer season that the speed trailer be placed proximate to the park area. For informational purposes, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that enforcement in this area would occur when the City Council approves the posting of the speed limit. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent. Commissioner Appointment to the General Plan Community Advisory Committee RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission appoint a commissioner and an alternate to serve on the General Plan Community Advisory Committee. MOTION: Commissioner Katan moved to appoint Commissioner Connerton to serve as the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioner on this Committee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and voice vote reflect approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to appoint Chairwoman Edwards to serve as the alternate Public/Traffic Safety Commissioner on this Committee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lanier and voice vote reflect approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who was absent.. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Senior Engineer Moghadam noted the data included in the agenda material regarding the top 20 accident locations for the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners' review. Noting that several streets were under repair, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that delays were attempting to be minimized due to the efforts to adjust the timing at the associated signals; for Commissioner Connerton provided additional information regarding the requirement for the contractor to have 1-2 lanes open for travel during the repairs; and advised that the City Council had approved an ordinance restricting night work within 500 feet of residential areas. For Commissioner Connerton, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that along Rancho California Road the contractor was working not only grinding the asphalt but additionally removing material from the base area since there should be 10-12 inches of base; advised that staff would investigate improving the delineation, and traffic control in this area; and noted that additional information regarding the projects could be placed on the website for the public's information. For Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that work on Rancho California Road would not be sped up even if work could be conducted at night, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks noting that typically night work is implemented where feasible. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that the 4th of July event was a success with no arrests. For informational purposes, DiMaggio presented the Police Department's new patch. Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that on July 25, 2001, there was a DUI checkpoint held, noting the multi-agencies' involvement, relaying that another multi-agency checkpoint would be scheduled for November. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that DUI checkpoints are typically scheduled 2-3 weeks in advance, noting that the next one will be on August 10th, advising that efforts could be made to inform the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners as to the scheduled dates. With respect to the radar trailer, Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that the trailer now tracked speed, and trips on the readways, confirming that average speeds in the residential areas were 29-32 MPH. Regarding the emergency incidents on the 4th of July, for Commissioner Connerton, Police Sergeant DiMaggio noted that the priority for traffic flow was based on pedestrian safety first. Commissioner Connerton commended the Police Department for the manner in which the incidents were handled. Chairwoman Edwards commended Police Sergeant DiMaggio for his efforts regarding grants, in particular the recent award of a $100,000 Federal grant. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Battalion Chief Ritchey noted that he was at a fire in the Wildomar area earlier in the evening. Bo Reporting that in the regional area there was an ongoing preblem with arson set vegetation-type fires, Battalion Chief Ritchey specified the affected areas. Noting that there was a structural fire at the home of a City employee, Battalion Chief Ritchey relayed that the fire was contained within approximately 10 minutes. For Commissioner Lanier, Battalion Chief Ritchey provided additional information regarding fires on the hillside on the 4th of July, advising that the 4th of July went well, with no major incidents. COMMISSION REPORTS Commissioner Connerton reported that the road conditions were poor on Margarita Road, south of Moraga Road. Commissioner Connerton relayed that it was a pleasure to live in the City of Temecula with all the great work that has been accomplished. Noting that she had received a request from a Meadowview resident for streets, curbs, and streetlights, Chairwoman Edwards advised that she informed the resident that the matter would most likely be addressed when it was determined that a golf course will be built in this area. Chairwoman Edwards relayed that per a resident request she had obtained information regarding the Vehicle Code regulations with respect to scooters which she would forward to the Public/Traffic Safety Commissioners. ADJOURNMENT At 8:17 P.M. Chairwoman Edwards formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, Au,qust 23, 2001 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Administ(~e r~ry Anita Pyle R:~rafficminutes~072601 7