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HomeMy WebLinkAbout102501 PTS MinutesCALL TO ORDER MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OCTOBER 25, 200'1 The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:01 P.M., on Thursday, October 25, 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 Coe. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Present: PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. PRESENTATIONS Domestic Violence - Serqeant Rile Commissioners Coe, Connerton, Katan, Lanier, and Chairwoman Edwards. None. Director of Public Works Hughes, Director of Community Services Parker, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Battalion Chief Ritchey, Police Sergeant Steger, Administrative Secretary Pyle, Minute Clerk Hansen, and Minute Clerk Ice. It was noted that this item would be postponed. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of July 26, 2001. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Katan and voice vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Coe who abstained. COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Request for Parkinq Restrictions - Camino Alaqon RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive the repod and provide direction to staff. Chairwoman Edwards advised that she would be abstaining with regard to this item, ergo stepped down from the dais, Vice Chairman Lanier presiding. Noting that it was requested that this matter be agendized at the September 27, 2001 Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the staff report (of record), relaying that staff has had several meetings with representatives of the Camino Alagon neighborhood to discuss the negative parking issues, as well as noise and littering impacts; noted that several solutions were discussed (i.e., permitted parking, limited parking, parking allowed on Meadows Parkway when the construction in this area is completed); clarified that it was staff's opinion that if permitted parking was implemented the negative parking impacts would be moved to other neighborhoods; advised that staff has established various no parking zones via painting the curbs red in order to alleviate various safety issues; and relayed that per discussions with Director of Community Services Parker, it was noted that while a few of the sporting activities scheduled at the Temecula Middle School could be re-scheduled to other facilities, it would not be feasible to eliminate all the activities at this sports park due to the lack of available alternate sites. In response to Vice Chairman Lanier, Police Sergeant Steger confirmed that the Police NET Officers have increased enforcement in this area. Addressing the queries of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, Director of Community Services Parker confirmed that the Community Services Department has been notified of the situation, noting that staff has had discussions with Mr. Chalkley, as well as other residents, regarding the negative parking impacts; relayed that typically the sports activities end by 10:00 P.M.; and noted that this sports park has been a lighted facility since approximately 1994, or 1995, relaying that at that time there were no residences proximate to the sports park (school site). At this time the public was invited to speak Mrs. Pat Chalkley, 42843 Camino Alagon, relayed that while the residents were aware of the location of the school when opting to purchase a home in this area, that they were not aware that the school would be utilized as a City park; thanked City staff for their efforts regarding this matter; via photographs, demonstrated that drivers were not adhering to the restricted parking areas (red curbs); and read a letter written by her husband, Mr. Gene Chalkley, outlining their concerns regarding this matter (provided via supplemental agenda material), recommending that there be temporary parking restrictions restricting all street parking on Saturday from 7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M., and additionally recommending that street parking been allowed on Meadows Parkway (when construction is completed), Sunny Meadows Drive, Pauba Road, and the full length of McCabe Drive. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Mrs. Chalkley noted that she has lived in this area four-and-a-half years ago; clarified that part of the problem was the lack of courtesy regarding those parking in her neighborhood (i.e., littering, parking in resident's driveways, double-parking); relayed that due to the heavy congestion, access to emergency vehicles would be restricted; noted her desire to limit the amount of games scheduled at this facility, recommending that additional parks be constructed; and for Commissioner Katan, confirmed that it was the desire of the majority of residents that the parking be restricted on Saturdays. Concurring with staff's comments, Commissioner Coe relayed that if parking was restricted in this particular neighborhood, the negative parking impacts would not be resolved, but would be affecting an alternate neighborhood. Ms. Linda Weimann, representing Temecula Valley Pop Warner Football, specified the schedule when Pop Warner utilizes this particular field, noting that the facility was used on 12 Saturdays per year; acknowledged that while the residents may be inconvenienced from the scheduled sports activities, that these activities have been taking place long before the residences were located in this area, ergo the residents should have been aware of the situation prior to purchasing homes in this area; noted that the negative parking impacts have worsened due to the construction of Meadows Parkway; noted that the School District has denied a request to permit parking on the basketball courts; and relayed hopes of the parking impacts being significantly decreased when the Meadows Parkway construction is completed, when the public street parking backing the new homes becomes available, as well as when a park parking lot is built (across Meadows Parkway). In response to Commissioner Connerton, Ms. Weimann relayed that in order to address the littering issue, she walks or drives the neighborhood to clean up the debris left; confirmed that the parents of the youth involved in the spods activities have been notified regarding the littering, noting that she would additionally direct the parents to not empty coolers in the neighborhood; for Commissioner Katan, relayed that practices for Pop Warner Football were scheduled at Temecula Elementary School, the spor[s park, as well as Temecula Middle School, clarifying that Temecula Middle School was the home field, noting the organization's investment at this site (i.e., the snack bar, the purchase of a scoreboard); relayed the efforts made to schedule the majority of games to end at dusk, advising that for special activities the field was utilized until 10:00 P.M.; and for Commissioner Connerton, specified that there were 750 participants in the Pop Warner activities. Mr. Mark Bailey, 44763 Calle Banuelos, representing Pop Warner Football, urged the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to not restrict the use of this much-needed field for youth activities; and suggested placing barricades (i.e., sawhorses) on Saturdays to alleviate the parking problems. For Commissioner Coe, Director of Community Services Parker advised that per past discussions with the School District the school officials have been reluctant to allow R:/tra~cm~nutes/102501 3 parking on the school blacktop, citing concerns with respect to oil drippings and damage to the courts; and relayed that this issue could be addressed with the School District again. Mr. Les Walter, 32'[ 10 Cala Torrente, noted the traffic congestion due to parents dropping off and picking up their children between 7:45 A.M.-8:15 A.M. and from 2:40 P.M.- 3:10 P.M., relaying the illegal maneuvers these drivers commit on a regular basis (i.e., parking in red zones and in front of fire hydrants, double parking, illegal U-turns, blocking driveways, vehicles consistently turning around via pulling into the driveways); recommended that parents be required to drop off/pick up their children on McCabe Drive until the construction is completed on Meadows Parkway; additionally recommended that when the construction is complete, that the parking of vehicles and the drop off/pick up of children be allowed along Meadows Parkway; and requested that a Police Officer be assigned to the area in the A.M./P.M hours previously noted. Ms. Rose Marie Cathcart, 32115 Cala Torrente, thanked Ms. Weimann for her cooperation in attempting to address this matter; read a letter she had written into the record (as per agenda material), addressing her concerns; offered gratitude for the recent red-curb painting, specifying an area where she would recommend extending the red curb (at the southern intersection of Camino Alagon and Cala Torrente); reiterated the desire of the residents to restrict parking, noting the petition signed by 82 residents (of record); relayed the plethora of vehicle violations committed in this area which created a safety hazard; reiterated alternate parking recommended areas; and recommended that the school site access be controlled via locking the gate at the northern border which could be closed after school hours. The Public/Traffic Safety Commission beqan its deliberations Addressing the queries of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the developer-driven construction on Meadows Parkway was scheduled to be completed by approximately November; advised that the decision to allow parking on Meadows Parkway has not yet been determined, noting that if a bike lane is installed, parking would be prohibited, additionally relaying the potential for danger if parents drop off their children on the opposite side of the street, and the children subsequently cross this busy roadway to access the school; and noted that prior to the construction on Meadows Parkway, he was not aware of staff receiving a significant amount of complaints regarding this parking issue. In light of the construction on Meadows Parkway, Commissioner Coe noted his reluctance to place parking restrictions at this time, advising that the situation may improve; and noted that the residents purchased homes with the knowledge that this was a lighted sports field. For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Community Services Parker relayed that there were approximately 18 active facilities (inclusive of the elementary and middle school site) for sports league activities, serving approximately 7,600 participants; and noted that locking the existing gate at the school (after school hours) could be addressed with the School District. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Police Sergeant Steger noted that on Saturdays an Officer has been assigned to this neighborhood, relaying that citations are being issued; confirmed that if yellow- or white-curbed areas were installed and backed by City Ordinance, that the parking restrictions would be enforceable; and confirmed that if an Officer was present, vehicles would receive citations for parking at red-curbed areas. Lieutenant Pingel noted that due to the multiple responsibilities of the Police Depadment, it would not be feasible to have an Officer present in this one particular neighborhood for all of the hours the negative parking impacts were occurring; advised that the Police Department has been working with the residents in this area to alleviate their concerns; confirmed that when the Police leave the neighborhood, the illegal parking and moving violations continue; concurred that approaching the School District to request that parking be permitted on site would most likely aid in addressing this matter; and noted that since Police presence could not be constant, white- and yellow- curbed parking areas may not solve the issue. Noting that these particular residents have expended the time and effort to address their concerns with City staff, and the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, Commissioner Coe, echoed by Commissioner Connerton, implored the Police Department to increase enforcement in this neighborhood, advising that if the Police presence is increased and citations are issued, the violations will most likely decrease. In response, Lieutenant Pingel clarified that the Police Department has received the Pop Warner League schedule and has been aggressively citing violators in this neighborhood during the past month. Commissioner Connerton noted that when there have been Police staffing issues in the past, the Public/Traffic Safety Commission has made recommendations to the City Council to increase the Police personnel. Vice Chairman Lanier noted that he had visited the neighborhood on Saturday to investigate the parking impacts, relaying that the parking in the neighborhood began early (prior to 7:15 A.M.); relayed his reluctance to support permitted parking due to the likelihood of just relocating the parking impacts to alternate neighborhoods; suggested that the Pop Warner League request the parents to drop off their children at the double wide gate on McCabe Drive; and to first park on McCabe Drive and Sunny Meadows Drive; advised that since the football season would be ending in approximately two weeks it was his opinion that a long-term solution be sought after this season. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that to install a loading zone on McCabe Drive, the matter would need to be presented to the City Council, and subsequently it would take approximately a month for an ordinance to be passed, Director of Public Works Hughes relaying that the next City Council meeting was scheduled in three weeks; advised that along with the increased Police enforcement, informing the parents of the neighborhood issues would most likely be the best avenue to obtain the most immediate relief; and noted that while staff could expedite the painting of white-curbed areas to a week's time, the Police Officers would not be able to enforce the parking restrictions until the City Council took action regarding the matter. Noting that the School District was responsible for this matter, Commissioner Coe advised that it was his opinion that since there was parking available on site, it should be R;/trafl~cmin utes/10250 ~ 5 made available immediately; and recommended that the School District increase the fees to utilize the field to mitigate any damage to the blacktop, if necessary. Commissioner Katan advised that since the Meadows Parkway construction was anticipated to end in November, that the matter be addressed by the Public/Traffic Safety Commission after that time period; and concurred with Commissioner Coe, relaying that the School District should be requested to allow parking on site, reiterating that he would contact the School District Traffic Committee Members tomorrow. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to recommend that the School District be requested to lock the gate on Camino Alagon after school hours, and to allow parking on the school site during sporting activities; and recommended that staff investigate an avenue for implementing a loading zone to minimize the negative parking impacts. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Coe. (Ultimately this motion passed; see below.) Vice Chairman Lanier recommended that the Pop Warner League representatives encourage parents to utilize McCabe Drive. In response to Senior Engineer Moghadam, Commissioner Connerton recommended that loading zone be installed at the location of the double-gated entry on McCabe Drive, and that staff determine the appropriate length of the zone. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting approval with the exception of Chairwoman Edwards who abstained Commissioner Connerton thanked all the residents for taking the time to address their concerns with the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. 3. In-Pavement Amber Flashinq Liqhts for Crosswalks - Meadows Parkwav RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive the report and provide direction to staff. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (via agenda material), specifying that staff had evaluated various traffic alternatives related to crossings, advising that none of the criteria was met for installing these control devices at this particular location (Meadows Parkway/Cafera Lane); noted that most of these traffic control devices were designed for locations further than 600 feet of a controlled crosswalk; relayed that during the observations, only two students were seen crossing at Meadows Parkway/Cafera Lane, noting that staff has received only one complaint since Meadows Parkway has opened, and that there have been no reported accidents; with respect to the comments raised by the Public/Traffic Safety Commission at the last meeting regarding the concern with respect to the lack of visibility due to the vegetation and the curvature of the roadway, advised that while staff concurred that if a driver stopped at the existing limit line the visibility would be limited, noted that observations revealed that almost none of the vehicles stopped at the limit line but rolled into a position with additional visibility; advised that the following implementations could be installed: 1) due to the location of the limit line, the line could be relocated to a position allowing better visibility, 2) due to R:\trafficminutes\102501 6 the width of Meadows Parkway, a five-foot wide bike lane could be painted so vehicles would be further from the curb line, and 3) the measurement of the site distance at the location of approximately ten feet behind the extension of the curb line on Meadows Parkway provided visibility of five hundred and ten feet (510"), which would be within the safe stopping site distance; noted that staff counted 22 similar crossing locations within the City, advising that currently, pedestrians utilized caution when crossing; noted the concerns related to the in-pavement flashing lights device for crosswalks, relaying that the installation would provide a false sense of security, inhibiting pedestrians from exercising due caution, reiterating that there was no criteria (guidelines) or warrants for this device, relaying that to utilize this location as a test site for the device would not preclude the City from liability issues; reiterated that staff's recommendation would be to utilize standardized traffic controls (i.e., a pedestrian signal, an all-way stop, flashing lights that indicate an approaching crossing), when warranted; and noted that while this particular location did not meet the warrants for the installation of any traffic control device, that if it was the Public/Traffic Safety Commission's desire, the Commission could recommend installation of one of these devices. For Commissioner Lanier, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the evaluation of this location did not take place during the roadwork project at Parducci Lane and Meadows Parkway; for Commissioner Coe, advised that in the last two years there have been no pedestrian incidents in/or around crosswalks within the jurisdiction of Temecula (additional information was provided regarding the accident occurring on a State Highway within City limits which was caused by the driver having a medical condition); noted that costs for the in-pavement flashing lights for crosswalks at one intersection would be approximately $36,000 [Commissioner Connedon specifying that at the last presentation it was indicated that a single (two directional) crosswalk would cost approximately $17,000-$20,000]. In response to Commissioner Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided additional information regarding mid-block crossings which are provided in school zones, confirming that there were no standards in the State of California regarding mid-block non-school crossings; clarified that at controlled intersections (inclusive of T- intersections) there is a passive crosswalk existing even if not marked; noted that the criteria for evaluating the crossing at Meadows Parkway was based on warrants for a mid-block school crossing since this was the only data available. Commissioner Connedon specified the mid-block crossings in the City of Anaheim, which were not within school zones, relaying that in the State of Oregon installation of the in-pavement flashing lights resulted in a seventy percent (70%) reduction in accidents and fatalities. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that if high volumes of pedestrians were crossing mid-block, that a jurisdiction would seek an avenue for creating safety; advised that at the Meadows Parkway location there were no high volumes of pedestrians crossing, reiterating that staff would not recommend installation of the in-pavement flashing lights due to the device not being a standardized control device. Providing additional information, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that there were various agencies that would use measures that are warranted in their opinion, exercising their own judgment in implementing any type of traffic control device (inclusive of one which was not a standardized traffic control device); clarified that City staff has investigated the areas the Public/Traffic Safety Commission requested to have analyzed R:/Ira[flcm~nutes/102501 7 for installation of the in-pavement amber lights, advising that the evaluation determined that there were no high volumes of pedestrians, clarifying that it was the professional judgment of staff that the device installed at this particular location could cause a greater hazard than benefit with respect to safety; noted that due to this particular device not being recognized by all motorists, there was the potential to cause a degree of confusion, advising that if there was a mid-block crossing with high volumes of traffic it would be his recommendation to install a signalized crossing, and not this particular device due to safety issues; and clarified that the best control for providing pedestrian protection was for the individuals to use reasonable caution; and noted the danger of installing an un-warranted device with no State standardization. For Commissioner Connerton, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that for a device to be standardized, the State of California adopts the device as a uniform traffic control device, and at that time guidelines are adopted, providing direction with respect to how and where the device should be used; confirmed that in various cases, part of the warrant analysis included injured or fatalities; and provided additional information regarding the purpose of warrant analysis. In response to Commissioner Katan, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the previously-noted similar locations were primarily locations with an attraction on the opposite side of the street in residential areas; confirmed that it was staff's opinion that there was not a single location in the City of Temecula where this particular device would serve a benefit, reiterating that he was unaware of any location in the City where there was an uncontrolled crossing with a potential safety hazard; and reiterated the criteria which was used in the evaluation. For Commissioner Katan, Director of Public Works Hughes reiterated the rationale for staff being reluctant to recommend installation if this particular device in the City of Temecula, as follows: 1 ) the device has not been approved by the State, ergo no guidelines have been adopted, 2) if there was a crossing with high pedestrian volumes, there were more effective devices for addressing the matter, 3) there was not an appropriate location in the City for this device, clarifying that there was no location where the installation would create greater safety; and advised that he could not support recommendation to the City Council for installation of the device. Referencing the adage "If it ain't broke - don't fix it," Commissioner Coe advised that since there was no negative impact that needed addressing regarding this issue, there was no need for a solution; concurred with staff that if there was a crossing with a high volume of pedestrians, a signal would be the most appropriate solution; with respect to the cost of the device recommended that the money could be better utilized to place reflectors on Rainbow Valley Road, and other curved roadways; and advised that he would not support a recommendation for installing this device. Noting that he visited the evaluated site, Commissioner Lanier concurred with staff that this location was not an appropriate location for this particular device. Reviewing the charge of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission and the safety issues at hand, Commissioner Connerton relayed that he was in strong support of recommending installation of the in-pavement amber flashing lights for crosswalks. R:~rafficminutes\102501 8 Based on the analysis conducted, Chairwoman Edwards reiterated that there were no pedestrian incidents, no complaints, and a minimal amount of pedestrian travel; advised that the device not being Caltrans' approved was an additional concern of hers, as well as the potential liability issues. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to recommend the installation of the in- pavement flashing crosswalk lights at Meadows Parkway/Cafera Lane on both sides of the road. (Ultimately this motion died for lack of a second.) MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to direct staff to continue monitoring this device; to update the Commission as to changes; and upon approval of the device by Caltrans for staff to bring forward to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission any potential locations in the City where the installation would be appropriate. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Coe. (Ultimately this motion passed; see below.) Commissioner Connerton noted that if the motion did not include the need for approval by Caltrans, he could support the motion. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting approval with the exception of Commissioner Connerton who voted no. In response to Senior Engineer Moghadam, Chairwoman Edwards relayed that it was the consensus of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for staff to follow-through with staff's recommendations regarding relocating the limit line, and striping a bike lane, as previously noted. 4. Commission Meetinq Schedule - November and December of 2001 RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission direct the Secretary to cancel and reschedule the regular meetings for November and December 2001, and to perform the appropriate postings and noticing requirements per the Government Code. MOTION: Commissioner Lanier moved to direct the Secretary to reschedule the November and December meetings, scheduling one meeting to be held on December 13, 2001. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Coe and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Updating the Public/Traffic Safety Commission, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that Caltrans has prepared a Draft Project Report for the Interchange Project north of Winchester Road, which was in the final comments stage, and was expected to be approved in 2002. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. R:/trafficm[nutes/102501 9 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT No comments. COMMISSION REPORTS Minute Clerk Hansen noted that Mrs. Chalkley had requested that the following comments be read into the record: 1) thanked staff and the Public/Traffic Safety Commission for their efforts regarding her neighborhood, and 2) noted that the Police Department has been doing wonderful work in the Camino Alagon area. For Commissioner Coe, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff would be installing raised pavement markers in various areas in the City, noting that the installations could begin on Rainbow Canyon Road. Commissioner Connerton requested that the ingress/egress at the Prime Care use be agendized, advising that re-striping this area may create a safer condition. Commissioner Lanier, echoed by Chairwoman Edwards, commended the Police Department, and Fire Department for their efforts at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Event. For Chairwoman Edwards, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that in the newly annexed Vail Ranch area there were various crosswalks in school zones without crossing guards, advising that staff would be addressing this issue with the School District. Per residential complaints she has received, Chairwoman Edwards requested staff to investigate placing a crosswalk and crossing guard at Butterfield Stage Road/Jerez Lane. In response, Associate Engineer Gonzales noted that the correct avenue for addressing this issue would be to contact the School District. Chairwoman Edwards requested that the speed trailer be placed on Camino Piedra Rolo. In response, Associate Engineer Gonzales noted that this request has already been forwarded to the Police Department. Noting that in light of the upcoming School Board election (which she was campaigning for) and due to her appointment expiring, Chairwoman Edwards advised that this could be her last meeting, relaying that it had been a pleasure to serve on the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. In light of Chairwoman Edwards, and Commissioner Connerton being up for re- appointment, Commissioner Coe noted that it had been an honor to work with the Commissioners, and that they had been an asset to the community R:/trafficrnin utes\102501 10 ADJOURNMENT At 8:32 P.M. Chairwoman Edwards formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 6:00 P.M. (in light of the November and December meetings being rescheduled), in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. ~i~om~n~aryann Edwards Administ~e SeCtary Anita Pyle R:/trafficminutes/102501 11