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HomeMy WebLinkAbout012402 PTS Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION JANUARY 24, 2002 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, January 24, 2002, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. FLAG SALUTE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Commissioner Coe. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Coe, Connerton, *Katan, and Vice Chairman Lanier. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Associate Engineer Gonzalez, Fire Battalion Chief Ahmad, Lieutenant Pingel, Police Sergeant Steger, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Katan arrived at 6:03 P.M.) PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS Presentation of Certificate of Appointment of Commissioner Mark Wedel This certificate presentation was continued due to Dr. Mark Wedel's absence. Presentation Reqardinq the New Children's Car Seat Booster Law - Community Service Officer Fanene It was noted that Commissioner Katan arrived at 6:03 P.M. Updating the Commission, Community Officer Fanene noted that as of January 1, 2002, California State Law was revised regarding children's car restraints, advising that the current law requires that children under six years of age, or under 60 pounds be fastened in a car seat/booster; advised that in California, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for children from 4-16 years of age, advising that over 47% of fatally injured children from 4-7 years of age are completely unrestrained; relayed that most children riding in car seats are improperly restrained, specifying the agencies which have R:~trafficminules~012402 1 qualified technicians able to instruct parents how to properly install car and booster seats, noting that the Temecula Police Department, under the direction of Police Sergeant Steger, has taken the lead and brought the technician course to the City which will be held April 2-6, 2002 at the Community Recreation Center, and that five of the participants of this particular training program will be assigned to the Temecula Police Department, and that upon completion of this course at a future date a hands-on course will be held at a site (yet to be determined) on April 6th between 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.; advised that after the clinic is completed the Police Department will be able to support the residents of Temecula at the storefront operations (in Old Town, and the Town Center), and at the City's safety events, by having technicians available to instruct parents regarding the proper use and restraints of the car seats; and concluded that based on his experience, this new law is important, and will save children's lives. Concurring with the importance of the proper use of children's car seats, Commissioner Connerton, echoed by Commissioner Coe, commended Community Officer Fanene and the Police Department for the provision of this program for the residents of Temecula. Vice Chairman Lanier relayed that once again the City was being proactive with respect to safety, which would benefit the community. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Edward Lindsey, 42375 Camino Merano, noted his concern regarding the high speed of vehicles in conjunction with the curvature of the road on Camino Merano; requested that the speed limit be lowered to 15 MPH, and that signage be installed cautioning drivers which stated, Children At Play, advising that he has submitted a letter to staff reflecting this request with the signatures of 22 residents representing the homes of 45 children on Camino Merano who support his recommendation; and via overhead maps, specified the road curvature and the locations of incidents where cars have traveled off the road. For Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Lindsey reiterated his request that the speed limit be lowered to 15 MPH, and that signage be installed cautioning drivers stating, Children At Play on Camino Merano; and for Commissioner Coe, advised that there were teenagers residing on Corte Parado who drive at high speeds due to the road curvature, noting that he had witnessed vehicles traveling at 50 MPH. The Public/Traffic Safety Commission requested that Police enforcement be directed to this area in an attempt to cite the speed violators. Mr. Les Walter, 32110 Cala Torrente, relayed that he had spoken to the Public/Traffic Safety Commission in October regarding the traffic congestion on Camino Alagon and Cala Torrente during morning and afternoon hours due to parents dropping off and picking up their children for school; noted that while the congestion still exists, it is his hope that when Meadows Parkway opens (which has recently been completed), there will be relief; requested that either staff, or the Public/Traffic Safety Commission contact the School District, encouraging them to send a letter to the school parents directing them to stop dropping their children off on Camino Alagon once Meadows Parkway is open; and with respect to the red curbing, advised that drivers ignore the restrictions. R:\trafficminutes\012402 2 For Commissioner Connerton, Mr. Walter confirmed that there had been no improvement in the traffic in his neighborhood since the Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting; and noted that parents were primarily stopping in red zones to pick up their children, and were not parking for a lengthy period of time. In response to Mr. Waiter's comments, Commissioner Connedon noted the presence of Ms. Maryann Edwards, the newest Temecula Valley School Board Member, at this meeting, advising that she could relay this message to the School District. Ms. Edwards noting that the School Board has addressed this congestion issue, and that she would forward his request for the School District to direct parents not to park on Camino Alagon after Meadows Parkway opens. Commissioner Coe advised that once Meadows Parkway opens up and drivers begin utilizing this roadway, that there could be significant relief in the congestion. Mr. Gene Chalkley, 42843 Camino Alagon, spoke regarding traffic congestion due to the sports activities held at Temecula Middle School, noting that at the October 25th Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting when this issue was addressed the Commission moved to recommend that the School District be requested to lock the gate on Camino Alagon after school hours, clarifying that there were three entries at this location (one vehicle gate, and two pedestrian entryways), opining that gates should be installed at the pedestrian entries and locked after school hours along with the larger entry, restricting entrance to the school grounds from Camino Alagon. For informational purposes, Commissioner Connerton relayed that after the October 25th Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting he had contacted a School Board Member to relay the Commission's recommendations regarding locking the gate, and allowing parking on site, advising that implementation of the recommendation would take time; and for Mr. Chalkley, specified that the best avenue for staying updated on the situation would be to contact the School Board. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of December 13, 2001. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Katan and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. R:\traf~cminutes\012402 3 COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Parkin(I Restriction - Solana Way between Ynez Road and Mar(larita Road RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution restricting parking on Solana Way between Ynez Road and Margarita Road. Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff repod (of record), noting the requests staff had received from residents to consider establishing no parking on Solana Way between Margarita Road and Ynez Road; specified the results of staff's analysis, advising that although there were no severe impacts, that any time there is on-street parking the visibility would be somewhat restricted; provided the accident history for the past 24 months, noting that the four reported accidents appeared to have been caused from right-of-way issues; with respect to employees utilizing on-street parking, advised that businesses were required to have adequate on-site parking; relayed staff's recommendation that parking be restricted on both sides of the street; and noted that Councilman Comerchero called staff just prior to the meeting, requesting that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission consider extending the parking restriction further east from Margarita Road to the end of Solana Way in Meadowview, due to the occasional "for sale" vehicles parking in this area. With respect to Councilman Comemhero's request, it was Commissioner Coe's recommendation that this particular issue be considered separately. For Commissioner Connerton, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that in order to be assured that the noticing requirements were met, Councilman Comerchero's request should be noticed and agendized for a future meeting. Noting his review of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission minutes of April 24, 1997, and the action agenda of the City Council for June 10, 1997, Commissioner Connerton advised that it was his understanding that when specified no parking zones were discussed, that it was the City Council's desire that on-street parking would be excluded and only permitted by exception. In response, Senior Engineer Moghadam clarified that at this time the ten feet located immediately adjacent to the curb was designated as a bike lane, parking lane, and a distress lane although it is not specified as such. For Vice Chairman Lanier, Senior Engineer Moghadam confirmed that the dealerships in this area were required to have adequate on-site parking for customers and employees; and additionally confirmed that there would be adequate room in the roadway if parking was restricted for bike lanes to be installed which would connect the existing bike lanes. R:\Eafficminutes\012402 4 MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to support staffs recommendation, revised as follows: Add- · That where the parking restriction is implemented, a bike lane be installed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Coe and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 3. Al~l~ointment of Chairman and Vice Chairman RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission entertain nominations from the Commission to appoint a Chairman and Vice Chairman to preside until the end of the 2002 calendar year. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to appoint Commissioner Lanier for the position of Chairman. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Coe and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. MOTION: Commissioner Coe moved to appoint Commissioner Katan to serve as Vice Chairman. Commissioner Katan indicating that he was not in agreement with the nomination. (Ultimately this motion died for lack of a second.) MOTION: Chairman Lanier moved to appoint Commissioner Connerton as Vice Chairman of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Coe and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT Apprising the Commission, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that the City's striping contractor completed installation of approximately 24,000 markers on all the major streets throughout the City, advising that in next year's budget, markers may be funded for secondary arterials. Senior Engineer Moghadam noted the signals on Pala Road, which were under construction, advising that by the end of January it was anticipated that the signals at Wolf Valley Road and Loma Linda would be in operation. For Chairman Lanier, Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that staff had attended a demonstration regarding the Drive 25, Keep Kids Afive Program, noting that the signs were patented and required to be purchased from the manufacturer; relayed that due to various issues of concern, this issue will be agendized at a future Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting; and for Commissioner Coe, noted that the signage pictured children kicking a ball, advising that staff's concern was regarding the potential to provide a false sense of security, portraying that the street was a safe place to play. In response to Commissioner Connerton's queries, Senior Engineer Moghadam updated the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding the recently installed sign (right turn only signage) and painted arrow on the driveway at the Prime Care facility on Jefferson Avenue, advising that any installation in the median would additionally restrict access to the uses across the street. Commending staff for the great work, Commissioner Connerton noted the street patching completed (on the inside lane on Margarita Road, south of Moraga Road) in order to minimize the undulations. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT For Commissioner Connedon, Police Sergeant Steger updated the Commission regarding the Stop Light Abuse Program (SLAP), noting the dedication of 30 hours per week for Officers to increase enforcement at various intersections throughout the City; advised that on Fridays there would be two Officers enforcing SLAP, and that on alternate days one Officer would be deployed for this purpose. For informational purposes, Chairman Lanier noted that at this time due to promotions within the Police Department, the number of Motor Officers has been decreased by one; provided additional information regarding the process of citing a driver running a red light; and advised that per discussions with Lieutenant Pingel, Police presence was an effective deterrent, which Police Sergeant Steger confirmed. Commissioner Connedon relayed a history of the initiation of the SLAP Program, additionally noting his concern regarding the typical use of only one Officer for this enforcement; and requested staff to agendize the matter of whether the Police Depadment was adequately staffed in order for the Public/Traffic Safety Commission to consider recommending to the City Council that the City increase the number of Police Officers on staff. For Commissioner Connerton, Lieutenant Pingel reiterated that to adequately staff the Police Department, the plan was to add one additional accident investigation car with a non-sworn Officer who was trained in traffic investigation, and to add two additional Motor Officers; confirmed that he was aware that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission reviewed and made recommendations to the City Council regarding staffing; expressed gratitude for the support of the Commission, the City Council, and staff; and noted the focus of the Police Department regarding traffic issues at this time, relaying the anticipation of a greater influx of shoppers to the commercial district areas. Commissioner Connerton noted the recent increase of graffiti in the City. With respect to the NET Program, Commissioner Connerton requested that Officers be directed to the problem areas addressed during the Public/Traffic Safety Commission meetings, by both the Commissioners and the residents. R:\trafficn~inutes\012402 6 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Fire Battalion Chief Ahmad advised that Fire Captain McBride would be the Fire Department's representative at the Public/Traffic Safety Commission meetings, noting efforts to minimize the absences, which have been due to the numerous daily incidents that Battalion Chief Ritchey responds to. For Commissioner Connerton, Fire Battalion Chief Ahmad updated the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding current fire conditions, relaying that there were no significant incidents in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties; and advised that the new Fire Station in Vail Ranch was working out well. COMMISSION REPORTS For Commissioner Coe, Senior Engineer Moghadam noted that at this time the Linfield School use was making efforts regarding its master plan which encompassed the entire site, advising that the realignment of the driveway will be completed during Phase I of the construction, and would potentially be completed in the next 6-12 months, relaying that the study analysis that the applicant was preparing would determine whether or not there would be a need for a traffic control device, advising that it was probable that either a stop sign or a signal would be installed. Commissioner Connerton updated the Public/Traffic Safety Commission regarding the General Plan Advisory Committee Meetings, noting that Mr. Greg Morrison was appointed as Chairman of the Committee, and Mr. Chuck Washington as Vice Chairman; and relayed that the next meeting was scheduled for Monday, January 28, 2002. Commissioner Connerton congratulated Chairman Lanier regarding his newly appointed position as Chairman of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission. Noting that he had attended the recent Community Action Program (CAP) graduation ceremony, Chairman Lanier enumerated the responsibilities of these volunteers, applauding these individuals who would aid in making the City of Temecula a better place to live. With respect to Police staffing issues, Chairman Lanier suggested that in light of the concern expressed regarding when the Public/Traffic Safety Commission should address this matter, that the item be agendized on a regular basis, annually, prior to the budget process. Commissioner Connerton relayed a desire for the CAP volunteers to attend an upcoming Public/Traffic Safety Commission meeting, noting his desire to express congratulations, additionally requesting that the Public/Traffic Safety Commission be invited to future graduation ceremonies. Commissioner Coe noted that he was pleased to be informed regarding the significant amount of hours spent by the Police Department investigating collisions involving fatalities. R:\trafficminutes\012402 7 ADJOURNMENT At 7:20 P.M. Chairman Lanier formally adjourned this meeting to Thursday, February 28, 2002 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. ~~rm~n Soott Lanier Administ~e S~'retary Anita Pyle