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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/13/2017 - Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING JULY 13, 2017 CALL TO ORDER: Chair/Mehta called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Mehta led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Mahendra Garg, Ed Pechy, Lisa Washington, Vice -Chair Cynthia Quan, and Chair Surendra Mehta. Also Present: David Liu, Public Works Director; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Christian Malpica, Associate Engineer (Traffic); John Beshay, Associate Engineer; Fabian Aoun; Assistant Engineer, and Marcy Hilario, Administrative Coordinator. INTRODUCTION: PWD/Liu introduced Commissioner Lisa Washington who joined in tonight's meeting. She is a long-time Diamond Bar resident and looks forward to working with the Commission. All Commissioners and staff welcomed Commissioner Washington. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Minutes of the May 11, 2017 Regular Meeting VC/Quan moved, C/Pechy seconded, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 11, 2017. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Garg, Pechy, VC/Quan, Chair/Mehta NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Washington ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None July 13, 2017 PAGE 2 T&T COMMISSION IV V. PUBLIC COMMENTS: ITEMS FROM STAFF: A. Traffic Enforcement Update: 1. Citations: April, May and June 2017 2. Collisions: April, May and June 2017 3. Street Sweeping: April, May and June 2017 VC/Quan moved, C/Pechy seconded to Receive and File the Traffic Enforcement Update for April, May and June 2017. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Garg, Pechy, Washington, VC/Quan, Chair/Mehta None None A. NTMP/Crooked Creek Drive Presentation—AE/Malpica noted that members of the Crooked Creek Drive Neighborhood were present for tonight's meeting. He provided background on the program, discussed previous neighborhood meetings and gave a Power Point presentation of the proposed traffic calming tool for Crooked Creek Drive. The concept included signage, striping, and speed cushions. Chair/Mehta asked for neighborhood residents to provide their input. Adrian Lazaro, 3077 Crooked Creek Drive, said his house sits right at the bend of the street near Diamond Bar Boulevard. He has lived at his current home for the past 13 years and has witnessed numerous accidents involving his and his neighbor's properties. He is very concerned and asked for the Commission's consideration for the speed cushions. He felt the speed cushions would likely work to mitigate his concerns. C/Garg asked what time of day drivers are more likely to speed. Mr. Lazaro responded that at all times of the day and night. July 13, 2017 PAGE 3 T&T COMMISSION VC/Quan asked if Mr. Lazaro felt people were bypassing Diamond Bar Boulevard by using Crooked Creek Drive to avoid traffic. Mr. Lazaro responded, not necessarily. The outlet that comes up from the H -Mart shopping center directly feeds into Crooked Creek Drive, which becomes the route to Diamond Bar Boulevard. AE/Malpica stated that one of the benefits of speed cushions is that it discourages drivers from cutting through the neighborhood. Chair/Mehta asked the speaker to comment on the proposed location of the speed cushions. Mr. Lazaro stated these would beneficial wherever it would decrease the speed prior to the bend in the street. AE/Malpica added that is where staff is proposing to place striping and the four speed cushions, just prior to Choctaw Drive in accordance with the City's requirements for placement of such calming tools. Octavio Colon, 3101 Crooked Creek Drive, NTMP Captain, thanked staff and the Commission for their consideration. Regardless of whether cars come in from the shopping center or whether they are using the street as a shortcut from Diamond Bar Boulevard, there are more cars on the street. He is not an engineer but believes that there is more traffic, there has to be something done to get people to slow down. Mr. Colon said the presentation was very good and he agrees with AE/Malpica about the restrictions. The most concerning area is at the curve on Crooked Creek Drive towards Diamond Bar Boulevard as cars gain momentum at the curve, which is a difficult turn. He showed the Commissioners the area of concern using the overhead map. AE/Malpica stated that staff will conduct an "after" study to evaluate effectiveness of the tools after being installed for about 6 months, and whether follow-up action is desired. C/Pechy asked if Mr. Colon had conducted a survey of residents to see what their reaction would be to installing speed cushions on the street. Mr. Colon said he had and the response is 50/50, with people who have kids being in favor and people who do not have kids being opposed. Personally, he does not like speed cushions but he knows the neighborhood needs them. Natalia Baudin, 2904 Crooked Creek Drive (corner of Crooked Creek Drive and Cold Spring Lane), has been retired from the AQMD for the past 10 years. She goes out into her yard at 6:00 a.m. and sits on her front porch until about 10:00 a.m. and does not seethe traffic that the other speakers see. One thing she does acknowledge is that they need a speed bump at the curve. She hates speed bumps. She has a speed bump right outside of her bedroom window on Cold Spring Lane and every morning at 5:15 a.m. when the trucks come to H -Mart half full and hit those speed bumps, she hears a large bam. She understands the need for a speed bump at the curve but she does not believe that traffic from H -Mart comes down Cold Spring Lane. People do not use the neighborhood for cut through. It is basically the people who already July 13, 2017 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION live there who are in a hurry to get to where they want to go in the mornings. At the other end of the street where she lives, she does not believe there is a need for speed bumps. She is also concerned about trucks leaving H -Mart at lunchtime that are parked right before the speed bump in front of her bedroom window and drivers leave their trucks running while they are eating lunch and their diesel fumes are coming into her house. She would appreciate it if the City could do something about that situation. SCE/Young reported that the Commission has heard from the captain that there is a 50/50 percentage for these improvements and that, as part of this process and part of the adopted City Council guidelines, the petition needs to be submitted to the City even if it does not meet the 67 percent requirement that is identified in the guidelines. Staff can bring this matter back and get the Commission's consensus to recommend to the City Council that they still propose to install the tools without the 67 percent; however, the survey needs to be submitted. The purpose of this meeting was to try to get more feedback from the neighborhood by inviting the neighborhood one more time to discuss the program and see if the survey could be submitted to the City with whatever number of signatures the captain was able to procure. Subsequently, staff can evaluate where the signatures were obtained and take a look at the concept to determine if it needs to be modified. Once staff has the final concept design, we can move forward with final plans, specifications and the engineer's estimate to go out to bid. Chair/Mehta asked if there was a deadline and SCE/Young said there is no deadline. PWD/Liu stated that as a separate matter, staff will follow up on the truck parking matter with H -Mart and with the City's Community Development Department to ensure that conditions and restrictions that were imposed when the project was approved are being followed. Staff will report back to the Commission. B. FY 2017-18 CIP Budget Presentation — SCE/Young explained that tonight's Power Point Presentation was updated as a result of Council's approval of the Capital Improvement Program. She first updated the Commission on what staff was able to accomplish with the FY 2016-17 CIP budget, which consisted of 37 projects with a total budget of $19,596,438. Over the course of the year, the total number of projects increased to 47 with the addition of certain private developer projects (Diamond Canyon Park, Larkstone Park), other outside agencies projects (SR -60 at Grand Avenue improvements), emergency public property repairs related to storm damage, Neighborhood Traffic Management Programs that were added based on community input and building maintenance projects that were added at mid -year (City Hall Server Room HVAC and Pantera Park Walkway Lighting). Of those 47 projects, 19 were completed as of June 30th, for a total cost of about $3.8 million. The larger ticket items such as the Lemon Avenue project is on-going and does not factor into the total cost. Projects were completed about $276,000 under the Council's authorized budget. Currently, 19 projects are either in design or under construction and have been carried over into the FY 2017-18 CIP budget. July 13, 2017 PAGE 5 T&T COMMISSION The total approved budget for the FY 2017-18 CIP is just over $21 million. 32 projects are approved; however, this does not include outside agency projects (SR -60 at Grand Avenue, private developer projects: Larkstone Park which is currently under construction). Projects include street improvements, traffic management/safety, transportation infrastructure, miscellaneous Public Works improvements, facilities, and parks and recreation improvements. Approved Projects: Street Improvement projects total just over $3.7 million and include Morning Canyon Road Rehab Project (under construction) with a total budget of $555,100; Brea Canyon Cutoff/Area 5 Road Maintenance (under construction) with a total budget of $2,040,000; Pathfinder Road Rehab -West City Limit to Peaceful Hills (L.A. County partnered project) with a total budget for Diamond Bar's portion of $411,000; Diamond Bar Boulevard Roadway Rehab from the freeway to Sunset Crossing Road with a total budget of $650,000; Area 6 Road Maintenance Improvements with a design -only budget of $60,000; approved NTMP projects for a total carry-over and add-on budget of $2.7 million; Traffic Signal Infrastructure Upgrades (Year 2 & 3 with Year 2 under construction & Year 3 in design) for a total budget of $799,150; Adaptive Traffic Control System (on-going carryover from FY 2016-17 with RFP in development for a total budget of $1,700,000; Copley Drive/Golden Springs Drive Intersection Traffic Signal Modification (carryover — in design phase) for a total budget of $170,000. Approved Transportation, Infrastructure Improvements Projects includes the SR -60 at Lemon Avenue Interchange (currently under construction) with a budget of about $10.2 million. Right-of-way acquisition has been completed with construction expected to be completed by March 2018. Approved Miscellaneous Public Works Improvement Projects include Groundwater Drainage Phase 1 & 2 (currently in design); Sewer System Evaluation & Capacity Assurance Plan (carryover in conjunction with L.A. County); City Entry Monuments for construction of two new City Entry Monuments (similar to the one at Longview Drive and Grand Avenue) at Grand Avenue and Calbourne Drive, on Golden Springs Drive at Calbourne Drive, and on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Temple Avenue. The Diamond Bar Streetscape Project (installation of streetscape elements similar to the ones at Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Diamond Bar Boulevard at Brea Canyon Road) on Diamond Bar Boulevard between Golden Springs Drive and the freeway (new Sprouts, Smart & Final) to enhance the corridor, transit, bike routes and pedestrian and to incorporate low -impact development on stormwater treatment facilities. The Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive Intersection enhancement is also included in this year's CIP, a project that is being constructed by the City of Industry to widen the intersection on the golf course side. As part of this project, the City will be paying for the addition of streetscape elements and landscape enhancements portion of the project. The Lemon Avenue Quiet Zone project July 13, 2017 PAGE 6 T&T COMMISSION was included in this year's CIP for the purpose of studying and implementing a Quiet Zone at the railroad crossing on Lemon Avenue. The approved Facilities Parks and Recreation Improvement Project has a budget of just over $1.4 million and include the design of Heritage Park/Peterson Park Improvements (carryover from last year); construction of Longview Park South Improvements (currently under construction with ADA enhancements and new playground equipment); design of Canyon Loop Trail (carryover from FY 2016-17, plus the pursuit of grant funding for construction); Sycamore Canyon Park Slope Erosion Repairs, a project that was added last year as a result of the January 27, 2017 storm trailhead washout; Pantera Parkway Lighting Replacement project; Starshine Park Improvements (CDD funded playground resurfacing, replacement of playground equipment and ADA enhancements); HVAC replacement for City Hall (two units); and Diamond Bar Center Roof Rehabilitation Phase II. SCE/Young stated that while there has been a General Fund Reserve contribution of $2 million of the $21.2 million total budget, 90 percent of the funding for these projects is coming from other fund sources. Detailed information regarding the FY 2017-18 approved budget in which has been included in the agenda packet is also available to anyone wishing to reviewthe City's budget. VI. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS: SCE/Young provided follow-up to Commission questions regarding the specifics of the SR -60 westbound on and off ramps. ' She also explained where the new westbound on-ramp would take a traveler from Grand Avenue and whether one would be required to use the bypass lane that traverses Brea Canyon Road and onto the SR -60 west. Drivers will have the option to merge prior to reaching the SR -57 freeway bypass. Once on the westbound on-ramp heading south on Grand Avenue, to turn right on the new westbound on-ramp and then will have the option to either merge by moving to the left to get on the westbound SR -60 or southbound SR -57 or stay in the right lane and go onto the bypass lane to merge onto the SR -60 westbound. SCE/Young stated that with respect to the question regarding what was being dug up on the existing westbound on-ramp hook -lane area, based on her review of the plans she was unable to determine construction of any permanent structure in the area and believes they were simply removing poor soil. The area has since been backfilled and it is being used as a stockpile area. SCE/Young stated that as requested, the Commission was provided with the Rule 20A information. July 13, 2017 PAGE 7 T&T COMMISSION VII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: None Offered. Vlll. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. Traffic Signal Infrastructure Upgrades Project, Phase II through Phase III — AE/Malpica — Phase II is under construction and anticipated for completion within 90 -days. Phase III is in design. B. Adaptive Traffic Control Signal System — RFP — AE/Malpica — No updates. Design phase is under development and expected to be completed in August. C. Copley Drive/Golden Springs Drive Intersection Enhancements — AE/Malpica — The design plan is 75 percent completed with roll out in August or September. D. Battery Backup Project — AE/Malpica — Installation of 20 units has been completed and configuration has been completed. The communication setup is being finalized and a Notice of Completion will be filed with the City Council on July 18th E. Area 5 Road Maintenance Project/Brea Canyon Cutoff Improvements — AE/Beshay reported that the project has been awarded to Copp Contracting in the amount of $1.7 million. This is a 60 -day project with completion anticipated in mid-October. A project map can be found on the City's website which indicates the schedule for paving the streets. F. Lemon Avenue Interchange Project — SCENoung stated that staff determined that the westbound on-ramp and eastbound off -ramp at Lemon Avenue are projected to be open in early to mid-December. Once the ramps are open, the existing eastbound off -ramp at Brea Canyon Road/Golden Springs Drive between the Chevron, McDonald's and Jack-in-the-Box will be closed permanently. Construction will then continue on the new eastbound on- ramp at Lemon Avenue and once completed, the existing eastbound on-ramp at the same location will be closed permanently. G. SR -57/60 Confluence Project — SCENoung reported that construction continues on both the westbound on-ramp at Grand Avenue and the westbound off -ramp. H. Grand Avenue/Golden Springs Intersection Improvements Update — SCENoung shared that the design phase continues with no major milestones to report. Staff is hoping to complete the design in the next month or two. July 13, 2017 PAGE 8 T&T COMMISSION Morning Canyon Road Rehabilitation Project —SCENoung relayed that this project is well underway with the curb and gutter and a portion of the roadway completely removed. Three trees have been permanently removed. The Arborist was able to review the remaining trees and determined they could remain as is, which is important to the community. This project is scheduled to be completed in mid-August. TR 63623 — Southpointe Residential Development/Larkstone Park — AE/Aoun reported that Phase I (the first 10 homes near the entrance) has been completed and the remainder of the development is scheduled to follow shortly. K. Diamond Bar Ranch Shopping Center (Old Kmart) — Development Update AE/Aoun stated that the Habit Burger Grill will officially open its own building in the center. VI. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS: As reported in the Agenda. PWD/Liu stated that with the recent changes and with the newest Commissioner, the T&T Commission handbook has been updated with copies provided to all Commissioners. The FY 2017-18 Strategic Plan evolved from the City Council's Annual Goals and Objectives into a three-year "vision" plan. The plan identifies the community vision with three overarching primary goals and six strategic priorities. The Vision for the City of Diamond Bar is "Celebrating our roots, building a thriving future." The three overarching goals are: 1) Responsible stewardship of public resources; 2) Open engaged and responsive government, and 3) Safe, sustainable and healthy community. Under the three overarching goals are six clearly identified priorities which include: Community, Livability, Transparency, Accountability, Mobility and Services. This document also includes specific and measurable action items. Pages 9 and 10 include everything from the SR -57/60 Confluence Project to regular updates on the City's effort to continue pursuing funding sources to make sure the project is completed as soon as possible. Four specific action items have been identified with respect to addressing traffic congestion mitigation strategies along arterial streets. In addition, the Commission received a very comprehensive CIP report for FY 2017-18 which shows that over the years, the City continues to make Diamond Bar a better place for its residents to live, shop and dine. PWD/Liu stated that CM/DeStefano formally retired on July 7, 2017. On Monday, July 10th, new City Manager Dan Fox came to Diamond Bar from the City of Laguna Niguel, where he served as their Assistant City Manager and prior to that as their Community Development Director. Many years ago he worked at the City of Walnut as their Community Development Director. CM/Fox will be attending a future T&T Commission meeting and looks forward to meeting the Commissioners. July 13, 2017 PAGE 9 T&T COMMISSION Chair/Mehta welcomed Commissioner Lisa Washington and said he looked forward to working with her. He thanked staff for presenting a wonderful CIP report. The document is very well done. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission, Chair/Mehta adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 0'1V day of 40CUS l' 2017 Respectfully Submitted, Davi&G- Liu, Secretary Attest: Chairman Surendra Mehta