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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/10/19911 1 1 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 10, 1991 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chavers called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Library, 1061 South Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: MINUTES: Sept. 12, 1991 The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Chairman Chavers. Commissioners Fritz, Ortiz, Vice Chairman Gravdahl, and Chairman Chavers. Commissioner Beke arrived at 6:35 p.m. Also present were City Engineer Sid Mousavi, Administrative Analyst Tseday Aberra, Associate Engineer David Liu, Engineer Technician Ann Garvey, Sergeant Rawlings, Lieutenant Muravez, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept the Minutes of September 12, 1991. COMMISSION C/Ortiz informed the Commission that he received a COMMENTS: letter from Diane Ingram, 21647 E. High Bluff, indicating that the light phase at Cold Springs/Diamond Bar Blvd., eastbound, is too short to allow for easy crossing for both pedestrians and motorists. C/Ortiz stated that, after observing the area between the hours of 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., he felt that there was ample time between light changes. He suggested, however, that a survey be done, and the findings reported back to Ms. Ingram. C/Ortiz, referring to a letter received from Dale Ferr, 513 Rock Ridge, regarding the traffic problem at the Lorbeer Junior High School, concurred with Mr. Dale's suggestion to place a "No Left Turn" or "U Turn" at the median in the school vicinity. He suggested that the engineer do a survey of the area. C/Beke arrived at 6:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Tom Manuel, principal of Golden Springs Elementary School, located at 245 S. Ballena Blvd, stated that a traffic study was conducted last year assessing the traffic problem at the school. The three recommendations made were: paint the curbs white, in front of the school on Ballena Blvd; post signs indicating no parking in the white curb area between 7:00 a.m, to 4:00 p.m.; and post "No U Turns" signs at each corner of Ballena Blvd. He requested that the recommendations be completed. He further requested the installation of two crosswalks at the back of the school. October 10, 1991 Page 2 Chair/Chavers requested that the Sheriff Department talk with the group of parents that are assisting with the traffic problem to 'assure that they know what they are doing. He then inquired if staff could pursue the recommendations made without further input from the Commission. CE/Mousavi stated that, with the exception of the crosswalk, staff can administratively do the recommendations, if they are warranted, and there is no objection by the Commission. However, there needs to be further discussion, regarding future liability issues, before the crosswalks can be implemented. Chair/Chavers requested, with the consensus of the Commission, that staff do the indicated recommendations, and bring back the crosswalk information at the next Commission meeting. CONSENT CALENDAR: Chair/Chavers requested items A and D be pulled from the Consent Calendar, and moved to New Business. C/Beke requested item C be pulled from the Consent Calendar, and moved to New Business. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept item B of the Consent Calendar. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, G r a v d a h l, a n d Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. NEW BUSINESS: Request for Stop CE/Mousavi addressed the Commission regarding the Control: Maple request to install stop signs at the intersections Hill/Butternut of Mountain Laurel Way/Butternut Way, and Mountain Way at Laurel Way/Maple Hill Road. Staff recommended that Mt. Lau:: --1 a warrant study be conducted on the intersection of Mountain Laurel Way and Maple Hill Road, and that the request for a stop sign at Butternut Way and Mountain Laurel be denied at this time. John Vanderkruik, residing at 22802 Mountain Laurel �. Way, presented photos, and indicated that the crosswalk's present location, Mountain Laurel and Spruce Tree, is inadequate due to poor visibility of both drivers and pedestrians. He suggested that October 10, 1991 Page 3 the crosswalk be moved to the Mountain Laurel Way intersection. his concern for the speeding on Way Butternut and He also stated Mountain Laurel Ben Aiken, residing at 2231 Mountain Laurel Way, stated that two kids were "lost" at that crosswalk. C/Beke concurred with staff's recommendations, and further suggested that staff review the indicated crosswalk to determine if there is a need to move it. Joe Larutta, residing at 2546 Sunbright Drive, recommended that the crosswalk be moved and a stop sign be installed in it's place. Lucy Rude, residing at 22716 Mountain Laurel Way, stated that there are many speeders on Mountain Laurel Way. Chair/Chavers requested that the Sheriff's Department obtain statistics on accidents on ' Mountain Laurel Way. Penny Sorrels, residing at 1525 S. Pecan Drove, inquired if the Sheriff Department could also note the number of speeding tickets written. Sgt. Rawlings, anticipating the request, informed the Commission that he has the statistics at hand. As of July 1, 1990 to the present date, there has been 310 citations written, in which 290 were for excessive speed. 'There were 5 reported collisions within the same time period. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Fritz and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to conduct a warrant study on the intersection of Mountain Laurel Way and Maple Hill Road; deny the request for a stop sign at Butternut Way and Mountain Laurel; and direct staff to investigate the crosswalk situation, and investigate a means to move the crosswalk from Spruce Tree/Mountain Laurel Way to another location. Staff should also investigate the geometric constraints, and the site distances. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, G r a v d a h 1, a n d Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. October 10, 1991 Page 4 Signal Warrant Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl Study: and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to proceed Diamond Bar with the •warrant study, and incorporate the Blvd./Silver accident information, received from the Sheriff's Hawk Department, into the survey. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, G r a v d a h 1 a n d Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. Request for CE/Mousavi addressed the Commission regarding the Temp. Parking request made by the Evangelical Free Church to be on Diamond allowed temporary parking on Diamond Bar Blvd., Bar Blvd. Sunday, October 20, 1991 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Mark Harper, pastor of the Evangelical Free Church, requested permission to park on the north side of Diamond Bar Blvd. during the specified date and time. C/Beke requested that a condition of approval be that the signs are covered up during the stated period of time. CE/Mousavi stated that, with the Commission's approval, staff will administratively handle that condition with the applicant. Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by Chair/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. overnight CE/Mousavi addressed the Commission regarding the Parking request made by citizens to prohibit overnight parking within the City of Diamond Bar. Upon incorporation, the City adopted all County Codes and ordinances by reference. To date, the City of Diamond Bar has not enforced the overnight parking ordinance. In order for the Walnut Sheriff Department to enforce the code, the City Council must approve an enforcement policy. Staff suggested that the Commission discuss and comment upon this issue, which is to be forwarded to the City Council. It is recommended that the Commission direct staff as necessary. Al Rumpilla, residing at 23958 Golden Springs Dr., representing the Gadfly Association and himself, opposed the idea of an ordinance for the following reasons: he moved to Diamond Bar parking was allowed in front of his home; it is an unfair way to generate revenue; most residents of Diamond Bar 1 October 10, 1991 Page 5 would not be able to obtain a permit as stated in Section 11.11D; and to attempt to enact this law would only cause greater problems and ill feeling among the residents of Diamond Bar. He presented a petition signed by approximately 300 residents opposing such an ordinance to prohibit parking on the street. He requested that the document be recorded as a formal protest. Frank Dursa, residing at 2533 Harmony Hill Dr., read a portion of a letter written by Todd Rulin, opposing the idea of eliminating public parking. He submitted the letter to the Commission. Mr. Dursa made the following comments: approximately 6,000 cars are parked on the streets; he noted the amount of public response opposing such an ordinance compared to the 34 complaining residents who are in favor of it; if the ordinance is enacted, where would the cars be parked; and as time goes on, there will be less and less privileges in Diamond Bar. Anthony Danchio, residing at 304 Ballena Dr., commented that the complaints of RV parking is a communication problem, not a problem necessitating an ordinance. Jim Paul, residing at 1269 Latina Dr., a candidate for the City Council, opposed the ordinance because it would impact the people who can least afford it. Joe Larida, resident, suggested that the code should be left as it is. Don Ziegler, residing at 2634 Rising Star Dr., stated that it would be improper to enact such an ordinance if it is based upon receiving additional revenue for the City. Dwayne Beg, representing 400 homeowners located on Brea Canyon, Lycoming, and Golden Springs, inquired where the additional cars would be parked if parking is prohibited on the street. Ernest Dicacus, residing at 21157 Silver Cloud Dr., stated that his family must park their cars on the street because each of the six adults have a car. Greg Hoffman, residing at 204 Ballena, member of a fraternity at Cal Pnly, pointed out that such an ordinance would indirectly encourage drunk driving. A car must be left on the street if an individual is to stay overnight due to excessive drinking. October 10, 1991 Page 6 Keith Kundee, residing at Harmony Hill Dr., stated that the ordinance seems like a reason for collecting money for the City. Brenda Chaves, residing at 2464 Harmony Hill Dr., stated that such an ordinance would create further expenses, as well as hinder the people's freedom of choice. Chair/Chavers reminded the audience that there is no proposal, or ordinance, on the table. Staff felt it was important to provide a public forum for this issue because there was concern raised by enough citizens. Ken Upton, resident, requested that the Commission state their opinion so he knows how to vote come election time. Greg Cullin, residing at 1118 Lycoming Dr., pointed out that those citizens who made the complaint are objecting to motor homes because it hinders their ability to speed in the area. Richard Frankstein, residing at 2105 Chestnut Creek Rd., stated that he has three cars in his family and needs to park on the street. Richard Harnest, residing at 443 Palos, inquired about the 72 hour rule in the code. Lte. Muravez explained that the theory behind the LA County ordinance is to protect vehicles parked on the street from wrong doing, and to prevent people from using the street as a parking lot. There is an ordinance that prohibits parking of a vehicle on a street for more than 72 consecutive hours, also designed to prevent people from using the street as a parking lot. Joe Anderson, residing on Pasado Dr., stated that the whole issue is unrealistic. Bob Park , residing at 1151 Overlook Ridge, stated that he will park on his lawn if he can't park on the street. Mark Tegmier, residing on Regenee Dr., inquired how .-- charging a permit fee of $50.00 is going to make it safer for parking on the street. October 10, 1991 Page 7 C/Beke recommended that the Commission suggest to the City Council that, if they choose to undertake such a policy, there should be an election on the matter. C/Fritz stated that he is not inclined to change the code and suggested to leave it as is. Specific areas need parking control but they can be dealt with on a case by case bases. C/Ortiz stated that he opposed the code completely. VC/Gravdahl stated that, with the information provided, he would have to vote "no" on this issue. Chair/Chavers concurred with C/Fritz's statement that if there is a specific parking problem, it can be studied on a specific basis. There is nothing at the moment that suggests that a City wide enforcement of a new ordinance, or an existing ordinance, is necessary. VC/Gravdahl suggested that families with motor homes, boats, cars with expired license plates, etc., talk to their neighbors and attempt to resolve this problem. Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to recommend to the City Council that there be no change in the existing ordinance and the enforcement policy. The names on the petition submitted by the Gadfly Association is to be provided to the City Council. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, G r a v d a h 1 a n d Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. OLD BUSINESS: Priority List Don Greely, President of Diamond Bar Country Estate Association, inquired where the signal at Shadow Canyon/Diamond Bar Blvd. stands on the Priority List. 1 October 10, 1991 Page 8 CE/Mousavi explained that staff was directed, at the September 12 1991 meeting, to develop two Priority Lists which would prioritize intersections for warrant studies, and for traffic signal installation once they are warranted. Staff has provided two lists intended to give a guideline as to which, and how, intersections should be prioritized and recommended to the City Council for funding. He explained that the intersection of Shadow Canyon and Diamond Bar Blvd. has been warranted. Staff is currently working with the development community, as well as "The Country", to find out if they will participate with the City for part of the costs, so as to develop a scenario for the installation of a signal at that specific location. C/Beke noted that Golden Springs Rd./Racquet Club Rd. is also a private street teeing into a public street, just as Diamond Bar Blvd./Shadow Canyon. However, it was decided not to proceed with a warrant study until they could provide the Commission with proof of funding for the signal, if it is deemed warranted. He suggested that the Shadow Canyon/Diamond Bar Blvd. signal should be installed when "The Country" is willing to pay 100% of the costs. There is no reason for the public agency to pay for the signal of a private road. CE/Mousavi suggested that the issue of how to install signals, when it enters into a private community, is a policy item. C/Beke suggested that this policy item be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. C/Fritz suggested, that the folks at the Racquet Club be notified. C/Beke stated that Diamond Bar Blvd./Silverhawk should be placed on the top priority list, since the Commission has agreed to proceed with a warrant study. VC/Gravdahl suggested that consideration of Shadow Canyon Rd./Diamond Bar Blvd. and Golden Springs Rd./Racquet Club Rd. be deferred until there has been a decision on the policy. Chair/Chavers inquired what was the criteria used for establishing the priority list. He suggested that the matter be tabled until there is more complete documentation from staff. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by C/Fritz and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY' to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. and continue the agenda to the next meeting. Attest: `Chavers ` Chairman 1 Respectively, Sid 'Rous avi Secretary/Traffic and Transportation October 10, 1991 Page 9 Don Greely pointed out that a policy has already been established by the installation of the signal at the Grand entrance to "The Country", which was paid for by the funding received from the negotiations with San Bernardino County. He suggested that the signal at Diamond Bar Blvd./Shadow Canyon Rd. be paid for with that funding. CE/Mousavi explained that the funds from that negotiation had to be spent only on Grand Avenue. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to defer further discussion on category 1 & 2, with regard to prioritization, until the next meeting; direct staff to come back with a recommendation on policy for participation of the signal on private/public street intersection; and direct staff to bring back the criteria by which category 1 & 2 is being developed. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Ortiz, Fritz, G r a v d a h l, a n d Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by C/Fritz and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY' to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. and continue the agenda to the next meeting. Attest: `Chavers ` Chairman 1 Respectively, Sid 'Rous avi Secretary/Traffic and Transportation