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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/1991CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION NOVEMBER 14, 1991 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chavers called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Air Quality Management District Hearing Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance ALLEGIANCE: by Vice Chairman Gravdahl. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Beke, Commissioner Ortiz, Vice Chairman Gravdahl, and Chairman Chavers. Commissioner Fritz arrived at 6:47 p.m. Also present were City Engineer Sid Mousavi, Administrative Analyst Tseday Aberra, Associate Engineer David Liu, Engineering Technician Ann Garvey, Sergeant Rawlings, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. MINUTES: Oct. 10, 1991 C/Beke requested the Minutes of October 10, 1991 be amended on page 7, bottom paragraph, to properly spell "teeing", and on page 8, fifth paragraph, to read "...has agreed to proceed...". Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, seconded by C/Ortiz and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept the, Minutes of October 10, 1991, as amended. COMMISSION CE/Mousavi, responding to C/Beke's inquiry, stated COMMENTS: that the bicycle lane project on Diamond Bar Blvd. is in the final stages of completion. VC/Gravdahl requested the following items be placed on the next meeting's agenda: a discussion on having one Commissioner attend the Planning Commission meetings to report back on any matters affecting the Traffic and Transportation Commission; the installation of a right turn arrow on the outside lane at Grand Ave./Golden Springs northbound, near the Mobile Station; a study of a right turn lane on Palomino to the 60 freeway on ramp, near the Exxon Station; and a "Reduce Speed Ahead" sign on Diamond Bar Blvd., just before Gold Rush. Chair/Chavers stated that discussion of a right turn arrow on Grand Ave. and Golden Springs is on tonight's agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS: John Harbaugh, residing at 23347 Wagon Trail Road, requested that the Commission consider a traffic signal on Tin, Prados, or Gold Rush. It is difficult entering Diamond Bar Blvd. and/or Golden Springs during traffic hours. November 14, 1991 Page 2 Nancy Harbaugh, residing at 23347 Wagon Trail, commended the Commission on having the curbs painted in front of the Golden Springs Elementary School. She supported her husband's concern for the need to install a traffic signal on any of the indicated intersections. She then suggested that a 4 hour parking ban be placed on street sweeping days to help keep the streets clean, and help prevent people from using the street as a parking lot. Chair/Chavers indicated that, to his recollection, the Tin and Prados intersections had not met the warrant criteria for signalization. He requested staff to provide the speakers with information regarding the criteria needed for a warranted signal. The issue of street sweeping will be discussed later in the meeting. CE/Mousavi stated that Gold Rush is on the list of signals of intersections that will be looked into for warrants. As suggested by C/Beke, staff will study the three intersections to determine which is the most viable for signalization, if signalization occurs CONSENT CALENDAR: Chair/Chavers, as requested by VC/Gravdahl, pulled items A, B, & E from the Consent Calendar. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ortiz and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept items C & D of the Consent Calendar. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. Warrant Study: ET/Garvey addressed the Commission regarding the Crossing Guard warrant study conducted to determine the need for Services crossing guard services at the intersections of Northampton & Glenwick, Lemon & Colima, and Sunset Crossing & Golden Springs. The results of the warrant study at. Northampton/Glenwick showed that a crossing guard is not required at these intersections. However, Walnut Elementary School has created a drop-off lane for parents along the west side of South Glenwick Ave., for -- approximately 100 feet. As a result, vehicles are backed up in this lane, and the "Drop -Off Point" sign board camouflages the existing crosswalk sign making it unsafe for the children to cross the street freely. Therefore, it is recommended that the Commission request Walnut Elementary School to November 14, 1991 Page 3 relocate the existing drop-off lane sign further south on Glenwick. The results of the warrant study, as indicated in the staff report, for the intersections of Lemon Ave./Colima, and Golden Springs/Sunset Crossing showed that crossing guard services are warranted. It is recommended that these intersections receive crossing guard services. VC/Gravdahl, concerned with the results of the Golden Springs/Sunset Crossing warrant study, noted that the area is posted no vehicles over a ton are allowed during the day, unless they have business in the area. ET/Garvey stated that, upon her own observation, heavy vehicles travel the area, as indicated, and approximately 80% are passing straight through, despite the posting. VC/Gravdahl requested the area be resurveyed. Chair/Chavers, rioting that the Ballena intersection should have the same warrant study results as the Golden Springs/Sunset Crossing intersection, suggested that crossing guard services be considered there as well. He concurred with VC/Gravdahl that the area be resurveyed. Sgt. Rawlings indicated that he will request the day shift to monitor the area. He will report the findings back to the Commission. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by Chair/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to table the Golden Springs/Sunset Crossing item until the area is resurveyed. The crossing guard services are to be retained as recommended by staff. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. Request for Speed AA/Aberra addressed the Commission regarding the Bumps: request to install speed bumps to control speeding Summitridge Dr. vehicles on Summitridge Drive. It is recommended that the Commission concur with staff's recommendation to deny the request for speed bumps on Summitridge Drive. November 14, 1991 Page 4 Mark Bianchetti, residing 1016 Summitridge Drive, stated that he has observed an officer issuing 5 speeding tickets in one hour in the indicated area. Concerned with the safety of the children in the area, he requested the installation of speed bumps. VC/Gravdahl suggested that other cities, utilizing speed bumps, be contacted to find what their experiences have been. He further suggested that staff conduct a complete traffic study to determine the impacts that the proposed school, the proposed park, and the development of future homes will have on the whole area. He requested that staff report their findings back to the Commission with their recommendations listed. C/Beke stated that L.A. County is beginning a pilot program for the installation of speed humps. since Summitridge is a collector, it would not qualify for speed humps under the L.A. County guidelines. C/Fritz suggested that the City attorney be asked to research if there have been reported cases linking speed bumps with liability issues. Chair/Chavers explained the difference between speed humps and speed bumps. He suggested that staff research the liability arrangements of speed humps, and to find out what criteria will be used by L.A. County's pilot program to install speed humps. VC/Gravdahl reiterated that an overall traffic study should be conducted in the area. He requested that it be included in the motion. Chair/Chavers suggested that staff conduct an overall traffic study and bring it back to the Commission as an information item, separate from this issue. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ortiz and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation to deny the speed bumps at this time, and request staff to investigate further how the City can utilize speed humps, using other cities and L.A. County as examples. Summitridge Drive is to be used as a case in point, and the Commission is not making a statement that speed humps will be installed. 1 u 1 November 14, 1991 AYES: Page 5 COMMISSIONER: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, VC/Gravdahl, and Chairman Chavers. None. None. On -Street VC/Gravdahl, noting that a lot of Sheriff manpower Parking: Diamond was used to monitor the traffic during these Bar Blvd. church events, inquired if this would be an on going situation. Sgt. Rawlings stated that Diamond Bar is without traffic enforcement during those time periods, especially during the Easter event. The traffic control problem is not associated with on street parking but with traffic control for that location. He suggested that they look at requesting the City to obtain a special event contract with the Sheriff's Department for that traffic control. C/Fritz suggested that staff study the possibility of getting reimbursement for the traffic control caused by special events. C/Beke stated that, for the record, and before voting on the motion, C/Ortiz and himself attend St. Denis Church. Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation to approve parking, and request staff to determine the appropriate mechanism to get reimbursement for traffic control caused by special events. OLD BUSINESS: Parking: Brea Cnyn. AE/Liu addressed the Commission regarding the Cut -Off Road at complaint received from Frank Barkowski of 20910 Fallowfield Drive Pasco Court concerning parking and street sweeping problems in front of First Mortgage Corporation at 3230 Fallowfield Drive between Brea Canyon Cut -Off Road and Pasco Court. After verifying the existence and the extent of the problems, staff recommended that the Commission consider the following alternatives: Alternative A - do nothing and wait for the Pathfinder Road/Bridge Widening Project; Alternative B - install "No Parking" signs with restrictions sings for specific hours of sweeping days; Alternative C - paint red curb or install "No Parking Any Time" signs for said location; and Alternative D - install "Two Hour Parking" signs to inform November 14, 1991 Page 6 motorists of a parking time limit during certain hours for said location. Motion was made by C/Ortiz recommending Alternative C. The motion failed for lack of a second. Motion was made by C/Beke recommending Alternative D. The motion failed for lack of a second. Motion was made by C/Fritz, and seconded by C/Beke recommending Alternative B. After discussion, C/Beke withdrew his second, and the motion failed for lack of a second. Sgt. Rawlings, responding to C/Ortiz's request for input regarding enforcement, stated that citations could be issued as parking enforcement for vehicles that are excessive parking in the restrictive time period. If enforcement is for a specific purpose, such as a city wide street sweeping program, then vehicles may be towed. It would probably require having a specially assigned officer to follow the street sweeping days in order to enforce a street sweeping program. He indicated that Windwood and Silverfur may already have a street sweeping program that was enacted prior to incorporation. C/Ortiz suggested that the "No Parking" street sweeping signs should be removed at Windwood and Silverfur, if they are still there. Motion was made by C/Fritz, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to table the matter pending staff's evaluation of the cost and effectiveness of posting street sweeping signs on a City wide basis, both as a general policy as well as a specific site, and to check into the Windwood and Silverfur area. Traffic ET/Garvey addressed the Commission regarding the Circulation: requests to install a "No U -Turn" sign on Diamond Lorbeer J.H.S. Bar Blvd., in front of Lorbeer J.H.S., to eliminate vehicles making U -Turns by crossing two travel lanes. It is recommended that the Commission concur with staff's recommendation as follows: Repaint the existing faded "Bike Lane" and paint additional "Bike Lane" pavement markings on both sides of the school entrance/exit driveways; paint the curve red on both sides of the school entrance/exit driveways (approximately 50 feet) to prevent parking in the bike lane for the purpose of dropping off and picking up November 14, 1991 Page 7 students; and install two "Nu U•Turn" signs at the openings of the medians for south bound traffic on Diamond Bar Boulevard. Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. Community CE/Mousavi reported that, as requested by the Circulator Commission during the Sept. 12th meeting, the City Proposal contacted Pomona Valley Transportation Authority, Dave Transportation Services, Inc., and Ryder Public Transportation Service, to find out why they did not submit a proposal to the RFP for the community circulator. Each of the aforesaid companies indicated that their decision not to submit was not based on any deficiency of the proposal. Staff has reevaluated the RFP and has discussed the issue with the Gateway Corporate Center's Transportation Management Association (TMA), and Southern California Air Quality Management District (AQMD), who are interested in developing a transit system. In addition, staff has discussed the alternate fuel issues with the AQMD's Technology Advancement Office. As a result, staff recommended the following: reject the bid received from Mayflower Contract Services, Inc.; solicit bids for operation of the Christmas Shuttle; develop a new RFP in cooperation with Gateway Corporation Center's TMA and AQMD for development of route only; solicit bids for operation of the Community Circulator using conventional design for two years; and work with AQMD to develop alternate fuel transit system for the City of Diamond Bar by 1994. C/Fritz, understanding that Proposition A monies may not be used as a function for school transportation, suggested that the City should still take into account the student population that will most likely use the transit system. F] November 14, 1991 Page 8 Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. Tonner Canyon CE/Mousavi reported that Soquel Canyon Road and Feasibility Study Tonner Canyon have been proposed as new roadways to relieve the recurring congestion which exists on several facilities which link San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, and Orange County. Traffic on these roadways could potentially impact operations substantially on other elements of the existing and planned circulation systems in this area. There are also potentially significant land use impacts associated with these roadways. The County of Los Angeles has drafted a position letter supporting the idea of Tonner Canyon Road. Pomona and Diamond Bar have concurred with the County's recommendation. Recently, the counties of San Bernardino and Orange have jointly authorized expenditures of additional funds for the purpose of developing mitigation measures for these projects. since there is no environmental impact report done for this project, and mitigation measures are yet to be developed, it is premature to make a recommendation at this time. However, if the Commission has any comments or recommendations, it will be conveyed to the City Council, and then from there a position letter may be developed. It is recommended that the Commission direct staff as necessary. Motion was made by C/Beke, and seconded by VC/Gravdahl that the Commission is strongly in support of the concept of a Tonner Canyon Road and Soquel Canyon Road facility, and that it should be part of the General Plan and put back into the Circulation Element. Chair/Chavers concurred with C/Beke's motion and reemphasized that the Commission is in support of a Tonner Canyon fa^ility. If we adopt the General Plan without such a statement, it could be held as leverage against the Council, and preclude us from conducting a study to determine if there is an opportunity there that we can accept. November 14, 1991 Page 9 C/Fritz suggested that the Commission strongly support a continued feasibility study on Tonner Canyon, and use it to determine the exact position of the Commission. C/Beke, rewording his previous motion, seconded by Chair/Chavers, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY stated that the Commission is strongly in support of a continued study of the Tonner Canyon and Soquel Canyon for the purpose of a regional transportation corridor. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers. None. None. Motion was made by Chair/Chavers, seconded by ' VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adopt staff's methodology for ranking and prioritizing warranted signalizations, and further direct staff to eliminate reference of Shadow Canyon/Diamond Bar Blvd. and placed in a special category until each time that a policy for prioritizing signals Chair/Chavers requested staff to provide the Commission with a complete amended copy of the General Plan as soon as possible. C/Beke requested staff to place, on the agenda, an ' item for the formulation of the Traffic and Transportation Commission policy with regard to the Circulation Element of the General Plan. Priority List AE/Liu reported that the Commission requested staff, on the Oct. 10th meeting, to provide the criteria used in establishing the Priority list. It is recommended that the Commission concur with staff's recommendation in adopting the priority ranking system for warranted signals, as listed in the staff report. AE/Liu, in response to C/Beke's inquiry, stated that category two, a list of intersections that may require signalization, will be ready for the next meeting. Chair/Chavers suggested that delay and congestion be used cautiously .as a measuring tool. C/Beke, referring to Shadow Canyon/Diamond Bar Blvd. signal, stated that there is not yet a policy determining who pays for signals on private street entrances. Motion was made by Chair/Chavers, seconded by ' VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adopt staff's methodology for ranking and prioritizing warranted signalizations, and further direct staff to eliminate reference of Shadow Canyon/Diamond Bar Blvd. and placed in a special category until each time that a policy for prioritizing signals November 14, 1991 Page 10 at intersections on private streets and public streets is developed. Analysis: Silver AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, Blvd. not be installed at this time. VC/Gravdahl, and CE/Mousavi indicated that staff will send a letter Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: i COMMISSIONERS: None. Traffic Signal Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by C/Beke and Analysis: Silver CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to receive and file the Hawk/Diamond Bar matter and accept the recommendation that a signal Blvd. not be installed at this time. CE/Mousavi indicated that staff will send a letter to the applicant with information on the results of the study. Stop Sign Warrant AE/Liu reported that the Commission directed staff Analysis for to proceed with a warrant study for stop signs at Mt. Laurel/Maple the intersection of Mt. Laurel Way and Maple Hill Hill and Crosswalk Road. In addition, staff was directed to study Eval. for Mt. the feasibility of relocating the current Laurel/Spruce Tree crosswalk on Spruce Tree Drive to Butternut. It is recommended that the Commission concur with the recommendations not to install stop signs at Mt. Laurel Way and Maple Hill Road and to relocate the crosswalk from Mt. Laurel Way west of Spruce Tree Drive to east of Butternut Way. Temporary "No Pedestrian Crossing, Use Crosswalk" signs need to be installed at the old location to inform the pedestrians of the changes. Additionally, a crosswalk across Butternut Way south of Mt. Laurel Way is warranted to be installed to provide access for the pedestrians coming from the west. John Vandekurt, residing at 22802 Mt. Laurel Way, requested the traffic volume information, including the "rate of speed" of those ticket given because he further plans on proposing a stop sign at the crosswalk as well. He received Chair/Chavers copy of the traffic volume information. Mary Tupperman, residing at 22727 Mt. Laurel Way, stated that posting signs in hopes of reducing speeding vehicles is idealistic. AE/Liu, responding to C/Beke's inquiry, stated that the second crosswalk is to provide access for pedestrians on the west side. NEW BUSINESS: Traffic Circ. November 14, 1991 Page 11 request that the City investigate the double Elementary parking, excessive speed, illegal u -turns and illegal parking in the red zone area on Ballena Drive during the school hours. It was further Motion was made by C/Ortiz seconded by existing parking and traffic conditions along Chair/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. curb marking matter and to install a crosswalk across Meadow Falls Drive east of Ballena Drive to provide adequate pedestrian access. Further, on AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, following alternatives: install "No U -Turns" signs VC/Gravdahl, and stripe 12" yellow solid line along the centerline of ;allena Drive from Golden Springs Drive to Chair/Chavers. Palomino Drive. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. NEW BUSINESS: Traffic Circ. AE/Liu addressed the Commission regarding the Golden Springs request that the City investigate the double Elementary parking, excessive speed, illegal u -turns and illegal parking in the red zone area on Ballena Drive during the school hours. It was further requested that the City install curb markings, "No U Turn" signs, and crosswalks to mitigate the existing parking and traffic conditions along Ballena Drive. It is recommended that the Commission request the residents' input on the curb marking matter and to install a crosswalk across Meadow Falls Drive east of Ballena Drive to provide adequate pedestrian access. Further, on ' the matter pertaining to illegal U -Turns, it is recommended that the Commission consieer the following alternatives: install "No U -Turns" signs with "When Children Are Present" signs; and stripe 12" yellow solid line along the centerline of ;allena Drive from Golden Springs Drive to Palomino Drive. Trish Howard, residing at 234 Ballena Dr., requested that "No U Turns" sign be placed on the corner of Ballena and Palomino. Hal Mopin, residing at 254 Ballena Dr., requested that the curb not be painted white because it would restrict his own personal parking and the parking of his guests as well. He noted that the traffic problem is only prevalent for about 20 minutes daily. C/Beke suggested that Alternative A be accepted, with the omission of "When Children Are Present" signs. AE/Liu stated that staff received letters from Ms. ' Howard, who is present tonight, and from the principal of Golden Springs Elementary, Tom Mangham, indicating he had talked with the residents and there were no objections. November 14, 1991 Page 12 Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ortiz and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to install "No U Turn" signs on Palomino, Meadow Falls, and Prospect Valley Drive. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. Holiday Shuttle AA/Aberra reported that Diamond Bar's holiday shuttle will be in service from November 25th through December 31st from 10:00 a.m, to 6:00 p.m. It is recommended that the Commission receive and file this report. VC/Gravdahl stated that the Chamber of Commerce, December 1st, will be giving the shuttle drivers coupon books to give free to passengers as a way to encourage ridership. Furthermore, there will be coffee and doughnuts served at Heritage Park for the commencement of the bus service. He requested staff to have the event publicized. AA/Aberra reviewed the various ways that staff has publicized the shuttle service. Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. Traffic Operation Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ortiz and on Pathfinder at CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to proceed Brea Canyon Road with the design of the signal at this west of Route 57. intersection. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. C/Fritz suggested that stop signs be placed on Pathfinder and Brea Canyon, in the interim, to give traffic relief now. Following discussion, C/Beke suggested that the stop sign issue be placed on the next meeting's agenda. i i i November 14, 1991 Page 13 Request for a CE/Mousavi reported that this matter is a request "Right Turn" made by VC/Gravdahl for a right turn lane only on Lane: Northbound northbound Grand approaching eastbound Golden Grand Ave. Springs. Staff will provide more detail if the approaching Commission desires. Eastbound Golden Springs Chair/Chavers, noting that a right turn lane may create more of a traffic delay, suggested creating a double left as an alternative. CE/Mousavi explained that the "right turn lane" was intended to be a temporary solution to deal with the immediate problem. Ultimately, the intersection will require reevaluation and redesigning. Motion was made by C/Fritz to deny the restripping proposal and reevaluate the double left hand turn. The motion failed for lack of a second. Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, seconded by C/Ortiz and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to table the matter until the opening of Grand Avenue. COMMISSION VC/Gravdahl indicated that he found the workshops, COMMENTS: recently attended, to be very informative. CE/Mousavi, responding to Chair/Chavers inquiry, stated that the City Council, on October 19th, approved a cooperative agreement for preparation of the 800 acres of the Tres Hermanos Ranch development. Staff will bring information back to the Commission. Chair/Chavers indicated that the figure cited for the conceptual plan seems to be quite extreme. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Respectively, Sid Mousavi Secretary ' Attest: Tod��'Chavers Ch4irman