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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/14/1991CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 14, 1991 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Ortiz called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Library, 1061 South Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: Chairman Ortiz. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Chavers, Vice Chairman Gravdahl, and Chairman Ortiz. Commissioner Beke arrived late at 6:15 p.m. Commissioner Moesser was absent. Also present was City Engineer Sid Mousavi, Administrative Analyst Tseday Aberra, Administrative Analyst Kellee Fritzal, Sergeant Mike Rawlings and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. APPROVAL OF Chair/Ortiz requested the Minutes of January 10, MINUTES: 1991 be amended on page 1, last paragraph, to indicate Sergeant Rawlings as opposed to Sergeant Long. VC/Gravdahl requested the Minutes of January 10, 1991 be amended on page 1, under Roll Call, to read "present". Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, seconded by Commissioner Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Minutes of January 10, 1991 as amended. COMMISSION Chair/Ortiz indicated, after reading the staff REORGANIZATION: report, he would remain Chairperson through June 1991, and that the Commission needs to elect a Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Chavers nominated Commissioner Gravdahl as Vice Chairperson, and Commissioner Beke seconded the nomination. The Commissioners unanimously elected VC/Gravdahl to be the Vice Chairperson for the Traffic and Transportation Commission, commencing presently through June, 1991. COMMISSION C/Beke complimented Sid Mousavi, City Engineer, on COMMENTS: turning out a timely and organized agenda packet. C/Beke stated he would like the record to reflect that the parking at St. Dennis, for special occasions, took place on a 13' wide bicycle lane. There is plenty of room within that parking area for a car to open a door and not effect the traveling public. 1 February 14, 1991 Page 2 Chair/Ortiz recalled that the biggest problem was vehicles parked behind other vehicles that were pulling out too closely to persons getting into their vehicles. Chair/Ortiz recalled that C/Beke had suggested covering the "no parking signs", should they receive a permit to park out there. C/Beke stated that normally bagging would be the proper procedure for the purpose of assuring the public they.are obeying the laws. CE/Mousavi explained that the person making the request would have to be charged to pay for the costs associated with the work. There was no fee involved with the previous request, but future projects will have to pay a fee. j C/Chavers requested a presentation from the consultant updating the Commission as to the progress of the circulation element. He requested staff to check into it. VC/Gravdahl thanked CE/Mousavi on the orderly andi complete agenda submitted to the Commission. Chair/Ortiz noted the outstanding work delivered by CE/Mousavi. He stated that Sgt. Rawlings was likewise impressed. Chair/Ortiz stated there has been concern from citizens in regards to the corner of Cold Springs and Barbie Lane. There have been a couple of vehicle accidents, in the last several months, in that area, as well as pedestrians being hit by vehicles. He suggested stripping Cold Springs approaching Barbie Lane to remind the cars it is a divided street that necessitates more of a square turn as opposed to a cutting one. CE/Mousavi stated staff will review the situation and return with information for the next meeting. Chair/Ortiz stated he received an inquiry as to why the City has not put in a double left hand turn westbound on Grand Ave. to Diamond Bar Blvd. southbound. Presently there is a single left hand turn. CE/Mousavi explained City Council authorized staff to put up stop signs and eliminate parking on both sides, with the intentions of putting additional 2 February 14, 1991 Page 3 lanes. After the completion of the design, then construction involving the double left hand turn will commence. He explained that there is an entrance into the shopping center, eastbound Grand Ave. at Diamond Bar Blvd., that creates a problem with the existing driveway. It needs to be modified and widened in order to accommodate the easy right turn into the shopping center with the additional lane on that segment of the street. VC/Gravdahl believed the project had already been approved by the City Council, in November, authorizing the stripping proceed as soon as possible, even before eliminating parking CE/Mousavi stated that additional lanes cannot be put in without eliminating the parking. The City Council, upon the Commission's recommendation, concurred to eliminate parking on Grand Ave, in the December meeting. Once no parking is installed, then additional lanes can be put in. The project should be completed within 90 days. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Louise Layva, residing at 23862 Country View Drive, stated the "no left turn" sign between 6:00 a.m. ' and 8:00 a.m. has been installed, but the sign is being ignored. She also stated she was informed by City Hall that the requested sound wall on Grand Ave. would be on the agenda for tonight. C/Chavers inquired if the Traffic and Transportation Commission is responsible for the mitigation measures created by traffic noise. CE/Mousavi stated the sound wall issue is costly, and wondered if the neighborhood is willing to open an assessment district to pay for it. Louise Layva responded that at the time of purchasing the homes, they were not informed that Grand Ave would go through. CE/Mousavi pointed out that it has been on the County General Plan for years. C/Beke suggested staff to investigate the matter and refer it to the proper channels. Sgt. Rawlings commented that to effectively enforce no left turns onto Rolling Knoll and Country View, it would require half of the on duty traffic officers from Diamond Bar to be there at that time. February 14, 1991 Page 4 It is difficult to motivate them when there are so many hazard violations occurring elsewhere. CE/Mousavi explained the matter is on the Council's agenda this Tuesday. A traffic signal will be put in shortly because the poles are already obtained. However, the signal at Rolling Knoll will take about a year because the poles need to be ordered. DISCUSSION: Kellee Fritzal, Administrative Analyst, reported that the City had contracted a paratransit service Bial -A -Ride/ with the County of Los Angeles. Staff has reviewed shuttle several options available to the City, and Transportation recommended combining transportation services Services (community circulator and paratransit service) and create a route deviation. The prepared RFP will include a preplanning policy formation and the operation of the service. VC/Gravdahl inquired if it would be similar to the Holiday Shuttle route. i AA/ Fritzal responded the route would be more , extensive then the Holiday Shuttle route, to include 2 buses. The intent is to utilize the service more as a car pool in the early hours, marking the amount of people consistently using the service, and then as more of a community circulator later in the day. VC/Gravdahl inquired how staff plans on marketing the idea. AA/Fritzal stated part of the contract includes marketing. The City will also be marketing the idea. The Chamber of Commerce will be involved in advertising the service to the businesses. C/Chavers inquired if there is a provision in the policy plan to allow a graceful way of ending the contract if the service is not working. AA/Fritzal replied that the City will do so. Incentives will be established that will pay for the contract to encourage ridership. C/Beke informed the Commission that he is clearly involved in the services to be provided. He disqualified himself from participating due to a conflict of interest.! C/Chavers recommended a provision be included in the RFP which reserves the right to discontinue the 4 February 19, 1991 Page 5 ' RFP at our convenience, at anytime. He recommended staff begin the process and create the RFP immediately, and if staff finds later that there is additional facts that should be inserted into the process, subvert the process at that time. VC/Gravdahl inquired how the current service is being paid for. AA/Fritzal explained that the City is paying on a percentage rate correlating to the percentage of Diamond Bar resident users. VC/Gravdahl noted that basically the $33,000 is a budgeted amount and if the ridership increased, it could increase. CE/Mousavi explained that the project is in a preplanning stage and it will come back before the Commission for policy matter. AA/Fritzal informed the Commission that the Seniors were very supportive with having a transportation system. Motion was made by C/Chavers, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and .CARRIED to adopt the staff's recommendation with the understanding that the information received from the County will be inserted in the process. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers, VC/Gravdahl, and C/Ortiz. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Beke Stop Control: Tseday Aberra, Administrative Analyst, reported the Peaceful Hills City received a request from Mrs. Perkins, a and Pathfinder resident, to install a stop sign at the intersection of Pathfinder Road and Peaceful Hills. Based upon the findings, staff recommended that the Traffic and Transportation Commission deny the request for a stop control on Pathfinder Road and Peaceful Hills. Staff further recommended the Traffic and Transportation Commission authorize installation of a speed limit sign on Pathfinder Road (between Peaceful Hills and Brea Canyon Road) in an attempt to slow down speeding vehicles. Sgt. Rawlings concurred the area does not seem to be a troublesome spot. C/Chavers noted the volume data could be as old as three (3) years old. He is concerned with the fact 5 February 14, 1991 Page 6 there is a park on the corner of a very broad, i potentially busy street. Eventually there will be a need for some sort of traffic control device but for the moment, it appears to be adequate. He recommended corresponding with Mrs. Perkins and informing her the City will continue to keep an eye on the specified area. C/Beke concurred that the traffic data used by staff goes back to the year 1988. He recalled that Pathfinder Road to Nogales was open in 1989, and Brea Canyon road was closed in 1988 for construction purposes. VC/Gravdahl inquired if staff feels that speed control signs at this point would be enough to help the situation. CE/Mousavi stated the additional signs might help to remind people to slow down. He stated there is documentation on the survey of the speed, dated 1990. Motion was made by C/Chavers, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adopt the staff's recommendation. Deer Crossing AA/Tseday Aberra reported the City of Diamond Bar Sign has been requested by the Department of Fish and Game Public Works Group of the County of San Bernardino to install a "DEER CROSSING" sign on Chino Hills Parkway. Staff recommended the Traffic and Transportation Commission approve the installation of a "DEER CROSSING" sign. C/Chavers noted that when a left or a right is made on Chino Ave, the sign is not seen unless traveling on Chino Hills Parkway. CE/Mousavi explained the County of San Bernardino installed their signs and are planning to give us the extras upon approval from the Commission. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve staff's recommendation. i TI 128 CE/Mousavi reported the City has received a request Stop controls for stop controls at the intersection of Brookwood Brookwood Drive/ Drive and Summitridge Drive. Based upon the Summit Ridge findings, the staff recommended the Traffic and Transportation Commission deny the request. 6 February 14, 1991 Page 7 VC/Gravdahl recalled that the area had a greater than average flow traffic because there are only two (2) streets that feed into the tracts down below. C/Chavers stated it is carrying the traffic for the entire area. There is only three (3) points of access for all of the subdivisions in the Hills. He received verification from CE/Mousavi that a warrant analysis has been done. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Chavers and CARRIED to accept staff's recommendation. AYES: COMMMISSIONERS: Beke, Chavers, and C/Ortiz. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Gravdahl. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. TI 136 CE/Mousavi reported the City has received a request Castle Rock/ for a stop controls at the two (2) subject Sunbright Drive intersections. Based upon the findings, staff at Fountain recommended the Traffic and Transportation Springs Commission deny the request for additional stop controls at these two (2) intersections. Sgt. Rawlings indicated that the nature of citations given in the area were for speeding. C/Chavers asserted that Fountain Springs is a local street, and because of it's in points it tends to serve as a local collector. He concurred with staff's recommendation, except for the definition elements. Motion was made by C/Chavers, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. Traffic Signal CE/Mousavi reported the request is for an Study at Shadow installation of a signal at Shadow Canyon Drive at Canyon Drive at Diamond Bar Blvd. Staff reviewed the request and Diamond Bar Blvd. it appears at the peak hours it is difficult to make a left turn. Staff recommended the instal- lation of a signal would be warranted at this intersection. Staff will be conducting a City-wide signal warrant study and, upon concurrence from the Commission, will develop a priority list. C/Beke inquired if the large amount of construction vehicles were taken into account for the warrant study. CE/Mousavi stated all this was taken into account. V] February 14, 1991 Page 8 VC/Gravdahl asked if some of the costs of the signals can be tacked on to the subdivisions currently being developed. CE/Mousavi responded that an impact fee study is being conducted, and upon completion, the City may be able to collect impact fees for the future. C/Chavers stated there will be three (3) traffic signals in succession, and asserted the present equipment will have to be modified in order to interconnect the signals. i C/Beke informed staff that the County has a new radio control that ties into a nuclear clock in Denver. Once a day the signals resets themselves to the correct time eliminating the need for a telephone or hard wire interconnect. Motion was made by C/Chavers, seconded by C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation with the addition to consider into the design to interconnect the signals at Cold Springs, Sugar Pines, and the proposed signal through whatever means the City Engineer determines appropriate. Traffic Signal CE/Mousavi reported that staff reviewed the request Study at Tin for the installation of a traffic signal at Tin Drive/Diamond Drive at Diamond Bar Blvd., and conducted a warrant Bar Blvd, study for the intersection. Based on the findings, staff recommended the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive and file this report until such time as the traffic counts are assembled and warrant study is complete. This matter will be brought back to the Commission for consideration at that time. I Motion was made by C/Chavers, seconded by C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. 1 Street Parking CE/Mousavi reported that the request is to limit on 30' wide motor home and truck parking on 301 wide curb to streets. curb streets. Staff recommended the Commission Lark Spring receive and file this report since there is no Terrace longer a problem on this street. If the Commission requests, the staff can further investigate the situation as a City-wide study. Motion was made by C/Chavers, seconded by C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. a February 14, 1991 Page 9 Stop Controls CE/Mousavi reported that a request has been Longview Drive received for stop controls at Longview Drive at Stardust Drive, Brookwood Drive, and Thunder Trail. All three (3) intersections are located northerly of the intersection of Grand Ave. and Longview. Since neither high traffic volumes. restricted view, or accident records indicate a need for stop controls on Longview Drive, it is recommended that the Commission deny the request for additional stop controls at these three (30 intersections. Staff will continue to monitor Longview Drive at Brookwood Drive since it almost met the warrants. C/Chavers notes the street is serving as a collector and it was not intended to do so. The problem will continually be brought up to the Commission. There may be a need to have City-wide evaluation on how traffic will be controlled through the area. CE/Mousavi clarified if the suggestion is to have some degree of projection of the number of cars that will be developed in the section, and based on the projection recommend that at a certain date, the stop controls will be installed. C/Chavers confirmed the summarization. Motion was made by C/Chavers, seconded by C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve staff's report with the additional guidance that staff take a brief look at the overall area circulation to come up with some projection of traffic that reflect an entire area, and the amount of traffic projected on these streets so that we have an idea of what is. faced in the future. CIP CE/Mousavi reported staff has categorized the list from the Commission and developed a priority listing of all the capital projects for the City. Staff recommended the priority listing be provided to the City Council for consideration in the adoption of the 5 year Capital Improvement Program. Motion was made by C/Chavers, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. INFORMATION: CE/Mousavi reported concerns were expressed about the removal of the building's asbestos materials Old Post office and a suggestion was made to make the owner aware of the need to "board up" the vacant building. The City's Code Enforcement staff and the Los Angeles 9 February 14, 1991 Page 10 County Fire Department notified the owner, Mr. Crowley, that the area must be cleaned and cleared of the hazardous material. The owner appears to be doing so. Status Report CE/Mousavi reported that at the previous meeting Diamond Bar Blvd. there was a discussion on the status of the signal, and Kiowa Crest and the possibility of installing the signal at Signalization another intersection next to this intersection. The reason it did not come before the Commission, or the Council was because it was assigned to the County and approved by the County's Board of Supervisors. Rita Cox, residing at 21415 Broken Arrow, complained about the heavy traffic from Mountain Laurel to Pathfinder, She stated the signal would be better served at Silver Hawk. Charlie Majus, residing at 22904 Rio Lobos, recommended a stop sign on Fountain springs at Sunbright for the traffic going in the direction away from Brea Canyon Road. He illustrated his example on the chalkboard. --, Chair/Ortiz requested staff to investigate the traffic survey with the possibility of adding one stop sign. Charlie Majus stated if a traffic study is done, it would indicate Silver Hawk has a bigger traffic problem than Kiowa Crest. C/Chavers explained the study determining the need for the traffic light at Kiowa Crest was done by the County. The City is unable to go back and change that because it would create a serious liability situation. The issue before the Commission is the appropriateness of an additional signal. Charlie Majus suggested using flashing lights if the City decides to install two (2) traffic signals. C/Beke state that the use of flashing signals are conflicting, and is not done anymore. CE/Mousavi stated the Council has alreadyI authorized the signal. The poles should be available soon and the signal will be in by the end of March. 10 February 14, 1991 Page 11 Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to proceed with the signal at Kiowa Crest and then do a signal warrant study at Silver Hawk and Diamond Bar approximately 30 days after the signal at Kiowa Crest is put into operation. Sgt. Rawlings is directed to monitor any accidents that occur at Silver hawk and Diamond Bar Blvd. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: C h a v e r s B e k e, VC/Gravdahl, and C/Ortiz NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None LATE BUSINESS: Louise Layva inquired if anything will be done in regards to the traffic congestion on Pathfinder by the Diamond Bar High School (DBHS). C/Chavers asserted at what point does the City have an obligation to the parents to make it easier for them to do something that is of their choice. VC/Gravdahl inquired how the rideshare program at Golden Springs worked out. C/Chavers replied that according to members of the PTSA, and teachers, it is going quite well. It has been successful in keeping parents from driving on to school property. VC/Gravdahl inquired if a rideshare would work at the High School. Louise Layva inquired if the shuttle van suggested earlier could be utilized. C/Chavers stated the idea was discussed with LACTC to make the route coincidental for student use. The comment made suggested that it would not be feasible because the vary would be vandalized by the students. Rita Cox complained that the school bus, riding from Chaparral, to Pathfinder, to Fern Hallow, allows three (3) kids to a seat, as well as allowing them to sit on the floor. Sgt. Rawlings stated a study would have to be done, and the highway patrol contacted to see what steps should be taken, if there is a violation. Charlie Majus illustrated Diamond Bar Blvd., Tin, and Gold Rush on the chalkboard. He stated the speed posted is an unreasonable speed to expect 11 February 14, 1991 Page 12 given the situation. He recommended moving the 40 mph sign before the crest of the hill to aid in the psychological factor of the driver. He questioned if the prevailing speed is a determining factor in setting speed limits. CE/Mousavi stated that speed limits are based on certain studies, and is approved by the Council by ordinance. To change a speed limit, a new study must be done. The prevailing speed, as mentioned by Mr. Majus, is considered but safety and other factors are also reviewed. C/Chavers suggested using regulatory reduce speed ahead signs. Chair/Ortiz stated the City Engineer will investigate the situation. Sgt. Rawlings stated there was discussion with the previous City Engineer in regards to additional speed signs going eastbound on Grand Ave. It was advised that some would be installed. There was only one 45 mph sign installed, eastbound, just after Diamond Bar Blvd., and it is partially obscured by a tree. Additional signage is still requested because everyone stopped declares, correctly, that the speed sign wasn't seen. CE/Mousavi stated the situation will be reviewed. CE/Mousavi stated there was a meeting with RTD in regards to looking into the possibility of putting in bus stop signs on Golden Springs and Gateway Drive. Staff will keep the Commission informed as more information is received. 12 CE/Mousavi stated the final draft report of Tonner Canyon and Soquel Canyon was recently published. Staff will keep the Commission informed. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. until the next meeting of March 14, 1991. TAastiz Chairman Attest: i Secretary/City Engineer Sid Mousavi 12