HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/13/1992CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 13t 1992
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chavers called the meeting to order at
6:30 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management
District Hearing Room, 21865 East Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, California.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Ortiz, Beke, Fritz, Vice Chairman
Gravdahl, and Chairman Chavers.
Also present were City Engineer Sid Mousavi,
Administrative Analyst Tseday Aberra, Associate
Engineer David Liu, Sergeant Rawlings, and Contract
Secretary Liz Myers.
MINUTES:
Jan. 9, 1992 C/Beke requested that the Minutes of January 9,
1992 be amended on page 3, line 7, to read,
"...centerline stripe through..."; and on page 4,
third paragraph, to indicate a three way stop.
Chair/Chavers requested the minutes to be amended
on page 5, first paragraph, to indicate that the
City Manager also requested the item to be
postponed; and the ninth paragraph to properly
indicate AB1600.
Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl
and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Minutes of
January 9, 1992, as amended.
COMMISSION C/Ortiz indicated that Clyde Evans, the Director of
COMMENTS: Transportation for the Walnut Valley Unified School
District (WVUSD), suggested that the Commission and
Transportation for WVUSD work together. C/Ortiz
requested that an agenda be mailed to Mr. Evans to
advise him of the meetings. Also, Mr. Evans noted
that there are "No Left Turn" signs, between
certain hours on school days, posted on the Diamond
Bar High School property, on the new addition area.
VC/Gravdahl stated that the duration of the green
on the light, on Golden Springs/Grand, is short;
and the light at Cold Springs turns full cycle
twice before allowing any movement of traffic.
OLD BUSINESS:
Request to modify AE/Liu addressed the Commission regarding the
egress/ingress of request made by concerned citizens to modify the
Century 21 & adj.egress/ingress of the Century 21 and adjacent
Med. Office Bldg. Medical Office Building. Staff recommended adding
a third lane between Montefino and Diamond Bar
Blvd., in the eastbound direction, _and to
reconstruct the median islands, in order to reduce
delay, and increase intersection capacity.
February 13, 1992 Page 2
Upon the request of Chair/Chavers, CE/Mousavi
explained that the reason this item was placed on
the agenda out of the normal scheduling order was
because members of the community attended a City
Council meeting and insisted that the item be
addressed by this Commission immediately.
Toni Lewis, residing at 1504 High Bluff, employed
at 1081 S. Grand, made the following comments:
they do not feel the matter has been addressed
expeditiously, because they had originally
expressed their concerns at the Commission meeting
in June of 1991; there have been many accidents
witnessed, however, two just occurred in the last
two hours; you can not safely ingress or egress
from the plaza driveway; and Dr. Cocker, owner of
the Medical Building, and Dr. Joe Anthony have
asked her to relay their concerns to the
Commission.
The following citizens stated their concerns over
the traffic hazards of ingress and egress from the
Century 21 Lucy Pense, residing at 23419 _b
Sandridge, employed at Century 21; John Melendez,
employed at Century 21 at 1081 Grand Ave.; and
Randy Newe. The citizens made the following
suggestions: put a "Keep Clear Zone" in front of
the driveway; install a street light; adding a
third lane will create a blind spot; and adding a
third lane will create further problems.
Mr. Melendez explained that the problem is with
people attempting to use the median to cross
traffic to turn left, those turning left into the
library and the Center, as well as those attempting
to turn right out of the driveway.
Lucy Pense stated that it is also unsafe to make a
right hand turn into the building from the right
lane,because the curb does not allow it.
CE/Mousavi, in response to Chair/Chavers, explained
that staff has not yet done a queuing analysis to
determine if creating a third lane will keep the
queue behind the stop bar at the signal when the
green has ended. It was thought that if the
capacity of the street is increased by creating a
third lane, starting at the intersection at
Montefino, it would reduce the queuing and allow
for an easier ingress and egress. Because this
matter came to staff as a last minute item, staff
has not had the opportunity to illustrate how this
proposal would be feasible. If it appears to be a
solution to the problem, staff can create a
February 13, 1992 ^Page 3
schematic drawing for the next meeting, and do a
queuing analysis.
C/Beke explained that a traffic signal is not
usually installed at a driveway. He noted that if
the two left hand turn lanes, at Grand Ave. and
Diamond Bar Blvd., are preserved by moving the
median over, then the U-turns would have to be
eliminated. Furthermore, if the third lane is put
in, then traffic is now up against the curb making
it difficult for people going in and out of the
driveway. He suggested that eliminating the left
turn, coming out of the drive, be considered.
VC/Gravdahl, noting that running a third lane would
make it impossible to get into the building because
of the way the driveways are constructed, suggested
widening the drives at the Center and the utility
station.
C/Beke suggested blocking out 10 to 12 feet of curb
lane, from Montefino on, and creating a
channelization area in and out of that drive.
CE/Mousavi confirmed that converting driveways from
typical drive approaches to alley approaches,
facilitates an ingress and egress from the site.
However, if the acceleration, deceleration lane is
created, some construction will have to be done.
Chair/Chavers stated that since there is a median
serving both the apartments and the businesses on
the south side, the median could remain a full
movement access, limited to a left in only, but
exiting would be a right out. The most restrictive
possibility is to extend the median through there,
and let everyone deal with right in, right out. He
requested staff to generate some sketches, and talk
to the concerned citizens, by the next meeting.
C/Fritz requested that staff generate cost
estimates for the driveway modification.
Following discussion, the Commission concurred to
create a Task Force, consisting of C/Beke, C/Ortiz,
staff, and two of the concerned citizens from
Century 21, to meet Friday, February 21st at 11:00
a.m., at the site, to look at viable solutions.
Sgt. Rawlings, upon the request of Chair/Chavers,
explained to the citizens that anyone stopping on a
"Keep Clear Zone" is in violation, including those
egressing from the driveway.
February 13, 1992 Page 4
C/Beke requested AE/Liu to bring information on all
the lane widths when the Task Force meets.
Marsha Blair, employed at Century 21, stated her
concern about the accidents occurring in the
indicated area.
Motion was made by C/Fritz, seconded by C/Ortiz and
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue the matter to the
next meeting of February 27, 1992, for discussion,
and a status report from the Task Force.
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz,
VC/Gravdahl, and
Chair/Chavers.
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None.
White Paper AA/Aberra addressed the Commission regarding the
list of issues to be addressed by the City Council
and community during a Public Hearing in early
Spring, 1992. It was indicated by the Commission
that the list would be finalized at the February
13, 1992 meeting.
Chair/Chavers explained that he developed the list
from the documentation of the items communicated to
him from each member of, the Commission. He
requested that each Commissioner review the items,
add input, and mail the responses to him before the
next meeting.
Upon, discussion, the Commission decided to divide
the items, among the Commission, for further review
and input: VC/Gravdahl will review items 13, 14, &
15; C/Ortiz will review items 10, 11, & 12; C/Fritz
will review items 6, 7, &, 8; C/Beke will review
items 2, 3, & 9; and Chair/Chavers will review
items 1, 4, & 5. The responses are to be given to
staff by Tuesday, February 18th. Chair/Chavers
will rewrite the "White Paper" and submit a copy to
staff and each Commissioner before the next
meeting.
CE/Mousavi suggested that, since March 3rd is the
date to introduce the new Commissioners, the
Commission may want to develop a final copy of the
"White Paper" by the end of this month.
Motion was made by Chair/Chavers, seconded by
C/Ortiz and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue the
matter to the next meeting.
February 13, 1992 .`Page 5
Traffic Study CE/Mousavi reported that the Commission, at the
Summitridge/ January 9th meeting, requested staff to investigate
Brookwood the kind of circulation study best suited for a
residential neighborhood, the nature of the scope
of study, the goals and objectives, and a method of
invoking input from the citizens. Upon evaluation
of the situation, it is essential that the
strategies conducted to handle requests be defined,
discussed and finally adopted. Staff and the
Commission need to develop a formalized procedure
to handle requests in a responsive manner. The
objective for adopting such standards and
procedures is to introduce uniformity in processing
such requests, reduce unwarranted requests, and
provide an effective means to interact with the
community to find viable solutions to the area -wide
traffic intrusion problem. If the solutions
presented by the subcommittee and staff does not
solve the problem for the neighborhood, staff
suggests that the Commission advise the requesting
party to circulate a petition stating the problem,
the cause of the problem, and the proposed action
relative to solving the problem. A neighborhood
map should be attached, as well as the signatures
of the simple majority. Once the type of study is
determined, as well as it's funding sources, then
staff would look at the feasibility of making
arterial system improvements to mitigate
neighborhood problems. If this procedure did not
solve the situation, neighborhood type of
improvements could be suggested, and brought before
the Commission for recommendation to the City
Council for their action. Staff recommended that
the Commission discuss this procedure and the
policy. Upon adoption, or modification of this
policy, or creation of a new policy, staff would
then deal with the Summitridge/Brookwood situation.
Bruce Flamenbaum pointed out that if residents knew
what needed to be done, they wouldn't be requesting
a traffic study. The point of requesting the
traffic study was so that the Commission, and the
citizens, could ascertain what the problem is, if
indeed there is a problem. He recommended that the
Commission institute a traffic study, be it
minimal, and establish a policy of responding to
citizens requests in a timely manner.
Chair/Chavers suggested that another Task Force be
put together, with 2 members of the Commission,
staff, and 4 to 5 concerned citizens, to discuss
the issues and concerns. In response to
VC/Gravdahl's concern if there is sufficient funds
to conduct a study, Chair/Chavers indicated that
February 13, 1992 Page 6
the citizens would probably be more than willing to
provide the manpower needed to conduct a study.
VC/Gravdahl suggested that if the Commission is
going to proceed with the recommended policy,
reference to the Summitridge/Brookwood area should
be omitted. It should be a general policy.
C/Beke indicated that requests for neighborhood
traffic control should not require a petition. It
is the Commission's job to review such requests.
Chair/Chavers suggested that the Commission receive
and file staff's recommendation. He requested Mr.
Flamenbaum to contact 4 residents in the area, and
get back to him regarding a suitable meeting date.
Sgt. Rawlings informed the Commission that the Task
Force should not rely heavily on traffic
enforcement as a solution to their concerns because
there are many complaints about over enforcement in
that area.
Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by VC/Gravdahl
and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to receive and file staff's
report and continue the matter to the next meeting.
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz,
VC/Gravdahl, and
Chair/Chavers.
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None.
Queuing Analysis CE/Mousavi reported that, upon further analysis of
for intersection the queuing problem at the intersection of
of Pathfinder at Pathfinder Road and Brea Canyon Road, it is
Brea Cnyn. Rd. recommended that an additional lane be added to the
westbound traffic, develop a new striping plan, and
install 3 -way stop signs.
C/Beke, concerned if there is enough width between
the ramp to develop the extra lane, requested a
schematic drawing. Chair/Chavers concurred.
CE/Mousavi, responding to Chair/Chavers, stated
that staff is aware that the only way to put an
additional westbound lane is to move the center
median island further south. If the Commission
concurs with staff recommendation, then staff will ^"^,
go back and do the engineering drawing and bring it
back to the Commission in the March meeting. As
suggested by C/Beke and Chair/Chavers, staff will
do the sketches in house.
February 13, 1992 ""'Page 7
Motion was made by C/Fritz, seconded by VC/Gravdahl
and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue the matter to
the next meeting.
Utilization of AA/Aberra reported that the Commission should have
Speed humps/bumps received the City Attorney's advise and
recommendation regarding speed humps/bumps.
Staff, and the City Attorney, do not recommend the
installation of speed bumps/humps as a means of a
traffic control device.
CE/Mousavi, upon discovering that none of the
Commissioners received any documents from the City
Attorney, suggested that the matter be postponed to
CE/Mousavi confirmed that the bike lane would be
eliminated to fit in the second left turn
eastbound. He stated that there would be a 12 foot
curb lane with 10 foot lanes in the middle.
Following discussion, Chair/Chavers suggested that
C/Ortiz's motion be amended to concur with staff's
recommendation on creating the double lefts on both
approaches on Grand Ave., but to do nothing on
Golden Springs Drive.
the next meeting.
The Commission discussed the need for a broader
discussion, at the City Council level, before
policy is established regarding the utilization of
speed bumps/humps.
Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl
and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue the matter to
the next meeting, and to direct staff to get the
City Attorney's information to the Commission.
Operational
AE/Liu reported that, as requested by the
Analysis:
Commission at the January 9th meeting, staff has
Intersection of
developed a schematic plan, and completed an
Grand Ave. and
analysis, of the intersection of Grand Ave. and
Golden Springs
Golden Springs. AE/Liu then reviewed the four
alternatives suggested by staff, as indicated in
the staff report. It is recommended that the
Commission recommend to the City Council the
development of double left turns on Grand Ave. and
northbound Golden Springs only.
Motion was made by C/Ortiz to accept staff's
recommendation.
CE/Mousavi confirmed that the bike lane would be
eliminated to fit in the second left turn
eastbound. He stated that there would be a 12 foot
curb lane with 10 foot lanes in the middle.
Following discussion, Chair/Chavers suggested that
C/Ortiz's motion be amended to concur with staff's
recommendation on creating the double lefts on both
approaches on Grand Ave., but to do nothing on
Golden Springs Drive.
February 13, 1992 Page 8
C/Ortiz concurred to the revision of his motion,
and C/Fritz seconded the motion.
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: F r i t z, O r t i z,
VC/Gravdahl, and
Chair/Chavers.
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke.
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None.
Request to
AE/Liu addressed the Commission regarding the
eliminate parkingrequest to eliminate parking along Brea Canyon Cut -
along Brea Cnyn.
Off Road at Fallowfield. Presently, there are "No
Cut-off at
Parking Between 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. Thursday
Fallowfield Dr.
Street Sweeping" signs located in the areas
indicated in the staff report. This was
implemented by the County prior to the City's
incorporation. Fridays have now been designated
for street sweeping in that part of the City.
However, since the signs indicate Thursday, street
sweeping is currently being done on Thursdays for
the Windwood/Silverfur area. In light of the
recently adjusted bi-weekly street sweeping
schedule, it would not be feasible for the City to
consider or evaluate a City-wide general policy at
this time. AE/Liu confirmed that motorists have
been using Fallowfield as a park -n -ride for the
easy Brea access, and the on-site parking at First
Mortgage Corporation. It is recommended that the
Commission accommodate the existing street sweeping
signs in the Windwood/Silverfur area, and consider
the alternatives presented in the staff report. It
is further recommended that "No Parking Signs" with
restrictions for specific hours for sweeping days
be installed in the Fallowfield area.
C/Beke, questioning the bi-weekly sweeping,
inquired how citizens are to know when every other
week is, and how it will be monitored by the
Sheriff Department. There is a problem with
enforcement if a car is ticketed for parking during
the designated hours, yet no street sweepers come.
Furthermore, if an area is designated Friday, but
the signs say Thursday, then the signs should be
changed.
Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, seconded by C/Ortiz
to remove the signs.
C/Beke pointed out that the direction of the motion
is not an agenda item. The only agenda item is
whether to post signs on Fallowfield.
Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl to accept
alternative A from staff's recommendation. The
Motion Failed for lack of a second.
Motion was made by Chair/Chavers, seconded by
C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to table the matter,
and request staff to bring the issue back on the
agenda for discussion that will deal with the other
signs, as well as the background of the City's
policy.
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz,
VC/Gravdahl, and
Chair/Chavers.
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
February 13, 1992
page 9
Sub -committees
to review
suggestion to establish a
Transportation sub -committee to
Traffic and
review requests,
transportation
Chair/Chavers,
noting that the staff
report
issues.
indicates that
it is not feasible, at this time,
for the City to consider or evaluate a
City-wide
Upon discussion
general policy,
stated that if signs are
posted on
suggested that a
a couple of streets, it would, in effect,
establish
sub -committee handle transit issues, as well as
policy.
regional transportation issues.
Motion was made by Chair/Chavers, seconded by
C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to table the matter,
and request staff to bring the issue back on the
agenda for discussion that will deal with the other
signs, as well as the background of the City's
policy.
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, Fritz, Ortiz,
VC/Gravdahl, and
Chair/Chavers.
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chair/Chavers explained that the intent of the sub-
committee would be to review transportation issues,
report back to the Commission, and then advise
staff how the Commission would prefer the issues to
be handled administratively. This would simplify
and divide the workload for staff, and allow the
Commission to get through Consent Calendar items
quicker.
C/Fritz, noting that the Commission is often split
on their decisions, and/or have different concerns
regarding traffic control issues, stated that this
approach may not save any extra time. However, it
may be wise to have a representative keep the
Commission informed, on an on-going basis, on
transit and planning issues.
VC/Gravdahl stated that the sub -committee could
advise staff of which direction to go regarding
certain issues, thus avoiding repeated discussion.
Establishing
CE/Mousavi addressed the Commission regarding the
Sub -committees
to review
suggestion to establish a
Transportation sub -committee to
Traffic and
review requests,
transportation
such as traffic control devices,
so that they can
issues.
be handled administratively, and
presented to the
Commission as informational items.
Upon discussion
with the Chairman, it was also
suggested that a
sub -committee handle transit issues, as well as
regional transportation issues.
Chair/Chavers explained that the intent of the sub-
committee would be to review transportation issues,
report back to the Commission, and then advise
staff how the Commission would prefer the issues to
be handled administratively. This would simplify
and divide the workload for staff, and allow the
Commission to get through Consent Calendar items
quicker.
C/Fritz, noting that the Commission is often split
on their decisions, and/or have different concerns
regarding traffic control issues, stated that this
approach may not save any extra time. However, it
may be wise to have a representative keep the
Commission informed, on an on-going basis, on
transit and planning issues.
VC/Gravdahl stated that the sub -committee could
advise staff of which direction to go regarding
certain issues, thus avoiding repeated discussion.
February 13, 1992 Page 10
C/Beke noted that assigning various transportation
issues to a sub -committee would still require
review by the Commission. However, the sub-
committee could be there to advise staff what items
of information the Commission will be particularly
interested in.
Motion was made by C/Fritz, seconded by VC/Gravdahl
and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to table the matter to the
next meeting, with discussion to be limited to five
minutes.
ITEMS FROM
STAFF!
Holiday Shuttle AA/Aberra reported that the 1991 Holiday Shuttle
was a successful program. She reviewed the details
of the program, as indicated in the staff report.
Staff recommended that there be a follow up to this
program for the 1992-3 holiday season. If desired,
the Commission could establish a sub -committee to
be involved in the implementation of this program
for the 1992 season.
VC/Gravdahl corrected that the change in ridership
should indicate an approximate 76% increase. He
made the following suggestions: elongate one of
the route loops into neighborhoods that were not
serviced; changing the route slightly might give
better exposure to senior citizen neighborhoods;
and costs could be reduced by starting a half hour
earlier, and ending a half hour later.
Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by
Chair/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to table the
matter for further discussion to the April meeting.
Future Agenda CE/Mousavi informed the Commission that the City
Items has received three proposals to the RFP for
development of a Transit Route for the City. He
suggested that one or two of the Commissioners
volunteer to attend the interviews to select a
consultant. VC/Gravdahl volunteered.
CE/Mousavi informed the Commission that the draft
Traffic Impact/Fee Analysis is ready for review.
Chair/Chavers volunteered to be the liaison for the
Commission.
CE/Mousavi stated that the Council has scheduled a
workshop on March loth for a study session on the
Tree Ordinance, and may have a workshop on
Commission Conduct. Staff will provide more
information at a later date.
February 13, 1992 Page 11
ITEMS FROM THE Chair/Chavers submitted a letter from Golden
COMMISSION: Springs PTA, and a letter from Clair Harmony
regarding truck parking on Washington Street.
C/Fritz requested an update of the High School
street marking issue.
AE/Liu stated that staff contacted the High School
and informed them of the motion made by the
Commission. Staff requested a $500 deposit fee
from them before any work is initiated. As of now,
staff has not received anything. The estimate fee
to install the signs is $300 dollars.
Chair/Chavers informed the Commission that CalTrans
is wrapping up scoping for the 57/60 interchange.
He requested staff to keep the Commission up to
speed. He submitted the article, and a copy of the
letter he wrote to CalTrans.
CE/Mousavi stated that letters were sent to
CalTrans by the Mayor, the Counties, and Senator
Frank Hills office. Staff will copy the material
submitted by Chair/Chavers and distribute them to
the Commission, as well as copies of the letters
sent by the other entities, and the responses.
C/Ortiz requested that Sgt. Rawlings receive a copy
of the letter from Mr. Kennedy.
CE/Mousavi stated that the Council will be
appointing their appointee on March 3, 1992.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by VC/Gravdahl
and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at
9:45 p.m.
Respectively,
sid Mousavi Y
Secretary
Attest:
To�4e� havers
GKairman