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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/9/1992CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION APRIL 9, 1992 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chavers called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Hearing Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Ury. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Ury, Beke, Cheng, Vice Chairman Gravdahl, and Chairman Chavers. Also present were City Engineer Sid Mousavi, Administrative Analyst Tseday Aberra,, Associate Engineer David Liu, Engineer Technician Ann Garvey, Sergeant Rawlings, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. MINUTES: Mar. 12, 1992 Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Minutes of March 12, 1992. COMMISSION C/Ury and C/Beke wished CE/Mousavi luck at his new COMMENTS: position. VC/Gravdahl wished CE/Mousavi the best of luck in his new job. He suggested that the Commission hold a meeting, strictly on the Circulation Element, prior to the joint meeting with the Planning Commission scheduled May 4, 1992. The Commission concurred to meet April 23, 1992 at 6:30 p.m. The location of the meeting will be determined later. C/Ury informed the Commission that he will be unable to attend the meeting but will submit any comments that he may have to Chairman Chavers. VC/Gravdahl requested that DKS attend the meeting as well. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Rhonda Aihara, residing at 23822 Chinook Place, stated that even though Chinook is a cul-de-sac street, it is a blind curve that appears to be an access street to other parts of the neighborhood. As a result, there is an increase of traffic. Furthermore, there is a home, on a flag lot, that seems to be providing day care. The parents are racing through during 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to drop off and pick up their children, respectively. She requested an evaluation of posting "Not a Through Street" and "Children at Play" signs, as well as a rumble strip. April 9, 1992 Page 2 ^i Chair/Chavers stated that, because he lives on the cul-de-sac, he will abstain from discussion on this matter. C/Beke stated that since "Not a Through Street" signs are used for cul-de-sacs that appear to be a through street, the installation could be handled administratively, and the rest of the items be placed on the next agenda for the Commission's consideration. The Commission concurred. Sgt. Rawlings indicated that he can arrange to have selective enforcement during the peak hours of the day care service. Gary Collins, residing at 18008 Via La Cresta, Chino Hills, addressed the Commission regarding the posting of the "Keep the Intersection Clear" sign in front of the Fire Station on Grand Ave. He explained that he received a traffic citation for stopping at that intersection during the peak traffic hour. After some thought, he realized that the reason he did not see the sign was because the sign is off to one side, and obscure. He suggested that, since it is a public safety issue, the signs visibility should be enhanced by enlarging the sign, restenciling it, and changing the color so that it is eye catching. C/Ury concurred that the sign is not well posted. Chair/Chavers suggested that a new sign be reordered at the time of the restriping. CONSENT CALENDAR: Chair/Chavers requested that items A and B be pulled from the Consent Calendar. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve item C of the Consent Calendar. AYES: COMMISSIONER: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. Crossing Guard ET/Garvey reported that the Department of Public Service at Works received a request to investigate the need to Golden Springs retain a crossing guard service at the intersection �I Dr./Ballena Dr. of Ballena Dr. and E.Meadow Falls at Golden Springs Elementary School. Upon investigation, staff recommended that, because the traffic controlled signal crossing on Golden Springs Drive is approximately 250 feet from the subject crossing, April 9, 1992 Page 3 and the volume of vehicle traffic is below minimum, the school crossing guard service should be discontinued. CE/Mousavi stated that since there has been concern from the citizens that they have not had the opportunity to review all the data, staff recommends that action on this matter be postponed to the next meeting. Chair/Chavers, noting that it now appears that the citizens have had an opportunity to review the data, suggested that the item be discussed tonight, the audience be allowed to voice their comments, and, if possible, a decision be made tonight. C/Beke stated that he would not have supported any action to remove the crossing guard service before the end of the school year. Tom Mangham, principal of Golden Springs Elementary, stated that the crosswalk at the intersection of Meadow Falls and Ballena is directly in front of the school. He is alarmed that the administration was not made aware of this situation. Parents will not use the traffic light at Golden Springs and Ballena because it is a high traffic area, and also because it is two and half blocks from the intersection where parents pick up and drop off their children. He submitted letters, to the Commission, objecting to the recommended action. The following residents voiced their concerns and objections to the discontinuation of the crossing guard service: Pam Stroud, residing at 2202 Rusty Pump, president of the PTA; Sandra Neas, residing at 778 S. Farben; Kandee Beas, residing at 23520 Jubilee; Carlos Kilburg, residing at 306 Rock River Dr., the crossing guard supervisor; Colleen parks, residing at 815 Golden Prados; Joan Luke, residing at 209 La Bonita Rd.; Mari Smith, residing at 24439 Darrin Dr.; Robin Stone, residing at 24401 Darrin Dr.; Augustine Biggs, residing at 2385 Chinook; and Dave Oliver, residing at 510 Charmingdale Rd. CE/Mousavi, in response to C/Ury, explained that since this request came from the Commission, the ' residents would have been notified pursuant to the recommendation made by the Commission. C/Cheng and C/Ury concurred that, after listening to the concerns, they are in favor of continuing the crossing guard service. April 9, 1992 Page 4 C/Beke stated that there was very little activity at the time that he made a recent visit to the site. He stated that he will look at it once again, and recommended that the item be continued to allow each Commissioner time to visit the site. ET/Garvey, in response to VC/Gravdahl, stated that there were 117 children, and 220 cars counted between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. VC/Gravdahl, noting that the peak hours are between 7:45 and 8:20 a.m., suggested that the intersection be studied at the appropriate time frame. Chair/Chavers suggested that the City periodically upgrade or check crossing guard activity. After discussion with Council members, it was indicated that there is a need to do what is best for the community, and that it should not be a monetary issue. Therefore, he suggested that the crossing guard service be continued for the remainder of this school year, and be retained. for the following years as well. He also suggested that perhaps the count did not include the children coming from the end of the cul-de-sac, or those crossing midway. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl, and CARRIED to defer decision till May, 1992 and that each Commissioner, if possible, go out and personally review the situation. AYES: COMMISSIONER: Beke, Cheng, and VC/Gravdahl. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury and Chair/Chavers. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. Request for AA/Aberra reported that the Public Works Department Stop Control received a request to consider the installation of Sea Green/ stop signs at Seagreen and Greycloud, a T- Greycloud Lane intersection, in order to control speeding vehicles on Seagreen. Based on the preliminary analysis of the data, staff determined the detail study of the intersection was not warranted for stop control. It is recommended that the Commission deny the request to install stop signs at Seagreen Drive and Greycloud Lane. Irene Bowers, residing at 24301 E. Seagreen, stated her concern with the excessive speed of motorists coming down into Seagreen. She suggested the following: the installation of a 3 way stop sign; trim the tree restricting visibility; a "Kids Playing" sign; a radar sign; a police survey; and a copy, with the results, of the last police survey conducted. April 9, 1992 Page 5 Following discussion, Chair/Chavers suggested that there be yellow striping, 25 mph speed limit signs posted, and that the area be surveyed by the Sheriff Department. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommenda- tion denying the request for the stop signs, and to direct staff to post one or two 25 mph signs at obvious locations, giving notice to the people in the area, and to implement yellow striping to the appropriate length. AYES: COMMISSIONER: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. INFORMATION Ed Rugle, of the Los Angeles County Department of ITEMS: Public Works, presented a brief overview of the Traffic Committee and the County -wide Traffic Synchronization Signal Synchronization Operation and Maintenance of Traffic Program (SOM). He submitted handouts providing Signals information on the development of the Traffic Committee, a matrix showing the membership, a synopsis of the SOM program, and a comparison of the SOM program with the County's traffic signal synchronization program. He reviewed the information with the Commission. In response to C/Cheng, Mr. Rugle explained that 13 cities are presently participating in the program. Since all systems are compatible with this program, the cities would be able to maintain their existing systems and stay in the program. CE/Mousavi inquired if there is a consensus among the Commission that Diamond Bar should participate in the program, or if the program is viable for the City to consider for Grand Ave., and possibly for Colima and Golden Springs. Chair/Chavers indicated that, since the item was presented as an informational item, it would be appropriate to allow the Commission time to digest the information received, before making any comments. He requested that the item be placed as an agenda item for the first meeting in May of 1992. The Commission concurred. April 9, 1992 Page 6 OLD BUSINESS: Request for AE/Liu reported that Maple Hill Elementary add'1 traffic requested that the City investigate the double improvement by parking, illegal u -turns, and illegal parking in Maple Hill the restricted parking area along Maple Hill Road Elem. School between Blenbury Dr. and Eaglefen Dr. during school hours. VC/Gravdahl and staff met with the school, on March 18th and 20th, and agreed that "NO U- TURN", and "NO PARKING, 7AM-5PM, LOADING AND UNLOADING PERMITTED" signs are appropriate and necessary to allow a smooth and continuous traffic movement. Staff has prepared the plan for the installation of said signs. Additionally, a double yellow centerline will be striped after the area receives the slurry seal improvement scheduled for June of this fiscal year. To address the observations noted, as indicated in the staff report, staff recommended conducting a mid -block crosswalk evaluation and a warrant study for crossing guard service, including the feasibility of removing the current crosswalk on Maple Hill Road west of Eaglefen Dr. and of moving the crossing guard from Blenbury to the proposed mid - block crosswalk. Furthermore, "suggested travel routes" have been made to the school for consideration. Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, and seconded by C/Ury to install the crosswalk, as soon as possible, and put in double yellow centerline striping after the area receives the slurry seal improvement. If a study is required for the crosswalk, the study is to be conducted, but the crosswalk is to be done as soon as possible. C/Beke suggested that VC/Gravdahl's motion be amended to accept staff's recommendation. He noted that the school year may be over by the time the warrant study is conducted. AE/Liu, in response to VC/Gravdahl, stated that a study should be done before the installation of the crosswalk. An evaluation can be ready by the next meeting. CE/Mousavi suggested that it may be more appropriate to wait on the crosswalk until after the slurry seal. VC/Gravdahl amended his motion to accept staff's recommendation. April 9, 1992 Page 7 CE/Mousavi, in response to Chair/Chavers, stated that the City should have the schedule, of the slurry seal contractor, by the first week of May. The motion and the second was rescinded. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommenda- tion, and after the slurry seal project, if warranted, install the crosswalk before the fall school year begins, as well as put in the appropriate striping at the same time. Staff is directed to make a good faith effort to expedite the installation of the crosswalk, if the slurry seal is completed early, and it is deemed warranted. AYES: COMMISSIONER: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. None. None. Policy for CE/Mousavi reported that, on October 10, 1991, the funding traff. Commission received a priority list with two signals on categories included: those intersections with priv. & public completed warranted studies; and candidate intersections intersections for warrant studies. The Commission requested that private/public street intersections be placed in a special category until a policy for funding of traffic signals on such intersections is developed. It is recommended that the Commission discuss the matter and consider the option of using number of lanes to determine the fair share cost to fund traffic signals on private/public street intersections, as indicated in the staff report, and forward the recommendation to the City Council. CE/Mousavi, in response to C/Ury's inquiry, explained that one of the arguments to charge private developments is because gas tax monies are only paid for improvements on public streets, and, generally, streets are maintained by the gas tax monies. Also, other funding available are usually for public streets only, not private. Another argument is that private developments are the sole users of those intersections, and a signal would not be needed had it not been for that development. It is a policy issue for the Commission to discuss. C/Ury stated that those people in the private areas are paying gas tax monies, and also pay for the maintenance of their private roads, at no cost to the City. VC/Gravdahl concurred. April 9, 1992 Page 8 C/Beke stated that if the signal is going to be warranted, because of accidents for example, the accidents are all going to occur on the public street. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED to recommend to the City Council that they adopt a policy with regard to funding of signals at private street or driveway intersection with public highways along these lines: o Proposed Development - The cost of the signal would be borne 100% by the developers on the private street. It would be done at no cost to the City. o Existing Development (involving commercial property) - The cost be shared based on the number of lanes at the intersection. if it is a T -intersection, and one lane is private, it would be split on a 1/3 private street contribution, 2/3 public. If it is a four legged intersection, one lane private, it would be a 3/4 public, 1/4 private sharing of the costs. o Existing Residential Subdivision street coming into a Public street - The cost be borne 100% by the City. AYES: COMMISSIONER: Ury, Beke, Cheng, and VC/Gravdahl. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Chavers. ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None. ITEMS FROM C/Beke suggested that the island at Grand and COMMISSIONERS: Montefino may have to be extended past the library to help Century 21. CE/Mousavi, in response to C/Beke°s inquiry, explained that, other than what has already been approved by the Commission, only those additional requests made by St. Denis for parking exemptions for special occasions will come to the Commission for approval. CE/Mousavi, in response to VC/Gravdahl, stated that the "Reduce Speed Ahead" signs should have been installed on Diamond Bar Boulevard. Staff will check into the matter. ITEMS FROM CE/Mousavi announced that this is his last meeting STAFF: with the Commission. He thanked the Commission for the opportunity to have worked with them. April 9, 1992 Page 9 INFORMATION Chair/Chavers indicated that he was comfortable ITEMS: with the revisions made to the TIA report. C/Ury abstained from discussion regarding the correspondence received from the Walnut Valley School District. C/Beke and VC/Gravdahl indicated their displeasure with the School District's seemingly lack of cooperation. Chair/Chavers, noting that the signs will benefit the City, stated that the safety of the community should not be jeopardized, even if the attitude of the School District seems to be inappropriate. C/Beke stated that, as the area is presently posted, it can still be used as a loading zone. There is nothing there that is precluding them from operating in a safe manner. If they want to do something different that is to their advantage, then they should pay for it. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by Chair/Chavers, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 9:44 p.m. to April 23, 1992 at 6:30 p.m. Respectively, Sid Mousavi Secretary Attest: Tod,cYChavers C airman 1