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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/21/1992MINUTES: Apr. 23, 1992 C/Beke requested that the Minutes of April 23, 1992 be amended on page 1 to properly indicate that he would be able to attend the Planning Commission public hearing. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED to approve the Minutes of April 23, 1992, as amended. C/Ury abstained. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Ken Anderson, residing at 2628 Rising Star Dr., stated his concern with the traffic situation on Diamond Bar Blvd. at Fountain Springs Road. Noting that there has been discussion to install a signal at the Shadow Canyon intersection, he presented the Commission with accident reports, received from the Sheriff Department, and pointed out that Fountain Springs has had nine accidents, four of the nine being injury accidents, and Shadow Canyon has had five accidents, none being injury accidents. The traffic at Fountain Springs Rd. is exasperated by the heavy traffic coming from the schools, the movie theater, and the residential area. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MAY 21, 1992 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chavers called the meeting to order at 6:40 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: Vice Chairman Gravdahl. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Ury, Beke, Vice Chairman Gravdahl, and Chairman Chavers. Commissioner Cheng arrived at 6:45 p.m. Also present were Administrative Analyst Tseday Aberra, Associate Engineer David Liu, Sergeant Rawlings, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. COMMISSION C/Ury stated that he believes that some kind of COMMENTS: route through Tonner Canyon is necessary to help the traffic in Diamond Bar, and in this area. VC/Gravdahl thanked Chair/Chavers for reading his comments into the record at the joint study session with the TTC and the Planning Commission. Chair/Chavers thanked staff for removing the, private directional sign that was attached to a stop sign pole on Diamond Bar .Boulevard at Gentle Springs Lane. C/Beke welcomed C/Ury back to the meetings. MINUTES: Apr. 23, 1992 C/Beke requested that the Minutes of April 23, 1992 be amended on page 1 to properly indicate that he would be able to attend the Planning Commission public hearing. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED to approve the Minutes of April 23, 1992, as amended. C/Ury abstained. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Ken Anderson, residing at 2628 Rising Star Dr., stated his concern with the traffic situation on Diamond Bar Blvd. at Fountain Springs Road. Noting that there has been discussion to install a signal at the Shadow Canyon intersection, he presented the Commission with accident reports, received from the Sheriff Department, and pointed out that Fountain Springs has had nine accidents, four of the nine being injury accidents, and Shadow Canyon has had five accidents, none being injury accidents. The traffic at Fountain Springs Rd. is exasperated by the heavy traffic coming from the schools, the movie theater, and the residential area. May 21, 1992 Page 2 Furthermore, since there is inadequate parking for the office building on the .corner of the intersection, the employees must park on the street. He presented photos to the Commission. Chair/Chavers requested staff to visit the intersection, observe the AM/PM peak hour to get an idea of the traffic conflicts, and look at the encroachment on Fountain Springs, taking into consideration the block wall restricting site visibility. A report is to be brought back to the Commission on the next agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR:C/Beke requested that item B be pulled from the Consent Calendar. Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED to approve staff's recommendation to paint a 4" solid yellow striping and install w-3 warning sign with the advisory speed plate of 25 MPH, deleting the direction to provide selective enforcement in the area. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, and VC/Gravdahl. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Chavers. Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve item A of the Consent Calendar. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Request to Chair/Chavers stated, because he resides on Chinook Control Place, he will abstain from discussion of this Speeding item. Vehicles on Chinook C/Beke questioned the appropriateness of directing the Sheriff to have selective enforcement on every street that has a speeding problem. Since the speeders are most likely the residents on the street, the residents should get together and figure out who is speeding. AA/Aberra, in response to VC/Gravdahl's inquiry, stated that the "Not A Through Street" sign has been ordered, but not yet installed. Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED to approve staff's recommendation to paint a 4" solid yellow striping and install w-3 warning sign with the advisory speed plate of 25 MPH, deleting the direction to provide selective enforcement in the area. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, and VC/Gravdahl. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Chavers. May 21, 1992 Page 3 OLD BUSINESS: Crossing Guard Chair/Chavers requested that the staff report be Service amended to properly indicate that the request is to Ballena/ continue the crossing guard service at Ballena Meadow Falls Dr./Meadow Falls and not Ballena Dr./Golden Springs Dr. AE/Liu reported that the Commission had requested staff to conduct a second warrant study to determine the need to retain the crossing guard service at the intersection of Ballena/Meadow Falls. The results of the second warrant study indicated that a crossing guard is not required at this intersection due to the insufficient volume of vehicles required to meet the minimum requirement. It is recommended that the Commission review staff's findings and direct staff as necessary. Pam Stroud, residing at 2202 Rusty Pump, PTA President of Golden Springs Elementary School, appealed to the Commission to consider their basic instincts to protect the innocent and the small children who have not yet learned the proper way of crossing a street. C/Cheng stated that, even though there is not enough traffic volume to warrant a crossing guard, it is better to protect the children than to take a chance on their safety. C/Ury, concurring with C/Cheng, noted that CalTrans criteria is a guideline, and not law. C/Beke stated that he has visited the site three times during the morning peak hour, and he does not see a problem. Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, and seconded by Chair/Chavers to approve the crossing guard for the 1992 year and the 1992/1993 school year. The Commission will discuss, during the next year, the issue of crossing guard service for all Diamond Bar schools, developing a new criteria that will tighten our standards, and review the school situations on a yearly basis. C/Ury suggested that there should be two separate ' motions. VC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers withdrew the motion and the second. Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue the crossing guard through the 1992 year and the 1992/1993 May 29.8 1992 mage 4 school year, with the understanding that they be reviewed on a yearly basis, with whatever standards are in place at the time of the review. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, seconded by Chair/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to review the standards, during the next school year, and develop a uniform standard that meets the community's requirements, based upon counts collected during the next school year, at the elementary schools within Diamond Bar. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Operational AE/Liu reported the Commission directed staff to A n a l y s i s :proceed with the installation of centerline intersections striping and rumble strips at various locations of the along Leyland, Summitridge, and Longview, and to Summitridge/ initiate the evaluation of the operational Brookwood area characteristics at the intersections of Thunder Trail/ Summitridge Dr., Summitridge Dr./Brookwood Dr., and Longview Dr./Brookwood Dr.. An overview of the analysis, and a detailed report, prepared by DKS, have been included in the staff report. In summary, a stop sign is not warranted at Summitridge Dr./Thunder Trail, a stop sign may be installed at Brookwood Dr./Summitridge Dr. and a four way stop is not recommended at Longview Dr./Brookwood Dr., based upon existing traffic volume and accident data. Ross Bilotta, residing at 1103 Bramford Ct., noted that people going down Longview towards Brookwood purposely missed the tubes placed. He suggested that the Commission listen more to the concerns of the citizens, and less to the cold statistics presented by a group of strangers. AE/Liu, in response to C/Ury's inquiry, stated that a 4" yellow centerline has been striped on Summitridge Drive near Thunder Trail, and rumble strips will be installed by the end of May on Longview Drive near Silvertip Drive. May 21, 1992 Page 5 Chair/Chavers requested staff to stay in touch with the Summitridge community, and to set a schedule of revisiting the area to check the volumes, as more homes are built in the community. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl. and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation to install stop sign on Brookwood Drive at Summitridge Drive. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke., Cheng, VC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Holiday AA/Aberra reported that the Commission had Shuttle requested that this matter be brought back for Program further discussion in terms of receiving ideas for the 1992 holiday Shuttle Program planning. VC/Gravdahl suggested that the bus shuttle go into the residential areas to meet the needs of the elderly, and to change the hours of the service to reduce the costs. C/Ury stated that, since he and C/Cheng have not been presented with the study, the item should be tabled to the next meeting. AA/Aberra, in response to VC/Gravdahl, stated that the results of the survey, whether or not the community is desirous for the transportation system, will be brought to the Commission the end of August or September of 1992. Tabling the matter will not interfere with the planning process of the Holiday Shuttle Program. Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to table the matter to the next meeting. Traffic AE/Liu reported that the Commission had requested Signal that, since the County -wide Traffic Signal Synchron. Synchronization, Operation and Maintenance (SOM) program was presented to the Commission as an informational item during the April 9th meeting, the matter be brought back as an item for further discussion and comments. C/Beke indicated that the City of Diamond Bar was not asked to take any action regarding the Som Program. May 21, 1992 Page 6 Chair/Chavers noted that there is a chance that the City may not be included in the SOM program because we do not provide much in the way of benefiting these types of programs. He suggested that the Commission recommend to the Council to start considering interconnecting and synchronizing our own signals. C/Beke stated that the City has very few areas that the signals could be coordinated. The prime signals that need synchronization are the Pomona freeway off ramps at Colima, and Colima and Brea Canyon Rd. The reason the signals are not working right is that Colima is running at full traffic actuated, and Brea Canyon Rd. is running as fixed time. Motion was made by VC/Gravdahl, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to express to the City Council, and for the City Council to express to the County, our interest and willingness in participating in the County's program, if and when it is appropriate to Diamond Bar. Staff is also to express this Commission's interest, to the Council, that the City look for the ways and opportunities to synchronize our signals ourselves, in recognition to the fact that we may not want to wait for the County, and the County may not be able to include us in the program. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Parking: AE/Liu reported that staff met with the residents, Fallowfield/ on May 1, 1992, to discuss the parking situation Brea Canyn. along Fallowfield Drive. It appears that motorists have been using Fallowfield as a park-and-ride for the easy freeway access, as well as inadequate onsite parking at the First Mortgage Corporation (FMC). Staff has determined that a minimum of 20 to 30 employees (15 to 25 vehicles), of the FMC located at 3230 Fallowfield Dr., are utilizing j Fallowfield Dr. for their parking. It is recommended that the Commission consider the alternatives, as indicated in the staff report, for the parking condition of Fallowfield Dr., and forward the recommendation to the City Council. Clem Ziroli, with First Mortgage Corporation, stated that he feels that Alternative A would be the most. appropriate measure to eliminate the problem with the carpoolers. In response to May 21, 1992 Page 7 VC/Gravdahl's inquiry, he stated that they have approximately 60 employees in the building Michael Hemming, a tenant of FMC with 12 employees, stated that he is in favor of implementing. Alternative A. He stated that there is also a need for a traffic signal, or a stop sign, at Fallowfield Dr. and Diamond Bar Blvd./Brea Canyon. Frank Barkowski, residing at 20910 Pasco Ct., stated that the signs seem to have effectively chased away the park -and -riders, however, upon observation, the 30 to 50 cars parked on Fallowfield every day belong to the employees of the FMC. He made the following complaints regarding the parking problem: delivery trucks to the FMC double park in the street, compounding the problem; street sweeping is interrupted; mail delivery is stalled; and homes in the area are devalued. He stated that he is in favor of Alternative C. VC/Gravdahl concurred that the residents in the area are being impacted by the parking situation. However, parking permits, as suggested in Alternative C, is an expensive cost to the City. He suggested that the FMC consider using the empty lot, at Brea Canyon, for extra parking, and having a van drive the employees to and from the building. C/Beke stated that he is in favor of Alternative A, which allows the FMC employees to park in front of the building, and discourages carpoolers out of the area. If the parking problem remains in the residential areas, then a two hour time limit parking would be posted. C/Ury stated that it is not the City's responsibility to provide off street parking for commercial use. However, since the problem exists, it needs to be addressed. He stated that he prefers Alternative A, and if the cars start parking too far into the residential area, then two hour parking limits should be posted. Chair/Chavers requested staff to explore further alternatives to the parking problem. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by Chair/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation on Alternative A, to modify existing signs "No Parking, 8-10:00 a.m. Monday thru Friday: to "No Parking, 6-8:00 a.m., Monday thru Friday" and to direct staff to revisit the May 21, 1992 Page 8 site within 30 days of the signs being posted, contact the people in the office building, and Mr. Barkowski, and .include their comments in the Commission's packet, and bring back that information within one meeting of the posting of the signs. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, STC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. NEW BUSINESS: Traffic AA/Aberra reported that the City received a request Circulation from Chaparral Middle School for the installation Study at of a "No U -Turn" sign on Ironbark Drive. According Chaparral to the School, motorists make U-turns on Spruce Middle School Tree Drive after they pick-up and drop-off their children. This area was observed by the Walnut Sheriff Station, and it is their opinion that the City should consider installing a "No U-turn" sign on Ironbark Dr. It was also observed that motorists did not obey the posted speed limit or the warning signs. It is recommended that the Commission direct the Sheriff Department to provide selective enforcement on Ironbark Dr., concur with staff's recommendation to install a "No U-turn" sign on Ironbark Drive, and forward the recommendation to the City Council. Russ Frank, Assistant Principal of Chaparral Middle School, explained that there has been an increase in traffic in the last couple of years because of the bus fees have increased, and all grades now begin at the same time. He is in favor of the installation of the "No U-turn" signs, but suggested that the Commission also consider a crosswalk on Ironbark Dr., about 50 yards west of the bus entryway. Sgt. Rawlings confirmed that the traffic situation is a real problem. However, he pointed out that much of the activity is legal. The Commission then discussed the effectiveness of "No -U-turn" signs, and the location it should be installed. AA/Aberra, in response to C/Ury, explained that staff did not include a recommendation for the location of the sign because staff is looking for direction from the Commission. May 21, 1992 Page 9 Russ Frank suggested that the sign be placed on the school side of Ironbark Dr. so that, as traffic. comes down the hill, the motorists will see the sign in front of them. Chair/Chavers noted that the sign would have to be posted on both sides so that it is illegal to do a U-turn in both directions. Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by Chair/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to recommend to the City Council to install the "No U-turn" signs. The location is to be determined by staff, with consideration of locating them on the lot line so that it is not viewed from the house. The residents along the street are to be notified, advising them of the date that the matter is to be discussed by the City Council. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. Peak Hour ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. AA/Aberra reported that the Commission was asked to Truck Delivery respond to a correspondence received from Restriction Supervisor Deane Dana's office regarding peak -hour Program truck delivery restriction program. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to receive and file the report from Supervisor Dana's office. Change of Street AA/Aberra reported that the City desires to change Name: Colima to the present street name of Colima Road, between Golden Springs Brea Canyon Road and the westerly City limit line, to Golden Springs Drive. It is recommended that the Commission designate July 9, 1992 at 6:30 p.m. as the date and time for the public hearing on Colima Road street name change. Chair/Chavers requested staff to develop a summary of the costs and benefits associated with the name change. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. May 21, 1992 Page 10 ITEMS FROM C/Ury, in reference to the letter written by COMMISSIONERS: Deborah Kline regarding the intersection at Country View and Grand Ave., requested that staff determine if something can be done to alleviate the problem of motorists cutting through h the area to avoid the signal at Grand Avenue. He also requested that staff investigate the intersection of Grand Ave. and Longview, and consider "A No Right Turn On Red" signal because the sighting distance, looking east, is poor. C/Beke stated that he will not be present at the next Commission meeting. He indicated that he would like staff to look at the signals at Golden Springs, Colima, and Brea Canyon Rd. in regards to the possibility of interconnecting those signals. VC/Gravdahl stated that the Foothill Transit is planning on putting in a line from Chino Hills across Grand Avenue, which should cut some of the traffic. The above is subject to the approval of LACTC, Foothill, Orange County Transit District, and San Pac". C/Cheng requested staff to look into sidewalk improvement for the section south of Pathfinder, on the west side of Diamond Bar Blvd.. Chair/Chavers requested staff to develop a sidewalk improvement program, that the Commission can recommend to the City Council, and place it on the agenda assoon as possible. He further requested information regarding the City's parking requirement standards. ITEMS FROM Chair/Chavers requested that the Joint Study STAFF: Session Minutes of May 11, 1992 be placed on the next agenda's Consent Calendar. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. to June 11, 1992 at 6:30 p.m. Respect` ely, avid Liu Secretary Attest: 71 � d Chavers` Chairman