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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/14/1993CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION JANUARY 14, 1993 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chavers called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Cheng. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Ury, Cheng, Beke, Vice Chairman Gravdahl, and Chairman Chavers. Also present were Interim City Engineer George Wentz, Senior Engineer David Liu, Administrative Analyst Tseday Aberra, Sergeant Rawlings, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. MINUTES: Dec. 10, 1992 C/Beke requested that the Minutes of December 10, or yield signs 1992 be amended on page 7, sixth paragraph, second on King Lake Dr. line, to delete the word "no", and replace the word at Gernside Dr. "does" with "may"; page 8, sixth paragraph, second line, add the words, 1° motorists exiting", following the word "protect"; and page 10, fourth paragraph to correctly spell the word "eligible". Chair/Chavers requested the minutes be amended on page 11, to delete the phrase, "due to a drainage problem from the heavy rains". Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Minutes of December 10, 1992, as amended. CONSENT CALENDAR: To install stop Chair/Chavers requested that item A, of the Consent or yield signs Calendar, be pulled to allow for public testimony. on King Lake Dr. at Gernside Dr. AA/Aberra presented the staff report regarding the request, made by a resident, that the City install a stop or yield sign on King Lake Drive at Gernside Drive in order to encourage motorists on King Lake Drive to stop or slow down when approaching the intersection. King Lake Drive and Gernside Drive are both cul-de-sacs adjoining to form a T - intersection, and the unrestricted view and lack of traffic volume from this street do not warrant stop or yield signs. Furthermore, as governed by Section 21800 of the California Vehicle Code, King Lake Drive motorists shall ',yield the right-of-way to any vehicles on Gernside Drive. It is recommended that the Commission deny the request to install stop or yield signs at the intersection of King Lake Drive and Gernside Drive. January 14, 1993 Page 2 Deborah Wendoll, residing at 20559 E. Gernside Drive, concurred that there have not been any accidents in the past three years at this intersection, however, there have been many close calls. The other residents in the area could not make plans to attend the meeting on short notice, but they have indicated their willingness to submit a petition, if necessary. Jennifer Prince, residing at 1441. Fair Lance, Walnut, pointed out that the tennis courts on King Lake Drive have increased traffic in this area during the evening. C/Ury suggested that the foliage, on the corner of King Lake Drive/Gernside Drive, be trimmed to improve the line of sight. Sgt. Rawlings, in response to C/Beke, confirmed that Section 21800, of the California Vehicle Code, clearly states that at an intersection where one street tees into another street, the traffic on the street that tees must yield to the through traffic. VC/Gravdahl suggested that, since many of the residents were unable to attend the meeting, the matter be continued to the next meeting to allow an opportunity for further public testimony. C/Beke pointed out that the decision would be the same, based upon the facts presented by staff. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation, and to direct staff to investigate the foliage at. that intersection, and determine what can be done to improve visibility. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. OLD BUSINESS: 112 -Hour Parking ICE/Wentz reported that this matter is before the 8:00 a.m.-5:00 Commission in order to discuss and clarify the p.m. Mon. -Fri." original intent of the Commission as it pertains to on Fallow Field the three restrictive signs installed on westerly Dr. between Brea side of Fallow Field Dr., between Brea Canyon Cut- Cnyn. Cut-off Rd.off Road and Pasco Court. Mr. Clem Ziroli, Manager and Pasco Ct. of the First Mortgage Corporation, requested that the three 112 -Hour Parking, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday -Friday" signs located on the westerly side F11 1 lJ January 14, 1993 Page 3 of Fallow Field Dr. between Brea Canyon Cut-off Road and Pasco Court be removed because employees of First Mortgage Corporation desire to utilize this area for parking. ICE/Wentz reported that the Department of Public Works received 18 responses, to the 50 surveys sent out, to the Fallow Field Dr. and Pasco Ct. residents soliciting their comments regarding the three signs on Fallow Field Drive, of which 9 indicated that the signs should remain as they are, and 2 indicated a desire to eliminate all parking restrictions in the area. C/Beke stated that the intent of the signs posted was to allow for visitor parking, and to keep carpoolers out of the area. This seems to have been accomplished. Mr. Ziroli should have adequate on site parking for his employees. ICE/Wentz, in response to C/Ury, stated that the signs are presently posted on the westerly side of Fallow Field Dr., and between the first and second house on the First Mortgage side of the street. There is room for at least 6 cars to park on the First Mortgage side without restriction. However, carpoolers would also be able to park in that area. Bruce Norman, with First Mortgage Corporation, on behalf of Mr. Ziroli, distributed photos, to the Commission, of the front of the building to illustrate the area being discussed. First Mortgage does not have a desire to infringe, on the parking in front of any of the neighbors homes. However, there is an overflow of parking at the First Mortgage Building, and it is requested that parking be allowed on Fallow Field Dr., between Brea Canyon Cut-off Rd. and Pasco Court, across the street and in front of the First Mortgage Building, because it would accommodate about 15 cars, and it is not in front of anyone's home. Furthermore, since there are plans to expand on a lower floor of the building, additional parking spaces may be needed. Several suggestions, such as carpooling, have been made to the employees to reduce the amount of cars. He suggested that parking be allowed, in that area across from the building, Monday -Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with parking restricted before 8:00 a.m. to keep the carpoolers out of the area. Heber Rodriguez, residing at 20920 Pasco Court, expressed his opposition to permitting First Mortgage to park along the west side of Fallow Field Dr. because it infringes on the appearance of their neighborhood, affecting their property value. January 14, 1993 Page 4 i Cars are currently parked all the way to Pasco Court, on the west side, creating a risk factor because visibility of vehicles approaching from Brea Canyon Cut-off Road on to Fallow Field Drive is blocked. Also, carpoolers arrive early and take the parking spaces immediately in front of the building to the second residence on the Southside of Fallow Field Dr. because there are no signs posted in that area. He recommended that either the signs remain, or the residential area have a j "No Parking" zone. Frank Barkowski, residing at 20920 Pasco Court, stated that the employees of First Mortgage Corporation are moving their cars a couple of feet rather than complying with the signs. Furthermore, the employees throw their garbage onto that slope area because they apparently feel no one owns that property. He suggested that the three signs, indicated in the staff report, be changed to "No Parking", and that the rest of the tract be restricted to the 112 -Hour Parking". Armando Samoncona, residing at 20940 Pasco Court, also stated that the employees throw their trash onto the slope area. He suggested that the employees park across Brea Canyon Cut-off Road, and that "No Parking" signs be posted in lieu of where the three signs are currently located. Lee Foster, residing at 20933 Pasco Court, stated that the signs posted need to include arrows indicating the direction of the parking restriction. He suggested that a crosswalk, or a signal, be installed at Brea Canyon Cut-off Road to provide a safe access for the employees to park in that area. Sharon Foster, residing at 20933 Pasco Court, stated that even though the carpoolers have been eliminated, the amount of cars parked in their area have not decreased, indicating that the cars are a result of overflow parking from First Mortgage Corporation. The 112 -Hour" signs should remain, or be replaced with "No Parking" signs because cars parked in that area block visibility. C/Ury recommended that the sign, on the east side, r - be moved to the property line separating the first home and First Mortgage's property, and that there be an arrow to designate the parking restriction. He also recommended that "No Parking from 6:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m." signs should be posted on the east J January 14, 1993 Page 5 and west side, with painted curbs to improve visibility. C/Beke indicated that he is opposed to removing the signs because the purpose of the 2 -hour time limit parking on the westerly side of Fallow Field Dr. was to help serve First Mortgage's visitors needs. VC/Gravdahl pointed out that, since some of the cars are parked at the end of the curb on Pasco Court, there should be red marking on the curb, giving sight clearance for those people coming out of Pasco Court. Chair/Chavers, in response to C/Cheng's inquiry regarding parking across Brea Canyon Cut-off Road, explained that the City does not want to encourage pedestrian - traffic until there is adequate protection, and a stop sign is an inappropriate device for application in that area. Chair/Chavers stated that red curbing may be needed on the same side of the street as First Mortgage as well. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by Chair/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to direct staff to install 2 or 3 signs, directly in front of First Mortgage's property, prohibiting parking between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., (for the purpose of keeping carpoolers out of the area), and to include arrows on the signs to indicate where the restriction begins and ends; leave the 112 -Hour" time limit parking restriction on the slope slide (which will allow for visitor parking); move the. 112 -Hour" parking limit sign, that is currently located on the east side between the first and second residence, to the property line separating the first home and First Mortgage's property, to include an arrow on the sign indicating that the control point starts from this point up the street; and look at the curb returns at both intersections of Brea Canyon Cut-off and Pasco Court, and determine the appropriate distance it should be painted red. AXES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. January 14, 1993 'Page 6 l Cut -through Chair/Chavers stated that staff has recommended traffic on that discussion, regarding cut -through traffic on Quail Summit Dr. Quail Summit Drive and the right turn overlap from Diamond signalization on Diamond Bar Blvd. and Grand Ave., Bar Blvd. to be combined because the action of one may effect Grand Ave. the other. AE/Liu reported that the Commission requested staff to solicit comments from the Quail Summit Drive, Rolling Knoll Road, Winterwood Lane and Country View residents pertaining to the possible installation of "No Right Turn, 4:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m., Monday -Friday" signs on Rolling Knoll Road and Country View Drive at Grand Avenue. Of the 1.46 residents who reside on the indicated streets, a. total of 24 responded, of which only one resident was opposed to the right turn restriction. To provide a better balance between deterring bypass traffic and minimizing inconvenience to residents, staff recommends that at this time the Commission consider implementing the right turn overlap signalization for northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard traffic at Grand Avenue first. This will make the arterial street route more attractive and reduce the potential for bypass through the residential area. However, if the Commission does not concur with staff, it is requested that the commission consider the recommendation of the installation of "No Right Turn, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday" signs on Rolling Knoll Road and Country View Drive at; Grand Ave., and the installation of a W-41 sign on Rolling Knoll Road in advance of the traffic signal at Grand Avenue. Don Lemly, residing at 1387 Rolling Knoll Road, pointed out that regardless of what is implemented on the corner of Diamond Bar Blvd. and Grand Ave., there will not be a significant change to the cut - through traffic because people have become habitualized to do so. He suggested that the time restriction be changed to 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., and that there be adequate enforcement. Karen Mahoney, residing at 23834 Country View Drive, expressed her opposition to the right turn overlap signalization on Diamond Bar Blvd. at Grand Avenue, and the "No U-turn" on Grand Avenue, because it would be very difficult to come out of Ralph's and come back into her neighborhood. She then expressed her support for the "No Right Turn" on Rolling Knoll Road and Country View Drive at Grand Avenue. January 14, 1993 Page 7 Raul Medina, residing at 23852 Country View Dr., and Ken Klein, residing at 23812 Country View Dr., expressed their support for the "No Right Turn" signs. John Murphy, residing at 23742 Country View Dr., suggested making Country View Drive a cul-de-sac. Ken Klein stated that they have written letters, to the City, on April 7th, September 30th, and December 18th, 1992, requesting that their street be made into a cul-de-sac, but have never received a response. Jack and Wanda Tanaka, residing at 23805 Country View Drive, expressed their support for the proposed signs, or the cul-de-sacing of Country View Drive. They presented a petition of 35 signatures supporting the signs. Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by C/Cheng and CARRIED to accept staff's recommendation regarding mitigating cut -through traffic on Quail Summit Drive from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Grand Ave., but amending the recommended sign to indicate "No Right Turn, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday -Friday" to be posted on Rolling Knoll Road and Country View Drive at Grand Avenue. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Gravdahl. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Deborah Renegar, residing at 1386 Rolling Knoll Road, stated that the problem in their neighborhood needs immediate action, regardless of what is done at the corner of Diamond Bar Blvd. and Grand Ave. Alan Singleton, residing at 23467 Quail Summit Drive, expressed his support for the proposed signs, but suggested that the time restriction be changed to 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. because cut - through traffic continues past 6:00 p.m. Sgt. Rawlings indicated that, since there is no parking allowed on Grand Ave., the officer would have to enforce this on Rolling Knoll Road. It would be helpful if the officer could sit in someone's driveway so that they are less visible. Chair/Chavers suggested that staff discuss this possibility with some of the residents on the corner. Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by C/Cheng and CARRIED to accept staff's recommendation regarding mitigating cut -through traffic on Quail Summit Drive from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Grand Ave., but amending the recommended sign to indicate "No Right Turn, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday -Friday" to be posted on Rolling Knoll Road and Country View Drive at Grand Avenue. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Gravdahl. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. January 14, I 1993 Page 8 Right Turn AE/Liu reported that, pursuant to the Commission's Overlap request, staff presents for discussion the Signalization feasibility of installing a right -turn arrow signal on Diamond Bar for motorists traveling northbound Diamond Bar Blvd. at Blvd. and attempting to make right turns at Grand Grand Ave. Avenue. In order to decrease delay and to facilitate motorists turning right from northbound Diamond Bar Blvd. onto Grand Ave., the proposed green arrow would "overlap" with the westbound left -turn phase on Grand Avenue. If the green arrow is implemented, it would be necessary to prohibit westbound Grand Avenue U-turns because of the conflict with the northbound right -turn vehicles entering the intersection during the right -turn arrow interval. AE/Liu reported that the Commission had also considered the alternative of allowing right turns from the existing number two through lane in addition to the existing right - turn only lane. He reviewed several concerns (i.e pedestrian safety, truck safety, and through f traffic impact) to this alternative, as presented in the staff report. vC/Gravdahl recalled that the Commission had made aj recommendation, on this item, nearly 2 years ago. ICE/Wentz stated that the item appears to have been overlooked, however, staff is desirous to get the issue resolved, and to bring the Commission's recommendation to Council so that it can be implemented. It is staff's recommendation that a right -turn arrow be installed at the indicated location, to operate in a manner described in the staff report, and that the U-turn for westbound Grand Ave. be prohibited as part of the installation. C/Ury expressed his concern that pedestrians crossing at that location may hinder the traffic flow making the right turn. ICE/Wentz stated that the pedestrian count at that location is not high enough to significantly effect that turning movement. The Commission then discussed the following possible routes that residents could take if the U- turn was prohibited: exit out of the Ralph's center turning right on Diamond Bar Boulevard and making a U-turn in the Standard Brands area; and exit out of the Ralph's center, crossing both lanes to the left turn lane on Grand Ave., head south on Diamond Bar Blvd. and U-turn back to Quail Summit. [1 C January 14, 1993 ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: Page 9 Chair/Chavers requested staff to notice businesses of the proposed prohibited U-turn before the item goes to the City Council. Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by C/Beke and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Installation of ICE/Wentz reported that, though the Commission and a 3 -way stop the City Council did take action regarding the sign on installation of a 3 -way stop sign on Pathfinder Pathfinder Rd. Road at Brea Canyon, there had been discussion that at Brea there should be some coordination between this Cnyn. Rd. particular effort and the Pathfinder Bridge project. However, the Pathfinder Bridge project has taken longer than anticipated. Staff is now prepared to implement the 3 -way stop sign, coordinating with the County any traffic control plans prepared for the Pathfinder Bridge project. Disc. of the C/Ury excused himself from discussion of the draft draft EIR for EIR for the South Pointe Master Plan because of a South Pointe possible conflict of interest. He left the meeting Master Plan at 8:30 p.m. Chair/Chavers recessed the meeting at 8:30 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:40 p.m. Chair/Chavers stated that the purpose of the discussion tonight is to give the Commission an opportunity to ask Hardy Strozier, the Project Manager, or Jay Nelson, the traffic consultant, any questions regarding the draft EIR for the South Pointe Master Plan. ICE/Wentz reported that staff has provided the responses received, from three of the Commissioners, regarding the draft ETR, to the Community Development Department, and the consultants for their review and comment. Hardy Strozier stated that a response, to those comments raised, will be provided to the Commission and the City Council through a formal response to comments process. January 14, 1993 Page 10 i C/Beke summarized the two concerns raised in his letter: the destruction of the oak trees; and the traffic problems created with the connection to Morning Sun. He stated that, in his opinion, Larkstone and Rapid View should be the alternative access, because if you connect to Morning Sun, then another Quail Summit/Rolling Knoll problem will be created. Jay Nelson, in response to.VC/Gravdahl, confirmed that the Circuit City Warehouse was one of the five cumulative projects considered when the traffic study was done. Jay Nelson, in response to Chair/Chaver's inquiry as to why the City's traffic model was not utilized, explained that there was no direction given from the City to use the traffic model. Chair/Chavers expressed his concern that, because the study was done manually, the regional aspects covered in the model are not mentioned in the study, such as the Pathfinder Road connection, or the background traffic to be seen on Pathfinder Road. The analysis procedures will now differ from those used in our General Plan. He stated that there should have been more consideration given to the increase in traffic, from future development, that will impact Pathfinder Bridge. Hardy Strozier explained that, because the traffic study indicated inadequacies in several intersections in which the traffic cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level, the draft EIR determined that traffic is one area that significant impacts would remain after mitigation. The City Council can approve the project and do an overriding consideration statement, or deny the project because of the inability to mitigate the impacts. Chair/Chavers expressed his concern that the circulation plans, as indicated in the concept plans, have not been effectively evaluated, in this Master Plan, as to how the whole project will come together in relationship to the surrounding environment. Hardy Strozier stated that the illustration, on page 2-11, identifies planning enclaves on Street A, which is the collector between Brea Canyon Road and Morning Sun Avenue. This has been extracted from a Master Plan text, which goes into more detail and provides standards that would guide any January 14, 1993 Page 11 development within these enclaves, describing the land uses, standards of those land uses, including standards for streets, and so forth, in this area. Chair/Chavers, noting that Street A, in the concept plans, do not resolve the school access problem, inquired when the City can resolve the school access problem, and any of the other specific issues that may arise. The circulation pattern in front of the school should be specifically addressed. Hardy Strozier explained that the adoption of the Master Plan, and the further delineation to the tentative tract map process are the vehicles to resolve those kinds of issues. The reason for the full range of concept plans, and alternatives, was because there were many ideas presented, and we wanted to make sure that all the ideas were covered for the environmental process. C/Beke, pointing out that all four concept plans show a connection with Morning Sun Avenue, suggested that one of the alternatives should evaluate no connection with Morning Sun. Chair/Chavers stated that the study does not address the function of the streets internally. Jan Dabney, 671 S. Brea Canyon Road, the lead private sector consultant on this project, stated that the Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) has made a commitment to the South Pointe community to try to resolve some of the immediate traffic impact generated by the Middle School. This project is a Master Plan project, and is the cumulative effort of the City, the WVUSD, and the development team. It is a rare opportunity for the City to actually be able to control what historically has happened in the past. Chair/Chavers stated that, since the WVUSD has not been a partner with the City, in the past, regarding traffic problems resulting from the schools, the traffic problems should be addressed during the design phase as opposed to later. Hardy Strozier stated that he will be contacting the City Engineer as to which comments the Commission would like a formal, technical, engineering response. January 14, 1993 Page 12 ITEMS FROM STAFF: ADJOURNMENT: i i I Attest Todd C av rs Chairman AE/Liu, in response to C/Cheng, stated that the County Board of Supervisors has awarded a contract to the Heritage Engineering Construction, Inc. for the construction of the Pathfinder Bridge Widening Project, which will be widened to four lanes. It is anticipated that construction may begin in April of 1993. ICE/Wentz stated that a resident has contacted him regarding the U-turn at Cleghorn, eastbound Grand Avenue. The matter will be placed as a future agenda item, if deemed necessary. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Cheng and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Respectively, ge A. Wentz Secretary