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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/11/1993CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 11, 1993 CALL TO ORDERS Chairman Chavers called the meeting to order at 6:30 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 Ury. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Ury, Cheng, Beke, Vice Chairman Gravdahl, and Chairman Chavers. Also present were Senior Engineer David Liu, Administrative Analyst Tseday Aberra, Sergeant Rawlings, and City Recorder Liz Myers. MINUTES: Jan. 14, 1993 C/Ury requested the following changes to the Minutes of January 14, 1993: change the word "their" to "this" in the second paragraph, page 2; amend the first sentence, in paragraph three, page 3, to indicate that the signs are posted between the first and second house; amend the first paragraph, page 5, to indicated that C/Ury suggested that the "No Parking from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m." should be on the east and west sides, with painted curbs so that there is visibility; include a discussion on the "No U-turns" that were proposed to page 9; and delete the second paragraph on page 9. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Minutes of January 14, 1993, as amended. C/Ury stated that, because he had excused himself from the meeting for a possible conflict of interest, he is abstaining from voting on the portion of the minutes from the South Pointe Master Plan discussion to the adjournment. COMMISSION C/Ury read a statement pertaining to the City COMMENTS: Council's action, taken at the February 2, 1993 meeting, to approve the "No Right Turn between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m Monday through Friday" signs on Rolling Knoll Road and Country View Drive at Grand Avenue, and the Council's action, at the same time, to table the recommendation of the Traffic and Transportation Commission for the right turn signal from northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard to eastbound ' Grand Avenue. He requested staff to complete it's review and recommendations, as quickly as possible, for the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard, and reschedule the matter before the City Council to include the following items: the no right turn onto Grand Ave. will add to the congestion on Diamond Bar Boulevard; most of the February 11, 1993 Page 2 questions posed by the Council were addressed by the TTC on the January 14, 1993 meeting; the efficient movement of traffic in the City will benefit everyone; and improving major roadways will diminish the desire to use local streets. C/Ury then suggested that the following improvements be considered which will decrease the congestion in the City during peak traffic periods: a road through Tonner Canyon; additional lanes on the 60 freeway; and the development of an efficient traffic plan in the City designed to permit the passage of traffic through the City. C/Ury submitted his statement for the record. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Oscar Law, residing at 21511 Pathfinder Road, expressed his concern regarding the need for an emergency access lane on Pathfinder Bridge. He suggested that the Bridge be widened to have a shoulder for emergency vehicles, or build a separate bridge dedicated to emergency vehicles. Mr. Law also expressed his concern that the gutters in his area are never properly cleaned because cars are always parked when the street cleaners come -- through. He suggested that signs be installed prohibiting parking during street cleaning hours. SE/Liu stated that it has been the City's position that it is not feasible and cost effective to establish a policy for a parking schedule, or a parking permit system, at this point in time. In regards to the concern regarding the emergency access lane, SE/Liu explained that as presently designed, the new structure will accomodate two throughlanesin each direction with approximately 10 feet remaining on each side as an open area in which no parking will be permitted and that the construction date for the Pathfinder Bridge has been set for February 22, 1993. Upon discussion with the County, it was indicated that one lane of traffic, each way, will be maintained during the construction period. The striping plan will be discussed some time next week. Furthermore, a three way stop sign at the Pathfinder Road/Brea Canyon Road intersection will be implemented as soon as possible. There was also discussion with the County regarding the traffic projected for the Pathfinder Bridge, and they indicated that the Bridge was designed for capacity to the year 2005., February 11, 1993 Page 3 CONSENT CALENDAR: The Commission concurred to pull all the items off of the Consent Calendar for discussion. 3 -way stop sign SE/Liu presented the staff report regarding the at the request, made by residents, for the installation of intersection of 3 -way stop signs at the intersection of Summitridge Summitridge Dr./ Drive and Breckenridge Court to decrease the speed Breckenridge Ct. of vehicles on Summitridge Drive. Stop Sign and Multi -Way Stop Warrant Analysis were conducted by the traffic consultants, and since it was determined that no minimum requirements were met for either a stop sign or a multi -stop, it is not recommended that stop signs be installed at the present time. However, to reduce the number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit on Summitridge Drive, staff recommended that the Commission consider implementing the following: post speed limit signs 500 feet before both approaches on Summitridge Drive at Breckenridge Court; increase police enforcement in the area including portable radar units to inform motorists of their actual travel speed and post "Watch Down Hill Speed" signs on Summitridge Drive. ' C/Beke stated that the intersection is wide open, and the "Watch Down Hill Speed" signs are not necessary. Chair/Chavers noted that if too many signs are posted, they begin, at some point, to lose their influence on people. The signs are not really needed at this location, particularly the "Watch Down Hill Speed" signs. Motion was made by C/Ury to accept staff's recommendation in regards to posting speed limit signs 500 feet before both approaches on Summitridge Drive and Breckenridge Court. The Motion died for lack of a second. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation to deny the request to install stop signs at Summitridge and Breckenridge Court, to request staff to post speed limit signs 500 feet in advance of Breckenridge Court on Summitridge Drive, to increase police enforcement in the area including portable radar units, and to deny staff's recmmendation to post "Watch Down Hill Speed" sig;. February 11, 1993 Page 4 AYES,. COMMISSIONERS; Ury, Beke, Cheng, of Deer Crossing installation of stop signs to reduce the speed of VC/Gray.dahl, and Country View Dr. Country View Drive. A Stop Sign Warrant Analysis Chair/Chavers. was conducted by the traffic consultants, and it NOES,. COMMISSIONERS. None. does not meet the minimum requirements as set forth ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. Sign Warrant Analysis conducted indicated that Oscar Law, residing at 21511 Pathfinder Road , inquired where the fees, collected from traffic tickets, go. of way. It is recommended that the Commission deny Sgt. Rawlings explained that currently the City receives approximately 30% of base fines amount only, excluding the penalty assessments, which go to areas such as a special jail construction fund. The amount of funds raised by traffic enforcement in the community does not come close to paying for the cost of that 'traffic enforcement. The intent of issuing citations is not to raise funds for the City, but to curb people's driving habits. Stop signs at SE/Liu presented the staff report regarding the the intersection request, made by the residents, for the of Deer Crossing installation of stop signs to reduce the speed of Drive & vehicles in the vicinity of Deer Crossing Drive and Country View Dr. Country View Drive. A Stop Sign Warrant Analysis was conducted by the traffic consultants, and it was determined that this intersection currently does not meet the minimum requirements as set forth in the Caltrans Traffic manual. However, the Yield Sign Warrant Analysis conducted indicated that warrant numbers l and 5, as indicated in the staff report, were met. A yield sign could be installed on Deer Crossing Drive to reinforce the vehicles entering onto Country View Drive to yield the right of way. It is recommended that the Commission deny the request to install stop signs at the intersection of Deer Crossing Drive and Country View Drive, but consider the installation of the following,. install a yield sign on Deer Crossing Drive; paint a double yellow centerline striping on County View Drive (entire length); post speed limit signs 500 feet before both approaches on Country View Drive at Deer Crossing Drive i and post "Watch Down Hill Speed" sign on the uphill side of Country View Drive. Wanda Tanaka, residing at 23805 Country View Drive, stated that there is a problem with commuter cut- -.-q through traffic in the area. A stop sign on Country View Drive would curtail the excessive speed. She then inquired of the purpose of the double yellow center line. February 11, 1993 Page 5 SE/Liu explained that the double yellow line is used for channelization to keep vehicles within their own lane. Chair/Chavers, pointing out that the City Council approved the "No Right Turn 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m." signs in the neighborhood, suggested that the affects of those signs first be monitored before taking any action. C/Beke stated that the yield sign on Deer Crossing Drive has some merit because there is a tendency to come down the street faster than the other streets, and visibility is not as good either. C/Ury suggested that all action wait until such time that the results from the "No Right Turn" signs are determined. Chair/Chavers, concurring with C/Ury, suggested that the matter be tabled until the traffic patterns on Country View Drive are monitored and the cut -through traffic observed, as well as the traffic patterns and the motorists behavior on this link as well. Since the matter is to be brought back to the City Council in 90 days, Chair/Chavers requested staff to bring back any information to the Commission, prior to it going before the Council, for informational purposes. Motion was made by C/Ury, seconded by Chair/Chavers and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation to deny the request to install stop signs at the intersection of Deer Crossing Drive and Country view Drive, and to table the balance of the other items recommended by staff until a progress report pertaining to the Country View Drive cut -through traffic is brought back to the Commission in about 60 days. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury, Beke, Cheng, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. SE/Liu, in response to C/Beke, stated that staff has requested that the County inform the City of the exact date when the signs will be installed. Installation has been running about two weeks from submittal of the work order. Staff will notify Sgt. Rawlings when the signs are to be posted. February 11, 1993 Page 6 Chair/Chavers questioned why the pedestrian crossing warning signs would be posted on High Country Drive when it appears that the activity occurs with people crossing Peaceful Hills Road, from the High Country Drive area, to get to Ronald Reagan Park. Perhaps the item should be tabled until the location of the signs have been clarified. SE/Liu stated that staff will clarify from the consultants if the intent is to post the pedestrian warning signs on High Country Drive, or Peaceful Hills Drive, and then install them administratively, if the Commission so desires. C/Ury stated that there is enough information to take action tonight. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED to table the item to the next meeting, and direct staff to clarify the recommendation. Sgt. Rawlings stated that the Walnut Sheriff Department has received a computerized message trailer that can be used prior to the installation of the signs to inform motorists of the restriction, and the date it will go into effect. Stop signs at AA/Aberra presented the staff report regarding the the intersection request to install stop signs at the intersection of High Country of High Country Drive and Peaceful Hills Road. Drive and Rone of the Stop Sign Warrant Analysis requirements Peaceful Hills Rd. were met based on the existing conditions, therefore, it is recommended that the Commission deny the request to install stop signs at the intersection of Peaceful Hills Road and High Country Drive. However, a yield sign is warranted at this location, and it is recommended that the Commission consider installing a yield sign on High Country Drive to reinforce that vehicles entering onto Peaceful Hills Road must yield the right-of- way. Furthermore, to potentially reduce excessive speed and promote safety for both traffic and pedestrians at the intersection of Peaceful Hills Road and High Country Drive, it is recommended that the following be implemented: post speed limit signs, 500 feet before both approaches on Peaceful Hills Road; and post pedestrian crossing warning signs 400 feet before the intersection on High Country Drive (W -54A). Chair/Chavers questioned why the pedestrian crossing warning signs would be posted on High Country Drive when it appears that the activity occurs with people crossing Peaceful Hills Road, from the High Country Drive area, to get to Ronald Reagan Park. Perhaps the item should be tabled until the location of the signs have been clarified. SE/Liu stated that staff will clarify from the consultants if the intent is to post the pedestrian warning signs on High Country Drive, or Peaceful Hills Drive, and then install them administratively, if the Commission so desires. C/Ury stated that there is enough information to take action tonight. Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by VC/Gravdahl and CARRIED to table the item to the next meeting, and direct staff to clarify the recommendation. February 11, 1993 Page 7 AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Beke, VC/Gravdahl, and Chair/Chavers. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Ury and Cheng. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None. STATUS OF SE/Liu informed the Commission that the bidding PREVIOUS date, for the installation of metal beam guard ACTION ITEMS: railing along the north side of Grand Ave. at Rolling Knoll, has been scheduled for February 18, 1993. There are four alternatives presently being proposed. He also informed the Commission that the City Council approved the installation of "Loading and Unloading Only" signs on Colima Road, east of Lemon Avenue. The owner of Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe has indicated that the sign were sufficient. C/Beke, referring to item VII(B), pointed out that the intersection of Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd. has been thoroughly studied for the last three years. Chair/Chavers informed the Commission that a meeting is being arranged by ICE/Wentz, with a ' member of the Council and the City Manager to discuss the concerns regarding the Grand Avenue/Diamond Bar Blvd. intersection, and one of the Commissioners can attend that meeting as well. C/Ury expressed his concern that the City Council was not kept abreast of the discussions that ensued at the Traffic and Transportation Commission level regarding that intersection. The information to the City Council should have been supplemented with what was discussed by the Commission. ITEMS FROM Chair/Chavers requested staff to provide the COMMISSIONERS: Commission, at the next meeting, an update, for informational purposes, on the Planning Commissions efforts involving the proposed Diamond Bar Medical Plaza, the Bramalea proposal, and the status of the South Pointe Master Plan. AA/Aberra, in response to C/Beke, stated that the letter, from Diamond Bar High School via the Walnut Valley Unified School District, requesting a pedestrian crossing at Brea Canyon Road , as well as the response made by staff, was included in the ' Commission's packet for informational purposes, and to solicit any further comments from the Commission. February 11, 1993 Page 8 C/Ury pointed out that the letter from Clyde Evans, the Director of Transportation from WVUSD, is requesting speed reduction and pedestrian warning signs as well. C/Beke indicated that the City should address the issue of pedestrians crossing at that point because staff has been advised of a potential problem. Chair/Chavers stated that if the pedestrians are jay walking then perhaps there should be some added enforcement in that area. Sgt. Rawlings explained that jay walking is defined as walking across the street between two controlled .intersections. However, Fountain Springs is not a controlled intersection. SE/Liu, in response to Chair/Chavers, stated that the Commission will be notified when staff receives any updated information from CalTrans regarding the completion date for the left turn phase at the westbound 60 from southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard. Sgt. Rawlings made the following comments: the restrictive signs on Fallowfield seem to be effective; there is a "Traffic Safety Cities Program" seminar scheduled in March encouraging cities to work together to help solve some of their traffic problems; and AB408 was passed decriminalizing parking citations, effective July 1, 1993, which must now be addressed by the City or local agency responsible for law enforcement in that area. Chair/Chavers requested staff to provide the Commission with further information regarding AB408 for the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Beke, seconded by C/Ury and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. Respe _ ° v/ ly, eorge A. Wentz Secretary Attest° ,-ol'l — odd Chavers Chairman