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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/8/19941 1 1 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION DECEMBER 8, 1991 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ortiz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Hearing Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Gravdahl. ROLL CALL Chairman Ortiz stated that Commissioner Esposito would be absent and excused from the meeting. Commissioners: Chairman Ortiz, Chavers, Gravdahl, VC/Istik. Staff: Senior Engineer, David Liu;_ Consultant Engineer, Michael Myers; Sergeant Rawlings; and Recording Secretary, Carol Dennis. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Meeting of November 10, 1994. Chair/Ortiz indicated that, due to his absence, he wished to have VC/Istik sign the minutes of November 10, 1994. C/Chavers indicated his that on Page 4, third paragraph, his motion should reflect "a bike lane consistent with the configuration that exists in front of St. Denis Church." He continued that if the bike lane is 13,1 his motion should reflect both statements. A motion was made by VC/Istik and seconded by C/Gravdahl to approve the minutes as amended. The minutes were approved with the following ROLL CALL vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Istik, Gravdahl, Chavers NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Ortiz ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Esposito December 8, 1994 Page 2 T&T CoMmission II. COMMISSION COMMENTS C/Gravdahl asked staff for a report from Tuesday"s City Council meeting regarding the outcome of parking in front of the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar. SE/Liu responded that the City Council accepted the recommendation from the Traffic and Transportation Commission with the condition that instead of all day Sunday, the hours will be limited to 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. VC/Istik requested a copy of the staff report which went to City Council. SE/Liu responded that he will mail a copy of the staff report to each Commissioner. VC/Istik indicated he.would like to see an advance copy of any staff report of a Traffic and Transportation Commission recommendation being forwarded to City Council. Chair/Ortiz stated that Jones Intercable seems to be taking advantage of their parking privilege by using cones at the red curb. He suggested that the red zone should be enforced or the red curb be removed to permit legal parking. SE/Liu responded that Chair/Ortiz is correct and there are no exceptions. Staff will contact Jones Intercable Friday, December 9, 1994 and work with the Sheriff's Department to control the situation. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Road inquired about the progress of the Fountain Springs traffic study. He also asked for an update on the bott dots issue. SE/Liu responded that staff, together with the assistance of C/Chavers, had prepared a scope of work for the study. Staff solicited and received three proposals. He further stated that fee negotiations are proceeding. The notice to proceed should be issued during the week of December 12. Regarding the bott dots, SE/Liu stated the Traffic and Transportation Commission stated at the November 10, 1994 meeting that this issue would be considered on a case -by- case basis. December 8, 1994 Page 3 TST Commission C/Chavers stated the scope and intention is to have the first public workshop at the January 12, 1995 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting. This workshop is intended to be a "problem assessment" workshop, and not a "solutions generating" workshop. The consultant will then prepare an analysis and range of solutions which might be implemented, and return with a presentation for the February 9, 1995 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting. Following the February workshop, the consultant will prepare a final technical memorandum recommending the conclusions of the study and the implementation plan for the neighborhood traffic control program. Mr. Clute recommended a public meeting be held at Heritage Park. The Commission concurred. VC/Istik inquired as to how the residents will be notified. SE/Liu responded that all residents of the area will be notified by mail. Wilbur Smith, 21630 Fair Wind Lane asked about the feasibility of controlling the traffic signals at the south end of Diamond Bar to discourage some of the cut -through traffic, particularly during the reconstruction of Diamond Bar Boulevard. He indicated he spoke with Interim City Engineer, George Wentz, who indicated it would be a relatively simple matter for the City to request Caltrans to change the timing of the traffic signals. He asked that this temporary measure be pursued by the City.. Mr. Smith further requested that signs be set up along the SR - 57 at the Diamond Bar off -ramps to let motorists know there is construction taking place in Diamond Bar. He feels this may encourage motorists to bypass the City. Mr. Smith indicated that, following their review of the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan, the City of Chino Hills, in a letter to the Diamond Bar City Council, encouraged a bypass road through Tonner Canyon. SE/Liu responded that staff has contacted CalTrans regarding Mr. Smith's suggestions for controlling traffic signals and it appears they will be unable to assist with freeway signs. The City has adequate signage and traffic control devices for the construction activities. There has been a 10 calendar day delay as a result of unanticipated subsurface condition, which December 8, 1994 Page 4 T&T Commission moves the completion date to January 14, 1995. C/Chavers stated he has observed the contractor closing lanes with little regard for peak hour traffic. He asked if there is a time limit within the contract specifying when lanes may be closed. SE/Liu responded that because of the wet subsurface condition encountered, the traffic control plan originally developed for the project had to be set aside. As a result, it became necessary to divert both the northbound and southbound traffic to the southbound lanes during the construction hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. resulting in one lane of traffic in each direction. Responding to Mr. Smith, C/Chavers stated Los Angeles County is in charge of the traffic signal controllers. Although they can adjust the time there could be a negative effect of increasing the queue back onto the freeway ramps. If this should occur, CalTrans can override any decisions made by the City to change the setting of the controllers. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR - None V. OLD BUSINESS A. 25 MPH prima facie speed limit1on residential streets. SE/Liu reported that at the November 10, 1994 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, staff identified residential streets which did not have the prima facie speed limit of 25 MPH. The Commission requested that staff provide, in tabular format, the CVC criteria with regard to the definition of local streets and roads. According to the California Vehicle Code, a local street or road is defined as follows: A local street or road primarily provides access to abutting residential property and shall meet the following three conditions: (1) Roadway width of not more than 40 feet. December 8, 1994 Page 5 T5T Commission (2) Not more than one-half mile (2640 feet) of uninterrupted length. Interruptions shall include official traffic control devices as defined in Section 445. (3) Not more than one traffic lane in each direction. Incorporating the surveyed residential streets information with the aforementioned CVC's definition for local streets and roads, staff prepared a table for the Commission's review and discussion. The streets mentioned in the report are those the Commission requested be reviewed. It is recommended that the Traffic and Transportation Commission discuss the information provided and direct staff as necessary. A motion was made by VC/Istik and seconded -by C/Chavers to recommend that the City Council adopt a policy. statement that "Residential streets in Diamond Bar should. be posted at 25 mph." In recognition of this policy, the speed limit on Prospectors Road, Highland Valley Road, Fountain Springs Road, and Cold Spring Lane, shall revert to that posting. The motion passed with the following ROLL CALL voter AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Istik, Chavers, Gravdahl, Chair/Ortiz NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Esposito A motion was made by C/Chavers and seconded by Chair/Ortiz to leave Kiowa Crest Drive and Palomino Drive posted as is (Kiowa Crest Drive is currently posted 25 mph and Palomino Drive has no posted speed limit) and allow staff time to conduct data research to see if the implementation of stop signs is warranted which would allow for the "interrupted length" criteria such that these streets maintain residential or local category. AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers, Chair/Ortiz, Gravdahl, VC/Istik NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Esposito December 8, 1994 Page 6 T&T Commission A motion was made by VC/Istik and seconded by Chair/Ortiz to request City Council delete the term "Residential Collector" from the Circulation Element of the. Draft General Plan and replace it with the term "Residential Streets". AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz, Chavers, Gravdahl NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Esposito VI. NEW BUSINESS A. TDA Article 3 (SB 821) Regional Funds SE/Liu reported the City of Diamond Bar was granted $98,000 in Transportation Development Act (TDA), Article 3 (SB 821) regional funds in Fiscal Year 199.1-92. SB 821 monies are to be used for various bicycle and pedestrian facilities improvement projects. The City was awarded SB 821 funding as a result of its proposal to improve/ construct bicycle lanes located on Grand Avenue,. Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, and Brea Canyon Road. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) notified ,the City regarding its $98,000 regional funding. The City was informed that this money will lapse if said amount is not utilized by the end of Fiscal Year 1994-95 or by June, 1995. As part of the Diamond Bar Boulevard Rehabilitation/ Reconstruction Project, the City will utilize $50,000 of its SB 821 monies to restripe/modify the existing bicycle lanes on north and southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard between Brea Canyon Road and Grand Avenue. Furthermore, the City has allocated $20,000 of this fund to establish bike routes along Grand Avenue. This improvement will be part of the Grand Avenue Rehabilitation Project. It is also the intention of the City to utilize SB 821 monies to modify the existing bicycle route on Golden Springs Drive between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Temple Avenue from Class III Bike Route to Class II Bike Lanes. C December 8, 1994 Page 7 T&T Commission Staff recommended that the Traffic and Transportation Commission provide input regarding the proposed uses of SB 821 funds and its concurrence. A motion was made by C/Chavers and seconded by VC/Istik to concur with staff's recommendation to utilize the remaining SB 821 monies to modify the existing bike route on Golden Springs Drive between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Temple Avenue from the current Class III Bike Route to Class II Bike Lanes. The motion was passed with the following ROLL CALL vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers, VC/Istik, Gravdahl, Chair/Ortiz NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Esposito B. Request for stop signs at residential T -intersections. SE/Liu reported that routinely, the Department of Public Works receives requests to install stop signs at residential T -intersections. When such requests are received, the Department investigates in accordance with the State of California's Traffic Manual. Generally, staff takes the following into consideration when evaluating requests for stop signs at T - intersections: (1) Actual warrants (2) Sight distance concerns (3) Street grades (4) Speed Concerns have been raised regarding the need for stop signs at three (3) residential T -intersections. They are: (1) Barbi Lane at Cold Spring Lane (2) Cold Spring Lane at Ambushers Street (3) Clear View Crest Drive at Rock.River Road Staff has previously field investigated these T - intersections and did not find warrants for their installation. December 8, 1994 Page 8 T&T Commission As stated in the CalTrans guidelines, stop signs should be used only where warranted. Additionally, as required in the California Vehicle Code, Section 21800 (b) (1) , "the driver of any vehicle on a terminating highway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on the intersecting continuing highway". However, staff also recognizes that placement of stop signs at the leg of a T -intersection technically just reinforces the requirement to yield to oncoming traffic. Therefore, staff suggests the following standard practice for requests for stop signs at residential T - intersections: (1) Upon receipt of a request, it will be field investigated and scheduled for review by the Traffic and Transportation Commission. (2) The Traffic and Transportation Commission will determine merits of the request. (3) If a determination is made by the Traffic. and Transportation Commission to install a stop sign at the leg of a T -intersection, this will be carried forward for installation. (4) If merits are uncertain or stop signs are contemplated for the entire intersection, a warrant study will be performed. (5) Upon completion of the warrant study, it will be presented to the Traffic and Transportation Commission for final consideration. (6) The matter will then be forwarded onto the City Council for consideration/action. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission concur with the recommended standard practice for stop sign requests at T -intersections, review the three (3) T -intersections at Barbi Lane at Cold Spring Lane, Cold Spring Lane at Ambushers Street, and Clear View Crest Drive at Rock River Road and determine merits of the requests. December 8, 1994 Page 9 T&T Commission Chair/Ortiz asked if the two citizens who wrote letters regarding this agenda item were notified the item would be on the agenda for this meeting. SE/Liu responded that both were notified by mail and no response was forthcoming from either party. C/Chavers stated that this was an agenda item for the November 10, 1994 meeting and the parties were not present at that meeting. Staff recommended the item be tabled to the December meeting. SE/Liu stated there has been no response in any form from the interested parties. However, there are two concerned citizens present. Chair/Ortiz asked the concerned citizens to step forward and offer their comments. Red Calkins, 240 Eagle Nest Drive requested a stop sign at Clear View Crest Drive at Rock River Road on two occasions. He reiterated he is in favor of a stop sign at the location. Wilbur Smith, 21630 Fair Wind Lane stated the Commission should consider the unsafe traffic conditions and recommend the installation of stop signs at the proposed locations. Chair/Ortiz asked if stop signs would be a better tool for enforcement. Sgt. Rawlings responded that there may not be sufficient traffic in those areas to warrant more enforcement than is already available. However, enforcement would be easier with stop signs in place. C/Chavers commended staff for a very clear and precise report. He concurred with the recommendations presented by staff. A motion was made by C/Chavers and seconded by VC/Istik to adopt staff's policy statement and table the discussion with regard to the necessity of stops signs at the three proposed intersections until staff has an opportunity to complete further studies and make additional recommendations. VC/Istik requested an amendment to the motion to include the intersection of December 8, 1994 Page 10 T&T Commission Gold Run Drive and Running Branch Road for further study and recommendation. The motion was passed with the following ROLL CALL vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS Chavers, VC/Istik, Gravdahl, Chair/Ortiz None None Esposito SE/Liu reported that in addition to the Sunday parking for the Evangelical Free Church, the City Council also accepted the recommendation as forwarded from the Traffic and Transportation Commission regarding the installation of a right turn lane on southbound Brea Canyon Road at westbound 60 on-ramp. VIII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS VC/Istik stated he was called by Eileen Ansari, the City Council member who appointed him. She asked him about a recommendation which had come before the City Council from the Traffic and Transportation Commission. He said that he was not aware the Sunday parking recommendation had gone to the City Council and indicated he wishes to have copies of staff reports being submitted to City Council in advance so that he is aware of the item and able to discuss the matter with the Council members. I8. ITEMS FROM STAFF SE/Liu stated that Tuesday, December 13, 1994 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. the Commissioners are invited to the holiday festivities at the Heritage Park Community Center. SE/Liu asked if all Commissioners are receiving copies of the City Council agenda in a timely fashion. VC/Istik responded he receives the agenda on Monday or Tuesday prior to the meeting. Chair/Ortiz stated he usually receives the agenda the morning of the City Council meeting. December 8, 1994 Page 11 TAT Commission SE/Liu indicated he will coordinate with the City Clerk to be certain that the Commission members receive the agendas in a timely fashion. C/Gravdahl asked if the packet item could be included with the agenda. SE/Liu responded staff will ask the City Clerk to attach the specific reports to the agenda. B. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Chair/Ortiz requested that the "Eligible Uses of Proposition A and C Funds" be a January Traffic and Transportation Commission agenda item. SE/Liu introduced Carol Dennis as the new Recording Secretary. 8I. ADJOURNMENT The motion was made, seconded and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Attest: C�� � �-,"'2Zt Tom Ortiz Chairman 1 Respectfully, David G. Li Secretary