Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/10/1994CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF TIME TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 10,, 1998 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Chavers called the meeting to order at 6:41 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Vice Chairman Gravdahl. ROLL CALL Commissioners: Ury, Cheng, Esposito, Vice Chairman Gravdahl, and Chairman Chavers. Staff: Interim City Engineer George Wentz; Senior Engineer David Liu; Traffic Consultant Warren Sieke; Traffic Consultant Mike Myers; Administrative Analyst Tseday Aberra; Sergeant Rawlings; and Contract Recording Secretary Liz Myers 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Meeting of December 16, 1993 and January 13, 1994 C/Ury indicated that he will be abstaining from voting on the minutes of December 16, 1993 because he was absent at that subject meeting. Moved by Vice Chairman Gravdahl, seconded by Commissioner Esposito and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of December 16, 1993 and January 13, 1994, as presented. The Motion carried with the following vote: AYES: Ury, Cheng, Esposito, VC/Gravdahl and Chair Chavers NOES: None ABSTAIN: Ury (for the meeting of December 16, 1993) ABSENT: None II. COMMISSION COMMENTS - None February 10, 1994 Page 2 r� I/L PUBLIC COMMENTS Council Member Papen reported that the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has recognized a new transportation study group called Four Corners, which includes Diamond Bar, Chino Hills, Yorba Linda, Brea, CalTrans Districts 7, 8, & 11, and the Four County Transportation Agencies, thus allowing the City to receive funding from SCAG, and to be included in the Regional Transportation Improvement Plan, which is a major step in achieving some of the transporation needs for the community. She then reported that that MTA voted two weeks ago to fully fund the four year car pool lane program for Los Angeles County, awarding $313 million for construction, of which $64.4 million will be received by Diamond Bar, $61 million for the 605 freeway from the Orange County line to the San Bernardino freeway north to south, and $12 million for the 210 freeway along Foothill Boulevard. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR - None V. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation by Elementary Schools in Diamond Bar Regarding Crossing Guard Warrants i SE/Liu reported that, pursuant to the request of the Traffic and Transportation i Commission, staff has invited all the Elementary Schools to attend this meeting for the purpose of defining the specific needs relating to crossing guard services. He reviewed the current locations of the existing crossing guard services, as indicated in the staff report. It is recommended that (1) the City maintain the nine (9) existing crossing guard locations until such time as they become obsolete; (2) any potential future locations must be required to meet the City's Adult Crossing Guard Warrant Analysis Criteria; and (3) the City provide an adult crossing guard at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. AE/Liu, in response to C/Ury, stated that any future potential locations for crossing guards that are not deemed warranted by staff will not come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission or the City Council, unless an appeal process is suggested. Chair/Chavers explained to the audience that the City inherited the current crossing guards as assignments from Los Angeles County. He stated that, upon incorporation, it became necessary for the City to evaluate the guards and reaffirm their position primarily for liability purposes. As a result of the .. evaluation, it was determined that many of the crossing guards dont meet the standards prescribed by the State of California; however, the decision was then made to grandfather in the existing guard locations, to look at various warrant criteria for maintaining guards, and to look at the warrant criteria for evaluating proposed new crossing guard locations. He explained that any decision made February 10, 1994 Page 3 by the Traffic and Transportation Commission is only a recommendation that is presented to the City Council for their consideration. Chair/Chavers opened the meeting and invited those wishing to speak to come forward. John Urban, on behalf of Evergreen Elementary School, stated that the statistics regarding the amount of cars and pedestrians in a one hour period in front of the school more than meet the criteria to warrant a crossing guard. He presented photographs depicting the blind areas, and the down grade slope of Evergreen Street that results in higher vehicle speeds that are endangering the children. Officer Glen Kundey, representing the Evergreen Community Club, stated that many people exceed the speed limit, because of the down grade slope coming south bound on Evergreen, which is not a controlled intersection. He stated that many people making u -turns, and parking and/or double parking in the cross walk, along with buses stopping out on the street, all create blind spots for motorists picking up their children. He noted that the only safety net for the children is the crossing guard. Chair/Chavers requested staff to investigate the type of control devises that could be used in the area to restrict u -turns and help alleviate the traffic flow. James Arenas, on behalf of Maple Hill Elementary School, disputed some of the calculations reflected in the study which resulted in the changes in the criteria for crossing guards. He pointed out that there is about 3/4 of a mile of uninterrupted curvature from Mountain Laurel, which dead ends into Maple Hill where the crossing guard is located. If there is not a crossing guard at his intersection, many children's lives will be jeopardized. He suggested that the Commission accept staff's recommendation, and encouraged the audience to attend the City Council meeting to express their concern for the safety of the children. Marsha Pace, on behalf of Castle Rock Elementary School, stated that two thirds of the students attending the school either walk or are driven to school. She stated that the parents also double park and make u -turns with no regard to the safety of the children. The dangerous condition is further intensified because the intersection of Cold Springs and Castle Rock Road does not have a four way stop sign, and the intersection of Brea Canyon and Cold Springs experiences a lot of fast moving traffic. She submitted a petition signed by over 300 students, and submitted letters written by over 300 parents, asking to keep the crossing guard. She stated that they, too, dispute the statistics presented in the traffic study. February 10, 1994 Page 4 i Rosetta Pochecko, residing at 676 Linwood Drive, on behalf of Walnut Elementary School, stated that many parents at their school also make u -turns in the cross walk with no regard to the safety of the children. It is critical that their school receive a crossing guard for the intersection of Lycoming and Glenwood because eventually some one will get killed. She offered to be a crossing guard for the school. Carolyn Hawl, principal at Quail Summit Elementary School, stated that four children from the school have prepared an essay as to the reason why a crossing guard is needed for their school. Jonathon Martinez, Jennifer Li, Chad Laclusik, and Kimberly Garcia all read their essays stressing the importance of safety and the need for a crossing guard at their school. Jim Miller, residing at 21330 Chirping Sparrow Road, on behalf of all the schools, stated that everyone has presented testimony regarding their concerns for the safety of their children at their schools, and it would not seem advisable to make the situation less safe than what is currently existing. He asked if the City could somehow enforce no double parking and u -turns in the school areas. He requested that the City consider the safety of the children ahead of statistics, and dollars and cents. There being no one else in the audience wishing to speak, Chair/Chavers closed the meeting and returned the matter back to the Commission for consideration. Moved by C/Ury and seconded by C/Cheng to accept staff's recommendation that (1) the City maintain the nine (9) existing crossing guard locations until such time as they become obsolete; (2) any potential future locations must be required to meet the City's Adult Crossing Guard Warrant Analysis Criteria; and (3) the City provide an adult crossing guard at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. Chair/Chavers pointed out that, though the City can increase enforcement in these areas, the problems in front of the school are caused mostly by parents. He pointed out that crossing guards cannot be placed on every corner of every street, and it is important that parents begin to drive more safely. The Motion carried 5-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote: AYES: Ury, Cheng, Esposito, ®/C/Gravdahl and Chair Chavers NOES: None ABSTAIN: Mone ABSENT: None February 10, 1994 Page 5 V/. ®LD BUS/NESS A. Striping on Mountain Laurel Way at Diamond Bar Boulevard AA/Aberra reported that staff conducted traffic counts at the intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard/Cold Springs Lane and Diamond Bar Boulevard/Mountain Laurel for comparison purposes to determine if there would be any unnecessary delay to right turning motorists when the through traffic prevents right turn on right movements. When the data was compared, it was found that the traffic volume at the intersection of Mountain Laurel/Diamond Bar Boulevard was 50% greater then the traffic volume at Cold Springs Lane/Diamond Bar Boulevard. The data also indicated that the shared use of the curb lane should not cause unnecessary delay. It is recommended that the Commission recommend to the City Council to stripe left and through lanes on the eastbound and westbound approaches of Mountain laurel Way at Diamond Bar Boulevard and install 100 feet of red curb on the north side of Mountain Laurel Way between Silver Rain Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard. ICE/Wentz stated that the recommendation holds merit based upon the facts and figures identified at this intersections however, he noted that the intersection is also functioning as it presently exists, and there is not a huge compelling reason to necessarily change the current operations. He stated that the item was investigated based upon the request made by a citizen. AE/Liu, in response to C/Esposito, stated that staff has only received one response, at this time, from the two property owners affected by the red curbing. Debora Renegar, residing at 1386 Rolling Knoll Road, stressed the importance of assuring that the intersection is clearly marked so that there is no confusion that the left lane is separate from the right and straight lane. C/Ury noted that the lane widths may have to be changed after the lane configuration has been designed, He suggested that it may be appropriate to put red curb on each one of these sites both north and south of Diamond Bar Boulevard. Traffic Consultant Warren Sieke pointed out that, when considering the width of the lanes on the west lane, it should be noted that a school bus makes a right turn from south bound Diamond Bar to west bound Mountain Laurel that would have a difficult time turning if the west bound lane is too narrow. Moved by VC/Gravdahl and seconded by C/Ury to accept staff°s recommendation to recommend to the City Council to stripe left and through lanes on the eastbound and westbound approaches of Mountain laurel Way at February toe 1994 Page 6 Diamond Bar Boulevard and install 100 feet of red curb on the north side of Mountain Laurel Way between Silver Hain Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard. The Motion carried 5-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote: AYES: Ury, Cheng, Esposito, VC/Gravdahl and Chair Chavers NOES: None ABSTAIN: None VII. ITEMS FROM STAFF A. Presentation: Intersection Modification on Grand Avenue at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue at Golden Springs Drive ICE/Wentz, utilizing a displayed graphic, reported that staff is in the process of proceeding with the design of Grand Avenue in terms of it's overlay and/or partial reconstructions. He stated that one of the significant consideration is the treatment of the intersections, particularly at Grand Avenue/Diamond Bar i Boulevard, and Grand Avenue/Golden Springs. There has also been some consideration given to striping Grand Avenue three lanes in each direction to increase the capacity of that roadway, but restrict the use of the outside curb lane in each direction perhaps to be used only by carpoolers. He then reviewed the proposals to widen the intersection at Grand Avenue/Diamond Bar Boulevard, traveling westerly: relocate the curb and gutter; relocate the median further to the south to improve the traffic flow; extend the median left turn pocket towards the east to increase capacity; continue to permit left turns into the drive of the shopping center; relocate the median, on the west side of the intersection, to the north; and possibly put in a right turn pocket on the west corner in front of the bank. He then reviewed the proposals for the intersection of Grand Avenue/Golden Springs: lengthen the turn pocket at the median, on the east side of the intersection, to accommodate a double left turn on to south bound Golden Springs by removing the existing Sycamore trees; the City has secured approximately 15 feet to 25 feet of the vacant property at the south east corner to widen the roadway and make other improvements at that intersection; widen north bound Golden Springs to the east to accommodate the double left turns coming from Grand Avenue; put a single left turn, at the west side of the intersection, to go north bound Golden Springs with the potential of three through lanes; and gain width through that intersection by some widening on the north side, with possibly some minor widening on the south side of that intersection, and eliminating the current curbs in the medians, and painting in the divider. Chair/Chavers inquired of the lane widths just to the west of Montefino. February 10® 1994 Page 7 ICE/Wentz stated that each of the lane widths will be approximately 11 feet, in addition to the gutter. He stated that additional speed studies will be conducted to determine if a reduction in speed limits is justified. Chair/Chavers suggested that staff investigate if it would be feasible to have a "right lane must turn right, buses and HOV type vehicles excepted" as a way to encourage higher ridership. Sgt. Rawlings noted that such an approach may create more lane changing which may result in more traffic collisions. He also noted that, with the man power situation as it is, it would be difficult to enforce. ICE/Wentz explained that the "carpool" concept was suggested by staff to encourage a different type of use of Grand Avenue for those traveling through the City, and to encourage reduced trips, thus meetings some of the AQMD trip reduction requirements. He noted that appropriate openings or segments will be provided for traffic for the purpose of entering the carpool lane. In response to C/Esposito, ICE/Wentz stated that, basically, the existing wide portions of the medians that are turfed would remain; however, staff is suggesting that the shrubs in the short median sections be replaced with river rock, which is lower maintenance for the City. C/Ury suggested that staff look at the traffic flow turning left from Diamond Bar Blvd. on to Grand Ave. traveling east to west because the traffic comes close together. Chair/Chavers suggested that the median nose be pushed back away, flattening the arch. B. Presentation: Design of Brea Canyon Road Between Fountain Springs Road and Cool Springs Drive ICE/Wentz reported that the previous General Plan designated Brea Canyon Road as a secondary roadway, which means it accommodates a 80 foot right- of-way section, with a 64 foot payment, or a four travel lane roadway with appropriate left turn sections in the center. He stated that, with the General Plan under reconsideration, it may be a good time to assess the theme desired on Brea Canyon Road. 'Senior Engineer Consultant Mike Myers, utilizing"a displayed exhibit, described the existing roadway conditions of Brea Canyon Road between Fountain Springs Road and Cool Springs to Diamond Bar Boulevard, He reviewed the following concept design: the improvement contemplates one lane in each direction with appropriate protected turn lanes at the intersections and driveways in front of Heritage Park; perpetuating the no stopping any time on both the east and west February 10, 1994 Page 8 side, except in front of the park; include a Class I bicycle trail, on the east side, and a pedestrian sidewalk area, both off of the roadway; meander the road to avoid existing trees; striping changes in the commercial area in the southern end of Diamond Bar Blvd., to include anon pavement bikeway; the frontage of the high school would have no changes, except perhaps a minor realignment of striping north of Fountain Springs; and perhaps reclassify the roadway from a secondary to a lesser classification. The Traffic and Transportation Commission came forward to view the displayed graphic more closely. Staff provided specific responses, in an informal manner, to any inquiries or comments made. ICENVentz stated that the proposal is scheduled to go to the City Council within the next month for consideration; and, depending upon the Commissions comments and the City Council comments, it is scheduled to go to design this spring. He stated that the Brea Canyon Road project is an approved project, with available funding of $200,000 for this year. Chair/Chavers inquired if the funding used would prevent the City from j reclaiming the right-of-way in the future if there was an overwhelming need to create four lanes. ICEMlentz explained that all of the funds presently proposed for this project would be gas tax or General Fund monies, which would not preclude reclaiming the right-of-way if needed. In response to another inquiry made by Chair/Chavers, he stated that $10,000 is allocated for bike lanes using SB821 funds, and staff will be presenting a report regarding an additional $19,000 proposed to be allocated towards this project. V/!I. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS C/Ury requested staff to investigate if the curb of the street intersecting Fallow Field was painted red an additional 25 feet, as was suggested by VC/Gravdahl. He then stated that, in his opinion, a parking structure in that area would not be feasible. He suggested that the parking across First Mortgage should be posted the same as the east side because the employees are merely moving their cars every four hours. C/Ury, noting that this would be his last meeting, thanked ex -councilman John Forbing for having giving him the opportunity to serve on the Traffic and Transportation Commission. He thanked his fellow commissioners as well. C/Cheng noted that the City Entrance Sign at Grand Avenue, between Long View and Summitridge, appears rusted. _ February 10® 1994 Page 9 VC/Gravdahl explained the history of the Diamond Bar brand that led to the design of the Entrance Signs and its rustic appearance. He stated that the base of the signs will be covered, year round, by bougainvillaea, or another flowering plant. C/Cheng requested an update to the status of the traffic signal at Shadow Canyon Drive/Diamond Bar Boulevard. SE/Liu reported that the design of the traffic signals has been completed, and will be brought to the City Council for approval at the first meeting in March 1994. He stated that construction of the signal should begin around April or May 1994. C/Cheng expressed her appreciation for having served on the Traffic and Transportation Commission. VC/Gravdahl inquired if it was possible to give a limited deputization of crossing guards, as is being done in Arizona, to remind parents that double parking and parking in crosswalks is illegal. Sgt. Rawlings stated that, to his knowledge, California does not have a provision making limited deputization possible; however, a citizen could make a complaint, requiring an officer to come out to make a report and be forwarded to the courts for prosecution. He stated a photograph of the violator is not acceptable because it does not adequately identify the driver of the vehicle. C/Esposito noted that double parking and triple parking occurs before and after school at Lorbeer Elementary School. Chair/Chavers requested staff to provide the Commission with an updated list of traffic signals. He stated that the Commission should receive an update tho their status every six months. IX. ADJOURNMENT Moved by C/Ury, seconded by C/Cheng and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Respectively, v Davia G. Liu Secretary Attest: . Todd Chavers Chairman