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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
APRIL 14® 1994
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Ortiz called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the South
Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) 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
Chair/Ortiz indicated that C/Chavers would be absent and excused
from tonight's meeting and C/Esposito would be arriving a few
minutes late.
Commissioners; Gravdahl, Vice Chairman lstik, and Chairman Ortiz.
Staff: Senior Engineer, David Liu; Administrative
Assistant, Tseday Aberra; Sergeant Rawlings,
and Engineering Secretary, Linda Smith.
-I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Meeting of March 10, 1994
Chair/Ortiz asked staff to give a brief overview of the minute
preparation procedure.
C/Esposito arrived at 6:35 p.m.
SE/Liu reported that the preparation of the minutes is the
responsibility of the Secretary. The minutes consist of a
clear, concise statement of every action including the motions
made and the vote on them. Any changes in the minutes can be
made by Commission action. Approved minutes are forwarded to
the City Council for their information.
C/Istik asked if all motions are reflected and paraphrased in
the minutes.
SE/Liu reiterated that a clear, concise statement is prepared
of each matter discussed. however, the Commission's comments
are welcome anti can be incorporated into the final minutes.
The minutes presented are draft and do not become official
until approved by the Commission.
C/Istik requested that all motions, even those not passed, be
incorporated in the minutes.
April 14, 1994 Page 2
Chair/Ortiz asked if the tapes are kept for a year and if
approved minutes could be amended or additional information
added by the Commission within that year. Chair/Ortiz also
wanted to know who listens to the tapes, and who prepares and
has input in the preparation of the minutes.
SE/Liu responded that the tapes are kept for one year and can
be reviewed to confirm that the minutes reflect the true
intent of the Commission's actions in the form of clear,
concise statements. The tapes are reviewed by the Recording
Secretary, Linda Smith. Linda then prepares clear, concise
statements reflecting the speaker's intent and the
Commission's actions. He commented that he is fully
responsible for the preparation of the minutes and reviews the
tapes as necessary. His role is to see that the minutes
convey clear and concise statements of the meeting.
Moved by C/Gravdahl, seconded by C/Esposito and carried
unanimously to approve the minutes of March 10, 1994, as
presented.
The Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Esposito, Gravdahl, VC/Istik and Chair Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Chavers
II. COMMISSION COMMENTS
C/Gravdahl reported that he will be absent at the May 12, 1994,
Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting.
VC/Istik asked staff to look into the traffic detector loops and
their alignment with the striping at Sunset Crossing Road and
Diamond Bar Boulevards
Chair/Ortiz asked for a report from Sgt. Rawlings regarding the
parking problem at Lorbeer Junior High School.
Sgt. Rawlings responded that the Sheriffs Department has been made
aware of the problem. All schools have similar difficulties at
start-up and drop-off times, and the officers have been instructed
to try to be at one of the schools at those times. Also, the
motorcycle officers have been on training assignment, so their
presence has been less than in the past.
C/Esposito commented that the existing red curbs are not effective
because people still continue to park and double parking is also
apparent. She asked if the red curbs could be eliminated so that
only the enforcement of the double parking violation would be -
necessary.
April 14, 1994 Page 3
SE/Liu responded that the red curbs possibly are faded and staff
will see that they become visible. However, if elimination of a
red curb is at issue then a re-evaluation of the site would be
necessary.
C/Gravdahl asked if "No Stopping" signs accompanied the red curbs.
SE/Liu responded that he could not recall the signs on the site but
recommended that this item be brought back to the commission as an
agenda item for discussion.
Sgt. Rawlings reminded the Commission that parking at red curbs and
double parking is not unique to Lorbeer Junior High School, but is
common to all schools and is a recurring problem.
Chair/Ortiz asked about "Loading and Unloading Zones."
Sgt. Rawlings responded that the titles did not seem to make a
significant difference. His Department is still asked for
enforcement of the signs where those signs are placed.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS -
Ken Anderson, 2628 Rising Star Drive, thanked the Commission for
the Fountain Springs Drive/Shadow Canyon Drive/Diamond Bar
Boulevard signals, and the improvements scheduled for the area.
SE/Liu commented that the City Council at their last meeting
awarded the contract for the signalization on Diamond Bar Boulevard
at Fountain Springs Drive and Shadow Canyon Drive to Macadee
Electric Company. The preconstruction meeting will be scheduled
within a few weeks, and the construction should start shortly
thereafter.
Oscar Law, 25011 Pathfinder Road, commented that the signal at
Evergreen Springs Drive and Pathfinder Road has a five-minute cycle
for those on Evergreen Springs Drive. Also, he asked why the City
is paying for the signal at Shadow Canyon Drive.
C/Gravdahl responded that the signal on Diamond Bar Boulevard at
Shadow Canyon Drive is a shared cost signal for the safety of all
citizens of Diamond Bar. He explained that the intersection is a
T -intersection coming from a private street, but the thoroughfare
is public and the signalization is for the welfare of those
traveling the thoroughfare. Funds for Diamond Bar thoroughfares
come from the gas tax paid by all residents. In the case of the
Shadow Canyon Drive Signal, the private developer in "The Country"
paid the fair -share of the signal costs.
SE/Liu commented that the Commission developed a policy for funding
traffic signals at private and public street intersections which
was subsequently adopted by the City Council. The policy provides
the guidelines for development projects and the fair -share
April 14, 1994 Page 4
contribution to be set aside towards public improvements at
public/private street intersections.
Bob Quartucy, 21446 Broken Arrow Drive, President of The Diamond
Bar Senior Citizens Club, commented that there are only two
handicapped parking spaces at Heritage Park Community Center which
is inadequate when they are having a meeting at the center. A
voluntary survey of the attendees of the last meeting indicated
that twenty of those attending possessed handicapped stickers, and
the spaces are only adequate for 10% of the members attending. He
would like to see temporary handicapped parking provisions be
provided on their meeting days (Tuesdays).
Chair/Ortiz presented copies to the Commission of a random sampling
of seventeen members' signatures holding handicapped stickers at
the last meeting, and forwarded the original to the Secretary of
the Commission.
Michael Schneider, 1100 Pebblewood Drive, expressed that he would
like to have through traffic diverted from Grand Avenue to Chino
Hills Parkway for users headed from Chino Hills to and from the
SR -57 Freeway. He would like to see the Chino Hills Parkway in
Diamond Bar changed to 55 miles per hour; the signal light at the
intersection of Chino Hills Parkway and Chino Avenue not to trip to
red for cars wanting to make right turns from Chino Avenue or at
least a 30 -second delay; the left -turn loops from Chino Hills
Parkway should not trip red lights; and three lanes in each
direction, to encourage traffic to go around Diamond Bar. At
Longview Drive and Grand Avenue the signal light should also be
timed to discourage through traffic.
SE/Liu commented that the Grand Avenue Traffic Signal
Synchronization Project would enable drivers the ability to travel
a major road without stopping during peak hours. The design and
data collection are in process by the Los Angeles County Department
of Public Works.
IV. . CONSENT CALENDAR - None
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Amendment of Resolution No. 93-05 entitled "NO Right -Turn,
4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m., Monday -Fridays".
AA/Aberra reported that Resolution No. 93-05 was adopted by
the City Council on February 2, 1993, to install the "No
Right -Turn, 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m., Monday -Friday" signs on
Rolling Knoll Road and Country View Drive at Grand Avenue.
The Walnut Valley Unified School District is requesting its
school buses be exempted from this right -turn restriction.
The District currently provides transportation services to
Quail Summit Elementary School which is located in the Rolling
Knoll Road/Country View Drive area.
April 14, 1994 Page 5 .,
Staff is requesting the Traffic and Transportation Commission
to review this matter and recommend to the City Council to
amend Resolution No. 93-05 to read "No Right -Turn, 4:00 p.m. -
7:00 p.m., Monday -Friday, Except School Buses".
Clyde Evans, Director of Transportation of the Walnut Valley
Unified School District, reported that the timing for the
District's routes in the area coincides with the present
posting and asked that school buses be exempt from the
restriction.
C/Gravdahl asked the procedure for the exemption to the
Resolution, the number of buses involved, and if the Los
Angeles County Sheriffs Department had any concerns.
SE/Liu responded that if the recommendation goes forward to
the City Council then staff would ask the City Council to
amend the previously adopted Resolution No. 93-05 to make the
exception for School Buses. This would enable staff to place
"Except School Buses" signs directly below the existing signs.
Clyde Evans responded that there are two or three buses that
get into the area after 4:00 p.m.
Sgt. Rawlings responded that the department would have no.
objection.
Moved by VC/Intik and seconded by C/Espositio to approve
staff's recommendation.
The Motion carried 4-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote:
AYES: Gravdahl, Esposito, VC/Istik, Chair Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Chavers
VC/Istik asked Mr. Evans if staggering school times to lessen
congestion had been considered, to which Mr. Evans replied in
the affirmative.
B. conceptual striping Plan for Northside of Pathfinder Road
Between SR S7 On and Off -Ramps.
SE/Liu reported that the Commission had previously reviewed a
conceptual striping plan for the Northside of Pathfinder Road
between SR 57 On and Off -ramps on March 10, 1994. The
striping plan includes 1211 white diagonals at 20' intervals
extending along the Northside of Pathfinder Road between SR 57
On and Off -ramps for a width of 10' and tapering to zero at
the ramp curb returns.
This proposed striping is designed to provide proper
channelization and effectively manage traffic circulation on
April 14, 1994 Page 6
This proposed striping is designed to provide proper
channelization and effectively manage traffic circulation on
the Pathfinder Bridge before drivers get to northbound Brea
Canyon Road and is not intended to create an 01Emergency Lane."
At the last meeting, the feasibility of the plan was
questioned since drivers are trained to pull to the right
during emergency situations. Designating the lane closest to
the curb as an "Emergency Lane" would not be beneficial or
safe. As a result, staff does not recommend the designation
of said lane as an "Emergency Lane", but rather to have the
Traffic and Transportation Commission look at the striping
plan and recommend to the City Council re -striping of said
area in order to provide the proper channelization.
Oscar Law, 25011 Pathfinder Road, commented that he would like
to see three (3) lanes in each direction for a total of six
(6) lanes on the bridge.
C/Gravdahl responded that the offices on the south side of
Pathfinder Road (east of the bridge) have been
allowed/provided with street parking realizing that the
eastbound traffic from the bridge has two lanes of vehicles
feeding it. He perceives three lanes each direction as having
a lock situation to traffic on the bridge.
SE/Liu commented that the cross -hatch area as proposed is a
channelization device to maintain traffic flow into proper
lanes.
Michael Schneider, 1100 Pebblewood Drive, commented that
motorists create their own right -turn lane onto Brea Canyon
Road from the westbound lanes of Pathfinder Road. He thinks
the grids would work if the lanes are not to be added.
VC/Istik commented that it is important to be consistent with
the street markings on this bridge and asked for staff
comments.
SE/Liu responded that a cross -hatch area is recommended for
proper channelization and is being utilized elsewhere within
the City. For example, the overcrossing of Grand Avenue at the
SR -57 Southbound Off -ramp (near the Honda Dealership), there
is a cross -hatched area for the eastbound traffic going
towards Golden Springs Drive. Staff recommends that the
Commission consider the striping on that section of Pathfinder
Bridge so that there would be one designated lane of traffic
instead of two lines of traffic in the curb lane.
Moved by VC/Istik and seconded by C/Gravdahl to do no
additional striping on Pathfinder Bridge.
The Motion carried 4-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote:
April 14, 1994 Page 7
AYES: Esposito, Gravdahl, VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Chavers
VI. NEW BOSXNESS
A. Landscape Median Island on Golden Springs Drive Between Gona
Court and Westerly City Limit.
SE/Liu presented the preliminary layout of the proposed
medians along Golden Springs Drive, between Gona Court and
westerly City limit to the Commission for review and comment.
VC/Istik asked if CalTrans had been contacted regarding this
project at the SR -60 near Gona Court, and if there is a
proposed raised or striped median in that area.
SE/Liu responded that CalTrans has not been contacted at this
time. It is staff's recommendation to stripe the area between
Gona Court and the SR -60 ramps.
C/Gravdahl asked if the plan needed to be approved by CalTrans
prior to going to the City Council, the date staff wants to
take the recommendation to the City Council, and if C/Chavers
had reviewed the report.
SE/Liu responded that the plan would have to be forwarded to
CalTrans in order to get an encroachment permit for
striping/ construction purposes. Their jurisdiction line lies
within approximately 50' of the curb return. Staff would
like to present the recommendations to the City Council in
June, 1994. C/Chavers has the same packet and has not had any
comments on this particular set of plans. These plans had
previously been presented to the Commission as an
informational item. At that time, C/Chavers commented that
the storage capacity for the left -turn pocket on Golden
Springs Drive for the southbound Rapidview Drive needs to be
evaluated to consider the South Point Middle School traffic
during peak hours.
C/Gravdahl made a motion to carry the agenda item over to the
May 12 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting, if it
does not hold up the process dramatically.
Chair/Ortiz requested SE/Liu to respond to the question of
delay.
SE/Liu responded that this is a Capital Im rovement Project
programmed for FY 1994-95 and staff would 1 e to take this
item to the City Council as soon as possible. `The Commission
has the discretion to hold the item over for formal input from
April 14, 1994 Page 8
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C/Chavers, or to have staff work informally with C/Chavers on
this project and subsequently forward the item to Council. +
C/Esposito seconded the motion.
SE/Liu added that the project is associated with the
Landscaping Assessment District No. 38.
The Motion was split 2-2 with the following ROLL CALL vote:
AYES: Gravdahl, Esposito
NOES: VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Chavers
Moved by VC/Istik and seconded by Chair/Ortiz that the
Commission recommend to the City Council that this agenda item
be moved forward for project specification approval.
i
The Motion was split 2-2 with the following ROLL CALL votes
AYES: VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz
NOES: Gravdahl, Esposito
ABSTAIN: None
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ABSENT: Chavers
C/Gravdahl commented that if the funding is from Landscape
Assessment District #38 then the funds are available. He
inquired about the association between the recommended action
and District #38.
SE/Liu responded that the recommended action is to finalize
the conceptual Plan If the layout looks adequate to the
Commission, the plans and specifications still need to be
finalized and go before the City Council for final approval.
At this stage it is only a conceptual plan, a layout for
review and input from the Commission.
C/Gravdahl commented that all Commissioners need to review the
materials before acting upon the recommendation.
Moved by VC/Istik and seconded by C/ Gravdahl that this agenda
item be continued to the next meeting in May.
The Motion carried 4-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote:
AYES: Gravdahl, Esposito, VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Chavers
Ba Diagonal Parking at Heritage Park community Center®
April 14, 1994 Page 9
AA/Aberra reported that a safety concern had been brought
before staff regarding diagonal parking on Brea Canyon Road at
Heritage Park Community Center. It is being brought to the
Commission for discussion and comment to either include this
matter as part of the Brea Canyon Road Improvements Project or
recommend to the City Council to install "Parallel Parking
Only" signs along the Heritage Park Community Center frontage
on Brea Canyon Road.
Bob Quartucy® 21446 Broken Arrow Drive, stated that he would
like to see more handicapped parking spaces to accommodate the
seniors attending the meetings at Heritage Park Community
Center.
C/Gravdahl commented that jurisdiction of the grounds at
Heritage Park is with the Parks and Recreation Commission, and
recommended that Mr. Quartucy takes his concerns to that
Commission. He suggested a local shuttle bus service
utilizing Proposition A Funds. He inquired the use of the
City's two vans in the future.
SE/Liu reported that a comprehensive analysis of the existing
condition of the two vans is in process. Pending upon the
outcome of that report, appropriate recommendations will be
forwarded to the City Council.
Chair/Ortiz asked for clarification as to the correct
Commission to which Mr. Quartucy should take his concerns.
SE/Liu responded that the Parks and Recreation Commission, as
well as, the Planning Commission would be involved with the
request for additional on site parking.
Mr. Quartucy, responded that he is at the Traffic and
Transportation Commission for off site parking and the future
improvements of Brea Canyon Road.
SE/Liu reported that the limits of the Brea Canyon Road
Improvement Project are between Fountain Springs Drive and
Cool Springs Drive. For the immediate area south of Heritage
Park, staff is recommending the two-lane option as presented
to the Commission previously with right and left -turn pockets
at the appropriate locations or intersections. The frontage
in front of Heritage Park would specifically be designed to
allow parking. Currently, pursuant to the California Vehicle
Code, diagonal parking is not allowed. The Commission could
recommend to the City Council a local ordinance which would
allow diagonal parking at the Heritage Park.
Sgt. Rawlings confirmed that Section 22502 of the Vehicle Code
states that vehicles must park on the right and within 18" of
the curb, and that local ordinance is the means in which
diagonal parking can be established. \
April 14, 1994
Page 10
VC/Istik stated that even though on site parking is a Parks
and Recreation issue, he thinks the City should do something
to accommodate the seniors. He further stated that to
accommodate more visitors, diagonal parking should be
recommended to the City Council as part of the Brea Canyon
Road widening project .
C/Esposito requested stafffs clarification on posting
"Parallel Parking Only" signs along the Heritage Park
Community Center frontage on Brea Canyon Road.
SE/Liu responded that it appears the situation of diagonal
parking is presenting a problem to the City and that the
posting of "Parallel Parking Only" signs is to reinforce the
California Vehicle Code.
Chair/Ortiz commented that signs are technically not needed
for enforcement of the California Vehicle Code.
Sgt. Rawlings commented that the increase of handicapped
spaces on site would decrease the total number of parking
spaces available.
Chair Ortiz stated that the increase is for temporary usage
only.
Oscar Law commented that the traffic in the Heritage Park area
is horrible. He wants to see sidewalks, curbing and parking
on Brea Canyon Road for visitors to the park.
C/Gravdahl suggested that perhaps a retaining wall could be
built so that an area could be widened, paved and an asphalt
berm be poured to allow diagonal parking.
Moved by Chair/Ortiz and seconded by C/Gravdahl to deny the
recommendation brought from staff to install "Parallel Parking
Only" signs.
The Motion carried 4-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote:
AYES: Gravdahl, Esposito, VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Chavers
VC/Istik then moved that the Traffic and Transportation
Commission recommend to the City Council and advise the Parks
and Recreation Commission that more handicapped spaces be
installed at Heritage Park as soon as possible.
Chair/Ortiz seconded the motion and with VC/Istik's
concurrence amended the motion to include changing the spaces
of the handicap location from the restroom side to the
entrance of the building with the ramp directly in front of
April 14, 1994 Page 11
the entrance and change the color of the ramp from blue to
white striping. Furthermore, to increase the permanent
handicapped parking spaces to a total of six, three on each
side of the ramp.
VC/Istik concurred with the amendment to the motion.
Sgt. Rawlings remarked that enforcement of temporary handicap
parking would be difficult because an enforceable handicap
parking space is defined in the Vehicle Code as having a sign
in front of the space with the picture of the wheelchair and
appropriate pavement markings. Both the sign and the pavement
marking are required.
The Motion carried 4-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote:
AYES: Gravdahl, Esposito, VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Chavers
SE/Liu stated that he would forward this recommendation to the
Parks and Recreation Commission and to the City Council in a
timely manner.
VC/Istik stated that prior to the Brea Canyon Road Improvement
Project, measures need to be taken to offset the current
under -parking situation at Heritage Park.
Moved by VC/Istik and seconded by C/Esposito to recommend to
the City Council to implement diagonal parking at Heritage
Park by directing staff to design a viable solution as soon as
possible.
The Motion carried 4-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote:
AYES: Gravdahl, Esposito, VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Chavers
Chair/Ortiz commented that he had to advise Mr. Quartucy of
the 6:30 p.m» meeting time. Mr. Quartucy was informed that
the Traffic and Transportation Meeting will be held at 7:00
p.m. by the Parks and Recreation Department. He apologized to
Mr. Quartucy for the misinformation he was given.
VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS - None
VIII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS
VC/Istik requested staff to check with CalTrans about
relocating the "Chino Hills Next Exit" sign for Chino Hills on
April 14, 1994 Page 12
SE/Liu responded that the City Council is aware of this issue,
and that Mayor Werner has sent a letter to Mr. Jerry Baxter of
CalTrans regarding the impact of this B1Chino Hills Next Exit11
sign.
IX. ITEMS FROM STAFF
A. Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis for the intersection of
Diamond Bar Boulevard and Silver Hawk Drive.
SE/Liu stated that as requested by Chair/Ortiz on March 10,
1994, the report (dated 11/1/91) is being presented for the
Commission's information, review and discussion. For Fiscal
Year 1994-95 there are seven warrant studies being requested
for budget consideration.
VC/Istik commented that the warrant study, dated November 1,
1991, is no longer adequate based on the finding of five
accidents in one year. He suggested that another updated
warrant study is needed.
C/Gravdahl inquired about the cost of a traffic signal warrant
analysis, how many traffic signals are being proposed in
Fiscal Year 1994-95, and how many open warrants are
outstanding.
SE/Liu responded that the fee of a traffic signal warrant
analysis is approximately $1,000.00. There are three signals
being recommended to the City Manager/City Council for
construction in Fiscal Year 1994-95, and there are no
outstanding warrants.
VC/Istik commented that the Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis as
provided by DKS Associates on November 1, 1991 recommends that
when traffic volummes increase then the warrant analysis
should be re-evaluated.
Moved by VC/Istik and seconded by C/Gravdahl to request for a
new warrant analysis be conducted at the intersection of
Diamond Bar Boulevard and Silver Hawk Drive.
The Motion carried 4-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote:
AYES: Gravdahl, Esposito, VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Chavers
B. Future Agenda Items
SE/Liu commented that C/Chavers had asked staff to bring a
list of candidate intersections to receive warrant studies for
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Fiscal Year 1994-1995.
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April 14, 1994 Page 13
X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
A. City Commission Rosters
Chair/Ortiz commented on the legibility of the list and
inquired if the Commissioners were contacted as to their phone
numbers.
AA/Aberra responded that the list of phone numbers was
provided by the City Clerk.
VC/Istik requested that his home phone number be provided in
lieu of his work number.
SE/Liu noted that a revised list would be provided at the next
meeting.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by C/Gravdahl, seconded by C/Esposito and carried unanimously
to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Respectively,
David G. Liu
Secretary
Attest:
< Z ) /161; � �'V -
Tom Urtiz
Chairman
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