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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/12/19941 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MAY 12, 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 Vice Chairman Istik. ROLL CALL Chair/Ortiz indicated that C/Gravdahl and C/Esposito would be absent and excused from tonight's meeting. Commissioners: Chavers, Vice Chairman Istik, 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 April 14, 1994 C/Chavers was excused from the April 14, 1994 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting and abstained from voting on the minutes. Chair/Ortiz requested that he would like to review the tapes for specific items he thought were missing from the minutes. These items referred to discussion regarding how the minutes are prepared and the time of the Traffic and Transportation Commission Meetings. SE/Liu commented that after the Traffic and Transportation Commission tape is reviewed together with Chair/Ortiz, the minutes would he revised to include such items accordingly. The revised minutes would then be presented to the Commission for approval at the June 9, 1994 meeting. II. COMMISSION COMMENTS - None III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR - None May 12, 1994 Page 2 Vo OLD BUSINESS A. Landscape Median Island on Golden Springs Drive Between Gona Court and Westerly City Limit® SE/Liu reported that the proposed medians along Golden Springs Drive, between Gona Court and westerly City limit have been proposed as part of the Landscaping Assessment District #38 improvements. At the April 14, 1994 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, the Commission requested this conceptual layout plan be continued to the May 12, 1994 meeting in order to give all Commissioners an opportunity to review this matter. With the input received from the Commission, staff has subsequently worked with Commissioner Chavers and received the following comments/input: (1) To determine the need for a left -turn pocket on eastbound Golden Springs Drive at Coco's/Jack-In- The-Box Restaurants; (2) To determine CalTrans' jurisdiction in the vicinity of Golden Springs Drive and the SR 60 On/Off ramps; and ( 3 ) To determine the need for the right -turn pocket on eastbound Golden Springs Drive at Calbourne Drive. Staff presented the preliminary layout and asked the Traffic and Transportation Commission to review and provide further input regarding the attached plan for incorporation into the design process. VC/Istik suggested that the landscaping proposed for the medians be of the drought tolerant type. He preferred the bubbler type irrigation as opposed to spray irrigation. He commented that less water on the asphalt extends pavement life. C/Chavers commented that he would like to see the striping plan brought back to the Commission after the design phase is completed, and asked if there had been any resolution to the items as mentioned in the report. With regard to item #1, SE/Liu responded that there is a need for a left -turn pocket provided. With regard to item #2, He stated that the exact location of CalTrans' jurisdiction is still unknown, but that there is still time during the design process to obtain this information. At this time, the intent is to construct between Lemon Avenue and the westerly City limit along the northerly frontage of Golden Springs Drive. If there is development at a later date, the developer will contribute to the needed improvements. Regarding item #3, SE/Liu said the right -turn pocket on eastbound Golden Springs Drive at Calbourne Drive, currently exists. He noted that once the design is completed with plans and specifications, it will be brought to the Commission for final review before forwarding the matter to the City Council. May 12® 1994 Page 3' Chair/Ortiz read a memorandum from C/Gravdahl with his comments on this item. His main concern was on the item of the center median between Gona Court and the freeway off - ramp. He noted that he had been in contact with SE/Liu and his concerns were addressed, namely that the area would be striped for future flexibility. With this in mind, he would vote yes on the project. His other comment regarding GPAC is noted in VIII, Items From Commissioners. It was the consensus of the Commission to have staff proceed with the design of the landscape median island on Golden Springs Drive between Gona Court and westerly City limit. B. Traffic Circulation at Lorbeer Junior High School. AA/Aberra reported that this item is being presented as requested by C/Esposito. The attached November 14, 1991 report discussed the traffic circulation in the vicinity of Lorbeer Junior High School which was observed and studied in November, 1991. The result of the observation showed illegal U-turns and 'parking in the bicycle lane on southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard. These activities were related to congestion and were seen as potential safety hazard. To minimize the impact of the U-turns and illegal parking, "No U -Turn" signs and red curbing were installed on southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard in front of Lorbeer Junior High School. Recently, staff visited the site and found the "No U -Turn" signs and red curbs are still intact and visible to motorists. There are no "No Stopping" signs installed at the site. To better manage the congestion created by illegal double-parking and parking in the red zone, staff recommends traffic enforcement in the area. C/Istik commented that enforcement is the only answer since the school district is not staggering the class schedules and bus service is no longer free, which seems to create more traffic. Sgt. Rawlings also made a site visit on Monday and noted several illegal U-turns and the illegal parking. Although there were illegal turns, he observed no difficulties or hazards with these turns and questioned the length of the existing red curbing in front of the school. C/Ortiz asked for clarification regarding the length of red curb. SE/Liu responded that the total length of red curbs is approximately 500 feet. He noted that the original intent of the red curb markings was to prevent parking in the bike lane. This would encourage the utilization of the on-site parking lot to be used for loading and unloading school children. May 12, 1994 Page 4 I Currently, parents may be prohibited to use the on-site parking lot. C/Chavers commented that his recollection of the discussion that led to the striping was such that the driveways to the on-site parking lot are on the inside of a gradual horizontal curve. Part of the reason for the extension of the red curbing as painted was to allow those exiting the driveway to actually see oncoming traffic, this eliminating the need for those ,vehicles to pull out into the traffic lane to see on- coming traffic. The remainder of curve was nominal so the entire curb area was marked red, since it is the familiar color to most people. He concurs and supports staff's recommendation to leave the area as is. Chair/Ortiz stated that educating the schools and parents is another option to eliminate the on-going traffic problems and matters of safety. Moved by C/Chavers and seconded by VC/Istik to accept staff's recommendation and encourage traffic enforcement as deemed necessary by the Sheriff's Department. Further, the Commission requested staff to explore the possibility of distributing flyers which convey the intention and purposes of the traffic markings in front of Lorbeer Junior High School. Chair/Ortiz 'asked Sgt. Rawlings to provide to the Commission the number of citations given at the school site for the next two months. Sgt. Rawlings responded that his computer tracking does not allow for parking citations, but that he would do a hand tally on a day-to-day basis. Chair/Ortiz requested the hand tally be done for the next two months. The Motion carried 3-0 with the following ROLL CALL vote: AYES: Chavers, NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Esposito, V1. NEW BUSINESS VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz Gravdahl A. Parking on Southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard, Between Acacia Hill Road and Morning Canyon Road. AA/Aberra reported that it has been the procedure of the City of Diamond Bar to receive and review, on a case-by-case basis, requests from church organizations to park on major arterial during special church services and functions. Saint Denis May 12, 1994 Page 5 Catholic Church, located at 2151E Diamond Bar Boulevard, has requested an on -street parking on southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard, between Acacia Hill Road and Morning Canyon Road every Sunday. To date, churches and organizations have been given permission to park on southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard, generally between Morning Canyon Road and Silver Hawk Drive only during special church services or functions. They are required to cover the existing "No Parking" signs with bags and remove them after their events end. Staff recommends Saint Denis' request for on -street parking be limited to special church services and functions in order to maintain a consistent policy with other churches and organizations. Furthermore, to minimize impact to the bicycle lane, it is necessary to regulate the parking activities by various organizations along Diamond Bar Boulevard. Monsignor James Loughnane, 2151 Diamond Bar Blvd., who represents approximately 5200 families at nine services every weekend, commented that he is concerned about the availability of parking spaces for the worshipers during Sunday services. The services are staggered every hour and a half, but parking spaces are not adequate. He asked for an additional parking area on southbound Diamond Bar Blvd. between Acacia Hill Road and Morning Canyon Road during their Sunday church service. C/Zstik commented that the major roadways should be used to move traffic, not to park vehicles, but since Sunday is not a peak travel day on Diamond Bar Blvd., he felt he could support the request. He suggested that it be approved with a monitoring of the situation for a period of time. C/Chavers commented that a precedence may be set in allowing this request, and asked staff to research comments and/or background information regarding parking versus the number of seat capacity during the expansion of Saint Denis Church. There may have been an exception noted for allowing the construction without ample parking. This would establish a reason other than sympathy and compassion for allowing parking on an arterial. He commented that other requests could be forthcoming to the Commission with no other reason than a need for more parking. SE/Liu responded that he would check with the Planning Department to see what records might be available, and will provide the information to the Commission and to the Church. Chair/Ortiz asked if there had been any complaints from the neighbors in the areas indicated. He commented by stating that when parking on Diamond Bar Blvd. for special occasions and holidays was approved, it had been determined that there were no safety hazards since the bike lane was wide. He asked Sgt. Rawlings if he was aware of any accidents with bicyclists and motorists parked in the lane. He also asked about the May 12, 1994 Page 6 Monsignor's contact with members of the City Council and inquired about their responses regarding this issue. Monsignor Loughnane responded by saying that he had been told Shady Dills Drive has become a shortcut to Pathfinder Road from Diamond Bar Blvd., and had received complaints. He also stated that he was told by Councilmembers to write a letter and make a formal request to the Traffic and Transportation Commission. Sgt. Rawlings was not aware of any accidents with motorists and bicyclists in the vicinity. Chair/Ortiz commented that staff's report indicates that each request is being reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and feels the Commission can proceed with this premise, bearing in mind any safety hazard involved. For the record, he commented that he is a parishioner. SE/Liu interjected with the Chair's permission to ask Monsignor Loughnane, as the representative of Saint Denis Church, if Saint Denis Church would be willing to pay for the costs associated with any proposed or recommended modifications, in terms of the signs and the installation costs. Monsignor Loughnane, responded that he believed this request will need to be approved by the church's finance committee. Chair/Ortiz moved that the Commission deny staff's recommendation and recommend to the City Council that the request of Saint Denis Catholic Church for on -street parking every Sunday on southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard, between Acacia Hill Road and Morning Canyon Road be permitted. VC/Istik seconded the motion and amended the recommendation to have a time limit set for twenty-four (24) months at which time the request would be reviewed to assess any issues of safety which might come up in the interim. Chair/Ortiz approved the amendment. C/Chavers amended the motion to ask staff to go into the archives and seek an engineering basis to determine if there were some over-riding concerns for the size of the parking lot and the approval of the church, and that it be included in the recommendation to the City Council if found. Chair/Ortiz approved the amendment. The Motion was passed unanimously with the following ROLL CALL - vote: 1 J May 12® 1994 Page 7 AYES: Chavers, VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Esposito, Gravdahl VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS - None VIII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS Chair/Ortiz conveyed C/GravdahlIs written comment which stated that when he and C/Chavers were GPAC delegates they were representatives of the Traffic and Transportation Commission and would vote the consensus of the old Traffic and Transportation Commission as far as circulation matters were concerned. With the placement of the new members, he feels a new consensus should be taken. By placing this item on the next agenda, it allows the delegates to vote the consensus of all the Traffic and Transportation Commissioners. C/Chavers commented that he was at the last GPAC meeting, which was held on Tuesday, May 10, 1994, and will continue to attend as both a citizen and/or as a representative of the Traffic and Transportation Commission. C/Istik commented that he, too, has attended and provided input at the GPAC meetings in the past and that he would also be available as both a citizen and/or as a representative of the Traffic and Transportation Commission. Chair/Ortiz commented that C/Chavers and VC/Istik should remain as representatives of the Traffic & Transportation Commission to the GPAC Committee subject to any replacements should either one be unable to attend. He also asked SE/Liu if there was any feedback regarding the Traffic and Transportation Commission recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Commission on the handicapped parking at Heritage Park issue. SE/Liu responded that staff had conveyed the concerns and comments of the Traffic and Transportation Commission to Mr. Bob Rose, the Director of Community Services. Mr. Rose contacted the Diamond Bar Senior Citizens Club. The details of the arrangements will be forthcoming. IX. ITEMS FROM STAFF A. Traffic Signal Policy for Private and Public Street Intersections SE/Liu reported that a copy of the Policy for Funding Traffic Signals at Private and Public Street Intersections is being presented as requested by the Commission. May 12, 1994 Page 8 Ba Future Agenda items C/Chavers requested that protected -permissive left -turn phasing be investigated and discussed for use in the City j of Diamond Bar. C/Istik clarified protected -permissive operation as a left -turn phasing that could change to yield on green. C/Chavers commented that the sign utilized is "Left -Turn Yield on Green". Chair/Ortiz commented that this is now used on northbound Golden Springs Drive at Diamond Bar Blvd. He commented about the enforcement issue involved with this type of control. Chair/Ortiz stated that he sees a need to change the meeting starting time from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to encourage public input. Further, for consistency with all the meetings held by the City of Diamond Bar and to allow adequate time for Commissioners to get to the meetings after work, it is beneficial to have the meetings start at 7:00 p.m. With the Commission's consensus, the above mentioned items were requested to be put on the future agenda. X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. City commission Rosters B. Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis List C/Chavers commented that the priorities as shown in the report are at least two to three years old and asked if the priority list would be revisited to assure that the most pressing need is addressed. He also asked how the approval is handled by City Council. VC/Istik commented that priority #4, Sunset Crossing Road and Southbound SR 57, the traffic is generated by the Southbound SR 57 not the east/west traffic on Sunset Crossing Road. The southbound SR 57 traffic is motorists who get off at Sunset Crossing Road in order to travel south on Diamond Bar Blvd. to go to SR 60 because it was initially designed inappropriately. He does not believe that City of Diamond Bar funds should be spent for a traffic signal at Sunset Crossing Road and southbound SR 57 if it is going to help primarily the southbound SR 57 to the eastbound SR 60 traffic. SE/Liu responded that the list being presented is in preparation for the proposed Fiscal Year 1994-95 budget. May 12® 1994 Page 9 The budget is for seven or eight traffic signal warrant analysis studies at approximately $1,000 per study. The intent is for staff to conduct the proposed warrant studies concurrently in order for the data to be evaluated on a comprehensive level. The findings will be brought to the Commission in order to establish a new priority list. C/Chavers, agreeing with VC/Istik would like to see Sunset Crossing Road eliminated from the warrant study list. He commented that CalTrans has jurisdiction and they should have the information. VC/Istik asked about the eighth analysis mentioned by SE/Liu. SE/Liu commented that this would be for left -turn phasing on Brea Canyon Road at Golden Springs Drive. C. Interim City Attorneys Re -Opening of Public Comments Agenda Item D. Transit Subsidy Program SE/Liu referred to the flyer for the Transit Subsidy Program. Funded by Proposition A funds, the subsidy program will go into effect June 1, 1994. The City of Diamond Bar will be subsidizing 20% discount for students and the general public, and 50% discount for seniors and the physically challenged citizens of Diamond Bar. This discount applies to Metrolink, Foothill, and Metropolitan Transit Authority (joint) passes. Fares will depend on the traveller's route. X1. ADJOURNMENT Moved by C/Chavers, seconded by VC/Istik and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Respectively, Id G. Llu Secretary Attest: Tom r 1 Chairman