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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/12/1995CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 12, 1995 CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Leonard 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: Commissioners: Vice Chair Leonard, Commissioners Ortiz and Gravdahl Absent: Chairman Istik, Commissioner Virginkar Staff: Deputy Director of Public Works, David Liu; Administrative Assistant, Tseday Aberra; Sergeant Rawlings; and Recording Secretary, Carol Dennis II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Meeting of July 13, 1995, meeting of August 10, 1995 and meeting of September 14, 1995. A motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by C/Gravdahl to table the approval of minutes of July 13, 1995, August 10, 1995 and September 14, 1995 to the November 9, 1995 meeting. Without objection, the motion was so ordered. III. COMMISSION COMMENTS: C/Ortiz stated he received a request from St. Denis Catholic Church to allow street parking by parishioners in front of the church on Saturday, November 18, 1995. DDPW/Liu responded that he would coordinate the request. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Road, stated his concerns regarding striping on the north side of Pathfinder Road bridge. He reiterated his understanding that the 25 MPH Prima Facia Ordinance applies to every street in the city, whether or not it October 12, 1995 Page 2 T&T Commission is posted. He advised the Commission that cart racks have been installed in the fire lanes in front of K - Mart. He further stated his concerns for the traffic problems generated by the Calvary Chapel parishioners. He suggested officers be assigned to control traffic at peak hours. C/Gravdahl responded to Mr. Clute that the area of Sunset Crossing Road that qualifies for the 25 MPH posted speed is from Golden Springs Drive to Del Sol Lane. The balance of Sunset Crossing Road has been speed surveyed at 30 MPH. The correct 30 MPH signs have replaced the 25 MPH signs which were incorrectly posted. As a result, law enforcement can return to the use of radar. DDPW/Liu stated that, pursuant to the California Vehicle Code, a local or residential street is defined as follows: The street must be not more than 40 feet wide; the street must have one travel lane in each direction; and the street cannot be more than one-half mile long. The streets which meet this criteria fall into the 25 MPH prima facia category. For those residential streets that do not meet those three conditions, the City conducts a Speed Zone Survey study. Sunset Crossing Road was previously studied. Because there are no cross streets between Del Sol Lane and Diamond Bar Boulevard, from an enforcement perspective, Sunset Crossing Road must be enforced in accordance with the Speed Zone Survey. Sgt/Rawlings stated that, in addition to Sunset Crossing Road being a residential street, it is also a collector street. He indicated that if the street was posted 25 MPH, law enforcement could tag approximately 90% of the drivers using the street. As a result, the City would be inundated with excessive enforcement complaints. He further stated that, in his opinion, 30 MPH seems to be a more reasonable speed for enforcement on Sunset Crossing Road. Sgt/Rawlings responded to C/Ortiz that the Walnut Sheriff's Department contracts with Calvary Chapel for traffic control at peak hours. The City of Diamond Bar required Calvary Chapel to hire special event deputies. He indicated he would research the matter and report back to the Commission regarding the deputies' specific 1 1 October 12, 1995 assignments. Page 3 T&T Commission DDPW/Liu responded to Mr. Clute that the cross -hatch area was striped on the north side of the bridge on Pathfinder Road. There have been no complaints regarding congestion on the south side of Pathfinder Road for eastbound traffic. Regarding the K -Mart shopping center parking standards, he indicated that staff would forward this matter to the fire department and the City's Planning Department. Mr. Clute stated that, in his opinion, the south side of Pathfinder Road bridge should be striped. He further reiterated that Sunset Crossing Road should be posted 25 MPH. V. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. Request to install a crosswalk on Copley Drive adjacent to entrance to Diamond Bar City Hall. Continued from August 10, 1995. Recommended Action: Deny the request to install a crosswalk on Copley Drive adjacent to the driveway entrance to City Hall. A motion was made by M/Gravdahl and seconded by C/Ortiz to accept staff's recommendation to deny the request to install a crosswalk on Copley Drive adjacent to the driveway entrance to City Hall. The motion was approved 3-0 with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Ortiz, VC/Leonard NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Istik, Virginkar B. Request to install stop signs at the intersection of Santaquin Drive and Oxbow Court. Recommended Action. Deny the request to install stop signs at the intersection of Santaquin Drive and Oxbow Court. Staff recommends instead, the installation of "Watch Downhill Speed" signs on October 12, 1995 Page 4 T&T Commission Santaquin Drive. VC/Leonard invited public comments. Marie Buckland, a Diamond Bar resident, stated she is concerned with the speeding vehicles and the cut -through traffic on the streets in question. She asked the Commission to act to resolve the situation and prevent a major accident. DDPW/Liu responded to C/Gravdahl that Santaquin Drive is a 64 foot wide collector street. Staff looked at installing a stop sign on Santaquin Drive and Oxbow Court. However, this intersection does not meet any of the criteria established by the State. Staff recommends the installation of "Watch Downhill speed" signs. In addition, he recommended that 25 MPH warning signs be installed along Santaquin Drive. C/Ortiz stated that he would like to see a stop sign installed at the intersection of Santaquin Drive and Oxbow Court. Responding to C/Gravdahl, DDPW/Liu stated this intersection has not been reviewed by a traffic engineer. State requirements are the basis for staff's recommendation. He indicated that a stop sign would not be warranted for this location. However, a stop sign may be warranted for the intersection of Santaquin Drive and Silver Hawk Drive. C/Gravdahl made a motion, seconded by C/Ortiz to have the City conduct a warrant study to consider the possibility of a stop sign at the intersection of Silver Hawk Drive and Santaquin Drive. In addition, the City should act immediately to install "Watch Downhill Speed" and 1125 MPH speed" signs and pavement striping at the curves. The motion was approved with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Ortiz, VC/Leonard NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None 1 1 C October 12, 1995 Page 5 T&T Commission ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Istik, Virginkar DDPW/Liu stated the City will install the "Watch Downhill Speed" and 1125 MPH speed" signs immediately. The warrant study for the stop sign at the intersection of Silver Hawk Drive and Santaquin Dr., and the pavement striping at the curves will be researched and the results brought back before the Commission as a future agenda item. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Feasibility of converting Country View Drive at Grand Avenue into a cul-de-sac. Recommended Action: Discuss the feasibility of converting Country View Drive into a cul-de-sac and deny the request. VC/Leonard invited public comment. Hubert Wilson, 23649 Country View Drive, presented a chronological history of the events leading to the current traffic problems experienced by the residents of Country View Drive and the surrounding areas. In particular he cited the Chino Hills cut -through traffic on Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue. He stated that because Diamond Bar was not a city at the time of the County referendum to open Grand Avenue, the interests of the residents were not represented. He further stated he and his neighbors continue to suffer the effects of increased cut -through traffic, noise and toxic fumes which threatens the property values, the children, the pets and the adult residents. He cited the unlawful right turns by cut -through motorists from Rolling Knoll Road onto Grand Avenue as one of the solutions by the Commission which has not solved the greater problem. In fact, this solution has created an inconvenience to the residents who abide by the "No Right Turn" signs and go out of their way to reach Grand Avenue. He stated that, in his opinion, the cul-de-sacing of Country View Drive is a real solution to the problem of protecting October 12, 1995 Page 6 T&T Commission the residents. In addition, he requested the Traffic and Transportation Commission to consider sound walls for Grand Avenue. He implored the Commission to reconsider staff's recommendation and grant the request to cul-de-sac Country View Drive. Larry Rockwell, 23708 Country View Drive, a fireman, stated that the cul-de-sacing of country View Drive will not create a problem for emergency vehicle services. He concurs with Mr. Wilson and stated that motorists travel at a much higher rate of speed than 25 MPH on Rolling Knoll Drive. Karen Mahoney, 23834 Country View Drive, stated that while her husband was jogging near the Grand Avenue/Diamond Bar Blvd. intersection 27 weeks ago, her husband was killed by a motorist. She further stated that on any morning during a five minute period she witnesses approximately 15 vehicles making illegal left turns from Grand Avenue to Rolling Knoll Drive travelling through the area at break -neck speeds. She indicated she sees the same cars making the illegal turns on a daily basis. She wants her neighborhood and her safety back. She asked the Commission to reconsider the request to cul-de-sac her street and prevent more accidents. Debra Klein, 23812 Country View Drive, stated the traffic problems are ongoing throughout the day, not just for the posted hours of 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. She indicated she has witnessed the Sheriff's deputies ignoring the illegal turns. She further stated she is very upset that the request to cul- de-sac her street has been denied. She asked the Commission to reconsider the request. Geoffrey Novall, 23813 Country, View Drive, stated that Chino Hills plans to build an additional 8000 homes in the next three years. Chino Hills has not addressed the Tres Hermanos area where a high school will be built. In his opinion, it is only a benefit to non-residents to have Grand Avenue open at Country View Drive. He requested the City look beyond the State's mandates and consider solutions that will benefit the residents of October 12, 1995 Page 7 T&T Commission Diamond Bar. Wanda Tanaka, 23805 Country View Drive, stated that there are approximately 15 residents present this evening representing the neighborhood. She referred the Commission to a signed petition she presented to the City. She asked the Commission to reconsider the resident's request to cul-de-sac her street and volunteered to assist the City and the Commission in accomplishing this goal. She indicated that she counted in excess of 3,000 vehicles per hour traveling on Grand Avenue past Country View Drive. Al Baquedano, 23824 Country View Drive, stated the Sheriff's Department will not patrol Country View Drive or Grand Avenue during peak traffic hours because they cannot afford the time spent away from other enforcement duties. He stated his belief that the "No Right Turn" signs should be enforced. He indicated that, in his opinion, the cul-de-sacing of Country View Drive is the only solution and believes nothing else will be effective. He asked the Commission to go against the recommendation and recommend the cul-de-sac. Jean Fujihara, 23717 Country View Drive, stated her property is located at the point Deer Crossing Drive intersects Country View Drive. She further stated she leaves her residence at approximately 6:55 a.m. on weekdays to take her children to various school. She indicated it is very difficult to back -out of her driveway because of the traffic. When she takes her children to evening activities, she encounters an excessive amount of traffic between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. when motorists are approaching Grand Avenue from Rolling Knoll Drive. She stated she is aware the drivers know a right turn onto Grand Avenue is illegal because they ease their vehicles into Grand Avenue until they determine there are no deputies and it is safe to proceed. She told the Commission that the "No Right Turn" onto Grand Avenue is a big inconvenience to the residents, as well. However, because she is law abiding, she drives down Rolling Knoll Drive to Diamond Bar Boulevard to avoid the right turn onto Grand October 12, 1995 Page 8 T&T commission Avenue during the restricted hours. She asked the Commission to reconsider the cul-de-sac for Country View Drive. Tony Spinogati, 23725 Country View Drive, thanked his neighbors for addressing the Commission on this matter. He requested to know the traffic count for Diamond Bar Boulevard and for Grand Avenue. He further requested a breakdown of the difference between the traffic count for local traffic and for cut -through traffic. He stated his concern is for his neighborhood, however, he is more concerned about the impact of traffic on Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue. The City has become a freeway alternate and, in his opinion, this should be stopped. He asked what the citizens can do to effect positive change to reduce the negative traffic impact. Mrs. Mahoney asked why the request was denied. DDPW/Liu stated that converting Country View Drive into a cul-de-sac raises several concerns. One concern is the traffic circulation pattern. By closing Country View Drive, the problems are shifted to the remaining access routes which does not succeed in mitigating the situation. The issue of traffic circulation needs to be discussed on a community -wide basis. Another concern is for the emergency response time. Staff must have the opportunity to research all aspects of this situation prior to rendering a responsible recommendation. DDPW/Liu continued that if Grand Avenue was closed to the public, the City would endanger the funding sources from the various state and federal agencies. C/Gravdahl stated it appears that the "No Left Turn" and "No Right Turn" signs are being ignored. He asked if deputies could be assigned to enforcement during the posted hours. Sgt/Rawlings responded that the enforcement has not stopped, it is not enforced as frequently as it was at the time the signs were installed. The deputies are frequently needed in other parts of the City for October 12, 1995 Page 9 TAT Commission more important enforcement issues and the officers cannot be at the site continuously from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. C/Gravdahl stated he would like a written report from the emergency services entities indicating they could function as effectively if Country View Drive is a cul-de-sac. He further stated he is concerned that cul-de-sacing will create an adverse impact on the alternative streets in the neighborhood. He indicated he would like to have a comprehensive neighborhood traffic study conducted and present the conclusions of the study in a public hearing setting so that all concerned parties can be involved in the ultimate decision. VC/Leonard stated Country View Drive takes a lot of abuse and she would like to study the situation further in order to make a more informed decision. C/Ortiz stated he was instrumental in putting this item on the Traffic and Transportation Commission agenda. C/Ortiz made a motion that staff's recommendation be denied and that the City proceed to conduct a complete traffic study and a public hearing. C/Gravdahl stated he would like to have the motion more defined. He further stated that, in his opinion, some of the traffic problems are as a result of the work in progress on Grand Avenue, the SR 60 Freeway and the 71 Corona Freeway. He indicated that he would prefer to see the traffic study conducted no earlier than mid-January, 1996 after the prior projects are completed. C/Ortiz stated that he concurs with C/Gravdahl's amendments to the motion. DDPW/Liu responded to C/Gravdahl that the City has been working closely with the state to implement improvements along the SR 57 and SR 60 Freeways. Responding to VC/Leonard, DDPW/Liu stated that the HOV lane construction along the SR 57 and SR 60 Freeways will begin in January, 1996. October 12, 1995 Page 10 TAT Commission Mr. Spinogatti stated that the City's problems result from the Chino Hills area and that the ultimate solution is to close Grand Avenue. VC/Leonard stated that the Traffic and Transportation Commission refers its comments to the City Council. She urged that the residents go before the City Council with their issues. Mr. Novall asked why the SR 57/SR 60 Freeway interchange is clearly marked for through access to Chino Hills and how much the reconstruction of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue have contributed to the increase in traffic through Diamond Bar to Chino Hills. He stated that in his opinion, closing Grand Avenue is not an option. In addition, he does not believe that the commercial businesses in Diamond Bar are profiting from the increased traffic flow. Mr. Spinogatti asked if Grand Avenue could be converted to a toll road. Mr. Rockwell asked the Commission if a road will be built through Tonner Canyon. DDPW/Liu referred Mr. Rockwell to the Four Corners Committee. One topic of discussion by the committee is a possible road through Tonner Canyon. He stated he is not aware of any funds set aside by the City of Diamond Bar for construction of a road through Tonner Canyon. VC/Leonard requested staff to include information regarding a possible road through Tonner Canyon in the traffic study. C/Ortiz concurred with the amendment to his motion and called for the question. C/Ortiz restated his motion which was seconded by C/Gravdahl. The motion was approved 3-0 with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ortiz, Gravdahl, VC/Leonard NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None i 1 u October 12, 1995 Page 11 TST Commission ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Istik, Virginkar DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that he concurs with C/Gravdahl's time line for a traffic study. Due to the current pending construction and the holidays the earliest possible time for a traffic study is after the beginning of the year. C/Gravdahl made a motion, seconded by C/Ortiz, to present the information gathered from the residents to the Diamond Bar members of the Four Corners Committee. The motion was approved 3-0 with the following roll call: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: VI. NEW BUSINESS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Ortiz, VC/Leonard None None Chair/Istik, Virginkar A. Investigation of residential streets bounded by Sunset Crossing Road, Navajo springs Road, Decorah Road, and Del Sol Lane for signing and striping. AA/Aberra read the staff report into the record. C/Gravdahl stated that the report should include Minnequa Drive. A motion was made by C/Ortiz, seconded by C/Gravdahl to approve staff's recommendation to paint a double -yellow centerline striping on: 1. Del Sol Lane between E1 Encino Drive and Decorah Road and install 1125" MPH and curvature signs at various locations. 2. Bower Cascade Place from E1 Encino Drive to Sunset Crossing Road and El Encino Drive between Del Sol Lane and Decorah Road. Furthermore, install 1125 mph" and curvature signs along Bower Cascade Place and El Encino Drive. October 12, 1995 Page 12 TAT Commission 3. Minnequa Drive at curvature, Del Sol Lane at Bower Cascade Drive, and Willapa Court at Bower Cascade Drive. The motion was approved 3-0 with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ortiz, Gravdahl, VC/Leonard NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Istik, Virginkar B. Multi -way Stop Sign Traffic Analysis on Palomino Drive at Ballena Drive and at Platina Drive. DDPW/Liu read the staff report into the record. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission concur with staff's recommendation to forward this matter to the City Council for approval of stop sign installation on Ballena Drive only and on Platina Drive only at their intersections with Palomino Drive. DDPW/Liu responded to C/Gravdahl that this recommendation defeats the original intent. The warrant study does not support a stop sign installation on Palomino Drive and there are no 25 MPH speed limit signs. A section in the vehicle code states that any streets that are not indicated on a Federal Highway map are automatically considered local streets. Therefore, from an enforcement standpoint of the 25 MPH speed limit, a challenge can be upheld by the code. If the matter goes to court, the final authority is the judge. C/Gravdahl made a motion, seconded by C/Ortiz, to concur with staff's recommendation to forward this matter to City Council for approval of stop sign installation on Ballena Drive only and on Platina Drive only at their intersections with Palomino Drive. The motion was approved 3-0 with the following roll call: 1 1 k October 12, 1995 Page 13 T&T Commission AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Ortiz, VC/Leonard NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None C. Installation of signs to prohibit parking during street sweeping days. C/Gravdahl recommended that this item be tabled and agendized for the November 9, 1995 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting. C/Ortiz requested that the following enforcement issues be included for consideration of this recommendation: Will the City use the Sheriff's Department for enforcement? Will the City train and use its own personnel? How will the citation revenue be allocated? How will the towing of vehicles be handled? What will the citation amount be and will it remain constant or increase over time and with each additional violation? C/Gravdahl commented that when this item was discussed several years ago there was an issue of the cost of signs. DDPW/Liu responded that an estimate is that there are approximately 250 curb miles in the City. Each sign is placed at 200 foot intervals for visibility. At a cost of $150 per sign, the total cost to the City would be approximately $1,000,000. C/Ortiz made a motion, seconded by C/Gravdahl to table this item to November 9, 1995. The motion was approved 3-0 with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ortiz, Gravdahl, VC/Leonard NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Istik, Virginkar VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS - None October 12, 1995 Page 14 T&T Commission VIII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: C/Gravdahl made a motion, seconded by C/Ortiz to table Items A. and B. to the November 9, 1995 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting agenda. The motion was approved with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Ortiz, VC/Leonard NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Istik, Virginkar IX. ITEMS FROM STAFF DDPW/Liu stated the speed bump/ hump issue will be an agenda item for the November 9, 1995 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting. XI. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chairman Leonard declared the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully, vid Liu Secretary.