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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/9/1995CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 9, 1995 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 Chairman Ortiz. ROLL CALL Chairman Ortiz stated that Commissioner Chavers would be absent and excused from the meeting. Commissioners: Chairman Ortiz, Gravdahl, Esposito Staff: Senior Engineer, David Liu; Consultant Engineer, Michael Myers; Administrative Assistant, Tseday Aberra; Sergeant Rawlings; and Recording Secretary, Carol Dennis I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Meeting of December 8, 1994 and January 12, 1995. A motion was made by C/Gravdahl and seconded by Chair/Ortiz to approve the minutes of December 8, 1994. The motion was carried 2-0 with the following roll calla AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Chair/Ortiz NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Esposito ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers, VC/Istik A motion was made by C/Gravdahl and seconded by C/Esposito to approve the minutes of January 12, 1995. The motion was carried 3-0 with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Esposito, Chair/Ortiz NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None February 9, 1995 Page 2 T&T Commission ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers, VC/Istik Vice Chairman Istik arrived at 7:09 p.m. II. COMMISSION COMMENTS C/Esposito announced that she is stepping down as Commissioner from the Traffic and Transportation Commission effective March 1, 1995. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS: - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: - None V. OLD BUSINESS: A. Progress/Update of Neighborhood Traffic Management Study SE/Liu reported that the goal of the project is to identify the through traffic and neighborhood traffic problems. This study will attempt to identify the specific location, nature and cause of the problems; and develop neighborhood traffic management plans that will resolve the problems in a systematic area -wide approach with the consensus approval of the community. He stated that with the approval of the Traffic and Transportation Commission, staff will send a Neighborhood Traffic Management Questionnaire to residences (approximately 592) within the study area. Chair/Ortiz announced for the record that VC/Istik had arrived. The Commissioners concurred with the staff's recommendation to mail the questionnaires. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Request for Traffic Study/Analysis on Golden Springs Drive at High Knob Road. SE/Liu reported that this item is a result of a request from a citizen who lives in the vicinity of High Knob Road and Golden Springs Drive. His specific concerns are the number IFebruary 9, 1995 Page 3 T&T Commission of accidents at this location, and the sight distance for the motorists attempting to cross or turn onto Golden Springs Drive. Staff recommends that based on the type and number of accidents the Traffic and Transportation Commission deny the request to install a four-way stop or traffic signal on Golden Springs Drive at High Knob Road at this time. Responding to Chair/Ortiz, SE/Liu stated that this intersection is not on the priority list for traffic signals. C/Gravdahl indicated the intersection has good sight visibility from both directions. VC/Istik stated he agrees with staff's recommendation. In response to C/Esposito, SE/Liu stated there is a signalized intersection immediately to the north of Temple Avenue and the majority of traffic is on Golden Springs Drive. A motion was made by C/Gravdahl and seconded by C/Esposito to follow staff's recommendation. The motion was approved 4-0 with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Esposito, VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers B. Request for Installation of Botts dots on Pantera Drive in the vicinity of Sentry Drive. SE/Liu reported that this request came from a citizen. His concern is related to speeding on Pantera Drive. SE/Liu indicated there is a serious concern at various locations along Pantera Drive, particularly at Gem Place. According to the Sheriff's records, for example, on September 16, 1994 within an hour, the Sheriff's Department issued four speeding citations at that location. SE/Liu further stated that a two-tier approach should be considered on this speeding concern. The first should be February 9, 1995 Page 4 TAT Commission the implementation/installation with a series of warning signs for the motorists. With subsequent observations and input from the residents, the City may then want to do more at a later time. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission deny the request to install botts dots on Pantera Drive at this time and recommend the installation of "WATCH DOWNHILL SPEED" signs and winding road (W14) signs with advisory speed plates (W6) of 1125MPH" to inform motorists of downhill grade and the winding road. Responding to Chair/Ortiz, Sgt. Rawlings stated the average speed is 15 MPH above the designated speed limit of 25 MPH. Pantera is over 1/2 mile in length without any stop control devices which makes enforcement difficult because it could be considered a "speed trap". In response to VC/Istik, SE/Liu stated that staff had not considered any other alternative solutions. The two options" considered by staff would be the first phase installation of warning signs followed by the possible installation of botts dots. However, the installation of botts dots would be done only with the support of residents in the area. Responding to C/Esposito, SE/Liu commented that residents would inform staff whether the proposed solutions are working. In addition, staff typically conduct site visits on a weekly basis. A motion was made by C/Gravdahl and seconded by Chair/Ortiz to proceed with phase one as recommended by staff to install "Watch Downhill Speed and "Winding Road" signs and further to include "Grade Percent" signs. VC/Istik stated he believes there are some very bad street designs in the City. Some streets should have been designed as Residential Collectors with no houses facing the street and because of this he feels it would be advisable to tell people the grade of the street. The motion was approved 4-0 with the following roll calls AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Chair/Ortiz, .� C/Esposito VC/Istik NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN, COMMISSIONERS: None IFebruary 9, 1995 Page 5 T&T Commission ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers C. A Request to Remove Existing Red Curb on Brea Canyon Road in front of Jones Intercable. AA/Aberra reported Jones Intercable contacted the Department of Public Works to request the existing 90' and 79' of red curb on both sides of the second driveway of their facility on Brea Canyon Road be removed. Jones Intercable requested said removal in order to provide their vehicles a parking place to load and unload their equipment. Staff recommends that in order to maintain the visibility condition that the Traffic and Transportation Commission deny Jones Intercable's request to remove the existing red curb on both sides of the second driveway on Brea Canyon Road. Janet Spatz, General Manager, Jones Intercable, stated Jones Intercable originally requested the curb be painted red in 1990. Because of company growth and because there is insufficient parking at the Jones Intercable location, the company needs the ability, particularly between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., to park the vehicles along Brea Canyon Road to load and unload equipment. All of the technicians start their workday at the same time which places a burden on the available parking. In lieu of removal of the red curb, Ms. Spatz indicated they would be agreeable to a 11loading/ unloading" zone. Responding to VC/Istik, Ms. Spatz stated that Jones Intercable is a publicly held, a for profit company. VC/Istik stated that on January 10, 1995 he was travelling southbound in the number two lane of Brea Canyon Road and needed to make a right turn. There were six Jones Intercable trucks with red cones parked on Brea Canyon Road. However, that did not cause the car behind him to slow down. In his opinion, Jones Intercable's perceived need for a loading/unloading zone is not valid. Perhaps the company needs another site or a larger site. In addition, the reason for the road along the flood control channel is so that an emergency clean out or potential rescue can be made from the road adjacent to the channel. VC/Intik continued that there have been two Churches on February 9, 1995 gage 6 T&T Commission Diamond Bar Boulevard which have obtained approval to park where parking is not generally allowed. However, it is off- peak use and those two facilities serve a different purpose. From a safety standpoint he does not support the request. Mike Worrell, Jones Intercable, stated that he has been with the company for seven years. Currently, the utility vans are parking on the east side of Brea Canyon Road and the employees are transporting their equipment across Brea Canyon Road. A motion was made by C/Gravdahl and seconded by C/Esposito to have staff meet with the owners of Jones Intercable to see the operation and to work out a solution. In response to VC/Istik, CE/Myers stated that the City has ordinances which require off-street parking for new uses or changed uses. However, as an existing use, there is no ordinances which allow retrofitting. Under the Los Angeles County development standards and guidelines, there are a number of facilities in the City which are underparked on their sites. There are studies that could be conducted to determine if this facility is underparked. VC/Istik asked if staff would recommend the use of Brea Canyon Road for parking and loading and unloading if this was a new application before the City Council. CE/Myers responded that it would be difficult to state without a complete application and study of the uses, the sizes, etc. As an opinion, it is not desirable to use the street as a loading zone. However, there is parking allowed on Brea Canyon Road and there is sufficient street width to accommodate parking and traffic. Ms. Spatz stated the employees are loading and unloading a box of tools and a box of converter boxes on airline luggage carts, not heavy equipment. VC/Istik asked the Commissioners to consider whether they are establishing a policy for loading and unloading for business uses. Responding to C/Gravdahl, Ms. Spatz indicated the facility covers Diamond Bar, Xorba Linda, Hacienda Heights and _ Anaheim Hills. I The motion failed 2-2 with the following roll call: F -j February 9, 1995 Page 7 T&T Commission AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Gravdahl, Esposito NOES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Istik, Chair/Ortiz ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISS ONERS: Chavers VC/Istik stated he bel eves one of the biggest liabilities the City has is traffic safety. Since Commissioner Chavers is absent, the commission should move this item to March. In light of that, he asked to change his vote. A motion was made by VC/Istik and seconded by C/Esposito to reintroduce C/Gravdahl's motion in order to have C/Chavers input. The motion is to table the item, have staff meet with the owners of Jones Intercable continuing the study and bring the item back to the March meeting. The motion was approved 4-0 with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Istik, Esposito, Gravdahl, Chair/Ortiz NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS SE/Liu reported that the City Council accepted the Traffic and Transportation Commission recommendation to install stop signs at the residential T -Intersections. VC/Istik asked for a status report for posting the designated residential streets (i.e. Prospectors Road, Cold Springs Lane, Fountain Springs Road, etc.) from 30 MPH to 25 MPH. SE/Liu reported that this item is on hold waiting for the approval and adoption of the Circulation Element and the General Plan. VC/Istik stated the Commission had requested the item be forwarded to the City Council for consideration and does not need to wait for adoption of the Circulation Element. The item was voted on December 8, 1994 and it should have gone to the City Council. SE/Liu stated he would convey the wishes of the Commission to the City Manager so that the,item could be agendized before the City Council. February 9, 1995 Page 8 T&T Commission VIII.ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS VC/Istik stated there are traffic detector loops on Sunset Crossing Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard that are not within the lane lines. He requested the City check into this and correct the matter. SE/Liu responded that Los Angeles County Public Works Department had realigned the striping approximately one year ago. He indicated he would check into this matter once again and report back to the Commission. VC/Istik indicated that there are eight botts dots missing along the lane transition along Golden Springs Drive at Grand Avenue. VC/Istik stated that there was a discussion at the December 8, 1994 meeting regarding the timely receipt of City Council packets to the Commissioners. Since that time, he has been receiving the packets prior to the Council meetings and it has been very helpful. VC/Istik indicated the applicant from the Evangelical Free Church and some Traffic and Transportation Commissioners recall there was discussion and remembered that he had had some input at those meetings and it was not in the minutes. He further stated that some portions of the minutes are very detailed and some portions are taken out. He questions the value of the minutes if they do not include all of the discussion involved in reaching a conclusion. IX. ITEMS FROM STAFF SE/Liu stated staff anticipates the first workshop for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Study will be held in April. Prior to that time, the questionnaires will be mailed out and any information received will be presented at the workshop. X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS SE/Liu stated the overlay for the Diamond Bar Boulevard Rehabilitation Project was completed on February 8, 1995. All that remains is striping and cleanup work which should be completed by February 17, 1995. SE/Liu commented that the attached Grand Avenue February 9, 1995 Page 9 T&T Commission Signing/Striping Plan is for the Commission's information and comments. In response to C/Esposito's concern regarding the eastbound #2 lane on Grand Avenue between Golden Springs Drive and Montefino Avenue being used as two through lanes, one solution may be to put in a bike lane. However, this creates a safety concern with the high traffic volume on Grand Avenue. VC/Istik asked if there are any transitions through intersections planned similar to the Golden Springs Drive through Grand Avenue. SE/Liu responded that the botts dots currently across Grand Avenue are temporary. When the Grand Avenue Rehabilitation Project is done, the intersection will be widened and the Botts dots will be removed. There will be botts dots at Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard. SE/Liu stated the Traffic and Transportation Commission packet contains the 1994 Holiday Shuttle information as requested by C/Gravdahl. SE/Liu pointed out the Vision for MTA and how the MTA views the transportation issues from the County perspective. A copy of the Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting Rules forwarded by Mayor Papen have been included in the packet for review and will be included in all future agenda packets. SE/Liu asked the Commissioners for their feedback with respect to inclusion of the meeting rules in meeting packets for the Traffic and Transportation Commission. In response to SE/Liu, VC/Istik stated he did not think it was necessary to include the rules in every packet. SE/Liu indicated a January 26, 1995 Diamond Bar Highlander article was included in the Commission packet to advise the Commissioners about the HOV lanes along the SR 57 and SR 60 which has significant positive impact to the City. CE/Myers apologized for omitting the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) item from the Agenda. it was his understanding that the Commission supports the City's policy of intermodal transportation and service and, with that in mind, staff has moved ahead to authorize OCTA to place two February 9, 1995 Page 10 T&T Commission bus stops at Pathfinder Road and the SR 57. C/Gravdahl asked if the City has subsidized fares to Orange County. SE/Liu responded that the subsidy program is for Proposition A which is a Los Angeles County 1 1/2% sales tax. Responding to Chair/Ortiz, CE/Myers indicated a Tow -Away posting might be a possibility. As of this time, the posting is "No Stopping 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m." CE/Myers commented that the City Council is currently considering the Circulation Element which should be approved Monday, February 13, 1995. VC/Istik requested a copy of the revised Circulation Element. Responding to Chair/Ortiz, SE/Liu stated that the restriping for Diamond Bar Boulevard will include an 11 foot bike lane in front of the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar so that the Church will have the parking that they requested. SE/Liu thanked Commissioner Esposito for her service and for her work with staff. XI. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Ortiz declared the meeting to adjourned at 9:09 p.m. Respectfully, UDErVi&G. Liu Secretary Attest: ;f&h Ortiz Chairman