Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/13/1995CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION JULY 13, 1995 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Istik called the meeting to order at 7:10 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 Chavers. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Chairman Istik, Vice Chairman Leonard, Chavers Absent: Ortiz, Gravdahl Staff: Senior Engineer, David Liu; Administrative Assistant, Tseday Aberra; Sergeant Rawlings; and Recording Secretary, Carol Dennis Chair/Istik stated that Commissioner Gravdahl would be absent from the meeting. Commissioner Gravdahl requested his letter dated July 13, 1995 and addressed to the Traffic and Transportation Commission be entered into the record: "Dear Jack, I'm sorry that I will not be able to make the meeting tonight because of an airline schedule change. I would like to have this letter read into the minutes of the meeting. In the past 10 days I have been asked by several business persons in the area of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard if Traffic and Transportation had held a hearing on the widening of that intersection. To the best of my recollection it was presented to us as an "information only" item at the end of the April meeting. As I recall, the brief presentation was made by Mike Meyers. The tenor of the presentation was that this was a cut and dried deal and in fact, this is what we are going to do, end of subject. Thank you, Don Gravdahl" July 13, 1995 Page 2 T&T Commission I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Meeting of June 8, 1995 Sgt. Rawlings stated that Paragraph 2, Page 6, B., should be corrected to read as follows: "Sgt. Rawlings stated that Pomona Traffic Commissioner, Mark Lauper, indicated that, in his opinion, a traffic signal is not the only thing that constitutes an interruption. However, a stop sign is also definitely an interruption. In addition, in some cases, cross streets may be considered interruptions." Regarding Page 14, third paragraph, first sentence, Chair Istik requested that "he has always been" be corrected to "that some people are" so that the sentence reads: "Chair/Istik stated that some people are under the impression that there are stop signs put up at every intersection where a child crosses the street." A motion was made by C/Chavers and seconded by Chair/Istik to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was approved 2-0 with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers, Chair/Istik NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Leonard ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Ortiz', Gravdahl SE/Liu stated that 25 MPH Prima Facia matter is on the July 25, 1995 agenda for the City Council. Chair/Istik requested a copy of the staff report for each Commissioner. SE/Liu responded that report would be mailed to the Commissioners on Friday, July 14, 1995. II. COMMISSION COMMENTS - None III. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Lane, stated he is concerned that cars are parked in front of St. Denis church on Sunday in front of "No-Parking/No-Stopping" signs. In his opinion, if the City has granted permission for Sunday parking for the churches on Diamond Bar Boulevard, the signs should be covered. He further stated he would like to see parking enforcement or removal of the packing restriction IJuly 13, 1995 Page 3 T&T Commission signs on eastbound Pathfinder Road between the SR 57 and Brea Canyon Road. Regarding Brea Canyon Road south of Diamond Bar Boulevard southerly to the City limits, the posted speed sign states "End 50 MPH Zone". Approaching the City northerly, the sign states 1150 MPH Speed Limit". In his opinion, the signs should be reversed or corrected. Mr. Clute asked why the Traffic and Transportation Commission did not review the AAA Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) purchase of the building in the Country Hills Towne Center. In his opinion, this business would have a significant impact on the traffic flow to and from the Center and should have been reviewed by the Commission. Chair/Istik, responding to Mr. Clute, stated that very few items come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission. The items reviewed by the Commission include bike lanes, adding a traffic lane, striping, elimination of "No -Parking" signs and matters of this nature. Development projects are reviewed by the Planning Commission and recommendations are made to the City Council. The Planning Commission or City Council may refer a matter to the Traffic and Transportation at its discretion. C/Chavers stated the City has a legal obligation to respond to a land use application within a certain time frame. Scheduling a response within the time frame only allows for the Planning Commission and City Council to deal with the issue. Land use applications would not be automatically referred to the Traffic and Transportation Commission and would only be referred to this Commission at the discretion of the Planning Commission or City Council. He indicated he is aware of only two or three land use items which have been referred to the Commission in the past five years. The Traffic and Transportation Commission has, on a number of occasions, asked to be included even as informational items. This Commission was never provided any information regarding the AAA purchase of the building and any potential traffic related issues. SE/Liu stated the City's Planning Department has no discretionary decision with regard to the AAA building purchase or operation of the business to be conducted in Diamond Bar. This item went through an Administrative Development Review process only with respect to exterior building changes. The Country Hills Towne Center has the July 13, 1995 Page 4 T&T Commission right of zone. Therefore, if the Center is in compliance with the zoning, the City has no authority within the Center. Chair/Istik responded that he does not agree. If a change of land use occurs in an existing shopping center site and, as a result, additional parking spaces are needed, the City should review the matter for mitigation. The 50 day review period does not begin until all studies have been completed. This includes an approved traffic study. He stated that, in his opinion, this gives ample time for inclusion of a review by the Traffic and Transportation Commission. VC/Leonard stated the AAA building has 12 to 1 parking. The previous retail use did not maximize the parking. She indicated she believes the AAA use falls within the guidelines and that they have the maximum parking count. In her opinion, even if AAA maximizes the square footage of 16,800 which includes the mezzanine, the projected maximum use will not present a traffic problem to the City. Chair/Istik stated he does not mean to imply there will be a traffic problem as a result of the new use. He indicated he believes that a public hearing to indicate that it will not be a problem is what many citizens expect of City government. Responding to Mr. Clute, C/Chavers stated the parking signs in front of St. Denis indicate "Except Sundays" and therefore, the signs do not have to be bagged. In response to Mr. Clute, SE/Liu stated that the City inherited the speed zone on Brea Canyon Road south of Diamond Bar Boulevard. The City Council adopted the Speed Zone Survey in 1994 which included this location. Any changes or deviations must be presented to the City Council would amend the resolution for a specific location. He indicated he will consult with the City's Traffic Engineer regarding the matter and present any findings and suggestions to the Commission in August. Red Calkins, 240 Eagle Nest Drive, thanked the Traffic and Transportation Commission for the stop sign at Rock River Road and Clear View Crest Drive, and the stop light at -^ Prosuectors Road and Golden Sprinas Drive. IJuly 13, 1995 Page 5 T&T Commission IV. CONSENT CALENDAR - None V. OLD BUSINESS: A. Conceptual striping plan for northside of Pathfinder Road between SR 57 On/Off-Ramps. SE/Liu stated that at the June 8, 1995 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, it was brought to the Commission's attention that motorists create a "third" lane on the northside of Pathfinder Road bridge approaching northbound Brea Canyon Road. Currently the curb lane is wide enough (23') to accommodate motorists if they choose to create a "third" lane. At this time, staff feels the proposed striping is adequate to provide proper channelization and effectively manage traffic circulation on the Pathfinder bridge. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission review the conceptual striping plan and direct staff to recommend to the City Council restriping of the subject area. The City will coordinate this matter with CalTrans. C/Chavers stated he recalls that a citizen made an impassioned plea that emergency equipment could never get across the bridge. There was a public recommendation for creation of an "Emergency Vehicle only" median lane. In his opinion, the striping should be recommended to control the westbound traffic turning north on Brea Canyon Road. Responding to VC/Leonard, Sgt. Rawlings stated emergency vehicle drivers are trained not to pass on the right because the public is advised to pull to the right when an emergency vehicle appears in their proximity. As a result, this could create a hazard. C/Chavers stated emergency vehicles would more likely use opposing lanes for a short segment and then return to their lane of traffic. VC/Leonard stated that, with the expansion of the Pathfinder bridge, she does not perceive a problem with emergency vehicle traffic. July 13, 1995 Page 6 T&T Commission A motion was made by C/Chavers and seconded by VC/Leonard to accept staff's recommendation to recommend to the City Council restriping of the subject area. The motion was approved 3-0 with the following roll call: AYES: NONE: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: VI. NEW BUSINESS COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers, VC/Leonard, Chair/Istik None None Ortiz, Gravdahl A. Request for a stop sign on Cliffbranch Drive at Bella Pine Drive. AA/Aberra stated that at the January 12, 1995 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, a standard of practice to address future requests for stop signs at residential T -intersections was discussed and approved. This intersection was field investigated by the Department of Public Works and is scheduled for discussion by the Commission. Staff is of the opinion that, based on the downgrade, sight distance, and the volume of traffic on Cliffbranch Drive, a stop sign at the intersecting leg of the subject intersection can reinforce the requirement to yield to oncoming traffic. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission recommend to the City Council the installation of a stop sign on Cliffbranch Drive at Bella Pine Drive. Responding to C/Chavers, SE/Liu stated that installation of the stop sign will include a stop bar pavement marking. A motion was made by C/Chavers and seconded by VC/Leonard to accept staff's recommendation to recommend to the City Council the installation of a stop sign on Cliffbranch Drive at Bella Pine Drive. The motion was approved 3-0 with the following roll call: ~" AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Chavers, VC/Leonard, Chair/Istick 1 1 July 13, 1995 NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Page 7 T&T commission COMMISSIONERS: None COMMISSIONERS: None COMMISSIONERS: Ortiz, Gravdahl VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEM - None SE/Liu stated the 25 MPH Prima Facia speed limit matter is slated for the July 25, 1995 City Council agenda. Regarding the Grand Avenue street resurfacing project, SE/Liu indicated that two informational meetings have been held with the affected business owners. The project is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 17, 1995. Responding to Chair/Istik, SE/Liu stated a July 6, 1995 informational meeting was held before the Grand Avenue business owners. The intent of the meeting was to provide an overview of the project and to solicit any concerns of the business owners regarding the project. Three items of concern were voiced during the meeting. The business owners wanted to know what type of business signage would be provided during construction so shoppers would be aware the businesses are open; the accessibility to driveways for shoppers, and the inadequate notice of the project scheduling. The second informational meeting was held this evening. During the meeting a resident stated this project had never been before the Traffic and Transportation Commission. SE/Liu stated he responded that the matter had been before the Traffic and Transportation Commission. The resident responded that the item had been before the Commission as an informational item only. SE/Liu indicated that he had responded that while the item was most recently presented to the Traffic and Transportation Commission as an informational item, the project has been in process for two years and the Traffic and Transportation Commission has been involved through the process. Chair/Istik stated that the minutes should reflect that any item previously before the Traffic and Transportation which was forwarded to City Council with the recommendation that the City Council approve the item are not necessarily approved by the City Council. In fact, the item may not be forwarded to the City Council. He cited the 25 MPH Prima Facia item which the Traffic and Transportation Commission had recommended be forwarded to the City Council nearly a year ago. If an item comes before the Traffic and July 13, 1995 Page 8 T&T Commission Transportation Commission as an informational item only, the public should be made aware that it is an informational item only and that there is no approval involved and no word of contract and no decision made on the matter. A matter of vote taking by the Commission would only be a recommendation to the City Council. There is no approval at the Traffic and Transportation Commission level. III. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONER: C/Chavers thanked staff for providing a copy of the Property Maintenance Ordinance. He indicated his intent in requesting a copy of the Ordinance was to seek the Traffic and Transportation Commission's concurrence in pursuing a reevaluation of on -street parking within the City of Diamond Bar as it relates to various aspects including overnight parking, and recreational vehicle parking such as boats, trailers, etc. In his opinion, the City has lost some of its appeal because of the abuse of the privilege of vehicle street parking. He encouraged the Commission to reintroduce this matter as a public hearing agenda item. C/Chavers stated the Commission is in receipt of a draft report from DKS Associates on the Neighborhood Traffic Study. In his opinion, the report is adequate although less focused than he had expected. Some of the neighborhood input is lacking and the steering committee meeting has not been held to discuss the report. He asked that the Commission reinforce its direction to staff that the draft report be discussed with the steering committee and that their comments be incorporated in the draft report. He further stated that, in his opinion, the report does not progress quickly enough to the desired improvements. There is too much emphasis on a Phase I recommending additional study rather than cures to immediate problems. He indicated he would prefer to have the Commission be more resolute in its recommendations. The City has an opportunity with the Brea Canyon Road link to create a theme and identity for the neighborhood. The architectural theme and landscape could be extended from Brea Canyon Road into the Heritage Park area and unify the neighborhood. He stated he would like to see Phase I given short service in the report and an attempt made to move rather quickly to the second phase of the plan. C/Chavers stated tonight is his last Commission meeting. He indicated he submitted his resignation to Council Member Werner this afternoon following confirmation from his boss July 13, 1995 Page 9 T&T commission that he is being transferred to Denver, Colorado effective September 1, 1995. He further stated that the matters stressed by him are valid whether or not he is a member of this Commission. Due to the fact that a previously scheduled trip takes him out of the City in August, he indicated he will not be available for the August 10, 1995 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting. He stated that it has been a fun six years serving the City and it has meant a great deal to him. Chair/Istik thanked C/Chavers for his service and stated the Commission will miss his participation. The valuable information C/Chavers has provided to the City based on his experience and ability to community will live on through the minutes. VC/Leonard stated that in the short time she has served on the Commission she has learned a great deal from reading C/Chavers comments in the minutes and from his comments during the meetings. In her opinion, the Commission is losing a great Commissioner. Chair/Intik stated DKS Associates is not present during this Commission meeting. The draft report on the Neighborhood Traffic Study is informational only. The report suggests some preliminary solutions in Phase I. The major concerns voiced by the residents are parking on the streets, and a desire to close off/neck down or block down streets to slow the traffic. These solutions are mostly included in Phase III. Phase III also includes a right -out -only at the Fountain Springs Lane driveway from the Country Hills Towne Center. In addition, mitigation to reduce the truck traffic through the neighborhood are in Phase III. If the study is adopted as proposed, it will not achieve the original goals of the study which, in his opinion, was to talk with the residents and implement their desired solutions. Phase I would not achieve nearly the results of Phase III. C/Chavers suggested that staff provide sketches of a traffic circle and a traffic choker with landscaping to show the residents what the proposed solutions would look like from a drivers eye perspective. Chair/Istik stated that all input from staff, neighborhood residents and management of the Country Hills Towne Center should be included in the report. From the 10.8 percent of the people who, responded to the study, most of the proposed July 13, 1995 Page 10 T&T Commission solutions are included in Phase III of the study. Hes stated he is not prepared to endorse the plan as presented. SE/Liu responded to Chair/Istik that the draft report was received by the City and the Traffic and Transportation Commission on July 7, 1995. A tentative meeting has been scheduled with the steering committee for July 18, 1995. The intent is to meet with the consultants and consolidate all comments into a second draft for final review by the Traffic and Transportation Commission. Chair/Istik requested staff to include a draft copy of tonight's meeting minutes regarding the Neighborhood Traffic Study for review by the steering committee. VC/Leonard stated the conclusion of her review of the draft study indicates the bulk of the action is in Phase III. She concurs with C/Chavers that the improvements for Brea Canyon Road should spill into the Heritage community in order to set the area apart. Chair/Istik stated there is unanimous agreement among the Commissioners present tonight that measures beyond Phase I are needed. It is possible that the solutions outlined in Phase III are needed, Craig Clute stated the draft study lacks information he expected to be included such as volumes of traffic, vehicle speed and other existing conditions. The information from the August, 1994 study are not mentioned in the current draft study. The intent of the residents who requested the study was to reduce the traffic volume and vehicle speed. He further stated the study does not address the truck traffic and any proposed alternate truck route. He pointed out the asterisk indicating the right -turn -out only driveway from the Country Hills Towne Center onto Fountain Springs Lane is in the wrong location on the foldout map included in the draft study. In addition, there are no maps showing the narrow streets which are a concern of the residents. There is no mention of the Brea Canyon Road project which effects the Heritage Park area. VC/Leonard stated she would like to see the Property Maintenance ordinance as an agenda item for the Traffic and Transportation Commission. 1 July 13, 1995 Page 11 T&T Commission C/Chavers suggested the Property Maintenance Ordinance first be discussed as an information item. IX. ITEMS FROM STAFF - None SE/Liu thanked C/Chavers for his valuable service to the City. X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: XI. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Istik declared the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully, avid . Liu Secretary Attest* Jac stlk Cha rman 11