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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/14/1996CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MARCH 14, 1996 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Istik called the meeting to order at 7:05 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 Vice -Chair Leonard. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Chair Istik, Vice Chair Leonard, Commissioners Nice, Tamaya, and Virginkar Staff: Deputy Director of Public Works, David Liu; Administrative Assistant, Tseday Aberra; Sergeant Rawlings; and Recording Secretary, Carol Dennis SWEARING IN: City Clerk Lynda Burgess administered the oath of office to all commissioners. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Meeting of February 8, 1996. VC/Leonard made a motion, seconded by C/Virginkar to approved the minutes as submitted. The motion was carried 2-0-3 with the following roll call: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Leonard, Virginkar NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Istik, Nice, Tamaya ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None II. REORGANIZATION OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION: VC/Leonard declared the nominations open for Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission for the term March, 1996 through February, 1997. C/Nice nominated Chair/Istik. VC/Leonard seconded the nomination. W March 14, 1996 Page 2 T&T Commission There being no other nominations, VC/Leonard closed the nominations. Chair/Istik was re-elected to serve as Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission for the term March, 1996 through February, 1997 with the following roll call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Nice, VC/Leonard, Tamaya, Virginkar, Chair/Istik NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None Chair/Istik declared the nominations open for Vice Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission for the term March, 1996 through February, 1997. Chair/Istik nominated VC/Leonard. C/Tamaya seconded the nomination. There being no further nominations, Chair/Istik declared the nominations closed. VC/Leonard was re-elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission for the term March, 1996 through February, 1997 with the following roll call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: II. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Chair/Istik, Tamaya, Virginkar, Nice, VC/Leonard None None None VC/Leonard welcomed the new Commissioners. C/Nice stated he is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Traffic and Transportation Commission and assist the citizens of Diamond Bar. He looks forward to helping the City with the movement of traffic. C/Tamaya stated he is pleased and honored to serve on the Traffic and Transportation Commission. He appreciates the support and faith shown by the City Council in appointing him to the Commission. He indicated he used to take notes March 14, 1996 Page 3 T&T Commission when he was a journalist and stated his main goal is to listen and learn as much as he can in the next few months. He further stated he looks forward to input from the citizens of Diamond Bar. Chair/Istik stated it is a very challenging City with respect to traffic. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Road, welcomed the new Commissioners and wished them good luck. He stated he attended the Walnut Valley Unified School District board meeting last week. He indicated he spoke to them about the lack of cooperation from the school district with respect to traffic considerations. He further stated that the school superintendent indicated the school district was unhappy with the City for not advising them why they were invited to the February Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting. Mr. Clute indicated that the superintendent told him that they were not given adequate time or details in order to prepare for the meeting. Mr. Clute stated he lives in an area that was recently the subject of a Neighborhood Traffic Study. He indicated that certain mitigation measures authorized by the City Council were to have been put into operation in January, 1996 and to date, these items are still outstanding. He further stated that March was to be the time that City staff reported back to the City Council regarding the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. He stated the stop signs, center line striping, and red curb painting has not been completed as authorized by the Council. He indicated there is little enforcement with respect to the "No Left Turn" sign posted at the Country Hills Towne Center ingress/egress on Fountain Springs Road. He estimated that the greater percentage of motorists exiting the shopping center ignore the "No Left Turn" sign. He requested an update on the City Council authorized traffic mitigation measures and $10,000 that was budgeted for Plan I. He indicated he felt there would . be sufficient money remaining for through traffic studies in the area. Mr. Clute stated the City needs to come to grips with March 14, 1996 Page 4 T&T Commission speeding in residential areas and decide what mitigation measures will be taken. He further stated the City seems to be hesitant to install stop signs, speed bumps, chokers, etc. Don Gravdahl, a Diamond Bar resident, stated he has lived in the second house from the corner of Del Sol Lane on Minneque Drive for approximately 29 years. During his residency, his neighbor who lives on the corner, has had two automobiles totalled by motorists coming around the corner. He further stated that, as a result of the center line striping on the opposite end of Minnequa Drive, motorists are no longer driving on the wrong side of the street. In addition, it appears to him that the centerline striping has caused a reduction in speed. He requested center striping at the corner of Del Sol Lane and Minnequa Drive. Mr. Gravdahl responded to C/Tamaya that he heard of one lady who opposed double yellow centerline striping because it would effect her country living. Another person felt that centerline striping would effect the property values. He suggested to C/Tamaya that the Commission should only be interested in safety. He stated that Diamond Ranch High School will be the main thing to effect property values in his area. C/Tamaya stated he has talked with resident in Mr. Gravdahl`s neighborhood. Several residents cited property values and felt that double yellow centerline striping did not have the impact on speeding traffic that Mr. Gravdahl has asserted. However, the residents felt that the centerline striping had a positive effect with respect to illegal passing, particularly on Bower Cascade Place. He further stated there are questions regarding the compatibility of the double striping with narrowness of Minnequa Drive where on street parking is allowed on both sides of the street. Mr. Gravdahl stated Minnequa Drive is 54 feet wide. Chair/Istik stated that when Los Angeles County planned the streets for Diamond Bar, they planned for no collector streets. Every street leading into a large ". residential area has homes on both sides. He indicated he lives near Prospectors Road which is a cut -through street from Sunset Crossing Road to Golden Springs 1 March 14, 1996 Page 5 T&T Commission Drive. He stated Prospectors Road should have been designed as a collector street with homes backing the street. Instead, there are homes facing the street with 55 and 60 foot frontages with cars parked in front of the homes on both sides of the street. The Traffic and Transportation Commission has no input with respect to new development. However, he stated he would encourage the City to require new development to build a collector street entering because it has an effect on all residents. Frank W. Cho, 21842 Tenderfoot Way, stated he owns the Fountain Springs Plaza building at the corner of Fountain Springs Road at Diamond Bar Boulevard. He stated he was notified by the City that the curb on Fountain Springs Drive adjacent to his building would be painted red and a "No Left Turn" sign would be installed at the Country Hills Towne Center. He further stated that he was not notified about the Neiahborhood Traffic Studv either at his business or at his home. He indicated that Y bill at his building. However notifications regarding hearir He stated that the City shoulc its mitigation measures to the He does not agree with the rec Road because, in his opinion, is only business in the evenir theater closes. He stated thz people would agree with the "P the theater parking because it When he leaves the shopping ce to Diamond Bar High School he onto Fountain Springs Road anc the shopping center to get to stated he feels this is an ex( requested the Commission recoi recommendation and remove the Left Turn" sign to accommodat( e receives a property tax , he never receives gs or traffic studies. consider the impact of businesses in the area. curb on Fountain Springs it is a quiet street and g hours when the movie t he did not believe o Left Turn" sign from is very inconvenient. nter to take his children must make a right turn go all the way around the high school. He essive restriction. He sider their curb painting and the "No the businesses. Chair/Istik responded to Dr. Cho that the City does not provide on-site parking for businesses. In this case, Dr. Cho's building was permitted by Los Angeles County and inherited by the City. Certain uses were assumed for the building which would reduce the amount of parking and enlarge the square footage of the building. In many cases, this is to the benefit of the builder. March 14, 1996 Page 6 T&T Commission The neighborhood residents are concerned with cut - through traffic. The residents of Fountain Springs Road would prefer that motorists use Pathfinder Road as an East/West cut through which would be safer. DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Istik that notices regarding the Neighborhood Traffic Study were mailed to residents within the area bounded by Pathfinder Road, Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Brea Canyon Road. The process has been on-going for over a year and many notices and survey questionnaires were sent out. He pointed out that Dr. Cho received notice of the painting and signing. He apologized to Dr. Cho for any oversight on the part of the City and indicated that for any future notices he would be certain that Dr. Cho receives all notifications. Chair/Istik encouraged Dr. Cho to review the study and contact DDPW/Liu at Diamond Bar City Hall. Dr. Cho reiterated that he is requesting that the Traffic and Transportation Commission reconsider the red curb painting on Fountain Springs Drive between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Crooked Creek Drive. Dr. Cho responded to VC/Leonard that his building has a total of 31 parking spaces for 8 businesses (2 suites are currently vacant). He stated the City of Diamond Bar should not have issued the building permit without providing adequate parking. Chair/Istik stated that the City has maintained that City streets should be used for movement of traffic and not for business parking. Jerry Boykin, President, Chamber of Commerce and resident of Diamond Bar, stated the Chamber of Commerce supports Dr. Cho's request. He further stated there is not sufficient parking for the business employees and clients of the businesses. While he understands the safety issues, there should be adequate parking provided. Chair/Istik stated that Los Angeles County may restrict use of a building so that a high generation use is not allowed. Such developments are not reviewed by the Traffic and Transportation Commission. 1 1 1 March 14, 1996 Page 7 T&T commission Mr. Boykin stated he can understand red paint for the corner of Fountain Springs Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard, however, not for the rest of Fountain Springs Road. This forces employees to park on the side streets which creates concerns for the residents. He stated that businesses in Diamond Bar are routinely closing because the City is not mindful of the needs of the business community. In his opinion, Dr. Cho should not have been given a permit to build his building if he was not going to be allowed sufficient parking. He suggested that the City might consider daytime only parking on Fountain Springs Road. DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Istik that Dr. Cho's building is not part of the Country Hills Towne Center. Mr. Boykin stated there is no access from the Country Hills Towne Center to Dr. Cho's property. The only entrances are from Fountain Springs Road and from Diamond Bar Boulevard. Dr. John Fonmin, 2707 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard #104, stated he has lived in Diamond Bar for more than 10 years. Three of his children graduated from Diamond Bar High School. He indicated he has been in practice in Diamond Bar for six years at Dr. Cho's building and has never observed an accident at the corner of Fountain Springs Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard. He stated that he wants to have ample parking for his clients and has always parked his automobile on Fountain Springs Road. Because of the red paint on the curb, his patients are experiencing difficulties in getting to his business. He indicated there is heavy traffic toward the end of the business day because of the dance school in Dr. Cho's building. He requested the City to further study the situation and consider removing the red paint. Chair/Intik reiterated that the building is currently occupied with uses that require more parking spaces than were required to be provided at the time the building was permitted. The uses of a center that require very little parking are tightly controlled by the City under the Conditional Use Permit process. Prior to a building owner being allowed to rent a unit to a tenant such as a dance school, a traffic study would have to be conducted to show that the parking lot March 14, 1996 Page 8 T&T Commission is adequate to cover such a use. Parking on City streets cuts down sight distance and increases the potential for accidents. Any recommendation by the Traffic and Transportation Commission to the City Council includes consideration of traffic safety. If the City Council chooses to set aside the recommendation of the Commission, and consider a more pressing issue, such as the desire of the property owner to rent out to businesses which generate more traffic than the parking lot can accommodate, that is matter for discussion at a level other than the Traffic and Transportation Commission. C/Virginkar requested this item be placed on the agenda for April. Chair/Istik requested the item be placed on the April agenda and that the property owner and Chamber of Commerce be notified. DDPW/Liu responded he will provide a complete packet of the information regarding the Neighborhood Traffic Study for the April Commission meeting. VC/Leonard stated she is concerned with the overflow parking on Rising Star Drive and the traffic exiting the Country Hills Towne Center using Rising Star Drive as a U-turn street. C/Virginkar concurred with VC/Leonard. Mr. Clute stated the intent of the Neighborhood Traffic Study was to revisit the mitigation measures after six months. Rather than take one issue at a time, he suggested the Commission follow the original schedule. C/Tamaya responded to Mr. Clute that he understands his concerns, however, he knows of business that have closed in six months or less and in his opinion, the City should respond to the concerns of the Chamber of Commerce. Chair/Istik stated that the City is faced with a poorly drawn and poorly enforced parking code on the part of the County with respect to Mr. Cho's building. In his opinion, this should be considered by the City in order for this circumstance is not repeated. 1 March 14, 1996 Page 9 V. CONSENT CALENDAR - None VI. OLD BUSINESS T&T Commission A. Traffic circulation and congestion at Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue. AA/Aberra stated that at the February 8, 1996 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, Sergeant Mike Rawlings and Deputy John Steel expressed their concern over the traffic circulation and congestion at and in the vicinity of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive. Said circulation and congestion concern is related with the number of attendees of Calvary Chapel. In the opinion of the Walnut Sheriff's Department, additional mitigation measures are needed to manage the traffic circulation and congestion in the vicinity of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive. The proposed mitigation measures as proposed by the Sheriff's Department on February 8, 1996 are as follows: 1. on Golden Springs Drive, utilize the most southerly driveway for both ingress and egress and restrict the northerly driveway for egress only; 2. Direct vehicles which enter Calvary Chapel off of the most southerly driveway of Golden Springs Drive to the back of the church before being permitted to park in the stalls; 3. Utilize the Grand Avenue driveway as an ingress to the church; and 4. Manipulate the control for the traffic signals at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive. This matter was agendized as an information item for the February 8, 1996 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting. For this month, it is formally agendized for discussion. Calvary Chapel was represented at the February 8, 1996 Commission meeting and stated that they are March 14, 1996 Page 10 T&T Commission open to assisting the City with respect to the traffic concerns. The purpose of bringing this matter forth for discussion before the Traffic and Transportation Commission is to approach Calvary Chapel with the Sheriff's Department's recommendation and request Calvary Chapel to present mitigation measures. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Tranpsortation Commission receive input/comments from Calvary Chapel and request that they provide specific mitigation measures to resolve the traffic circulation/congestion concern. Bernie Grant, Administrator, Calvary Chapel, stated the church is concerned with closing off what they consider to be the main ingress/egress. The closure of this driveway would cause a much greater problem since the southerly entrance is much smaller than the more northerly entrance on Golden Springs Drive. He indicated the church would like to meet with the City's staff and work out possible alternatives to the proposed mitigation measures. He further stated that they are complying with the traffic study issued during the Conditional Use Permit process. DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Intik that Linscott, Law and Greenspan conducted the traffic study for Calvary Chapel. Mr. Grant responded to Chair/Istik that the traffic study was conducted upon completion of the final remodel of the church to its current seating capacity. The traffic study included the traffic flow into the parking lot. He indicated that permanent parking has been added at the corner of Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue. If the southerly ingress/egress is utilized, cars will have a much greater distance to travel through the church area and he indicated he sees this solution as creating a horrendous problem for the traffic. Mr. Grant responded to C/Virginkar that the church has difficulty with the first three recommended mitigation measures. He indicated there may be a 1 1 1 March 14, 1996 Page 11 T&T Commission benefit to traffic flow by manipulating the control for the traffic signals at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive which would eliminate the safety hazard for the Sheriff's Deputies. The church closed the southerly entrance in compliance with the traffic study. The traffic study recommended use of the main entrance on Golden Springs Drive (the northerly ingress/egress) and the entrance on Grand Avenue. The church is following these recommendations. Chair/Istik stated the church shares property with the proposed hospital site. He indicated the intent of the signalized intersection east of Golden Springs Drive on Grand Avenue was to accommodate the condominium units (East side of Grand Avenue), the hospital and Calvary Chapel. This offers an opportunity for a left turn in and. out and to reduce the traffic congestion on Grand Avenue. DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Istik that according to the Planning Department certain construction activities must be completed by April 15 for the hospital project to meet the CUP requirements. The City's Public Works Department has not yet received the project grading plans for review. one of the conditions for the hospital site is that the main entrance will be at the current signal on Grand Avenue east of Golden Springs Drive. Mr. Grant indicated that his understanding is that the ingress/egress on Grand Avenue east of Golden Springs Drive is to be used for emergency purposes only. Chair/Istik stated that he has reviewed the traffic signals plans which indicate that the intersection was constructed so that the traffic signal is located at the split of the property line between the hospital property and the church property. DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Intik that the road in question is a private road. In addition, the March 14, 1996 Page 12 T&T Commission Planning Commission requested the hospital to conduct a secondary access road study. He recalled that the study indicated that a secondary access road would be cost prohibitive due to the grading activities and the easements requirements. C/Nice stated he visited the site on Sunday, March 10 and spoke with the traffic officers who were directing traffic. Regarding recommendation number 3, the traffic officers felt that the traffic progressing southerly on Grand Avenue proceeds at a rate of about 25 to 30 MPH. By the time the traffic slows down for the Grand Avenue entrance, the cars will be backed up across Golden Springs Drive. He indicated he observed that numerous vehicles exit the church onto Grand Avenue, proceed easterly moving to the left lane and make a U-turn at the traffic signal on Grand Avenue east of Golden Springs Drive at the Diamond Bar Villas. This causes a traffic backup on Grand Avenue and, in his opinion, a traffic safety hazard. He suggested a "No U -Turn" sign might eliminate this hazard and improve the traffic flow. VC/Leonard stated she would like to have traffic mitigation measure recommendations from the church presented to the Commission. She suggested that the church try the proposed mitigation measures to determine the effectiveness, propose additional mitigation measures to the City and report back to the Traffic and Transportation Commission in April. Sgt. Rawlings responded to C/Virginkar that the Sheriff's Department believes that the Grand Avenue entrance is not being fully utilized which would alleviate the traffic backup on Golden Springs Drive when vehicles are waiting to make a left turn. As an alternative, if the vehicles use the more southerly entrance on Golden Springs Drive, this would help mitigate the backup on Golden Springs Drive to Grand Avenue because there would be more room for cars to stack up on Golden Springs Drive. C/Virginkar suggested the meeting between the March 14, 1996 Page 13 T&T Commission church and the City should happen immediately. He indicated he thought that meeting was to have taken place prior to the March Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting. Sgt. Rawlings responded to DDPW/Liu that the Sheriff's Department would like to see recommendation number 4 implemented as soon as possible because of the safety hazard to the deputies. Deputy St. Amant stated that the deputies have only about a one and one-half foot area in which to work in the intersection. Because of this, the deputies have been blocking the number two left turn north bound lane on Grand Avenue which gives the deputies an extra eight feet in which to work. With two left turn lanes open in each direction on Grand Avenue, it is very dangerous for the deputies to stand in the intersection and direct traffic. C/Tamaya suggested that if the church has no objection to recommendation No. 4, the Commission could elect to recommend its implementation immediately. Mr. Grant responded to C/Tamaya that the church would like to know the cost of implementing recommendation No. 4. He indicated that the church posted a $10,000 cash bond for traffic signals as part of the Conditional Use Permit. He suggested that this cash bond could be utilized for implementation of recommendation No. 4. DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that he has not had an opportunity to discuss the cost of the traffic signal with Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. The County assumes a certain position with respect to the liability incurred for the maintenance of the traffic signals. The City does not have access to any of the traffic controllers. St. Amant responded to Chair/Intik that a box attached to the traffic control allows the deputy to manually override the signal. The signal at March 14, 1996 Page 14 T&T Commission Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive does not currently have a manual control box and would require modification. VC/Leonard reiterated that the safety considerations for the deputies will continue to be an issue and she would like to have this matter settled as quickly as possible. C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by C/Nice to direct staff to immediately resolve the issue of the traffic control device, and meet with Calvary Chapel to consider additional traffic flow mitigation measures. Without objection, the motion was so ordered. Chair/Istik requested DDPW/Liu to consider the Grand Avenue entrance and the hospital site entrance as part of the negotiations with Calvary Chapel. B. Policies/Guidelines for speed humps in the cities of Pasadena, Chino Hills, and Walnut. DDPW/Liu stated the studies/policies the cities of Pasadena, Chino Hills and Walnut have provided are included in the Commission's packets for review. Included within the City of Chino Hills' comprehensive study is the comparison of the policies (Table 1) used by the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and the County of Los Angeles. The survey indicates that only five of 27 cities have installed speed humps. Twenty two cities have not installed any kind of speed humps. Most of the jurisdictions that have considered the speed humps have based their decisions on the liabilities and the fact that the California Traffic Control Device committee would not approve humps as an official traffic control device. DDPW/Liu pointed out that such issues as traffic diversion, vehicle damage, speed variance and potential loss of vehicles have been explored extensively by the jursidictions considering a speed hump policy. The City's City Attorney has rendered an opinion that the advisability of installing speed humps depends on the risk benefit analysis. If the City wishes to install LJ March 14, 1996 Page 15 T&T Commission any type of speed humps, it must formulate rules and regulations for the policy. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission review the policies/guidelines for speed humps for the cities of Pasadena, Chino Hills and Walnut and file the report. Chair/Istik explained that if a speed hump policy was adopted by the City, as an example, a citizen who might request installation of a speed hump must first obtain 65% or 750 of his neighbors signatures on a petition in favor of the speed hump. In addition, if the neighborhood wishes to have the speed hump removed, the same percentage of petition signatures of the neighborhood residents would be required. C/Nice stated the report did not contain information regarding the concerns of the residents effected by the installation of the speed humps. As an example, he cited inconvenience, damage to vehicles, noise, diverted traffic, etc. VC/Leonard stated she would like additional time to absorb the information in the packet prior to making a recommendation for a speed hump policy. She suggested that the City should consider implementing a speed hump policy. DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that Chino Hills conducted an extensive study of the speed hump issue. At the conclusion of the study, the City did nothing. He suggested that Diamond Bar should follow the same policies as outlined in the report and formulate solid rules and regulations for recommendation to the City Council. C/Virginkar suggested rumble strips (bott dots) as an alternative to speed humps. DDPW/Liu stated botts dots have been installed at various locations. Neighbors have responded favorably and unfavorably. C/Virginkar stated that, in his opinion, the bott dots would represent less of a liability risk to the City. March 14, 1996 Page 16 T&T Commission VII. Chair/Istik stated his belief that speed humps cause motorists to slow down and botts dots create noise for the residents. Chair/Istik requested staff to bring its recommendation to the Commission assuming adoption of a speed hump policy by the City Council. Sgt. Rawlings stated the City of Walnut adopted a speed hump policy over a year ago and, to his knowledge, there are no speed humps installed in Walnut at this time. Craig Clute stated he does not want to hear vehicles running over botts dots in his neighborhood throughout the day and night. He suggested that the Commission should decide on a speed hump policy because it will continue to be an issue for the City. He suggested a street choker policy should be studied by the Commission as an alternative to speed hump installation. The traffic study for his neighborhood recommended installation of street chokers which is on hold at the City Council level. The City needs to make a decision on a policy to combat through traffic and speeding traffic. Chair/Istik recommended that staff provide the new Traffic and Transportation Commissioners with a copy of the Heritage Park Traffic Study. DDPW/Liu proposed placing the speed hump issue on the agenda for May or June. VC/Leonard made a motion, seconded by C/Virginkar to direct staff to prepare a draft policy recommendation for the Commission's consideration. NEW BUSINESS - None VIII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS: DDPW/Liu stated the striping of the south side of the Pathfinder Bridge is scheduled to go before the City Council on Tuesday, March 19, 1996. DDPW/Liu stated the "Do Not Block Intersection" at Cherrydale Drive and Crooked Creek Drive was approved March 14, 1996 Page 17 T&T Commission by the City Council on March 5, 1996. IX. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: C/Tamaya stated he has driven Minnequa Drive and finds it very difficult with cars parked on both sides of the street. He indicated he has been approached by many residents who feel that center striping/double striping will not deter speeding traffic. In addition, they indicate that striping reduces property values, does not look good, takes away from the country living atmosphere and gives the wrong perception, etc. He suggested the City should be consistent with respect to striping of streets. VC/Leonard concurred with C/Tamaya. DDPW/Liu responded that the City follows the California Vehicle code/CalTrans requirements for street striping. Since incorporation, double yellow lines have been installed on specific residential streets .where there are grade or curvature conditions. The current striping on Highland Valley Road and Sunset Crossing Road was installed by Los Angeles County. The City, as part of the resurfacing program, will consider the striping issue and there will be consistency in its application. The City does not want to make any drastic changes when the current practice is working. C/Nice stated the Fountain Springs Road issue hits close to home for him since he lives on Rising Star Drive close to Fountain Springs Road. Rising Star Drive is a narrow street and if vehicles are parked on both sides of the street, only one vehicle at a time can pass through the center. When the Krikorian Theater was built, one of the promises made was that the driveway on Fountain Springs Road would be used for walkway only and not for vehicle traffic. Sometime between the commitment and construction, it became a drive through. With the current policy of a "No Left - Turn" sign at the Country Hills Towne Center, either the motorists turn left or they turn right and make a U-turn at Rising Star. He suggested that if the "No Left -Turn" sign remains at the driveway, it should be enforced. In addition, there should be no U -Turn permitted at Rising Star Drive. March 14, 1996 Page IS T&T Commission Sgt. Rawlings responded to C/Nice that the U-turn at Rising Star Drive would not be illegal. He cited the Vehicle Code which states that in a residential area it is illegal to make a U-turn if there is approaching traffic within 200 feet. With respect to enforcement, some motorists will disobey the "No Left Turn" sign. He indicated the Sheriff's Department could issue token citations, however, he does not feel enforcement will be a deterent to what the motorists see as an "unreasonable prohibition". C/Nice stated that he views the "No Left Turn" sign as useless. The sign should be eliminated or other mitigation measures should be investigated. Chair/Istik stated there was consideration given to a "Right-Turn-In"/"Right-Turn-Out" curb construction at the location. C/Nice stated he would be in favor of closing the driveway. DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that the driveway in question has been discussed numerous times. Any further restrictions on the driveway would have to be coordinated with the Country Hills Towne Center management company. DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that any changes, with respect to the red curb striping on Fountain Springs Road at Diamond Bar Boulevard would be at the direction of the City Council. City Council is interested in conducting more workshops with the residents with regard to the Neighborhood Traffic Study. Chair/Intik stated he spoke at the Town Hall Meeting in February regarding the narrowing of Sunset Crossing Road from the southbound SR 57 off -ramp to the City of Industry boundary and the potential cul-de-sacing of Sunset Crossing Road. Currently, Sunset Crossing Road is approximately 60 feet in width from curb to curb with two lanes in each direction plus a median. By narrowing the road, commercial trucks could not utilize the street for direct access to the SR 57 and the City" would maintain its intention for Sunset Crossing Road to remain a residential street._ If the City abandons the access right-of-way some of the homes bordering Ll 1 Fil March 14, 1996 Page 19 Sunset Crossing Road would be He suggested the Traffic and could discuss this matter at a recommendation to the City T&T Commission afforded larger setbacks. Transportation Commission the April meeting and make Council. DDPW/Liu stated the City Council approved the cul-de- sacing of Sunset Crossing Road in February. In December, 1995, the City's staff recommended a three phase approach for closing Sunset Crossing Road: First Phase, cul -de -lacing; second phase, preparation of a concept plan, and third phase, construction of roller hockey or skate board facilities deemed appropriate. There will be a public process involved in implementation of these three phases. A consultant has been engaged by the City to assist in the preparation of the concept plan. The contract for the cul-de- sacing has been awarded and the project is on hold until Walnut Valley Water District completes the installation of a 30 inch main line in May. Chair/Istik stated it is his opinion that the Traffic and Transportation Commission does not need the Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update from Sgt. Rawlings. If there is a large traffic problem, the Sheriff's Department would report the problem to the City staff and make a recommendation for resolving the problem. C/Virginkar responded to C/Tamaya that he requested the report. Sgt. Rawlings stated he did not intend to report on the location of accidents. He indicated his report is statistical in nature. X. ITEMS FROM STAFF: A. Citations issued for the month of February, 1996. Sgt. Rawlings reported 12 injury traffic collisions with two fatalities. He indicated two fatalities in one month is very unusual since the City averages three or four fatalities per year on the surface streets. He stated that one of the fatalities occurred on a restaurant parking lot and property collisions are not usually included in the calculation of the effectiveness of a traffic program. He further stated that March 14, 1996 Page 20 T&T Commission approximately one-half of the accidents are "report of pain" only. He continued stating there were a total of 41 non -injury traffic collisions, one DUI collision (property damage only) and five DUI arrests. There were a total of 15 people injured, two fatalities, one fatal pedestrian collision, three injury collisions, and one property damage only hit and run traffic collision. There were 477 radar citations issued, 20 safety belt citations issued, two child restraint citations issued, for a total of 571 hazardous citations issued. There were 51 non- hazardous citations issued and 100 parking violations issued. The enforcement index for February was 47.9 (hazardous citations issued for each injury traffic collision). DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that if the Commission feels the Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update information is beneficial to the Commission and/or the public, he sees no harm in receiving the information. He indicated that the statistics may only be useful to the Sheriff's Department. When issues regarding circulation or safety arise, the Sheriff's Department communicates the issues to the City for mitigation. Sgt. Rawlings responded to VC/Leonard that any problems are referred by the Sheriff's Department to the City. Chair/Istik stated problems with potential liability to the City should not be discussed in a public forum. C/Virginkar stated that the Commission decided to obtain the enforcement information to address citizen's concerns regarding traffic enforcement. He indicated that it is his opinion that the report does not require a significant amount of time and is of some value to the Commissioners. C/Nice stated the information is interesting. However, unless there is a particular trend in a particular area, the Commission does not know where things are occurring. He questioned the benefit of the information. IMarch 14, 1996 Page 21 T&T Commission 11 1 C/Tamaya suggested the information could be passed to the Commissioners in written form for inclusion in the Commission packets. Chair/Istik stated the information is available in the Windmill. He indicated there is much more that the Sheriff's Department does than issue citations and he does not want to over emphasize the need to give tickets in the City. He would like to leave it to the Sheriff's Department to decide what is important and discuss the matter with the staff. Sgt. Rawlings responded VC/Leonard and to C/Tamaya that the information is a report that he must prepare for as part of his job description. However, the information is not available in time to be included in the packet in written form. VC/Leonard stated she is primarily interested in the index figure. C/Virginkar stated he is interested in trends. Mr. Clute stated he supports the Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update report as a channel of communication and an indication of trends. C. Future Agenda Items. DDPW/Liu stated the April 11, 1996 Traffic and Transportation meeting will be the first workshop and public meeting regarding the Neighborhood Traffic Study for the Rolling Knoll Road and Country View Drive area. Surveys will be mailed next week to the residents in the area notifying them that the study is in process and that they will have an opportunity to express their views before the Commission. XI. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. Status of the Diamond Bar Park -n -Ride Lot Expansion located on Diamond Bar Boulevard. DDPW/Liu stated the information is contained in the Commission packet. March 14, 1996 Page 22 T&T Commission B. California Contract Cities Association Workshop. DDPW/Liu stated the Commissioners Workshop is scheduled for March 30, 1996. Anyone who wishes to attend should call the Public Works Department. The City will pay the admission fee. VC/Leonard encouraged the Commissioners to attend. She indicated she found the workshop to be very helpful. DDPW/Liu responded to C/Virginkar that prior to meeting with the Walnut Valley Unified School District, he is preparing a list of objectives. The traffic study will involve all of the school districts, PTA's, etc. Staff intends to agendize the item for May. C/Virginkar requested staff to provide an aerial photograph of the schools and streets in the surrounding areas. VC/Leonard reminded staff that she and C/Virginkar volunteered to meet with the Walnut Valley Unified School District to solicit their cooperation in the study. She suggested staggered school times should be addressed with the school districts as a possible solution to the traffic flow problem. C. Verbal Update: "No Parking Anytime" signs on Fountain Springs Drive, between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Crooked Creek Drive. DDPW/Liu stated that at the February Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, a concerned resident suggested that there were too many "No Parking Anytime" signs on both sides of Fountain Springs Drive between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Crooked Creek Drive. He suggested that one or two signs could be removed. He indicated this item could be handled administratively. D. Written Update: Neighborhood Traffic Study for the Rolling Knoll Road, Country View Drive, and Quail Summit Drive area. DDPW/Liu stated the written information is March 14, 1996 Page 23 T&T Commission contained in the Commissioner packet. XI. ADJOURNMENT Attest: Jack Inti Charman 11 There being no further business to conduct, Chair Istik adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully, 'Islam 1�d (Y."ti U -- Secretary