HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/11/1996CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
APRIL 11, 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 Commissioner
Nice.
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
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. Meeting of March 14, 1996.
DDPW/Liu corrected the adjournment time to 9:53 p.m.
VC/Leonard made a motion, seconded by C/Virginkar to
approve the minutes as corrected. Without objections,
the motion was so ordered.
II. COMMISSION COMMENTS - None
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Hubert Wilson, 23649 Country View Drive, requested an
update regarding the shopping cart fixtures located in
the fire lane at the K -Mart shopping center on Diamond
Bar Boulevard. He stated he understands that K -Mart
received a citation for this violation from the Los
Angeles County Fire Department. However, the
structures are still located in the fire lane. He
emphasized the safety hazard due to the violation.
DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Istik that staff will
contact the fire department and K -Mart seeking
compliance and respond to Mr. Wilson.
Chair/Istik requested that in the event of non-
compliance by K -Mart, that the item be agendized for
April 11, 1996 Page 2 T&T commission
the May Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting
with a recommendation from staff for mitigation
measures.
Debby O'Connor, 23725 Bower Cascade Place, indicated
she made a request to three of the Traffic and
Transportation Commissioners that the double yellow
line striping in Diamond Point 1 area item be placed on
tonight's agenda. She stated she is very disappointed
that the item was not placed on tonight's agenda. She
requested the item be placed on the May agenda. In
addition, she requested to know why a Neighborhood
Traffic Study is not being conducted in her area.
DDPW/Liu responded to Debby O'Conner that the double
yellow line striping in Diamond Point 1 area has been
in place for approximately two months. The issue has
been before the Traffic and Transportation Commission
and the City Council. There is currently no action
being taken with respect to this item.
C/Tamaya requested the double yellow line striping in
d Point 1 area item be laced on the May agenda.
Diamond p
Without objections, the Commission concurred.
C/Virginkar asked that staff issue a recommended draft
policy for the striping of residential streets.
David O'Connor, 23725 Bower Cascade Place, stated his
home is located on the corner of Bower Cascade Place
and Minneque Drive. He is concerned about safety and
speeding in the area. He indicated he has seen
Sheriff's Deputies patrolling the street and, in his
opinion, a very heavy presence by law enforcement and
the citing of violators will eventually bring the
speeding vehicles under control.
Tom Ortiz, a Diamond Bar resident, stated that Glen
Thomas, 1954 Los Cerros Drive, is concerned about sight
blockage at the stop signs at Los Cerros Drive and Fern
Hollow Drive. He indicated that Mr. Thomas has a
recommendation for mitigation and would like to be
contacted by the City staff. Mr. Ortiz requested that
the Traffic and Transportation Commission set a time 77
limit on recommendations to the City Council. Mr.
Ortiz pointed out that there is valuable information
contained in the Diamond Bar Recreation Guide and
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Newsletter and asked the Commission to'educate the
citizens with respect to the publication. He cited
page 21 of the publication as being particularly
valuable and informative. He reminded the Commission
that he is very interested in the safety concerns
regarding school traffic. He asked if the video of the
Placentia school site he had requested when he was a
Traffic and Transportation Commissioner had been
completed by the City staff. He requested that the
Commission con inue to have Sgt. Rawlings present the
Monthly Traffi Enforcement Update. He further
requested enfo cement of street parking violations.
DDPW/Liu respo ded to Chair/Istik that the City is
proceeding wit the school traffic study and the item
will be agendized for the May or June Traffic and
Transportation Commission meeting. He indicated that
if staff requires assistance he will contact Mr. Ortiz.
Raul Medina, 23852 Country View Drive, reminded the
audience that the Sounds of Diamond Bar 7th anniversary
celebration will be held Sunday, April 14 at Peterson
Park from 1:00 M. to 5:00 P.M. He asked the
Commission to consider the impending increased traffic
flow on Grand A enue as a result of the large new
shopping center in Chino Hills.
Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Road, presented a
letter to the C mmission regarding speed humps in Chino
Hills. He requ sted an update with respect to the
Calvary Chapel traffic item. He further requested an
update on the school traffic situation and asked
whether the Wal ut Valley Unified School District had
been contacted or their cooperation in the effort. He
indicated that enter line double yellow striping that
was to have bee installed three months ago on Cold
Springs Lane be ween Diamond Bar Boulevard and Castle
Rock Road has n t been completed.
Chair/Istik responded to Mr. Clute that the May 9
Traffic and Transportation Commission agenda includes
discussion of the school district traffic. A
discussion of aispeed hump policy for the City is
scheduled for t e June 13 Commission meeting.
V. CONSENT CALENDA - None
April 11, 1996 Page 4 T&T Commission
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. Parking for occupants of 2707 South Diamond Bar
Boulevard.
AA/Aberra stated that at the direction of the Traffic
and Transportation Commission, staff investigated the
Conditional Use Permit issued by the County of Los
Angeles to Dr. Frank Cho for his building located at
2707 South Diamond Bar Boulevard. The staff report
outlines the date and circumstances of the approval and
the concerns outlined by the City's Planning Department
with respect to the number of allocated parking spaces
and the permitted uses. Staff recommends that the
Traffic and Transportation Commission discuss the
parking restriction on Fountain Springs Road from
Crooked Creek Drive to Diamond Bar Boulevard and
request staft to incorporate the comments with the
upcoming evaluation/study.
DDPW/Liu responded to C/Virginkar that the
recommendation for the red curb was included in the
Neighborhood Traffic Study to improve the traffic
circulation and the site restriction. This item was
included in the recommendation forwarded by the Traffic
and Transportation Commission to the City Council to
adopt Part I of Plan I improvements.
Frank W. Cho, D.D.S., 21842 Tenderfoot, stated he is
the owner of the building located at 2707 South Diamond
Bar Boulevard. He further stated he obtained a
building permit from Los Angeles County. He indicated
he has 10 businesses and 31 parking spaces at the site.
He reiterated that he was not informed by the City
about the Neighborhood Traffic Study and he had no
opportunity for input at the public hearings. He
stated the businesses in his center suffer greatly from
the painted red curb. He asked the Commission to
consider removing the red paint and allowing vehicular
parking on Fountain Springs Drive between Diamond Bar
Boulevard and Crooked Creek Drive. He indicated he
feels that the red curbing represents over regulation.
Fred Scalzo, Diamond Bar Chamber of Commerce, stated
that in 1992 a traffic study was conducted for the
Country Hills Towne Center area. The study determined
that there was no reason to inhibit parking on Fountain
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April 11, 1996
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T&T commission
Springs Drive and, in his opinion, there is currently
no reason to inhibit street parking. He further stated
that the tenant's employees count on off-site parking
in order not to restrict the on-site parking that is
available for customer use. He asked that the
Commission carefully consider the interests of the
businesses of Diamond Bar since 25% to 300 of the
City's budget is derived from sales tax on retail
centers like Dr. Cho's center. He urged the Commission
to assist Dr. Cho by recommending that the red curb
paint be removed from Fountain Springs Drive.
John Fonmin M.D., 2707 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, Suite
104, stated his patients are experience difficulty
getting to his facility because of the limited parking.
He expressed his concern for patients with arthritis or
other trauma who cannot walk long distances and must
park close to the office. He requested that the
Commission request removal of the red curb paint on
Fountain Springs Road to accommodate the businesses.
Mr. Clute suggested the Commission look at the
Conditional Use Permit granted Dr. Cho. He indicated
that a prior Traffic and Transportation Commissioner
stated that, in his opinion, Dr. Cho is in clear
violation of the CUP. Mr. Clute stated that he is not
anti -business. However, he is very concerned with the
traffic through his neighborhood. He asked if the City
is going to allow business parking on residential
streets. In addition, he pointed out the safety issues
with street parking. He questioned whether the parking
was ever adequate for 10 businesses at that location.
He urged the Commission not to allow business parking
on residential streets.
Sheri Liebe, INA Dance Studio, 2707 S. Diamond Bar
Boulevard, Suite 205, presented a petition to the
Commission which calls for the removal of the red curb
on Fountain Springs Road. She asked the Commission to
consider removing the red paint from the business
driveway of 2707 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard north to the
ingress/egress for Country Hills Towne Center on the
south side of Fountain Springs Road. She stated that
her dance studio offers classes through the City's
Parks and Recreations Department in a joint effort with
the City of Brea called "Mommie and Me". The students
are 14 months to two years old and therefore must be
April 11, 1996 Page 6 T&T Commission
accompanied by an adult.
Chair/Istik pointed out that the conditions for the
dance studio tenant improvements states that the class
size is not to exceed eight students and that the
parents are not to remain on site to watch the classes.
He indicated that this restrictive condition was
apparently imposed because of the concern for lack of
parking. In addition, the conditions state that if
larger or adult classes are taught during non -peak
hours, the studio is required to apply for a shared
parking Conditional Use Permit or Variance.
Ms. Liebe stated that although 90 percent of her
students are dropped off, she has students in need of
parking because of the classes offered through the
City.
Ms. Liebe responded to C/Nice that she has not
attempted to comply with the shared parking Conditional
Use Permit condition. She indicated she is not certain
that she agreed to the tenant improvement conditions
when she signed her lease.
Dr. Cho stated he has attempted to contact the Country
Hills Towne Center to discuss shared parking and they
have not responded.
Ms. Liebe responded to C/Nice that as a result of the
City classes she may have up to 14 students per "Mommie
and Me" class plus 14 parents. She asked for direction
from the Commission.
Dr. Cho responded to C/Tamaya that he has an easement
to construct a stairway between Country Hills Towne
Center and his property. He indicated he has made
several attempts to contact the owner of the shopping
center. He stated that the owner has no interest in
entering into a contract to share the parking. He
indicated that he is a dentist and he has not lost
patients. However, the lack of parking is hurting
other businesses in his building. He would be
agreeable to removal of the red paint on the south side
of Fountain springs Road from his building's driveway
westerly to the Country Hills Towne Center ingress/
egress.
April 11, 1996 Page 7 T&T Commission
Robert Baltis, 22720 Timbertop Lane, stated there are
no residential addresses on the portion of Fountain
springs Road that is painted red. Therefore, it is not
a residential street.
C/Virginkar stated that he has observed the traffic on
Montefino Avenue and on Fountain Springs Road. In his
opinion, there is a much heavier traffic flow from
Montefino Avenue onto Diamond Bar Boulevard and there
is no red curbing in that area. He sees both areas as
similar and if one location has the red curbing the
other location should have the red curbing. He further
stated he is concerned that the City should have a
policy regarding red curbing. He suggested the red
curbing should be removed from Fountain Springs Road.
DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that public input was
solicited for the Neighborhood Traffic Study. As a
result, a list of recommendations were presented to the
Traffic and Transportation Commission. The red curb on
Fountain Springs Road is a direct result of the input
received and forwarded as a recommendation from the
Traffic and Transportation Commission to the City
Council for implementation. Due to safety issues, the
curb on the north side of Fountain Springs Drive must
remain red from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Rising Star.
However, the red curbing for the south side of Fountain
Springs Road from the driveway of the building at 2707
Fountain Springs Road west to the Country Hills Towne
Center driveway could eventually be re-evaluated. The
City Council will be conducting public workshops to
evaluate all of the mitigation measures initiated as a
result of the Neighborhood Traffic Study.
VC/Leonard stated that the City Council took action on
the "No Left Turn" sign at the Country Hills Towne
Center ingress/egress at Fountain Springs Road. She
asked if the intent is to group all of the mitigation
measures or deal with each mitigation measure
individually. She further stated she is confused about
the City Council action.
DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that the first City
Council Neighborhood Traffic Study Public Workshop will
be held in May.
C/Nice stated he spent four hours on a weekend
April 11, 1996 Page 8 T&T Commission
canvasing the neighborhood. He indicated that he feels
the red curbing on the residential side of Fountain
Springs Road is essential. However, the residents
voiced almost no objection to removing the red curbing
on the south side of Fountain Springs Road and
indicated they did not feel that parked vehicles
created a hazard in that area.
Chair/Istik stated his opinion that, as a Civil
Engineer, it is not feasible to plan business parking
on residential streets. In the event that an
additional lane is ever needed and the street needs to
be restriped, such an action hurts the businesses.
Staff has provided a report indicating the uses of the
building at 2707 Fountain Springs Road has changed from
the intent of the original CUP. The current uses are
more intense and require additional parking. He stated
he would not be in favor of recommending any action to
the City Council tonight and instead follow staff's
recommendation and revisit the item during the re-
evaluation period. It is incumbent upon the owner of
the building to comply with the City's condition of
securing additional parking spaces.
Mr. Baltis asked why the City has not red striped
Palomino Drive at Diamond Bar Boulevard. The street is
just as narrow as Fountain Springs Road.
Mr. Scalzo stated he would like to see the Commission
take action tonight to remove the red striping on the
south side of Fountain Springs Road. He indicated he
agrees that buildings should not be developed with the
proposal to use off-site parking. However, this
location was developed with off-site parking available.
C/Virginkar made a motion, seconded by C/Tamaya, to
remove the red curb paint on both sides of Fountain
Springs Road westerly from the 2707 building driveway
to Crooked Creek Drive.
Chair/Istik stated he would prefer to wait until the
DKS study is completed and would not be in favor of
removing the red curb at this time. He suggested the
City intervene with the Country Hills Towne Center to
reach a compromise to temporarily assist Dr. Cho with
his parking dilemma.
April 11, 1996 Page 9 T&T Commission
C/Tamaya asked C/Virginkar for clarification of his
motion. C/Tamaya stated that because Dr. Cho has made
a good faith effort to work with the owner of Country
Hills Towne Center and because Dr. Cho has not received
any cooperation from the center, he indicated he would
be inclined to consider removal of the red curb paint
on the south side of Fountain Springs Road between Dr.
Cho's building driveway and the shopping center
driveway based on the following: it appears that Dr.
Cho has complied with the CUP conditions. Based upon
C/Nice's survey, there were virtually no objections to
removing the red paint on the south side of Fountain
Springs Road. If the City is successful in negotiating
additional parking with the shopping center, the
Commission could consider restoring the red curb.
C/Tamaya further stated that he would like to see the
line of sight clear on at least one side of Fountain
Springs Road. He requested that C/Virginkar amend his
motion.
VC/Leonard stated she is in favor of continuing with
the Neighborhood Traffic Study review period prior to
initiating any changes. However, one item has been
changed by the City Council, and she indicated she
would be in favor of recommending removal of the red
paint on the south side only.
C/Virginkar amended his motion. He stated his reason
for recommending removal on both sides of Fountain
Springs Road is because of the inconvenience to the
residents, particularly the residents on Rising Star
Drive.
DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that the red curbing
is currently located on both sides of Fountain Springs
Road from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Crooked Creek Drive.
Chair/Istik reiterated that he would like to see the
Commission support the traffic study as it was
recommended to and approved by the City Council. The
Commission is not supporting the Planning Commission
and the Planning Department staff's recommendations.
The exception is contemplated because the property
owner is not following the conditions under which he
agreed to operate.
C/Virginkar restated his motion to recommend to the
April 11, 1996 Page 10 T&T Commission
City Council that the red paint be removed from the
curb on the south side of Fountain Springs Drive
between the location opposite Rising Star Drive
westerly to Crooked Creek Drive. C/Tamaya seconded the
motion. The motion was approved 4-1 with the following
roll call:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
Virginkar, Tamaya, Nice,
VC/Leonard
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
Chair/Istik
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Istik that he will request
this item be placed on the City Council meeting agenda
in May.
VII. PUBLIC MEETING: (8:35 p.m.)
A. Neighborhood Traffic Study Workshop #1 for the
Rolling Knoll Road/Country View Drive/Quail Summit
Drive area.
DDPW/Liu stated that upon receiving Country View Drive
residents' concern regarding the cut -through traffic
they experience, the Commission's recommendation was to
conduct a neighborhood traffic study in the area. This
recommendation was approved by the City Council on
December 15, 1995. Austin -Foust Associates, Inc., the
City's engineering consulting firm, has been conducting
the study. Three goals have been set for the study:
1) identify the through traffic and its relationship to
the traffic problems, 2) attempt to identify the
specific locations, nature and causes of the problems,
and 3) develop a neighborhood traffic management plan
that will resolve the problems in a systematic way that
is capable of consensus approval from the residents.
The critical component of achieving these goals will be
the involvement of neighborhood residents and the
facilitation of neighborhood consensus.
Joe Foust, Austin -Foust Associates, 2020 N. Tustin
Avenue, Santa Ana, stated his background. He indicated
an essential ingredient to the success of the study is -�
community involvement and input. He presented a
synopsis of the 137 responses to the approximate 600
questionnaires sent to the neighborhood residents. He
April 11, 1996 Page 11 T&T Commission
stated that his firm will continue receiving responses
for the next two weeks and encouraged all citizens to
participate. He indicated the traffic study area is
served by four entrances and exits, two each on Diamond
Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue. Two streets are
signalized and two streets are not signalized. He
pointed out the restrictions during peak travel
periods. He indicated some minor violation of the
traffic restrictions is occurring which is typical of
the five to eight percent overall traffic restriction
violation rate. He stressed the importance of
considering the impact of these violations in
comparison to the traffic diversion.
Mr. Foust stated his firm will actively seek input from
the schools because the schools account for a
significant amount of traffic in the area. With
respect to the survey response, he indicated the
residents expressed the following concerns: 75%
traffic, 13% speeding, 20% cut -through traffic, 200
volume and 20% school traffic. He stated that the
expression of concern for perceived "volume" and "cut -
through" traffic is really an expression of concern
regarding "speed" of traffic. He cited a Stanford
Research study which supports this notion. He
indicated that as a result of the survey, his firm will
emphasize the monitoring of the speed of the traffic in
the neighborhood.
Mr. Foust indicated that virtually all questionnaire
responses site enforcement as an issue in resolving
traffic problems. However, mitigation measures will
need to include solutions which will not depend on law
enforcement. He indicated that traffic signals have
not been a successful strategy for preservation of
neighborhoods and lowering of traffic. Traffic signals
can tend to draw traffic. He stated 15% of the
respondents to the questionnaire requested traffic
barriers and 120 of the community has indicated an
interest in having speed humps.
Mr. Foust stated the 24 hour traffic counts are as
follows: Grand Avenue 36,550; Rolling Knoll Road 1900;
Quail Summit Drive 3400; Mountain Laurel Way 2000, and
Country View Drive 260. The residents indicated that
50% of the community uses Quail Summit Drive on a daily
basis; 25% use Rolling Knoll Road; 25% use Mountain
April 11, 1996 Page 12 T&T Commission
Laurel Way, and about 2 or 3% use Country View Drive.
Mr. Foust stated the residents, assessment corresponds
with the traffic uses determined by firm.
Mr. Foust further estimated that in accordance with an
average 10 trips per day per household, 5,000 to 6,000
trips per day are generated by the residents and 600 to
1,000 trips per day are generated by the schools in the
area.
Mr. Foust surmised that by applying the average 10
trips per day per household, the neighborhood residents
account for approximately 5,000 daily trips and the
schools account for approximately 500 with a cut -
through potential of approximately 2,000. It appears
that signs have effectively treated the peak period
cut -through traffic problems.
Mr. Foust indicated that as a result of this traffic
study, his firm will examine the delay at the
intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard
as opposed to cutting through the neighborhood in
question. he stated they will conduct a license plate
survey of the schools to determine where the traffic is
entering and exiting the neighborhood.
Mr. Foust concluded stating the next workshop will be
an identification and evaluation of the alternative
mitigation measures developed through the study. He
reiterated that the initial community input portion of
the study is crucial to a satisfactory conclusion.
Mr. Foust responded to C/Virginkar that the numbers of
residential trips through the neighborhood as opposed
to the number of cut -through trips is fairly typical
and may even be on the lower side of the scale (40%)
with respect to neighborhoods involved in neighborhood
traffic studies.
In response to C/Nice the 18% cut -through figure is
probably low due to the fact that previous mitigation
measures were instituted as a result of a previous
traffic study for the area.
DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that a resident
requested a crosswalk at Quail Summit Drive and Diamond
Bar Boulevard. As a result, the City conducted a full
April 11, 1996 Page 13 T&T Commission
scale traffic signal study for Quail Summit Drive at
Diamond Bar Boulevard and for Montefino Avenue at Grand
Avenue.
DDPW/Liu responded to C/Virginkar that the study
determined there was not sufficient justification for
the signal at Quail Summit Drive. However, a signal
was approved for Montefino Avenue at Grand Avenue.
Because of the alignment of the driveway into Montefino
Center at Quail Summit Drive, a traffic signal
installation was not feasible,
Mr. Foust stated that there would be a significant
civil engineering consideration if a signal was
installed at the Quail Summit Drive and Diamond Bar
Boulevard location. The installation would require a
reconstruction of the driveway and possible parking lot
recirculation at the Montefino Center opposite Quail
Summit Drive. As the driveway exists, the left turns
would be in conflict.
VC/Leonard recalled that the Commission voted not to
recommend the installation of a crosswalk at Quail
Summit Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard because a
crosswalk gives the user a false sense of security.
Jerry Hamilton, 1429 Copper Mountain Drive, stated he
feels sorry for his neighbors on Rolling Knoll Road.
He reminded the Commission that eight years ago a study
of his neighborhood revealed that the installation of
traffic barriers would significantly impede emergency
vehicle response time. He indicated that a fire in the
area might result in traffic gridlock. He further
stated that the previous study revealed that the
problem of speeding primarily caused by the
neighborhood residents. The traffic flow problem is a
citywide problem and, in his opinion, another outlet
highway is needed to divert the traffic away from the
city.
Don Lemly, 1387 Rolling Knoll Road, stated he and his
wife initiated the previous Neighborhood Traffic Study.
He indicated he believes that the "No Right Turn" and
"No Left Turn" signs have significantly mitigated the
cut -through traffic in his neighborhood. He estimated
that the speeding has increased and whether it is an
internal or external problem is immaterial. He asked
April 11, 1996 Page 14 T&T commission
that the consultant and the Commission address the
traffic volume and the speeding issue.
Mr. Foust responded to Mr. Lemly that his firm will be
conducting a license plate survey of entering and
exiting traffic. If cut -through traffic is coming up
Quail Summit Drive and making a left on Winterwood Lane
or Rolling Knoll Road, and then making a left turn onto
Grand Avenue and a right turn onto Diamond Bar
Boulevard to continue, this will be uncovered by the
study.
Mr. Foust responded to Chair/Istik that the survey will
determine whether the vehicles are from the
neighborhood. However, if the vehicles are from
outside the area, the survey may not be able to
determine the ultimate destination.
Wanda Tanaka, 23805 Country View Drive, stated that in
1993 she was involved in the cut -through traffic study
in the tract. In August, 1995, the Country View Drive
residents again approached the Traffic and m'
Transportation Commission because of the speeding
problem. Country View Drive is like a straight-away.
When Grand Avenue traffic backs up, the traffic uses
the neighborhood as a cut -through to an even greater
degree. She referred to the petition with 79
signatures which was previously presented to the
Commission in October, 1995. She indicated that many
residents who are present at tonight's meeting are
opposed to the cul-de-sacing of Country View Drive.
She stated the main reason that the residents wrote to
the Commission is because Grand Avenue is like a
backyard and they wanted to stop the traffic from
coming through their front yard. She indicated that a
cul-de-sac may not be the answer and the residents are
willing to compromise. She referred the Commission to
the increased noise level as a result of the increased
traffic on Grand Avenue and again requested
consideration of a block wall to mitigate the noise and
pollution.
Hubert Wilson, 23649 Country View Drive, requested that
Mr. Foust use the correct base line numbers for lois ---,
study. In his opinion, the numbers revealed by the
response to the survey will not be valid. He suggested
that the study should begin by researching the history
April 11, 1996 Page 15 T&T Commission
of the opening of Grand Avenue to Chino Hills and use
those numbers as a base line to see the impacts that
Diamond Bar is now experiencing. He stated that
current problems of traffic flow in the area
precipitated from the buildout in the City of Chino
Hills. He referred the Commission to the Environmental
Impact Study which identified that these problems would
occur. He indicated that no mitigation measures are
offered in the document. He stated that in order to
solve the city's traffic problems, it is his belief
that the City of Diamond Bar must enter into
discussions with Chino Hills to resolve the matter by
reopening the document and providing some mitigation
measures which will provide some relief for the
citizens of Diamond Bar from the impacts of buildout in
the City of Chino Hills. He estimated that the problem
will only get worse because of the projected buildout
in Chino Hills. He referred the Commission to the
noise levels in the neighborhood as a result of the
increased traffic on Grand Avenue. He asked that the
Commission and the consultant not let the Stanford
University study lead the Neighborhood Traffic Study to
false conclusions. Mr. Wilson pointed out that a
number of collisions have occurred at the intersection
of Rolling Knoll Road and Grand Avenue. He suggested
that right turns from Rolling Knoll Road onto Grand
Avenue should be prohibited because of the reduced line
of sight northerly on Grand Avenue.
Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Road, stated the
survey response list numbers are similar to those
revealed by his Neighborhood Traffic Study. He
indicated the numbers for his tract are much higher
than the numbers for the Quail Summit Drive/Rolling
Knoll Road/Country View Drive area. He further stated
that, in his opinion, 260 vehicles per day does not
warrant a cul-de-sacing. He questioned the 10 trips
per day per household figure. He pointed out that the
vehicle license plate study is not invasive. He
cautioned that sound level studies are very involved
and the issues are addressed in the City's General
Plan. He stated he will be following this Neighborhood
Traffic Study to see how it compares with his
Neighborhood Traffic Study and the recommended
mitigation measures. He cautioned the residents to be
aware that mitigation measures.can easily be taken away
after they are initiated.
April 11, 1996 Page 16 T&T Commission
Frank Yegge, 23713 Country View Drive, was unable to
attend tonight's meeting. He sent a message to the
Commission that he is opposed to any obstruction at the
east end of Country View Drive and that he is in favor
of a sound wall on Grand Avenue in the residential
section between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Rolling Knoll
Road.
Chair/Istik stated that the Traffic and Transportation
Commission makes recommendations to the City Council.
Some or all of the recommendations may or may not be
adopted by the City Council. He recommended the
residents follow the process to the City Council and
attend their public meetings.
Mr. Foust stated he will suggest potential mitigation
measures and success and failure stories about the
potential mitigation measures at the next meeting. In
addition, he will indicate the realistic expectations
of suggested mitigation measures and what might be at
risk for the city and for the neighborhood if the
mitigation measures are initiated.
Mr. Foust responded to Chair/Intik that the primary
issue of concern to the residents are speeding and
cut -through traffic.
VC/Leonard requested staff provide written information
regarding the Four Corners/Tonner Canyon Road issue for
review by the Commission as an alternative bypass for
the Chino Hills residents. She suggested that Mr.
Foust contact Dr. Carolyn Haugen, principal of Quail
Summit Elementary School to assist with the study.
DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that the HOV lanes
will be extended from Lambert Road in Orange County to
the SR 60. He indicated he will provide the Commission
with a Cal -Trans construction schedule as soon as it is
available. He stated the HOV lane construction will
begin shortly on the SR 60.
Chair/Istik stated that when another road is built it
does not solve the traffic problem because the area
around the road develops and it eventually leads to an
extension of another residential neighborhood.
Therefore, the impacts to the other streets are not
improved by the building of another road. He suggested
April 11, 1996 Page 17 T&T Commission
that if Chino Hills needs another access to the SR 57,
they could build a road through Carbon Canyon or Soquel
Canyon.
DDPW/Liu stated the second Neighborhood Traffic Study
workshop is scheduled for May 9, 1996. Notices will be
mailed to the property owners and residents.
The public workshop ended at 9:55 p.m.
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Audible Pedestrian signals at the intersections of
Pathfinder Road and Brea Canyon Road, and Fountain
Springs Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard.
AA/Aberra stated the City was contact by a resident who
is hearing impaired requesting the installation of
audible pedestrian devices at traffic signals.
Installation of an audible pedestrian device will cost
approximately $3,000 per intersection. She indicated
that Transpor:•tation Development Management (TDA)
Article 3 (SB 821) monies could be utilized for funding
the project. She referred the Commission to the
advantages and disadvantages of these devices. She
pointed out that there is no guarantee that vehicles
are clear of the intersection when the device indicates
it is clear for the pedestrian to cross. Staff
recommends that the Traffic and Transportation
Commission request staff to conduct an engineering
study for the installation of audible pedestrian
signals at the intersections of Brea Canyon
Road/Pathfinder Road and Fountain Springs Road/Diamond
Bar Boulevard to determine whether these intersections
are warranted based upon the Cal -Trans conditions.
C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by C/Nice to approve
staff's recommendation. Without objections, the motion
was so ordered.
B. Cul-de-sacing sunset Crossing Road from SR 57 off -
ramp to the westerly City limit.
Chair/Istik requested this item be agendized for May 9,
He asked that staff provide a recommendation for the
narrowing of Sunset Crossing Road to two lanes instead
of the current four lanes. He requested the item be
April 11„ 1996 Page IS T&T Commission
voted upon by the Traffic and Transportation Commission
as a recommendation to the City Council.
C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by VC/Leonard to adopt
Chair/Istik's recommendation. Without objections, the
motion was so ordered.
VIII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS:
DDPW/Liu stated with respect to the Calvary Chapel
traffic issue, the manual traffic signal control has
been installed at the intersection of Grand Avenue and
Golden Springs Drive. The manual control has been
utilized by the Sheriff's Department since Easter
weekend. City staff and the Sheriff's Department met
with Calvary Chapel and Calvary Chapel has agreed to
and implemented an on-site circulation plan. The
Sheriff's Department will be monitoring the plan to
determine its effectiveness.
Chair/Istik stated that if the monitoring plan does not
work, he would like for the City to begin dialogue
about the required access to the existing signal
opposite the condominium units on Grand Avenue.
DDPW/Liu stated the City has installed four-way stop
signs at two locations: Fountain Springs Road at
Castle Rock Road, and Cold Springs Lane at Castle Rock
Road. Multi -way stop signs studies have been completed
for two additional locations as a result of the
recommendations of the Neighborhood Traffic Study.
They are Fountain Springs Road at Brea Canyon Road and
Fountain Springs Road at Sunbright Drive. Fountain
Springs Road at Brea Canyon Road is warranted for a
three-way stop. Fountain Springs Road at Sunbright
Drive is not warranted for stop signs. These items
will be presented to City Council on April 16.
DDPW/Liu responded to Mr. Clute that he will check on
whether center line double yellow striping was proposed
as part of Plan I on Cold Springs Lane between Diamond
Bar Boulevard and Castle Road.
1
April 11, 1996
Page 19
IX. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS:
T&T Commission
C/Tamaya stated he has received a concern from a
citizen regarding the synchronization of the left turn
signal on Grand Avenue at Summitridge Drive.
DDPW/Liu responded that the signal timing was off and
has subsequently been repaired. However, the pavement
is to be removed at that location on April 22 and at
that time, the traffic loops will be inoperative. The
signal will be placed on recall for the duration of the
construction (approximately two hours). The signal
timing will be coordinated upon completion of the
construction.
VC/Leonard stated she experienced the same problem just
C/Nice stated that if the vehicles follow the current
striping they would collide with parked vehicles on the
curve on the upper portion of Harmony Hill Drive.
DDPW/Liu indicated he will review the situation and
report back to the Commission.
X. ITEMS FROM STAFF:
A. Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update: March, 1996.
Sgt Rawlings reported no fatal accidents in March, 13
injury accidents, 41 property damage only collisions,
360 radar citations, 505 hazardous citations, 70 non-
hazardous citations and 74 parking violations. The
enforcement index was 38.9% for March.
last evening. The situation is creating significant
traffic backup.
DDPW/Liu responded to C/Nice that if the double yellow
center line striping on Harmony Hill Drive was in the
center of the street, parking would have to be
eliminated on both sides of the street. Because the
residents indicated they did not wish red curbing in
front of their homes, the striping was offset toward
the inner curve with red curbing to provide adequate
traffic flow and avoid red curbing on the outer curve
which is the residential side of the street.
C/Nice stated that if the vehicles follow the current
striping they would collide with parked vehicles on the
curve on the upper portion of Harmony Hill Drive.
DDPW/Liu indicated he will review the situation and
report back to the Commission.
X. ITEMS FROM STAFF:
A. Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update: March, 1996.
Sgt Rawlings reported no fatal accidents in March, 13
injury accidents, 41 property damage only collisions,
360 radar citations, 505 hazardous citations, 70 non-
hazardous citations and 74 parking violations. The
enforcement index was 38.9% for March.
April 11, 1996 Page 20 T&T Commission
C. Future Agenda Items.
1) Speed hump policy discussion
2) Street 4triping policy discussion
3) School traffic discussion
Xi. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None
XI. ADJOURNMENT
VC/Leonard made a motion, seconded by C/Nice to
adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. There being no
objections, the motion was so ordered.
Respectfully,
G. Li
Secretary
Attest:
J ik
C airman