HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/9/1996CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
MAY 9, 1996
CALL TO ORDER:
VC/Leonard called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. at the South
Coast Air Quality Managment 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
Tamaya.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners: Vice Chair Leonard, Commissioners Nice,
Tamaya, and Virginkar
Absent: Chair Istik
Staff: Deputy Director of Public Works David Liu;
Assistant Engineer Rose Manela;
Administrative Assistant Tseday Aberra;
Sergeant Rawlings; and Recording Secretary
Carol Dennis
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. Meeting of April 11, 1996. C/Tamaya requested
that Line 14, Page 9 be corrected to read as
follows: "line of sight clear on at least one
side of Fountain Springs..."
C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by C/Nice to
approve the April 11, 1996 minutes as amended.
Without objections, the motion was so ordered.
II. COMMISSION COMMENTS - None
VC/Leonard indicated that Chair/Istik requested that
Item A. of Old Business Cul-de-sacing Sunset Crossing
Road from SR 57 off -ramp to the westerly City limit be
placed on the June 13 Traffic and Transportation
Commission agenda. The Commission concurred.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Don Gravdahl, 23988 Minnequa Drive, related a traffic
incident he observed in front of his home. He
indicated he lives two houses from the corner on Del
Sol Lane at Minnequa Drive. He stated that the double
yellow centerline striping on his street has improved
May 9, 1996 Page 2 T&T commission
traffic flow and he would like to have yellow
centerline striping the entire length of the street as
he originally requested. In addition, he asked that
the Traffic and Transportation Commission request a
Stop Sign Warrant Study for the intersection of
Minnequa Drive and Bower Cascade Place.
Red Calkins, 240 Eagle Nest Drive, requested double
yellow centerline striping on Prospectors Road from
Golden Springs Drive to Sunset Crossing Road.
C/Virginkar reiterated the need for the City to have a
standardized policy with respect to double yellow
centerline striping.
Mr. Calkins pointed out that vehicles entering the
Union 76 gasoline station in the K -Mart plaza are
interfering with the southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard
traffic. Vehicles are backed up into the street
waiting for traffic to clear out of the service
station.
DDPW/Liu responded to C/Tamaya that when a safety
concern is expressed by a resident of the community the
City will conduct an on-site investigation. He
indicated his department will schedule an investigation
for the Minnequa Drive/Bower Cascade Place
intersection.
C/Nice stated he agrees with C/Virginkar that the City
should have a policy for centerline striping. He
requested to know the procedure for initiating a
policy.
DDPW/Liu responded to C/Nice that CalTrans has strict
policies and guidelines for centerline striping.
Hubert Wilson, 23649 Country View Drive, stated that
with respect to the Grand Avenue improvements, he is
concerned about U-turns at peak periods. Traffic in
left turn pockets is impeded when a vehicle makes a U-
turn. He suggested that U-turns be prohibited during
peak traffic hours at the intersections of Grand Avenue
at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue at Golden
Springs Drive so that traffic can clear out of the left
turn lane within the traffic light sequence.
May 9, 1996 Page 3 T&T Commission
DDPW/Liu responded to C/Virginkar that restricting the
U-turn at Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard would
prevent motorists from turning into the shopping areas
and will inconvenience the commercial business traffic.
The intersections were widened to two left turn lanes
and re -timed to accommodate all traffic movements,
including U-turn traffic. The current street
improvements have enhanced the turning radius.
Ginger Ragazzi, 1335 Rolling Knoll Road, stated she
lives in the tract just south of the intersection of
Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard. She indicated
she is unable to make a right turn out of the tract
between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Therefore, if she
wishes to proceed toward Chino Hills she must make a
left turn out of the tract onto Grand Avenue and a U-
turn at Diamond Bar Boulevard. The "No Right Turn" has
mitigated the traffic problems in the area and it is
imperative that the U-turn be available to the
residents. Ms. Ragazzi stated that the light at Grand
Avenue and Rolling Knoll Road no longer cycles on
demand. Vehicles must sit at a red light even though
there is no visible traffic on Grand Avenue. Upon
exiting the tract left onto Grand Avenue, she indicated
she always encounters a red light at Diamond Bar
Boulevard, at Golden Springs Drive and two additional
red lights before entering the west bound SR 57. She
further stated that in her opinion, in order to more
effectively move the Chino Hills traffic through
Diamond Bar, the residents are being inconvenienced.
Christina Liang, 1459 Rolling Knoll Road, stated that
the residents respect the "No Right Turn" sign at
Rolling Knoll Road and Grand Avenue. However, the
Chino Hills cut -through traffic does not respect the
"No Right Turn" restriction. She indicated that she
has difficulty completing the U-turn at Grand Avenue
and Diamond Bar Boulevard because she encounters
northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard traffic making right
turns at the traffic signal onto eastbound Grand Avenue
without regard for her right-of-way. Ms. Liang stated
that many of the homeowners from the tract are
attending an open house at Quail Summit Elementary
School and cannot attend tonight's workshop. She
indicated that in the morning, many motorists do not
pay attention to the stop sign close to the school.
She requested that a Sheriff Deputy be present at the
May 9, 1996 Page 4 T&T Commission
school two or three days a week to encourage motorists
to obey the stop sign.
Toni Lewis, 1504 Highbluff Drive, stated that in her
opinion, the school on Quail Summit Drive presents
significant traffic problems to the tract. Vehicles
are backed up to Diamond Bar Boulevard waiting to use
the only entrance to the school for student dropoff.
This creates gridlock because there are vehicles
proceeding on Quail Summit Drive that attempt to make a
left turn into the school which stops traffic in both
directions. She recommended a "No Left Turn" be posted
on the northbound side of Quail Summit Drive at the
school. She indicated that she is also concerned about
the traffic hazard presented by the significant backup
in the left turn key on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Quail
Summit Drive during peak hours. She suggested that a
traffic signal be considered for the intersection of
Quail Summit Drive at Diamond Bar Boulevard..
C/Nice asked if there is a law which prohibits vehicles
on Diamond Bar Boulevard from blocking vehicles
entering or exiting Quail Summit Drive. Sgt. Rawlings
responded to C/Nice that there is an anti -gridlock law
which states that a vehicle cannot enter an
intersection unless there is room to proceed through
the intersection. Vehicles sitting in a left lane
waiting to make a left turn do not constitute a traffic
violation.
Mark Siegel, 1342 Rolling Knoll Road, stated that the
right lane on northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard at Quail
Summit Drive is a right -turn only lane. In addition,
the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail
Summit Drive is clearly marked "Keep Clear". He
reiterated that the U-turn at Grand Avenue and Diamond
Bar Boulevard is very dangerous because motorists in
the northbound right turn lane on Diamond Bar Boulevard
do not stop at the red signal. He indicated he would
like to see additional enforcement at the intersection
during peak hours.
Debby O'Connor, 23725 Bower Cascade Place, asked that
the City consider removing the 40 MPH sign on the north h
side of Sunset Crossing Road between Diamond Bar
Boulevard and the SR 57 off -ramp because vehicles
cannot reach a speed of 40 MPH in that short distance.
1
r
1
May 9, 1996
Page 5
T&T Commission
She stated that the slurry seal that was completed
approximately six months ago in her neighborhood is
showing tire wear. The damage is very prominent in the
cul-de-sac areas. She further stated she agrees with
Mr. Gravdahl's request for a stop sign at Bower Cascade
Place and Minnequa Drive. In her opinion, the double
yellow centerline striping has not been effective in
deterring speeding vehicles.
DDPW/Liu stated the City has scheduled a meeting with
the contractor next week to resolve the slurry seal
damage issue.
Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Road, requested the
status of the City's speed trailer and its proposed
schedule of use. He presented the Commission with the
Chino Hills speed hump map. He suggested the
Commissioners drive the area and contact Chino Hills
for input regarding the effectiveness of their speed
hump installations. He indicated he has contacted
several cities regarding their policies with respect to
"three ton limit" signs on residential streets. He
requested that the Commissioners pressure the City
Council to grant additional funds for traffic
enforcement. He again requested to know why the K -Mart
shopping cart racks are still located in the traffic
lanes. He stated that in his opinion, K -Mart should
have requested guidance from the City regarding the
proper placement of the stands.
VC/Leonard responded to Mr. Clute that the speed hump
policy discussion is slated for the June 13 Traffic and
Transportation Commission agenda.
AA/Aberra responded to VC/Leonard that the Fire
Department has no problem with the current location of
the shopping cart racks in front of K -Mart.
Mr. Clute indicated that to him, the placement of the
shopping cart racks in front of K -Mart do not appear to
be proper. In fact, the stands impede the traffic
flow. He stated that, in his opinion, the shopping
cart racks should be placed in a parking space or on
the sidewalk.
Hubert Wilson, 23649 Country View Drive, stated that
his understanding is that the entire pathway in front
May 9, 1996 Page 6 T&T Commission
of K -Mart is a fire lane. If it is a fire lane, any
fixed structure installed by K -Mart must be pre -
approved by the City and the Fire Department. K -Mart
should apply for a variance from the City if they wish
to keep the shopping cart racks in their current
location. He further stated that K -Mart is in
violation of the Vehicle Code.
VC/Leonard suggested that the matter of the shopping
cart racks brought before the Planning Commission for
discussion. DDP/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that he
will bring the matter to the attention of the City's
Planning Department. In addition, staff will convey
the citizens' concerns to K -Mart management.
Sgt. Rawlings responded to VC/Leonard that the Vehicle
Code states a vehicle cannot be parked in a properly
marked fire lane. There is no provision for the
Sheriff's Department to cite shopping carts. The --
Diamond Bar speed trailer is currently at the Walnut
Sheriff's Station awaiting a tow vehicle.
VII. PUBLIC MEETING (8:15 p.m. to 10:17 p.m.)
A. WORKSHOP #2: Neighborhood Traffic Study for the
Rolling Knoll Road/Country View Drive/Quail Summit
Drive Area.
Joe Foust, Austin -Foust Associates, 2020 N. Tustin
Avenue, Santa Ana 92705, summarized the data
collected from the residents of the tract and from
his study of the area. He indicated that
approximately 870 questionnaires were circulated
to the residents in the study area. To date, 167
responses have been received from the study area
which includes 22 responses from the condominium
residents. The greatest percentage of response
was from the Country View Drive residents.
Seventy-five percent of the residents believe
something should be done to mitigate the traffic
in the area. The residents responded that they
are concerned about the following problems in
order of their importance: cut -through traffic
and volume of traffic, school traffic, and
speeding. He stated the following potential
solutions have been suggested: additional
enforcement, street closures, traffic signal at
IMay 9, 1996 Page 7 T6T Commission
Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail Summit Drive, and
speed humps.
Mr. Foust cautioned the residents and the
Commission that some of the proposed solutions are
not a cure-all and may tend to transfer or create
additional traffic problems. He estimated that
the residents generate approximately 6,000 trips
per day, the school generates 500-600 trips per
day which is expected to increase to 700 per day,
leaving approximately 1,000 cut -through trips per
day. The installation of the "No Right Turn"
restriction on Rolling Knoll Drive has reduced the
cut -through traffic by about 50 percent. Although
the closure of Country View Drive would eliminate
200-300 cars per day, it is not a viable option
because emergency vehicle response time would
increase and negatively impact the residents. In
addition, the traffic would be redirected and
therefore impact another area of the tract. He
indicated that shifting traffic from one
residential street to another residential street
is never an acceptable strategy. Traffic must be
shared or eliminated. Another strategy to improve
compliance with the stop sign at Winterwood Lane
and Quail Summit Drive is to install a choker.
The choker would narrow the street to a single
lane in each direction. The negative impact is
that the single lane traffic will impede emergency
vehicles. A possible alternative solution is to
stripe with yellow lines or install botts dots.
Mr. Foust stated that he is not prepared to
recommend speed humps as a solution. He indicated
that he',is aware that a City speed hump policy is
under consideration. The Fire Department is
concerned that speed humps will increase response
time. Although speed humps are effective in
reducing speed they create a noise nuisance in the
neighborhood. Speed trailers is a popular
strategy in controlling speeds on residential
streets. Another strategy is the use of rumble
strips:, The negative effect of rumble strips is
the noise impact to the neighborhood. He
indicated that during his career he has witnessed
a totalof five rumble strip installations which
have remained in place no longer than 30 days. He
proposed consideration of a traffic signal at
May 9, 1996 Page 8 T&T Commission
Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail Summit Drive. He
estimated that the intersection would meet the
warrant for a traffic signal. He pointed out that
the cost of a traffic signal installation would
exceed $100,000 and as an alternative, the City
may wish to consider hiring additional
enforcement.
Mr. Foust stated a second questionnaire will be
mailed to the residents requesting their response
to the proposed strategies.
Mr. Foust stated he is not prepared to make
recommendations to the Traffic and Transportation
Commission until the study is completed. However,
he stated that in consideration of the information
received to date, street closure is not a
practical alternative for this neighborhood.
Mr. Foust responded to VC/Leonard that he believes
a traffic signal will be warranted for Diamond Bar
Boulevard at Quail Summit Drive in addition to the
warranted traffic signal at Diamond Bar Boulevard
and Montefino Avenue.
Toni Lewis, 1504 Highbluff Drive, thanked the
Commission, staff and Mr. Foust for their
participation in the traffic study. She pointed
out that the most important consideration of the
traffic study is the impact to the residents of
the tract. She stated her concern that a traffic
signal at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail Summit
Drive in addition to a traffic signal at Diamond
Bar Boulevard and Montefino Avenue would encourage
more cut -through traffic. She reiterated her
concerns about the increased school traffic in the
area. She indicated that in her opinion, the
school traffic has the greatest impact to traffic
in the tract and should be the primary concern of
the traffic study. She suggested the Commission
study the possibility of restricting school bus
traffic to Forest Canyon Drive. She further
suggested the public ingress/egress to the school
be increased to four lanes.
Hubert Wilson, 23649 Country View Drive, stated
that before Grand Avenue opened to Chino Hills,
1
May 9, 1996 Page 9 T&T Commission
the traffic problems being studied did not exist.
The traffic problems have increased, and will
continue to increase, as a'direct result of the
buildout in Chino Hills and absent corresponding
improvements to the area freeway system. Until
Chino Hills reopens the CEQA document and
addresses mitigation measures for the City of
Diamond Bar, temporary measures such as the cul-
de -lacing of Country View Drive, will be proposed
by the residents.
Jerry Hamilton, 1429 Copper Mountain Drive, states
he walks the tract daily. He suggested a stop
sign at the intersection of Country View Drive and
Rolling Knoll Road.
Greg Hummel, 23239 Ironhorse Canyon Road, stated
he is on the Site Council for Quail Summit
Elementary School. He further stated that he
served as a member of GPAC. He agrees that the
traffic problems have been exacerbated by the
Grand Avenue opening and the Chino Hills buildout.
He indicated that if the impact of growth in Chino
Hills is not recognized and dealt with by the City
of Diamond Bar, the City will continue to be at
the mercy of Chino Hills. He stated he agrees
that a larger overall picture of the Grand Avenue
traffic should be taken into consideration with
respect to any residential traffic study. He
further stated he supports the General Plan
Advisory Committee determination that Grand Avenue
width and speed should be downsized rather than
increased to discourage cut -through traffic.
Relative to Quail Summit Elementary School, the
traffic problems are critical. He suggested that
botts dots .be placed on the stop sign approaches.
Ginger Ragazzi, 1335 Rolling Knoll Road, thanked
the Commission for the "No Right Turn" sign on
Rolling Knoll Road at Grand Avenue. She stated
she agrees that stop signs in the tract would help
reduce the vehicle speed. She requested
consideration of a stop sign at Country View Drive
and Quail Summit Drive and a traffic signal at
Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail Summit Drive. She
proposed that a driveway from Quail Summit
Elementary School onto Forest Canyon Road would
May 9, 1996
Page 10
TAT Commission
help mitigate the school traffic. She further
proposed a vehicle turn -in area at the school to
relieve Quail Summit Drive.
Mark Siegel, 1342 Rolling Knoll Road, stated the
Traffic and Transportation Commission held the
first traffic study for the Rolling Knoll Road and
Quail Summit Drive in April, 1989. He stated that
in his opinion, the traffic problems began when
the tract opened which was long before Grand
Avenue opened to Chino Hills, and that the only
mitigation measure that has been effective is the
"No Right Turn" restriction on Rolling Knoll Road
at Grand Avenue.
Don Lemley, 1387 Rolling Knoll Road, indicated
that under no circumstances should the "No Right
Turn" restriction be removed from Rolling Knoll
Road at Grand Avenue. He stated that in his
opinion, the study should concentrate on the
speeding vehicles and the school traffic. He
further stated that he felt a traffic signal at
Quail Summit Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard would
encourage cut -through traffic.
Audrey Hamilton, 1429 Copper Mountain Drive,
stated she is fortunate to live on a cul-de-sac.
She is concerned about the traffic in the
neighborhood because Quail Summit Drive is the
only access to her street. She requested that the
City consider initiating a procedure of
photographing traffic violator's license plates
with a portable unit that could be moved to
various intersections throughout the community.
Mr. Siegel stated that a radar camera
demonstration was conducted in 1991. The Los
Angeles County Sheriff's Department does not
support this method of enforcement because of the
legal issues involved.
Wanda Tanaka, 23805 Country View Drive, stated
that in August, 1995, the residents of the tract
proposed a neighborhood traffic study. The
residents are very aware that the entire City has
a problem of cut -through and speeding traffic.
She indicated she would prefer an informal
May 9, 1996 Page 11 T&T Commission
workshop with discussion between the residents and
the Commission about what might be done to
mitigate the traffic concerns. She requested that
the Commission consider stop signs and speed humps
in lieu of the noise generating botts dots.
Mr. Foust responded to Ms. Tanaka that if he gave
the impression that nothing can be done to
mitigate the traffic problems in her tract, that
is the wrong impression. He reiterated that his
firm will be presenting mitigation recommendations
at the June 13 Workshop. He indicated he intended
to convey that some of the more dramatic traffic
diverters such as street closures are probably not
realistic solutions. The real problem in the area
relates to speeding and the recommendations will
be based upon the resident's input. He indicated
that it has become abundantly clear to him during
this meeting that the Quail Summit Elementary
School traffic is one of the more serious problems
in the neighborhood.
VC/Leonard responded to Mr. Hamilton that she
requested information from staff regarding the
proposed Tonner Canyon Road.
Ms. Hamilton asked if Quail Summit Elementary
School could incorporate off street
loading/unloading area in its improvement plans.
Mr. Clute stated he anticipates the SR 57/SR 60
improvements will improve the traffic flow through
the City. He asked how the traffic light at
Montefino Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard will
effect the intersection at Quail Summit Drive and
Diamond Bar Boulevard. He indicated that traffic
signals are expensive and tend to draw traffic to
the site. He stated that in his opinion, there
should be a 24 hour "No Right Turn" restriction on
Rolling Knoll Road at Grand Avenue because of the
northerly Grand Avenue sight restriction. He
cautioned the residents that stop signs do not
deter speeding vehicles. He suggested the City
consider street chokers as a deterent to speeding
vehicles.
Mr. Foust responded to Mr. Clute that a diagonal
May 9, 1996
Page 12
T&T Commission
diverter generally involves a four-way
intersection and there are very few four-way
intersections in the study area which reduces the
opportunity for installation.
C/Nice suggested that consideration be given to
the placement of stop signs in the study area.
Mr. Foust responded to C/Nice that the City does
not have the luxury of determining the speed on a
major through street. The California Vehicle Code
is explicit in stating the procedure that must be
followed with regard to setting speed limits. The
prevailing speed limit set by 85% of the vehicles
is rounded to within five miles per hour and the
result becomes the posted speed limit. Minor
variations apply to this formula such as if there
happens to be an unusually high accident rate
based upon a high rate of speed the speed of the
street can be reduced. However, the Vehicle Code
permits very little latitude with respect to
establishing a speed limit. A posted speed limit
of 25 MPH on Grand Avenue could not be enforced.
Responding to C/Tamaya, Mr. Foust stated that
mitigation measures such as stop signs and speed
humps tend to reduce the volume of traffic by
approximately five percent. Stop signs and speed
humps tend to reduce vehicle speeds by about five
miles per hour which gives residents the feeling
that the volume of traffic is less. C/Tamaya
stated the idea of mitigation measures is to
discourage traffic in the neighborhood. Mr. Foust
responded to C/Tamaya that commuters avoid traffic
diverters to reduce travel time. Diverters reduce
the neighborhood traffic by about five to ten
percent.
Mr. Foust responded to C/Tamaya that it is
possible to synchronize the traffic signals at
Diamond Bar Boulevard and Montefino Avenue and at
Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail Summit Drive.
However, traffic signals tend to attract traffic.
C/Tamaya requested the status of the Montefino
Avenue at Diamond Bar Boulevard traffic signal.
DDP/Liu responded to C/Tamaya that the location is
1
i
May 9, 1996 Page 13 T&T Commission
on the Capital Improvement Project wish list. He
indicated the Montefino Avenue at Diamond Bar
Boulevard traffic signal was warranted as a result
of a request from the residents of the condominium
on the east side of Diamond Bar Boulevard at
Montefino Avenue.
C/Virginkar commended Mr. Foust for his thorough
and professional presentations.
Mr. Foust responded to C/Virginkar that he would
not recommend trading the traffic signal at
Montefino Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard for a
traffic signal at Quail, Summit Drive and Diamond
Bar Boulevard. He indicated that he will be
making specific recommendations for strategies to
address the Country View Drive cul-de-sacing
request. He reiterated that he does not advocate
the cul-de-sacing of Country View Drive.
C/Virginkar asked Mr. Foust if he would consider
proposing a stop sign with striping at Deer
Crossing Drive and Country View Drive. Mr. Foust
responded that serious consideration will be given
to such a proposal.
DDPW/Liu responded to Mr. Wilson that Diamond Bar
has no opportunity for input with respect to the
buildout scheduling for Chino Hills.
Mr. Wilson requested that the City pursue
mitigation measures with the City of Chino Hills
to relieve the Chino Hills traffic impact on the
City of Diamond Bar. He stated that as a last
resort he is prepared to file an injunction with
the court.
VC/Leonard invited the residents to attend the
June 13 Traffic and Transportation Commission
meeting and listen to Mr. Foust's presentation
before reaching any conclusions.
C/Virginkar requested that Mr. Foust address
trading the Montefino Avenue at Diamond Bar
Boulevard traffic signal for a traffic signal at
Quail Summit Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard in
i
May 9, 1996 Page 14 T&T commission
his June 13 presentation.
Mr. Hamilton cautioned that a traffic signal at
Quail Summit Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard might
substantially increase the intersection's 3500 per
day vehicle count.
Mr. Clute again asked if the traffic signal at
Montefino Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard would
allow additional time for vehicles to exit Quail
Summit Drive onto Diamond Bar Boulevard. Mr.
Foust stated his firm will look at the situation
and report its findings on June 13.
VC/Leonard thanked the residents for their
participation in the workshop and invited them to
return on June 13 for Workshop #3.
V. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts'
Policy Regarding Student Pick-up/Drop-off
locations at Diamond Bar Schools.
DDPW/Liu stated that staff previously invited the
Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts
to participate in discussions regarding the
student pick-up/drop-off locations at Diamond Bar
schools. Staff has determined that a professional
traffic consultant should be engaged by the City
to provide input with respect to possible
mitigation measures. The City has requested and
received two fee proposals. The fees range from
$7,500 to $17,000 depending on the number of
schools in each district. Staff recommends that
the City request funding for the study from the
school districts.
C/Nice asked if the City's efforts would be a
duplication of the Pomona Unified School District
studies. DDPW/Liu responded to C/Nice that the
schools' studies represent only the needs of the
schools and does not incorporate the impacts to
the City's streets.
Sgt. Rawlings responded to Clyde Evans, Director
of Transportation, Walnut Valley Unified School
May 9, 1996 Page 15 T&T Commission
District, that the City of Walnut's Traffic
Engineer conducted a study which resulted in
recommendations for minor traffic changes, request
for LA County Sheriff's educational programs and
request for enforcement.
Responding to VC/Leonard, Sgt. Rawlings stated the
school district made minor physical changes such
as street markings for loading and unloading
zones.
Debby O'Connor, 23725 Bower Cascade Place, stated
she is on the Diamond Point Elementary School
Safety Committee. Traffic is a problem 15 minutes
prior to the beginning of the daily school session
and 15 minutes following the end of the school
session. She requested a left turn signal at
Golden Springs Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard to
assist the traffic flow around Lorbeer Middle
School. She indicated the same 15 minute window
of problems exist at Lorbeer Middle School prior
to the opening session and following the closing
session. The safety committee has studied the
safety issues at Diamond Point Elementary School
for the past seven years. Parents ignore the
posted "No Loading/Unloading" signs. She
suggested that the City participate in the
promotion of "parent awareness". She stated that
when law enforcement is present there are no
traffic problems. However, law enforcement is not
always available. She suggested that the presence
of the Community Patrol might deter offenders.
Sgt. Rawlings responded to VC/Leonard that a
request could be made to the Supervisor of the
Sheriff's Department requesting Community Patrol
participation as a temporary safety measure.
C/Nice suggested that a school staff person be
utilized for the two 15 minute periods.
Ms. O'Connor stated she feels nothing will be
accomplished by conducting a study. She indicated
that in her opinion, the problems are created by
parents who disregard the safety standards set by
the schools. A staff person does not prevent
parents double parking in the Loading Zone and
May 9, 1996
Page 16
T&T Commission
leaving their cars to retrieve their children.
Mr. Clute stated that other schools in the
district experience different problems. He
encouraged the school districts to obtain
authority for their personnel to issue citations.
He indicated he is concerned about the potential
liability with respect to school staff directing
traffic. He asked that the Commission recommend
the study.
VC/Leonard stated that Quail Summit Elementary
School is conducting parent education.
C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by C/Nice to
accept staff's recommendation.
C/Virginkar stated he has a problem with the
motion because if the school districts refuse to
pay for the study nothing has been accomplished.
C/Nice suggested that staff request copies of the
school district studies for review prior to
requesting the school districts to pay for
additional studies.
DDPW/Liu responded to C/Nice that the information
forwarded to staff by the Pomona Unified School
District was the result of responses to a
questionnaire. Pomona Unified School District's
consultant is not a traffic consultant. All of
the issues must be investigated by staff prior to
recommending mitigation measures which involve
compromises between the City and the school
districts on a City-wide basis.
VC/Leonard stated that each school has unique
problems and opportunities and that the traffic
movement considerations should be investigated on
a City-wide basis.
C/Nice asked what the next step would be if the
school districts declined to contribute to the
full cost of the study.
DDPW/Liu stated that if the school districts
decline the offer, the item can be forwarded to
May 9, 1996
Page 17
T&T Commission
the City Council for funding consideration.
C/Tamaya requested to know why the Traffic and
Transportation Commission, rather than the City
Council, is being asked to request the school
districts to contribute to the full cost of the
study.
C/Nice suggested a City Council request would
carry more weight than a Traffic and
Transportation Commission request. He recommended
that the Commission concur with staff's
recommendation to request the school districts
contribute the full cost of the study and that the
request for funds should be made by the City
Council.
C/Tamaya stated that it would seem to be more
appropriate for the Traffic and Transportation
Commission to determine if the study is warranted
and pass the recommendation to the City Council
for the City Council to determine how the study
would be financed.
C/Tamaya amended his motion to state that the
Traffic and Transportation Commission is in favor
of the study. The recommendation is being
forwarded to the City Council in order that the
Council may determine whether to proceed with the
study and how it will be financed. C/Nice
seconded the amended motion. The motion was
approved 4-0 with the following roll call:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
Tamaya, Nice, Virginkar,
VC/Leonard
None
None
Chair/Istik
C. Double Yellow Centerline Striping on Bower Cascade
Place, Decorah Road, Minnequa Drive, Del Sol Lane,
and El Encino Drive.
AA/Aberra stated that staff was requested to bring
this matter before the Commission. This item was
previously discussed by the Traffic and
Transportation Commission in August and October,
May 9, 1996 Page 18 T&T Commission
1995.
DDPW/Liu read from the CalTrans established
principles of pavement markings.
Ms. O'Connor stated this item was placed on the
agenda in response to her request. She indicated
that she received a letter from the City dated May
3 asking her to attend tonight's meeting. She
further indicated that the City's letter did not
answer any of her questions. She stated she left
DDPW/Liu a private message on City On -Line April
23 asking when she would receive a response to her
letter. Although one of the Commissioners shared
his staff report with her tonight, she feels it
would have been proper for the City staff to at
least provide her with a copy of the staff report.
Since the staff report does not address all of her
concerns she would like to receive a direct
response to the questions raised in her letter of
March 28, 1996. She stated that Mr. Foust
addressed her question of why a double yellow line
has been placed on her street. She indicated she
agrees with Mr. Foust that the striping causes her
street to "look like a boulevard".
DDPW/Liu apologized to Ms. O'Connor for the lack
of a formal response from staff. He requested the
item be placed on the June 13 agenda and staff
will forward a formal response to Ms. O'Connor
prior to that meeting.
C/Tamaya stated he shared his staff report with
his neighbor, Ms. O'Connor. He further stated
that in his opinion, any resident who makes a
written request to the City is entitled to a
written response. Mr. Gravdahl has appeared
before the Commission twice to reiterate his
original request for the centerline to be extended
the full length of Minnequa Drive to Del Sol Lane
to be consistent. C/Tamaya indicated that he
agrees with Mr. Gravdahl that the City should be
consistent. However, he stated he is not certain
what type of line should be placed on the street.'
He further stated his concerns about whether the
neighborhood residents were consulted, whether the
centerline double striping is effective, and
May 9, 1996 Page 19 T&T Commission
whether the striping effects property values. He
indicated that Ms. O'Connor's letter addresses her
concerns about the effect of -the striping on
property values. However, staff's report does not
comment on this concern. one of the primary
concerns of the Commission is "safety". However,
in his opinion, the Commission should take into
account the effect of potential mitigation
measures on property owners, neighborhoods, and
property values. He indicated that he has
personally observed that the double yellow
centerline striping is not solving the traffic
problems on the street.
C/Tamaya stated that he would prefer that the City
adopt a uniform policy for the entire community
and that the residents be contacted for their
input during the investigation period. He further
stated that he does not believe this item should
die with a recommended action of "Receive and file
this report". Additional requests for double
yellow centerlines on other streets in the
community. Therefore, the issue is not resolved.
He reiterated that he does not have a problem with
centerlines on streets to improve traffic flow.
He does, however, have a problem about whether the
mitigation measure might be too restrictive. He
stated he is in favor of working toward the
adoption of a uniform policy.
C/Nice stated he agrees with C/Tamaya's comments.
He asked staff to survey the neighborhood
regarding the double yellow centerline striping.
He further stated that the City needs to move
forward to adopt a uniform policy.
VC/Leonard indicated she agrees that the City
needs to adopt uniform policies for striping,
speed humps, speed bumps, botts dots, etc. She
stated her displeasure with the recommended action
of "Receive and file this report" because, in her
opinion, this item requires further action. She
further stated she concurs with C/Nice's request
for a neighborhood survey as the next course of
action. She requested the item be agendized for
June or July of 1996.
May 9, 1996 Page 20 T&T Commission
C/Virginkar stated he is confused about the
differences of the double yellow centerline
striping and the solid yellow line opposed to the
dotted yellow line on various streets throughout
the community and not on other street throughout
the community.
DDPW/Liu responded to C/Virginkar that certain
streets were striped under the authority of Los
Angeles County prior to City incorporation. The
State of California has established guidelines for
pavement markings.
Ms. O'Connor referred to the staff report which
states that centerline striping is supplemented
with 25 MPH signs and curvature signs. The only
street that displays those two signs is Decorah
Road. Bower Cascade Place, Del Sol Lane, Minnequa
Drive, El Encino Drive and Del Sol Lane do not
have any speed limit signs or curvature signs.
She indicated she would have preferred signage
over striping on her street. In her opinion, the
striping has not been effective and the only
viable option is enforcement.
Mr. Clute stated his impression that the City was
working toward formulating and adopting a striping
policy and he would like to see the Commission
move forward with the process. He indicated the
double yellow centerline striping has not been
effective in stopping speeding vehicles in his
neighborhood.
C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by C/Virginkar
directing staff to prepare a Centerline Striping
draft policy for the Commission's review and
discussion for the July 11, 1996 Traffic and
Transportation Commission agenda. In addition,
staff is requested to conduct a residential survey
of the Bower Cascade Place/Minnequa Drive area
that has been striped; staff is to prepare a list
of alternative remedies to centerline striping,
and staff is to prepare a response to Mr.
Gravdahl's original request for consistency in,
having a centerline along the entire length of
Minnequa Drive. The motion was carried 4-0 with
the following roll call:
May 9, 1996 Page 21
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
VII. NEW BUSINESS - None
T&T Commission
Tamaya, Virginkar, Nice,
VC/Leonard
None
None
Chair/Istik
VIII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS:
DDPW/Liu, responding to a question from C/Tamaya,
stated the City's Public Works Department investigated
and found the Grand Avenue at Summitridge Drive signal
timing to be appropriate.
IX. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS:
VC/Leonard conveyed Chair/Istik's request for a joint
meeting between the Commission and the City Council to
discuss the Commission's relationship to the Council as
an advisory body, and how to better coordinate items
with staff. The Commission concurred.
X. ITEMS FROM STAFF:
A. Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update: April, 1996.
Sgt Rawlings reported no fatal accidents in April, 11
injury accidents, 41 non -injury, 5 DUI, 1 pedestrian
collision, 1 bicycle collision, 408 radar citations,
510 hazardous citations, 48 non -hazardous citations and
132 parking violations. The April enforcement index is
46.8%.
C. Future Agenda Itemms.
1) Workshop #3: Neighborhood Traffic Study for
the Rolling Knoll Road/Country View
Drive/Quail Summit Drive Area.
2) Speed hump policy discussion
3) Street striping policy discussion
XI. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None
May 9, 1996 Page 22 T&T Commission
XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to conduct, C/Nice made
a motion, seconded by C/Tamaya to adjourn the meeting
at 11:30 p.m. to June 13, 1996. There being no
objections, the motion was so ordered.
Respectfully,
,y
Nivid-G.--Lill
Secretary
Attest:
DAW a/
J cw Leonard
V c Chairman