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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/1/1996I� fl MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING QUAIL SUMMIT/ROLLING KNOLL/COUNTRY VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD MANAGEMENT STUDY WORKSHOP #4 AUGUST 1, 1996 CALL TO ORDER: CITY OF DIAMOND BAR Chair Istik called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Room CC -6, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Chair Istik. 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 Also present: Joe Foust and Catherine Lawrence, Austin - Foust Associates, Inc. I. PUBLIC MEETING A. Workshop #4: Neighborhood Traffic Study for the Rolling Knoll Road/Country View Drive/Quail Summit Drive Area. Mr. Foust stated his firm received 170 completed survey questionnaires from the neighborhood residents which indicates Quail Summit Drive accommodates approximately 45 percent of the daily traffic leaving the neighborhood and dropping off children at the school; Rolling Knoll Road accounts for approximately 30 percent of the daily vehicle count, and Country View Drive accounts for approximately 2 percent of the daily traffic flow. He indicated his firm was able to verify the survey figures which were representative of the actual traffic volume counts. The total trips per day entering and exiting the neighborhood is 7,000, the majority of which are generated by the residents entering and exiting the neighborhood and student dropoff and pickup at the school. The cut -through traffic is minimal. Prior to the turn restrictions along Grand Avenue, the neighborhood did experience a significant amount of cut- August 1, 1996 Page 2 T&T commission through traffic. He indicated that he agrees with the residents that the traffic considerations involve the traffic generated by the neighborhood and the school traffic. Mr. Foust suggested that solutions to the traffic problems involve such things as policy enforcement and use of the radar trailer. Mr. Foust reiterated his suggested traffic and speeding issue mitigation measures might include additional stop signs in designated areas (High Bluff Road at Quail Summit Drive and Country View at Rolling Knoll Road); continued use of the radar trailer; special street striping for parking/bike lane/school loading and unloading in the school area to narrow the street width perception; double centerline striping on Quail Summit Drive in front of the school; additional street markings to designate crosswalks and 25 MPH speeds in the school area; and a warranted traffic signal light on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Quail Summit Drive. Mr. Foust stated that while stop signs may tend to slow traffic, he does not strongly advocate these installations because it leads to the need for additional enforcement. He indicated that with respect to residents' requests, he recommended a one-way stop on Sand Ridge Road at Coyote Springs Drive instead of a three way stop. He stated that although the "Yield" sign on Deer Crossing Drive at Country View Drive is adequate, he concurs that it should be replaced by a stop sign. He recommended the Grand Avenue Botts dots remain in place. He indicated he does not believe the Botts dots create noise to residents of Country View Drive. He stated he believes that residents may experience an increased noise level due to the volume of traffic on Grand Avenue. Mr. Foust responded to C/Tamaya that double yellow centerline striping incorporates approximately one foot of space on the street and tends to make the street appear narrower to the driver which tends to slow traffic. It looks brighter and stays brighter longer than the skip yellow line. In addition, it is unlawful to drive on the opposite side of a double yellow line. C/Tamaya asked if skip centerlines on residential streets are effective in reducing speed. Mr. Foust responded that the reduction in speed is approximately two to three miles j per hour. 1 LJ 1 August 1, 1996 Page 3 T&T Commission DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that a solid yellow line is used as an edge line and not as a center line. VC/Leonard suggested that staff contact Quail Summit Elementary School to ascertain the proposed remodeling plans. DDPW/Liu stated staff will be soliciting further input from the school and from the residents prior to forwarding a recommendation to the City Council. C/Nice stated he is concerned about eliminating street parking for residents. He would like to see the bus zone located more southerly on Quail Summit Drive. Chair/Istik stated he would prefer to see larger front yard setbacks and narrower residential streets. He indicated the recommendation for a traffic signal on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Quail Summit Drive is ironic since residents indicated traffic volume is a problem. He further stated that "and" should be corrected to "at" so that Paragraph 3 on Page 1 reads: "A petition was submitted to the City Council requesting that Country View Drive at Grand Avenue be closed to eliminate cut -through traffic". He cautioned that the City should carefully consider future density of homes because of increased traffic volumes and speeding. He recommended that the City provide a jogged curb for a school bus turnout. The parents could then use the street curb for loading and unloading. Linda Beltran, 23308 Quail Summit Drive, stated she is concerned that the proposed mitigation measures would significantly change the look of her street and create additional difficulties for entering and exiting the residences. Don Lemly, 1387 Rolling Knoll, asked if vehicles are allowed to back out of driveways across double yellow centerlines. Mr. Foust responded that although it is unlawful to drive on the wrong side of a double yellow centerline, it is permissible for vehicles to cross the double yellow line. Mr. Foust responded to Mrs. Beltran that the school parking restriction, if adopted, would be in effect 30 minutes prior to the commencement of school and 30 minutes following school dismissal. Chair/Istik stated the City could subsidize the school bus program in an attempt to increase ridership. In addition, August 1, 1996 Page 4 T&T Commission the City could ask the school district if it would consider reinitiating staggered hours. He further stated that because of the in -progress citywide school study, he would not be ready to vote on a recommendation for the school. Mr. Foust stated the school is proposing a turnout loading/unloading area and not proposing loading/unloading on the sidewalk area. Chair/Istik responded that due to the fact that the school does not incorporate staggered hours, it is a certainty that parents will drop off and pickup their children on the street sidewalk areas. Chair/Istik opened public testimony. Claudia Huff, 1641 Fire Hollow Drive, stated she favors initiating less intrusive solutions and those that involve the least cost to the City. If those solutions do not work, move on to the next category. She recommended a stop sign installations at Sand Ridge Road and Coyote Springs Drive, Highbluff Drive at Quail Summit Drive, and Deer Crossing Drive at Coyote Springs Drive to slow the traffic. She asked the City to consider measures other than Botts dots on Grand Avenue to mitigate the noise. She indicated she favors a traffic signal on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Quail Summit Drive. She further stated she does not favor double yellow centerline striping, street signs and street painting to mitigate the school problems. She favors discussion of the traffic concerns between the residents and the school in order to reach a compromise. Jerry Hamilton, 1429 Copper Mountain Drive, stated he believes the traffic study should respond to the resident's concerns. He favors use of stop signs. Jack Tanaka, 23805 Country View Drive, stated he had not recommended removal of the Botts dots on Grand Avenue. He asked if a portion of the dots could be removed to lessen the noise. DDPW/Liu responded to Mr. Tanaka and Chair/Intik that the Botts dots installation was part of the Grand Avenue improvement. The installation was completed in accordance with State of California standards. Chair/Istik asked Mr. Foust the feasibility of addressing the use of thermal plastic in place of Botts dots. Mr. Foust responded that thermal plastic is preferable to paint August 1, 1996 Page 5 T&T Commission and Botts dots. Chair/Istik asked that this option be included in Mr. Foust's report to the City Council. Audrey Hamilton, 1429 Copper Mountain Drive, asked why the Grand Avenue Botts dots are placed so close together. Mr. Foust reiterated the Botts dots placement on Grand Avenue is in accordance with State standards. There are different standards for freeways. Hubert Wilson, 23649 Country View Drive, stated the residents would prefer to preserve the character of the neighborhood street rather than add striping and signage. He indicated he has not seen enforcement in his neighborhood recently. Absent enforcement, mitigation measures such as stop sign and signage will be ineffective. He recommended the City Council ask with the schools to accommodate the change in traffic patterns rather than expect the residents of Quail Summit Drive to incorporate street changes. The school traffic should be taken off of the streets. Mr. Foust's traffic study ignores the original concern regarding noise pollution proposed by the Country View Drive residents. Audrey Hamilton suggested that because the school has a large amount of property available that they install a drive-through for parking, school buses and student drop off and pickup. Frank Beltran indicated he believes that prior to the City Council voting on mitigation measures, the City should seek cooperation from the Walnut School District to install a secondary access to the property. Don Lemley, 1387 Rolling Knoll Road, stated he is in favor of initiating mitigation measures such as stop signs in stages with minimal cost to the City. He agreed with Chair/Istik that the widening of sidewalks should be investigated. He further stated he is concerned that installation of a traffic signal on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Quail Summit Drive will increase the cut -through traffic in the neighborhood. Wanda Tanaka, 23805 Country View Drive, stated that a survey of Country View Drive residents indicates they wish to postpone the installation of speed humps on the street until the noise study is completed. August 1, 1996 Page 6 T&T Commission Art Ragazzi, 1335 Rolling Knoll Road, stated he favors a stop sign on Country View Drive because cars entering Rolling Knoll Road constitute a traffic hazard to the Rolling Knoll Road traffic which has the right-of-way. Hubert Wilson recommended that based upon Mr. Foust's study, the City Council ask the City of Chino Hills to reopen the Environmental Impact Report and look at the Grand Avenue traffic impact. Chair/Istik stated Chino Hills wanted a road through Tonner Canyon to relieve the Grand Avenue traffic congestion as a result of additional homes. Chino Hills could discuss the possibility of a road through Soquel Canyon or Carbon Canyon with San Bernardino County. Mr. Foust responded to Chair/Istik that according to his traffic count, approximately 35,000 to 36,000 vehicles per day cross the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard., DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Istik that although certain issues may not be addressed by the Neighborhood Traffic Study, the areas of concern addressed by the citizens will be identified and included in the report to the City Council. Chair/Istik closed public testimony. C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by C/Virginkar, that the Traffic and Transportation not endorse the recommendation for double yellow centerline striping and white parking striping. The motion was carried 5-0. VC/Leonard made a motion, seconded by C/Tamaya, to recommend installation of all -way stop signs at the following intersections: Sand Ridge Road and Coyote Springs Drive; Deer Crossing Drive and Country View Drive, and Highbluff Drive and Quail Summit Drive, if warranted. The motion was approved 4-1 with Chair/Istik voting no. C/Nice made a motion, seconded by C/Tamaya to recommend installation of a three-way stop sign on Country View Drive at Rolling Knoll Road. The motion was approved 5-0. ^ry i j C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by VC/Leonard to make no recommendation with respect to the school issue until the August 1, 1996 Page 7 T&T commission school/school district is involved with the pick-up/drop-off issue. The motion was approved 5-0. Mrs. Beltran responded to C/Tamaya that she objects to a traffic signal on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Montefino Avenue. However, because a signal will be installed at that location, there will most likely be a need to install a traffic light on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Quail Summit Drive. Mr. Beltran indicated a traffic signal at Quail Summit Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard will help the residents entering and exiting the neighborhood. DDPW/Liu responded to VC/Leonard that redesign recommendations will be made with respect to the shopping center driveway at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail Summit Drive which will involve negotiations and, ultimately, cooperation of the property owner. RECESS: Chair/Istik recessed the workshop at 9:22 p.m. RECONVENE: Chair/Istik reconvened the workshop at 9:35 p.m. C/Virginkar made a motion, seconded by C/Nice to postpone consideration of a traffic signal at Quail Summit Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard for one year. DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Istik that a traffic signal has been warranted for Diamond Bar Boulevard at Quail Summit Drive. It is more cost effective to design both the Montef ino Avenue/Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail Summit Drive/Diamond Bar Boulevard traffic light installations simultaneously. The motion failed 3-2 with the following Roll Call voter AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Virginkar, Nice NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Tamaya, VC/Leonard, Chair/Istik ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by VC/Leonard, to concur with the Neighborhood Traffic Study finding that a traffic signal is warranted at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail Summit Drive, and to defer any further action on the subject until staff provides the Traffic and Transportation Commission with a design assessment of both August 1, 1996 Page 8 T&T Commission the Montefino Avenue and Quail Summit Drive traffic signals. The motion was approved 4-1 with Chair/Istik voting no. Chair/Istik stated his "no" vote is because he is concerned about a potential increase in cut -through traffic as a result of a traffic signal installation at Quail Summit Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard. VC/Leonard made a motion, seconded by C/Nice to proceed with the Neighborhood Traffic Study recommendation for a ladder crosswalk marking at Winterwood Lane and Quail Summit Drive. The motion was approved 5-0. VC/Leonard made a motion, seconded by C/Virginkar, to recommended that broken yellow centerline striping be installed the entire length of Coyote Springs Drive. The motion failed 3-2 with the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Leonard, C/Virginkar. NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Nice, Tamaya, Chair/Istik ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None Chair/Istik reiterated that the Neighborhood Traffic Study report to the City Council should include the discussions regarding the Grand Avenue noise concerns. Chair/Istik made a motion, seconded by VC/Leonard, to recommend that the City Council consider conducting a Noise Study to address the Country View Drive resident's concerns. The motion was approved 5-0. C/Nice made a motion, seconded by C/Tamaya, to recommend the Walnut Sheriff's Department Radar Trailer be placed on the streets referred to in the Neighborhood Traffic Study on a regular basis. The motion was approved 5-0. II. ADJOURNMENT Chair/Istik closed the Neighborhood Traffic Study Workshop at 10:22 p.m. to the regular Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting of August 8, 1996. Attest: