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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/10/1997CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION JULY 10, 1997 CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Istik called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Hearing Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Morris. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Chair Leonard, Vice -Chair Virginkar, and Commissioners Istik, Nice, Morris Staff: Deputy Director of Public Works David Liu; Assistant Engineer Rose Manela, Planning Technician Susan Cole and Administrative Assistant Tseday Aberra. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of May 8, 1997. C/Istik moved, VC/Virginkar seconded, to approve the May 8, 1997 minutes as amended. Without objections, the motion was so ordered. B. Minutes of June 12, 1997. C/Istik asked that Page 3, "Items from Commissioners" be corrected to state that he requested installation of red curbing on the south side of Walnut Drive west of Lemon Avenue. C/Istik asked that Mr. Foust's statement preceding his statement in paragraph 4 on Page 6 be included. Approval of the June 12, 1997 minutes continued to August 14, 1997. JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 2 T&T COMMISSION II. COMMISSION COMMENTS: C/Morris thanked DDPW/Liu for taking him on a tour of the City on July 9, 1997. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Road, reminded the Commission about its April 10, 1997 discussion regarding missing signs on Evergreen Springs Drive and Brea Canyon Road. He asked that the missing signs be replaced. At the May 8, 1997 meeting, DPW/Wentz indicated five ton limit signs could be installed on Brea Canyon Road between Pathfinder Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard. The signs have not yet been installed. He spoke about lack of enforcement of the two hour parking restriction and the no parking restriction in the morning and evening rush hours on Pathfinder Road between the SR 57 and Brea Canyon Road. Clyde Hennessee, 22702 Sunset Crossing Road, asked when the Sunset Crossing Road resurfacing is scheduled to be completed. He suggested installation of a stop sign at the Sunset Crossing Road and Prospectors Road intersection to mitigate speeding vehicles enroute to the YMCA for the safety of the youth in the area. DDPW/Liu responded to Mr. Hennessee that Sunset Crossing Road west of Diamond Bar Boulevard will be slurry sealed when the contract and insurance related matters are completed. The City Council approved completion at its July 1, 1997 meeting. With respect to a stop sign at Sunset Crossing Road and Prospectors Road, the City has no accident history for this intersection. He indicated the City will respond in writing to Mr. Henaessee's request when its investigation is completed. C/Istik stated that on May 8, 1997, the Commission voted to recommend that DPW/Wentz request of the City Council that a feasibility study be conducted with respect to the narrowing of Sunset Crossing Road. DDPW/Liu reminded the Commission that the City Council included $25,000 in its approved 1997/1998 Fiscal Year budget for the Sunset Crossing Road feasibility study. Roger Myer, 2634 Crooked Creek Drive, asked if the City has considered installing speed bumps. DDPW/Liu responded to Mr. Myer that based upon its findings, the Commission recently voted to consider a "no speed hump" policy at this time. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR -None JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 3 T&T COMMISSION V. OLD BUSINESS: A. Evaluation of Heritage Tract Signing/Striping Improvements. Leo Lee, DKS Associates and Diamond Bar resident, summarized the evaluation of the Heritage Tract Signing/Striping Improvements. The Heritage Tract evaluation study is composed of input from the residents through mail out surveys and license plate surveys performed by DKS Associates to determine the extent and severity of cut -through traffic problems within the Heritage Tract. Eighty-three percent of the residents approved of the Plan I implementation. The license plate surveys indicate that the majority of the traffic utilizing the neighborhood streets are local traffic as defined by the Traffic Engineering Manual. Based on survey results, DKS Associates recommends that the Plan I implementations be continued with the following exception: DKS Associates and staff recommends removal of the "No Left Turn" sign at the Country Hills Towne Center driveway on Fountain Springs Road, and 170 feet of red curb along Fountain Springs Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Crooked Creek Drive. Lupe Espinosa,21302 Hideout Drive, thanked the Commission for the Heritage Tract improvements. He stated he is opposed to removing the red curbing along the southerly side of Fountain Springs Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the Country Hills Towne Center driveway because in his opinion, the commercial building located at 2707 South Diamond Bar Boulevard will be the only entity to benefit. Elizabeth Beard, 21652 Birch Hill Drive, reminded the Commission that on April 10, 1997, she spoke about the fact that no sooner had the one hour parking limit signs on the east side of Evergreen Springs between Lost River Drive and Birch Hill Drive they were removed by unauthorized individuals. In addition, the one hour parking limit signs on the south side of Birch Hill Drive at Evergreen Springs Drive were removed. She asked the Commission to consider installation of red curbing on Evergreen Springs on each side of the Diamond Bar High School service and maintenance driveway. She again stated that approximately 50 student vehicles park on Birch Hill Drive during school hours throughout the school year. She indicated there is sufficient parking available on Pathfinder Road to accommodate these vehicles. Birch Hill Drive is a residential street and was not intended to accommodate student parking. Birch Hill Drive, Lost River Drive and Evergreen Springs Drive should all be posted for one hour parking from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, school days only. Students should be parking in designated areas. She asked the Commission to consider installation of painted crosswalks at Birch Hill Drive and Lost River Drive for student safety. She JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION also asked that the Commission consider painting all of the curbing red from the easterly driveway of the high school to the crosswalk at Evergreen Springs Drive for the safety of vehicles departing the driveway and making a right turn. DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Leonard that missing signs need to be replaced in a timely manner.He indicated he will investigate the matter and take appropriate action. Chair/Leonard asked that Mrs. Beard's comments be forwarded to Joe Foust, Austin -Foust Associates, Inc. for consideration in the Comprehensive School Traffic Access and Circulation Study. Roger Myer stated he recently conducted a neighborhood survey which resulted in 99 signatures of residents and business owners who favor removal of the "No Left Turn" sign at the Country Hills Towne Center driveway on Fountain Springs Road. He presented a copy of the survey to the Commission. Ray Goger, 2643 Crooked Creek Drive, stated he favors removal of the "No Left Turn" sign at the Country Hills Towne Center driveway on Fountain Springs Road. Craig Clute stated the recommendation for removal of the red curbing on the south side of Fountain Springs Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the Country Hills Towne Center driveway is the result of a commercial parcel (Dr. Cho's building) requesting use of a residential street for parking. Dr. Cho's parking study used by DKS Associates was performed while the tenant usage was beyond the scope of his Conditional Use Permit. Fountain Springs Road is intended to be a forty foot wide residential street and it is not a residential collector street. He indicated that in his opinion, the Fountain Springs Road vehicle volume is too high according to the City's General Plan and the residents who live on the street. He stated that DKS Associates did not respond to C/Nice's April 10, 1997 question regarding options for traffic relief on Fountain Springs Road. Mr. Clute cited options which were included in the original DKS Associates study. John Parker, 21637 Birch Hill Drive, stated he has a great deal of concern about the Evergreen Springs Drive and Birch Hill Drive intersection by the Diamond Bar High School. "No Parking" and "No U -Turn" signs were installed at the intersection and there is non-compliance with the signage. He said he has not received a return call from the high school in response to his suggestion that the east gate on Evergreen Springs Drive be monitored to allow entry only to vendor trucks and staff vehicles. He stated he has observed JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 5 T&T COMMISSION student vehicles blocking driveways, trash being discarded on the street, substance abuse, students jaywalking, and blatant disregard for neighborhood traffic. He asked for enforcement of current signage. C/Nice agreed that a serious problem exists in the neighborhood. He suggested that the resident's names, addresses, telephone numbers and comments be forwarded to Mr. Foust so that he can discuss issues and present the concerns to the high school staff. Rial Flesher, 20647 Larkstone Drive, suggested citizens who are not pleased with the current school traffic situation exercise their powers at the voting booth. C/Istik stated the Heritage Tract Signing and Striping Improvements study is dated April 1, 1997. He asked if Fountain Springs Road is designated a residential street in the report prior to the report being forward to the City Council. DDPW/Liu responded to C/Istik that the designation for Fountain Springs Road has been corrected and the correction is reflected in the minutes. In addition, the page in the study has been revised accordingly. C/Istik stated study indicates the volume of traffic on Cold Springs Lane at 2761 vehicles per day and Fountain Springs Road at 2895 vehicles per day. He asked if these figures are consistent with a residential street. DDPW/Liu responded that these streets are within the General Plan's threshold of 2500 vehicles per day. C/Istik stated he believes it is important that the minutes indicate the traffic volumes exceed the volumes for a residential street and that no action is being recommended tonight to lower the volumes of these streets. He referred the Commission to Figure II -9 of the study. He indicated that certain mitigation measures such as traffic chokers that have not been implement which were recommended in Phase II which would result in decreasing the traffic volumes. Leo Lee stated in response to C/Istik's comments that the City's General Plan indicates local residential streets at a Level of Service C, the capacity is 2500 and at a Level of Service D, the capacity is 2810. The threshold is interpreted at what level of service would typically be allowed. Level of Service D is typically allowable. C/Istik confinned that Fountain Springs Road is currently operating at a Level JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 6 T&T COMMISSION r -- of Service D and Cold Springs Lane is operating at a level of Service D which is not a desirable level of service but a crowded level of service to maintain on a residential street. Mario Sanchez summarized the Plan I April, 1996 implementations. C/Istik asked if Mr. Sanchez agrees with the residential surveys that the Plan I implementations have been effective. Mr. Sanchez stated he agrees that the Plan I implementations have been very effective. C/Nice requested inclusion of Informational Item B. Parking Compliance: 2707 South Diamond Bar Boulevard, with the evaluation of Heritage Tract Signing/Striping Improvements. DDPW/Liu stated DKS Associates has recommended removal of the red curbing on the south side of Fountain Springs Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the Country Hills Towne Center driveway in conjunction with the removal of the "No Left Turn" sign at the driveway. Dr. Cho's request for consideration of street parking is not related to DKS Associate's recommendation for removal of red curbing. The matter for discussion under Item B, Information Items, is a matter of parking compliance only. C/Istik stated that the inter -office memorandum provided to the Commission indicates that spaces were available everyday that the code enforcement officer visited the site between May and June, 1996. The April Commission packet contained a December 31, 1996 traffic study prepared by Daniel Benson & Associates for Dr. Cho and states the site contains a deficiency of six parking spaces. C/Nice moved, C/Istik seconded, to separate the issue of the removal of 170 feet of red curbing along Fountain Springs Road from the issue of the "No Left Turn" sign removal. He explained his previous vote in favor of eliminating the red curbing from Fountain Springs Road due to input from neighborhood residents and DKS Associates recommendation. VC/Virginkar stated that he does not believe the two issues can be separated because the removal of the red curbing is directly related to the removal of the "No Left Turn" sign. The motion failed by the following Roll Call vote: 11 1 JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 7 AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS T&T COMMISSION Nice, Istik Morris, VC Virginkar, Chair/Leonard None C/Istik reiterated his opinion that removing the red curbing from Fountain Springs Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the Country Hills Towne Center driveway sets a precedent for commercial parking on residential streets. C/Morris stated he believes that any benefit to Dr. Cho by the removal of red curbing on Fountain Springs Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the Country Hills Towne Center driveway is coincidental. The initial request for red curbing resulted from the recommendation for the "No Left Turn" sign and related safety considerations. There is no precedent. No action is being taken on behalf of Dr. Cho at this meeting. Chair/Leonard moved, C/Morris seconded, to forward to the City Council the recommendation to remove the "No Left Turn" sign at the Country Hills Towne Center driveway on Fountain Springs Road, and remove 170 feet of red curb and retain 160 feet of red curb along Fountain Springs Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Crooked Creek Drive. C/Nice again stated his disapproval that these two items are not separated. He favors eliminating the "No Left Turn" sign and retaining the red curbing. He said he is extremely upset that he must compromise his position and not vote according to his convictions. C/Istik reiterated that the property owner (Dr. Cho) asked for the parking and we (the Commission) are now removing it (the red curbing) for the property owner. The motion was approved 3-2 by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Leonard, C/Morris, VC/Virginkar NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Nice, Istik ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None Following discussion, the Commission directed staff to forward citizen's comments to Mr. Foust, direct him to contact Mrs. Beard and Mr. Parker for their input, and agendize the matter of traffic circulation and signage at Diamond Bar High School for August 14, 1997 with recommendations for mitigation. JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 8 T&T COMMISSION VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS - None VIII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Leonard received a request from a concerned citizen to investigate the safety of the ingress/egress of the commercial building south of the City library. C/Morris asked that discussion of safety concerns at the intersection of Carpio Drive and Armitos Place be placed on the August 14, 1997 Traffic and Transportation Commission agenda. He requested consideration of yellow centerline striping on both streets adjacent to the intersection. VCNirginkar pointed out that the left turn signal light at the intersection of Pathfinder Road at Diamond Bar Boulevard was replaced within four days. He indicated he has observed Sheriffs patrol cars on Diamond Bar Boulevard between Quail Summit Drive and Pathfinder Road during peak hours of 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. He said he would like to see enforcement on more residential streets. C/Istik stated the Sunset Crossing Road speed limit between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the YMCA is posted at 40 mph. The street is classified as a residential street. He requested consideration of lowering the speed limit to 30 mph on Sunset Crossing Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard to the YMCA be placed on the August 14, 1997 agenda. DDPW/Liu indicated that a speed zone survey resulted in an 85th percentile of well over 40 miles per hour. Sunset Crossing is a residential street. In order to recommend a speed change, staff will need to discuss the matter with the City's traffic engineer and the City Attorney, and conduct a speed zone survey. Sgt. Rawlings confirmed to C/Istik that if the City posts a speed limit which is lower than the 85th percentile, the Sheriffs Department cannot use radar enforcement on the street. IX. ITEMS FROM STAFF: A. Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update: Sgt. Rawlings presented the June, 1997 traffic enforcement update. The June traffic enforcement index was 49.0. B. Future Agenda Items: JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 9 T&T COMMISSION Chair/Leonard requested the Commissioner's forward their comments on the City Council's Goals Setting Evaluation Ranking to DDPW/Liu prior to August 1, 1997 for a future joint Council and Commission meeting. RECESS: Chair/Leonard recessed the meeting at 9:35 p.m. RECONVENE: Chair/Leonard reconvened the meeting at 9:45 p.m. X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. Comprehensive School Traffic Access and Circulation Study. PT/Cole, project manager and staff liaison for Austin -Foust Associates, Inc., reported on the Comprehensive School Traffic Access and Circulation Study for the following schools: GOLDEN SPRINGS ELEMENTARY Summary of Recommendations: 1. "No -Stopping Any Time" and "No Student Loading/Unloading" signs and red curb be installed on the west side of Golden Springs Drive at Ballena Drive to prevent any passenger loading/unloading from occurring there. 2. A new school crosswalk be installed across El Encino Drive at the school's rear gate. Both the existing as well as, the new school crosswalk installed adjacent to the school grounds be the "ladder" type. 4. The existing white passenger loading zone on Ballena Drive be supplemented with curb legends "No Parking - Passenger Loading Only". Mari Smith, Golden Springs Elementary School crossing guard, said she believed parents would drop off and pick up their children at the rear gate if adult supervision was provided. She indicated she addressed the Commission as a private citizen and parent of a student. Kathy Lippincott, Golden Springs Elementary School employee, said she believes a crossing guard should be placed on Golden Springs Drive and Ballena Drive for the safety of the children who cross the street to be picked JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 10 T&T COMMISSION up on the east side of Ballena Drive. Isela Lovato, Pomona Unified School District Facilities Department Assistant Planner suggested that a school crossing sign be added to the crosswalk suggested in recommendation No. 2 for increased visibility and safety. With respect to recommendation No. 4, she recommended that the "No Parking - Passenger Loading Only" sign be changed to "No Parking Anytime from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during school days" in order to allow vehicles to park in the location for after school activities and events. C/Morris recommended a crossing guard be placed at the rear school gate to increase parent's usage. In addition, the school would need to construct a minimal amount of paving along the fence line to make the area accessible to students during inclement weather. He asked staff if El Encino could be opened through to Golden Springs Drive for improved accessibility. In addition, the neighborhood traffic would be substantially reduced on the frontage road. DDPWlLiu stated that in order to proceed with a recommendation to open El Encino to Golden Springs Drive, public input would be solicited and the City's traffic engineer would be consulted for recommendations. C/Morris also suggested younger students could be directed to use the Ballena Drive access and older students could be directed to use the El Encino access which would mitigate the impact to Ballena Drive. Chair/Leonard said she concurs with use of the school's rear gate and restriction of parking during schools days from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for this school and other schools. C/Morris stated that this school and other City schools front through streets. The speed limit on Golden Springs Road is 40 mph. He suggested that Golden Springs Elementary and Diamond Point Elementary have flashing signals to indicate the speed limit is reduced (possibly to 25, 20 or even 15 mph) while school is in session. In addition, such mitigation measures may deter traffic using Diamond Bar as a cut -through area. DIAMOND POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Summary of recommendations: Examine the existing signal timing at Golden Springs Drive and Sunset Crossing Road to reduce the backup and delay during school JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 11 T&T COMMISSION arrival/dismissal. 2. Post "No Student Loading/Unloading" signs on Golden Springs Drive. Add "When School is in Session" to existing No Parking signs in front of school. Clyde Hennessee said he has observed that there is a limited amount of parking available and a large amount of jaywalking in the area. Isela Lovato stated the Pomona Unified School District is in agreement with the Diamond Point Elementary School recommendations. Chair/Leonard asked if a student turnout dropoff/pickup area is possible. PT/Cole responded that this school feels it is easier to maintain control if the on-site parking is limited to staff and handicapped students. C/Morris stated he believes that Diamond Point Elementary School has the most limited student dropoff area of any City school. He recommended that consideration be given to an on-site/off-site dropoff and pickup area. He suggested consideration of flashing lights on Golden Springs Road to slow traffic in the area during school hours. VCNirginkar stated he feels "when school is in session" is a vague term and that more definitive signage is needed. DDPW/Liu responded that uniform sign language will be recommended for all schools. C/Morris reminded that Commission that Walnut Unified School District varies its school schedule which may impact signage. C/Nice commended Pomona Unified School District and its representative for participating in the study. MAPLE HILL ELEMENTARY Summary of recommendations: 1. Relocate existing crossing guard to a consolidated student crossing directly in front of the school on Maple Hill Road. Paint the crosswalk with high visibility "ladder" markings. JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 12 T&T COMMISSION i 2. Extend "No U-turn" restriction to Eaglefen Drive. Periodically use radar speed trailer on Maple Hill Road. There was no public input on this item. C/Istik stated he agrees with the consultant's recommendations. C/Morris stated it is unfortunate that parks are not situated adjacent to all elementary schools in the City. WALNUT ELEMENTARY Summary of recommendations: Relocate existing crosswalk on Glenwick Avenue to the south side of the parking lot exit driveway and paint with high visibility "ladder" markings. 2. Investigate the need for a three-way stop control at Glenwick Avenue and Lycoming Street once school is back in session. Rial Flesher, 20647 Larkstone Drive, recommended that the Commission contact the community enforcement officer to coordinate Sheriffs Department shift changes in order for schools to be adequately covered by traffic enforcement deputies during school hours. He suggested City workers be directed to replace missing signs immediately. Sgt. Rawlings stated that Sheriffs Department scheduling was recently changed to provide to motorcycle officers for school traffic at 7:30 a.m. A third motorcycle officer is available from 10:00 a.m. Craig Clute spoke about the Tustin School District which has consistent signage at all schools and regular site visits by city police. He stated he concurs with C/Morris's suggestion regarding flashing signs for main thoroughfares only and not on residential streets. Tustin School district places large orange traffic cones in the center of the crosswalks during crossing guard hours. C/Istik asked if the City stripes school crosswalks on an annual basis. DDPW/Liu responded that yearly site visits are conducted and painting and restriping occurs as needed. JULY 10, 1997 1 B. 1 PAGE 13 T&T COMMISSION Chair/Leonard suggested "ladder" crosswalks for all schools. C/Morris recommended the Sheriffs Department send a letter to all schools reinforcing school traffic movement rules. He stated Golden Springs Elementary attaches a cover letter to the Sheriffs Department list requiring parents to return a signed copy to the school. Sgt. Rawlings stated he will forward C/Morris's recommendation. Chair/Leonard reminded staff and the consultant that the Automobile Club of Southern California indicated they would provide traffic safety information to schools for parent education. Chair/Leonard responded to DDPW/Liu that she would like to observe the complete viodeography presentation at the next meeting. DDPW/Liu stated that as part of the study, staff is collecting copies of the current educational brochures used by the schools. In addition, statements regarding enforcement issues will be included by the Walnut Sheriffs Department. Parking Compliance: 2707 South Diamond Bar Boulevard. C/Istik stated he is disappointed that in his opinion, the City is setting a precedent with regard to this matter. XI. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY MEETINGS: Received and filed. Chair/Leonard reminded the Commission that the Planning Commission has scheduled a Development Code meeting on July 22, 1997. JULY 10, 1997 PAGE 14 T&T COMMISSION'' XII. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission, VC/Virginkar moved, C/Istik seconded, to adjourn the meeting. Chair/Leonard adjourned the meeting at 10:35 p.m. to August 14, 1997. Respectfully, David G. Liu Secretary Attest: Jo ce Veonard ai erson