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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/14/1999CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION JANUARY 14, 1999 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Leonard -Colby called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Hearing Board, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Lin. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Chair Leonard -Colby, Vice Chair Morris, and Commissioners Lin and Virginkar. Commissioner Istik was excused. Also Present were: David Liu, Deputy Director of Public Works; Rose Manela, Assistant Engineer, Sonya Joe, Development Services Assistant, and Lt. Stothers, Sgt. Flennery, and Dpty. Perkins. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Minutes of the October 20, 1998 Joint Study Session. VC/Morris moved, C/Virginkar seconded, to approve the Joint Study Session meeting minutes of October 20, 1998 as presented. Without objection, the motion was so ordered. B. Minutes of the November 12, 1998 Regular Meeting. VC/Morris moved, C/Virginkar seconded, to approve the November 12, 1998 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. Without objection, the motion was so ordered. H. COMMISSION COMMENTS: C/Lin asked why the section of Diamond Bar Boulevard between Crooked Creek Drive and Cold Spring Lane has no street light. 1 JANUARY 14, 1999 PAGE 2 DDPW/Liu responded that street lights are typically installed by developers during the construction of their projects as a part of the off-site improvements. The City does not own the street lights, and it will be necessary to get the property owners to request the Los Angeles County Lighting Assessment District to install the lights. DDPW/Liu further responded to C/Lin that several construction issues have been resolved for the traffic signal installation at the intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Quail Summit Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard and Montefino Avenue. The installation will proceed with completion anticipated in February. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. Request for a "Keep Clear" pavement marking and "Do Not Block Intersection" sign on Brea Canyon Road at Gerndal Street. DDPW/Liu presented staffs report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission deny the request for a "Keep Clear" pavement marking and "Do Not Block Intersection" sign on Brea Canyon Road at Gerndal Street. It is also recommended that this intersection be observed after the signal at the intersection of Brea Canyon Road and Glenbrook Drive is installed and bring this matter to the Traffic and Transportation Commission should it become congested. VC/Morris moved, C/Virginkar seconded, to deny the request for a "Keep Clear" pavement marking and 'Do Not Block Intersection" sign on Brea Canyon Road at Gerndal Street. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS NOES: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS V. OLD BUSINESS: Lin, Virginkar, VC/Morris, Chair/Leonard-Colby None Istik A. Request by Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar to park along southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard between Cherrydale Drive and Brea Canyon Road on Wednesdays. ARY 14, 1999 PAGE 3 Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission review the presented documents and recommend approval to the City Council for temporary parking on Wednesdays between 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard between 100 feet south of Crooked Creek Drive and the northerly drive approach of the Evangelical Free Church for the duration of their construction period up to March 2000 and that the Evangelical Free Church be responsible for all costs borne by the installation and removal of such signs. Steve Tye spoke in favor of staff s recommendation. He extended an invitation to the Commissioners to visit the Church to see for themselves the changes that are taking place. Mr. Tye responded to Chair/Leonard that Church lot parking preference is extended to mothers with young children and elderly women who participate. DDPW/Liu stated that the Church's original request was to allow them to park on southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard between Cherrydale Drive and Brea Canyon Road. Staffs recommendation is to allow parking on southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard between Crooked Creek Drive and the first northerly driveway which is consistent with the Sunday morning parking privileges currently in effect. Staff feels that this is a safe portion of Diamond Bar Boulevard and drivers will not be impacted by the curvature and sight visibility concerns that are present at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Brea Canyon Road. C/Lin asked about the outcome of the three month trial period for parking on the street which was previously recommended by staff. DDPW/Liu recalled that the period was suggested by the Church. The Church originally requested to park on the street on Wednesday mornings only. Mr. Tye responded to VC/Morris that approximately 220 parishioners attend Sunday morning services. Currently, the church parking overflows to the Peppertree Plaza and Medical Center as well as, the Metro Center. At the conclusion of construction, 75 parking spaces will be available on-site. Responding to Chair/Leonard, DDPW/Liu stated the anticipated signage cost is $500 for five signs. Mr. Tye indicated to VC/Morris that Church members direct the traffic to park in the Church parking lot and the overflow parking areas before allowing street parking. In addition, signage directs drivers to the overflow parking areas and announcements regarding parking are regularly made during services. JANUARY 14, 1999 PAGE 4 CNirginkar moved, C/Lin seconded, to accept staffs recommendation to recommend approval to the City Council for temporary parking on Wednesdays between 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard between 100 feet south of Crooked Creek Drive and the northerly drive approach of the Evangelical Free Church for the duration of their construction period up to March, 2000 and that the Evanglical Free Church be responsible for all costs borne by the installation and removal of such signs. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Lin, Virginkark, VC/Morris, Chair/Leonard-Colby NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Istik VI. NEW BUSINESS: A. Kiowa Crest Drive and Santaquin Drive Traffic Concerns. AE/Manela presented staffs report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive resident comments and concerns and review/discuss the issues raised and possible mitigation measures. Marie Buckland, 21762 Santaquin Drive, said that the speed limit has never been observed on her street and since Grand Avenue opened it has placed even more stress on the street. Motorists routinely fail to stop at the stop sign and pass the school buses when they are stopped. She believes there are too many vehicles passing through her neighborhood from other cities. She asked for the Commission's help in resolving this situation. Claudia Yeager, 21726 Santaquin Drive, said she signed the petition and provided a letter to the Commission. Motorists routinely practice "California stops" at Morning Canyon Road and travel well in excess of 25 mph in both directions on her street. She backs her car into the driveway in order to be able to leave her home in a safe manner when she leaves or returns during rush hour. She realizes that the Sheriffs Department cannot always be present and she is looking to the City for assistance with this problem. James Farmer, 21774 Santaquin Drive, stated that a truck turned over in his driveway at 3:00 a.m. and destroyed the brick and wrought iron fence between his home and his neighbors home. Two weeks later he was awakened at 5:00 a.m. when a car jumped the curb and spun out in the street which caused a wheel to break off. He suggested that instead of having deputies present that the City install speed humps to prevent people from speeding down his winding street. He said he is concerned that someone will be killed on his street. ARY 14, 1999 PAGE 5 Willis Sanky, 21745 Santaquin Drive, said he has witnessed several accidents on his street. He recalled that about five years ago a California Highway Patrolman sat on the corner of Morning Canyon Road and Santaquin Drive and issued 10 tickets in less than one and one-half hours. He stated that when he attempts to make a left turn into his driveway motorists will pass him on the left side even when he has his left blinker on and is hand signalling a left turn. He is also concerned that someone will be killed on the street. There is a blind spot for people coming over the hill and people speed in that area. Don Buckland said it is very dangerous for people to back out of their driveways near the top of the hill. He finds no fault with the Sheriffs Department because he realizes that they cannot be at the location 24 hours a day. He asked the Commission to provide some relief for their area. VC/Morris spoke about his concern that cut -through traffic is placing a burden on the City's streets which prevents residents from using alternative routes to get to their homes. He suggested that staff be directed to work closely with the Sheriffs Department to find a solution. Speed humps and steep slopes are incompatible because speed humps can act as a launch ramp when the slope is too steep. He said he believes that residential areas should be reserved for the enjoyment of the residents. C/Lin stated he concurs with VC/Morris. Residents should have the right to live peacefully in their neighborhoods. However, the traffic problems have prevented them from doing so. C/Virginkar said he also concurs with VC/Morris. There is a good deal of speeding in his neighborhood and he sympathizes with the residents living on Santaquin Drive. In looking at the map it appears the City has done everything possible short of installing traffic lights on the street. He suggested that a traffic study might be conducted on the street to determine possible solutions. With respect to speed humps, the Commission has debated this matter at length and determined that speed humps would serve as a detriment to safety services. Chair/Leonard-Colby stated that she does not want to lose the residential feel of the City's streets and she believes that the residential feel is lost as long as Diamond Bar Boulevard continues to serve as a freeway. She said she believes that without a bypass road Diamond Bar will continue to have traffic problems. It is very difficult to get from the south end of town to the north end of town during rush hour. Short of oversigning and installing traffic lights other measures may need to be pursued. She said she was quite comfortable with the traffic studies that were conducted within the Heritage Tract and Quail Summit area. She indicated she believes Santaquin Drive should be studied in a similar manner. She asked if the speed hump policy can be revisited and if there are funds available to conduct a traffic study in this area. JANUARY 14, 1999 PAGE 6 DDPW/Liu responded that the speed hump policy has been discussed many times. As pointed out by VC/Morris, the ultimate concern is the safety of the motorists and the potential liability on the part of the City. When speed humps are improperly installed and when limitations are exceeded more dangerous conditions are created for the motorists. If speed humps are used as traffic control devices the street grade should not exceed 7 to 8 percent. The street must be properly signed and the traffic control device must be clearly visible to the motorists. Fire and ambulance service providers are concerned about the placement of speed humps in residential areas. Staff recommends that a speed survey be conducted to determine the extent of the speeding problem before launching a full scale traffic study. Lt. Stothers responded to Chair/Leonard-Colby that the Sheriffs Department received Mrs. Buckland's complaint. Deputy Perkins spoke with Mrs. Buckland today and indicated that the department will do its best to solve the problem. That area will be targeted for enforcement. VC/Morris moved, GVirginkar seconded, to request staff to add Santaquin Drive to the speed trailer Hist and present its recommendation for additional possible mitigation measures such as signage and striping. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Lin, Virginkar, VC/Morris, Chair/Leonard-Colby NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Istik DDPW/Liu stated that staff will present its findings with respect to possible mitigation measures to the Commission at its February meeting. Mr. Farmer said that Santaquin Drive used to have 25 MPH painted on the street pavement and that it might be helpful to have the street markings. VC/Morris thanked the residents for bringing this matter to the attention of the Commission. VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS: DDPW/Liu reported that the multi -way stop signs on Longview Drive at Brookwood Drive and Summitridge Drive at Breckenridge Court were installed last month. A three way stop was recently installed at Brea Canyon Road at Diamond Crest Lane. Initially, staff received complaints from commuters. However, the complaints have subsided and the installations appear to be helping with the school traffic at Diamond Crest Lane, the alternate route for South Pointe Middle School. Y 14, 1999 PAGE 7 DDPW/Liu stated that at its December 15, 1998 meeting, the City Council discussed several Off-site Parking Task Force proposals. As a result, the Council approved parking citation authority for the City's Code Enforcement Officer. In addition, the Council is considering specific Off -Site Parking Task Force recommendations such as a permit program for unattached trailers and boats for a 24 hour period. He explained that there are various parking restrictions throughout the City which will be addressed by creating preferential parking districts in those residential areas. He explained the types of permits currently under consideration by the Council and indicated that the City intends to have a permit system in place by March, 1999. VIII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: C/Lin asked about the schedule for watering the Diamond Bar Boulevard median. He said he has observed that irrigation occurs during a.m. peak traffic hours. DDPW/Liu said he believes there is a specific schedule for watering medians. He will forward Commissioner's concerns to the City's Parks Division. C/Lin said he is concerned about the 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. timeframe. VC/Morris expressed his concern about stretch limousines parked on Carpio Drive and Del Sol Lane. DDPW/Liu responded that it appears businesses is being conducted in these areas. However, he is not certain if the Vehicle Code prohibits parking of these types of vehicles on residential streets. Lt. Stothers stated that the issue is the weight of the vehicle. If the limousine is being used to haul passengers it fits the definition of a commercial vehicle. Therefore, if the weight exceeds 10,000 pounds it is restricted. C/Virginkar said that he has witnessed two or three cars parked continuously on Rolling Knoll Drive south to Quail Summit Drive and he believes the resident is repairing vehicles from his home. Lt. Stothers reminded the Commission that this type of concern would fall within the 72 hour rule. He asked the Commission to provide him with detailed information for followup by the Sheriffs Department. DSA/Joe stated that she would need to verify the address where the limousines are parked on the street. However, she believes this matter has come before the Planning Commission and the owners have filed applications for the home based business. This business is not allowed to park its vehicles on the street. This matter has been brought to the attention of the City's Code Enforcement Officer for resolution. JANUARY 14, 1999 PAGE 8 IX. ITEMS FROM STAFF: A. Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update: November & December, 1998. Lt. Stothers presented the December, 1998 Traffic Enforcement Update. X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. Future Agenda Items. B. Verbal Presentation: Installation of "25 MPH" signs along Tin Drive. C. Verbal Presentation: RV Parking on Countryview Drive at Grand Avenue. XI. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY MEETINGS: As agendized. ADJOURNMENT: VC/Morris moved, C/Virginkar seconded, to adjourn the meeting. There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission Chair/Leonard-Colby adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully, David .Liu Secretary At s top k�4 Joyc Le nard-Colby Chair