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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/13/2000CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 2000 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Morris called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Hearing Board Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Chair/Morris. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Chairman Roland Morris, Vice Chairman Arun Virginkar, and Commissioners Jack Istik and Scott Lin. Commissioner Joyce Leonard -Colby was excused. Also Present were: David Liu, Deputy Director of Public Works, Rose Manela, Assistant Engineer; Sonya Joe, Development Services Assistant; Linda Smith, Development Services Assistant; Frank Hess, Public Works Supervisor; John Ilasin, Engineering Technician; Sharon Gomez, Administrative Secretary and Deputy Tim Perkins. I APPROVAL OF MINUTES: F I IV A. Minutes of October 14, 1999. VCNirginkar moved, C/Lin seconded, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 14, 1999 as submitted. Motion approved with the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSION COMMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR: None Lin, VC/Virginkar, Chair/Morris None Istik Leonard -Colby VI NEW BUSINESS: 1. Consideration of multi -way stop signs at the T -intersection of Chestnut Creek Drive/Evergreen Springs Drive (both south and north), Chestnut Creek Drive/Tierra Loma Drive, and Presado Drive/Chestnut Creek Drive. DSA/Smith presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive public input and discuss the installation of multi -way stop signs at the intersections of Chestnut Creek Drive/Evergreen Springs Drive, both T -intersections of Chestnut Creek Drive/Tierra Loma Drive and Presado Drive/Chestnut Creek Drive and concur with staffs recommendations and forward the following recommendations to the City Council for approval: Staff does not recommend the installation of stop signs at Chestnut Creek Drive/Evergreen Springs Drive. Staff does not recommend the installation of stops signs at the T -intersection of Chestnut Creek Drive/Tierra Loma Drive. Staff recommends the installation of multi -way stop signs for all legs of Chestnut Creek Drive and Presado Drive and further recommends that red curbing be installed on Presado Drive at Chestnut Creek Drive 50 feet each side of Presado Drive for additional visibility. Diane Dahl, 1938 Chestnut Creek Road, said she can see where there has been a problem in the past. Normally people slow down to turn and are usually cautious. A stop sign at Chestnut Creek Drive would most likely solve the problems on Tierra Loma Drive. Her main concern is with Presado Drive and the ability of motorists to get out of the street onto Chestnut Creek. Wale Alofe, 1966 Chestnut Creek Road, said he is a registered Civil Engineer with the State Department of Transportation. He stated that although he has lived at his current address for only three years, he has seen the potential for accidents on the street. He constantly witnesses people speeding down the road in an attempt to avoid Diamond Bar Boulevard and Pathfinder Road. He favors speed humps on his street and stop signs at the intersection of Presado Drive and Chestnut Creek Drive on both sides as well as, a stop sign at the intersection of Evergreen Springs Drive and Chestnut Creek Drive. Mohan Lawani favors installation of speed humps and stop signs. He welcomes a scientific study and he does not believe that the report presented by staff is particularly valid. Robert and Jolene Zirbes, 2141 Tierra Loma Drive, said they favor stop signs at the intersection of Chestnut Creek Drive and Presado Drive. They have lived on their street for 15 years and have witnessed several serious accidents at that blind intersection. Robert Zirbes stated that cars "fly" down Chestnut Creek Drive toward Presado Drive constantly and he is very concerned about the safety of his children and other children in the neighborhood. If the City errs, it should be on the side of the children who live in the neighborhood. He asked the Commission to consider speed humps and stop signs. Mr. And Mrs. Zirbes support staff s recommendation for stop signs at Presado Drive/Chestnut Creek Drive and consideration of some type of mitigation at Tierra Loma Drive and Chestnut Creek Drive. Carlos Torres, 2005 Tierra Loma Drive (corner of Tierra Loma Drive and Chestnut Creek Drive), said he has lived at his current address for six months. He has two young children. When he moved to the area he was hopeful that his children could play in the front yard. However, because of an incident that occurred while he and his children were walking on the sidewalk convinced him that it is not safe. Stop signs are probably a good idea. Most of the citizens are law-abiding but there are motorists who speed on the street, even on the uphill. Patricia Marinovich, 2003 Chestnut Creek Drive (intersection of Tierra Loma Drive and Chestnut Creek Drive) said that there are a lot of speeding vehicles in her area. She asked the Commission to consider speed humps and stop signs and not to wait until someone is killed before the City takes action. Sidney Jacobs, 2009 Chestnut Creek Road, said that speed is an issue on Chestnut Creek Road and it is Chestnut Creek Road and has never been Chestnut Creek Drive. He is concerned about speeding traffic on Friday and Saturday nights which were not part of the survey time. He applauds staffs recommendation for installation of stop signs for Presado Drive and Chestnut Creek Road. C/Lin thanked staff for their thorough investigation of the matter. Based upon residents' comments, he is inclined to recommend more stop signs. C/Istik said he has always been in favor of speed humps. Currently, there are no speed humps allowed in the City. One approach that has been used by cities is that two-thirds of the people who are impacted by the speed humps can sign off on the project if they wish speed humps installed and if it meets the safety criteria set forth by the city. This Commission initiated a neighborhood traffic study which covered the entire area. DKS proposed solutions for slowing the traffic on the residential streets and he believes most of the residents were happy with the results of the study and felt that the mitigation measures worked. VC/Virginkar stated that the Traffic and Transportation has discussed the issue of speed humps on several occasions. As a result of those discussion, it was determined that speed humps would not benefit the City's residential neighborhoods. He concurs with staffs recommendation for installation of a stop sign at Presado Drive and Chestnut Creek Road. He said he would also like for the Commission to consider installation of multi -way stop signs at Evergreen Drive and Chestnut Creek Road based upon safety concerns. Chair/Morris spoke about the topography of Diamond Bar and it is attractive for residential living and at the same time presents traffic problems. He asked Deputy Perkins to have his department take a close look at this area in the peak p.m. hours because he believes increased enforcement might alleviate some of the problems and concerns addressed by the residents. He further asked Deputy Perkins to communicate with Diamond Bar High School to make the students aware of the safety concerns and learn to respect the residential neighborhoods. Deputy Perkins indicated to Chair/Morris that the Sheriffs Department has been focusing on the area of Evergreen Springs Drive and Pathfinder Road in accordance with the City Council's instructions. Response from law enforcement has been good in that area and contact has been made with many students in that area during school hours. He has not had any recent communication with the high school nor has he asked them to communicate with the students about their driving. Chair/Morris said that safety has always been a primary concern of residents. He would like for staff to investigate existing signage on Chestnut Creek Road, Evergreen Springs rive and Presado Drive to determine whether it is adequate. He concurs with VC/Virginkar that the City needs to take a much closer look at the intersection of Chestnut Creek Road and Evergreen Springs Drive. If the addition of a stop sign does anything to discourage cut -through traffic, it serves a purpose and enhances safety. He believes that speed humps would turn into launch pads on Diamond Bar's hilly streets. DDPW/Liu responded to an audience member that the City's current policy is no installation of speed humps. He suggested consideration of botts dots as an alternative mitigation measure pointing out their advantages and disadvantages. Chair/Morris suggested the residents discuss the potential use and placement of botts dots. C/Istik said he would prefer to consider stop signs as part of an overall neighborhood study. Chair/Morris said he agrees with staff's recommendation for the three way stop at Presado Drive/Chestnut Creek Drive. He is leaning toward VC/Virginkar's recommendation for the Evergreen Springs Drive/Chestnut Creek Drive location. However, he would prefer to have more information before recommending the stop sign at the second location. In the meantime, he believes that signage, communication with the high school and additional enforcement would help to mitigate the situation. VC/Virginkar moved, C/Lin seconded, to recommend installation of two multi -way stop signs on Chestnut Creek Drive/Evergreen Springs Drive and Chestnut Creek Drive/Presado Drive, with appropriate striping and red curbing as recommended by the staff. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Istik, Lin, VC/Virginkar, Chair/Morris NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Leonard -Colby Washington Street Parking. AE/Manela presented stairs report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive public input and discuss the installation of additional red curbs and/or parking restrictions at the intersections of Washington Street/Windwood Drive. AE/Manela responded to Chair/Morris that staff has discussed this matter with Metro -Link and the City of Industry. DDPW/Liu stated he believes that the City of Industry is working with Metro -Link to expand the park and ride lot. Chair/Morris said he believes an informational letter from the City to the City of Industry would serve to communicate the problem. Lyle Kennedy, 21015 Washington Street, said he has noticed a significant increase in parking on his street and he believes the problem will be worse as time passes. Jeff Reinert, 726 Windwood Drive, said the intersection of Windwood Drive and Washington Street has become a serious safety issue during the morning hours. Metro -Link parking has already spilled over into the condominium complex and the residential tract in the area. The increased traffic makes it difficult for young children to safely board the school bus on Washington Street in the morning. C/Istik moved, C/Lin seconded, to adopt staffs recommendation to install 150 feet of additional red curbs and/or parking restrictions at the intersections of Washington Street/Windwood Drive. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Istik, Lin, VC/Virginkar, Chair/Morris NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Leonard -Colby The Commission concurred to direct staff to send a letter to the City of Industry communicating the concerns regarding the lack of sufficient parking at the Metro -Link park and ride lot. 2. Consideration of multi -way stop signs at the intersection of Leyland Drive and Benfield Drive. DSA/Joe presented staffs report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive public input and discuss the installation of multi -way stop signs at the intersection of Leyland Drive and Benfield Drive. Ran Tsai, 791 S. Leyland Place, asked the Commission to support staffs recommendation to install multi -way stop signs at the intersection of Leyland Drive and Benfield Drive. Arjan Idnani, 24197 Benfield Place, is at the corner of Leyland Drive and Benfield Drive and he knows that there is a speeding problem. About six months ago there were patrol officers present in the area giving tickets on a daily basis. For the past four or five months there has been no patrolling of the area. He does not believe a stop sign will solve the problem. He would prefer to see more enforcement in the area, especially in the evening hours. Angela Holloway, 780 Leyland Drive, acknowledged that there is speeding on her street. She is concerned about the safety of small children in her neighborhood and believes that installation of stop signs at both ends of Leyland Drive would be beneficial to the residents. Mr. Holloway concurred. Chair/Morris said he has noticed that people who play basketball at Pantera Park tend to park along the driveway rather than using the marked parking spaces. He suggested that the participants be asked to monitor their driving habits when leaving the basketball court. VC/Virginkar moved, C/Istik seconded, to recommend installation of multi -way stop signs at Leyland Drive and Benfield Drive. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS Istik, Lin, VC/Virginkar, Chair/Morris None Leonard -Colby DDPW/Liu indicated to Chair/Morris that staff will conduct a site evaluation of the need for warning signs. Signs will be installed, if warranted. Chair/Morris said he hopes that it continues to be a goal of the Commission and City Council to be friendly to the needs of the residents rather than to those who cut -through the City. 4. Bella Pine Drive/Los Cerros Drive AE/Manela presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive public input and discuss the traffic situation and concerns at the intersection and the possibility of installing 100' of double yellow centerline at the intersection of Bella Pine Drive and Los Cerros Drive. C/Lin moved, VC/Virginkar seconded, to approve staffs recommendation to install 100' of double yellow centerline at the intersection of Bella Pine Drive and Los Cerros Drive. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Istik, Lin, VC/Virginkar, Chair/Morris NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Leonard -Colby III OLD BUSINESS: Fiscal Year 1999-2000 Goals and Objectives of the Traffic and Transportation Commission. AE/Manela presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission review and discuss the attached information and provide further input to staff. 6. Golden Springs Drive (between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Temple Avenue) AE/Manela presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission review and discuss the attached information and provide further input to staff. Following discussion about the classification and speed of Golden Springs Drive and related safety concerns, Chair/Morris asked staff to forward their data to the City's Traffic Engineer for review and report back to the Commission. DDPW/Liu thanked Frank Hess, Public Works Supervisor; John Basin, Engineering Technician, for assisting AE/Manela in the gathering of information for staffs report on this item. IX ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: None X ITEMS FROM STAFF: DDPW/Liu stated that on November 23, 1999, the Redevelopment Agency awarded the design services to Warren Siecke for the left turn traffic signals for Golden Springs Drive/Lemon Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard/Sunset Crossing Road, Pathfinder Road at Fernhollow Drive, Brea Canyon Road/Lycoming Avenue, Golden Springs DriveBallena Drive, and Pathfinder Road/Evergreen Springs Drive. In addition, the Agency awarded design services to Linscott, Law and Greenspan for traffic signal modification on Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue. DDPW/Liu reported that at its January 4, 2000 meeting, the City Council approved the design services contract for the three parkway medians on Golden Springs Drive. In addition, the Council approved the Trails and Bicycle Routes Master Plan. The Council also awarded design of the ADA improvements at Sycamore Park. A. Verbal Presentation: Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update for October/November/December, 1999. - Oral report by Deputy Tim Perkins. XI INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 3. Future Agenda Item 4. Public Testimony dated November 18, 1999 5. Resolution No. 90-75A - "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar Amending Resolution No. 90-75 Establishing Compensation for City Commissioners/Committee Members." XII SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY MEETINGS AND EVENTS: As agendized. ADJOURNMENT: JANUARY 13, 2000 PAGE 8 T&T COMMISSION C/Istik moved, C/Lin seconded, to adjourn the meeting. There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission Chair/Morris adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m. Attest: k'44*' . Chairman Roland Morris 1 Respectfully, Da4 G, iu Secretary