HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/14/20001
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 14, 2000
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Morris called the meeting to order at 7:08 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 Commissioner Istik.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners: Chairman Roland Morris and Commissioners Jack Istik. Joseph Kung and
Joyce Leonard -Colby.
Vice Chairman Arun Virginkar was excused.
Also Present were: David Liu, Director of Public Works; Rose Manela, Associate Civil
Engineer; Frank Hess, Public Works Supervisor; John Ilasin, Assistant
Engineer; Sonya Joe, Development Services Assistant; Sgt. Bill Flannery,
Walnut/D.B. Sheriff's Station and Sharon Gomez, Administrative
Secretary.
I APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
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Minutes of June 8, 2000 - Continued from August 10.
C/Istik moved, Chair/Morris seconded, to approve the minutes of June 8, 2000 as presented.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
Minutes of August 10, 2000.
Istik, Chair/Morris
None
Kung, Leonard -Colby
VC/Virginkar
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C/Kung moved, C/Leonard-Colby seconded, to approve the minutes of August 10, 2000 as
presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kung, Leonard -Colby
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Istik, Chair/Morris
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Virginkar
II COMMISSION COMMENTS: None Offered.
III PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered
IV CONSENT CALENDAR: None
V OLD BUSINESS:
A. Highland Valley Road/Overlook Ridge Road Multi -way Stop Signs.
DPW/Liu presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation
Commission receive public comment and discuss the feasibility of installing multi -way
stop signs at the intersection of Highland Valley Road and Overlook Ridge Road.
Chair/Morris believes that Highland Valley Road's steep grade (up to 12 percent) is
typical of many roads in Diamond Bar. However, it is straighter than many of the city's
roads. He believes the speeding problem results from drivers failing to put their vehicle
in second gear. Many people ride their brakes all the way down the street.
There was no one present who wished to speak on this matter.
The Commission concurred to table this matter.
VI NEW BUSINESS:
A. "No U -Turn" Signs on Brea Canyon Road at Gemdal Street
AE/Manela presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation
Commission receive public comments and discuss the feasibility of installing "No U -Turn" signs
on Brea Canyon Road at Gemdal Street.
Joe Beck, 21109 Gerndal Street, explained why he requested the "No U -Turn" signs on
southbound on Brea Canyon Road at Gemdal Street. The situation occurs during morning and
evening peak hours.
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C/Istik said it makes sense to him that there should be no u -turns in that area.
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DPW/Liu explained that before the city proceeds to place "No U -Turn" signs at that location,
more data will be required from the Sheriff's Department. If "No U -Turn" signs are installed on
the arterial, it may push the problem to residential streets. By observing the area, staff will have
a better idea about what is occurring in the area.
Mr. Beck responded to Chair/Morris that most of the U -Turns are completed by passenger
vehicles and not by trucks.
C/Kung asked if a U -Turn is allowed at the intersection of Golden Springs Drive and Brea
Canyon Road to which DPW/Liu responded that it is not currently allowed. Commissioner Kung
believes that vehicles traveling southbound on Brea Canyon Road should be able to make U -
Turns from the inside left -turn lane turning onto Golden Springs Drive. If staff determines that
there are very few vehicles making a U -Turn at Gemdal, it should not cause a problem for those
vehicles to make a U -Turn at Golden Springs Drive.
Sgt. Flannery explained that the safety concern is for the pedestrian crossing the street.
Keith Gunn, 1141 Hare Avenue, responded to C/Kung that school children that live in the tract
and walking home from Walnut Elementary cross the street. The left turn lane was not changed
during the re -striping and there is not sufficient room for cars to make a U -Turn although they do
so. The problem with a U -Turn sign is that vehicles will travel farther into the street and turn
around in residential driveways. A "No U -Turn" sign will not solve the problem.
C/Kung asked if a U -Turn could be allowed on southbound Brea Canyon Road at Golden Springs
Drive to which DPW/Liu said he would need to look at the situation due to the recent street
modification permitting two left turn bays. The signal has been converted from a
protective/permissive signal to a protective left -turn phase only. He does not believe there is
sufficient room to allow for a U -Turn.
Following discussion, C/Istik moved, C/Leonard-Colby seconded, to request that staff continue
to monitor the intersection for count of U -Turn vehicles at peak morning and afternoon hours on
various days of the week. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Istik, Kung, Leonard -Colby, Chair/Morris
' NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: VC/Virginkar
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X INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
A. Decorah Road Traffic Concerns.
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Pat Dermody, 517 N. Platina Drive, member of the Board of Directors, Diamond Point Swim and
Racquet Club, 536 Navajo Spring Road, representing 638 homeowner members which involves
Decorah Road, Sunset Crossing Road and numerous other streets that are of concern in that area,
requested to have an informal meeting at the Diamond Point Club in about three weeks to discuss
the traffic concerns involving the area.
DPW/Liu stated that the association has been requested to make its proposal in writing to the
City. Prior to a meeting, staff would like to monitor the situation by meeting representatives at
the sites in question and present a staff report to the Commission. Commissioners are welcome
to participate in the field meeting.
C/Leonard-Colby commended the homeowners association for their involvement.
1 VI NEW BUSINESS, Continued:
B. Discussion of Agenda items for the scheduled Joint City Council and Traffic and Transportation
Commission Meeting on September 19, 2000.
Commissioner Suggested Topics
C/Istik: *Council's views on traffic issues in the City.
C/L.eonard-Colby *Council's views on traffic issues in the City.
Chair/Morris *Intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard
*Emphasize the importance of the School Traffic Study
*Establish policies and procedures to help the City avoid a band-aid
approach to traffic problem solving.
C/Kung *Re -visit Location of the Post Office Drop Box
C/Kung offered his services to the City (after the November election) in providing videotaped
traffic studies.
DPW/Liu stated that Council is also seeking the Commissions' input of a consistent policy
regarding striping for residential streets. The City follows the State's rules for striping.
ISEPTEMBER 14, 2000
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VII STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS: None
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VIII ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: C/Kung expressed concern that during construction the
reflective flaps were lined up incorrectly during the re -striping of Brea Canyon Road. He asked if the
removal of red curbing on Brea Canyon Road adjacent to the Metrolink Station has relieved the parking
situation on Washington Street.
DPW/Liu explained that the reflective flaps were temporary prior to striping and they are no longer an
issue. DPW/Liu indicated he is not aware of the effectiveness of the removal of the red curbing along
Brea Canyon Road by the City of Industry. He will present a report to the Commission on this matter at
its next meeting.
C/Kung suggested that the City take a pro -active stance and place parking information on vehicle
windshields parked on Washington Street.
' IX ITEMS FROM STAFF:
A. Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update - August 2000.
Sgt. Flannery presented the Monthly Traffic Update. The August Traffic Enforcement Index was
47.18. The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff's Station conducted a Traffic Safety Checkpoint during
Labor Day weekend on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Sunset Crossing Road. Within six hours
deputies screened 599 vehicles; 72 citations were issued included 105 violations; two DUI arrests
were made - one for sale of narcotics, and seven vehicles were impounded. The majority of
citations were issued as a result of lack of proof of insurance and un -licensed drivers.
X INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
B. Traffic and Transportation Commission Attendance Record.
DPW/Liu reported that at the City Council's request, the attendance records of the
Commissioners has been forwarded to the City Council. It is his understanding that each
Council Member is discussing the matter with their respective appointee. The Council
has noticed that there has been less than five Commissioners at every meeting which has
raised a concern. As a result, this matter will be discussed during the joint session.
IC. Response letter from CalTrans regarding Diamond Bar Boulevard bike lane modification
request - Received and Filed.
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DPW/Liu indicated to Chair/Morris that he will request the attendance of a CalTrans
liaison at a future Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting to discuss matters of
mutual concern.
D. Future Agenda Items.
As listed in the agenda packet.
Chair/Morris asked that staff telephone each Commissioner on Monday to remind them
about the September 19 joint meeting with the City Council.
DPW/Liu stated that all Commissioners have been contacted. C/Leonard-Colby indicated
she has a prior commitment. The remaining four Commissioners have indicated they will
attend the joint session.
XII SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY MEETINGS AND EVENTS:
As agendized.
III PUBLIC COMMENT, Continued:
A late arriving resident asked for permission to speak prior to adjournment. The Commission concurred.
Glenn Vickers, 852 Bridle Drive, stated his concern about future traffic cutting through his tract by new
residents. These new homes are currently under construction by Pulte Homes. The new residents are
likely to gain access through neighborhood streets. Has the Commission considered placing traffic signs
within the tract to restrict traffic flow during certain hours.
DPW/Liu stated that the future main entrance at Tin Drive will be signalized.
ADJOURNMENT:
Upon motion by C/Leonard-Colby, seconded by C/Istik and unanimously approved, Chair/Morris adjourned the
meeting at 8:22 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2000
Attest:
Chairman Roland Morris
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Respectfully,
avi` G. iu
Secretary