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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/12/2001CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION JULY 12, 2001 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Virginkar called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Headquarters Hearing Board Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Leonard. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Chairman Arun Virginkar, Vice Chairman Jack Istik, and Commissioners Joyce Leonard and Roland Morris. Commissioner Joseph Kung arrived at 7:20 p.m. Also Present were: David Liu, Director of Public Works; Kirk Phillips, Associate Engineer; John Ilasin, Assistant Engineer; Linda Smith, Development Services Assistant; Sharon Gomez, Administrative Assistant, and Deputy Mark St. Amant, DB/Walnut Sheriff's Station. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of June 14, 2001. C/Morris moved, C/Leonard seconded, to approve the June 14, 2001 meeting minutes. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSION COMMENTS: PUBLIC COMMENTS: Leonard, Morris, VC/Istik, Chair/Virginkar None Kung None Offered None Offered. V CONSENT CALENDAR: None JULY 12, 2001 PAGE 2 T&T COMMISSION VI OLD BUSINESS: A. Chaparral Middle School Traffic Concerns. DSA/Smith presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive public comments, discuss all options and concur with staff's recommended options. Laurie Troudy, 1329 Holly Leaf Drive, teaches at Chaparral, D.B. High and Maple HIII schools. She pointed out on the map that on Spruce Tree coming off of Mountain Laurel cars are parked along the street in the way of the right hand turn traffic. In order to make a right turn she must remain in the left turn lane until she gets passed the parked vehicles. She pointed out that about one in 10 vehicles is turning left off of Spruce Tree onto Mountain Laurel from the right turn lane. If a stop sign is installed at this location, the traffic will back up at Diamond Bar Boulevard and vehicles will cut through Diamond Gate. She strongly recommended a left -turn light on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Mountain Laurel Way in order to mitigate U-turns, vehicles use of property owners' driveways for turnarounds, etc. Steve Tye, Chinook Place, said he appreciates the alternate route suggestion for sixth graders. It took him two trips to Chaparral to seek out alternate routes. He believes Maple Hill is being heavily used. To Mrs. Troudy's point, no U-turns all the way up to the cul-de-sac at the end of Spruce Tree does not necessarily serve a purpose if people are going to use driveways for turnarounds. He recommended a no left turn at the intersection of Ironbark and Spruce Tree which will relieve the problem at the top of Spruce Tree. Further, circulation would improve if all 40 residents came out the top of Aspen Knoll and turned right on Ironbark. By taking away the ability of the traffic to turn left from Ironbark onto Spruce Tree, the problem is solved and the homeowners can make the right turn onto Ironbark which makes them part of the solution and not part of the problem. He commended staff for their effort and recommendations. Wally Tallant, 1428 Spruce Tree, leaves his house at about 7:00 a.m. weekdays and at that hour the school traffic is already backed up. Some mornings he is unable to leave his driveway due to the congestion so he waits until 8:00 a.m. to leave. Last night at about 11:30 p.m., a 21 year old motorist lost control of his vehicle traveling up the hill and knocked down his brick wall. The motorist was cited for DUI. It is not legal to make U -Turns using private driveways. When he comes home at 3:00 p.m., cars are lined up along the street in front of his driveway. In speaking with school staff members who direct traffic, he learned that they have no training to direct traffic. He feels that stop signs would help the situation. JULY 12, 2001 PAGE 3 T&T COMMISSION C/Leonard moved, C/Morris seconded, to concur with staff's five (2, 3, 4, 5 & 12) recommended options with emphasis on Item #15. During discussion, the Commissioners expressed the view that a left turn signal on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Mountain Laurel Way should be considered and that staff may wish to include potential costs for such an installation in their report to Council. DPW/Liu said that the Commission may wish to consider this matter further since the traffic problem consists only of two -fifteen minute periods during a.m. and p.m. weekday peak school hours. He suggested to the Commission to implement the tier 1 - first five improvements, continue to observe the conditions, and evaluate the mitigation measures at the end of six months. In general, the cost of a left turn signal installation could range from $50,000 to $100,000. Following discussion, the motion was carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT:COMMISSIONERS: VII NEW BUSINESS: A. Navajo Spring Road Traffic Concerns: Kung, Leonard, Morris, VC/Istik, Chair/Virginkar None None AE/Ilasin presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission concur with staff to install a Right Turn Warning Sign with supplemental 15mph advisory speed plate at approximately 23603 Decorah Road and install a 15 mph advisory speed plate at the existing Left Turn Warning Sign located approximately at the property line of 227 and 231 Navajo Spring Road, and to consider one of the interim measures as recommended by staff, and (3) review and discuss the current Speed Hump Policy for the City of Diamond Bar. Ray Hallenbeck, 208 Navajo Spring Road, said that according to the city attorney's opinion paper regarding speed humps, it states that he does not oppose speed humps. Neither is the Sheriff's Department opposed to speed humps. Those in attendance tonight who live on Navajo Spring favor speed humps. He does not agree with staff's recommendation that speed humps be placed only on straight roadways of less than five percent grade. He believes with sufficient signage a speed hump could be placed on the downhill section on Decorah Road before the turn at Navajo Springs. In addition, a speed hump could also be placed at the curve and another speed hump at the end of the turn so that both southbound and northbound traffic 1 JULY 12, 2001 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION would be forced to slow down at the curve. The Sheriff's Department issued a citation recently for 50 mph at the curve. The speeding is getting worse and the sheriff's department cannot be on the street all day. He believes that the portable speed humps make a lot of sense. Iry Rem, 221 Navajo Spring Road, has lived in his home for 34 years. He appreciates the city's efforts with the stop sign on upper Decorah. He believes in accident prevention and he believes the temporary speed hump would be the most prudent solution. He is retired and is frequently in his front yard. The neighborhood has cycled back to young families which he believes has increased the risk factor on this curve. He urged the Commission to give serious consideration to the safety factor. He agrees that a preventive measure needs to be placed on Decorah Rd. before vehicles reach Navajo Spring. He thanked the Commission for their consideration and urged them to consider the temporary speed hump. Samuel Guillaume, 505 Navajo Spring Road, said that by the time vehicles reach his driveway they have gained significant speed. He is very concerned about the safety of his family and kids who cross the street to go to the club house. He has had many close calls backing out of his driveway. Most of the time he tries to reach home when the traffic is light so that he can safely back into his driveway and not be at risk when leaving his home in the morning. He recently visited a city that had temporary speed humps and thought to himself at the time that this was the remedy needed on his street. Shortly after that visit, he signed the petition for tonight's meeting. He strongly urged the Commission to do whatever it takes to slow down traffic and make Navajo Spring a safer place for everyone to live and walk. Robert Huff, 441 Navajo Spring, commended staff for seeking a method of trying speed humps on a trial basis. He recommended against installation of Botts dots because of the noise factor. He believes that speed humps would be useful tools to calm neighborhoods on streets such as Navajo Spring and other collector streets. Law enforcement cannot be in all places at all times. Therefore, a mitigation measure such as a temporary speed hump may be an effective tool. He urged the Commission's consideration. Mary Lewandowski, 23524 Decorah Road said she has lost two or three cats on the street. She offered to have enforcement use her driveway to observe the traffic. She is concerned about the families with young children and something must be done about the speeding vehicles. Dolores Vallejos, 23858 Navajo Springs Road, said she is very excited that the Commission is considering temporary speed humps. She has lived at her residence more than 12 years. Within five months of moving into her house she and her young children were in their van getting ready to pull JULY 12, 2001 PAGE 5 T&T COMMISSION away from the curb when they were hit by a young man who failed to stop. When deputies are present it helps to slow the traffic but they cannot be present at all times. The neighborhood really needs speed humps. There are classes for youth ages 3 to 17 at the clubhouse. Children must cross the street to get to the clubhouse and it is extremely dangerous for them. People are held hostage in their homes and she would be very grateful if the city would finally give the neighborhood some help with this matter. Ken Shaeffer, owns both 407 Navajo Spring where he lives and 415 Navajo Spring. He has a 19 month old son. He teaches at D.B. High School. He has lived in Diamond Bar since he was one year old. When he moved into his home seven years ago there were no children on the street. In the last three or four years, six to eight houses have sold and suddenly there are many children. He lives in the middle area of the street and vehicles reach peak speed in front of his home. Three years ago someone rolled his car down the street. The car came to a stop in front of his driveway. It is a very scary situation and anything the city can do to slow the vehicles down will be greatly appreciated. He wants a safe environment in which to raise his children. C/Morris pointed out that the traffic in the area is neighborhood traffic and not cut -through traffic. He believes the homeowners association should be approached to assist in educating the neighborhood. He likes staff's recommendation for the 15 mph speed sign. He proposed a portable raised speed hump for the area in front of the clubhouse. He also suggested red curbing the area across from the clubhouse. C/Kung said he would like use of portable speed humps authorized, locations to be determined between staff and residents. C/Leonard said she would concur with staff's recommendation for 15 mph advisory speed plates and she is definitely in favor of portable speed humps as a pilot study project. She asked for explanation of "temporary" in this instance and suggested placement of more than two speed humps, one of which would be placed between the addresses of 208 and 217 Navajo Spring. VC/Istik used Pepper Tree Court in Brea as a good example of a street that uses speed humps. In addition, the street has several warnings signs indicating 15 mph on the pavement. The signs are unavoidable. He believes a similar design for Navajo Spring would be appropriate. He also believes that it would be helpful to have the petition signed by the person who initiated the petition, and that it should point out the benefits as well as, the negative impacts. He said he would support permanent or temporary speed humps. JULY 12, 2001 PAGE 6 T&T COMMISSION ChairNirginkar said that as a part of this project he would like for staff to provide feedback regarding enforcement. He concurs with staff's recommendation to install 15 mph advisory speed plates. Regarding speed humps, some law enforcement officials believe that speed humps have a temporary effect. Once the drivers get used to the speed humps they will use them as launch ramps which could cause unexpected negative results. Currently, the city has a "no speed hump" policy. Therefore, prior to installation of temporary or permanent speed hump installations, the city will have to revisit and revise its policy and criteria. Another issue brought up by the city attorney was the matter of residents indicating they did not wish speed humps used as a law enforcement device and that it should be more of a roadway design feature. It is understandable that if this was a new area of development being discussed and that speed humps were installed as roadway design features, it would be acceptable. However, after -the -fact speed humps may be perceived as traffic enforcement devices which may cause the city to wrestle with liability and other issues. As a result, he is reluctant to recommend installation of speed humps at this time. He would have no problem with Botts dots which have noise problems. DPW/Liu said that regardless of a pilot project, a uniform and consistent policy must be adopted citywide. A pilot project will provide the city more information and data regarding adoption and implementation of a citywide policy. Staff would recommend that a petition must be signed by a majority of the residents between Sunset Crossing Road and Briar Creek Road. The information received from California cities that have initiated portable speed humps is that the minimum support must be from 65 to 75 percent. In addition, there are current standards that need to be passed along to the Commission, Council and residents. The latest information was compiled in 1995-1996. At this point, staff is aware of only one city, Santa Monica, that has used temporary speed humps. Chino Hills looked at this particular device and decided not to implement temporary speed humps. Under a pilot program, the city has an opportunity to experiment and compile data. Ultimately, if it is in the best interest of the city not to have speed humps, it is a matter to be decided by the City Council. Even for a pilot project, a city must have standards and procedures in place regarding the project and the residents must understand the basis for and nature of the process. C/Leonard moved, C/Morris seconded, to adopt staff's recommendation to install a 15 mph advisory speed plate at approximately 23603 Decorah Road and install a Right Turn Warning Sign with supplemental 15 mph advisory speed plate at the existing Left Turn Warning Sign located approximately at the property line of 227 and 231 Navajo Spring Road and request staff to initiate a pilot study regarding possible installation of portable speed humps in the Navajo Spring Road/Decorah Road area. The study will recommend criteria for a city-wide policy regarding speed humps. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote; 1 [J JULY 12, 2001 PAGE 7 T&T COMMISSION AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kung, Leonard, Morris, VC/Istik NOE&COMMISSIONERS: ChairNirginkar ABSENT:COMMISSIONERS: None B. Request to Keep Clear at Brea Canyon Road and Gerndal Street. AE/Phillips presented staff's report. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission concur with staff to have the necessary repairs made to the traffic signal at Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive and then conduct an investigation to see if the access problem at Gerndal Street still exists. VC/Istik moved, C/Leonard seconded, to concur with staff's recommendation to have the necessary repairs made to the traffic signal at Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive and then conduct an investigation to see if the access problem at Gerndal Street still exists. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS NOE&COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS Kung, Leonard, Morris,VC/Istik, ChairNirginkar None None VIII STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTIONS ITEMS: DPW/Liu stated that the D.B./Walnut Sheriff's Station has a public safety committee that meets monthly. The committee is comprised of members from the cities of D.B., Walnut and from the unincorporated area of Rowland Heights. Matters of traffic concerns, crime issues, etc are regularly discussed. One of the items featured in their recent minutes is the concern for speeding on Navajo Spring Road and Decorah Road and the fact that motorcycle cops were sent to the area and five speeding citations were issued. DPW/Liu said that he would like to have the Sheriff's Department report to the Commission on their direct response to resident's complaints. IX ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: C/Morris would like staff to take a look at the corner of Navajo Springs and Sunset Crossing Road area for possible red curbing. ChairNirginkar reiterated Mr. Tallant's concern regarding double parking on Spruce Tree near Chaparral which is a major problem during peak school hours. He asked staff to look at potential solutions. Deputy St. Amant said that the same problem exists at Quail Summit Elementary School. Cars are not really double parked, they're just waiting in line. As a result, they cannot be cited for double-parking. Other than improving the traffic flow there is little that can be done. 1 JULY 12, 2001 PAGE 8 T&T COMMISSION X ITEMS FROM STAFF: Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update: June 2001 - Report by Deputy St. Amant. 2. Monthly School Citation Update: June 2001 - Report by Deputy St. Amant. XI INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. Fire Department Request for Flashers on Armitos Place - Report by AE/Phillips. 2. Fountain Springs Road Neighborhood Traffic Management Study - Report by DPW/Liu. 3. Country View II On -Street Parking Request - Report by DSA/Smith. 4. Future Agenda Items - Report by DPW/Liu. XII SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS: As agendized. ADJOURNMENT: Upon motion by C/Leonard, duly seconded and there being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission, Chair/Virginkar adjourned the meeting at 10:14 p.m. Attest: Chairman Arun Virginkar Respectfully, David G. Liu Secretary