HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/8/2003CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
MAY 8, 2003
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Morris called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality
Ma nag ement/Govern ment Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond
Bar, California 91765.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Vice Chairman Pincher led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Chairman Morris, Vice Chairman Pincher and Commissioners
Kashyap and Virginkar. Commissioner Torng arrived at 7:10 p.m. and was excused at
8:25 p.m.
Also Present: David Liu, Public Works Director, Fred Alamolhoda, Senior Engineer;
Sharon Gomez, Management Analyst; John llasin, Assistant Engineer; Debbie Gonzales,
Administrative Assistant and Deputy Diane Dodd.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
II. Minutes of March 13, 2003.
CNirginkar moved, VC/Pincher seconded to approve the March 13, 2003
minutes as presented. Without objection, the motion was so ordered with
C/Torng being absent.
III. COMMISSION COMMENTS: VC/Pincher was glad to see the article in the City
News featuring Public Works Week. She felt the article was well written.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Debby O'Connor, Chairman of the Diamond Bar
Community Foundation, stated that there is also an article on the front page of The
City News about the Community/Senior Center. She encouraged the
Commissioners to participate in the building of the facility by purchasing a
commemorative tile. The deadline for purchases has been extended to June 1.
After June 1 the price will increase. If orders are received by June 1 installation is
guaranteed for grand opening. The Foundation is also selling street signs as they
are replaced in neighborhoods throughout the community. The next sale is
scheduled for Area 5 north of Grand, east of Golden Springs and south of Temple
Avenue. She left flyers for each of the events.
V. CONSENT CALENDAR: None
VI. ITEMS FROM STAFF
A. Traffic Enforcement Update — Report by Deputy Dodd - Received and filed
on the following items:
May 8, 2003 PAGE 2
Citations: March 2003
T&T COMMISSION
Deputy Dodd reported that citations (1783) were up from February
(1113).
2. Collisions: March 2003
Deputy Dodd reported that collisions were up from February due to
the rain.
3. Street Sweeping:
Deputy Dodd stated that street sweeping citations increased in
January and March. Complaints regarding street sweeping fell into
three categories: 1) "they didn't see the sign because it was located
at the entrance to the neighborhood" 2) they weren't aware of any
street sweeping ordinance, they didn't live in the area, and 3) they
were never notified (of the ordinance) by the City." Council recently
approved installation of additional signs on every street. She believed
the installation of additional signs on every street recently approved
by the City Council would alleviate the majority of requests for
dismissal.
3. Radar Trailer Development
4. Results of Traffic Operations
Deputy Dodd reported that on March 4, the department conducted an
operation on northbound Grand Avenue at the eastbound SR 60 on
ramp as a result of complaints from motorists leaving the
SCAQMD/Government Center. Some drivers traveling in the middle
lane turn onto the freeway at the last minute. This type of movement
is illegal. Eleven (11) citations were issued during this operation. On
March 11, the department conducted an operation on Prospectors
Road between Sunset Crossing Road and Rock River Drive. During
that operation 35 citations were issued. The deputies are aware of
the cut -through traffic problems. During the period January 1 through
March 31, a total 132 speeding citations were issued in that area. On
March 25, the department conducted an operation at Lorbeer Middle
School. During the period from 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., 8 citations
were issued, 7 of which were for making the right turn and one was
for failing to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk. The overweight
vehicles operation, speed enforcement and safety checkpoint
operations are scheduled to be conducted in June. The Diamond
Bar/Walnut station will hold its open house this Saturday, May 10
from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
May 8, 2003 PAGE 3
5. Future Deployment of the Radar Trailer
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Deputy Dodd reported that only Vehicle #1 will be deployed in May.
When vehicle #2 is repaired, it too will be deployed.
VC/Pincher asked if the trailer could be placed on Pathfinder Road
near Presado Drive closer to Diamond Bar Boulevard to check the
speed of the vehicles coming over the hill and down Pathfinder Road.
VII. OLD BUSINESS: None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS: None
IX. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS: PWD/Liu reported that at its May 6
meeting the City Council amended the street sweeping parking regulation
program. Additional signage will be placed at the entrance to each residential
street in the City. The Sheriff's Department has certain discretionary authority for
citation exemption. Prior to Tuesday night the parking penalty was $50 per citation.
Council reduced the amount to $30 per citation. At its May 20 meeting, the City
Council will consider the following items. Traffic signal design for Brea Canyon
Cutoff at the southbound SR 57 on and off ramps; rejection of bids for the Grand
Avenue/Shotgun traffic signal serving "The Country Estates" as well as, the
Community/Senior Center currently under construction. Proposal includes left -turn
signal modifications for Golden Springs at Ballena and for Brea Canyon Road and
Lycoming. At the Council's May 20 meeting, staff will present its recommendation
to the Council to authorize staff to advertise the Pathfinder Road signals at Brea
Canyon Road/Fern Hollow Diamond Bar High School Westerly entrance and
Evergreen Springs Drive intersections. On May 20 Council will authorize staff to
proceed with advertisement for the Area 5 slurry seal program.
Chair/Morris was pleased that the slurry seal would take place during the summer
months rather than during the school year.
X. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: CNirginkar asked what the fine is for a
prohibited U-turn.
Deputy Dodd responded that a prohibited U-turn is a moving violation. The
Pomona Court sets the fine. Fines generally range from $25 to $50 for first
offenders.
CNirginkar felt the fine should be increased to $150 to deter offenders.
May 8, 2003 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION
XI. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
A. Diamond Bar High School Traffic Circulation.
MA/Gomez reported that the committee comprised of Diamond Bar
High School administrators, Walnut Valley Unified School District
staff, the Sheriff's Department and City staff devised a plan to
attempt a solution to circulation problems at the school. The rough
draft plan was presented to one of the City's traffic engineers who
determined that it was feasible. The drawing included in tonight's
packet was presented to the City Council and ultimately approved
during their April 1, 2003 study session. Tomorrow the plans and
specifications will be delivered to the City's plan checker. Staff
expects to implement the plan for the next school year. MA/Gomez
and PWD/Liu explained the plan to the Commission.
C/Torng commended staff for working with the school to reach this
conclusion. He asked if the cost of this plan is more than the original
plan.
PWD/Liu responded that because of the new signal the cost was
increased. The original proposal was to install the left turn signals at
Brea Canyon/Fern Hollow Drive and Evergreen Springs Drive. The
additional signal increases the cost.
VC/Pincher said that during the past month she has tried to avoid
Pathfinder Road during school let out hours. She found herself going
down Pathfinder Road before school let out and there were cars lined
up by the school in the "Do Not Stop Between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m." zone.
PWD/Liu explained that the Sheriff's Department's enforcement is
done on a rotational basis that is listed in Deputy Dodd's report each
month.
C/Virginkar said that in his opinion, this is a half-baked plan designed
to fail. He drives that area regularly and things have gone from bad to
worse each year. The parents want to drop children as quickly as
possible and proceed on to their destination. The way this has been
designed, there are two entry points for vehicles traveling in a
westerly direction. You would expect the parents to come from
Pathfinder Road west to east and enter the westerly driveway, a task
that will take a longer period of time. The idea is for parents to drop
their children at a point closest to the school. Once you enter into the
school property and attempt to proceed to the closest drop off point,
it will take 15 to 20 minutes because of all of the vehicles. The
May 8, 2003 PAGE S
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parents will never comply. What will happen is that the kids will be
dropped off as the parents are waiting and the kids will start walking
through the parking lot toward the school creating more of a logjam.
After vehicles exit the school parking and are waiting to make a left
or right turn a gridlock will be created because of people coming from
the west. If someone can explain to him how those drivers can get to
the easterly part of the school from the west without having a
dedicated lane to exit in a timely fashion; in the meantime, there are
a lot of vehicles traveling from east to west on Pathfinder Road and
they have one entrance. This is a disaster. He sees the problem
every day. Now he goes down Silver Hawk Drive and comes back on
Evergreen Springs Drive. There were times when he could go past
Evergreen Springs Drive and drop off his child. Now the line is all the
way to Viento Verano Drive. Yesterday he was very glad to see the
deputy in the area because he saw a child crossing Pathfinder Road
to get to the school. He also saw a driver making a U-turn right in
front of the deputy. Fortunately, the deputy stopped her. He sees this
type of behavior all of the time. Unless the Evergreen Springs Drive
drop off is taken into consideration it will be a disaster. Solving the
problem on Pathfinder Road is a dilution. in his opinion, this problem
requires further review and more participation by school
officials/volunteers to patrol the area.
Chair/Morris saw two other Commissioners nodding in agreement
with CNirginkar. The Sheriff's Department would likely agree that a
small portion of the drivers would participate in a safe traffic flow
pattern. In his opinion, the human factor needs to be considered.
CNirginkar said that his primary concern is that the $315,000 will go
down the drain. He did not believe that this would be the solution and
he was concerned that this money was not being properly used.
PWD/Liu said that CNirginkar's comments are concerns that have
been expressed over the years. Enforcement and driver behavior are
two separate items. From a traffic management perspective staff
looks at all possibilities. The consultant listed seven or eight
alternatives. Looking at the data, the consultant took the best
alternative. As we stated, this is not the perfect solution. It is a step
toward mitigation. We hope that the parents will perceive this as a
more convenient means for drop off and pick up. From initiation of
this program, staff has been working closely with the school district
police and the Sheriff's Department. At the same time, driveway
modifications could be implemented.
Chair/Morris pointed out that Diamond Ranch High School with a
population of 1,000 fewer students than Diamond Bar High School
has five people to monitor the turn around and drop off area. This
May 8, 2003 PAGE 6 T&T COMMISSION
project would take the same amount of commitment in order to be
effective. Hopefully, those people in attendance would be school
district people. If no one is present to monitor the situation, parents
will continue to do whatever they please. If a monitoring system is
part of this solution, it could work. He asked staff to touch base with
the schools to see if there is any striping or re -striping that needs to
be done so that it could be done prior to the opening of school in
September,
PWD/Liu said that each year the City re -stripes the streets around all
fourteen schools in the City. On May 21 and May 28 staff will meet
with all school principals from both school districts. The purpose of
these meetings is to address concerns prior to the next school year
and to establish an ongoing communication so that the City and
schools can respond to needs more effectively.
Chair/Morris reminded PWD/Liu about the meeting with the former
principal of Diamond Ranch High School and the confusion about the
boundaries on Phillips Ranch Road. Have the problems between the
signal location on the off ramp for the eastbound SR 60 and the line
where there is 20 yards of pavement without striping been
addressed? He was not certain whether the problem belonged to
CalTrans or the City of Pomona.
PWD/Liu responded that staff would look into the matter and present
it as an informational item on June 12.
C/Kashyap felt that $315,000 was not too much money for the scope
of work outlined. He assumed that there had been a great deal of
discussion among the parties involved — designer, traffic engineer,
school district, City staff, Sheriff's Department, Fire Department and
parents. If this is the best answer to the problem he supports the
plan. He felt it was a very important first step that would lead to
further modifications. There has to be a meeting of the minds among
all who use it and all who enforce it. The number of 3,000 students is
a significant number to drop off in the space of one hour in the
morning. Those are the logistics. Perhaps the school hours could be
staggered. Based on the current circumstances, this is the best
solution. He commended staff on their good job. He has heard a lot
of good things this evening — getting the school, the Sheriff's
Department and parents involved in enforcement.
Chair/Morris asked if Diamond Bar High School had a zero class.
CNirginkar responded "yes." Chair/Morris said Diamond Ranch High
School used staggered start times with a zero period to reduce traffic
impacts.
May 8, 2003 PAGE 7 T&T COMMISSION
PWD/Liu said that the band (200 plus members) come in before 7:00
a.m. The City continues to seek input from the school district and the
high school. Everyone realizes this is a difficult problem. At the
same time, we have to start at some point and continue working to
realize tangible improvements.
Chair/Morris felt that if the high school could get one-third of the
students into a zero period it would dramatically relieve the situation.
On the plus side, it allows some teachers and students to go home
early in the afternoon.
C/Kashyap felt students should be encouraged to use buses instead
of driving to school. We need to take a close look at our mind set and
how we are running our lives. Parents can do a lot to help this
situation because parents are creating the problem.
C/Torng said he supports C/Virginkar's comments. He felt it was not
a good solution. Even though the Council has the power to fast track
this plan he felt they had not spent sufficient time to determine a
viable mitigation plan. He wanted to go on record stating that there
was not enough time spent considering all possible options for
mitigation.
C/Virginkar said that two of his children were in a zero period class.
As a result, all of the in the school parking lot and the parking spaces
on Pathfinder Road are used up by zero period attendees. When the
other kids arrive at the regular time they add to the congestion
because they are trying to park on Pathfinder Road. The intent of the
zero period is helpful, but in fact, it adds to the congestion. His
negativity stems from frustration that is based on seven years of
experience taking his children to that school. Additionally, he has
been involved with the school traffic study since the beginning and he
has seen firsthand what little cooperation the City received from the
Walnut Valley Unified School District and from Diamond Bar High
School. A big disappointment for him is that with all of the traffic
studies and proposed solutions that have come before this
Commission, he was very surprised that in this instance, this plan
was not first considered by the Traffic and Transportation
Commission for its recommendation to the Council.
B. Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
PWD/Liu reported that staff is currently preparing the fiscal year 2003/04
budget. The Council amended the budget on May S to reflect potential state
budget shortfalls. As part of that process, the original amount of $50,000
budgeted for this project was deferred to next year. In next year's budget
May 8, 2003 PAGE 8 T&T COMMISSION
beginning July 1, staff is requesting $100,000 for the Neighborhood Traffic
Management Program.
C/Virginkar asked how long the bids are valid. PWD/Liu responded that staff
has 90 days to award a contract.
C/Kashyap recalled that the Commissioners and staff, the interview panel
was unanimous in their selection.
C/Virginkar said he was pleased that this process began during his tenure
and that the Commissioners had an opportunity to participate in this
exercise.
C/Kashyap thanked staff for giving the Commissioners an opportunity to
work with them on this important proposal. From his perspective it was a
very positive experience.
C. SR 57/60 Direct HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) Connector Project
SE/Alamolhoda presented staff's report. CalTrans has conducted four
meetings in the City regarding this project. Yesterday, during the Chamber
of Commerce meeting, CalTrans disclosed proposed traffic detour routes
and explained the construction staging. When difficult questions were being
asked by the public, CalTrans made statements that disturbed staff
members. After the meeting, staff met with CalTrans officials to discuss
certain matters. For instance, CalTrans made a statement during the
meeting that staff had approved the detours as proposed which was not
true. After the meeting CalTrans management called the City this morning
to apologize for erroneous statements made during the meeting. He now
believed that CalTrans understood and acknowledged the fact that the City
would not tolerate long freeway on and off ramp closings. Certainly the City
understands the magnitude of the project but Diamond Bar is a bedroom
community that suffers from major traffic problems on its streets. The City
has requested meetings between CalTrans and Diamond Bar engineers to
discuss the feasibility of temporary ramps during construction. The
Encroachment Permit that CalTrans obtained from the City had five
conditions that CalTrans has not met. The permit expires next month and if
CalTrans does not work with the City it is likely the permit would not be
extended.
Chair/Morris was concerned about the added burden on the already
overworked Sheriff's Department. If these plans proceed as proposed,
Golden Springs Drive, Pathfinder Road, Brea Canyon Road and Diamond
Bar Boulevard will be turned into cut through streets for freeway traffic.
C/Kashyap asked if the City would have adequate resources to police the
streets with the added traffic.
May 8, 2003 PAGE 9 T&T COMMISSION
Deputy Dodd could not foretell what the increase in traffic and related
problems might be as an offshoot of the project. She felt the department
would have to wait and see what kind of problems might arise.
PWD/Liu said the most important document is the traffic control plan, a plan
that has yet to receive any kind of concurrence from the City of Diamond
Bar. The downside is that CalTrans unveiled their plans in a public forum
absent the City's knowledge and concurrence. Whatever the plan, the City
will have to work closely with the Sheriff's Department because there will be
additional traffic on City streets. Additionally, the concerns involve
commercial truck traffic. It is likely that with the need for additional
enforcement, CalTrans will be asked to contribute. Not only is there an
issue of increased traffic and safety concerns, but damage to the City's
infrastructure. There are a number of issues that have to be coordinated.
The City is very supportive of this long awaited project. At the same time,
CalTrans has to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of this City. While
this project will ultimately benefit this City and surrounding jurisdictions,
Diamond Bar will suffer the major impact.
C/Torng left the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
D. Access Point/Circulation at the Diamond Bar Towne - Big Lots, and
Diamond Bar Towne Center - Ralphs
SE/Alamolhoda presented staff's report.
Chair/Morris felt the most cost-effective solution to the circulation pattern
was to post right -turn -only signs on both sides of the street.
C/Virginkar said that the coordination and safety of the signals in the area is
excellent.
E. Speed Hump Survey
AE/Ilasin presented staff's report. He indicated that in general, Navajo
Springs Road and Decorah Road have seen an overall decline in total
vehicles and speed since installation of speed humps. In addition, speeds
have declined. The decline in total vehicles may be due to motorists
choosing alternate routes to avoid the speed humps. The one-year
moratorium imposed by the City Council expires August 2003.
VC/Pincher asked if the 8 percent decrease in speed is a good reduction
number, or is 20 percent better? She was also concerned about where the
29 percent (decrease in vehicles) were going? She has difficulty with one
street transferring its burden to another street.
May 8, 2003 PAGE 10 T&T COMMISSION
PWD/Liu said that an 8 percent decrease in speed is good. Whenever a city
installs speed humps a certain amount of traffic is ultimately diverted to
adjacent streets. In fact, the Commission heard from residents living on
adjacent streets that their traffic has increased. The overall speed reduction
is a good sign that the speed humps are effective. Equally significant is the
reduction of the total number of vehicles exceeding 55 mph. From a safety
point of view, the two streets are safer. However, with the addition of speed
humps the concern is about the consequences to adjacent streets. For
these reasons, the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program is critical to
the success of a citywide program.
CNirginkar found it interesting that vehicle speeds dropped dramatically
within 60 days of installation of the speed humps and continued during the
study 150 days. However, the 420 day study indicates that the southbound
and northbound speeds are pretty much the same as they were before
installation of the speed humps. As he stated during prior discussions
regarding speed humps, once people get used to speed humps speeds
return to pre -speed hump installation statistics. Therefore, he continues to
believe that speed humps are not effective and that the problem is merely
being transferred to other neighborhoods.
Chair/Morris said he felt uncomfortable about installing speed humps in that
neighborhood because it was one area where there was no cut -through
traffic. If speed humps are reconsidered, the City should look at them in a
different manner and for locations where there are other types of traffic than
neighborhood traffic.
Chair/Morris said that with the Neighborhood Traffic Management Study on
hold and with the SR 57160 project going forward, the City either needs to
push the Neighborhood Traffic Management Study or involve CalTrans in
the matter. If the City is going to be heavily impacted on its City streets, it
should consider implementing the red light system. Since the project is a
four-year project, perhaps CalTrans could be involved in the implementation
of the system.
C/Kashyap said that in his experience, there is no substitute for live
enforcement.
XII. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS — as agendized.
May 8, 2003 PAGE 11
T&T COMMISSION
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Traffic and
Transportation Commission, Chairman Morris adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully,
D G. iu, gecretary
Attest:
Chairman Roland Morris