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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/2/2007 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 2, 2007 STUDY SESSION: M/Tye called the Study Session to order at 6:30 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government Center, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. ?resent: Council Members Chang, Everett, Herrera, MPT/Tanaka and Mayor Tye. Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; David Doyle, Asst. City Manager; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Nancy Fong, Community Development Director; Greg Gubman, Planning Manager; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Ryan McLean, Senior Management Analyst; Rick Yee, Senior Engineer; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk Also Present: Traffic and Transportation Commissioners LeAnn Pincher, ,Jack Shah and Vice Chairman Kenneth Mok SR601LEMON AVENUE INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS UPDATE CM/DeStefano stated that this item is a status update on the State 60 Lemon Ave. Project that the City has been working on with the City of Industry and the State for sometime. The whole issue of traffic mitigation is the Council's number one goal, with one specific component of the goal - to monitor and participate in the completion of the Lemon Ave. Interchange Project. CM/DeStefano then introduced PWD/Liu who with members of JE Jacobs made a power point presentation. PWD/Liu stated that joining the meeting is a representative with the City of Industry and the City's Traffic and Transportation Commissioners. He introduced Mr. Chen with JE Jacobs who introduced members of his group. Mr. Chen then made a power point presentation updating the City Council on the four alternative proposals for the SR60/Lemon Avenue Interchange Improvements. Mr. Chen confirmed to M/Tye that in Alternative 2, the Brea Canyon on/off ramps would remain open. C/Chang asked if the sound wall costs were included in the total cost. Mr. Chen responded that they were. PWD/Liu explained that typically, the review period for the environmental document is 30 -days; however, the team has requested a 60 -day review period with the goal being to adequately inform residents along the proposed project area. OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION M/Tye asked if it would take 18 -months from final design to final design approval. Mr. Chen responded that generally, the timeframe would be 9 to 12 months but because of the potential right-of-way negotiations with homeowners Caltrans would typically require a minimum of 18 -months. PWD/Liu explained that staff wants to make sure that the residents are properly educated and informed. Staff will bring back more information about possible decisions in 2008. C/Herrera asked if the construction cost estimates were on track with 2010 costs and whether the costs for alternatives 2, 3 and 4 included right-of- way costs? Mr. Chen responded by stating that the proposed costs are based on today's dollars with future escalations accommodated by contingencies. For example, there is a built-in 20% contingency as well as a 35% margin. Right-of-way costs are included as well. MPT/Tanaka asked if the current carpool project scheduled to be completed in about 2012 was being completed in conjunction with this project? He understood that Caltrans had discovered that several sound walls would have to be removed to accommodate the additional lane. It appeared to him that alternatives 2, 3 and 4 would require further widening of the freeway at this juncture. Mr. Chen said that based on the construction plans, the freeway would not be extended beyond the current shoulders with most of the construction happening in the median area behind the K -rails and that even if the projects were being constructed simultaneous there would be no conflict. C/Chang thanked staff for the presentation and pointed out that the City's goal was to eliminate the Brea Canyon Rd. on and off ramp because it is very problematic to the City. An on-off ramp at Lemon Ave. would help solve a lot of problems with truck traffic. He felt that in accordance with costs and other factors, Alternative 3 was the best. With the information provided today he would not favor Alternative 4 at twice the cost with no added benefit. Alternative 2 seemed to him to be a band-aid fix. He further stated he would prefer to have the fix completed sooner than 2012. PWD/Liu responded to M/Tye that the crosshatch indicates a partial taking of those areas. C/Herrera asked if the construction schedule would be accelerated if the team was successful in negotiating with the residents in a shorter timeframe. OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION Mr. Chen stated that if all went well, construction could begin sooner. C/Everett asked if there were numbers to indicate an increased performance from Alternative 2, 3 or 4 because the overall capacities would be pretty much the same. PWD/Liu said that if no improvements were made traffic would increase. With growth happening around the City and especially with the growth from the City of Industry there will be a bottleneck at the Brea Canyon Rd. intersection. There is also a question of safety at that intersection that Caltrans has been aware of for many years. Mr. Chen said that this project would also include improvements to local intersections such as the addition of a left -turn pocket at Lemon Ave. and Golden Springs Dr. Both Mr. Chen and PWD/Liu stated that the Traffic Study was very detailed in its analysis of levels of service at certain points in the future. CM/DeStefano explained that there were a variety of issues to be considered. It is not only performance that is being considered but other physical impacts to D.B. as well. D.B. will be working with Caltrans to reduce the amount of right-of-way taking necessary from any residential, school and commercial properties. D.B. is not interested in complete takings and none are being requested at this point. Staff is also very concerned about potential impacts to the business community. At this time the business community receives detrimental effects as a result of the ineffective Brea Canyon Rd. on and off ramp. Conversely, the on/off ramp offers many benefits to the businesses in the immediate vicinity. If that intersection is to be eliminated, what other impacts would occur and would they be positive or negative. For D.B. that intersection is very critical to business. So there are many things that the City needs to consider. In addition to increased performance considerations D.B. has to weigh all issues to determine what is best for the community. M/Tye said that the yards that slope down to Golden Springs and homes on Golden Springs south of Lemon Ave. are impacted today by noise from the freeway and how would these alternatives further impact these homes that necessitate a sound wall? Mr. Chen responded that Caltrans had the same question. The bearing walls have come into question and the team is reconsidering them. PWD/Liu said the basis for the sound walls was the fact that the project would bring traffic closer to those homes. OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION C/Herrera asked if the draft environmental document was a lengthy document. Mr. Chen said that Caltrans was reviewing the team's document/input and that the final document would be forthcoming by the anticipated date. C/Herrera asked if staff was contemplating a study session with the WVUSD School District members. CM/DeStefano said that one had not yet been considered. However, one could be incorporated into the public review period. C/Herrera said the District was concerned about the increased truck traffic near their District offices and the elementary school on Lemon Ave. CM/DeStefano stated that Dr. Beckler was concerned about Alternative 4 requiring a right-of-way that would take land from the School District property which would affect their maintenance yard and add traffic to Lemon Ave. thus impacting the school. Public Comment: Jack Shah asked how many months the on/off ramp would be closed and what impact the closing would have on the on/off ramp at Grand Avenue; what other projects were proposed during the SR60 interface; what the agency and consultant costs were and, if the City would buy properties it might take by condemnation? Mr. Chen said that before the eastbound off ramp is closed the new off ramp would be in place so that traffic would move to the newly constructed off ramp. Likewise for the on ramp to make sure there was no disruption of service. Of course there would be a few days of overlapping to ease the transition. If the City asked for more elaborate landscaping the project may take longer to complete. Moving pavement takes about two to three weeks. M/Tye said that under Alternative 2 the on and off ramps at Brea Canyon Rd. would go away. Mr. Chen explained how the costs are paid. CA/Jenkins explained that if it were necessary for the City to file an eminent domain action, the City could deposit the estimated amount with the court and take immediate possession of the property allowing the project to immediately proceed. Even if the owners were to contest the taking for public purpose the outcome would not take very long. In short, OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION the filing of an eminent domain action would not substantially delay moving forward on the timeframe. ► BUSINESS LICENSING — M/Tye announced that due to the length of the previous topic, discussion regarding Business Licensing would be continued to October 16, 2007. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City Council, M/Tye adjourned the Study Session at 6:27 p.m. TOMMYE tRIBBINS, City Clerk The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 16:Lh day of 2007. STE E, Ma or 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR OCTOBER 2, 2007 CLOSED SESSION: 5:00 p.m., Room CC -8 Public Comments on Closed Session Agenda ► Government Code Section 54956.9(a) — Pending Litigation — One Case People of the State of California v. Rattan Hospitality, LLS (Scribbles) Case No. BC 351925 13TUDY SESSION: ► SR60/Lemon Avenue Interchange Improvements Update ► Business Licensing — Continued to October 16, 2007 Public Comments: Study Session adjourned to the regular meeting at 6:27 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tye called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. CM/DeStefano reported that during tonight's Closed Session the City Council received an update regarding pending litigation against Scribbles - no action was taken. Also, during tonight's study session Council received a status report on the Pomona Freeway (SR60)/Lemon Ave. Interchange Improvement Project which included a briefing on the four proposed alternatives. Due to lack of time, the matter of Business Licensing was continued to the October 16, 2007 meeting. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Herrera led the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION: James Price, Sr. Pastor, Diamond Canyon Christian Church gave the invocation. ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, Everett, Herrera, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Mayor Tye. Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager, David Doyle; Asst. City Manager; Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Nancy Fong, Community Development Director; Greg Gubman, Planning Manager; Ryan McLean, Senior Management Analyst; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; Rick Yee, Senior Engineer; Kimberly Molina, OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL Assistant Engineer; Joyce Lee, Management Analyst and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 1.1 M/Tye presented a Certificate of Recognition to Beth House for Winning The Whirlpool Third Annual "Mother of Invention Grant Rewards Innovation and Ingenuity of Mom Entrepreneurs" award. Mrs. House introduced her husband and son. 1.2 C/Herrera introduced Dr. Cynthia Simms, the new Walnut Valley Unified School District Superintendent. Dr. Simms said she was honored to serve the WVUSD and glad to be a part of the community. 1.3 MPT/Tanaka proclaimed October 7 through October 18, 2007 as "Fire Prevention Week" and presented a proclamation to Chief Nieto. Chief Nieto encouraged residents to have an escape plan for their family and to be very careful when burning candles. BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: 1.4 C/Herrera presented a City Tile to Diana Juan, General Manager of Diamond Bar Hand Car Wash, 2845 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. as Business of the Month for October 2007. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: CM/DeStefano reported that a Chili's Restaurant is under construction at the corner of Grand Ave. and Golden Springs Dr. in front of the Target Store with the opening anticipated for February/March 2008. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Aziz Ameri, President, Regional Chamber of Commerce, announced the availability of a new map representing the cities in the San Gabriel Valley area including D.B. and reported on the Chamber's efforts to promote business. In response to M/Tye Mr. Ameri said that maps could be obtained from the Chamber office outside of the SCAQMD/Government Center Building or by calling the Chamber at 909-860-1904 to have a copy mailed. Mangal Gulshan pointed out that there was a street close to his house missing from the Chamber map and there may be other corrections that needed to be made before the map was distributed. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 Lorbeer Middle School Rededication of its athletic field — October 8, 2007 —10:00 a.m., Lorbeer Middle School Field, 501 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. 5.2 Planning Commission Meeting — October 9, 2007 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr. 5.3 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — October 11, 2007 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Dr. 5.4 City Council Meeting — October 16, 2007 — 6:30 p.m. AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21825 Copley Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Chang moved, C/Herrera seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll 6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6.1.1 Study Session Minutes of September 18, 2007—as submitted 6.1.2 Regular Meeting of September 18, 2007 — as submitted. 6.2 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of August 28, 2007 — Received and filed. 6.3 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MINUTES: 6.3.1 Regular Meeting of June 14, 2007 — Received and filed. 6.3.2 Regular Meeting of July 12, 2007 — Received and filed. 6.4 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER dated September 13 through September 26, 2007 totaling $723,778.33. 6.5 REVIEWED AND APPROVED PRELIMINARY TREASURER'S STATEMENT — for August 2007. Call: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Everett, Herrera, MPT/Tanaka, M/Tye NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6.1.1 Study Session Minutes of September 18, 2007—as submitted 6.1.2 Regular Meeting of September 18, 2007 — as submitted. 6.2 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of August 28, 2007 — Received and filed. 6.3 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MINUTES: 6.3.1 Regular Meeting of June 14, 2007 — Received and filed. 6.3.2 Regular Meeting of July 12, 2007 — Received and filed. 6.4 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER dated September 13 through September 26, 2007 totaling $723,778.33. 6.5 REVIEWED AND APPROVED PRELIMINARY TREASURER'S STATEMENT — for August 2007. OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL 6.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2007-58: REQUESTING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO ACCEPT THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS KNOWN AS PRIVATE DRAIN NO. 1747 IN THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR FOR FUTURE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIRAND IMPROVEMENT, ANDAUTHORIZED THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE THEREOF. 6.7 (a) AWARDED CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES CONTRACT TO NORRIS-REPKE FOR THE PROSPECTORS ROAD STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,560 AND AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $8,000 FOR CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS TO BE APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION OF $86,560. (b) APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE PROSPECTORS ROAD STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT TO RJ NOBLE COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $644,000; AND AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $65,000 FOR CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS TO BE APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT OF $709,000. 6.8 APPROVED SANITARY SEWER MANAGEMENT PLAN (SSMP) DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND SCHEDULE AS REQUIRED BY STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD (SWRCB) ORDER NO. 2006-003. 6.9 ACCEPTED WORK PERFORMED BY BELAIRE-WEST LANDSCAPE, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS AT LORBEER MIDDLE SCHOOL TO THE FOOTBALL FIELD, TRACK AND SLOPE; DIRECTED THE CITY CLERK TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION, RELEASE THE RETENTION THIRTY-FIVE DAYS AFTER THE RECORDATION DATE; APPROVED INCREASE IN CONTRACT AMOUNT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,166.36 FOR ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS; AND, APPROVED APPROPRIATION OF $20,166.36 IN PARK DEVELOPMENT FUNDS IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2007/08 BUDGET FOR THIS PROJECT. 6.10 ACCEPTED WORK PERFORMED BY JDC, INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADA AND PARK IMPROVEMENTS AT PAUL C. GROW PARK AND DIRECTED THE CITY CLERK TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND RELEASE THE RETENTION - THIRTY-FIVE DAYS AFTER THE RECORDATION DATE. OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL 6.11 AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CONEXUS FOR PROVIDING CONSULTING SERVICES TO PREPARE THE CITY'S HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE AS REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65588, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $43,430 PLUS A CONTINGENCY OF $6,570 FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION OF $50,000. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None B. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: 8.1 APPROVE TRAFFIC CALMING CONCEPT PLAN ALONG SUNSET CROSSING ROAD BETWEEN DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD AND PROSPECTORS ROAD, AND ON PROSPECTORS ROAD BETWEEN SUNSET CROSSING ROAD AND GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE, AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE PREPARATION OF DESIGN PLANS. SE/Yee provided Council with the background on the Traffic Calming Conceptual Plan that commenced in 2005 with Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan workshops. He said that after presenting the Council with a conceptual plan, staff was directed to go back into the neighborhood to further engage the residents via a survey regarding traffic calming devices. At its September 13, 2007 meeting the Traffic and Transportation Commission concurred with staff's recommendation to move forward with the conceptual plan. Rock Miller, KOA Corp., gave a power point presentation outlining the proposed calming devices. Results of the survey indicate a strong support for the program in general. A number of people expressed concerns over speed cushions and a few expressed concerns about the plan in general. He said in his experience quite often features such as speed cushions are a concern whereas other elements such as islands and landscape features seldom generate concerns. The plan proposes use of bulges and curb extensions along Sunset Crossing, which would tend to reduce the optical width of the street and a full-length median near the freeway ramp which would produce a feeling of entering a gateway into a neighborhood. There was a great deal of comment about landscaping and there is a clear intent that the median be well landscaped based on promises made to the residents. The plan for Prospector Rd. includes reducing the number of speed cushions. Bulges would be located at the Sunset Crossing/Prospectors intersection; islands and a bulge at the Dry Creek intersection; three speed cushions, and a combination of median and bulges at the intersection close to the school. At the intersection to the south would be a series of bulges and an island beyond the typical location of the shadow of the bridge at the freeway ramp. Assuming Council approval tonight, final OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL design should be available in about 60 days. Staff would notify the residents of the Council's action and indicate the construction schedule. Mr. Miller said that as always, he would recommend a six-month measure of the effectiveness of the implementations. Mr. Miller responded to M/Tye stating that generally when there is landscaping included and the appearance of the improvements is clearly judged to be an amenity to the neighborhood he was highly confident that the Council would find very strong support for what the City has done. There is a remote chance that people could come forward to say not enough was done. However, he has never heard of a project in which modest islands and curb extensions like those proposed have been ordered removed because of presenting an inconvenience or obstacle to traffic. He said he understood the City had a negative experience with a traffic circle. Such an implementation falls in an area where there has been mixed experience with traffic circles and islands. He generally recommends that the landscaping and full improvements be included with such a device. Quite often when temporary devices are installed with dots, etc. people feel it is permanent. Dust and debris tends to form within the dots because the street sweeper is unable to properly clean them and there is no real positive effect. If traffic circles are not done permanently with rich landscaping and an understanding it is a type of monument they are less likely to be removed because a certain portion of the neighborhood will become attached to it. Many communities still proceed nervously with traffic calming devices but his experience indicates that the same effects are not realized from a temporary device. Temporary programs generally should be demonstrated temporarilyfor a few weeks, removed and hearings held about whether to continue. He felt the biggest risk would be that the residents would want additional devices installed because the devices would be perceived as amenities. M/Tye asked why his recommendation of a no -left -turn sign turning west onto Prospectors and a no -left turn heading southbound on Prospectors off of Golden Springs was not included. Mr. Miller said that discussions involving turn restrictions were explained to the residents as being difficult if not impossible to enforce. Cities cannot enforce something against a non-resident and forgive it against a resident. Although there is through traffic on the street there is also local traffic going to and from the school. When all was said and done the residents felt that the inconvenience of a turn restriction upon themselves would outweigh the possible advantages. Also, if it was a left turn at Sunset Crossing and Prospectors because the school is the dominant reason for traffic there, there would probably be a parade of vehicles proceeding straight across and making a u -turn within a hundred feet and turning right. SE/Yee further explained that the survey included an item for turn restrictions and the response placed the item last on the list of preferences. OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL Steve Tyler, 202 Red Cloud Dr., said he would like to see traffic diverted back to the freeways and away from residential neighborhoods. The traffic does not come from his neighborhood but from the SR57. He suggested that the City not allow right turns at Sunset Crossing between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. weekdays and possibly in the afternoons as well. Curtis Postel, 531 N. Deep Hill Rd., stated that he was first notified of this project about the middle of the year and that he had received the survey late. He also expressed his displeasure with the City of Industry's plan to build high rises and to level the hills; as well as the City's desire to get rid of the golf course and put in a strip mall. He said he has lived in his home for over 30 years and was very concerned about what was happening in the City. He wanted the Council to drive through his neighborhood and think about what would happen when these devices were installed. He felt that an occasional Sheriff's presence and painting 25 mph on the street would be the best solution. Kathy Chavez, 300 So Rock River Rd., said she too had lived in her home for 30 years with the same number of residents. Even though the City has guaranteed Sunset Crossing Rd. will not be a through street to the City of Industry it does not guarantee that her street will not become a four -lane highway. The freeway is right behind her home and when it comes to wrecking her neighborhood she has to complain. There is limited parking in her neighborhood and street parking is a necessity. If the City moves forward with these devices it will cause a problem. This is a small neighborhood that is stuck in the middle of "nowhere land" with a traffic problem. $800,000 could buy enforcement for at least five years. She suggested that the speed humps be installed on Sunset Crossing Rd. If these devices are installed in her neighborhood she will use other streets to get around town. Mary Wehmeier, 404 N. Rock River Dr., said she did not receive a survey or a telephone call. She spoke with Council and staff at the Fair and never heard from anyone. She wanted to know how wide the islands would be. There is not enough parking for residents. She wanted the City to give the residents what they want. Michael Goda lives on Sunset Crossing and would welcome the center median to slow the traffic and enhance safety. In his opinion, curb extensions would help protect residents' vehicles when parked on the street. He would tend to ask for more devices including speed cushions. He has also seen traffic speeding down the alleyway and would like to see speed cushions in the alley as well. Dr. Douglas Barcon, 404 North Rock River Dr., said that since his last visit to the Council he has driven different routes and found it to be faster for him to drive down Sunset Crossing Rd. to Diamond Bar Blvd., turn right and go onto the westbound 60. OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL C/Herrera wondered if the trash trucks would have difficulty maneuvering the streets. SE/Yee explained that the design and location of the bulges would be carefully laid out so as not to obstruct the path of trash trucks and allow access to driveways as well. MTP/Tanaka thought that the last time this matter was brought before the Council there was a request to know the actual size of the median and how it would affect the traffic lane and wondered if the information was shared with the residents. SE/Yee said that this plan has not yet moved into the actual design phase and actual physical dimensions will not be available until that time. PWD/Liu said that the concept is to maintain parking for residents and the creation of one driving lane in each direction as well as beautify the median area. Mr. Miller said the travel lanes are about 12 ft. wide. The two inside lanes occupy about 24 ft. of roadway. The median is drawn to a width of approximately 12 to 14 ft. The curb extension is about 8 ft. wide and is designed very close to the intersection so that it does not take away more than one or two parking spaces and can actually be as small as one-half a parking space and in the Prospector area it probably would be equal to about one-half a parking space. The dimension will be somewhat dictated by the project budget, especially on Sunset Crossing. This is a fairly long street for a fully landscaped median and would probably consume much of the project budget. There is approximately $200,000 that has been set aside for construction of this project; design fees run about 10 to 15% of that figure and there are costs associated with working with the neighborhood to attempt to reach consensus. The figures were for the pavement rehabilitation project and construction management that were on the Consent Calendar. He heartily concurs that it is always a good idea to do things outside of a neighborhood if one believes the things outside are pushing traffic into the neighborhood. However, the money does not go very far when cities go outside of the neighborhood. The budget set aside for construction for this project is about $200,000 and there is very little that can be done for $200,000 to move traffic better on an arterial or on a freeway. This is a fairly ample fix for the neighborhood in terms of the budget for what will be accomplished. As an example, a traffic signal costs more than $200,000 to construct. MPT/Tanaka asked if both devices had to be installed in order for the project to be effective or could only the Sunset Crossing medians be constructed? Mr. Miller responded that the Sunset Crossing treatment would be effective for Sunset Crossing and the Prospector Rd. treatment would be effective for DCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL Prospector Rd. If both are done the people driving through will have more calming features to deal with. He felt confident in saying that the City would have a measurable decrease in through traffic on the street with both installations. If Sunset Crossing were done alone it would beautify the street but not have any effect on people who wanted to use Prospectors as a shortcut between one end of the subdivision and the other. C/Herrera reiterated the timeline and asked if March was the final stop point for calling a halt to the project? SE/Yee said that one of the next opportunities for residents to speak on this matter would be in January when staff notifies Council about the completed design. Subsequently, once the devices are installed the City would go through its usual six-month evaluation process at which point staff would be collecting speed and volume data to present to the Council for final concurrence on whether the installations should be kept in place. C/Herrera asked how many residences were involved in the project. SE/Yee responded that 1173 surveys were sent to residents and 263 responses were received. C/Herrera said that while this project affects a lot of people, not a large number have responded. SE/Yee said that historically, this is one of the better turnouts that the City has received in terms of percentage responses. There have been four notifications to the 1173 residences, two neighborhood meetings a Council Meeting in May and a Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting in September. PWD/Liu reiterated the facts and indicated that unless individuals respond in writing or speak out, staff has difficulty in determining the needs of the community. However, through the surveys staff understood that the majority of residents who live along Sunset Crossing would like to see medians or speed cushions and residents along Prospectors indicated speed cushions were their number one choice. Staff believes that a 22% response is very good. C/Chang suggested staff hold one more town meeting and have tonight's speakers invite their neighbors. C/Everett said he appreciated the level of work and appreciated the frustration of the speakers. He felt the analysis was sound and that bulges served their purpose. People have asked for specific measurements and it appears that if a design were completed by January the project would go through another group of checkpoints and proceed to the next step. He asked if the schedule could be posted on the City's website and have a OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL checkpoint at which the project design would come back to the Commission and/or Council. He recommended moving forward because this is a serious problem that needs attention. SE/Yee responded that in addition to mailing to the entire neighborhood, staff can post information on the website. There is a general tab on the City's website for the NTMP which can be supplemented with details of this project. Additional checkpoints will involve notifying the entire neighborhood once the design is complete and a study session could be scheduled to bring Council up to speed on what the design would look like. The checkpoints are in staff's presentation. Ron Foster, 23010 Sunset Crossing Dr., said the Council could study this forever and the matter would get no further than it has gotten. He said he was absolutely opposed to having this item tabled. There are a lot of people who do not have time to come to Council meetings who feel Council Members should be able to do their jobs and take care of the residents' needs. CM/DeStefano stated that this matter has been studied with the residents of the neighborhood for the past couple of years. There have been surveys, workshops and a variety of techniques. The rate of response is higher than that of other neighborhoods within the community. This is a project that would piggyback on the project that the Council just approved in its Consent Calendar. Prospectors Rd. is scheduled for an $800,000 renovation. Prospectors Rd. needs a variety of overlay grinding and various road improvements that will occur whether or not any neighborhood traffic management techniques are employed. The roadwork that is scheduled for Prospectors and approved by the City Council will occur over the next few months with a detailed schedule to be developed so as not to negatively impact the neighborhood during the holiday period. This project does not have a specific time limit. Staff's recommendation for action this evening is recommended based on input from the residents, the Council's professional staff and consultants as well as from the Traffic and Transportation Commission. The Council can approve the recommendation and move forward this evening, modify the recommendation and take action to move forward, remand the project back to the Traffic and Transportation Commission and staff to conduct other survey work, etc. Residents will be concerned about the length of time this takes and there are other residents that may believe additional time is required. M/Tye said that one of his questions was what about saturation of sheriff enforcement in the a.m. and p.m. and as addressed by C/Everett the City would not be able to afford to spend $200,000 because when the money was exhausted in a certain amount of time the City would be out the $200,000 and the problem would return. OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL SE/Yee said that $200,000 for enforcement would come from the City's General Fund and not from federal funding because federal funds cannot be used for enforcement. M/Tye said he appreciated that fact but reiterated that the problem would not go away. The City cannot divert traffic to the freeway. D.B. streets are attractive to drivers because of the excessive traffic on the freeway. He felt the problem was cut -through traffic and not neighborhood traffic. He agreed with Mr. Foster that the Council could look at this over and over again. He stated that the first Neighborhood Traffic Management Program he attended was April or May 2005 in the Sunset Crossing neighborhood at the YMCA and here we are in October, 2007. At that time, staff and consultants outnumbered the residents. A 22% response is a very good sampling. The City needs to be proactive and move forward and take action. A speaker spoke about the City wanting to turn the golf course into a strip mall. In spite of what residents have been told and what a speaker said tonight there is no proposal before this Council to turn the golf course into a strip mall. C/Chang withdrew his proposal to table this matter. C/Everett moved, C/Herrera seconded, to approve the concept and authorize staff to proceed with the preparation of design plans with NTMP milestone monitoring to be posted on the City's website. Motion approved by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Everett, Herrera, MPT/Tanaka, M/Tye NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 8.2 APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING COMMISSION BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERRERA - C/Herrera said that at the last City Council Meeting she announced that due to other obligations, Osman Wei would be unable to continue his duties on the Planning Commission. She invited interested parties to apply and received two applications, one from Jack Shah, currently her Traffic and Transportation Commissioner and a Civil Engineer, and another application from Devon Smith, a mechanical engineer and graduate of D.B.H.S. She interviewed both parties and selected Jack Shah as her appointment to the Planning Commission. C/Herrera moved, MPT/Tanaka seconded to approve C/Herrera's appointment of Jack Shah to the Planning Commission. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Everett, Herrera, MPT/Tanaka, M/Tye NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL Jack Shah thanked the Council Members for expressing their confidence by selecting him to serve as a Planning Commissioner. He thanked SE/Yee for his assistance while serving on the Traffic and Transportation Commission and indicated that many residents spoke very highly of Mr. Yee's contribution to the residents through the NTMP. 9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Chang said that traffic is the number one concern of the City's residents and is a topic of conversation at almost all Council meetings. When he moved to D.B. in 1987 Grand Ave. was closed. Fortunately, the two cities settled on opening Grand Ave. between Chino Hills and D.B. Present and past Councils and staff have spent a great deal of time reaching out to the community to listen to residents' concerns about traffic. Today the City Council discussed alternatives for improving the freeway system that included on/off ramps at Lemon Ave., a topic that has been discussed forthe past 10 years. He personally feels very frustrated at how slowly changes are made but appreciates the thoughtful way in which the City attempts to consider all possible sides of proposed changes. As a result of Proposition 1 B D.B. will receive close to $1 million of the allocated funds for traffic improvement. He commented on the joint venture dedication of Lorbeer Middle School Field dedication to be held on Monday, October 8. C/Everett said he too was frustrated about the challenge of traffic management. He also invited residents to join in the rededication of the Lorbeer Middle School Field. It was a pleasure tonight to welcome the new WVUSD Superintendent. He acknowledged the success of the House family. He thanked Chief Nieto for reminding residents about planning in the event of a fire or other disaster. He felt the hand car wash was great and pleased to recognize them as business of the month. He had the privilege of attending an excellent conference with C/Herrera and CDD/Fong about good community. As a servant to the City of D.B. his focus will be sustainability. The conference focused on communities as renewal resources. He felt the concept should be part of the City's Vision Statement. There are recycling bins at Sycamore Park during the Concerts in the Park series. The senior/adult apartments at the north end of D.B. cooperated with staff and have recycling bins in their complex. He encouraged business owners to attend the small business expo. C/Herrera said it was a sad occasion for her to attend the funeral of City of Industry Council Member Phil Marcellin with whom she served on four different boards. Mr. Marcellin was a very active Council Member. He served on the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, Alamgda Corridor East Construction Authority; Transportation Committee for COG and Four Corners Transportation Coalition which C/Herrera chairs. Mr. Marcellin was always in attendance at meetings and very supportive of other cities in the region including D.B. It is a tragic loss for the city and the community. It reminded L OCTOBER 2, 2007 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL her that D.B. lost Bob Zirbes on February 8 and that loss created a huge void within the City Council because Bob worked so very, very hard for the City he loved. She thanked the Council for voting to approve her appointment of Jack Shah to the Planning Commission. Since there is now a vacancy on the Traffic and Transportation Commission she announced that she would accept applications from interested parties until 5:30 p.m. October 10 and asked that staff place the matter on the October 16 meeting agenda. MPT/Tanaka attended the WVUSD award dinner during which individuals who foster good educational programs within the community were recognized. He attended the PUSD candidate forum; the Regional Chamber of Commerce Mixer hosted by the Marriott Courtyard in Hacienda Heights; the Walnut Valley Water District barbecue lunch and toured the plant. He attended the D.B. Chinese-American Moon Festival on Saturday and the Alisa Ann Rauch Burn Foundation golf tournament dinner. MPT/Tanaka announced that the PUSD announced its representative for this semester who is a senior at Diamond Ranch High School; attended the D.B. 4 -Youth meeting; the Senior Octcherl:est =._' --nr end Dance; the WCCA authority meeting last week and the Neighborhood Watch summer barbecue. He thanked Deputy St. Amant for attending and bringing the mobile trailer with him. M/Tye thanked CSD/Rose and other staff members for completing the Lorbeer field project and said he was reminded that he was on the Parks and Recreation Commission when the City first talked about refurbishing that field. Finally, the School District understood the benefit of this joint venture. He again congratulated Dr. Simms — she has big shoes to fill with Dr. Beckler moving on to Corona -Norco and has confidence that Dr. Simms will bring new talents and vision to WVUSD and maintain the high level of accomplishment within the District. ,ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tye adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:58 p.m., in memory of City of Industry Council Member Phil Marcellin. TOMMY CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 16t1iday of October , 2007. STtVrTM M R