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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/13/2014 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 13, 2014 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Mok called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Mok led the Pledge of Allegiance. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE: Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk, administered the oath of office to reappointed Commissioners Ted Carrera, Jen "Fred" Mahlke and Kenneth Mok, and incoming Commissioners Ed Pechy and Manisha Sulakhe. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Ted Carrera, Ed Pechy, Manisha Sulakhe, Vice -Chair Jen "Fred" Mahlke, Chair Kenneth Mok Also Present: Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Christian Malpica, Associate Engineer, and Marcy Hilario, I Administrative Coordinator. REORGANIZATION OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION: C/Carrera nominated C/Mahlke to serve as Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission. C/Mok seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations offered. C/Mahlke was unanimously elected to serve as Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission by the following Roll Gall vote: C/Carrera Yes C/Mahlke Yes C/Mok Yes C/Pechy Yes C/Sulakhe Yes Chair/Mahlke opened nominations for Vice Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission. C/Mok nominated C/Carrera to serve as Vice -Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission. C/Sulakhe seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations offered. C/Carrera was unanimously elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission by the following Roll Call vote: I C/Carrera Yes C/Mok Yes C/Pechy Yes C/Sulakhe Yes Chair/Mahlke Yes MARCH 13, 2014 PAGE 2 T&T COMMISSION - I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Minutes of the February 13, 2014 Regular Meeting. VC/Carrera moved, C/Mok seconded, to approve the Minutes of the February 13, 2014 regular meeting as corrected. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mok, VC/Carrera, Chair/Mahlke NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Pechy, Sulakhe ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None II. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mohammed Chowdhury, 1107B N. Golden Springs Drive, thanked staff and the Sheriff's Department for their assistance during a hit and run accident that totaled his daughter's car while it was parked in front of his residence. He encouraged everyone to educate their children to take responsibility. III. ITEMS FROM STAFF: A. Receive and File Traffic Enforcement Updates for: 1. Citations: December 2013, and January & February 2014 2. Collisions: December 2013, and January & February2014 3. Street Sweeping: December 2013, and January & February 2014 VC/Carrera asked if accidents that take place on the SR -60 are included in the data. SCENoung responded the reports contain data only from within the City limits. Anything that occurs on freeways is under the jurisdiction of the CHP. C/Sulakhe stated she noticed a significant reduction of occurrences during February, which is very promising. VC/Carrera moved, C/Sulakhe seconded, to receive and file the Traffic Enforcement Update reports for December 2013, and January & February 2014. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mok, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Carrera, Chair/Mahlke NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None IV. OLD BUSINESS: None MARCH 13, 2014 PAGE 3 T&T COMMISSION V. NEW BUSINESS: A. Traffic Signal Operation and Maintenance Master Plan Power Point Presentation — AE/Malpica C/Mok thanked AE/Malpica for a great presentation. In response to information provided regarding traffic signals throughout the City, C/Mok asked if the average age of traffic signals in the City is about 25 years rather than many of the traffic signals being 25 years old. He mentioned that he is aware of some intersections that are not close to being 25 years old, such as Grand Avenue and Lavender Drive, Pathfinder Road and Brahma (at Diamond Bar High School), Golden Springs Drive and Lavender Drive and Golden Springs and Racquet Club Road. AE/Malpica responded that a typical life cycle for any traffic signal equipment is approximately 35 years. There are some signals that are over 35 years old which are still in good condition. The plan recommends that the City look at all of the traffic signals to maintain reliability and to make sure they are still in good working condition. VC/Carrera referred to slide #14 — types of upgrades, and asked if these are the types. of upgrades that provide data to the Traffic Management Center to allow staff to adjust or have the software adjust the timing throughout the City. AE/Malpica confirmed that there are components of the system. The system is a tool. The field equipment keeps the intersection running and, through the "tool" (the system), staff can continue to observe what is occurring. Slide 14 shows that inductive loops acid conflict monitors are components that have to work in order to report occurrences to the Traffic Management Center. VC/Carrera asked if there was a conflict at the southern end of the City, whether it would be able to provide data back to the Traffic Management Center that could adjust timing throughout the City to assist traffic to move more easily and effectively. AE/Malpica replied yes, the system is interconnected with all of the traffic signals. . C/Pechy asked if any of the video detection cameras have recording devices within them. AE/Malpica responded "no." C/Pechy asked if the survey consists of visual notations on a daily basis in order to compare what is happening during different hours and days of the week. AE/Malpica responded that staff is able to study the log provided by the video detection cameras. The cameras are live and, in real time AE/Malpica, can observe what is happening. AE/Malpica invited C/Pechy and C/Sulakhe to visit the Traffic Management Center at a future date. C/Sulakhe referred to Page 15 — Recommendation for Improvements, and asked if the City had a maintenance budget for FY 15-16 without additional funding or if it is part of the contract. SCE/Young responded that the City has an annual maintenance budget which has averaged about $210,000 over the past three years. In addition to that, staff is proposing to add $1.2 million over the next two fiscal years to jump-start the improvements to get the City to a MARCH 13, 2014 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION point where the current annual maintenance budget will be sufficient to make the additional improvements that are needed throughout the City. The surge of funds is needed to get started and bring the system to a level the City is comfortable with in order to continue the maintenance budget from that point forward. VC/Carrera moved, C/Pechy seconded to Receive and File the Traffic Signal Operation and Maintenance Master Plan Power Point Presentation. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS Mok, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Carrera, Chair/Mahlke None None VI. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS: None VII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: VC/Carrera asked if this year's budget includes funds for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project. SCE/Young responded that this was budgeted in this fiscal year and a good portion of the funds are left over from a previous Grand Avenue enhancement project that was done several years ago. These funds can only be used on Grand Avenue. VC/Carrera asked if staff has a projected start date for the project. SCE/Young responded that the project is scheduled to commence before the end of this fiscal year with completion of plans and specs by the end of March/beginning of April. This project will require approval from Caltrans, since the funds are federal funds; however, approval can take up to three months. Once the Request for Authorization is submitted, staff will work very closely with the state in an attempt to expedite the project. C/Mok shared that he noticed the boards on Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard announcing the open house and hoped there would be good public participation. He asked if other open house announcements would be posted at Longview Drive and Grand Avenue. SCE/Young responded that,, because of the location of this intersection being the most widely traveled, it was the targeted location. She said she would work with the Public Information Division to see if it would be appropriate to post another board at the Longview Drive location. C/Mok welcomed C/Sulakhe and C/Pechy. Chair/Mahlke stated that some residents of the City would like to know why they are still receiving street sweeping tickets after the street sweeping has occurred. SCE/Young responded staff would contact the CSO to inquire about that. Generally, the CSO travels in front of the street sweeper; therefore, vehicles should not be cited once the sweeper has passed. Chair/Mahlke said that Mrs. Hensley asked that her name be given to staff to confirm this is happening. SCE/Young asked if Mrs. Hensley provided the time of day this occurred and/or the name of the street she lives MARCH 13, 2014 PAGE 5 T&T COMMISSION on. Chair/Mahlke replied that she would follow up with Mrs. Hensley to get the information. SCENoung added that there are two officers .issuing citations and, depending on the street and time of day, staff could determine which officer was covering the street sweeper at that time. VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. CCTV Project AE/Malpica shared that, as previously mentioned, repairs were completed this week. Staff continues to work with the contractor to make sure that all repairs were completed properly. If any other- repairs are required, they will be addressed as needed. B. Diamond Bar Traffic Responsive Plan/System AE/Malpica indicated that staff continues to fine-tune the system and the plan activated several times. C. NTMP — Castle Rock Road/Crooked Creek Drive Neighborhood AE/Malpica reported that staff received signatures from the assigned captain. Even though the required threshold was not met, staff mapped the signatures and, after review of the signatures and the data, staff determined that three speed cushions can be placed on Castle Rock Road and two speed cushions on Gold Run Drive between Crooked Creek Drive and Castle Rock Road.. Staff continues to work with the City's consultant to make sure the locations will be effective. Once the plan is finalized, staff proposes to hold a third neighborhood meeting, sometime in April, to present the plan and receive comments to make sure that the residents buy into the design in preparation for the construction phase. C/Mok asked if the April meeting would be NTMP meeting and whether the meeting would be held at City Hall in the Windmill Room. AE/Malpica confirmed that it is part of the NTMP process and would not be included. in the T&T Commission meeting. C/Mok asked AE/Malpica to provide information about the meeting to the Commissioners in case anyone wished to attend the NTMP meeting. D. ACE's Fairway Drive Grade Separation Project AE/Malpica reported that staff continues to work with ACE's design team. ACE proposed a temporary signal at Walnut Drive and Lemon Avenue to aid the traffic flow that will be created once Fairway Drive is closed so that work can proceed on the underpass project. Following discussions between upper management and PWD/Liu, ACE decided to install a new permanent traffic signal. Staff anticipates a design plan will be available before the end of 2014. MARCH 13, 2014 PAGE 6 T&T COMMISSION E. Morning Canyon Rehabilitation Project SCE/Young stated this project is currently in the design phase and is expected to be .completed at the beginning of May. After the design is finalized, the project will be advertised for bids in anticipation of taking a contract for construction to the City Council by the end of June. C/Pechy asked what the project entails. SCE/Young responded that this is the portion of Morning Canyon Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Stone Pine Drive where large pine trees have uplifted pavement along the roadway. A temporary repair was done several months ago because of the immediate hazard and this portion of the project will involve permanent removal of the tree roots and trees along that same stretch of roadway, which will then be rehabilitated. Lemon Avenue Interchange Project SCE/Young explained that this project anticipates installation of a new interchange at Lemon Avenue which will consist of an eastbound on/off ramp and a westbound on-ramp. Once constructed, the existing eastbound on/off ramps at Brea Canyon Road (the hook ramps), by McDonald's and Chevron at Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive, will be permanently closed. This project is in its design phase and staff expects the final design to be completed by the end of March for submission to Caltrans. The right-of-way acquisitions continue. During last week's meeting, there were counteroffers from residents whose property is proposed to be acquired. Since the City of Industry is funding a large portion of the right-of-way, they were at the meeting to give approval to continue to negotiate with the property owners on the acquisition price. G. Evergreen Elementary School Traffic/Parking SCE/Young stated that the City and school agreed that the existing red curb on the east side of Evergreen Springs Drive can be used for bus loading and unloading which has been operating appropriately. The traffic consultant hired by the school district has been working on the district's proposed scope of work to address the larger circulation issues that parents and the school district have with respect to loading and unloading operations. Staff has been working closely with the district's traffic engineer to make sure that the study is comprehensive. Once the parties agree upon the scope of work, staff will meet with the district and a group of parents to directly hear their concerns before the traffic engineer moves forward with his study and proposed recommendations. C/Mok asked if the temporary signage had been replaced with permanent signage. SCE/Young confirmed that permanent signs have been installed. MARCH 13, 2014 PAGE 7 T&T COMMISSION IX. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS: As stated in the agenda. SCE/Young advised the Commission that the date of the State of the City was misprinted in the City calendar as March 13`h. The correct date is April 2"d. Staff encourages the Commissioners to attend this event as well as the Grand Avenue Beautification Project Open House. Chair/Mahlke officially welcomed the two new Commissioners and stated that the City was better for individuals who volunteer. A great deal of information is brought forward during Commission meeting and anyone who has questions should feel free to consult with staff. She thanked audience participants and reiterated the amount of information attendees are able to garner and how they can participate in City government. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission, Chair/Mahlke adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this /0�� day of A(PJL 2014. Respectfully, David G. i , Secretary Attest: air Jen ' Fred" Mahlke CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2014 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Mok called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice -Chair Mahlke led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Ted Carrera, Liana Pincher, Peter Pirritano, Vice -Chair Jen "Fred" Mahlke, Chairman Kenneth Mok Also Present: David Liu, Public Works Director; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Christian Malpica, Associate Engineer, and Marcy Hilario, Administrative Coordinator. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Minutes of the January 9, 2014 Regular Meeting. C/Carrera moved, C/Pirritano seconded, to approve the Minutes of the January 9, 2014 regular meeting as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Carrera, Pincher, Pirritano, VC/Mahlke, Chair/Mok NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None II. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None III. ITEMS FROM STAFF: A. Receive and File Traffic Enforcement Updates for: I - 1. Citations: November and December 2013, and January 2014 2. Collisions: November and December 2013, and January 2014 3. Street Sweeping: November and December 2013, and January 2014 February i3,-2014 _ -PAGE 2 _ _ —_ T&T-COMM - _ - - _ ---- VC/Mahlke moved, C/Pirritano seconded, to receive and file the Traffic Enforcement Update reports for November and December 2013, and January 2014. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS NOES: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS IV. OLD BUSINESS: None V. NEW BUSINESS: None VI. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS: Carrera, Pincher, Pirritano, VC/Mahlke, Chair/Mok None None SCE/Young reported that, at the last Commission meeting, C/Pincher expressed a concern about a specific location where the traffic control work zone was placed very close to the travel lane. The work was performed by Verizon who filed a traffic control plan that showed the work zone being close to the travel lane because of the location of their facilities and the need to -maintain traffic flow through the area. With the submittal of the traffic control plan, all of the liability falls to the contractor and engineer that designed the TC plan. In addition, all construction zones carry a reduced speed limit whether posted or not. Generally on arterial streets, construction zone speed limits should be reduced to 35 mph. C/Pincher asked if the water company was on the scene. SCE/Young responded that there were no permits issued for the water company in that area. SCE/Young continued that the water company regularly accesses their valves for maintenance, which requires traffic control. In response to C/Pirritano's request to consider adding a right -turn -lane on Grand Avenue at Lavender Drive, AE/Malpica provided a follow up. He reported that staff discussed the issue with the City's traffic consultant and it was relayed that the intersection could be considered for modification; however, a more extensive warrant study would need to be done. Our consultant was concerned that might cause a bottleneck during rush hour, where four lanes merge down to two lanes near the driveway access to Target and Chili's. VII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: C/Carrera asked that in the event there would be a similar tragedy to that which occurred on the SR -60 (a fatal wrong -way driver accident), would the response plan redirect the traffic through Diamond Bar? PWD/Liu responded that when the 1300 vehicle per hour threshold is reached at the intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue, the response plan kicks in acid drivers along major arterials are given priority to travel through the City as quickly as possible. This means that neighborhood traffic may have to wait longer to gain access to the major arterials. The morning of the accident the traffic responsive plan February 13, 2014 PAGE 3 T&T COMMISSION kicked in for Grand Avenue and lasted for about one-half hour. AE/Malpica explained that when the system kicks in, it is directional. Regarding the same subject, Chair/Mok asked if the SR -60 was closed in both directions. PWD/Liu responded that only the westbound side of the freeway was closed. Chair/Mok then asked about where traffic was redirected to. Was it Phillips Ranch Road or the SR -71? AE/Malpica confirmed that traffic was redirected to the SR -71. That is why we did not experience any congestion on Diamond Bar streets. Chair/Mok asked about the flashing red light on Diamond Bar Boulevard at Montefino Avenue about mid-day on February 11th. AE/Malpica responded that the technician reported that the controller froze on red flash. The intersection has a safety mechanism that automatically sets the controller on flash mode to avoid potential accidents. The controller was reset after about an hour. C/Pincher thanked her colleagues for serving on the Commission and working hard to move things forward for the City. She assumes this is her last meeting and wanted to thank staff for their hard work and in particular, PWD/Liu for the education he has provided her. She has learned a lot and it has been a pleasure working on the Commission. VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. CCTV Project AE/Malpica reported that staff is currently looking into making repairs on the north side of the City from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Golden Springs Drive, Golden Springs Drive to Rancheria Road, down to Temple Avenue and back to Diamond Bar Boulevard at Golden Springs Drive. B. Diamond Bar Traffic Responsive Plan/System AE/Malpica indicated that staff continues to fine-tune the system to make certain the system is activated when the threshold is met. In addition, staff continues to monitor the system after -the -fact to determine the cause and effect. C. NTMP — Castle Rock Road/Crooked Creek Drive Neighborhood AE/Malpica reported that staff received signatures from the neighborhood captains. In addition, our traffic engineer is studying the data and has recommended mitigation measures (speed cushions). This will ensure the proposed mitigations are properly located in the residential areas represented by the residents who signed the petition and that the signatures meet the 67 percent requirement to move forward. February 13, 2014 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION - - - E. ACE Fairway Drive Grade Separation Project AE/Malpica shared that staff continues to work with ACE's traffic consultant on the proposed traffic signal construction at Lemon Avenue and Walnut Drive to make sure that the installation is coordinated with the remaining traffic mitigation measures. PWD/Liu stated that, based on negotiations with ACE, in lieu of a temporary signal, a permanent signal is being considered. Morning Canyon Rehabilitation Project SCE/Young stated that the rehabilitation of the roadway on Morning Canyon Drive between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Stone Pine Drive is being scheduled to repair the roadway uplift from the pine trees along the parkway. The contract for the design and construction management services was awarded by the City Council at its February 4`h meeting to Onward Engineering in the amount of $70,590. Completion of the design is expected by the beginning of May, with construction to commence shortly thereafter. Southern California Edison Infrastructure Upgrades SCE/Young reported that the final pavement restoration was completed in mid- January. Slurry seal was done in the Sunset Crossing Road/ Minnequa Drive/Bower Cascade Place neighborhood on half of the roadway from gutter to centerline where the trench was located. Striping has been completed-, however, there are a few punch list items that need to be repaired. Staff anticipates completion of the punch list and sign -off of the project by the end of February. G. Evergreen Elementary School Traffic/Parking SCE/Young stated that approximately two weeks ago, the Sheriff's Deputies were on-site and issued two citations to parents who were parked in the red curb area along Evergreen Springs Drive. The parents reportedly left their vehicles to walk their children to the school and the deputies subsequently cited them for violation of the red curb. This created concerns that resulted in the school principal sending out an email blast to the parents.reminding them that the red curb was not to be used for loading and unloading. The parents and the principal called the City to indicate that this was a practice that had been on-going for years. Also, the parents and buses were regularly using the red curb area for loading and unloading and the parents felt it was inappropriate for the Sheriff's Department to begin enforcing the red curbing. Effective immediately, the buses commenced to use the internal parking area for loading and unloading and, again, the principal and parents expressed concerns about the buses entering and exiting the site. They felt this decision created potential conflict for students who used the designated crosswalk that bisects the parking lot. As a result, the City and the school district agreed to review the situation to determine whether it was appropriate for buses to use the red curb as loading and unloading. The California Vehicle Code does February 13, 2014 PAGE 5 T&T COMMISSION permit red curbs to be used for bus loading and unloading, as long as it is properly signed. In addition, the City has an ordinance that states that a red curbed area can be used, with signage, for bus loading and unloading. The City's traffic engineer was on-site this week and the school district has hired a traffic engineer, both of whom reviewed the situation. The City's traffic engineer concluded that it is appropriate for buses, and only buses, to use the red curb area for loading and unloading with concurrence from L.A. County Sheriffs and the School District's traffic engineer. As of Tuesday of this week, buses were permitted to resume use of the red curb area for loading and unloading with temporary signage which is in place. Permanent signage will be installed next week. In the meantime, parents are still not permitted to drop off their children in that area and the school district along with City staff will be working closely on a long term resolution to look at on-site and off-site circulation and potential areas of improvement. PWD/Liu stated that at the beginning of each school year, staff sits down with school principals, school district representatives and administrative staff to make it very clear that there have been many observations of traffic violations. At that time, they are advised to educate parents. As recently as November 13th, AE/Malpica met with the school principal at Evergreen Elementary School to remind her that the information needs to go back to the parents that continue to use the red curb for a drop off site. The red curb was installed prior to a comprehensive study by the City conducted in 1998. From that study, there were five improvements the City asked the school to consider from widening the two driveways to creating a bus turnout, etc. PWD/Liu said he believes there is a good working relationship between the school district and the City and that both entities will continue to address the safety and needs issues. On-site parking is not allowed; therefore, vehicles must park out on the street. There are plenty of surrounding street areas where parents can park their cars and walk their kids to school; however, many parents choose to park as close to the school as possible so that they can walk their kids into the school grounds. Again, there is an on-going dialogue from the City and the Sheriff's Department and that the school district needs to remind parents that some things cannot be allowed and there are rules that must be enforced. H. City Council Goals and Objectives PWD/Liu provided a memorandum from CM/DeStefano to the City Council, dated January 20, 2014, that lists the City Council Goals & Objectives for Fiscal Year 2013-14. The number one priority is "Traffic Mitigation". The first goal under Traffic Mitigation is the Cooperation with the City's project partners to complete the SR -57/60 freeway interchange corridor known as the "Big Fix" for which Part A is construction of the westbound slip ramp at Grand Avenue. Recently, staff learned from working with the City of Industry that they will combine the first phase westbound slip ramp with the next phase, which is the westbound off -ramp. As part of that effort, the design will not be completed until the end of 2014, with plans to commence construction in the third quarter of 2015. In addition, the Grand Avenue/Golden Springs Drive design will be February -13, 2014 — - PAGE 6 - - -- — T&T--COMMISSION-- delayed in order to focus on the two ramps. The overall study has been revised to include a COG study that includes many freeways including the SR- l 60 up to the SR -57/60 interchange. This means that, if all goes as planned, the SR -57/60 feasibility study will be folded into the larger study and may ultimately result in a better opportunity to obtain funding for the missing components. Staff is encouraged that the SR -60 is in a strong position since it is in both the state and federal goods movement freight plans. Diamond Bar will continue to monitor this issue because if the SR -60 ultimately is included in the freight plans and funding opportunities for connectors become available, the City will be at the head of the line, since the City is at the terminus of a significant interchange. The completion of the Lemon Avenue interchange is in the right-of-way design phase which is due for completion by December 2014, with construction scheduled to commence June 2015 and be completed by December 2016. Staff will be working very closely with the City's traffic consultants to identify and quantify the successes of the City's traffic mitigation programs for its report to the City Council. PWD/Liu continued to discuss items listed including discussion of high-speed rail; development of a citywide branding plan that incorporates standard design elements with a unifying theme that reflects the image of Diamond Bar (an open house is scheduled for March 19th from 6 to 9 pm for residents, businesses and interested parties to review the project, ask questions and interact with staff); and, establish a quiet -zone on the Metrolink train line at Lemon Avenue near Walnut Elementary School. General Plan Status Report for 2013 PWD/Liu referred the Commission to a copy of the report included in the packet which was presented to the City Council on February 4tt. In accordance with state law, the City is required to submit an annual General Plan Status Report to the City Council and the State Governor's Office of Planning and Research as well as, the State Department of. Housing and Community Development. The report includes a list of implementation progress for the period January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. Of interest to the Commission is the Circulation Element which defines the transportation needs of the City and presents a comprehensive transportation. plan to accommodate those needs. Objective 1.1 is "participate in local and regional transportation planning and decision making" which includes the City's continuous and active participation in the Four Corners Policy Committee and Coalition. Working with neighboring counties, the City identified four projects including the SR -57/60 freeway; collaboration and improvements for the SR - 57/60 Confluence Project; Multi -County SCAG Goods Movement Action Plan and the Lemon Avenue project. Objective 1.2 "Balance the need for optimum traffic control on City arterials with economic realities and aesthetic considerations" includes such things as February 13, 2014 PAGE 7 T&T COMMISSION CCTV, Grand Avenue Beautification Project and NTMP. Objective 2.1 "Maximizing the use of alternative traffic modes within and through the City to decrease reliance on single passenger automobiles" includes subsidies provided for transit passes, a Dial -A -Ride program, and a website that provides information to residents regarding alternative transportation information. Objective 3.1 "Improve the safety and efficiency of transportation facilities" for which the City has a very active capital improvement program (CIP) which for 2013 included several traffic signal modifications and street improvements. C/Carrera commented that the General Plan Status Report for 2013 is an excellent report and he hopes to see further progress. He asked if the intersection improvements for the Lennar Homes project were designed and approved or still in development. PWD/Liu responded that the project is in the development stage. IX. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS: As stated in the agenda. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission, Chair/Mok adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m. tri The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this �3 day of M�Rct� 2014. Respectfully, Kimberly M. Y u g, ct Secretary Attest: J ��f i airpeIrson Jen "Fred" Mahlke