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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/09/2015 - AGENDA - Regular Meeting1111`1 111P, , ' I�er�rr7.1 April 9, 2015 7:00 P.M., Regular Meeting Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, California MY - Ted Carrera Ken Mok Surendra Mehta Ed Pechy z! v Written materials distributed to the Traffic and Transportation Commission within 72 hours of the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting are available forpublic inspection immediately upon distribution in the City Clerk's office at 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California, during normal business hours. Copies of staff reports or other written documentation relating to agenda items are on file in the Public Works Department located at 21810 Copley Drive, and are available for public inspection. If you have questions regarding an agenda item, please call (909) 839- 7040 during regular business hours. In an effort to comply with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Diamond Bar requires that any person in need of any type of special equipment, assistance, or accommodation(s) in order to communicate at a City public meeting must inform the Public Works Department at (909) 839-7040 a minimum of 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Please refrain from smoking, eating or drinking The City of Diamond Bar uses recycled paper in the Community Room and encourages you to do the same CITY OF DIAMOND BAR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AGENDA April 9, 2015 DIAMOND BAR CITY HALL WINDMILL COMMUNITY ROOM 21810 COPLEY DRIVE, DIAMOND BAR CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Pechy ROLL CALL: Commissioners Mehta, Pechy, Sulakhe, Vice -Chair Mok, Chair Carrera 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of March 12, 2015 11 0U.] I [SX091 Ovil OT1 This is the time and place for the general public to address the Commission. Items to be discussed here are those which do not already appear on this agenda. Ill. ITEMS FROM STAFF A. Traffic Enforcement Update I Citations: January, February & March 2015 2. Collisions: January, February & March 2015 3. Street Sweeping: January, February & March 2015 IV. OLD BUSINESS V. NEW BUSINESS VI. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS Vil. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS Vill. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. Edison Upgrades @ Diamond Bar Boulevard & Grand Avenue B. Reagan/Peterson Park Parking Lot Construction C. Morning Canyon Rehabilitation Project D. Area 3 Road Maintenance Project E. Comprehensive Groundwater Drainage Study F. Gas Company Upgrades @ Golden Springs Drive & Grand Avenue G. Grand Avenue Beautification Project H. Lemon Avenue Interchange Project I. Willow Heights Construction Update IX. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS A. CITY BIRTHDAY PARTY/CAR SHOW — Saturday, April 11, 2015 — 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m., Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive B. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — Tuesday, April 14, 2015 — 6:30 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive C. CITY COUNCIL MEETING — Tuesday, April 21, 2015 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive, Auditorium D. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — Thursday, April 23, 2015 — 7:00 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall, Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive E. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION — Saturday, April 25, 2015 — 9:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m., AQMD Parking Lot, 21865 Copley Drive F. SMART GARDENING WORKSHOP — Saturday, April 25, 2015 — 9:30 a.m. — 11:00 a.m., AQMD Parking Lot, 21865 Copley Drive G. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — Tuesday, April 28, 2015 — 6:30 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive H. CITY COUNCIL MEETING — Tuesday, May 5, 2015 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive, Auditorium I. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING —Tuesday, May12,2015-6:30 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive J. TRAFFIC& TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING —Thursday, May14, 2015 — 7:00 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall, Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive * THIS INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE APRIL 9, 2015 MEETING CITT OF DlAryio-Q�AR� MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 12,2015 Chair Mok called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Mehta led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Surendra Mehta, Ed Pechy, Manisha Sulakhe, Vice Chair Ted Carrera, Chair. Mok Also Present: David Liu, Public Works Director; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; John Beshay, Associate Engineer; Christian Malpica, Associate Engineer; Sterling Mosley, Assistant Engineer; and Marcy Hilario, Administrative Coordinator. IN �ez �-' ► �191�9 1! 1-12 0TAki 61940 1114 r-1,111 RIZ C/Mok nominated C/Carrera to serve as Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission. C/Pechy seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations offered. C/Carrera was unanimously elected to serve as Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission by the following Roll Call vote: C/Mehta Yes C/Pechy Yes C/Sulakhe Yes C/Carrera Yes C/Mok Yes C/Pechy nominated C/Mok to serve as Vice Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission. C/Mehta seconded the nomination. C/Mok was unanimously elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission by the following Roll Call vote: C/Mehta Yes C/Pechy Yes C/Sulakhe Yes C/Mok Yes Chair/Carrera Yes MARCH 12, 2015 PAGE 2 T&T COMMISSION Im FA%J;Ja SWA3 11LO] 2 JYJ I I k1 I I A. Minutes of the February 12, 2015 Regular Meeting. C/Pechy moved, VC/Mok seconded, to approve the Minutes of the February 12, 2015 regular meeting as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: - COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: PUBLIC COMMENTS: ITEMS FROM STAFF: Mehta, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Carrera, Chair/Mok None None ILI 0=1 - A. Receive and File Traffic Enforcement Updates for: 1. Citations: December 2014, January and February 2015 2. Collisions: December 2014, January and February 2015 3. Street Sweeping: December 2014, January and February 2015 C/Mehta said it was good to see that the street sweeping citations were down for the month of February. Chair/Carre'ra asked if street sweeping is postponed or suspended during slurry seal projects. He also asked if any other types of construction projects delay or alter the street sweeping schedule. SE/Young responded that the reduction in citations for February is two -fold. During December and January, street sweeping is done on a weekly basis rather than a bi-weekly basis, which is likely to increase the amount of citations. In February, the schedule reverts to the usual bi-weekly schedule. She continued, during a project when streets are under construction, street sweeping still occurs; however, when there is a slurry seal project that prohibits street parking and access to driveways, no citations are issued. Streets are swept as regularly scheduled; however, the City requests that the CSO not issue citations to allow residents certain accommodations to park on streets. PWD/Liu pointed out that a monthly average, based on a bi-weekly street sweeping, varies between 200 and 300 citations per month. MARCH 12, 2015 PAGE 3 T&T COMMISSION V. W Chair/Carrera inquired about the amount charged for a street sweeping violation. PWD/Liu responded $45. Chair/Carrera stated that having to pay that amount would get people's attention. VC/Mok shared that he was asked where citation proceeds are directed. PWD/Liu responded that he would research and provide the Commission with a follow-up response at the next meeting. VC/Mok moved, C/Mehta seconded, to receive and file the Traffic Enforcement Update reports for December 2014, and January and February 2015. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mehta, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Carrera, .Chair/Mok NOES,: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None [01 "1 --.11 &1 RN I PWD/Liu stated that at the last Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, Commissioners requested staff to follow up on some items of concern. C/Mehta asked about the arborist's report for the Morning Canyon Road Street Rehabilitation Project. Under Informational Item C, staff will provide that update. Prior to tonight's meeting, staff provided a copy of the staff report along with the Power Point presentation for the Commission's reference. Included in that report, there was information about the arborist's findings and recommendations. PWD/Liu stated that prior to tonight's meeting, AC/Hilario provided the Commission information regarding the SR -57/60 Confluence Project. The first two pages of the report introduced the project and a brief description of the four phases. PWD/Liu explained that, as part of the annual advocacy efforts, he will travel to Washington D.C. along with a City Council Member and partners from the City of Industry. He will report back to the Commission and City Council with an update. NEW BUSINESS: None VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS: None VIII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: VC/Mok stated that at the last Commission meeting, and the previous Council Meetings, the hot topic has been the Morning Canyon Road Rehabilitation Project. He walked the two block area from Diamond Bar Boulevard to beyond the condominiums and witnessed firsthand the damage the trees are causing. In his MARCH 12, 2015 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION opinion, all efforts to move forward as quickly as possible with this project are paramount. He encouraged the Commissioners to look at the area and decide for themselves. C/Mehta indicated that during one of the Commission meetings, he brought up the left turn into the Diamond Bar Center and mentioned that the sign was not very visible. Yesterday, he noticed that the left turn signal north on Grand Avenue to make a left turn is very short and only allows one car to make a safe left turn. He wondered if the cars turning left into the Center could be given more time before the signal turns red. PWD/Liu stated that there are video detection cameras and sometimes, due to the condition of the video camera or foggy conditions, it could cause a delay. The Diamond Bar Center is a very popular place and staff will look at the video detection camera conditions as well as timing issues. C/Pechy stated he believed everyone had been able to gain a sufficient preview of things to come during the Diamond Bar Boulevard/Grand Avenue Beautification Project with the Edison construction taking place at that intersection. He asked if when a lane at a controlled intersection is closed due to construction or repairs, is the phasing of the signal light altered to allow traffic that is losing the lane more time to get through the intersection or does the phasing of the light continue to remain the same? AE/Malpica responded that if the contractor closes a lane, the Traffic Responsive System detects increased volume in one lane and, if it reaches a certain threshold, the system will automatically respond to the benefit of the traffic traveling in. that direction. There is no particular special timing construction plan for that particular intersection. Staff relies on the Traffic Responsive System to respond to the traffic when it reaches a certain threshold (certain volume of vehicles for that specific direction). C/Sulakhe interjected that staff did a great job putting up signs letting people know about the unrelated City of Industry project on Grand Avenue regarding the expected delays. Chair/Carrera asked if pedestrians were allowed from the corner into the crosswalk during the recent construction at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue. PWD/Liu responded that based on a request from a concerned resident who spoke at the City Council meeting, staff directed the contractor to close the crosswalk leading from the southwest corner to the northwest corner. In addition, for people traveling eastbound on Grand Avenue who want to turn right going southbound, they have to make the right turn from the number 2 through lane. The regular right turn lane is behind a fence. Essentially, because drivers will not be able to see the pedestrians until they enter the roadway, the contractor was requested to close the right turn lane. Chair/Carrera thanked his colleagues for their support in electing him Chairman of the Commission. He congratulated VC/Mok on his election as well. He also thanked Council Member Lin for reappointing him to the Commission and said it was good to have a former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner on the City Council. MARCH 12, 2015 PAGE 5 T&T COMMISSION IX. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. Comprehensive Groundwater Drainage Study - AE/Malpica reported that staff reviewed the report and provided comments that will be sent to the consultant for corrections in preparation for the final report. The intent of the report was to provide a preliminary design. However, it does not include all aspects of the design and construction. The consultant ranked every location according to high, medium and low impact. B. Edison Upgrades at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue - AE/Malpica reported that this project is on schedule to be completed tomorrow. The paving has been completed along southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue and Quail Summit Drive. Today the contractor was working on paving the southwest corner in front of US Bank. C. Morning Canyon Road Rehabilitation Project-AE/Mosley reported that the response from the community regarding this project included overwhelming support for keeping as many trees as possible. In response, staff developed two alternative options in addition to the initial project design. Option 2 was to proceed with the most critical maintenance for areas of ADA concern, address locations where sidewalks were uplifted, and to leave the trees in place. Option 3 proposed to extend the parkway eight feet into the roadway area which would eliminate eight feet from the roadway as well as, street parking throughout the project limits on the south side of the road. Option 1 included removal and replacement of all 16 pine trees, rehabilitation of the roadway and sidewalk, curb and gutter, and reconstruction of the damaged catch basin near Diamond Bar Boulevard. These three options were presented to the City Council on March 3rd. The City Council voted 4-1 to move forward with Option 3 and to ultimately reject all bids and redesign the project in accordance with Option 3. At this time staff is moving forward with Council's request and working with the engineers to develop a new design. Chair/Carrera asked if there were imminent issues with the catch basins that would have to be addressed at this time or if those issues could wait for a redesign. AE/Mos ley* stated that, according to the arborist's report, even if the City were to proceed with no project, there are several trees that would need to be removed, even in Option 3 which would require removal of at least five trees because of their poor condition. Currently, staff is looking at options for exposing more tree roots to be able to better assess the tree conditions. C/Mehta asked AE/Mosley to elaborate on Option 3. AE/Mosley referred the Commission to the handout which contained a copy of staff's report and Council presentation and also included an exhibit showing what is proposed to occur. Chair/Carrera asked about a timeline. AE/Mosley responded that staff is currently looking at about a six-month timeline in terms of redesign, opening bids for construction, etc. In the meantime, as previously stated, staff will MARCH 12, 2015 PAGE 6 T&T COMMISSION continue to explore what can be done on a temporary basis to mitigate some of the more imminent areas of concern. Public Works staff is working with the Community Services Department to explore all options. Chair/Carrera inquired if staff had placed any warning signs for the uneven surfaces. PWD/Liu responded that there are no warning signs at this time. The only visible signs are the public notice signs on the trees that indicate they are to be removed. VC/Mok shared that he observed that many of the signs had been removed. The only thing left is the tape around the trunk. D. Gas Company Upgrades at Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue — AE/Mosley explained that this project was to upgrade an existing gas company, line from 3 inches to four inches to accommodate AQIVID's natural gas operation. This is a three-phase project, the first two of which would be a cut and bore phase to allow access and to energize the new pipe. The last phase would be performed at the intersection of Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue and would include a level of trenching to ultimately tie-in the new pipe. Staff proposes to have the work done at night to lessen the traffic impacts. Ultimately, the project is estimated to take about four to six weeks; however, staff continues to negotiate and is coordinating with the Gas Company for additional pavement restoration. VC/Mok asked if there would be lane closures during Phases 1 and 2. AE/Mosley indicated that during Phase 1, the number 2 lane will be closed from Lavender Drive toward Grand Avenue and right turns onto Lavender Drive and turns onto Copley Drive will be allowed. In addition, staff has explored restricted hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to alleviate impacts on morning and evening rush hours. PWD/Liu elaborated that the lane closure is allowed only during the 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. hours to avoid peak hour traffic. Staff wants the Gas Company and its contractor to understand that as vehicles are approaching the intersection, especially at Golden Springs Drive, as many lanes as possible need to remain open. The real impact comes into play during the last phase. At this point the Gas Company and the City are not on the same page about whether the Gas Company agrees to the conditions placed on the project. E. Grand Avenue Beautification Project — SCE/Young stated that at its February 17th meeting, the City Council approved the contract with All American Asphalt, rejecting the low bidder. At the meeting, Unique Performance, the low bidder, attempted to protest; however, due to the overwhelming documentation identifying their lack of good faith efforts in regard to their Disadvantages Business Enterprise (DBE) percentage, Council rejected their bid and awarded the bid to All American Asphalt for $1,939,000. Shortly thereafter, staff met with All American Asphalt to discuss the traffic signal poles. These project items have a long procurement lead time, which All American Asphalt found to be from 16-18 weeks. Because of the length of time, the contractor felt that it would be inappropriate to begin work and have to MARCH 12, 2015 PAGE 7 T&T COMMISSION demobilize leaving sidewalks, etc open until the poles arrived. Therefore, the project schedule will be pushed back. Staff now anticipates construction to begin in May, which may prove to be a more appropriate time since schools will be closing for the summer and traffic will be lighter through the intersection. The poles are anticipated to be delivered about late June/mid-July with project completion anticipated in August. Chair/Carrera asked if the current poles would remain in place until the replacement poles were installed. SCE/Young responded affirmatively; however, there may be a period where temporary poles are installed because new foundations have to be laid to accommodate the new poles (8 poles at each of the two intersections). C/Pechy asked what the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) percentage means. SCE/Young explained that because federal funds are being used for this project, there is a requirement to seek out disadvantaged business enterprises which are often minority owned businesses or women owned businesses and are part of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. It is not a requirement that these businesses are on the job; however, the federal government wants to see an effort made to promote these jobs to these disadvantaged companies. If the City does not meet the percentage, it is not penalized; however, the contractor has to show that he or she made the effort to try and reach that percentage. C/Pechy asked if any of these companies are represented by the newly awarded contractor of this project. SCE/Young indicated there is one company, which is the landscape company. Their portion of the projects amounts to 11.4 percent of the entire bid amount. F. Lemon Avenue Interchange Project— SCE/Young conveyed that this project continues to be behind schedule because the designer is still working on requirements mandated by Caltrans before the design can be submitted to the Office of the Engineer. The latest requirement is that additional potholes need to be completed at Lemon Avenue and Golden Springs Drive and on Lemon Avenue near the freeway bridge. Once completed, the utility section can sign off on the project. The potholing should begin within the next couple of weeks. Once staff obtains the data from the work, it will be able to address the design engineer's request and when the design engineer signs off, staff can submit to the Office of the Engineer. G. Willow Heights Construction Update — SCE/Young reported that work continues and more building permits are being requested for additional units. It is staff's understanding that pricing was announced to be from the high $500,000's to just over $1 million for the single family lots. Lennar expects models to open on April 18th and staff is working diligently with the developer to make sure that all of their site improvements are completed for the Grand Opening. C/Pechy asked if this was a gated community or if the streets would belong to the City. SCE/Young stated that the community would be gated and the MARCH 12, 2015 PAGE 8 T&T COMMISSION streets will be private as well as the storm drain system within the community. C/Pechy asked if the adjacent park would be private or public. SCE/Young responded that the park will be for public use with access via a parking lot off of Brea Canyon Road. H. Area 2 CDBG Sidewalk Replacement Project — AE/Beshay specified that this project includes replacement of the sidewalk, curb and gutter and ramps. Work was completed on March 3rd. The Public Works Inspector prepared and sent out punch list items to the contractor and once those items are completed, Public Works will provide final inspection for this project. Completion is expected within the next two weeks with a Notice of Completion to be considered by the City Council at its first meeting in April. I. Reagan/Peterson Park Parking Lot Construction — AE/Beshay informed that this project consists of expansion and rehabilitation of two park parking lots. Plans and Specs were received this week from the City's consultant. The design phase is near completion and construction is scheduled to start at the end of June after Fathers' Day. Additional graphics were presented to the Commission to allow staff to revisit Item C. At the request of Chair/Carrera, AE/Mosley again explained Option 3 of the Morning Canyon Road Rehabilitation Project, which proposes to extend the parkway from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Stonepine Drive, the entire project limits, by a width of eight (8) feet. This would eliminate all street parking near the trees and throughout the project limit. The roadway would not be wide enough to allow through traffic and street parking. Five (5) trees are marked for removal throughout the project limits. In addition, the three existing catch basins would need to be reconstructed and two curb ramps would be reconstructed. C/Sulakhe asked if the green marks on the handout indicated the location of new trees. AE/Mosley replied the green marks indicated existing trees. The goal for Option 3 is to keep as many of the existing trees as possible. The red X indicates trees that are in such poor condition, they would have to be removed. Chair/Carrera asked if they were being removed du ' e to the condition of the trees or because of the utilities they are affecting. AE/Mosley responded that, in some cases, it is for both reasons. Chair/Carrera asked if there was another "Morning Canyon Road" area somewhere in Diamond Bar with the same planting and age as these trees. PWD/Liu explained there are other such areas and staff typically looks at maintaining these areas in conjunction with the City's annual sidewalk replacement/maintenance work. The numbers of trees associated with sidewalks that are included in the annual Sidewalk Maintenance projects do not involve the numbers of trees that are seen along Morning Canyon Road, which is a fairly unique area. Under Option 3, if the City was to widen the parkway and construct the new sidewalk, the old sidewalk would have to be removed. After the sidewalk panels are popped out, the exact condition of all of the trees will be seen and it is very possible that there will be more than five (5) trees that MARCH 12, 2015 PAGE 9 T&T COMMISSION will have to be dealt with in some manner. Based on the current information, a minimum of five (5) trees will have to be removed, it was noted for the benefit of the City Council and the public that there could be more than five (5) that could be slated for removal. In addition, staff will be meeting with the condominium residents because the design will impact their parking needs. Also, from staff's perspective, it is prudent to understand exactly what the condition of these tree roots is. The City does not want to open up the street based on a certain design only to find out that now all 16 trees must be removed when the City has expended extensive resources to come to a certain point that does not fall within the design criteria. Chair/Carrera asked about the age of the trees. PWD/Liu replied that staff believed they were planted in the 1960's. Chair/Carrera stated that, at the time, there was not the foresight to see that this would create a problem in this particular area. C/Mehta asked if the plan was to pop the sidewalk to ensure that the trees were satisfactory or if the City was planning to move forward with Option 3 and then find out, after the fact, that more than five (5) trees might have to be removed. PWD/Liu explained that after receiving a presentation and considering the matter, the City Council directed staff to explore and implement Option 3 to widen the parkway by eight (8) feet, which includes removing the sidewalk to provide 18 feet to accommodate the trees. Even though staff has two consistent arborist reports which determine the minimum number of trees that need to be removed, in order to factually determine the health and condition of these trees, the arborists will not be able to say what that is until the sidewalk panels are removed. Staff is trying to make sure that the City is doing its due diligence and pursue the option as directed by the City Council. It is prudent for staff to understand exactly what the condition of the trees are and again, the only way to find out is to remove the sidewalk. However, if the City removes the entire sidewalk, it also means that pedestrian traffic would have to be redirected to the other side of the street, in addition to the loss of street parking on the tree lined side of the street. The first and foremost action is making sure exactly how many trees can remain in place. The message from the residents and the Church was for the City to save as many of these trees as possible. Chair/Carrera asked if these trees will continue to grow and create an even bigger problem. PWD/Liu indicated that Chair/Carrera was correct. Chair/Carrera encouraged the Commissioners to walk the area. X. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS: As stated in the agenda. Chair/Carrera encouraged all of the Commissioners to attend the State of the City Address on Wednesday, March 25th at 6:30 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Center. MARCH 12, 2015 PAGE 10 1 T&T COMMISSION ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission, Chair/Carrera adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this day of 72015. Respectfully Submitted, David G. Liu, Secretary Attest: Chair Ted Carrera