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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/11/2015 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2015 GALL TO ORDER: ,Chair/Carrera called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765. 'PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Carrera led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Surendra Mehta, Ed .-Pechy, Manisha Sulakhe, Vice Chair Ken Mok, and Chair Ted Carrera C/Sulakhe arrived shortly after roll call at 7:03 p.m. Also Present: David Liu, Public Works Director; Christian Malpica,' Associate Engineer; John Beshay, Associate Engineer; Sterling Mosley, Assistant Engineer; and Marcy Hilario, Administrative Coordinator. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Minutes of the May 1.4, 2015 Regular Meeting. VC/Mok moved, C/Pechy seconded, to approve the Minutes of the May 14, 2015 regular meeting as corrected by PWD/Liu. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mehta, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Mok, Chair/Carrera NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None 11. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Ill. ITEMS FROM STAFF: A. Receive and File Traffic Enforcement Updates for: 1. Citations: March, April and May 2015 2. Collisions: March, April and May 2015 3. Street Sweeping: March, April and May 2015 June 11, 2015 [a LVA up MH T&T COMMISSION C/Pechy moved, C/Mehta seconded, to receive and file the Traffic Enforcement Update reports for March, April and May 2015. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mehta, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Mok, Chair/Carrera NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None OLD BUSINESS: PWD/Liu stated that at the last meeting, VC/Mok asked about the traffic conditions along Grand Avenue. AE/Malpica indicated that he checked the logs and found nothing unusual; however, staff believes there was an accident or a funeral procession exiting The Country Estates that may have caused temporary traffic congestion in the area. NEW BUSINESS: None STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS: None ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: C/Pechy commented on the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Palomino Drive, which is the last intersection on northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard before the SR -60 freeway entrance. Palomino Drive, which is a busy intersection, is the main street into a large residential area, as well as having an access driveway to the Haggen Shopping Center, with Carl's Jr. and McDonald's restaurants across the street. During rush hour traffic, a large number of vehicles exit the southbound SR -57 freeway at Sunset Crossing Road and proceed south on Diamond Bar Boulevard to transition onto the SR -60 freeway eastbound. Some of the drivers try to avoid the long line by driving down to the Palomino Drive intersection, which is only about 100 feet past the SR -60 eastbound freeway on-ramp. There is a left turn lane at Palomino Drive with a traffic light that has ei left -turn green arrow. On the green arrow, drivers make a U-turn, often filling up the lanes on Diamond Bar Boulevard between Palomino Drive and the SR -60 eastbound freeway on-ramp. Some drivers even block the #2 and #3 lanes on the northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard side trying to squeeze in. When doing this, two things happen: 1) when the light turns green for Palomino Drive, the drivers are unable to turn right onto Diamond Bar Boulevard because the intersection is blocked. It sometimes takes two or three signal cycles for a driver to make a right -hand -turn onto Diamond Bar Boulevard; 2) when the light turns green for northbound traffic on Diamond Bar Boulevard, drivers must wait for the congestion to clear before proceeding, which sometimes creates a backup to Golden Springs Drive. Furthermore, Diamond Bar residents exiting the SR -60 freeway at Diamond Bar Boulevard have to deal with this additional traffic. C/Pechy suggested putting a "No U -Turn" sign in the southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard turn lane at Palomino Drive. June 11, 2015 PAGE 3 IWAINGIMURM001M In his opinion, this would discourage cut -through traffic because the only reason for anyone to make a U -Turn at that intersection is to cutback to the eastbound SR -60 freeway. Chair/Carrera added that he also noticed that the turn pocket for southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard fills up rather quickly and spills over into the driving lanes; however, he was not aware of the U-turn issue. If a U-turn was to be prohibited on Palomino Drive, it would not stop people from making U-turns at the Kmart entrance or even further down Diamond Bar Boulevard. PWD/Liu explained the reported conditions and said that staff would work with the City's Traffic Engineer to look again at the conditions on Diamond Bar Boulevard, from Sunset Crossing Road to Golden Springs Drive, to make sure that if the Commissioner's recommendation were implemented for example, there would be no unintended consequences that might impact other intersections. C/Mehta asked that staff also look at the short left turn pocket where vehicles turn onto Sunset Crossing Road traveling south from Diamond Bar Boulevard. VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. Traffic Signal Infrastructure Upgrades Project — AE/Malpica reported that the consultant will begin the design process in a week or so. Completion is anticipated for mid-July, followed by the bid opening in August and construction to commence by September. This project is part of the Master Plan to upgrade several units in the intersections, including fiber optic and IT communication units. B. Comprehensive Groundwater Drainage Study — AE/Malpica stated that staff received the final report which is under review for staff's comments back to the consultant. The purpose of this project is to develop a priority list to address some drainage issues at 11 locations. C. Willow Heights Construction Update — AE/Malpica indicated that today, staff met with the developer and their contractor to turn on the traffic signal at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Cherrydale Drive. The traffic signal is now fully functional and although there are some punch -list items to be completed at the intersection, it does not affect its functionality. C/Mehta asked if the new traffic signal was interactive. AE/Malpica responded yes, the intersection is programmed to run under a "free mode" operation that will accommodate traffic demand from all directions. Chair/Carrera asked if there would be a left turn arrow only in the left turn pockets on Diamond Bar Boulevard or if it would be a flashing yellow light (yield). AE/Malpica responded that the signals are left -turn and flashing yellow light protected. June 11, 2015 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION D. Morning Canyon Rehabilitation Project—AE/Mosley reported that at the last Commission meeting, staff stated that we had received a letter from the Diamond Bar United Church of Christ requesting that all of the existing stone pine trees be saved and that the existing pedestrian path be relocated further south. This would require the City to acquire private property to allow additional room for the tree roots. During staff's community outreach, this was an option that was presented to*staff. Staff researched the matter; however, due to lengthy negotiations, as well as associated costs, that option was deemed unfeasible. Furthermore, the City Council directed staff to move forward with the current redesign of the project, which would reduce the roadway width by eight feet and increase the parkway to allow room for the tree roots to thrive without damaging the surrounding infrastructure. C/Pechy asked if staff had been able to determine whether there would be adequate parking available for residents living in the nearby condominium complex. AE/Mosley replied that there will be a reduction in the existing parking spaces by virtually half. Chair/Carrera asked if acquisition of private property would be church property. AE/Mosley responded that it would have been church property. Chair/Carrera asked if the church offered to deed the property to the City. AE/Mosley said that it was not offered in their letter', however, it was stated that they would be willing to work with the City. CSD/Rose wrote a response to the Diamond Bar United Church of Christ to let them know about the Council's direction. E. Area 3 Road Maintenance Project — AE/Mosley indicated that the pre - construction meeting was held last Week which included staff, the City's inspector and All American Asphalt to discuss project details and expectations. Notices have been prepared and will be sent to all stakeholders beginning tomorrow, June 12th. The .project consists of localized removal and replacement of asphalt, chip seal, edge grind overlays and slurry applications. F. Gas Company Upgrades on Golden Springs Drive — AE/Mosley reported that last week he met with Gas Company officials and their contractor, Southwest Administration, to discuss the project. The three phased project intends to upgrade the existing three inch (Y) main to a four inch (4") main along Golden Springs Drive to help accommodate increased demand for AQIVID. Phase I involves cuffing and boring in the #2 lane in the northbound direction and Phase 11 involves 'cutting and boring in the #1 lane north of Lavender Drive in the northbound direction... 'Phase III is the tie-in, which includes excavation that will be done during nighttime hours at the intersection of Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue. The project, including restoration, is expected to take six weeks with a start date of late June. C/Mehta shared that for the past four days, he has noticed the traffic on Golden Springs Drive has been moving very slowly. Today it took him 26 minutes to travel from Brea Canyon Road to Grand Avenue. AE/Malpica explained that staff has been monitoring the situation and believes there are a June 11, 2015 PAGE 5 T&T COMMISSION couple of possibilities including the fact that the traffic response system was activated, which has affected the southbound left turn signal timing turning onto Grand Avenue toward the SR -60 freeway. Today, he was able to confirm that was the cause and he was able to adjust the timing. The situation should now be resolved. G. Reagan/Peterson Park Parking Lot Construction — AE/Beshay stated that this project was advertised on May 291h, with bid opening to take place on June 16th. Council award of contract is scheduled for the July 21st meeting, with construction slated to begin early to mid-August. The Engineer's estimate is $335,000 for Peterson Park and $115,000 for Reagan Park. H. Grand Avenue Beautification Project —AE/Beshay reported that mobilization of equipment began on May 20th for clearing and grubbing and the contractor removed the existing sidewalk at the intersection of Longview Drive and Grand Avenue and at two corners of the Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard intersection. Following removal, the contractor installed the new electrical system and electrical conduits and prepared the sub -grades for the new sidewalk and pavers. Foundations for the new traffic signal poles are scheduled to be installed within the next two weeks and installation of signal light poles to follow shortly thereafter. The contractor is working to minimize the impacts to traffic as much as possible. Full project completion is scheduled for late August. PWD/Liu asked if the contractor intends to provide nighttime paving. AE/Beshay responded that this matter is under discussion; however, the schedule has not yet been confirmed. Staff asked for a schedule two weeks ahead of construction and, once confirmed, the Commission will be notified. Chair/Carrera asked if the nighttime work provision was included in the contract or if it was within the contingency. AE/Beshay replied if the contractor wants to work at night, it will be included in their request. PWD/Liu added that the City wants to make sure that there are minimum impacts to the traveling public as well as, making sure the final product is one of a kind and meets City's expectations because this is a precedent setting project. Chair/Carrera said he believed there would be minimal impact due to the short duration of the project. AE/Beshay reminded the Commission that the curing time of one week is required for the pavers, which will prevent left turns at the intersection during that week. C/Mehta said he believed that the planning for this project should be complimented because there will be a minimum impact while contractors are working. One day he noticed a little congestion, but for the most part everything is moving forward very smoothly. June 11, 2015 PAGE 6 T&T COMMISSION VC/Mok asked if it was more expensive (for the City) for the contractor to work at night. PWD/Liu responded absolutely, because the contractor would have to make sure the asphalt plant was ready to mix the order to keep the contractor going through the nighttime hours. Staff made it clear to the contractor that Diamond Bar wants a top quality project with minimal impacts to the public. Nighttime paving is better from staff's point of view because no matter what happens, there will still be a fair amount of traffic even though schools are out. Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard is a "choke point" during school and summer months as well. Lemon Avenue Interchange Project — AE/Beshay indicated that the right-of- way phase continues with two parcels remaining for the partial -take acquisition. One parcel is scheduled for an Order of Possession Hearing on June 25th and the other for July 1 st. The right-of-way certification is anticipated for July, 2015 with the Office of the Engineer. approval scheduled for August. Construction is slated to commence by late March, 2016. J. SR -57/60 Confluence Project — AE/Beshay reported that the westbound on- ramp phase of this project is progressing quickly. Plans have been submitted to the Office of the Engineer .with ' a "ready to list" date of July, 2015. Construction of this phase is expected to take place in February or March, 2016. The westbound off -ramp phase is still in design, with completion expected by the end of this calendar year. K. Grand Avenue/Golden Springs Drive — AE/Beshay stated that the intersection improvement phase has been revived due to an award of the TIGER Grant in the amount of $10 million and is being used on the westbound on-ramp phase. This made it possible to redirect some of City of Industry's funds from that phase to the Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue phase. Staff has met twice with the City of Industry and their design will include the widening of Grand Avenue, north of Golden Springs Drive, and the widening of Golden Springs Drive, along the golf course property. Right-of-way will be acquired from the golf course only and not from the businesses on the other two corners (Chili's and the Mobil gas station). The design for this phase is expected to be completed by the end of this calendar year with construction slated to begin summer 2016. Since this project does not involve Caltrans, the advertising and awarding of this project will be handled by the City of Industry, with encroachment permits issued by the City of Diamond Bar. PWD/Liu further stated that as mentioned, this project is part of the Confluence Project and the reasons that this intersection is slated for the improvements is that as part of the .upcoming on and off ramp work, there is an existing tunnel under Grand Avenue that connects the two sides of the golf course. The tunnel will have to be relocated further south, closer to the Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive intersection. In order to accommodate the realigned and modified on and off ramps, Grand Avenue will have to be widened which will impact the intersection of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive. Staff is working closely with the City of Industry to address this very important on/off June 11, 2015 PAGE 7 T&T COMMISSION ramp area. The City has an opportunity to look at some streetscape/entry statements for the section between Golden Springs Drive and the freeway on and off ramps as well as, the off ramp areas and the bridge that will ultimately be widened. Staff also believes there is an opportunity for entry and streetscape statements for the area in front of the future hotel property (former Honda dealership) from the on/off ramps of southbound SR -57 at Grand Avenue. Staff is working with the City of Industry to better understand the timing for including those improvements as part of the intersection project or whether it might entail a subsequent project. IX. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS: As stated in the agenda. Chair/Carrera wished his colleagues a Happy 4th of July and said he looked forward to the 4th of July Blast, which has turned out to be one of the better events in the area. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission, Chair/Carrera adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this day of 2015. Respectfully Submitted, t>Elavid G. Liu, -Se"e ry Attest: Chair Ted Carrera