Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/11/2011 AGENDA Regualr MeetingTRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AGENDA August 11, 2011 7:00 P.M., Regular Meeting South Coast Air Quality Management District Hearing Board Room 21865 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, California Chair Vice -Chair Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Liana Pincher Ted Carrera Devin House Jen "Fred" Mahlke Kenneth Mok Glh•itten materials distribitied to the Traffic and Transportation Commission within 72 hours of the Ti•alTic and Transportation Commission meeting are availablefor public inspection immediately upon distribution in the City Clerk's office at 21825 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California, during normal business hours. Copies ofstglfrepots or other written documentation relating to agenda items are on file in the public Works Department located at 21825 Copley Drive, and are available far public inspectionlfyou have questions regarding an agenda item, please call (909) 839- 7040 curing regular business hours. bn an eflorl to comply with the requirements of Title H of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Diamond Bar requires that any person in need of any type ofspecial equipment, assistance, or accon nodation(s) in order to communicate at a City public meeting must inform the public Works Department at (909) 839-7040 a minimmn of 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Please refrain from smoking, eating or chinking The City of Diamond Bar uses recycled paper in the Auditorium and encourages you to do the same CITY OF DIAMOND BAR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AGENDA AUGUST 11, 2011 SOUTH COASTAIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT HEARING BOARD ROOM 21865 COPLEY DRIVE, DIAMOND BAR CALL TO ORDER: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7:00 p.m. Vice -Chair Carrera Commissioner House, Mahlke, Mok, Vice -Chair Carrera, Chair Pincher A. Minutes of July 14, 2011 II. PUBLIC COMMENTS 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. III. ITEMS FROM STAFF A. Traffic Enforcement Update W 1. Citations: May, June and July 2011 2. Collisions: May, June and July 2011 3. Street Sweeping: May, June and July 2011 IV. OLD BUSINESS — None V. NEW BUSINESS — A. Presentation of SCAG's East-West Freight Corridor Study/Truck Lanes in and near Diamond Bar 1. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive and file. VI. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS VII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. Traffic Signal Battery Back -Up System Project B. Brea Canyon Cut -Off @ SB SR -57 Off Ramp Traffic Signal Project ( C. Multi -Year CIP — Comprehensive Infrastructure Management Plan D. Industry's Grand Avenue Bridge Widening/Interchange Project E. Golden Springs Elementary Parking Lot Improvement F. Lemon Avenue On/Off-Ramps Project G. Residential —Area 7/Zone 5 Road Maintenance Project IX. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS A. CITY COUNCIL MEETING — Tuesday, August 16, 2011 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center, Main Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive B. CONCERTS IN THE PARK — Wednesday, August 17, 2011 — 6:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive C. MOVIES UNDER THE STARS— Wednesday, August 17, 2011 —8:30 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive D. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING —Tuesday, August 23, 2011 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center, Main Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive. E. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — Thursday, August 25, 2011 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center, Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Drive X. ADJOURNMENT * THIS INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE AUGUST 11, 2011 MEETING CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING JULY 14, 2011 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pincher called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Mok led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Jen "Fred" Mahlke, Kenneth Mok, Vice Chair Ted Carrera, Chair Liana Pincher Absent: Commissioner House was excused. Also Present: David Liu, Public Works Director; Rick Yee, Senior Civil Engineer; Kimberly Young, Associate Engineer; Christian Malpica-Perez, Associate Engineer (Traffic), and Marcy Hilario, Senior Administrative Assistant. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Minutes of the May 12, 2011 regular meeting. VC/Carrera moved, C/Mok seconded, to approve the April 14, 2011 minutes - as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered ITEMS FROM STAFF: Mahlke, Mok, VC/Carrera, Chair/Pincher None House A. Received and Filed Traffic Enforcement Updates for: 1. Citations: April, May and June 2011 2. Collisions: April, May and June 2011 3. Street Sweeping: April, May and June 2011 JULY 14, 2011 PAGE 2 T&T COMMISSION IV. OLD BUSINESS: A. NTMP — Decorah Road, Briar Creek Road and Willow Creek Road. SE/Yee presented staff's report and recommended that the Traffic and Transportation Commission concur with staff to approve the proposed traffic calming improvements. There was no one present who wished to speak on this matter. C/Mahlke moved, C/Mok seconded, to approve the proposed traffic calming improvements. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: V. NEW BUSINESS: COMMISSIONERS COMMISSIONERS COMMISSIONERS Mahlke, Mok, VC/Carrera, Chair/Pincher None House A. Golden Springs Elementary School Parking Lot Improvements and Circulation. SE/Yee presented staff's report and recommended that the Traffic and Transportation Commission concur with staff to approve the proposed parking and circulation improvements. Gilbert Baez, HMC Architects, introduced Nate Holt, Administrative Services, PUSD and Brian Watt, LCC3, and explained the proposed project using a Power Point presentation. The main issue was the lack of on-site parking, which causes parking on residential streets. The first phase of the project alleviates the parking and the student drop-off and pick-up concerns. The next phase, which would be done at a later time when funding is available, would involve modernizing the building. C/Mok asked if the parking lot would take space away from the play area for the students. Mr. Baez responded "yes and no" because the existing area is a fire lane and all they are using is a small amount of grass. VC/Carrera asked if there would be adequate outdoor space for physical activitywith the addition of students. Mr. Baez responded affirmatively. VC/Carrera asked if the grade levels were staggered so that play areas would be used at different times. Mr. Baez stated that this school has a middle school and elementary school components and those two are not mixed. C/Mahlke'stated she currently has children at the school and the area Mr. Baez is speaking about is the handball court which the students do use. Mr. Baez said this project would provide new handball courts. She asked if PUSD had asked for input from residents living close to the campus. Mr. Baez said that, to date, they have met with the school site council and the district plans to JULY 14, 2011 PAGE 3 T&T COMMISSION have meetings with the surrounding neighborhood. This project is still in the early design stages and there have not been community meetings to date, but they are planned. C/Mahlke asked if the design presented this evening was approved by the school site counselor and Mr. Baez responded affirmatively. VC/Carrera asked what the anticipated increase in traffic would be with the expanded student body and Mr. Baez said there would be no increase in the current traffic. C/Mahlke explained that most parents come in on Golden Springs Drive and drop off their kids at the corner of Ballena Drive. The access for the current parking lot is where faculty and staff have to cut into and, because of that, cars get backed up. There is one crosswalk that crosses toward the front of the school and there is only one crossing guard who has to work with the light to not back up traffic back into the subdivision. Occasionally, parents can park and drop off the kids at EI Encino Drive, but it is not always open and with budget cuts, the school has lost staffing in order to let the older kids go to that facility. It used to be that fourth, fifth and sixth graders were picked up at EI Encino and K through third were dropped off and picked up on the Ballena side, but that was changed due to staffing changes. Chair/Pincher asked how many existing parking spaces there were and Mr. Baez said he believed 37. Chair/Pincher said she understood those would remain and then asked how many additional spaces would be created. Mr. Baez responded 56 or 57. With the second phase, there would be a reduction in parking (at the lower drop-off area) to create an additional drop off area. Chair/Pincher asked for confirmation that the circulation would be from Ballena over to EI Encino and sometimes come in on EI Encino and going back out on EI Encino depending on where folks live. Chair/Pincher asked if the district anticipated a better flow and a safer atmosphere for the children. She also asked if it would also be easier on the residents because there would not be the stacked up parking. Mr. Baez said the project would alleviate all of that and the traffic report basically stated that it would alleviate the entire issue. C/Mok asked for confirmation of two new drop-off areas and asked if parents would still be able to drop off kids along EI Encino. Mr. Baez said it was not recommended; however he felt parents would still drop off their kids along the street (EI Encino). C/Mok asked if the same were true on Ballena and Mr. Baez concurred. The idea is to encourage parents to drop off their kids on campus so that kids do not have to cross streets and deal with vehicles. C/Mok asked Mr. Baez if they had worked with the school to have someone to monitor the area so that traffic would not get backed up in the U. Mr. Baez responded that the principal said there would be supervision to help with that issue. SE/Yee stated that during its review of this proposal, staff had concerns about the turn movements coming out of the proposed parking drop-off and pick-up zone, which were expressed to the district and to the architect. They are now JULY 14, 2011 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION aware that the City has an expectation to have restrictions on left turn movements out of the driveways. Staff has been assured that this issue will be addressed. C/Mok asked if entry would be allowed from both directions and SENee said that too was a concern. With respect to exiting, he believed the district and architect were meeting that requirement. As far as entry, staff would prefer to see entry restricted as well; however, further discussion will need to take place regarding the feasibility. VC/Carrera asked if there would be additional parking restrictions or changes in the existing neighborhood parking with the implementation of this program. PWD/Liu responded that his understanding of the situation is that, if all goes according to plan, the improvements would be ready for the 2012 school year. There will be an opportunity for staff to continue to work closely with the school district as well as having the Sheriff's Department work closely with the school administrator to ensure a comprehensive circulation pattern. At the same time, consideration will be given to neighborhood residents to address any potential congestion or parking issues. Beverly Fleming, 24020 Prospect Valley Drive, said she could literally rewrite this proposal now that she has heard it. She worked at the school as a noon - aide for 30 years. Mrs. Fleming pointed out the small opening at Ballena and her home is one of six houses in that cul-de-sac. She has lived on the cul-de- sac since 1963. It narrows at the end so no one can get in and no one can get out. She and her neighbors are already adversely impacted by the traffic every day. Her husband finds it almost impossible to get to 8:00 a.m. Mass. The worst problem is the "No U -Turn" sign which no one respects or understands. With drivers exiting the new exit driveway, there would have to be a "Right -Tum Only; however, if no one respects the "No U -Turn" signs now, she feels they would not respect a "Right -Turn Only" sign. If someone makes a left-hand turn at that point and she and her neighbors are trying to get out, it will be completely blocked as it is now. Having lived in the area since 1963 she and her neighbors have seen every possible traffic and parking scenario. She cannot count the number of times she has had to ask drivers to please move their cars because they block her driveway. Mrs. Fleming asked why the district and the school did not advise the neighborhood residents about the addition of the seventh and eighth grades. She emphatically stated she wanted an answer to this question because the school was overcrowded before the addition. PUSD needs to respect the quality of life in the neighborhood. John Fleming said he heard a comment from the school district official that there was proposed cooperation and that the principal would help the traffic flow by going out and moving vehicles along. He has never seen anyone do that. He is a retired deputy sheriff from LA County and there is congestion in the area after 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. and also in the afternoon peak hours. If anyone in his neighborhood had an emergency situation (law enforcement or JULY 14, 2011 PAGE 5 T&T COMMISSION fire emergency) no one could get into his neighborhood. Perhaps what the district is planning will relieve those concerns; however, he does not believe it will. He invited the Commissioners to come to the area at 8:30 a.m. and see if they can get into his neighborhood. He doubted that anyone would be able to park in his cul-de-sac because it would already be filled up. C/Mok said that from what he has heard, there would be more discussions between the architectural firm and the district and between the district and the community. If there is going to be more discussion, then he asked if this Commission was poised to vote today if there is still more information coming in. Chair/Pincher explained that the school district has come before this body in good faith and it is school district property. Also, it is a difficult position for the City and for the residents as well; however, it is school district property and the school district is offering a plan. PWD/Liu said that the school district and their consultant approached staff and began a dialogue with the City regarding the proposed improvements. Typically, when reviewing these types of projects, it does not require the City's approval because the City has no authority over the construction and improvements such as the proposal now before the Commission. However, he believes that in this case, the school district ( understands the City's and the community's concerns. The City is very sensitive to residents' concerns as well. As a result of the preceding efforts, staff invited residents to come before the Commission tonight to share their specific concerns. His understanding from the representatives who participated in tonight's discussions is that they will begin a dialogue with the residents and because they are still a year away from the proposed improvements, perhaps as part of this process, the Commission could ask the school district and their consultants to begin the process of communicating with the area residents which would promote a good -faith effort. The neighborhood deserves to be notified about this type of project and, at the end of the day, the school district can decide whether it wants to continue with this project. It is clear that the City has no authority over the school district. Staff has reviewed the traffic study prepared by the engineer and the City's traffic engineer concurs with its findings and recommendations. Staff believes that based on everything it has seen, the proposal presents an improvement in the existing conditions and staff has asked that the Commission concurwith staff's recommendations in this matter. C/Mahlke stated that she was conflicted and agreed this could be the beginning of the process to improve the situation; however, she was hesitant to say that this was the ultimate solution. She understands that the Commission is asked to vote on something it does not understand even though it is good of the district to bring the proposal to the City's attention. ( She is not convinced that a year from now this will still be the plan. She would be comfortable making a motion that the Commission understands staff's recommendation and looks forward to further dialogue and input from people JULY 14, 2011 PAGE 6 T&T COMMISSION who are more involved and educated about making a decision about their own neighborhood. Nate Danielholt, Administrative Services Director, Business Services, stated that as Mr. Baez indicated, this has been an ongoing project since 2009. The school district definitely understands the pick-up and drop- off problems expressed by the Flemings. One of the reasons this project came to fruition is because the district has had a lot of complaints and concerns from the community which were primarily directed toward the superintendent. Because of this, the district felt this problem should be quickly addressed. As far as providing information to the community, one of the things that the district respects is the relationship and partnership between the City of D.B. and the district wanted to bring this matter to the Commission to get its viewpoint and hopefully a recommendation to move forward before the matter was taken to the site council and the surrounding community. One of the reasons there has been no information given to the community to this point is because the district wanted to make certain that protocol was followed toward a formal process. As far as the plan as it exists today, there is no question that the district plans to fully collaborate with the City and its residents to get direction on the best possible solution to make certain that all vital parties are somewhat content with the final solution. There is noway to balance this project to make one party more content than the other and the district is attempting to reach the best possible balance. The district meant no disrespect to the Flemings and other residents. The district tries to control parents as best it can. Unfortunately, parents often have their own viewpoint. C/Mahlke moved to acknowledge that the Commission received information from PUSD and input from residents regarding changes in the parking and pick-up and drop-off area at Golden Springs Elementary School. Motion died for lack of a second. C/Mok said he applauded the district and the school for its attempt to alleviate the situation. In order to vote on this matter, he needs more details such as, upon exiting, will drivers be allowed to make only right -turns out of the lot. He felt this was an important issue. Once cars are in the lot, there has to be something or someone moving traffic because people tend to take their time letting their kids out. If he had these details he would feel more comfortable about supporting the proposal. VC/Carrera said he concurred with C/Mok's comments. He understands that PUSD has a concern and he would have been in a much greater comfort zone if he was able to see that the congestion near the Fleming's home would be alleviated by not drawing traffic further into the neighborhood. He would also like to know how the district contacted the residents about the increase in the student body and he asked if the residents were contacted and able to provide input as well as, what alternatives to this design were offered. JULY 14, 2011 PAGE 7 T&T COMMISSION Mr. Danielholt reiterated his comments about communicating with the residents based on the Commission's decision this evening. The parents are demanding this drop-off and PUSD is attempting to balance the parents' wishes with that of the residents and the City. PWD/Liu said that staff would continue to work with the PUSD representatives and encourage them to begin a dialogue and help facilitate some of the neighborhood meetings. If there is any new information from this process, staff will bring the information back to the Commission. B. Traffic Concerns on Navajo Springs Road. AE/Young presented staff's report and recommended that the Traffic and Transportation Commission concur with staff to install approximately 550 feet of double yellow centerline striping. VC/Carrera moved and C/Mok seconded to concur with staff to install approximately 550 feet of double yellow centerline striping. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: VI. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS VII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS: Mahlke, Mok, VC/Carrera, Chair/Pincher None House None C/Mok said he attended the 4th of July Celebration at DBHS. Following the festivities there was so much traffic in the area that law enforcement had to close off Pathfinder Road traffic heading to DBHS. He felt this matter should be addressed for future celebrations. PWD/Liu said staff would follow up with the Community Services Department and Sheriffs Department for review. VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. Traffic Signal Battery Backup System Project — AE/Malpica-Perez stated that the low bid for installation of eight new units including upgrade of three existing units was $134,475. Because other cities have experienced vandalism, staff is in the process of upgrading some of the pull boxes with bolt down or locking systems to protect the batteries. B. Brea Canyon Cut -Off @ SB SR57 Off -Ramp — Traffic Signal Project — AE/Malpica-Perez reported that the contractor has poured all the concrete foundations for the traffic signal poles, including the traffic signal cabinet and the meter service cabinet. Boring operations will begin next week for the interconnect cable and traffic signal conduits, including the conduits for the JULY 14, 2011 PAGE 8 T&T COMMISSION electrical extension line which will feed the new traffic signal. Tentative completion date is anticipated by the end of October, 2011, including traffic signal turn on. C. Multi -Year CIP — Comprehensive Infrastructure Management Plan — SE/Yee reported that the assessment is underway. Staff is working to update the draft report for final result on the report. Part of the challenge with the project is that there are a lot of discrepancies between the LA County records and City records with respect to a portion of the storm drain plans. Staff anticipates a more significant update for the Commission at its next meeting. Chair/Pincher asked if the discrepancies were found in older neighborhoods or from builderto builder. SE/Yee responded that, in general, they apply more to the older neighborhoods because a lot of the infrastructure was built pre- incorporation. Chair/Pincher asked if the storm drains and sewers were separate issues and SE/Yee responded affirmatively. Chair/Pincher asked if LA County was still in charge of the sewer lines. SE/Yee explained that the discrepancies he referred to are with the storm drain network only. There are no discrepancies regarding the sewer system. The City owns the infrastructure and LA County maintains it. D. Industry's Grand Avenue Bridge Widening/Interchange Project— SE/Yee explained that the good news is that the City of Industry and City of Diamond Bar submitted an application to Metro in early 2011 requesting funds to help construct a portion of the Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Intersection. Staff learned that the City of Industry has been awarded $5.89 million, funds which have been set aside for this improvement. The total cost of the construction project is about $17 million and the Cityof Industry has committed to fund the balance of the project cost in excess of the $5.89 million award. This competitive process included 80 applicants from cities throughout the County and only 54 projects were given the award opportunity. This set aside money will become formalized when the Metro Board acts on it later this year and, once formalized, the funds will be set aside and become available in fiscal year 2015/16, which is in line with the overall Grand Avenue bridge widening improvement schedule. C/Mok asked how much of the project was dependent on whether the NFL Stadium is built and he asked if the City of Industry could back out on their commitment if there is no stadium built. PWD/Liu responded that this project is not tied to the NFL Stadium project and the improvements will be constructed. VC/Carrera asked what Caltrans' role would be in this modification. PWD/Liu responded that Caltrans does not own any of these projects. Their position has always been that they understand the improvements will take place but have no financial commitment except to be at the discussion table on a monthly basis. JULY 14, 2011 PAGE 9 T&T COMMISSION E. SR -57/60 Interchange "BIG FIX" - as discussed under Item D. F. Lemon Avenue On/Off-Ramp Project—AE/Young reported that staff learned last month that the City will be permitted to use federal funds on this phase of the project. Staff plans to take the agreement to City Council the second meeting of August so that the right-of-way phase can commence. G. Residential Area 7/Zone 5 Road Maintenance Project — AE/Young stated that this project began construction last month. Council awarded the contract to Sully Miller, which began the project with localized patchwork throughout the project area. The chip seal operation began on residential roadways yesterday. Although they are slightly behind schedule on this operation, the contractor plans to make up the time and have the chip seal completed by Monday, July 18th. The Pathfinder Road rehabilitation was completed in two days as part of this project. The next step is to begin slurry seal operations on Tuesday, July 19th. All residents are notified 48 -hours in advance via door hangers and no -parking signs that the road will be closed to traffic. H. Walnut Valley Water Reclaimed Water Project — AE/Young reported that this project will be in the area south of South Point Middle School. In 2007, a 98 -home development was approved by the City and due to the economy, this project has not proceeded as planned; however, the builder continues to process their improvement plans and, as part of the development, is required to build a turnkey park for the City. The City will assume ownership and control of the park once constructed. To irrigate the residential project and the park with reclaimed water, the Water District needs to expand their facilities that currently end on Brea Canyon Road at Diamond Crest Lane. In order to commence the expansion, they will install a 12 -inch pipe from Brea Canyon Road along Diamond Crest Lane to Larkstone Drive. An encroachment permit application has been submitted for this work and staff will process the permit once the district has submitted a traffic control plan. The project is scheduled to be completed in two weeks depending on how long it will take the contractor to install the pipe and backfill and repave the street. Staff anticipates work will commence within the next couple of weeks and the district will provide notification to the residents. PWD/Liu stated that on June 7t, the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2011/12 budget. The City has not only a balanced budget, but continues to enjoy healthy reserves. On July 5th, the City Council approved the MOU and Lease Agreement with the County of Los Angeles for construction and operation of a new library at the new City Hall building at 21810 Copley Drive. That same evening, the City Council awarded a contract forthe construction of both City Hall and the Library for a little more than $5 million. Monday, July 18th, the contractor will commence the improvements. In addition, a SCAG study is underway for an east/west freight corridor and is looking at a truck lane facility along the SR -60 or San Jose Creek. This has been an on-going issue for the last 10 years plus. The City Council will be discussing this matter during its upcoming Study Session. JULY 14, 2011 PAGE 10 T&T COMMISSION 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/Pincher adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this day of Respectfully, David G. Liu, Secretary Attest: Chairman Liana Pincher 2011.