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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/08/2014 AGENDA - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIO AGENDA May 8, 2014 DIAMOND BAR CITY HALL WINDMILL COMMUNITY ROOM 21810 COPLEY DRIVE, DIAMOND BAR CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.rj] PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Sulakhe ROLL CALL: Commissioners Mok, Pechy, Sulakhe, Vice -Chairman Carrera, Chair Mahlke I lll�_k I ; j ; j•I I to] a "N T1 I I A. Minutes of April 10, 2014 111. 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. 111111. ITEMS FROM STAFF A. Traffic Enforcement Update 1. Citations: February, March & April 2014 2. Collisions: February, March & April 2014 3. Street Sweeping: February, March & April 2014 LTJ 1�11 r -i 101; K01 I a ; I kyj I I M I flM91;4U!VVV1 Lei li, A. Traffic Signal Battery Back -Up Project B. NTMP — Castle Rock Road/Crooked Creek Drive Neighborhood C. Diamond Bar Boulevard & Kiowa Crest Median Modification Project D. Morning Canyon Rehabilitation Project E. Lemon Avenue Interchange Project F. Area 2/Zone 1 Road Maintenance Project G. Proposed FY 2014-15 Capital Improvement Program IX. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS A. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING—Tuesday, May 13,2014-6:30 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall, Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING — Tuesday, May 20, 2014 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive, Auditorium C. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING —Thursday, May 22, 2014 — 7:00 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall, Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive D. MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVED — In observance of the holiday, City Hall offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2014 E. TRANSIT LATE NIGHT — Tuesday, May 27, 2014 — City Hall front counter will remain open until 7:00 p.m. F. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — Tuesday, May 27, 2014-6:30 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall, Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive G. CITY COUNCIL MEETING — Tuesday, June 3, 2014 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive, Auditorium H. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — Tuesday, June 10, 2014 — 6:30 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall, Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING — Thursday, June 12, 2014 - 7:00 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall, Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive * THIS INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE MAY 8, 2014 MEETING CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APRIL 10, 2014 X13 11 M foxel N 114 Chair Mahlke 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: Commissioner Pechy led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Ken Mok, Ed Pechy, Manisha Sulakhe, Vice -Chair Ted Carrera, Chair Jen "Fred" Mahlke Also Present: David Liu, Public Works Director; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Christian Malpica, Associate Engineer; Sterling Mosley, Assistant Engineer, and Marcy Hilario, Administrative Coordinator. A. Minutes of the March 13, 2014 Regular Meeting. VC/Carrera moved, C/Pechy seconded, to approve the Minutes of the March 13, 2014 regular meeting as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mok, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Carrera, Chair/Mahlke NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None II. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Ill. ITEMS FROM STAFF: A. Receive and File Traffic Enforcement Updates for: 1. Citations: January, February and March 2014 2. Collisions: January, February and March 2014 3. Street Sweeping: January, February and March 2014 APRIL 10, 2014 PAGE 2 T&T COMMISSION [a VC/Carrera moved, C/Mok seconded, to receive and file the Traffic Enforcement Update reports for January, February and March 2014. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mok, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Carrera, Chair/Mahlke NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None A. Grand Avenue Beautification Project Update — Power Point Presentation by SCE/Young. SCE/Young stated that the primary purpose of this project is to highlight the Diamond Bar community identity and create visual points of interest as well as, serve as a catalyst to stimulate existing commercial centers. Streetscape enhancements at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue and Longview Drive are proposed. The concept was presented at an open house on Wednesday, March 19th for community residents and business -owners who wished to view the concept plans and speak to staff about details. The beautification improvements will enhance the parkways, crosswalks and traffic signals with landscape features, colored interlocking pavers, colored concrete and custom iron tree grates as well as, new street trees that will be located primarily along Diamond Bar Boulevard where the parkway is wider so as to maintain ADA compliance. The Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard intersection will appear to show more enhancements along Diamond Bar Boulevard because of the wider parkway. Some trees will be added along Grand Avenue, where space is available. The view of Diamond Bar Boulevard in front of the Sprint/Massage Envy building will include trees, vertical elements (post and rail fence) as well as, landscape treatments in the parkway that will soften the pedestrian walkway area. On Grand Avenue at Longview Drive, decorative crosswalks with diamond patterns at the corners will be featured to enhance the Diamond Bar theme. Additional landscaping will be installed in the medians as well as, post and rail fence on the medians to add a vertical element and provide more of the country living feel. In addition, because this is an entry to the City, an entry statement will be provided with stone pillars and an entry monument. The entry monument will be treated separately from this project so that it can be vetted separately by the Council for the City's entry statement that will eventually be placed at every City entry. During this project, a space will be made available for the monument sign which will be done at a later date with Council approval. The crosswalks are proposed to be treated with colored interlocking pavers along with the diamond pattern and the curb returns will be APRIL 10, 2014 PAGE 3 T&T COMMISSION treated with colored concrete to provide more aesthetic appeal. Decorative steel panels will be used throughout the City, specifically being considered in the median islands at the Grand Avenue/Longview Drive location. These will provide visual character for the City. The proposed trees, shrubs and ground cover will be drought tolerant and smart irrigation will be used. At the open house, many of the plant species were available for residents to touch and feel. Other elements will include transit bench seating, bench shelter, custom tree grates, and traffic signal poles. Street lights will not be included in this project; however, decorative street lights will be identified for use in future projects. Staff believes the open house was a success. Fifty-three (53) individuals attended; forty (40) were residents, eight (8) were residents and business owners, and five (5) were business owners only. The results of the voluntary survey indicated that there were top votes for decorate street lights and traffic signal lights as the most impactful for creating a unique visual character for Diamond Bar. Top votes were also given for the diamond as an element to be used as a focal point for gateway signage as well as, top votes for interlocking pavers and river rock as materials preferred in medians and parkways. Other items individuals desired to see included pedestrian safety improvements at the crosswalks and additional landscaping improvements to the parkways and medians. Based on the concept, the proposed construction estimate totals $1.45 million with $880,000 for the Grand Avenue/Diamond Bar Boulevard intersection and $570,000 for the Grand Avenue/Longview Drive intersection. This does not include construction management services costs. The project schedule is for the plans and specifications to be completed by the end of April and, because this project is using federal funds that are designated only for Grand Avenue, Caltrans authorization is required; a process which can take about three months. Staff will work closely with Caltrans to expedite the process so that the award of contract can possibly take place sooner. Once authorization to proceed is received from the state, the construction contract will be awarded and construction can commence. Staff is hopeful this will materialize sometime in September, with completion prior to the 2014 holiday season. VC/Carrera asked if consideration had been given to the size of the proposed tree wells, to avoid tree root issues. SCENoung replied that it was her understanding that the trees are planted with root barriers and this project will upgrade the well to a larger tree well to accommodate root growth. VC/Carrera asked if staff believed Caltrans would have any issues with this project or releasing funds for this project. SCENoung responded "no." C/Pechy shared he noticed the placards on Page 9 and asked if the City had locked in acquisition of the windmill. SCENoung answered that the City has not acquired the windmill as City property. PWD/Liu added that this is an item on the City Council's Goals and Objectives, there is continued effort to acquire the windmill as City property. The windmill, located at the former Ralph's APRIL 10, 2014 PAGE 4 T&T COMMISSION shopping center, is a feature that is identifiable with Diamond Bar and that is why it continues to be used in decorative elements and publications. PWD/Liu shared that the latest information is that the City is getting close to reaching an agreement with the current owner of the windmill to assume ownership and maintenance thereof. Since the windmill is part of the City's heritage, it is best that it resides with the public versus private ownership. C/Mok asked if the timber rails depicted in the illustrations would be real, treated or faux wood. PWD/Liu responded that, for maintenance purposes, it will be something that makes sense and endures overtime. The architect has assured the City that all of the components have been tried and tested over time including the steel plates. C/Mok inquired if the proposed "steel" plates would actually be made from steel and coated to avoid rust. PWD/Liu confirmed C/Mok's inquiry. C/Sulakhe asked if the windmill remains in the same location, would the City still be able to acquire it. PWD/Liu responded that it is a possibility and there are alternative locations being considered as well. C/Sulakhe asked why the entry monument would be treated differently. PWD/Liu explained that when it comes to entry statements, as previously mentioned by SCENoung, more details need to be provided to the City Council. There are many opportunities and possibilities and there is not enough information at this time, based on the concepts, as to what will be designed by the community. There are other locations under consideration: one near the Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive intersection; one at Diamond Bar Center/Grand Avenue; and Diamond Bar Boulevard and Brea Canyon Road (where the new Lennar Homes are being constructed). C/Sulakhe asked about the process. In response, PWD/Liu replied it would be a very open and public process. Going forward, these projects will reserve an area for the monument signs but the beautification improvements will move forward during consideration of monument signs. Most likely, the process will begin with a study session followed by one or two public meetings during the regularly scheduled City Council meetings. VC/Carrera asked about beautification at Temple Avenue (City of Pomona border), as it transitions into Diamond Bar. PWD/Liu replied that additional locations, including Temple Avenue, will be addressed as a Capital Improvement Project, or as a stand-alone project. Chair/Mahlke stated that one of the things that makes her proud of this City is that staff plans ahead so that whatever is done, is done once and done right. VC/Carrera moved, C/Mok seconded, to receive and file the Grand Avenue Beautification Project Update report. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: APRIL 10, 2014 PAGE 5 T&T COMMISSION AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS Mok, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Carrera, Chair/Mahlke None None B. State Route 57/60 Grand Avenue Confluence Project Update — Power Point Presentation by PWD/Liu. PWD/Liu stated that progress has been made over the past couple of years. To reduce traffic and circulation impacts in Diamond Bar, the City continues to proactively pursue the SR -57/60 "Big Fix" improvements as its top traffic mitigation priority. Every day, more than 340,000 personal and commercial vehicles struggle to navigate their way through the SR -57/60 confluence area, a two-mile stretch where highways are forced to come into alignment in the vicinity of Grand Avenue. This creates a bottleneck and also creates weaving, significant delays, pollution and high accident rates. This freeway segment is rated as the third most congested in California and the seventh worst in the nation. Annually, the confluence area experiences more than 580 accidents, with an additional 90 accidents occurring on the on and off ramps. The SR - 57/60 Confluence Project is a three-phase program of improvements consisting of ramp and interchange reconfigurations as well as, a series of by- pass collectors and roads. Phase I is the construction of a $16.6 million westbound on-ramp from Grand Avenue. With the addition of this new ramp, vehicles traveling southbound on Grand Avenue will have direct right -turn access onto the SR -60. This phase is fully funded with an $8.9 million MTA Grant and local matching funds. Construction is expected to begin November 2015, with an anticipated completion by July 2016. Phase 11 (a) is the construction of a $14 million street widening project. This includes Grand Avenue south of the SR -60 interchange, approximately 0.4 miles of Golden Springs Drive and rebuilding of the intersection at Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive. Phase 11 (a) is in the design phase, with the focus on Phase I and Phase 11 (b). Phase 11 (a) is also fully funded with $6.8 million from MTA and local match funds. Phase 11 (b) is construction of a $20 million westbound Grand Avenue off -ramp and westbound lane on the SR -60 from the SR -57 as well as, reconstruction of the loop on-ramp at Grand Avenue. Phase 11 (b) is fully funded with a $9.4 million MTA Grant and local matching funds. Construction is expected to begin in July 2015 with completion anticipated by March 2016. Phase III is considered the freeway "mainline" improvements. Improvements include construction of the Grand Avenue Bridge over the SR -60, the new eastbound by-pass off -ramp to Grand Avenue, and eastbound by-pass connector from the SR -57 with a new eastbound loop on-ramp on Grand Avenue and extension of the eastbound lane to the new eastbound by-pass connector on the SR -60. The EIR was certified in December 2013 and vigorous efforts are underway to create funding strategies to implement this phase sooner than anticipated. The anticipated cost for this phase is approximately $205 million. APRIL 10, 2014 PAGE 6 T&T COMMISSION Beyond these three phases, there are other components to the "Big Fix" improvements which will require further studies and resources. These components include the westbound by-pass connector and off -ramp to Grand Avenue to eliminate the weaving across the SR -57, the missing connectors and the HOV connectors as well as, an east/west freight' corridor. For these missing components, efforts will continue to pursue funding for a second feasibility study. To date, a $100,000 Caltrans Partnership Grant has been secured and SCAG and MTA have expressed support for funding this study which is valued at approximately $300,000 to $400,000. Resolving these issues is critical and timely, as we need to determine how to pursue and retain the programmed funds to build the remaining components if the feasibility study shows they are worth implementing. On Friday, March 21st, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and Congressman Ed Royce toured the SR -57/60 Confluence area and met with City Council Members from Diamond Bar and Industry to discuss proposed solutions. PWD/Liu presented a professionally produced video that talked about the numbers and statistics to demonstrate the importance of this regionally and nationally significant project. VC/Carrera asked if there would be an additional traffic signal between Golden Springs and the SR -60 freeway on the hook ramp for a total of three traffic signals. PWD/Liu responded affirmatively due to the volume of traffic. VC/Carrera said he continued to be concerned about the southbound SR -57, where three lanes become two lanes just prior to Grand Avenue. PWD/Liu said he would have to look at this area closer and talk with the designer. C/Sulakhe referred to slide 4 (Phase Ila) and asked if any of the traffic would be directed to Grand Avenue which becomes very congested. PWD/Liu explained that, as part of this overall project, the segment of Grand Avenue to the bridge would be widened to eight lanes. C/Pechy commented that traveling toward Diamond Bar from Chino Hills, a portion of Grand Avenue is always packed with traffic. He asked that while the bridge is being widened and work is being done on the on and off ramps, will Grand Avenue be closed at certain times during construction. PWD/Liu indicated that one of the biggest challenges for Diamond Bar would be the traffic detours and traffic impacts during construction. The project is not at the point in the design phase to begin developing the traffic management plan; however, when the traffic management plan is being developed, Diamond Bar will weigh-in and work diligently to minimize impacts. In short, there will be a plan that has to be approved by the City of Diamond Bar along with the City of Industry. Both entities will have to work very closely to develop a good working traffic control plan. VC/Carrera moved, C/Pechy seconded, to receive and file the State Route 57/60 Grand Avenue Confluence Project Update report. Motion carried bythe following Roll Call vote: APRIL 10, 2014 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: V. NEW BUSINESS: ffl- M11 PAGE 7 COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: T&T COMMISSION Mok, Pechy, Sulakhe, VC/Carrera, Chair/Mahlke None None None None C/Pechy said he noticed that for the past couple of days, the northbound red light signal at Ballena Drive and Golden Springs Drive has been out. He inquired if a signal malfunctions or a light goes out, is something electronically sent to staff or does staff rely on the public's notification. AE/Malpica responded that staff continues to rely on residents and the Sheriff's Department for reporting such matters. A. CCTV Project AE/Malpica stated that after some troubleshooting, repairs and communication adjustments, the contractor was able to successfully bring back some of the images from the cameras that were installed last year. Staff continues to improve the bandwidth with the existing copper wire. The proposed budget for the next two fiscal years would allow for replacement of some of the existing copper wire with fiber optic cable which will increase the bandwidth capability and allow for more units along the corridors. B. Traffic Signal Battery Backup Project AE/Malpica indicated that staff received three proposals today with fees ranging from $21,000 to $47,000. After reviewing the proposals, staff selected Advantec Consulting Engineers, Inc. as the most qualified consultant for this project. Advantec understands the scope of work, the needs of the City and is willing to work with the City within its tight schedule. Staff expects to ask the City Council to award the contract at its second meeting in June, with construction to commence in July. Completion is anticipated by August. This 30 -day project involves 34 locations and the battery backup provides extended power up to 5 hours of normal operation and 4 hours of red flash to the intersections in the case of power outages. APRIL 10, 2014 PAGE 8 T&T COMMISSION C. NTMP — Castle Rock Road/Crooked Creek Drive Neighborhood AE/Malpica reported that staff is scheduled to host a third neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, April 29th at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Windmill Room. An invitation is extended to the Commissioners to attend the meeting to hear first-hand the feedback from the residents on the final concept plan. This will include three (3) speed cushions along Castle Rock Road and two (2) speed cushions on Gold Run Drive, centerline striping, parking striping and speed signs along Gold Run Drive, as well as speed signs on Crooked Creek Drive and Castle Rock Road. PWD/Liu indicated that assuming all goes well on April 29th, staff will provide the Commission with its recommendations during the Commission's May meeting and move forward with implementation in June or July. D. Diamond Bar Boulevard and Kiowa Crest Drive Median Modification Project AE/Mosley stated that the design plan is being finalized with Advantec and should be completed by the end of April. The bid advertising phase will be finalized toward the end of May with bids being opened and a contractor being selected the first part of June. This project involves modification of the northbound left -turn pocket on Diamond Bar Boulevard turning onto Kiowa Crest Drive. E. Morning Canyon Rehabilitation Project AE/Mosley reported that this project is in the design phase. Currently, the City's geotechnical consultant is taking borings, along Morning Canyon Road from Diamond Bar Boulevard to Stonepine Drive, to determine the structural section to be replaced within the project limits. The plans should be completed by the middle of May and the project will be advertised the end of May, with bid opening the end of June for selection of a contractor. Staff hopes to begin construction toward the end of July with completion by September. F. Lemon Avenue Interchange Project SCENoung reported that this project remains in the right-of-way acquisitions phase, which staff expects to be completed by the end of the calendar year. Caltrans will be working very closely with the property owners to bring this phase to a conclusion. Offers have been made to all of the properties with the exception of two commercial properties which are finalizing appraisals. Once the appraisals are completed, the offers will be presented to the property owners who have 30 days to accept the offer, make a counter offer or not respond. In the event the owners do not respond, the matter moves to condemnation proceedings; however, the goal is to avoid condemnation proceedings and continue to negotiate with the property owners on their counter offers. City of Industry has authorized a certain amount of money to be agreed upon for counter offers in the event they are higher than what Caltrans guidelines permit. APRIL 10, 2014 PAGE 9 T&T COMMISSION Chair/Mahike asked if there were swimming pools involved in the takings. SCENoung responded there are no takes of pools. These are all partial takes of back yards. One or two of the properties have pools which will not be taken. SCENoung noted that if a pool is taken, it is considered a full property take because the pool is significant to residential property use. G. Area 2/Zone 1 Road Maintenance Project SCENoung reported that this project's plans and specifications were finalized yesterday. Staff will be going out to bid on April 16th, with the bid opening targeted for May 7th. The engineer's estimate for this project is $1.8 million. This project consists of rehabilitating Diamond Bar Boulevard between Sunset Crossing Road and Golden Springs Drive, the west side of Brea Canyon Cutoff, and the residential streets that are east of the Gateway Corporate Center, west of Diamond Bar Boulevard and between Grand Avenue and Pathfinder Road. C/Pechy asked if the City's policy was to accept the lowest bid on every project. SCENoung responded that Public Contract Code requires the City to accept the lowest bid as long as it is deemed responsive and meets the requirements of the specifications. H. Willow Heights — Diamond Bar Boulevard and Brea Canyon Road (formerly known as Site D) SCENoung reported that grading is occurring at the Diamond Bar Boulevard/Brea Canyon Road corner, at what was formerly referred to as the Site D property. This property was approved for development of 182 single family homes, detached condo homes and attached condo units by Lennar Homes. Grading began the end of March and is expected to last five months before construction of the homes begins. Model homes are expected to be completed and open for viewing by March 2015. VC/Carrera asked if the dirt would be moved around or exported. SCENoung responded that plans state that there are 20,000 yards of export; however, the developer intends to work to keep the material on-site, even if it means increasing their compaction to 95 percent. SCENoung continued that in addition to homes, the project will include a three -gross acre two -acre useable public park. The concept is a passive (rain garden) park which will be a basin meant to detain storm water that will slowly drain into the Brea Canyon Channel and provide a natural habitat for plant species. There will be a tot lot and other cross-country exercise amenities. Final design plans have not yet been presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission; however, are anticipated to be on the April agenda for approval. VC/Carrera asked if the flood channel would remain open. SCENoung responded that it would and that there will be a pedestrian bridge over the APRIL 10, 2014 PAGE 10 T&T COMMISSION open channel connecting the portion of land along Brea Canyon Road to the basin on the north side of the channel. SCE/Young further stated that this project will include installing a new traffic signal at Cherrydale Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard, just north of Brea Canyon Road, where the project entrance will be located. Additionally, there will be signal enhancements at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Brea Canyon Road, as well as widening of the intersection by one lane to accommodate a second right -turn lane on Brea Canyon Road and a second left turn lane on Diamond Bar Boulevard. Staff anticipates incorporation of hardscape enhancements like those contemplated for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project, in terms of decorative crosswalks and decorative traffic signals. SCE/Young offered she would bring additional materials to the next Commission meeting to provide more detailed information. Proposed FY 2014-15 City Council Goals and Objectives PWD/Liu referred to the working draft of the updated proposed FY 2014-15 City Council Goals and Objectives included in the Commissioner's packets, which was presented to the City Council on April 1st. He highlighted and reported on some of the items that pertained to traffic and transportation. IX SCHEDULE OF FUTURE CITY EVENTS: As stated in the agenda. Chair/Mahlke highlighted the City Birthday Party which takes place on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Pantera Park. Commissioners are asked to please wear their City shirts. She also pointed out the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19th, following a Pancake Breakfast at Pantera Park. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission, Chair/Mahlke adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this day of 12014. Respectfully, Kimberly M. Young, Acting Secretary Attest: Chair Jen "Fred" Mahlke