HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafety Commission mins 1990/10/11
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MINUTES OF THE SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
Thursday, October 11, 1990
7:05 p.m.
Council Chambers
Public Services Building
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Braden, Co-Chair Thomas, Commissioners
Arnold, Chidester, Koester, Militscher
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Commissioner Matacia
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:
None.
STAFF PRESENT:
Zoubir Ouadah, Associate Traffic Engineer;
Frank Rivera, Assistant Civil Engineer;
Matthew Souttere, Assistant I Civil Engineer
John P. Lippitt, Director of Public Works
OTHERS PRESENT:
Sergeant Tom Schaefer. Also, see attached
attendance list.
1. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
Vice Chair Braden introduced the newly appointed member of the Safety
Commission, Mr. Frank E. Chidester.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION
Approve minutes of the September 20, 1990 Safety Commission meeting.
MSUC [Koesterffhomas] 4-0-2, Arnold abstained due to absence from last meeting
and Chidester abstained as he was not a member at that time, to approve the
Minutes of September 20, 1990.
2. CONTINUED MATTERS:
(2A) Shell Oil Companv Car Wash - Bonita Glen Drive
Mr. Frank Rivera stated that Mr. Brooks Herring of Shell Oil Company is present
and that he would like to address the Safety Commission about this issue.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
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Brooks Herring, Shell Oil Company, 511 North Brookhurst, Anaheim, CA.
I appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight this evening. I will keep my
comments brief. As is evident by the package that staff has prepared for you this
evening, Shell has been working with the City of Chula Vista to alleviate the problem
that has occurred on Bonita Glen Drive. The discussions have gone on for an
extended period of time and I am here to tell you, tonight, that we are ready to
resolve those issues--as I know you are--and that is essentially the thrust of the staff
report, to come to a solution and conclusion to this and set out some timetables for
that. I have not been involved in this process since its inception; however, I have
been involved with it for quite some time, dealing with Mr. Lippitt, Mr. Rivera, and
Mr. Thomas. I think that we all have a reasonable understanding of where the other
is coming from. It appeared to me after some correspondence exchanges, that you
have in your packets, that one of the primary objectives of the City of Chula Vista--
your Commission and the staff--was for us (Shell) to pave half of Bonita Glen Drive,
from essentially our property line all the way down to the intersection. I am
prepared tonight to tell you that we will do that. As is indicated in the comments in
the correspondence, we do have some budget constraints which have prohibited us
from doing that in 1990. I can tell you, that assuming our plans go expeditiously
through the City, we would be able to accomplish this within the first quarter of 1991
and I am sure that Mr. Lippitt and his staff would assist us in any way that they could
in order to see that our construction plans were approved and that we got the work
ready to be done. I think Mr. Lippitt has expressed a preference that we do the
work under the approval of the City of Chula Vista and, we are prepared to do that.
That is what I am here to commit to you this evening. We are here to try and find
a solution to the problem. We think this is it. I would be interested to hear the
comments from the staff. I think they will concur with that and if I can answer any
questions this evening or provide any further information I would be happy to do
that. Thank you for your time.
Mr. Rivera stated that staff would not be giving a report on this item; however, staff
is there to answer any questions that the Safety Commission desires.
Commissioner Militscher asked if he understood it correctly that Mr. Herring was
saying in 1991 they (Shell) were prepared to make this correction.
Mr. Herring responded, stating in the first quarter. We are in October now, it would
probably take us--well I am going to say 60 days--to get our plans completed, which
would put us right into January 1991.
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Commissioner Militscher asked if plans were not drawn up prior to this.
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Mr. Herring stated that plans for construction have not been drawn up prior to this.
Chair Braden asked, construction of what--just the roadway.
Mr. Herring responded, yes ma'am.
Commissioner Koester asked if this were going to be in concrete.
Mr. Herring stated yes, that is correct.
Chair Braden asked why this (the drawing of plans, as it is just a short distance) take
such a lengthy period.
Mr. Herring responded that perhaps the Chair would like to address this question to
staff and see what they think a reasonable approval time would be for Shell to
prepare those plans and have them reviewed by the City and get those approved.
Maybe staff could give you some more accurate information.
Chair Braden asked about the water, the dryer, is Shell going to go ahead with that.
Mr. Herring responded that Shell is currently investigating that. I am not here to
commit to you that Shell is going to do that. We anticipate making some
modifications to the car wash, whether that be in the form of a dryer or of some type
situation, I can't address that yet.
Commissioner Militscher stated that it seems to him that the Safety Commissioner
ought to recommend that they close that area off until such a time as the corrections
can be made. This has been going on for 1-1/2 years and if they haven't prepared
any plans in 1-1/2 years, I can't see it being done in the next three months either.
Mr. John Lippitt asked for permission to make a couple of comments--I think there
has been somewhat of a disagreement between Shell and the City up to this point
about what the proper procedure was. Shell felt that if they did put the blower in,
that that would solve the problem, and staff felt that it would not solve the problem.
So, I think we have come to the conclusion--part of the deal is, is that we (the City)
would go out and repair the street right now, the way it is, and Shell would reimburse
us for thatnthe immediate repairs. So the street would be in good shape, and then
within three months then they would start into the construction to rebuild that half
of the street into concrete. Concrete is a type of material that withstands constant
water, whereas asphalt does not. To get any plans through process, they have to hire
an engineer and they have to go out and do some surveying and they have to prepare
plans, they have to check with utility companies and do a lot of coordination on the
street job. It is not just simply pouring concrete because there are a lot of things
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under the street that, you know, the utility companies are going to be concerned with.
So it takes a good two to three months even for a small job like that to get it through
the plan checking process and checking with all the other people that are affected.
I think that is the best way to go and I think we have reached a good milestone
tonight.
Chair Braden asked Mr. Lippitt if he felt that after that street is concreted that the
water will not make a difference, that a dryer is not needed.
Mr. Lippitt responded, stating--well, two things. I think they are still going to look
at that, because they have a lot of water problems on their own site and they may do
it. But, in the street, the problem is tracking. It is not so much the water dropping
off the vehicles, although that is part of it too, in fact you can even see it. If you look
at the potholes, there is a deterioration just at the driveway and then there is also
deterioration down by the Bonita Road where vehicles stop and wait for the signal.
Concrete withstands water much, much better than asphalt does. I think the problem
will be cured. I think that if they put the dryer in there and don't make the street
concrete, I think they will still have a problem. I don't think that will solve the
problem. So, as far as the street is concerned, I think it will stay, you know what we
call in a good state of repair, for many years if they put it in concrete.
Chair Braden remarked that suppose they choose not to put in the dryer and there
is some deterioration of the road, then what. How much time are we giving Shell to
make up their mind regarding elimination of some of that water.
Mr. Lippitt stated that we (City staff) will be going out in the next couple of weeks
and doing some minor repairs to the road and sending Shell the bill. That should last
for three to four months easily. What we are saying is that we are giving them three
or four months to build that road in concrete. Is that what you mean.
Chair Braden stated that was not what she meant. I mean, are you going to wait for
damage to happen again, say they decide they don't want to do the blower (the
dryer), for example. Are you going to wait until some deterioration shows up again
before we start up this process again or is somebody going to keep an eye on it.
Mr. Lippitt responded, stating that surely we will keep an eye on it, but it is our
opinion that if they do it in concrete, you won't get deterioration of the pavement.
All our gutters in the streets are concrete, the gutters are concrete and the rest of the
pavement is asphalt and there is constant water flowing in the gutters. Concrete is
designed to handle water on a constant basis. I don't think it is going to be a
problem.
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Commissioner Thomas noted that he was on the subcommittee that worked with Mr.
Herring and the staff for 1-1/2 years, and that we are getting, basically, exactly what
we asked for. I am not happy with the time frame. We expected this to happen in
the third or fourth quarter in 1990, I am not happy with that, however, we are getting
exactly what we have been asking for for 1-1/2 years. The proposal is that he
(Mr. Herring) will give it to us in writing--that Shell will have it to us in writing. So
all of the effort that staff has put forward, we are getting it. We are getting it a little
bit later than what we wanted, but we are getting it right now.
MOTION
That we accept Shell's proposal. Pin Mr. Herring down to a date that the letter will
be received in Mr. Lippitt's office, with the date that it (the street) will be concreted,
and also for the approval of the temporary repairs and that Shell will pay the bill.
MSUC [Thomas/Koester] 6-0.
Commissioner Thomas asked Mr. Herring when would we have that letter in Mr.
Lippitt's office.
Mr. Herring replied, asking when would you like it.
Commissioner Thomas said fax it by tomorrow.
Mr. Herring stated that he was sorry, but that that was not possible because my boss
is out of town. I understand your frustration. He asked if two weeks from today
would be okay.
Commissioner Thomas, on behalf of the Commission, replied that that would be fine.
That we (the City) can go ahead and make the repairs and send the bill to Shell.
Mr. Herring said yes, that Mr. Lippitt and I have agreed to that and that has been
done in the past and that is fine.
Chair Braden expressed thanks on behalf of the Commission to Mr. Lippitt for being
available at this meeting to resolve this issue.
(2B) Request for vermit varkinl! on 200 block of "D" Street
Mr. Rivera gave staffs report. At last month's Safety Commission meeting, the
Safety Commission agreed to have Fredericka Manor and the "D" Street home
owners have a meeting to try to mitigate the parking concerns requested by the
residents. Subsequent to that Safety Commission meeting, the Fredericka Manor and
some of the home owners have met and, I guess, Mr. Genna will be presenting that
report, the response to that meeting. It is staffs recommendation that the Fredericka
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Manor continue to work on solving their parking concerns and they are making an
effort to find places for their vehicles on their property. I don't think that they have
had time in one month to adequately access what they need to do and maybe some
of their solutions are long-term in nature. Staff recommends parking stall markings
along the south curb line of "D" Street and along the east curb line of Third Avenue
be painted in to better delineate parking in that area. This would allow for
approximately 12 vehicles on Third Avenue and about 25 on "D" Street to park in
those areas. That concludes my report.
Commissioner Thomas stated that he thought that the Fredericka Manor
administrators are trying to get involved. I think it would be appropriate to give
them an opportunity to see if they can accomplish their goal. If they cannot
accomplish their goal, then I think it should come right back to the Safety
Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Vito Genna, 111 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, 92010.
I am the Administrator at the Fredericka Manor Convalescent Hospital. I just
wanted to be here if there are any questions about the letters that I have written
back and forth and I certainly welcome the recommendations that the City has put
forward.
Commissioner Arnold stated that in the recommendation to the Commission by staff,
they are talking about the east curb line of Third Avenue. I want to question that,
in that, what portion of that curb line are you going to make available for parallel
parking. When you get down to "D" Street, you would not have any parking space
near the curb line of "D" Street.
Mr. Rivera responded, noting that at Third Avenue and "D" Street parking wjJ]
continue to be parallel parking as you see up here (referring to a slide of the area).
What we are proposing (we have red curb on the east curb line of Third Avenue up
to the intersection of "D" Street) where you see these cars parked, just beyond the
red curbing, that is where we would like to add the parking "T" stall markings such
as we are also recommending on "D" Street so that when a vehicle parks, they wjJ]
know specifically where their parking stall is and park there and not eliminate a
parking space which could have been used by another vehicle. This (the painting in
of the parking "T" stalls) wjJ] allow us to maximize the parking area.
Commissioner Militscher asked Mr. Rivera what was the purpose of the red curbing.
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Mr. Rivera responded that in this area, this red curb has been in here for a few
years. The request was for sight distance. We used to have vehicles that would park
all the way up to the edge of the driveway and so we cleared it out for sight distance.
Commissioner Militscher asked if staff were proposing to change any of the red
curbing.
Mr. Rivera stated no, staff is not, staff is only proposing to add white markings which
would be on the outside corners of the vehicles--"T" shaped white markings.
Commissioner Koester asked about an area south of where the cars were parked
(shown on the slide), there is red curbing--is staff going to eliminate some of that red
curb to allow a couple more cars to park there.
Mr. Rivera responded that staff could look into that if it is shown that there is a
specific need for the Fredericka Manor to allow additional parking in the area. I
would prefer that Fredericka Manor try to resolve the parking problems and as a last
case, we go back and look at removing some red curb which was added for sight
distance clearance. I would hate to go back and remove some of it unless absolutely
necessary.
Chair Braden stated that she had a letter (as an addition to the packet) from Mr.
Dease who was part of the Costa Verde Association. Did you wish to speak as you
did not fill out a Request to Speak form.
Larry Dease, 245 "D" Street, #B, Chula Vista, 92010.
I am president of the homeowner's association and as a vote of the homeowner's
association as a majority, the association would like to stay in concurrence with the
rest of the home owners on "D" Street in their efforts to get parking stalls and
restricted parking. I personally have my own personal views and I think I will just
keep those at that, because what I would like to say would border on mutiny here.
I really think that if "D" Street wants it, that "D" Street should pay for it. But I also
think that since that the City of Chula Vista is a non-profit organization, that they
should share the revenues from the parking tickets that will be generated on that
street, in my opinion.
Chair Braden stated that she gathered from Mr. Dease's letter that he says he is
going to continue to support the rest of them to petition to restrict and you want the
permit parking still.
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Mr. Dease responded that he was referring to the original petition. My association
has asked that I write that letter as the association's president to support the original
petition. If the original petition is now being amended because other people are not
here to speak for it, then that is their problem.
Chair Braden interjected, stating that they are going to be neighbors and try to get
along.
Mr. Dease said yes, as far as he is concerned.
MOTION
That we accept staffs proposal.
MSUC [Thomas/Militscher] 6-0.
(2C) Request for uarkin!1: urohibition at James Court
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Mr. Rivera presented staffs report. At last month's Safety Commission meeting it
was decided that parking not be allowed on the north edge of pavement on James
Court where it fronts along the unimproved parcel. (At this point Mr. Rivera showed
the Commission slides of the area, one specifically looking from the end of the cui
de sac, eastbound, to Fourth Avenue.) Last month the Safety Commission
recommended that parking be prohibited along the north side in the unimproved
area. Staff would request that the Safety Commission change that recommendation
and amend it to the recommendation that we are proposing tonight. The
recommendation for the no parking along the north side of James Court, we would
be required to post no parking any time signs in the City right-of-way on the north
side. The City right-of-way is the paved portion of the roadway. We would have to
put our sign posts right at the edge of the pavement. We feel that they would not
last there too long and, a vehicle can only be cited if it is parked on the pavement.
Once it is off the pavement, it is on private property. We do not have that right-of-
way and so a vehicle would not be cited. No vehicles park part way on the
pavement, they all park off in the dirt area. I have talked to the Zoning Department
and I am told that the only way we can restrict or prohibit parking along the north
side of that street, is that each property owner post a no parking sign on that
property. If there is a vehicle parked on that property, that property owner then
contacts the Police Department who will cite the vehicle and possibly tow that vehicle
away.
Chair Braden asked if there were two owners for this property.
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Mr. Rivera acknowledged that there were two owners--the largest frontage is the
house with a Fourth Avenue address and then this unimproved parcel, which is an
absentee owner and has a smaller frontage, approximately 50 to 60 feet frontage.
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The California Vehicle Code section is specific on how the signs can be posted and
how they shall be posted. Therefore, staff is recommending that these property
owners be notified and notified of the no parking signs requirements and that the
driveway entrance of the original request, which was made at 420 James Court, that
they have red curbing added at the edges of their driveway to clear their driveway.
This was initially the reason, the way the request was presented to us, therefore the
720 Fourth Avenue and the vacant parcel on James Court will be notified. That
concludes my report.
MOTION
Chair Braden stated that she thought this was an excellent recommendation and
moved that the Commission accept it.
MSUC [BradenIKoester] 6-0.
Commissioner Arnold asked if the dirt area was dedicated property.
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Mr. Rivera responded that this was private property. The entire unimproved portion
is private property that has not been dedicated to the City. The City only has an 18
foot width (coming in off Fourth Avenue and running down James Court) and near
the end of the cuI de sac the width expands to 36 feet. The City portion of it extends
from the pavement edge (north side) to the property line along the back of the
sidewalk in front of the fence line (south side).
Commissioner Arnold thought it strange that the City did not get it dedicated when
they were constructing the rest of the street.
Sam McQueen, 438 James Court, Chula Vista, 92010.
This is a cuI de sac street. The original house, on the left with the three trash cans
(looking at the slide), that was the only house there. There was just a lane going into
it until about 30 years ago. Thirty years ago a developer developed one-half of the
street, the south side of it--putting in those 10 houses. I am one of the original
owners there. Only the south side of the street was paved at that time, the rest of
it was all dirt and undeveloped with only one house over on the left (north side). As
the other houses were put in on the north side of the street (near the end of the cuI
de sac) they completed the street portion near the cuI de sac and completed the cuI
de sac circle as they were built. Originally it was just the 10 houses on the one side
of the street, that is why the City put in only one-half (width) a street to begin with
and a half-circle into the cuI de sac.
(2D) Reauest for perpendicular parkin!! at 700 block of Riverlawn Avenue
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Mr. Rivera gave staff's report. At last month's Safety Commission meeting the Safety
Commission voted that the Police Department, for one month, cite vehicles parked
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in excess of the 72 hours as mandated by the Chula Vista Municipal Ordinance codes
and to cite illegally parked vehicles which were parking parallel (perpendicular) to
the curb line. This was occurring at the north cuI de sac of Riverlawn Avenue. Staff,
since that time, has noticed that there are less vehicles parked out there which were
abandoned. Before that, the residents had complained that it had not moved in long
(referring to a parked camper appearing in one of the slides.) periods of time. Those
vehicles, such as that camper you see on the slide are no longer there, that camper
is parked in the driveway of that residence. Staff therefore feels that this area (again,
pointing to a slide) where the red vehicle is, that should be red curbed as it is not
legal to park between the two driveways as the City Code specifically states that 8
feet of parking clearance must be maintained between each driveway. In this area
we have approximately 16 feet. Staff is also requesting that the 8 feet be extended
on this side (the opposite side) of the cui de sac and on one side of the driveway by
the house across the street. That is staffs recommendation and that concludes my
report.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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Mr. Rivera interjected that he did receive a few phone calls during the week. Some
residents felt that we were (going) to allow perpendicular parking on the entire
street--Riverlawn Avenue, between the two cuI de sacs. I specifically explained to
them that no, the problem was confined to the north cui de sac only--that that is the
only area we were dealing with; that vehicles would continue to park parallel to the
curb down the street, such as they are doing, and that we were not going to be
recommending that. I received a phone call from Mr. and Mrs. Mackelfresh from
749 Riverlawn Avenue and they told me that they did not want perpendicular parking
on Riverlawn Avenue. Once I explained to them what the issue was, they agreed that
our recommendation for red curbing was fine and they appreciated the work that
Chula Vista Police Department had done in clearing the vehicles on Riverlawn
Avenue.
Chair Braden concurred with Mr. Rivera's remarks about the Police Department,
adding that she appreciated what the Police have done to clean up Riverlawn
Avenue.
Ross Gillis, 741 Riverlawn Avenue, Chula Vista, 92010.
I have a question for the gentleman here talking about the red curb. It is my
understanding that you say the red curb (extending) 8 feet on each side of the
driveway is only going to apply down at the cuI de sac. Is that correct.
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Mr. Rivera cited the Chula Vista Municipal Code, stating no vehicle shall park within
8 feet of a driveway opening. That is not enforced by the Chula Vista Police
Department unless they receive a complaint to investigate.
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Mr. Gillis said his first question on that is, if we paint the curbs red on this particular
end of the cui de sac, what is that going to do to the rest of the parking along the
frontage on the houses back this way (running down Riverlawn Avenue), south of
that cui de sac. The individuals that live in that cui de sac in the apartments down
there, the reason they park on the back side here is so that they don't have to go
around on "J" Street. Because if they are going toward the freeway when they come
out, they have to go east, circle back around, and then go back down to the west side
and get on the freeway. When they come in in the evening, they have to do a "U"
turn and come back the other way to get in that parking lot. The parking lot on the
north side of the Karen Condominium there, I have never seen the parking lot even
close to 50 percent filled to capacity. I understand that they have them marked off
by apartment number or letter or whatever, but it is always almost completely empty.
All the parking seems to occur in the back side here. If we paint the curbs red on
the back side here, what is that going to do as far as forcing the rest of those people
back down into the rest of the neighborhood. Now I have already had problems with
people parking in my driveway at 741 (Riverlawn Avenue) and if we eliminate the
parking down on the north side there in that cui de sac, which I am all for, I am for
painting it red, but if we are going to do that, if we are going to paint it red, let's
enforce the 8 foot all the way throughout that the whole cui de sac area. You know,
8 feet on each side of the driveways.
O.D. Cooper, 767 Riverlawn Avenue, Chula Vista, 92010.
I'll agree with the recommendations of the Safety Commission, except I think that the
curb at 724 Riverlawn Avenue should be painted red all the way around. There are
two reasons for that: 1) is for the emergency vehicles such as Police/Fire
Departments and so forth can make the circle--turnnin the cui de sac without having
to back into somebody's car or something; and 2) tonight I drove through these
condos (parking lot) and the back parking lot had six of their spaces vacant, the front
parking lot had 25 vacant and I counted six cars from the condos parked on the
street (Riverlawn Avenue). So, as far as the condo parking, I think they should solve
their own within the confines of the condos. Here is a picture I would like to show
you of what happens, and that is why I believe they should have a red curb all the
way around the cui de sac and a space designated in the condos for them to drain
their oil, drain their antifreeze, dump their ashtrays and wash their cars within their
condo complex and they will eliminate a lot of problems, as you can see by the
picture. Otherwise I agree with the Safety Commission's recommendations all
together.
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Clay Gingerich, 768 Riverlawn Avenue, Chula Vista, 92010.
I am a long term resident like some of the others, I have been there since the house
was built. We have had a lot of peace and tranquility there and now all of a sudden
we have a big problem. I learned from Mr. Hanna(sp ?) that I am sorry to say is not
here, I think he lives at 740 Riverlawn Avenue down the street from the cui de sac,
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a couple of houses. He refreshed my mind that when those apartments were built--I
was living there--they were known as the Carousel Apartments. They had the frontal
assigned off street parking, which was apparently adequate at the time, we are talking
about 1957 + or -, they had a considerable rear yard apparently and they found that
their parking was not adequate--which it is not today. Most places do not have
enough parking--condos and apartmentsnit is a real problem. Somehow or another
they got the City to open this cui de sac. The one down at our end is not open. We
have apartments on the south end of Riverlawn and there is no access from the
apartment complex to Riverlawn Avenue. We don't have those kind of problems.
The problems were created. I learned from Mr. Miller, who isn't here, who lives I
think at 725 Riverlawn Avenue, the first house opposite 724 Riverlawn Avenue or
723 Riverlawn Avenue, I am not sure. I learned that there is an apartment in there
that has five vehicles. I don't know how accurate this is, and 16 people. Now I think
that the request that certain persons made here, I have a copy of the letter, this is
the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. It is self-defeating. They are asking the
Commission, the City, to grant them parking that is perpendicular to the curb of a
cui de sac. This must be setting a precedent. I can't believe this request. They are
asking for special parking places be assigned them. Nobody could turn around in this
cui de sac. The design of a cui de sac, which everybody should know, is for the
purpose of making a turn. Well, the thing of it is, it comes down to thisnthey have
been coming down the street; and I got a warning ticket on my motor homenl have
a 24 foot motor homenl can park in my driveway if I have to, I move this motor
home consistently and I get a warning ticket, but I did not see cars getting a warning
ticket. Why are they picking on motor homes. If they can prove that I park longer
than 72 hours, they have a case as this is a public right of way, state law, I know the
ordinance, I was a City employee for 18-1/2 years. I am very well aware of the laws.
But this is ridiculous on the face of it and I full heartedly agree, you thought we were
speaking in opposition, well I'm not, I am not speaking in opposition. Let's red curb
it around there and we'll eliminate this problem and we'll have people able to make
their turn, including fire equipment or what have you. This is ridiculous. I have a
solution. That is nice when you can offer something. I went down there and looked
in that parking lot that they have that parks, I think, nine cars. Low and behold, next
to Mr. Miller's property line on the south, the right side entering their parking lot,
there is a 10 foot grass strip there. They could put six cars in there. I noted that the
present parking places, I see think possible parking spaces. Looking at a slide of the
area: do you see what I am talking about. That fence is approximately 10 feet from
that private curb. There is a 10 foot strip there going 50 feet east, approximately
more or less, stepping it off, and there is considerable distance for not interfering
with the opposite parked cars. Why on earth do they not use it. My case.
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Chair Braden asked that when people enter this driveway and, suppose they live
closer to "J" Street, can they drive and park out front.
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Mr. Rivera informed the Commission that there is a 33 stall parking lot off "J" Street
and it is has two driveway approaches.
Commissioner Chidester asked if people could drive from the "J" Street parking lot
to the rear parking lot.
Clay Gingerich responded, saying, no people cannot drive from the back parking lot
through the complex to get to the front parking lot. Let me say that the City was
good enough to concur with them and open the cuI de sac, which now appears to be
a big mistake from our standpoint, because we would not have this problem. In
order to accommodate them; but the thing is is that they have adequate space. They
are luckier than most p]aces--most places do not have a space that they could
transform into parking areas.
.
Janice Boggs, 745 Riverlawn Avenue, Chula Vista, 92010.
I agree with Mr. Gingerich and Mr. Cooper. I grew up on this street and I
remember when these were apartments and now they are condominiums. The
problem that we have every night that we go home, if you make this a red curb that
means that the people that live in here are going to be parking further and further
down the street on Riverlawn Avenue. As it is now when I come home at night, I
don't know if I am going to have a parking space in front of my house for my vehicle
because they don't have enough parking up there. Some residents that live there
have, I know, at least five cars. They'll pull up, park in the cuI de sac, go in and get
their other vehicle and take off and leave the car parked illegally there. Also, there
are three motor homes on the street that have been ticketed constantly, with other
vehicles that have been left there for weeks at a time that have never been ticketed.
They are not there now because after they got a few tickets, this issue came up
before to the Council, they have cleaned up the street and they have not been
parking here. They have moved over to Madison Avenue. That is another area that
they possibly park on; Madison Avenue is always filled with their cars. I think that
it should be made red and that the condominiums should provide parking for their
tenants instead of using our City streets as their parking area.
.
Gary Cooper, 767 Riverlawn Avenue, Chula Vista, 92010.
I am the property owner at 724 River]awn Avenue. One thing that we can all agree
on is that there is a parking problem on Riverlawn Avenue and I believe the solution
lies in red curbing the cuI de sac and strict enforcement of the 72 hour parking
limitation. I think if enough people get parking tickets they will eventually learn the
rules of the road. Frankly, I am tired of seeing two or three cars parked illegally in
front of my house and they use the front yard as their own garbage dump. They spill
oil, they work on cars, they trample the grass. I am glad to see that something is
finally going to be done about it. Thank you.
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Commissioner Koester asked if an emergency vehicle could make a turn in the cui
de sac if there were no cars there at all.
Mr. Rivera responded that the radius of the cui de sac is 30.5 feet; a normal turning
circle for a vehicle is approximately 35 feet. So even then, at best, a normal size
vehicle would have a difficult time making a U turn without having to back up. A
small vehicle could complete the maneuver. An ambulance would be cutting it close.
Anything larger than an ambulance would probably have a problem, without having
to back up. Standard cui de sacs in Chula Vista are 40 feet in radius, so they are 10
feet wider.
Chair Braden asked if staff knew how many units are there in the condominium
complex and how many parking spaces. I have lived in that general area for over 20
years and I drive "J" Street, minimum twice a day. I never see that parking lot fulln
weekends or week days. Is it a matter of convenience that people park back there.
Mr. Rivera noted that it is a matter of the way the parking spaces are delegated to
those units. I don't know how many units there are in that parking lot, but it is the
condominium's way of regulating who parks in that parking lot. I have a feeling that,
it's just like we have had requests at other condominium parking lots--what happens
is that when you open up a parking lot that has anybody park wherever they want,
they loose control over that parking lot. Then you tend to have vehicles which
become abandoned or just dropped off in the area. This is their way of controlling
access to that condominium parking lot.
Chair Braden asked if there were not tenants that do not have cars, but yet have an
assigned space that they could perhaps rent to others.
Mr. Rivera acknowledged that perhaps the condominium should look at re-doing
their policy for assigning parking in that parking lot, seeing as they do have adequate
parking to accommodate all of the vehicles that are parking out on the street. That
would be up to the condominium association to handle with its residents.
Chair Braden asked if there had been contact with the condominium association.
Mr. Rivera stated that no we had not. We could notify them, although we would not,
in Traffic Engineering, it would not be our authority to tell them how to run their
parking lot. We could write a letter suggesting to them the Commission's desire.
Commissioner Militscher interjected that it was within the Commission's power to
close off that driveway.
Mr. Rivera responded, stating that he believed that would have to go before the
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Planning Commission and possibly, more than likely, the City Council to close off an
access that has already been granted.
Commissioner Militscher asked if there were anything illegal about that.
Mr. Rivera stated that there was not.
At this juncture someone spoke from the audience--her words were not picked up on
the microphone.
Mr. Rivera responded to these remarks, stating that when vehicles were parking
perpendicular at the frontage of 724 Riverlawn Avenue, the back bumper would be
out toward the center of the cui de sac and a vehicle, such as a garbage truck, would
have to zigzag around those cars. They then roll out the trash dumpster into the
driveway and then the trash truck would back up.
MOTION
That the Safety Commission notify the owner of that condominium to attempt to
come up with a proposal to solve some of this parking of his people in that area and
also to consider, perhaps, finding what the procedure is to close off that driveway if
we get no cooperation from them.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Arnold said that it was his understanding that when people wanted to
develop a project they had to apply to the Planning Department and that one or one
and one-half car spaces were required off-street. It would appear that there are a
lot more cars in that area than there are living units.
Commissioner Militscher noted that they are not utilizing even the ones they have.
I have been listening to people here say that parking lot is never full. They ought to
be encouraged to utilize what they already have, rather than parking on the street
and congesting it for the residents who reside along there.
Commissioner Chidester asked if there were a red curb in front of this complex on
the "J" Street side.
Chair Braden informed Mr. Chidester that there was no parking allowed on "J"
Street. It is a collector street.
Commissioner Arnold stated that he talked to the owner of 725 Riverlawn Avenue
and the only area he was concerned about was the area between his driveway and the
entryway into the condominium complex. It appeared to me that if you did it all the
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way around the cuI de sac you would be taking away an area in front of the property
of 724 and 725 Riverlawn Avenue. The man at 725 Riverlawn Avenue indicated that
he was not aware that there was going to be any restrictions in front of his house or
in front of 724 Riverlawn Avenue.
Commissioner Militscher interjected that it was his understanding that the red car (as
shown in the slide) was parked illegally as there is not an adequate space for an 8
foot clearance on each side.
Mr. Rivera responded that Mr. Militscher was correct and that it is no longer parked
in that area.
Clay Gingerich interjected, saying that Mr. Rivera was correct, the red car has been
parked in front of his house for about four days.
Commissioner Koester asked if Mr. Militscher, in his motion, was recommending
what was in the recommendation portion of staffs report.
Commissioner Militscher responded that he would like to see the owner come up
with some suggestions on how to use his own parking area for his residents in that
area before we do anything. If the solution can be done by simply using existing
parking spots we have no problem. If it can't be and he won't cooperate, then I
think we ought to consider closing that off. That would eliminate the whole problem.
Mr. Rivera made the comment that it would be possible for the Safety Commission
to recommend that staff at least go ahead and paint this parking space where the red
vehicle is as shown in the slide.
Commissioner Militscher stated he thought staff would do that because it is not a
legal parking area.
MOTION
That the Safety Commission notify the owner of that condominium to attempt to
come up with a proposal to solve some of this parking of his people in that area and
also to consider, perhaps, finding what the procedure is to close off that driveway if
we get no cooperation from them.
MSUC [MilitscherlKoester] 6-0.
Clay Gingerich asked for permission to make a comment. If this problem continues
I am going to have the City Zoning Enforcement Officer investigate overcrowding in
an apartment in there. The Uniform Housing Code, which I use to enforce, is very
specific about the number of square feet per person in a dwelling. Five cars, 16
people.
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Ross Gillis stated that several of the people living in these condominiums and visit
these condominiums-- I don't know if they live there or not, I don't see their vehicle
parked there very often--but I know every time they turn the corner on Kearny and
head down north on Riverlawn Avenue, it sounds like the Indy 500 starting off. One
of the things we had anticipated doing, possibly, was asking to have a speed bump
put in between the corner there at Kearny and down this way (from Kearny) to slow
them down to protect our children.
Mr. O.D. Cooper asked that he be allowed to publicly thank the Sergeant from the
Police Department for enforcing the rules like they should be and that we have a
good Police Department.
At 8:04 p.m. the Chair called for a recess.
The Safety Commission reconvened at 8:11 p.m.
3. NEW BUSINESS
(3A) Request for an all-wav stop at Melrose Avenue and Rancho Court
Mr. Rivera gave staffs report. Staff received a letter from Mr. Charles Carter of the
Paul Miller Company requesting an all-way stop at the intersection of Melrose
Avenue and Rancho Court. Staff has reviewed the roadway characteristics, the
accident history, and the sight distance of that intersection, and completed an all-way
stop study at this intersection. The intersection did not receive the minimum
requirements needed to justify stopping the through street, Melrose Avenue--which
changes to Rancho Drive. It did not meet the requirements needed to justify the
stopping of the through traffic. Staff is concerned that a stop sign at this location for
a low volume of vehicles corning out of the minor streets would cause disrespect of
the stop sign in this area. Staff is recommending that this stop sign not be installed
at this area. It is a 25 mph speed limit zone, it is posted at 25 mph and that
concludes my report.
Chair Braden commented that she was at this intersection at 5:15 one afternoon, it
looks like it is almost, not a public street in among those condos.
Mr. Rivera stated that it is a loop street that starts from Otay Valley Road and
continues around and primarily serves as the access point just to those apartments
and condos in that area. If there is any problem with that street, I would tend to
believe that it's from the area residents themselves and there may be something that
the homeowners associations can mention to their residents that they should take
care in this area. There are children playing since there are a lot of green areas
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adjacent to the roadway. I believe that that is the step that the homeowners
associations should take.
Chair Braden asked if Mr. Miller was notified that this was on the agenda.
Mr. Rivera informed the Chair that Mr. Miller was notified and also notified
approximately six or seven members of their homeowners' board. We received no
response from them.
Chair Braden noted that there are a lot of children III the area, especially
skateboarders.
MOTION
That the Safety Commission accept staffs report.
MSDC, [MilitscherlKoester] 6-0, approved.
Commissioner Arnold commented that when he was down at this area earlier this
afternoon, a school bus stops right at that intersection. It sits there while the kids are
getting out. The bus stop is right in the bend where Melrose Avenue becomes
Rancho Drive.
Commissioner Militscher asked Mr. Arnold if there were not special rules governing
schools buses, that if the children are going to cross the street when they are let out
of the bus that red lights flash and all traffic stops.
Commissioner Arnold said that was a state requirement. That there is also a fire
hydrant there also.
Commissioner Chidester asked staff if any thought was given to putting a stop sign
at the corner of Rancho Court where it enters into Melrose Avenue. In other words,
stop the eastbound traffic on Rancho Court before it enters the main road.
Mr. Rivera responded that staff could add a stop sign. Presently there are no stop
signs in the area. We could add a stop sign if the Safety Commission desires at
Rancho Court, which would be the "T" intersection so that they would have a limit
line to stop behind. The stop sign would be where Rancho Court (the "t" in Court
shows on the viewgraph, the stop sign would be placed in that location). So that if
they want to turn left to go up Melrose Avenue or right to go onto Rancho Drive,
they would have to come to a complete stop. Right now there are no pavement
markings in that intersection.
Commission Chidester stated that the vehicle code does require that when a street
comes to a dead end, a key intersection like that, that the person on the ending street
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is required to cede the right of way to the traffic on the main through street. A stop
sign would certainly preclude any assignment of blame in the event of an accident.
Have any accidents occurred at that intersection that we know of.
Mr. Rivera responded that there is only one recorded accident at that intersection.
A vehicle was parked just south of that intersection and maybe he had just passed
up the entrance to Rancho Court and he started backing up northbound, he was hit
by a vehicle going southbound on Melrose Avenue. That is the only reported
accident we have.
Chair Braden said that you would think the people who live there and drive fast
would realize that those streets are the way they are--they are twisty, there are kids
on the road--you would think they would slow down. Most of the people using that
road live in there.
Mr. Rivera acknowledged that that road only serves the residents of that area.
MOTION
That Safety Commission accept staffs recommendation and that staff write Mr.
Charles Carter of the Paul Miller Company and ask them to advise their tenants.
MSDC, [Braden/Chidester] 6-0, approved.
(3B) Request for an all-way stop at Avenida Ysidora and Calle Santiaeo
Mr. Rivera gave staffs report. Staff received a request for this all way stop (slides
of the intersection were shown to the Commission). We have notified that resident
of that corner several times to trim the hedges, but after they trim them--in a month
or so its has grown back to the way it was before. We have looked at the accident
history for that intersection and recent history only indicates one accident that
occurred. The accident could have been correctable by the installation of an all way
stop. This intersection, because of the roadway characteristics and the volume of the
traffic in this intersection, although it did not meet the City Council approved warrant
system, staff feels that an all way stop at this intersection such as you see on the area
plat will give the layout of the neighborhood streets. An all way stop at this
intersection can be installed with an advanced warning sign for vehicles traveling
eastbound on Calle Santiago. The all way stop would be established by a trial traffic
regulation which would thereby have to be approved eight months from now after we
prepare a report on the affects of the all way stop on the area. That concludes my
report.
Commission Chidester asked if there were any other four way stops in that general
area after which this one could be patterned.
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Mr. Rivera responded that in the Buena Vista Way area the only stop signsuwe have
no all way stops in this network of streets. We normally just have stop signs on the
minor streets, such as on Don Carlos Court, Cerito Court, and a couple cui de sacs
in the vicinity of Chula Vista Hills. Buena Vista Way (using the slide) where it T
intersects with Del Rey Park and Calle Santiago--that only has a stop sign for
southbound and there is a traffic signal at East "H" Street and Buena Vista Way.
This would be the first all way stop in this subdivision. These homes were built in
1972-74.
Commissioner Militscher asked how long the trial period would run.
Mr. Rivera stated the staff would write the work order and send a memo to the City
Council (to inform them) that we are establishing this trail traffic regulation to
become effective as soon as the signs are posted. The signs could be posted within
a few weeks and then approximately seven months from now we would corne to the
Safety Commission to get their approval if we should keep this stop sign permanent
and then forward our recommendation to the City Council.
.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Scott Alevy, 901 Avenida Ysidora, Chula Vista, 92010.
I don't want to get in the way of progressuthe major point I want to make is that our
main concern is the traffic corning up to a blind intersection and it is a hill (looking
at the viewgraph) as you see the angle there, it is a hill corning up that crests just
before the curve, so obviously we all gun our engines a little bit just to go uphill, not
that it is a major hill, but there is a tendency for cars to be going pretty quickly. It
wasn't a major concern until Chula Vista Hills opened just a little over a year ago
and a number of children, some of whom walk to school with my daughter, cross at
that intersection every day and I walk--there is the blind part of the intersection there
(looking at the slide) it is really hard to see under that tree or above the hedges
corning up from Avenida Ysidora. If you will see where the red car is (looking at the
slide) right there to the left of there, that is where children cross the street going to
and corning from school. That is my major concern. I've got a first grader and a
baby due in two weeks, so obviously I want to stay in the area safely for awhile. It's
something that we think, you know, if it saves lives, terrific. I think $300 is a small
price to pay and we really appreciate your effort. That was our main concern. It's
a rather blind intersection.
Chair Braden (looking at the slide) stated that that tree is obstructive, isn't it.
.
Commissioner Militscher asked Mr. Rivera if the Commission couldn't suggest that
they get that cut away again.
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Mr. Rivera responded that yes we can write the property owners and have them trim
their tree. As you can see this is a four-way intersection (looking at the slide) and
all we can see is the three legs of the intersection. Mr. AJevy lives south of here
(point at a spot on the slide) and his car would be looking underneath this tree area
at cars coming this way (this is looking eastbound) this is the curb. We would have
an advanced stop sign up ahead in this area, but this is the primary concern.
MOTION
That Safety Commission accept staffs recommendation.
MSUC, [Militscher/Koester] 6-0, approved.
(5C) 1991 Evaluation List for AlI-wav Stop Intersections
.
Stan Waid, Treasurer, Bonita Highlands Homeowners Association
I am also the architect of the easternmost route of SR-125, if you this morning's
paper. My concern, and I have talked to Frank about this, and I have been before
City Council on this same problem several times. I have also been before the Board
of Supervisors. The opening of Corral Canyon Road has created havoc in Bonita
High]ands. We have been really protesting and trying to get some mitigation into
action, when Frank's people came up with the 40 mph speed limit on the southern
end because there are no houses bordering on it, we've got close to 100 houses with
open driveways on our end, on the northern end of Corral Canyon Road.
Chair Braden interjected, asking which item on the list was Mr. Waid speaking to.
Mr. Waid, continued, I want to talk about 2, 3 and 4. What I am saying Madam
Chairman is that my point is that the new church at the corner of Country Vistas
Lane and Corral Canyon Road, I understand, is going to open up within probably two
months. They hope to have the new church open before Christmas. The point
being, I would like to ask Frank and his people, with your permission, to kick their
study up and I really am here tonight to ask you for the seven month tria], at least
on that corner with that new church opening up. I am also concerned about where
the driveway opens up onto Corral Canyon Road. I felt that the driveway should
open on Country Vistas Lane. Right now, you are going to have people coming from
Chu]a Vista going to that new Catholic church, trying to make either a U turn or a
left-hand turn, and it's going to be havoc. Be]ieve me, I drive that street and it is
going to be a problem and I am trying to anticipate the problem before we have
something rea] critical happen. There have been accidents there, fortunately I don't
think there have been any fatalities or injuries, but there have been some pretty good
fender benders--one of which I took a picture of, but my camera wasn't working.
.
Chair Braden noted that this (the list) was scheduled for 1991.
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Mr. Rivera said yes, we are currently going to be evaluating all of these intersections
for all way stops and subsequently for traffic signals. What we do is, every year we
prioritize all these subject intersections and then prioritize them for which
intersections rank higher than others to warrant an all way stop.
Chair Braden said that the order they are listed is not the order they are going to be
evaluated.
Mr. Rivera stated no, that the list was in alphabetical order.
Chair Braden asked if perhaps number three could be moved to the top of the list
since it will take awhile to put anything into effect anyway.
Commissioner Arnold stated that he thought he knew where the intersection was
located but he could not recall precisely what the intersection involves, and that if
there were plats they could refer to them.
.
Mr. Waid said he could describe the intersection--Corral Canyon road is a very steep
hill coming up, the intersection iso-the crest of the hill is approximately almost 100
yards south of Country Vistas Lane. You have in the Chula Vista section of Corral
Canyon Road a 40 mph speed limit and its starting to come down hill. You have a
25 mph speed limit sign posted approximately 50 yards from the intersection. The
intersection supposedly is a 25 mph speed limit as is the speed limit in the County
section, or where I live, in Bonita Highlands. This does create a problem in the fact
that you have a 40 mph speed limit in the Chula Vista section and we have a 25 mph,
and a lot of people go ripping through that intersection I can tell you that. They do
not observe the 25 mph speed limit. I guess my main point is that with this church
opening up, and I understand they are also going to have--it's a big Catholic church
by the way, and the entrance to the parking lot is on Corral Canyon Road
approximately 50 yards south on the west side of Corral Canyon Road and right now,
as I said, they have to come, if they are coming from Chula Vista and "H" Street, they
have to come north on Corral Canyon Road and in order to make a legal turn, they
really have to make a U turn to turn and get into the parking lot. I have talked to
Frank about this. I have already told him that Engineering really blew it when they
approved that driveway--where they put it. But anyhow, I am asking your indulgence
and I am really trying to preclude a problem happening because they want to open,
I was hoping that the padre would be here tonight because I have been talking to
them too. I should have invited him, I in fact just got this letter and was unable to
contact him by the time I got it, although it is dated the first, I just got it yesterday.
If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them.
.
Commissioner Militscher asked what the purpose of the evaluation list is, are you
going to come up with proposals.
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Mr. Rivera stated that the purpose of the evaluation list is that every year we do
evaluate a number of intersections to warrant an all way stop. An all way stop is the
first step we take to see if an intersection subsequently will warrant a traffic signal.
Primarily, all way stop intersections are looked at for signal installation. This
intersection in question, Corral Canyon Road and Country Vistas Lane, was brought
before the Safety Commission about a year ago and at that time it was pretty close
to voting, I think 3 to 2 or very close to that, and one of the votes was not counted;
there was a technicality, one of the Commissioners hadn't been sworn in and
subsequently his vote did not count and so it was a really close vote. This is an
intersection that we have been looking at closely. It was close to meeting the
warrants last time, although it did not meet them at that time, and subsequently that's
what our recommendation was. Traffic has increased in the area, more homes have
been built, and at that time we had recommended to the Safety Commission that we
would continue to study that intersection, seeing as though development was
occurring in that area and we did expect that at some time an all way stop study the
warrants would be met.
.
Commissioner Militscher asked if staff was going to come up then with specific
recommendations for each one of these items.
Mr. Rivera said that what staff does is, after we have evaluated all of these
intersections--and I would like to add one more onto this list that was apparently left
off, is Oxford Street and Second Avenue--once we evaluate this list, the intersections
are ranked in order of priority and generally, the top two or three candidates--
whether they meet the warrants or not, are usually looked at favorably to have an all
way stop installed.
Chair Braden asked if the all way stop was tried and if the situation does not improve
then you go to a traffic light.
Mr. Rivera responded that the first step would be an all way stop. An all way stop
is inexpensive, it is quick to install, a traffic signal takes months and months to design
and build and so even for a traffic signal candidate, we would be looking at a long
time down the road. For Corral Canyon Road and Country Vistas Lane, if that
intersection is ranked high enough and it does warrant an all way stop, we expect our
study of all these intersections to be done by the end of the year.
Commissioner Militscher asked if staff would be coming up with a specific
recommendation on each one of these items. Is that correct.
.
Mr. Rivera responded that was correct. When we evaluate our items 5C, 5D, and
5E we prepare a priority list for the Safety Commission and the City Council that
they approve our recommendations for the top few candidates, that we proceed with
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an all way stop or a traffic signal or left turn phasing, or whatever the case may be.
Commissioner Thomas asked if this would be on the January agenda.
Mr. Rivera said yes, that is correct. In January, at that time, we would hope to have
all our traffic counting and our data collection tabulated and presented in a format
to the Safety Commission as to what our recommendations would be.
Mr. Waid said the way he read this letter (his notification letter with the agenda item
enclosed) is that you wouldn't have the figures ready until the end of the year and I
don't think we can wait another year. I guess I am asking for dispensation since we
went down the tubes because, really, I felt that it was a fault--not of you people--but
we wont, but we lost, because the one member that voted for it was not authorized
to vote that night and this was over a year ago.
Commissioner Thomas stated that he agreed with staff, that the Commission should
go with the normal procedures since we are just talking January.
Mr. Waid concurred with that and I would ask, again, that the Chula Vista Police
Department has been doing an excellent job up there and I just want to raise the red
flag and the fact that the church is going to open up and I would suspect there is
going to be some problems at that intersection.
Chair Braden noted that there was a diversity of speed from 25 mph and 40 mph.
Mr. Waid responded that when he had mentioned the 1:00 in the morning thing, I
spent the whole day at the Board of Supervisors on that issue and then turned
around and came down here to City Council and finally got to speak my piece at
1:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. Frank's predecessor had recommended that the
County upgrade the speed limit in our section to 40 mph. I just want to add one
thing, with the help of the Highway Patrol and the Chula Vista Police Department
a young man who was tracked doing a 100 mph in Corral Canyon, it was radioed
ahead and these gentlemen got him on "H" Street and he paid a small fine.
Commissioner Koester asked if all the intersections on the list were on a trial basis.
Mr. Rivera responded that these were not trail traffic candidates, these are just a list
of intersections that we prioritize and at that time the City Council approves it and
so the all way stop list are candidates that we request be involved. The City Council
approves them and so we would not need to go to a trail traffic regulation.
Stevan Pedro arena, 693 Port Chelsea, Chula Vista, 92013.
I am addressing item 5C, sub-items 2, 3 and 4; actually the one I am most concerned
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.
with is item 4--Corral Canyon Road/Port RenwickfThornton Road. Today I walked
and took these photos of these three intersections of which one, the gentleman spoke
about. Corral Canyon Road is now a road that goes from Otay Lakes Road all the
way down to Central. The area is growing heavily--a church and several pre-schools
and baby sitting units, a new school within EastLake where I live, which uses Port
Renwick as a secondary access out of the area instead of East "H" Street. UPS,
Federal Express, and there is an UPS in EastLake now that uses that road quite a
bit. What happens is, at Corral Canyon Road, Port Renwick and Thornton Road--
Thornton Road being the extension of Port Renwick, it changes names there, is that
there is a two way stop. When you are at Port Renwick and Thornton Road you
stop, you look left/right, what you have is you have a crest of a hill and so the people
coming on Corral Canyon Road are coming at 40 mph. Most of the time they are
coming much faster. There is no way to turn off Corral Canyon Road, you come off
East "H" Street, you go up hill--people are probably going 50/55 mph--when they hit
that crest they are not really paying attention to the cars on Thornton Road and on
Port Renwick. Those that are trying to get out must creep forward past the white
line in order to see enough. You commit yourself and by the time you are crossing
you find yourself with a car coming at you and perhaps in the other direction also.
We have spoken to Frank's people over the last couple of months and have
suggested that perhaps two more stop signs on Corral Canyon Road would make the
people stop and allow those on Port Renwick and Thornton Road to commit
themselves safely. The school bus also stops at that corner, like it does also at the
corner, catercorner to where the church is. The other intersection that I took photos
of only because it is on the list, which is Country Vistas Lane, I didn't feel that was
much problem there. I parked and went out two or three times and had no problem
glancing left or right and pulling out into the traffic. It is still 40 mph there, although
it is tapering down. The transition point at the street where the gentleman was
mentioning goes from 40 mph to 25 mph. You have a church, it's a corner and it is
blind and there is a dip in it. So when the cars are down in the dip--you see the car
coming and then it drops down into the dip and then back up again. The same thing
happens at the crest of Port Renwick and Corral Canyon Road. You have a school
down at the corner. East "H" is opening up to a new freeway. Corral Canyon Road
extends south, where it becomes a different street, which is Rutgers Avenue, which
has been revamped, it is now developed--it goes all the way down to Otay Lakes
Road, which is also opening up to the new EastLake Greens. The whole area is
going to have a tremendous amount of traffic. People going from Bonita over to the
EastLake area use Corral Canyon Road extensively. That is all I have to say.
.
Mr. Waid got back up and asked to speak again for an additional 30 seconds. The
precedent was set, the residents of the College Estates area apparently saw me on
television and the next week they were at the Council meeting and they now have
four way stop signs like we are asking for on the northern section, there are four way
stop signs at the top of the hill there at Rutgers Avenue and Gotham Street. It went
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Minutes
up a couple weeks after I was here at this City Council meeting. I just want to point
that out. The schools that he is talking about in addition to the church, there is a
kindercare at "H" Street and Corral Canyon Road and then there is another one up
there in Country Vistas Lane (blank spot, showing viewgraph) there are two childcare
centers and I do want to comment on the UPS. If they haven't heeded my warning
I'll call them again, because I called the boss down there and told him I was going
to start taking license and truck numbers on his trucks exceeding the speed limit;
likewise the Chula Vista Transit. I've called (Bill) Gustafson and told him about the
Chula Vista Transit buses exceeding the speed limit on Corral Canyon Road.
Chair Braden stated that this was an informational item to the Safety Commission
and that the Commission could not take any action tonight but that they would keep
in mind what you have said.
4. TRIAL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS:
(4A) Parkin!!: nrohibited durin!!: certain hours in the vicinity of HiIlton Elementarv
School
.
Mr. Rivera stated that this trial traffic regulation is what staff wants to establish to
prohibit parking during certain hours on "J" Street and on Corte Maria in the vicinity
of the Elementary School to allow for a continues school bus loading zone and during
the morning hours and the afternoon hours that the children are being dropped off
at school and being picked up in the afternoon. Presently, this area is used by the
buses, but there has been no provision to prohibit vehicles parking in the area. As
far as safety is concerned, the buses like to park in a continuous line, bumper to
bumper so that no children get between the buses, and form a continuous wall, if you
will, so that the children are quickly loaded on the bus and then all the buses leave
at the same time. This trial traffic regulation would therefore establish a parking
prohibition for vehicles during school days only from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and then
in the afternoon from 2:00 to 3:45. Staff does not feel that this is going to be a
hardship for the residents in the area. The houses along the south side of "J" Street
have adequate parking. The parents generally pick up their children around the
block on Murray Street for the school, and so therefore, it is usually just the children
which are being bussed which would walk in that area, or the children that have to
walk home. Staff feels that this trail traffic regulation would not pose a hardship to
the area residents. We have notified the residents and we have not heard any
response. The Hilltop Elementary School is agreeing with our recommendation to
start this trial traffic regulation which we will also bring back before the eight months
(ends) to make it permanent. If you are in favor of this recommendation, that we
start it. The signs would be no stopping anytime signs.
.
Chair Braden acknowledged that the Commission members concur with staffs plan.
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October 11, 1990
Minutes
(3C) Board and Commission Recommendations on Council Ae:enda Items
(A.113s)
This item covered two topics:
. Board and Commission recommendations on Council Agenda items (A-I13s),
and
. Conflict of Interest Code - Advisory Boards, Committees and Commissions
Chair Braden informed the members that on page 5, item #62, addresses Safety
Commission members. The part that applies to us is paragraph 2 and 7. This is a
lengthy document, but I guess there wasn't much choice. It is just a matter if any of
us have rental property or own a business that there is any possible potentia] we
would solicit the City for business in some way, that would create a conflict. You can
take your time and read this. I talked to Mr. Rudolf and he said that we should just
notify him that yes, we are not going to struggle against this. On page 2, I'll read it
to you, where it says Category 2--interest in real estate property, does not include
residence, and Category 7 is business positions. They will distribute all these forms,
so when it gets to category 2 and 7 we are just going to say N/A, doesn't apply, unless
it does apply, then you need to fill in the detail.
Commissioner Chidester asked if the Commission had been processed through the
Conflict of Interest.
Commissioner Arnold responded that yes, we have to sign every year.
Chair Braden stated that we have done it in the past, yes. Chair Braden continued,
stating that all you have to do is confirm your name, your address, your phone
number and then say not applicable (to numbers 2 and 7). They do not want a
financial statement, they do not ask for one. I brought up to him (Mr. Rudolf) your
protest (referring to Commissioner Militscher not desiring to file a financial
statement) and he said this is a different form. They are also contemplating setting
up a class to explain this to people.
Commissioner Militscher reiterated his posItIon against furnishing a financial
statement as he believes it is not necessary as the Safety Commission is an advisory
body only.
Commissioner Chidester asked what is involved in this particular thing we are
speaking of now, what will a Commissioner be required to sign or do.
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Chair Braden responded, saying she asked him (Mr. Rudolf) specifically, in my own
case I have an old house and a vehicle or two, they are not interested in my savings
account or my stocks or bonds or anything, I don't own a business so the only thing
I am going to do is put my name, address, phone number and say I have no conflict.
Chair Braden, in response to Commissioner Militscher statement that the Safety
Commission is an advisory committee, not a decision making body and that we have
no influence on the issuance of contracts and the like, said, suppose I own a business
that I might go to the Purchasing Department of the City and attempt to do business
with them. Now that would be conflict, using my connections.
Berlin Bosworth, in response to Chair Braden's question if he knew anything about
this, responded no other than that they want all Commissioners to sign. The conflict
could be that that if you owned a piece of property (other than your residence) and
you wanted a stop sign placed near there, then you could recommend that to the
Council. That would be a conflict of interest.
.
Mr. Rivera clarified the point by stating that in the case of a stop sign or traffic
control device where you have a say so in the recommendation process that that
Safety Commissioner which would be affected or benefit from a recommendation
made by themselves, that they would have to excuse themselves from voting. They
can make the request, we (staff) would evaluate the request, if we denied the request
and the Safety Commissioner wants the stop sign in there, they would not be allowed
to vote.
Chair Braden responded to Commissioner questions about being provided with forms,
saying that it will be on the City Council Agenda November 6 or 13, approximately
one month from now.
Commissioner Thomas asked the recording secretary what specifically are they asking
for.
Mr. Bosworth responded saying he believed each Commissioner will receive a form
and as Chair Braden said, if you have a business position, you will stated that your
business position will not interfere with any decisions or recommendations that you
make as the Safety Commission to the City Council and that you have no other
property other than your homes. If there was something in there that was not
applicable to Gene (or any other Commissioner) he would put N/A and sign it and
that is it. Just say N/A and you would have to excuse yourself from voting on
something that would be of conflict, i.e., Frank Rivera's explanation.
.
Mr. Bosworth informed Chair Braden that the Commission would need to act on the
first part of 3C.
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Mr. Rivera stated that is the one that would have the Safety Commission recommend
to the City Council that they adopt an ordinance, recommending amending Section
2.040.090 which will require the Chairperson of any Council approved board,
commission, or committee of the City--such as the Safety Commission--upon a
majority vote of such body to place matters on the City Council's Agenda. There will
be a separate section for boards, commissions, and committee items on the City
Council Agenda if it is the desire of the Safety Commission. They could place items
on the Agenda under their own separate heading.
MOTION
That Safety Commission accept item 3C.
MSDC, [Thomas/Koester] 6-0, approved.
S. STAFF REPORTS
(SA) C.I.P. Status Report IT 1989-90.
As contained in the Commissioners' packet.
(SB) Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Summary for Au!!ust 1990
The Police summary for August is not available. This month has been very busy for
the Police Department with a lot of the types of accidents we have had. We expect
this list to come back next month and possibly the September statistics. They have
been reorganizing personnel and changing personnel that worked on this report and
so this report was not completed on time.
Commissioner Thomas alluded to the fatality on "E" Street by Eucalyptus, near
Flower Street. Would that be something to put under study. Could that have been
avoided.
Sergeant Tom Schaefer said that he thought it inappropriate for him to discuss it at
this point because the investigation has not been completed yet.
6. COMMUNICATIONS
(6A) Public Remarks
None.
(6B) Commissioner Comments
None.
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7. WRITIEN CORRESPONDENCE:
None.
8. RECESS TO REGULAR MONTHLY WORKSHOP SESSION:
9. ADJOURNMENT TO REGULAR SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OF
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1990
MOTION
That we adjourn this meeting.
MSUC, [Koester/Militscher] 6-0, approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
~~4. ~-
Berlin D. Bosworth, Recording Secretary
[SCS\A:OCT -90.MIN]
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