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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafety Commission mins 1990/12/13 . . . MINUTES OF THE SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Thursday, December 13,1990 6:36 p.m. Juncil Chambers Publh Services Building ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Braden, Co-Chair Thomas, Commissioners Arnold, Chidester, Koester, Matacia, Militscher EXCUSED ABSENCES: UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: None. None. STAFF PRESENT: Frank Rivera, Assistant Engineer II Matthew Souttere, Assistant Engineer 1 OTHERS PRESENT: Patrol Division Sergeant Tom Schaefer Jerry Foncerrada, Parks Superintendent See attached attendance list. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION Approve minutes of the November 8, 1990 Safety Commission. Commissioner Arnold noted that in the Minutes it was stated that a report of the findings regarding a question he had relative to the northbound 1-5 traffic at "L" Street would be given at this meeting, but it is not on the Agenda. What is the status of this item. Mr. Frank Rivera, Assistant Civil Engineer, responded that staff has notified CalTrans and that staff will be doing striping in the area and are awaiting the reply from CalTrans to see what they can do and how we can best work together to alleviate the situation. MOTION Approve minutes of the November 8, 1990 Safety Commission. MSUC (Koester/Militscher] 7-0. 2. CONTINUED MATTERS: (2A) ReDort on Nacion A venue traffic studv in the vicinitv of "L" Street Mr. Rivera mentioned that the notices that were sent out said that the start time (for the meeting) would be 7:00 p.m. and I would like to see if maybe we could wait until closer to 7:00 so that we can take all the items, #2 and #3, unless the audience is present here to address that issue. 2-1 Safety Commission Meeting . Minutes December 13, 1990 Chair Braden suggested that the Commission start with item 5(A) as their first item on the agenda. 5. STAFF REPORTS (SA) C.I.P. Status ReDort FY 1990-91. . Mr. Rivera noted that this item is the Capital Improvement Program status report. He mentioned that staffis currently working on modifying the traffic signal at Palomar Street and Fifth Avenue. There is a widening project in process in that area and bidding will be in January 1991 and construction is to begin in March 1991. The other item is the 1990 Intersection Capacity Study. That work is currently 30 percent complete. That is the status of each item. I would like to mention that at the bottom of the list, the traffic signal installation at Hilltop Drive and East Rienstra Street, that at the Tuesday (December 11, 1990) City Council meeting, we submitted our report and recommended that the all-way stop at East Rienstra Street and Hilltop Drive be made permanent. The all-way stop will remain, we will be adding additional crosswalks on Hilltop Drive at East Rienstra Street since it is an all-way stop, we will be relocating the stop sign so that it is more visible as well as the stop ahead sign. In addition, we will be painting the stop ahead legends in the roadway on each lane. We are also to return to the City Council with a report on a cost for installing a flashing red light on top of the southbound and the northbound stop signs at that intersection. We estimate that cost to be in the vicinity of $10,000 to $12,000. It is similar to the one which is installed at "J" Street near 1-5. Our report will be going to the City Council shortly. That completes the update on the Capital Improvement projects. Chair Braden asked if the temporary four-way stop was at the intersection for six months. Mr. Rivera responded that at Hilltop Drive and East Rienstra Street, it was installed on July 2, 1990, so yes, about six months. Chair Braden followed with another question asking if staff had done studies that indicated that it should stay. . Mr. Rivera said yes, that staff has shown in its studies that the speeds in the area are reduced a few miles per hour, which was the objective. The pedestrians are able to cross at that intersection. No unusual delays are being caused by motorists on Hilltop Drive most of the day. During the peak periods, we do see queues of six to eight vehicles, but they clear out rather quickly since East Rienstra Street traffic is lower in comparison. We did not feel that a traffic signal was warranted at this time since it did not meet any of the state warrants which are used in evaluating a traffic signal. We do, however, feel that we should keep monitoring this traffic signal (intersection) on our annual list until 2-2 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 J\ tes it ranks high enough that we can recommend to the City Council that a traffic signal be installed at this location. Commissioner Koester asked if the flashing red light if it were on always. Mr. Rivera said that it would be on 24 hours a day. Commissioner Koester asked if it were going to be on three corners. Mr. Rivera said it would be for Hilltop Drive onlYhnorthbound and southbound--on two of the three stop signs. (5H) Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Summary for October 1990 (50 Fatal traffic collisions for 1990 Mr. Rivera informed the Commission that this item gives a summary of the accidents for the month of October and a running two-year total. As you can see, we are running at about the same number of reported accidents which we have had in previous years. The one significant note that I should make is the fatalities this year has way exceeded what we normally have for a one-year period. Chair Braden asked what he thought (might be the cause), is it just congestion. Mr. Rivera stated that the fatality accidents which we have had in the City of Chula Vista this year, we can attribute to isolated events--it has not been something that we could tie it down to (such) as a roadway being under construction or a significant traffic change in one particular street. What we can attribute (most) of these accidents to, is that most of the fatality accidents involved a motorist which was legally under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and speeding. That is something in which we have no way of controlling. It just so happens that this year it was more than an average number of fatalities accidents attributed to those factors. Chair Braden stated that she was going to say that, not even knowing the facts, that she would have attributed (most of the fatalities) to the causes you just said. It is sad. She asked if there had been an article published regarding this short of thing. I know the Star News does not have an extremely wide circulation, but couldn't we get something published in the morning paper San Diego Union and the Star News regarding this (topic). Mr. Rivera acknowledged that this was something that maybe, with the help of the Police Department, the Patrol Division of the Chula Vista Police Department, we can make some sort of informational report, or a report, that could possibly be published in the Star News and maybe the San Diego Union. But I think that after this year we would 2-3 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes have a final reported accident count and we could best represent this year in comparison with other years. Chair Braden said that in about the middle of January (1991) you could be able to make an assessment. Mr. Rivera stated that was correct. Chair Braden asked that Mr. Rivera make a note of this and remind the Chair to see if we can't push (this idea) and get some publicity and maybe it will make people a little more aware. STAFF ACTION ITEM In the middle of January (1991) make an assessment and remind the Chair to see if we can't push (this idea) and get something published in the Star News and the San Diego Union. (5D) Safetv Commission Bud!!et as of 11/1/90 Mr. Rivera mentioned that, in looking at the Budget printout, on line item 5223, Membership/Dues/ITE, that showed $70 in the original budget. We have spent, this month, $50 for the publication to the Westemite magazine, which you received in your packet. We have $20 remaining in that account. The other item of expense, the $3.91 for this month, is for the slides which are processed for the meeting; the $11. 73 is for printing and binding expenses which we have incurred. Those are all the expenses which we have encountered for this month. At the last column on the far right we have the percentages of the funds available for the rest of the year, running to June 30, 1991. The Recording Secretary, Berlin Bosworth, noted that the overtime charges had not yet been deducted from the budget. The Overtime account does not have $1,000 left in it. I don't know why it still would show that we haven't spent that this year. Chair Braden asked if we had spent this money and that it does not show yet. Mr. Bosworth said that was correct. Chair Braden asked how much had been spent out of this account. Mr. Bosworth responded, stating that we have spent at least one-half of the money if not more than half in this account. Staff time to attend the Safety Commission (regularly scheduled monthly) meetings is on an overtime basis as well as the transcribing of the Minutes. 2-4 Safety Commission Meeting . Minutes December 13, 1990 Chair Braden requested that the Secretary look into this and give an explanation at next month's meeting. STAFF ACTION ITEM Check with Payroll as to how the Safety Commission Overtime budget item gets charged to that account. (5E) ReDort on traffic conditions at 1-5 northbound off-ramD and Industrial Boulevard Chair Braden noted that this is the item Commission Arnold had inquired about. . Mr. Rivera stated that the subject area (referring to a view graph) shows a detail of the striping which we hope to have in this area. Presently, when there are vehicles northbound on 1-5 and they come off the freeway at Industrial Boulevard, we only have a center line stripe and as we swing around to the south there is an edge line. We have a two-way turn pocket and a left-turn pocket. What is shown at the top of the view graph, is a proposal to add an additional lane for southbound. The southbound number 1 lane, or the lane closest to the center of the roadway, will be a southbound straight through lane and the southbound number 2 lane, or the lane closest to the curb, is going to be a right-turn only. So that, when a vehicle is in a particular lane, it will have to be committed to that lane and not drive as experienced now down the center and at the last minute commit to go straight or to get on to the freeway and meanwhile another driver could have had an opportunity to exit on to "L" Street, make the left turn to "L" Street, or maybe make the right turn to Moss Street. This will, hopefully, reduce the amount of vehicles waiting in line to get off the freeway. This striping change is very minor in nature. With the Safety Commission approval, we could have that implemented very shortly. I do have slides of this area. We have asked CalTrans to move signs to increase their visibility. We will ask CalTrans to trim the tree that is in their right of way. (Slides taken from looking in different directions were shown to the Commission: slide of view looking north; off ramp, looking east). We propose a minor striping project but I think it will help out this area immensely. Commissioner Arnold restated his concerns and asked if they would be alleviated with this restriping and the signs relocations. Mr. Rivera indicated that in addition to this, a sign saying through traffic merge left or right lane must exit or right lane must turn right will also be installed, for the southbound direction so that the motorists will be aware well in advance that they must be moving to the left or to the right and with the striping changes that will better define the area. . Commissioner Chidester asked if the lane south of this intersection be marked so that the southbound traffic, off of the freeway, can merge into Industrial Boulevard. 2-5 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes Mr. Rivera stated that staff will take a look at that. It looks like we may be doing some minor changes all the way to Moss Street. I will have to take a closer look and see if the roadway width allows us to do that and that we do not have a problem with the driveway into the Toys 'R' Us, which at this particular time of year can be particularly busy. Commissioner Chidester asked if a stop sign would be installed. Mr. Rivera stated that traffic will flow on through, that staff has no plans for a stop sign at this time. We could, possibly, study it for a stop sign at some future time, but I feel that with the striping changes this will solve most of the problems. Chair Braden asked staff to go and physically check the area in 30 to 60 days. Mr. Rivera said yes, and that staff would bring a status report to the February meeting on what has happened with staffs request to CalTrans and any changes that we have made and how they are functioning. STAFF ACTION ITEM Go and physically check the area in 30 to 60 days. Bring a status report to the February meeting on what has happened with staffs request to CalTrans and any changes that we have made and how they are functioning. Commissioner Koester asked if this were a joint venture with CalTrans. Mr. Rivera responded that the striping and the signs on Industrial Boulevard will be done by the City. Any trimming of the trees, relocating of the signs, will be done by CalTrans. So we are each working independently, but hopefully we do have that contact that we can set up field meetings and make sure that everything is straightened out. Chair Braden asked if they had agreed to coordinate with the City timewise. Mr. Rivera said that staff had spoken with CalTrans and that they are, the last time we had spoken with them, they did say that they were looking into the matter but, when you relocate one sign you have to make sure that the information will still be able to be read by the motorists and will not be blocked by some other sign. Chair Braden stated that is why she asked, are they willing to coordinate with City staff so that staff can get it all done within a rather narrow time frame. Mr. Rivera said that was correct. Commissioner Koester asked if this was needed in the form of a motion. 2-6 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes MOTION Commissioner Koester made the motion that the Safety Commission approve staff's plan for that area. MSDC, [Militscher/Chidester] 7-0, approved. 7. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: (7A) Westemite November-December 1990 issue Chair Braden, speaking on behalf of the members, stated that the magazine was rather interesting and that they would get better acquainted with it after they have read a few more issues. (7m Chula Vista Inn Letter Chair Braden stated that there has been no response (on the part of the Inn). Mr. Souttere said that he had talked with Mr. Phelps, Administrator, he stated that he had informed the residents in the Chula Vista Inn of what staff had requested--that they use the Third Avenue or Fourth Avenue and "E" Street signalized crosswalks. Some of them (the residents) were upset with our request so he said that we would probably be hearing from them in the future. Mr. Rivera inteIjected, stating that Mr. Seldstein has mentioned that a lot of the pedestrians that cross in the area, "pretty much, are set in their ways"; they see that particular crossing as a normal route that they take every day. We expressed our concerns and mentioned to him that we would prefer that they use a signalized intersections at Third Avenue and "E" Street and Fourth Avenue and "E" Street. We cannot force them to cross wherever we feel. Those intersections are legal crosswalk locations. We can just express to them that it is advisable to cross at the signalized intersections, since we do provide a pedestrian phase at those locations. Chair Braden noted that the elderly people who are so set in their ways, also have a lot of respect for Police Officers. Perhaps more than you or I might, and I would like to suggest that you arrange with the Police Department Traffic Officers to work with the Activities Director at the Inn and, perhaps, drop in at, say lunch time, when everybody is available and gently explain to them that this is for their own benefit, that we are not picking on them. Do you think that would work? Mr. Rivera agreed that might be a possibility. We may also want too-one idea would be to make known to them that there is a Safety Commission. I don't know if many of the residents are aware that the City of Chula Vista has a Safety Commission. Maybe they do have some concerns which we could address. 2-7 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes Chair Braden asked how the Safety Commission and City staff could communicate with them, say, in writing in a letter from the Traffic Department. We don't know their names. Mr. Rivera responded that staff could continue its communication with the Manager and express that there is that avenue for him to take. Chair Braden inteIjected that they must h provide him with something to put up on it. might be. , a bulletin board and perhaps we could ,e asked Sergeant Schaeffer what his ideas Sergeant Schaeffer acknowledged that this issue had been addressed when there was a similar problem at Third Avenue and "P" Street last March or April. I assigned an officer to visit the residence inns in the area and did just exactly what you expressed now. We had an informational meeting to explain the manner in which the traffic signals worked, we even took a tape recording of the audible signals that Third Avenue and "P" Street, explained how they worked, the different chirping noises, what they meant, and I do not know that this talk had too much of an effect on the pedestrian violations that we still observe at that area. Chair Braden asked if the police were stiIl observing pedestrian problems. Sergeant Schaeffer responded saying that the problems that the police are aware of are pedestrian-related, not vehicle-related. Education is a good idea if the people want to listen to what you say and then obey it is the bottom line. I don't know that education is going to solve this particular problem. Chair Braden stated that perhaps for the time being the Safety Commission could ask staff to provide some information, say a one sheet write-up, and ask the manager to post it on all the bulletin boards--inviting them to contact you or us or whatever with their responses and then let's take it from there. Provide a phone number. Mr. Rivera responded, stating that staff would take a look at that. STAFF ACTION ITEM Look at the feasibility of preparing a one-page write-up and having it posted on the bulletin boards at the Chula Vista Inn. (70 Staff letter to MTDB re!!ardim! railroad !!rade crossin!! at ".T" StI'eet Chair Braden complimented Mr. Rivera on the letter from staff to the MTDB. She asked if there had been a response. 2-8 Safety Commission Meeting . Minutes December 13, 1990 Mr. Rivera noted that no response as of yet. Staff is working with them. They have expressed an interest--right now though, their priority tends to be, although maintenance is a high priority for MTDB, their main concern at this time is reducing the delays for motorists crossing the trolley tracks, primarily at "E" Street and "H" Street. They are working at this time to improve the flow of traffic in those areas. I have not received any information about the "J" Street crossing. Dennis Wolfe, a member of the Traffic Department staff, is in contact with Mr. Richard Thorpe of the MTDB so that we can have some work done at that crossing. Right now the MTDB is working on a project to improve and reduce the delays--"E" Street and "H" Street--caused by the crossing gates when they are lowered. The gates are down when a trolley is waiting at the station and the traffic cannot flow. The MTDB has been reducing that time so that the crossing gates come down when the trolley starts to move. There is a lot involved with the timing of that, there are some Federal regulations on the timing of the gates and the amount of clearance that you must provide. Chair Braden advised staff to keep the communication lines open. At this point the Commission returned to the regular order of the Agenda. 2. CONTINUED MATTERS: . (2A) ReDoct on Nacion Avenue traffic studv in the vicinitv of "L" Street . Mr. Rivera gave staffs report. At the November 1990 Safety Commission meeting, staff mentioned that there was a need to conduct a survey to determine the number of vehicles which were traveling through the neighborhood from Nacion Avenue between Naples Street and East "L" Street to determine whether this was a significant number of vehicles using the neighborhood as a possible shortcut to the freeway at East "L" Street. We did conduct a license plate survey for both the morning and the evening peak periods and found that approximately 52 percent and 56 percent, respectively, of the vehicles traveled from East Naples Street north to East "L" Street and vice versa. We feel that this comes out to approximately 2000 of the 4000 vehicles using Nacion Avenue. We also feel that a meeting, or preferably a workshop, with the Safety Commission scheduled sometime in January with the area residents would be advisable since at that time we can present alternatives to reduce the speed and the volumes in the area. We feel that this might involve a number of different ideas coming back and forth and we would to, therefore, present it in a workshop format so that we can spend our time more efficiently and also take into account possible ramifications which may affect other parallel streets in the area, such as Melrose Avenue to the west, and Oleander Avenue to the east. One idea which was discussed was the possibility of closing parts of Nacion Avenue for a trial period, between Montclair Street and Naples Street or Calm Street and Montclair Street or Calm Street and Naples Street--a one block area. (At this point a view graph of the area was shown.) On Nacion Avenue for the traffic count we have slightly over 4000 vehicles in both directions. On Telegraph Canyon Road and "L" Street the traffic count 2-9 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes is 23,000 and almost 41,000 vehicles traveling through this area. We do have 2500 vehicles on Monserate Street and 3200 vehicles on Melrose Avenue. Oleander Street, I believe, has approximately the same number or perhaps a few more than Nacion Avenue. Commission Militscher asked what staff thought the effect of closing the street for one block might have on Melrose Avenue. Mr. Rivera said that staff is looking at diverting approximately 2000 vehicles per day, as a rough estimate, maybe 700 vehicles would go to Melrose A venue which would bring it to about 4000 vehicles, which is about the same as Nacion Avenue now. The other vehicles would more than likely travel on other streets, such as Monserate or Oleander since those streets are further away from this area. Commissioner Militscher asked if Monserate Street was conducive to handling more traffic. Mr. Rivera responded, saying that he believed Monserate Street is a 36 foot wide street, which is the same as Nacion Avenue. Melrose Avenue, at least parts of it, are 40 feet wide and other parts are 36 feet, curb to curb. We are looking at streets that are basically the same in width. The basic layout of all these streets is similar. Chair Braden said that staff was going to have to notify a large community of the workshop. She asked when staff was proposing to be ready to have a workshop. Mr. Rivera suggested that staff would like the middle to latter part of January for the workshop. Commissioner Militscher asked if the people in the area of Monserate Street, Melrose Avenue, and Naples Street were going to notify. Mr. Rivera said all affected residents in the area would be notified. It will be a large mail out. We would expect a great number of residents at the meeting, that is why we do not feel this is proper to be addressed at a Safety Commission meeting, a workshop would help out immensely. We would like to have the workshop the third week in January 1991, either in the evening or a Saturday, depending on the desire of the Commission. Commissioner Koester suggested that perhaps Thursday, January 17. Mr. Rivera said that was good and that staff would verify a meeting room. 2-10 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes STAFF ACTION ITEM Reserve Council Chambers for the workshop meeting for Thursday, January 17. PUBLIC COMMENTS Andrew Aitken, 934 Nacion Avenue, Chula Vista, 9201l. I go by Drew Aitken. I want to thank you for this opportunity (to speak), we, we are several here from Nacion Avenue. This is a major problem and we are glad to see that we are getting some attention. Just last night there was another accident on "L" Street, just west of Nacion Avenue, at the freeway entrance. It is a very hazardous area. Decisions that are going to have to be looked at are going to be quite dramatic. The community is ready to talk to you, we have a lot of ideas--that include street closure, whatever. Whatever it will take to alleviate this problem. We look forward to getting together at this workshop and hashing out some solutions. I do,,'t know what is the best night to have the workshop from the residents point of view, you have it and we'll be here. Chair Braden asked how serious was the accident. Mr. Aitken said he did not know. He could see it from his house and he knew there were several police cars, a fire engine, at the scene. Chair Braden suggested that those present talk it up (the workshop) in the neighborhood and that a mailer will be going out and perhaps a group could get together and advise staff when it would be convenient. Commissioner Arnold asked Mr. Aitken to briefly outline what his concerns are. Mr. Aitken responded, saying the recklessness of the drivers on Nacion Avenue. No one pays any attention to the slope of the hill, up or down--Roman Way down to "L" Street. People have turned around the corner, going down the hill at speeds well in excess of 35 mph. Commissioner Arnold pointed out that there is a three-way stop at Roman Way as well as Montclair Street. Mr. Aitken said he was backing out, he lives on Nacion Avenue, at the third parcel coming up from the cui de sac (pointing to the view graph), and it is hit or miss when backing out. You would expect a delay between cars at the stop sign at Roman Way, but there is no delay. People ignore the stop sign, they are "rolling" through it would be the term. The number of cars that make the turn off "L" Street onto Nacion Avenue is just a lot of traffic, going very fast. 2-11 Safety Commission Meeting . Minutes December 13, 1990 Chair Braden asked if Mr. Aitken thought speed were the main cause. Mr. Aitken responded that he, personally, thought speed is the main cause. There was someone just killed there recently--a man in his pick-up truck, he had lost control of his vehicle. I did not see it personally, but witnesses told me that he was going too fast and did not have time to stop. He went over the sidewalk into the gas station. Commissioner Militscher asked if this was residential traffic he is talking about, or people driving through to get further south. Mr. Aitken said that he followed the traffic one evening. I followed six cars from in front of my house to the end of Nacion A venue at Melrose Avenue, down toward Orange Avenue. People are using Nacion Avenue to bypass the freeway so that they do not have to contend with the bottleneck at the Orange Avenue and I-80S exit. Commissioner Militscher noted that he always thought that the freeway should have another exit between Orange Street and "L" Street so that people wouldn't have to take a residential street to get south. . Commissioner Matacia stated that it was obvious that a lot of people have an interest in this. It certainly would be nice if you could talk it up in the community and maybe, with your group, come here with a consensus so that it would be an organized approach rather than everybody standing up and screaming and hollering. It would be very helpful. Mr. Aitken responded, noting that he has talked to people and that is what they would all like to do, come to a consensus and bring some ideas. One last thing, I know that the engineer, Mr. Rivera, indicated that the street width was the same, but it certainly does not appear that way. Nacion Avenue does appear to be much smaller in width. Wade Johns, 950 Nacion Avenue, Chula Vista 920ll. I live on Nacion Avenue at the comer of Roman Way. It is common, and I mean really common, to see people go through those stop signs. My son, a paramedic, was there today and we watched two cars go between 40 and 50 mph through the stop sign. It is not uncommon, I want you to know. When you drive that road, coming after school hours, it is a raceway going up and down. The only thing I have had happen in my place was that a car came and wrapped itself, a couple of years ago, almost a total U around my palm tree. This is a critical situation. I tried to back out of my driveway the other day, there was a car coming north, about one-half way back. I backed out of my driveway, to go north on Nacion Avenue, and he came through and screeched his brakes and beeped on his horn because I had the audacity to pull out in front of him, where he should have had a stop at the intersection. It is critical. Thank you very much. . Commissioner Chidester asked Mr. Johns if he attributed speeders to a particular group of people or time of day, i.e., students getting out of school, people going to work. 2-12 Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 . Minutes Mr. Johns responded that there is no rhyme or reason, it is just total disregard. I think the city could really make a bundle of money if they just had radar there and stopped these people and collect the proper fees. It would be a marvelous thing. MOTION That the Safety Commission accept staff's proposal and schedule a workshop with area residents. MSUC, [Koester/Thomas] 7-0, approved. STAFF ACTION ITEM Have the workshop noticed in the Star News and the San Diego Union. Contact David Hicks, reporter, to see if he would consent to an article advising of the workshop. (2m Status reDort on Bonita Lone: Canvon Park . Mr. Rivera gave staff's report on Bonita Long Canyon Park which was continued from last month's Safety Commission meeting. Staff, at that time, was to meet with the Parks and Recreation Department to discuss increasing the parking and improving the traffic conditions for the Bonita Long Canyon Park neighborhood. Several issues which were discussed at this meeting were: the construction of another entrance to the park, enlarging the parking lot, and reducing the organized sports at the park. The construction of another entrance is not an easy matter since the topography of the area is such that there would have to be extensive grading in the area and the removal of the tot lot to enlarge the parking lot. The expense involved with removing the tot lot is quite high. The other alternative of enlarging the parking lot is also very difficult due to the land use in that area, the way that the park is constructed. There is a building in the immediate vicinity that holds the rest rooms as well as the tot lot and the baseball fields. If the parking lot were to be enlarged, it would pose some di fficulties for us to do that. The other factor was to reduce the organized sports in the park. There have been some changes made for the organized sports activities at the park. The Parks and Recreation Commission, on October 18, 1990, approved to delete the western ball field and retain the eastern ball field. The Bonita Valley Girls Softball League will be using Discovery Park, which is located north of East "H" Street at Bonita Vista Way starting next March. Therefore, the need for some of these ball fields at Bonita Long Canyon Park will be reduced. Practice sessions will continue. Staff recommends that in the parking lot that one stall adjacent to the handicapped stall, at the far north end, be designated as a no parking area. Since it was mentioned that vehicles have a difficult time making a U turn in the parking lot when it is full, this would provide a place for vehicles to pull into this no parking area and make their U turn and proceed out to Coltridge Lane. Therefore, staff is recommending that one parking stall in the parking lot be removed, and we could also prohibit some parking on Coltridge Lane in the vicinity of the park entrance and the intersection with Galveston Way, near the pedestrian ramp and the fire hydrant so that this area will be kept clear of vehicles illegally parking in the area. That concludes my . 2-13 Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 . Minutes report. I would like to mention that Mr. Jerry Foncerrada of the Parks and Recreation Department is here to answer any you the Commissioners might have on this item. Commissioner Matacia asked how parking would be prevented along Coltridge Lane. Mr. Rivera stated that one alternative would be red curbing or placing no parking signs. The red curbing is a maintenance issue that we have to consider, we have to go back a couple times a year to repaint the area. If we put the red curbing in the area, that sometimes leads to difficulties, in that people request that it be expanded and that red curbing be put in front of their houses. However, by putting in red curbing it would better define areas where vehicles should not park. Commissioner Militscher asked if staff had investigated the additional parking area being a continuation of the existing parking lot to the left and right of it--not removing the tot lot at all, but expanding the parking lot itself. It seems to me there is some area right adjacent to that parking lot, the rear of it, that could accommodate vehicles. It is a grassy area at the moment. It seems to me that if you are going to take parking from Coltridge Lane its going to aggravate the parking problem in the parking lot. (At this point staff put on a view graph to show the area under discussion.) . Mr. Jerry Foncerrada stated that in response to Commissioner Militscher's comment regarding extending the parking lot north, you will be intruding into the ball field--the east ball field that was recommended to remain. I do not believe there is any space in the park that can be utilized for parking. If you extend the parking lot you will render the one ball field useless. We have not had the situation with the parking problems that we had when the soccer groups were playing there. With the moving of the girls' softball down to Discovery Park, we will reduce the impact to that area by organized sports leagues. Commissioner Matacia asked if that meant that other organized groups cannot come there. You mentioned only the girls' softball. Mr. Foncerrada responded saying that it was Parks intent to reduce the size of the backstop on the one field that remains and limit it primarily to softball. We won't have the intensity of the girls' softball program that there was prior to them moving down to Discovery Park. I think the parking was a problem when we had the soccer group assigned up there. We had, I believe, two fields going at one time year before last because the soccer group had lost playing fields at the high schools because of renovations. I don't believe we had any soccer teams this year on Saturdays. . Commissioner Matacia stated that the people who have come before the Safety Commission have talked about the problem in recent weeks, actually. I live in the area too and I observe it. The traffic problem, as most of the neighborhood agrees, was caused by too many people being there at one time. Now if taking away one organized 2-14 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes sports from one ball field certainly should be a big help if that is going to continue. But I only heard it said that the girls' softball would leave and I didn't know whether that meant somebody else would come in its place. Mr. Foncerrada noted that the only thing Parks was going to have their is the one softball field. We will have a soccer overlay field. We may, if we get in a pinch, stagger some soccer teams up there. I believe they had two fields up there two years ago and when you get four teams up there with all the parents and kids, you have more parents and kids show up for the following game, that did impact the neighborhood with traffic. Commissioner Matacia acknowledged that he thought it a good start. Chair Braden recalled that at the last meeting it was discussed about somebody checking into using school grounds for some of the organized sports. Has anybody done anything. Mr. Foncerrada informed the Commissioners that there isn't a school ground that he is aware of that sport's groups are not using. The Bonita Vista High School and the Bonita Junior High School are used every weekend. They are primarily the only real large open space for these large organized groups that require a large area to participate in. Chair Braden commented that it was too bad that some time back somebody didn't plan for a little more play area to keep kids off the streets. Commissioner Arnold made a comment and asked a question of Mr. Foncerrada. His speaker was not on, so he was not picked up on tape. Mr. Foncerrada responded, though, saying that he believed that was one of the alternates that Parks had earlier discussed in order to try and accommodate the concerns of the residents who live behind the park. That one particular field that was turned around was causing havoc with people hitting the softballs into the residences. We figured that if we turned it around we would eliminate that. The residents were opposed to that and then once the girls' softball organizations dropped their demand for the two fields in that area and agreed to be able to shift some of their program down to Discovery Park, we felt no need to follow up on this initial recommendation that we had to our Parks and Recreation Commission. MOTION Commissioner Chidester made the motion that the Safety Commission accept the Parks and Recreation Department's recommendation number 3. Commissioner Thomas inquired if the handicapped parking spaces were going to be eliminated. Mr. Rivera said no, that will remain. 2-15 Safety Commission Meeting . Minutes December 13, 1990 MOTION Commissioner Chidester made the motion that the Safety Commission accept the Parks and Recreation Department's recommendation as listed in the submission today, listed as Alternative Number 5. MSUC, [Chidester/Thomas] 7-0, approved. AMENDED MOTION Commissioner Chidester made the motion that the Safety Commission accept our staffs recommendation and the Parks and Recreation Department's recommendation as listed in the submission today, listed as Alternative Number 5. MSUC, [Chidester/Thomas] 7-0, approved. 3. NEW BUSINESS (3A) Reouest for an all-wav stoo at Nadon Avenue and East Oxford Street . Mr. Rivera gave staffs report. At the November Safety Commission meeting staff was directed to investigate the possibility of installing an all-way stop at the intersection of Nacion Avenue and East Oxford Street. Nacion Avenue is a 40 foot wide Class III Collector with a speed limit of 30 mph and an average daily traffic of approximately 2485 vehicles per day. East Oxford Street, which intersects to the west, is also a 40 foot wide Class III Residential Collector street with a posted speed limit of 30 mph. The traffic is approximately 1520 vehicles per day. There is no traffic control for northbound and southbound vehicles on Nacion Avenue at present. The only stop sign is for eastbound East Oxford Street at the intersection with Nacion Avenue, a key intersection. Staff has completed an investigation into the all-way stop and we did conduct speed surveys and an accident history check as well as a traffic volume count. The intersection did not meet the requirements to justify the installation of an all-way stop and therefore staff is recommending to deny this request for the all-way stop at the subject intersection. That concludes staff s report. Chair Braden commented on the fact that we are working on Nacion Avenue on the other item and asked if this would work in later. Mr. Rivera responded, saying yes, he believed this was a continuation of what we are experiencing on the 900 block of Nacion A venue, without the roadway geometrics which are unique to the 900 block. PUBLIC COMMENTS . Donald Lett, 1158 Nacion Avenue, Chula Vista 92011. I have lived at this address for 24 years. My neighbor down the street, who requested that I come this evening--he is tied up with Desert Shield at Camp Pendleton and was unable to make it. But he, on his own initiative, circulated a petition among our 2-16 Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 . Min ~ neighbors and came up with 155 signatures that request a stop sign. The bottom line is: slow the traffic down. It is nice to talk in terms of points, but points you play with games and we are talking about people. We have had only one fatality on the street, it was my neighbor's dog--it could have been his daughter. It inconvenienced the driver, he had to down shift on his way by. Anyway, I submit this petition of 155 signatures. He only got two refusals of all the people he talked to. One of them said he did not know what he was talking about and the other said he did not have time to be tied up with stop signs. We do have a problem. It is recognized in tl- neighborhood. I see that it is pointed out to you tonight by the concern of the peop\. ,he area. I don't care if you put one every 50 feet, it wouldn't bother me at all, bl.. that is basically what Nacion Avenue is and probably Oleander Avenue is a freeway on/off ramp. Somebody might pull CalTrans' chain and see if we can get an on/off ramp at Palomar (and 1-805) and it would probably cut that flow in half because everybody going north is going up Nacion Avenue and Oleander Avenue to get on to "L" Street, everybody going south is going down Orange Avenue. I am as familiar with the bulges in the fence, the car over the sidewalk, and the other incidents--you see the flare patterns on the road when things happen. Somebody put out some type of signal data collecting device right in front of my house, I think itlS a speed determining device. It was two tapes 8 feet apart. What kind of speed you find. . Mr. Rivera responded, saying that what staff determined to be the 85 percentile or the speed which 85 percent of the vehicles are traveling at or less was approximately 40 mph. This was a 24-hour count, which took every vehicle's speed into account and tabulated that speed. Mr. Lett said the collection device was only in one lane, the southbound lane, and that they have speeding going on in both directions. I think that is about all I have for this evening. Thank you very much for your attention. Commissioner Arnold asked if the people who signed the petition, were they living to the south of Naples Street. Mr. Lett stated that the petition included the 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400 blocks of Nacion Avenue. This was collected by Donald R. Benzine who lives at 1121 Nacion Avenue. This may be the petition that was circulated for signatures two or three months ago. Chair Braden asked if Mr. Lett thought this intersection should be separated from the whole problem in that general area. . Mr. Lett noted that the intersection at Oxford Street is much like the two in the 900 block of Nacion Avenue, they are 'T' sections; from Terresa Way to Oxford Street is a long down slope. It's more pronounced south of Oxford Street. I like to stand in front of my house in the evening and traffic is amazing. It's not the volume, it's the speed. 2-17 Safety Commission Meeting . Minutes December 13, 1990 Commissioner Chidester asked staff if they considered dropping the speed limit on that street from 30 mph to 25 mph. Mr. Rivera acknowledged that in establishing the speed limits, that is something that is arbitrarily placed on a street. We have to take a look at what the roadway is designed at, what most of the vehicles are traveling at, and the legalities of all of that. If we were to reduce the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph it may jeopardize the enforceability of the speeding tickets in that area. A judge may see that a 25 mph speed limit in that area is too low and therefore not enforceable. We have to back up our speed limit by conducting radar speed surveys of the area and that would show what speed most of the vehicles are traveling at. We show the 85 percentile speed, what we term the critical speed, showing at 40 mph. We have to be very cautious in lowering speed limit to 25. Commissioner Thomas asked what was possibility of putting staffs motion on hold and inviting these people to our workshop. . MOTION Deny staffs recommendation, put on hold and invite these people to attend the Workshop. MSUC, [Thomas/Koester] 7-0, approved. Chair called a recess at 7:54 p.m. Commission reconvened at 8:07 p.m. (3m Reauest for parkin!! prohibition in the 1200 block of Cuvamaca A venue Mr. Rivera presented staffs report. Staff has been working with the residents of this area to resolve the parking problem. The resident would wrote to staff asked for red curbing. Area residents are against having red curbing as is staff. We do not normally like to put red curbing in neighborhoods. We try to have matters such as this resolved amongst the neighbors. We have sent residents of the area City regulations about parking near driveways. Staff does not believe red curbing would be strictly adhered too and it will require continuous maintenance. Sergeant Schaeffer acknowledged that the Police do not cite in cui de sac areas to enforce parallel parking because of the parking problems. What they do cite for is if someone is blocking a driveway. PUBLIC COMMENTS . Patti Gomez, 1266 Cuyamaca Avenue, Chula Vista, 91911. Josie A. Martez, 1285 Cuyamaca, Chula Vista, 91911. Liz de la Vega, 1258 Cuyamaca Avenue, Chula Vista, 91911. Larry Cossio, 1262 Cuyamaca Avenue, Chula Vista, 91911. Residents stated that they are parking legally and that they are against red curbing and that they have been trying to work this problem out amongst themselves. We thought 2-18 Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 . Minutes we had reached an understanding with Mr. Cossio. Mr. Cossio, who has asked for the red curb, has his house up for sale. When it sells we will be back asking that the red curb be removed, if, in fact, it is installed. One resident stated that she has had no problem. However, residents felt that Mr. Cossio has a lot of customers who come to his house (he runs an insurance business) and that they park illegally. Mr. Larry Cossio informed the Commissioners that there is a storm drain that takes up one-third of the driveway. He said that the issue of perpendicular parking has been addressed and that it is no longer a problem. He further stated that the issue is that there is no parking available in front of the houses. He wanted it clarified that he was only requesting red curbing in front of his house only, not in front of others' houses. MOTION Accept staff's proposal and deny Mr. Cossio's request. MSUC, [Thomas/Militscherj 7-0, approved. (30 Reauest for an all-wav stop at Oleander Avenue and East Palomar Street and Azalea Street . Mr. Rivera presented staff's report. We received a letter in October 1990, requesting that these two intersections have an all-way stop installed. They feel that due to the adjoining land uses, the Boys and Girls Club and the elementary school, that an all-way stop is needed. Staff has completed speed surveys in the area and the 85 percentile is 32 mph. The speed limit is 25. In reviewing the accident history, we have noted that there has been only one reported accident since January 1984; this could have been correctable by an all-way stop. The all-way stop studies which we have completed show that this intersection does not justify the installation of an all-way stop at these two locations. He mentioned that, in the future with the Sunbow II development occurring to the east of Oleander Avenue, East Palomar Street will be extended eastward. At that time it is possible that a traffic signal will be installed at that location. If an all-way stop is to be located at any intersection, this would be staff's first recommendation--at Palomar Street and Oleander Avenue. Azalea Street serves primarily local traffic and the traffic for the school children in the morning and in the afternoon when school is being dismissed. PUBLIC COMMENTS Karen Monroe, 1417 Oleander Avenue, Chula Vista, 9191l. Ms. Karen Monroe stated she lived in this area for 23 year. She said she has to pull out of her driveway every day and it is very hard to do. There was a child hit by a vehicle about eight years ago. A power box was wiped out about seven years ago. We do not want to have to wait for someone to die before we get a (stop) sign in our neighborhood. . Alfred Croce, 1407 Oleander Avenue, Chula Vista, 9191l. I have lived in the neighborhood for 23 years and I have seen this road grow into a major 2-19 Safety Commission Meeting . Minutes December 13, 1990 street. Elementary school kids need to cross street; traffic coming along Oleander Avenue travels very fast. Crossing Azalea Street and Oleander Avenue is very difficult for kids. There is a bus stop just before this comer and when the bus is there it restricts vision even more than there exists now. James J. Johnston, 512 Azalea Street, Chula Vista, 91911. I have lived at this address for over 12 years. Oleander Avenue curves in this area and children do have to cross. There was a fire hydrant sheared off right by my house. Oleander Avenue is being used as an I-80S annex. There are a lot of accidents that do not get reported. David Fithian, 1402 Oleander Avenue, Chula Vista, 91911. Was appalled at the 32 mph. Yesterday there were three cars that crashed in front of Boy's Club. Slope of Oleander Avenue is scary, drivers use hill as a speedway. We have had an accident in front of our house. We were pulling into our driveway and a vehicle tried to pass us on the right and smashed into us. A survey should be done on a weekend, like a Saturday, so we can have better statistics. . Bonnie Fithian, 1402 Oleander Avenue, Chula Vista, 91911. We have lived here for 12 years. We are new at finding out how these things work. She asked if they needed to generate a petition. There is a lot of concern in the neighborhood. Not all of us received notification of this meeting. Evidently just sending in a letter is not enough. There is a lot of concern. Maybe the stop light, at the freeway exit, will help because people may stop using Oleander Avenue. Mark Dolan, 1398 Oleander Avenue, Chula Vista, 91911. We have a problem with speed. Although I do agree with the spirit of what my neighbors have presented, I represent the opposing view. We do have a problem with speed. I have lived here only eight months and three months after I moved in, my vehicle was parked and was hit by another vehicle; the Police said the driver had to be going at least 95 mph when he lost control. I do not want to see a stop sign put in. Recommends traffic be regulated. Stop light going in at Palomar Street is a good idea. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS It was asked of staff when they conduct speed surveys and if surveys were ever conducted on weekends. . Because of staffing, we do not conduct weekend surveys. We have lost equipment by leaving it out over the weekend. Residents said they would be willing to look after the equipment over a weekend. Mr. Rivera further stated that staff would come back in February with surveys done over a period of time, including one weekend time period sometime in January 1991. 2-20 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes Commissioner Arnold asked staff if they went into the files and checked data of what action was taken at the time when this was brought forward about four or five years ago. Mr. Rivera said the request was presented to the Safety Commission back in the Failor Winter of 1987 or 1988. When it went to the City Council, the request was denied. Staff will look at these records. Chair asked that this area be monitored more frequently and over a longer period of time. Mr. Rivera stated that this item will be brought back at the March 14, 1991 meeting. MOTION Refer this back to staff or more thorough study. MSUC, [Thomas/Militscher] 7-0, approved. (3D) Reauest for a traffic si!!:nal at the intersection of Hilltop Drive and Tele!!:raph Canyon Road Mr. Rivera gave staff's report. Staff received a letter from Mr. English requesting a traffic signal at this intersection. He uses this intersection to go to and from school. He has mentioned that at 7:25 a.m., the AM peak period makes it difficult for him to cross. Staff did a survey during this time frame and there are quite a number of vehicles on Telegraph Canyon Road westbound, making a left and right turn onto Hilltop Drive. We did evaluate this intersection with other intersections in the City to see where it would rank for a traffic signal and it placed 15 out of 18 locations. We are not recommending that a traffic signal be installed at this intersection nor are we recommending an all-way stop to be installed. Besides the AM peak period and the PM peak period, the volumes on these streets and the gaps in traffic do provide the motorists an adequate opportunity to make their left or right turn off of Telegraph Canyon Road. We, therefore, do not recommend the signal nor the all-way stop be installed. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Koester asked if there were a crosswalk at that intersection. Mr. Rivera said there was a crosswalk, with wheelchair ramp. This intersection is not patrolled by a student safety patrol. Commissioner Arnold asked if the 118 vehicles going eastbound, off Hilltop Drive, would have an impact. Mr. Rivera said that the number of vehicles turning is for a one-hour time period. We are looking at two to three vehicles per minute if you average it out, but there is that 2-21 Safety Commission Meeting . Minutes December 13, 1990 concentration between 7: 15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. We did take this into account and on our traffic signal evaluation the peak periods from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00. If we had those conditions throughout the day then we would then recommend that a traffic signal be installed. But for three hours out of a 24-hour time period we do not feel that it is justified to spend the money involved for installing a traffic signal at this location. There are other intersections throughout the City which have a higher priority, or have more hours during the day with a need for a traffic signal, and those were, therefore, the intersections that we recommended be funded for traffic signals to be constructed. MOTION Accept staffs proposal "that the Safety Commission deny Mr. English's request for a traffic signal at the intersection of Telegraph Canyon Road and Hilltop Drive. MSUC, [Thomas/Koester] 7-0, approved. (3E) 1991 Intersection Evaluation List-- Traffic Si!!nal Prioritv List . Staff has completed its evaluation of eighteen candidate intersections throughout the City of Chula Vista and we are recommending for signalization the intersection, as a first priority, of Third Avenue and Anita Street. It met three of the state warrants and also had four accidents, of which all could have been correctable by the installation of a signal. This is during a one-year period. This is a "T" intersection. The second location which we are recommending to the Safety Commission is Otay Lakes Road and Elmhurst Street. We hope to build this one at the same time as Gotham Street and Otay Lakes Road, which was approved last year as part of the Southwestern College Transit Center which will be built in that area. The third intersection we recommend is Main Street and Albany Avenue, which is also a "T" intersection. This intersection meant three of the warrants for justifying a traffic signal. The other intersections, listed below the dashed line on the form, we are not recommending traffic signals at this time. We will, however, continue to evaluate these intersections on a yearly basis so that we can determine when conditions change enough so that we can justify a traffic signal. Our recommendation is that the Safety Commission make the recommendation to approve this draft 1991 Intersection Evaluation List traffic signal warrants so that we can present this list to the City Council for approval. STAFF ACTION ITEM All pages of the Agenda packet are to be numbered sequentially, in the lower right hand corner, in order for the Commissioners to know that they have received a complete packet. Packets to be more organized and in proper order. . Hard copies of plats are to accompany agenda items. Staff be more accurate in their maps, circJe subject areas, get up-to-date maps. 2-22 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Chidester asked how the new signal at Anita Street and Third Avenue will be sequenced with the signal at Montgomery Street and Third Avenue as well as the signal at Orange Street and Third Avenue. Mr. Rivera said this new signal will be assimilated into the traffic signal computer system and it will be included in the grouping of signals south of Orange Avenue so that we can time the progression, southbound and northbound, in that area. Orange Avenue will be an eight-phase signal, so we will have difficulty providing progression all the way down Third Avenue. PUBLIC COMMENTS Steve Palma, 174-112 Montgomery Street, Chula Vista, 9191!. I am chairman of the Otay Town Committee. At our last meeting, in an unanimous vote, is recommending to the Safety Commission and also the City Council, that they fund in the FY91-92 budget the traffic signals for the intersection of Third Avenue and Anita Street, and Main Street and Albany Avenue. We do call for a temporary mechanism of some kind, whether it be a sign, a flashing light, or whatever is possible to address that Anita Street/Third Avenue area. There is a bus stop on both sides of the road and there is a dip and with people crossing the street at this location, people get caught in the middle of the street. There are no school guards at the corner of Montgomery Street and Third A venue because of safety factors--they have been pulled back to Fresno Street and Third Avenue. Commissioner Chidester asked staff to explore possibilities of some sort of device with Mr. Palma and come back at next meeting. MOTION Accept evaluation list of traffic signal warrants. MSUC, [Koester/Militscher) 7-0, approved. 6. COMMUNICATIONS (6A) Public Remarks None. (6B) Commissioner Comments See "previous" Staff Action Items. 8. RECESS TO REGULAR MONTHLY WORKSHOP SESSION: None scheduled. 2-23 . . . Safety Commission Meeting December 13, 1990 Minutes 9. ADJOURNMENT TO REGULAR SAFETY COMMISSION WORKSHOP DINNER MEETING OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1991 MOTION That we adjmnl this meeting. MSUC, [Mi:!er/] 7-0, approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. 'LL ;(/1. Berlin D. Bosworth, Recording Secretary [SC5\A:DEC-90.MIN] 2-24