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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafety Commission mins 1991/04/11 . . . ------.. MINUTES OF THE SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Thursday, April 11, 1991 7:11 p.m. Council Chambers Public Services Building 1. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Braden, Co-Chair Thomas, Commissioners Arnold, Chidester, Koester, Matacia EXCUSED ABSENCES: UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: None. None. STAFF PRESENT: Harold Rosenberg, City Traffic Engineer Frank Rivera, Assistant Engineer II OTHERS PRESENT: Sergeant Tom Schaefer See attached attendance list. Chair Braden welcomed Angie Harp, student at Chula Vista High School, attending the Safety Commission meeting as an assignment of her Government class. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION Approve minutes of the March 14, 1991 Safety Commission, #~~~%!~gQ!!!,!g~~!![~ b!g!:M!g~~. . Page 5, MOTION: That a stop sign be installed on Oleander Avenue at Azalea Street, stopping the traffic at Oleander A venue at that intersection, to permit the crossing guards to have stopped vehicle and correct! y use their signs. MSC [Militscher/Koester] ~t6 (Braden #Qg~tli9~l%f opposed) . . Page 10, MOTION: That the Safety Commission accept staff recommendation: that the Safety Commission recommend to the City Council to affirm the all-way stop trial traffic regulation at the subject intersection. MSUC I~V! [Militscher/Koester] !m!~V!m~~~tlpppg~lIl 3. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letters from Mary Villalobos, Border Marketing; Andre J. Rigoli, CEO, Tratec of California, Inc.; and Michael A. Vogt, International Real Estate concerning the "Auto Auction" business that is affecting their businesses and parking in the area. Mr. Rivera gave an overview of the situation, explaining the item was brought before the Commission for their information and that staff will be working with . . . Safety Commission Meeting April 11, 1991 Minutes """'------- ---A-_____ the appropriate City departments to prepare a complete report for the May 9, 1991 meeting. He explained that the Police Department is aware of the situation and is vigorously enforcing the parking problems on Main Street and that staff will work the appropriate departments to take care of the problem as it persists on-site in that area. The problem spills over from the private property on to Main Street, there is a great deal of illegal parking--in red curbing--they park the cars wherever they will fit, and that is why the Police have been vigorously enforcing parking regulations. There are too many vehicles in that area and too great a demand for parking and the space is just not there. Sergeant Schaefer stated that since he has been with the Department, he is aware of complaints his Division has dealt with the past year. The Division completed some research a few months back and at that time we were told that the auto auction facility was going to be moved from this location up to Otay Mesa. That hasn't happened yet and the situation continues to exist. The problem addressed in these letters is basically, private property problems. We have dealt with the on-street problems and one of the reasons for the complaints from the owners of the businesses is because they used to take these cars out on to Main Street, we no longer allow that, and now they are doing repairs, moving, parking on the private property of the business owners who have sent the letters. 2. Open letter (petition) from area residents concerning pedestrian safety and responding to Engineering staff's recommendation to reject request for an all-way stop at the corner of EastLake Drive and Lake Shore Drive. Mr. Rivera commented that at the last Safety Commission meeting the request for the all-way stop was denied the request. Subsequent to that meeting, staff received a phone call from a gentlemen who was opposed to the recommendation. The item will be on the Council Agenda under Written Communications for the April 16 meeting. Mr. Rosenberg asked the Commission if they wished to rehear the item. Chair Braden stated that what amazed her was that if this was such a horrendous problem, why was it that only one person addressed the Commission when it was on our Agenda. Mr. Rivera stated that staff notified the elementary school as it was they who had initially made the request. This gentleman lives in the area and coincidentally called our office and asked us to investigate this item. We mentioned to him that we had gone to the Safety Commission and that we had completed our investigation and that at this time we had not recommended that an all-way stop be installed. He decided to get a petition and address it to the City Council. -2- . . . Safety Commission Meeting April 11, 1991 Minutes Chair Braden asked if they might be better served to come before the Safety Commission. She further stated that staff did not need to do any further studies. Messrs. Rivera and Rosenberg recommended that staff bring this item back before the Safety Commission at the May 9, 1991 meeting and that staff will notify all who had signed the petition as well as other local area residents. 4. Report on Suggested Route to School Maps The Chair wished to acknowledge and commend Dennis Wolfe for the terrific job in putting together the book. The book will remain in each member's Meeting Book for future reference. STAFF REPORT At the suggestion of Commissioner Matacia, staff described the intent of the" suggested route to school maps" and that it would be well that people understand that this is merely a suggestion and that the City Council nor the Safety Commission is not directing people to walk a specific route. Mr. Rivera gave Angie Harp a copy of the booklet. He explained that what this booklet is responding to is that we have a School Safety Task Force that evaluates all the elementary schools in the City. It shows on the maps the locations of all the traffic control devices, such as stop signs, traffic signals, crosswalks. It is a parent's responsibility to review with the student and suggest a route to school using the traffic control devices. What we have done is that each map shows the area that is served by each elementary school. It is the schools responsibility to distribute those maps to the parents. PUBLIC COMMENTS Angie Harp, 41 East Olympia Court, Chula Vista 91911 Student, Chula Vista High School My concern is that there may not be communication between parents and their children. A lot of the time the communication is not there, parents are working and such, so it might be a good idea to have a school assembly to direct the students on safety, on traffic, and on the suggested route to school maps. Mr. Rivera stated that each school principal receives the maps for its school. It is the school principals' responsibility to notify the PT A and also to hand it out to the children to take home. Ms. Harp stated that she had never seen one of these maps before. Also, that she has a sister in elementary school and she has not received this map either. -3- ---- ~._------------ . Safety Commission Meeting April 11, 1991 Minutes Chair Braden responded, saying, that now you are aware and you have the maps, you are going to have to start making some noise. She urged Angie to get involved on this. . Mr. Rosenberg commented that it is worth reviewing the California Traffic Control Manual dealing with school area pedestrian safety, an insert in your packet. It is worth reviewing, not so much the policy, but the organization of the School Safety Committee that is formed in various areas of the state. This is a State of California standard and it speaks about the school routes and established school crossing procedures and programs, in general, and talks about staffing committee responsibilities, who should be members of the advisory committee in dealing with school safety matters, including Safety Councils, City or County Traffic Engineers, Police authorities, Parent Teachers Association, Automobile Club, and others who have an interest in school safety. It talks about staff and committee responsibilities and it also talks about school responsibilities. Unfortunately, I think, in my limited experience here in Chula Vista, it does not seem as if the schools have done much in assuming the responsibility in this particular area. In particular, item number 1, under \0-02.3: The principal or designated staff person of every school serving kindergarten and elementary students should: develop, cooperate with local officials, a "Suggested Route to School" plan showing all streets, school location, and the routes to be used by students enroute to and from school. That is different than the program we have developed which only shows the street system and the school markings, but does not recommend a particular route. I understand the liability questions raised by recommending a route and perhaps we ought to ask the schools to give us a definition of how they think we ought to be dealing with these maps and how best to apply them so that they truly represent a very effective manner in directing the children to use a safe route to school. The Safety Commission may wish to provide some direction to staff and the Police Department as to whether they feel this program is satisfactory or they wish to expand it. Commissioner Matacia asked Mr. Rosenberg if he thought there were good communications between staff and the schools. Just because it is written does not make it happen. Mr. Rivera responded, stating that the Safety Task Force does have good communications with the principals. Perhaps the principals are not following through and distributing the maps or explaining it to the faculty and the students. . The Recording Secretary suggested that the Chair might wish to have the principals or representatives from the school districts come and discuss this issue before the Safety Commission. Chair Braden informed staff that this would be excellent, and directed staff to invite the principals and representatives of the school district to come to the May 9, 1991 meeting. -4- . . . Safety Commission Meeting April 11, 1991 Minutes Commissioner Arnold desired to have PTA representatives included in the invitation to attend the May 9 meeting to be included in discussion of this issue. Chair Braden directed staff to send Angie Harp an invitation to also be present at the May 9 meeting. 5. Status Report on Shell Oil Company STAFF REPORT Mr. Rivera explained that in each packet was a compilation of all the previous reports that have gone to the Safety Commission, with their Minutes and attachments. We will be having the item going to the City Council shortly on whether or not the City will undertake a project to reconstruct the west half of Bonita Glen Drive in concrete. As Shell is obligated to reconstruct the east half of Bonita Glen Drive in concrete, we believe it is best to have the entire street width in concrete and not half concrete and half asphalt. We expect to be going to the City Council on this item within the next month. At the next Safety Commission meeting we should be able to give you a firm date. Chair Braden inquired as to how Shell Oil Company is progressing on their project. Mr. Rosenberg noted that staff is processing their plans and we are hoping to have Shell's project and the City's project be completed simultaneously after the current construction work in the vicinity is completed. Commissioner Thomas instructed staff that whoever talks to Shell to be sure to ascertain what they are doing about the water problem. What are they going to be doing about the drier (blower system). We want to be able to have all the answers at the City Council meeting. Chair Braden wanted the problem of water on Bonita Road brought to their attention. Previous discussions only concerned the water problem on Bonita Glen Drive. Mr. Rosenberg said he would call them on the phone about the status of the direr (blower system) and then follow up with a confirmation letter. 6. Report on Traffic Concerns for Azalea Street STAFF REPORT Mr. Rivera in presenting staff report stated that this was a request staff received to do something about speeding vehicles on Azalea Street between Oleander Street and Lilac A venue, the street is curved and linear and it has a 36 foot curb to curb width and a speed limit that is not posted but is 25 mph. Traffic volumes are approximately 1410 vehicles per day. The request stems because parents who are taking their children to the Parkview Elementary School are traveling Azalea Street they are traveling at an excessive -5- ----- -------...-----.- ---- ---- . Safety Commission Meeting April 11, 1991 Minutes speed and short cutting through the curbs. Staff has recommended in the past to the school principal is that she stress the idea that parents travel in a counter clockwise direction, up Azalea Street to Juniper Street and then down to Lilac Avenue. What is currently happening is that many of the motorists make a left turn on Lilac Avenue and proceed clockwise and subsequently when they stop by the school their children have to cross Juniper Street and Lilac Avenue to get onto the school grounds. We do not like that as it is dangerous for the students. In fact, we only recommend that the school buses be the only ones to make the left turn onto Lilac Avenue as they continue into the Parkview Elementary School grounds to unload the students. We are recommending that staff install a stop sign for southbound Lilac Avenue at Azalea Street. This will require southbound vehicles to stop. We do not recommend a double yellow centerline street on Azalea Street for several reasons: one being the width of the street, another is that cars park on this street. It is not a normal practice to double yellow centerline residential streets, that is primarily for collector type streets. Staff has contacted the principal and she is aware of the problem. . PUBLIC COMMENTS Richard Walters, 536 Azalea Street, Chula Vista 91911 I am constantly amazed at the speed these mothers get coming up Azalea Street. If you were to watch, as I do, at the intersection of Azalea Street and Oleander Avenue you will see them starting their turn early--about 15 feet back--and slicing across because they do not want to slow down. Speed at which they travel on Azalea Street going to the school is very fast. There are many small children walking down Azalea Street in the afternoon that I think it warrants a good hard look at slowing these people down. In the morning it is obvious, in the 10 minute period before the bell rings, here they come--a thundering herd, they are all late and trying to make up time. I think the all-way stop that you recommended 6-1 at Oleander Avenue and Azalea Street will go a long way toward helping to solve the problem. [Mr. Rivera informed Mr. Walters that the item will be going to the City Council for action.] Mr. Walters also inquired about length of time RVs are allowed to stay parked. [He was informed the limit is 72 hours and if RVs are parked longer, then he should contact the Police Department.] Chair Braden told Mr. Walters she does not see the City Council denying the all-way stop sign at Oleander Avenue and Azalea Street with the Safety Commission recommending that it be installed and along with the proposed stop sign at Azalea Street and Lilac Avenue that these should solve the problem--short of installing barricades. . MOTION That the Safety Commission accept staffs recommendation: That the Sqfety Commission approve staff's recommendation to install a stop sign for southbound vehicles on Lilac A venue at Azalea Street and establish a no parking zone at the northeast corner of Lilac Avenue and Azalea Street. MSUC [Thomas, Koester] 6-0 -6- - -- . . . Safety Commission Meeting April 11, 1991 Minutes 7. Report on Traffic Impacts of SR-54 STAFF REPORT Mr. Rivera informed the Commission that with the opening of State Route 54 between 1-5 and 1-805, staff completed surveys to ascertain the impact that this has had on parallel City streets. The freeway was opened late last year and there has been a decrease on Bonita Road, East "H" Street, "E" Street, and Second Avenue. Second Avenue decreased significantly, from 11,600 down to 4,800. This is the first set of counts done in the first quarter after the opening and we will continue to do additional counts within the next two months. Mr. Rosenberg noted that SR-54 has caused a shifting of traffic patterns. Instead of having the load in the east/west direction there are now two alternate routes--Broadway and Fourth Avenue which vehicles can take to connect to 1-5 and/or I-80S. You will note that both Broadway and Fourth Avenue traffic counts have increased slightly. We expect further decreases in the east/west traffic counts when CalTrans completes the north/south connection at 1-5. That work is still one year away from completion. Commissioner Matacia asked if the current signs on SR-54 that call for a speed limit of 45 mph are old signs and should they be replaced. Mr. Rosenberg said he would check this and call it to the attention of CalTrans. 8. Verbal Report on Parking Improvement on 600 Block of Third Avenue STAFF REPORT Mr. Rivera stated that staff is currently working on this item. The request has been made to mark out the parking spaces on Third Avenue between "I" Street and "J" Street to better delineate the parking areas on Third Avenue. Staff is contemplating whether or not to leave it as it is, to mark out the parking spaces, or to prohibit parking on Third Avenue on that block and add a continuous two-way turn lane the full length of Third Avenue between "I" Street and "J" Street. Next month we will bring back a report with our recommendation. Mr. Rosenberg pointed out that there are a number of driveways in the block and that there are a number of turns taking place and staff s cursory look at the accident history in this block indicates that we do have a problem resulting from, we think from the numerous driveways, the two-way turn lane would help make the street operate somewhat more safely. This is the only block on Third Avenue that does not have a continuous turn lane. The removal of parking is most likely going to cause a hardship to some of the properties as they may not have sufficient off-street parking to accommodate their employees or users. We are going to look at the benefits and disadvantages and report back to you. -7- . . . Safety Commission Meeting April 11, 1991 Minutes 9. 10. Chair Braden suggested that when they are doing the analyzing and before the recommendation is brought to the Safety Commission that you notify the merchants and others affected by this decision. Commissioner Chidester strongly recommended a continuous turn lane. He said he occasionally does volunteer work at the Salvation Army and that about 80 percent of the people who come to the Salvation Army for one particular program come from the south and this would be most beneficial. At present, they, in effect, stop one lane of northbound traffic while they wait to make their turn. There are other business that would benefit from this continuous turn lane. Trial Traffic Regulations: None Staff Infonnational Report: C.I.P. Status Report FY90-91 STAFF REPORT Mr. Rivera stated that the freeway interchange project that the Safety Commission desired be expanded has been done and pages 10-2 and 10-3 further detail those projects. Also, the Broadway/"I" Street and the Hilltop Drive/East Rienstra Street projects are scheduled to start in May 1991. Commissioner Thomas asked about the project at I-80S/0tay Valley Road-Main Street, wanting to know if it is anticipated to put a traffic signal at this location. Mr. Rosenberg said yes, on both sides, east and west of the freeway; funds are budgeted for design and construction of the signals. Designs are 90 percent complete and we intend to go to contract in FY9l-92 and anticipate construction starting in January 1992. While we do not, as yet, have a cooperative agreement with CalTrans, they do recognize that it does qualify for safety improvement and they believe they may have funds available. Since their fiscal year does not start until October, we will advance the money with the intent, hopefully, of entering into an agreement with them for a reimbursement of 50 percent. These paid of signals are estimated to be around $214,000. 11. Staff Infonnational Report: Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Summary for February 1991 We will be presenting an updated report at the next meeting. 12. Staff Infonnational Report: Heater Inspection Program STAFF REPORT Mr. Rivera stated that Kenneth Larsen, the Director of Building and Housing Department, prepared a report addressing the issue of the City's heater inspection program and that the report is included in your packet. -8- . . . Safety Commission Meeting April 11, 1991 Minutes 14. Oral Communications None 15. Staff Reports 16. 17. Mr. Rivera said he was asked by Chair Braden to look into the East Park Lane alley which is just east of Broadway, between Halsey Street and "J" Street as the pavement was in disrepair and something needed to be done to patch the potholes in the area. Mr. Rivera said he spoke with the Public Works Operations Department superintendent in charge of the pavement program and that he will be fixing potholes and try to reschedule the street for an overlay next fiscal year. In the meantime the pothole repair should suffice. Commissioner Comments Mr. Chidester stated that the March rains saved us from having to cut our water use by 50 percent, but that they also encouraged millions and millions of weeds. Today's uncut weeds are tomorrow's brush fires. He wanted to know if the City has any plans for weed abatement on public land as well as have property owners to cut the weeds back. He mentioned, specifically, First Avenue between "J" Street and "K" Street. Also mentioned by Chair Braden were empty lots, and specifically the empty lot at Third Avenue and Moss Street; Commissioner Matacia mentioned Bonita Long Canyon. Mr. Rosenberg thought the City has some procedure for dealing with the problem either through the Fire Department or the Public Works Operations Department. He will check on it and give you a status report at the next meeting.] Commissioner Chidester asked that the request to take care of this problem be put in the pipeline. Recess to Regular Monthly Workshop Session 18. Adjournment to next regularly scheduled meeting of April 11, 1991. MOTION That we adjourn this meeting. MSUC, [Chidester/Matacia] 6-0, approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. t lul:-w i i~0(,,/!A Berlin D. Bosworth, Recording Secretary [CIWP51ISAFETYI4-11-91.MIN] -9-