HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-13 SC MINUTESs Jr
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CHULA VISTA SAFETY COMMISSION
September 13, 2001 Council Chambers
6:30 p.m. Public Services Building
CALL TO ORDER
1. Roll Call:,
Present: Chair Gove; Commissioners Acton, Liken, Lopez, McAlister, and White
Absent: None
Also present: Ralph Leyva, Senior Civil Engineer; Majed AI-Ghafry, Civil Engineer; Patrick
Moneda, Assistant Civil Engineer; Sgt. Scott Arsenault; and Florence
Picar'dal, Recording Secretary
2. Pledge of Allegiance/Silent Praver
3. Opening Statement
Opening statement read by Chair Gove.
4. Approval of Minutes -June 14, 2001
MSC (Acton/Lopez) to approve minutes of June 14, 2001 as submitted (4-0-0-2; Gove and McAlister
abstain)
MEETING AGENDA
5. Oral Communications
None.
Items were taken out of order (in priority by number of speaker request forms for each item).
8. Report on traffic Issue at "E" Street/Corte Maria Avenue
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At the Council meeting of May 29, 2001, under Oral Communications,Tony Raso of 26 Vista Way and Ric
Ruybalid brought up a safety issue regarding the intersection of "E" Street with Corte Maria Avenue. They
voiced their concerns regarding the speed of motorists traveling past Corte Maria Avenue on "E" Street. In
addition, staff has received phone calls from neighborhood residents regarding safety issues when entering
and exiting Corte Maria Avenue which they attribute to lack of sight distance.
Mr. AI-Ghafry presented report and Powerpoint presentation. The following options were considered by staff:
Option 1: Restrict left -turn movements for motorists exiting Corte Maria Avenue onto "E" Street
eastbound traffic, WITHOUT adjusting the existing striping on "E" Street.
(RIGHT -TURN IN/RIGHT TURN OUT MOVEMENTS ONLY)
Option 2: Restrict left -turn movements for motorists exiting Corte Maria Avenue onto "E" Street
eastbound traffic, adjusting the existing striping on "E" Street to allow for exclusive right—
turn lanes onto and off of Corte Maria Avenue.
. (RIGHT -TURN IN/RIGHT TURN OUT MOVEMENTS ONLY) ,
Option 3: Allowing only northbound traffic through Corte Maria Avenue.
(ONE-WAY STREET)
Safety Commission Minutes
• September 13, 2001 Page 2
Option 4: Constructing a cul-de-sac on the southern end of Corte Maria Avenue; thereby, restricting
motorists from entering and exiting the southern end of Corte Maria Avenue.
Option 5: Installing a signalized intersection at the intersection of "E" Street with Corte Maria Avenue. (this
may only be implemented if warrants are met.)
Option 6: Installing a flashing beacon to better define the intersection.
Staff Recommendation: That the Safety Commission concurwith staffs recommendation to restrict left -turn
movements for motorists exiting Corte Maria Avenue onto "E" Street eastbound traffic (Option 1).
Public hearing opened.
The following persons spoke in favor of staffs recommendation:
1. Mark Wolfe, 172 Rosemary Place, Chula Vista, CA
2. Ron Marcus, Principal for Rosebank Elementary School
The following persons spoke against staffs recommendation:
Glen Callaway, 67 "E" Street, Chula Vista, CA
The following persons voiced concerns about the subject intersection:
1. Ric Ruybalid, 165 Corte Maria Avenue, Chula Vista, CA
2. Ms. Leon, 155 Corte Maria, Chula Vista, CA
3. Bruce Collin, 58 Corte Maria, Chula Vista, CA
4. Tony Raso, 26 Vista Way, Chula Vista, CA
5. Bruce Collin, 58 Corte Maria, Chula Vista, CA (Commissioner Acton read his concern aloud.
Mr. Collin left early.)
Public hearing closed.
Commission Discussion: A number of residents cited the excessive speeds and timing of traffic signals on
"E" Street as their main concern. Signal timing, Botts dots, use of.radar, flashing beacons, increased police
enforcement, CMAC funding, and CIP projects were all discussed to great lengths.
Mr. Leyva stated traffic signal timing adjustments could be made on "E" Street at First Avenue and at Flower
Street to facilitate the flow of traffic on First Avenue. This would delay traffic on "E" Street. Also, extending the
30 mph speed limit (currently 35 mph) to the east down to Flower may alleviate some speeding problems.
Commissioner Liken stated, in his opinion, the flashing lights at this location would be a waste of taxpayer
money. He asked staff about "traffic calmed neighborhoods". Mr. Leyva responded that traffic calming is
generally applied to residential streets (collector or arterial) 40 ft. or less. Commissioner Liken cited the
County of San Diego has used traffic calming on Corral Canyon Drive. He proposed removing the #2 lane
westbound and painting half stripes on the #2 lane to give the effect of a narrow road going up the hill
providing for transition from the freeway to a residential zone. He asked staff if this could be done legally. Mr.
Leyva responded the proposal was very radical. He stated generally, in the past the Commission has been
prudent in applying less obtrusive measures before they go more extreme measures. He stated "E" Street
carries 17,000 average daily trips. Reducing "E" Street to one lane would have the effect of having a
continuous and constant flow of traffic with no gaps -for turning movements. Commissioner Liken stated there
was another option for consideration - refer the item to City Council without a recommendation for Council's
review and action.
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Safety Commission Minutes
September 13, 2001 Page 3
MOTION (Liken/Acton) to refer this item to the City Council for further action.
Discussion continued on the viable options. Mr. Leyva restated staffs recommendation: Restricting left -turn
movements for motorists exiting Corte Maria Avenue onto "E" Street eastbound; adjustments made to traffic
signal timing on "E" Street at First Avenue and at Flower Street to facilitate the flow of traffic on First Avenue;
and extending the 30 mph speed limit (currently 35 mph) to the east down to Flower based on the sight
distance problem at "E"/Corte Maria. Commissioner White agreed that the item should be referred to the City
Council, but with recommendations from the Safety Commission. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated if this item is referred
back to Council without recommendations, the item will go back to staff, staff will come up with the same
recommendations as outlined in the current report. He suggested the Safety Commission make
recommendations as stated by Mr. Leyva, then revisit the item in 2-3 months.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION - MSC (White/Acton) to approve Option 1 - Restrict left -turn movements for
motorists exiting Corte Maria Avenue onto "E" Street eastbound traffic, WITHOUT adjusting the existing
striping on 'E' Street; increase speed enforcement of the area; adjust the traffic signal timing at Flower and
First Avenue on "E" Street immediately; extend the 30.mph easterly to Flower Street; and refer this for
further study to City Council. (5-1-0, Liken voting no)
9. Report on request for an all -way stop on Corral Canyon Road/Coltridge Lane
Staff received a request to install an all -way stop control at the intersection of Corral Canyon Road with
Coltridge Lane from Steve Mentas, 527 Galveston Way, Bonita, CA 91902. He thought the all -way stop would
help motorists leaving Coltridge Lane and turning northbound onto Corral Canyon Road, to safely enter the
intersection. Mr. Mentas expressed concerns about the children's safety as they play at Bonita Long Canyon
Park, which is located at the northwest corner of the subject intersection.
Mr. AI-Ghafry presented report and Powerpoint presentation. He stated 27 phone calls were received, 23
against the all -way stop and 4 in favor. Commissioner Liken excused/abstained himself from discussion and
voting on this item due to the close proximity of his residence to the subject intersection.
Staff Recommendation: That the Safety Commission concur with staffs recommendation and deny the
installation of an all -way stop control on Corral Canyon Road at Coltridge Lane based on the location receiving
31 points of a possible 100 points pursuant to Council Policy Number 478-03.
Public hearing opened.
The following persons spoke in favor of staffs recommendation:
1. Pat Mallen, 250 E. Main, EI Cajon, CA
2. Mikb Donnelly, 2005 Port Cardiff, Chula Vista, CA
3. John Liken, 609 Forester Lane, Bonita, CA
4. Wayne Lacina, 629 Arborcreek Lane, Bonita, CA
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Safety Commission Minutes
September 13, 2001 Page 4
The following persons spoke against staffs recommendation:
1. Don Scovel, 5611 Galloping Way, Bonita, CA
2. Stanley Waid, 3609 Belle Bonnie Brae Rd., Bonita, CA (representing Sweetwater Valley Civic
Association)
3. Thomas Iniguez, 4128 Corral Canyon Road, Bonita, CA (Board President, Bonita Highlands
HOA)
Public hearing closed.
Commission Discussion: Commissioner Lopez abstained from discussion/voting on this item due to the
close proximity of his residence to the subject intersection. Commissioner McAlister stated he did not feel that
a stop sign is warranted at this location and concurred with staff recommendation. Mr. AI-Ghafry defined
"traffic calming". He stated it is a collaborative effort between neighborhood residents and municipal agencies
where various devices and public awareness are used to reduce vehicular speeds, eliminate cut -through
traffic, and create a more pleasant street environment for residents. The City has a traffic calming community
in the Otaj Ranch development which includes narrower streets, traffic circles, and street choking devices.
MSC (McAlister/Acton) to concur with staffs recommendation and deny the installation of an all -way stop
control on Corral Canyon Road at Coltridge Lane. (4-0-2, Liken and Lopez abstain)
7. Report on re-evaluation of East "J" and La Senda Wa
Staff received a request to install an all -way stop control at the intersection of East "J" Street with La Senda
Way from Patrick McCarragher, 703 East "J" Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. He thought the all -way stop
• would be beneficial to control the high speed of vehicles traveling on East "J" Street and to resolve intersection
safety concerns due to reduced sight visibility.
Mr. Al-Ghafry presented report and Powerpoint presentation. He stated 17 phone calls were received, 4 were
in favor of the all -way stop and 13 against the installation of the all -way stop. Commissioner McAlister asked
how may studies have been conducted on this intersection. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated two previous studies were
conducted based on the old All -Way Stop Policy with all -way stop controls being recommended both times.
Staff Recommendation: That the Safety Commission concur with staffs recommendation and deny the
installation of an all -way stop control on East "J" Street at La Senda Way based on the location receiving
39 points of a possible 100 points pursuant to Council Policy Number 478-03.
Public hearing opened.
The following persons spoke in favor of the staffs recommendation:
1. Robert Torbett, 668 East "J" Street, Chula Vista, CA
The following persons spoke against staffs recommendation:
1. Joseph C. Hughs, 644 Via Curvada, Chula Vista, CA
2. Leonard Warwick, 820 Arroyo Place, Chula Vista, CA
3. Patrick McCarragher, 703 East "J" Street, Chula Vista, CA
Chair Gove asked Mr. McCarragher if he noticed any reduction in the speed in his neighborhood with the
installation of the stop sign at Lori Lane/East "J" Street. He responded no, that particular stop sign is located
over the hill and has had no impact on his neighborhood. There was a response from someone in the
0 audience who lives in the vicinity of Lori Lane that the stop sign does slow down traffic speeds coming down
the hill. Commissioner Lopez stated in the past, traffic congestion was an issue because commuters were
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Safety Commission Minutes
September 13, 2001 Page 5
using East "J" Street as an alternative to traveling bn Telegraph Canyon Road and East "H" Street. Residents
were having a difficult time exiting their driveways. Commissioner Lopez wanted to know if there was a
reduction in traffic since the addition of stop signs. A speaker from the audience stated yes; drivers were
using routes other than East "J" Street.
Public hearing closed.
Commission Discussion: Commissioner White stated in the past he was in favor of an all -way stop at this
intersection and he is still in favor of an all -way stop. He was against staffs recommendation to deny the
request. Commissioner Liken asked staff out of the 17 phone calls that were received, how many were from
residents of the area in question. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that the calls were received from residents of the East
"J" Street area or off of East "J" Street. Commissioner Liken stated that °East "J" Street is unique. He stated
the accident rate at this T -intersection is .47 and the State average is .14. This rate is 3 -times higher than the
State average. He believed the reason for this is inadequate sight distance. He'stated Council has indicated
that stop signs should not be used for speed control. Commissioner Liken believes stop signs can be used
when there is inadequate sight distance for prevailing conditions. Commissioner Acton stated the speed issue
on "J" Street has come up many times. She asked staff if the speed limit could be reduced from'35 mph to 30
mph. Mr. AI-Ghafry discussed the history of the area. He stated'a speed limit is based on a speed survey that
is taken during a non -peak hour where a spmple of 100 vehicles is taken. The speed limit is usually set at or
below the 85th percentile. Again, based on the street conditions, physical characteristics, a speed limit may
be reduced another 5 mph below what is set. The 85th percentile for this roadway could either be set at 40
mph or 35 mph. To reduce the speed less than 35 mph would not make a posted speed survey credible for
motorists to abide the law. Chair Gove stated the last time this item came before the Commission, she visited
the subject intersection in a van and found the sight distance to be inadequate. She visited the site this time
(in a smaller vehicle) and the sight distance was even worse. Chair Gove stated she is in favor of the
installation of an all -way stop at this intersection.
MSUC (White/Acton) to not concur with staff recommendation and install an all -way stop control at East "J"
Street and La Senda Way. (6-0-0)
Commission recessed at 9:05 p.m. and reconvened at 9:10 p.m.
6. Resort on proposed modification of Jefferson Avenue between Moss Street and Crested
Butte Street
On May 18, 2001, staff received a letter from Councilmember Jerry Rindone regarding the existing roadway
conditions of Jefferson Avenue between Moss Street and Crested Butte Street. The letter stated that residents
in the vicinity of the subject area had been voicing their opinions regarding the need for either road widening or
making Jefferson Avenue a one-way street.
Mr. AI-Ghafry presented staff -report and Powerpoint presentation. On August 31, 2001, ballots were
distributed to all residents who lived on the subject roadway segment. Residents were asked to vote on the
following options:
Option 1: In favor of allowing Northbound traffic only (from Crested Butte Street to Moss Street)
Option 2: In favor of allowing Southbound traffic only (from Moss Street to Crested Butte Street)
Option 3: In favor of allowing two-way traffic with widening on the East side of the roadway
Option 4: In favor of allowing two-way traffic without widening (keep as is)
-Option 5: No preference
Ten residents were in favor of Option 3, one for Option 1, one for Option 4, and one for Option 5. Staff
concluded that making Jefferson Avenue a one-way southbound traffic only roadway is the most viable
immediate solution. Staff will work with area residents on procedures to implement the desired changes in the
future, including the formation of an assessment district.
Safety Commission Minutes
September 13, 2001 Page 6
Staff Recommendation: That the Safety Commission accept staffs information, conduct a public hearing
and concur with the recommendation to make Jefferson Avenue a one-way (southbound) street as a short-
term solution, and to work with residents to form an assessment district to install full improvements as a long-
term solution.
Public hearing opened.
The following persons spoke in favor of the staffs recommendation:
1. Lenora Ater, 1030 Jefferson Avenue, Chula Vista, CA
Public hearing closed.
Commission Discussion: Commission White stated he was in favor of staff recommendation.
Commissioner Acton asked if there were any easements on this street. Mr. Leyva responded that according
to the Assessor's Parcel Map, the right-of-way that is existing is 30 feet from centerline to the westerly center
of the street. The dedication would be another 30 feet, so essentially, this is only a half street with the east
side being unimproved. Commissioner Liken asked if Option 3.would even be practical since the City would
have to encroach into the residents' yards. Mr. Leyva stated residents would have to dedicate the right-of-way
to the City. The improvement could be installed through an assessment district. There have been instances
in other cities where the residents would put in the improvements in exchange for the right-of-way. Residents
on the east side of the street are reluctant to give up any of their property to install improvements. Chair Gove
commented when this area was annexed into the City, it was probably grandfathered in as is. Commissioner
• Acton asked if there is any other funding available to install these improvements. Mr. AI-Ghafry responded
that the only funding that available would be through the Block Act proceedings, where the City would pay for
the design and inspection costs. The residents would be paying for construction costs. If improvements are
installed, residents on the east side must dedicate additional property to the City and in some cases the house
would be abutting the sidewalk. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated staff would work with the residents on improving this
street.
MSUC (Liken/Acton) to accept staff recommendation to make Jefferson Avenue a one-way (southbound)
street as a short-term solution, and to work with residents to form an assessment district to install full
improvements as a long-term solution. (6-0-0)
11. Report on all -way stop control request at the intersection of Rancho Del Rev Parkway with
Ayamonte Way/Caminito Estrella
Staff received a request to install an all -way stop control at the intersection of Rancho Del Rey Parkway with
Ayamonte Way/Caminito Estrella from Bill Puente. He cited the need for the all -way stop to aid minor street
traffic exiting Ayamonte Way and Caminito Estrella onto major street traffic (Rancho Del Rey Parkway) safely.
Mr. AI-Ghafry presented staff report and Powerpoint presentation. He stated 6 phone calls were received, 2 in
favor and 4 against the installation of the all -way stop control.
Staff Recommendation: That the Safety Commission concur with staff's recommendation to accept the
installation of an all -Way stop control.on Rancho Del Rey Parkway at Ayamonte Way/Caminito Estrella based
on the location receiving 47 points of a possible 100 points pursuant to Council Policy Number 478-03.
Public hearing opened.
• The following person spoke in favor of the staffs recommendation:
Bill Puente, 833 Mazagon, Chula Vista, CA
Safety Commission Minutes
September 13, 2001 Page 7
Public hearing closed.
Commission Discussion: Chair Gove asked staff if Caminito Estrella is a gated community. Mr. AI-Ghafry
stated no, it is a private community, but it is not gated. Commissioner Liken asked why the limit lines were
pushed back so far. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated since this is private property, the signing and striping was performed
by the homeowner's association. He stated the stop bar at Ayamonte Way is in the proper location. Chair
Gove asked staff how many stop signs are currently on Rancho Del Rey Parkway. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated a total
of 8 stop signs in a loop of approximately 2.4 miles.
MSUC (McAlister/White) to accept staffs recommendation to install an all -way stop control on Rancho Del
Rey Parkway at Ayamonte Way/Caminito Estrella.
10. Report on all -way stop control request at the intersection of East "J" Street with Beechglen
Drive
Staff received a request to install an all -way stop control at the intersection of East "J" Street with Beechglen
Drive from Chula Vista residents Nancy J Rosas, Gene Hermelo and Gustavo B. Valadez. The residents
suggested that the all -way stop would be beneficial to help children cross East "J" Street to attend Sunridge
Park which was located at the southeast corner of the subject intersection.
Mr. AI-Ghafry presented report and Powerpoint presentation. He stated 22 phone calls were received, 9 in
favor of an all -way stop (residents living in the vicinity of intersection) and 13 against (residents living in various
locations outside of the immediate intersection area).
Staff Recommendation: That the Safety Commission concur with staffs recommendation to accept the
installation of an all -way stop control on East "J" Street at Beechglen Drive based on the location receiving 53
points of a possible 100 points pursuant to Council Policy Number 478-03.
Commission Discussion: Chair Gove stated for the record that Robert Torbett, 668 East "J" Street, Chula
Vista, CA filled out a Request to Speak form, but had to leave early. He is against staffs recommendation.
MSUC (Acton/White) to accept staffs recommendation to installation an all -way stop control on East "J"
Street at Beechglen Drive.
12. Action Summary Update/Staff Comments
Action Summary Update accepted into record. No staff comments.
13. Traffic Accident Summary — June 2001/July 2001
Traffic Accident Summary accepted into record. No staff comments.
14. Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Liken requested an item be docketed for next month's meeting to discuss site distance
problems on upcoming development plans. Mr. AI-Ghafry and Mr. Leyva both clarified that plans are reviewed
by the Traffic Engineering Section and will continue to be reviewed by this section.
Commissioner White complimented staff on the conversion from slides (projector) to Powerpoint
presentations.
• Chair Gove requested officer elections be placed on next month's calendar.
0 September 13, 2001 Page 8
ADJOURNMENT AT10:02 P.M. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of October 11, 2001.
JAEnglneeAMFEM091301 _MIN.doc
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Respectfully submitted,
Florence Picardal, Recording Secretary