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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-14 SC MINUTES• • MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHULA VISTA SAFETY COMMISSION March 14, 2002 Council Chambers 6:00 p.m. Public Services Building CALL TO ORDER Roll Call: Meeting was called to order at 6:10p.m. Present: Chair Liken; Commissioners Acton, Gove, Lopez (arrived at 6:20 p.m.); McAlister, Perrett, and White Absent: None. Also present: Ralph Leyva, Senior Civil Engineer (arrived at 6:15 p.m.); Majed AI-Ghafry, Civil Engineer; Sgt. Scott Arsenault; Florence Picardal, Recording Secretary; and Adrean Andres, Intern 2. Pledge of Allegiance/Silent Prayer 3. Opening Statement Opening statement read by Chair Liken. 4. Approval of Minutes - February 14, 2002 MSC (Liken/Acton) to approve minutes of February 14, 2002 with minor corrections. (5-0-1-1, Lopez absent, McAlister abstain) MEETING AGENDA 5. Oral Communications None. 6. Report on Safety Conditions at the intersection of Eastlake Drive and Eastshore Terrace/Ridgewater Drive On February 12, 2002, Mr. Boyd Kelso submitted a poster board presentation to Traffic Engineering staff pertaining to intersection safety at Eastlake Drive and Eastshore Terrace/Ridgewater Drive. In his presentation, Mr. Kelso mentioned that increased traffic flow and excessive vehicular speeds in the vicinity of the intersection compromised motorist safety. Mr. Kelso then suggested that safety improvements for the intersection may include larger warning signs, flashing yellow lights to alert motorists when approaching the intersection and increased enforcement. Finally, Mr. Kelso requested that staff take action to improve safety conditions at the intersection. Mr. AI-Ghafry showed the Powerpoint presentation. He stated that 63 calls were received, with only one resident opposed to an all -way stop. After 5:00 p.m. today, three calls were received in favor of the all -way stop. Staff Recommendation: Upon reviewing Mr. Kelso's presentation and conducting field investigations at the subject intersection, staff concluded that an All -Way Stop Warrant Study may be the most viable measure to improve intersection safety. Safety Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 2 After conducting an all -way stop evaluation study, based on the point system, staff recommends denying the installation of an all -way stop. However, if the Safety Commission, based on input at the Safety Commission hearing, elects to recommend the installation, staff will not object based on the following reasons: 1) The sight distances for motorists coming off of the minor streets are inadequate to provide for easy turning/merging movements onto Eastlake Drive. 2) There is a school -bus drop-off area on Lakeshore Drive, which indicates the presence of school-age children in the vicinity of the intersection. Providing for a controlled intersection enhances their ability to cross the intersection safely. 3) Prevailing speeds are 12 mph higher than the posted speed limit. The lake is also within walking distance from the subject intersection. Providing for stop control will serve as a traffic calming measure and will provide for the safe and orderly movement of motorists and pedestrians at the intersection in the vicinity of the lake. Public hearing opened. The following persons spoke in favor of the all -way stop: 1. Boyd Kelso, 775 Eastshore Terrace, #225, Chula Vista, CA 2. Susan Fortney (representing Villa Martinique HOA) , 744 Eastshore Terrace, #102, Chula Vista 3. Pam Ceniceros, 801 Ridgewater Drive, Chula Vista, CA 4. Steve Giles, 1981 Rue Michelle, Chula Vista, CA Public hearing closed. • Commission Discussion: Chair Liken asked about the accident at Miller Drive. Sgt. Arsenault stated that it was a pedestrian accident and the vehicle was traveling at 40 mph. The primary collision factor was pedestrian violation. Chair Liken asked staff what improvements are required of the developer. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that an acceleration/deceleration lane and a traffic signal would be required and would be installed within the next few years. He stated that the SR -125 off -ramp would be installed at Otay Lakes Road. This would not impact the side street or the Class I collector Eastlake Parkway or Eastlake Drive. Commissioner White stated that after driving on this road and comments from the public, he was in favor of installing an all -way stop. Chair Liken read into a record an e-mail from Mr. Philip Ortiz, resident of Eastlake since 1989, stating he would like speed bumps and if that was not appropriate, he would like a stop sign. Commissioner McAlister thanked Mr. Kelso on his report and the residents for attending this meeting and also was in favor of installing an all -way stop. MSUC (Acton/Gove) to install an all -way stop at the intersection of Eastlake Drive and Eastshore Terrace/Ridgewater Drive (7-0) 7. Report on Request for an All -Way Stop on Paseo Del Cerro and Paseo Entrada. On August 11, 2001, the Traffic Engineering Section received a verbal request from Mr. Alejo Cortez to install all -way stop control at the intersection of Paseo Del Cerro with Paseo Entrada. In his request, Mr. Cortez suggested that the all -way stop would be beneficial for neighborhood children crossing Paseo Entrada in order ,to attend the Joseph Casillas Elementary School. Mr. AI-Ghafry presented staffs report. He stated that 12 calls were received, 6 calls were in favor and 6 were against. Staff Recommendation: Based on the point system, staff's recommendation is to deny the installation of all - way stop control at the intersection of Paseo Del Cerro and Paseo Entrada. However, if the Safety Safety Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 3 Commission, based on input at the Safety Commission hearing, elects to recommend the installation, then staff will not object to the installation based on the following reasons: 1) California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 40802 states that prima facie speed limit requires engineering and traffic survey unless a subject street is considered a local street or road. The section further defines a local street or road as one that primarily provides access to abutting residential property and meet the following three conditions: A) roadway width of not more than 40 feet, B) not more than one- half of a mile of uninterruptible length and, C) not more than one traffic lane in each direction. Interruptions to traffic include official traffic control devices, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and proceed and which are erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction. Uncontrolled intersections are not considered interruptions. The segment of Paseo Entrada from Paseo Ladera to Paseo Primavera serves as a local street as defined above. However, this segment is more than one-half mile of uninterrupted length (0.54 mile). This causes the street to be considered a speed trap as defined in the above-mentioned CVC section. Providing stop control at the subject intersection will divide Paseo Entrada into two segments that are less than half -mile each with uninterruptible control, thereby negating the speed trap issue and allowing for speed law enforcement. 2) The subject intersection*is within 500' from the Joseph Casillas Elementary School's rear entrance, which is used by a good number of motorists and pedestrians who pass through the subject intersection to drop off there kids at that entrance. Providing stop control at the subject intersection allows for safer crossing for pedestrians and serves as a calming measure in the vicinity of the school. Chair Liken stated he received a fax from Joycelyn Wujick, 924 Paseo La Cresta stating she was against the installation of an all -way stop. Public hearing opened. The following person spoke against the installation of an all -way stop: Anthony Wujick, 932 Paseo La Cresta, Chula Vista The following persons in favor of the installation of an all -way stop: 1. Ricardo Flores, 1104 Paseo Entrada, Chula Vista 2. John Larson, 1076 Paseo Entrada, Chula Vista 3. James Blair, 1082 Paseo Entrada, Chula Vista 4. Francis Larson, 1016 Paseo Entrada, Chula Vista Public hearing closed. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Acton asked that the tree be trimmed on the Paseo Del Cerro corner to aid in sight distance. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that there is school patrol at this location. He stated that school hours are 7:30 am to 2:45 pm. Commissioner Gove stated that the visibility is very bad on Paseo Del Cerro looking eastbound. Commissioner Perrett stated that there were sight distance problems turning eastbound on Paseo Entrada. Ricardo Flores (resident) stated that the back gate to the school is open at 7:30 am and closes at 4:00 pm. Commissioner Perrett stated he was in support of an all -way stop based on the sight distance problems and public input tonight. Commissioner White stated he endorses staffs recommendation of denying the all -way stop with caveats: 1) no parking in the immediate area, and 2) trimming of tree. Commissioner Acton asked if the Police smart units have been placed on Paseo Entrada. Sgt. Arsenault stated they have not, but can be • placed at this location. Commissioner Liken stated that installation of the stop signs would take care of the sight distance problems and would give the Police Department an additional tool to issue traffic citations. He Safety Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 4 is stated he would be in favor for the installation of the stop signs. Also, he was not in favor of postponing the item, but would like to take action tonight. MSUC (Perrett/Acton) is to install an all -way stop control at the intersection of Paseo Del Cerro and Paseo Entrada. (6-1, White voting no) Report on Request for an All -Way Stop on Silverado Drive and Riviera Way, In August 2001, the Traffic Engineering section received several verbal requests from area residents to install an all -way stop control at the intersection of Silverado Drive and Riviera Way. The residents suggested that an all -way stop would serve as a traffic -calming device to reduce/eliminate the high speeds of motorists traveling on Silverado Drive. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that 6 calls were received, 4 were in favor of the all -way stop and 2 opposed. A Powerpoint presentation was shown. Staff Recommendation: Based on the point system, staffs recommendation is to deny the installation of all - way stop control at the intersection of Silverado Drive and Riviera Way. This intersection received a total of 11 points out of a possible 100 points, where 45 minimum points are required to justify the installation of all - way stop control. Public hearing opened. The following persons spoke in favor of the all -way stop: • 1. Randy Mason, 1236 Silverado Drive, Chula Vista, CA 2. Bill Morton, 1319 Silverado Drive, Chula Vista, CA Public hearing closed. Commission Discussion: Chair Liken explained the Speed Hump Policy. He stated that the points were low, not much of a sight distance problem, and some parking violation concerns. He had some concerns about the speed surveys and possibly they could be done again during rush hour or on a 24-hour basis using the new counters and the item be brought back at a later date. Commissioner McAlister stated stop signs should be considered in the planning of these developments and concurred with Chair Liken's comments. Commissioner White expressed support for staffs recommendation. Commissioner Acton asked if "Children at Play" signs could be posted. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that streets should not be used as playgrounds and that the posting of "Children at Play" signs is illegal in the State of California. Commissioner Perrett expressed support for staffs recommendation. MSC (White/Lopez) to concur with staffs recommendation to deny the installation of an all -way stop control at the intersection of Silverado Drive and Rivera Way. (5-2, Liken and McAlister voting no.) Safety Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 5 9. Report on Parking Issues on Santa Cora Avenue/Vista Sonrisa loop South of East Palomar Street (McMillan Otay Ranch — SPA 1) During the past few months, staff has received several complaints from the Police department and area residents reporting vehicular parking problems on the Santa Cora Avenue/Vista Sonrisa loop. They mentioned various contributing factors including the narrow width of the roadway, the inability of the motoring public to park vehicles on both sides of the roadway while maintaining adequate street width for two way traffic and the excessive vehicular speeds. Mr. AI-Ghafry presented staff's report and Powerpoint presentation. As a result of the field investigation, staff concluded there were four possible mitigating options to improve the parking issue at the subject roadway. They are: Option 1: Restricting the circulation of traffic to one-way traffic (clockwise or counter -clockwise) while maintaining parking on both sides of the street. Option 2: Allowing two-way traffic with restricted parking on the inner radius of the loop. Option 3: Allowing two-way traffic with restricted parking on the outer radius of the loop. Option 4: Allowing two-way traffic with restricted parking in a staggered pattern along the entire loop to allow motorists traveling in opposite directions to yield the right-of-way. This also includes the striping of a dashed yellow line to delineate the opposite travel lanes. The following option was added after public testimony: Option 5: Allowing two-way traffic with restricting parking on the inner radius of the loop and red curb "No Parking Zone" in front of apartments Staff Recommendation: Based on field investigation and in considering property zoning and intended use, staff has concluded that Option 4 - The implementation of two-way traffic, with restricted parking in a staggered pattern, along the segment of Santa Cora Avenue/Vista Sonrisa loop will be the most viable solution for this situation. However, after tonight's Safety Commission hearing, if the outcome is to provide for roadway improvements other than the above mentioned recommendation, staff will not object to the Safety Commission's choice of improvement. Public hearing opened. The following citizen spoke in favor of Option 1: Steve MacDonald (representing Vista Sonrisa Condominiums), 1320 Caminito Capistrano #5, Chula Vista, CA The following citizens spoke in favor of Option 2: 1. Arnel Cayabyab, 1770 Sierra Verde Rd., Chula Vista, CA 2. Edward Rodriguez, 1667 Sierra Verde, Chula Vista, CA 3. Paul Hom, 1634 Ridge Rock Ct., Chula Vista, CA 0 Safety Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 6 The following citizens spoke in favor of Option 2 or 3: 1. Malerre Diaz, 1646 Ridge Rock Ct., Chula Vista, CA 2. Sherri Vandel, 1635 Falcon Peak, Chula Vista, CA The following citizens spoke in favor of Option 2 or 5: Shannon Harrison, 1757 Sierra Verde Rd., Chula Vista, Sam Evans, 1398 Misty Ridge PI., Chula Vista, CA The following citizen spoke in favor of Option 2, 3, or 5: Renee Moenter, 1366 Misty Ridge PI., Chula Vista, CA The following citizens spoke in favor of Option 5 1. Brian Van Bruns, 1397 Misty Ridge PI., Chula Vista, CA 91913 2. Paula Menzel, 1773 Sierra Verde Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91913 3. Mary Beth Evans, 1398 Misty Ridge Pl., Chula Vista, CA 91913 4. Steve Anderson, 1679 Falcon Peak, Chula Vista, CA 91913 5. David Barrett, 1389 Misty Ridge PI., Chula Vista, CA 91913 Public hearing closed. Commission Discussion: Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that if Option 5 were to be approved, the Planning Department, Engineering, and perhaps the City Council would be involved. Commissioner White stated that three issues were repeated throughout the public testimony: emergency vehicle traffic, children safety, and apartment residents using on -street parking, even though there is adequate parking on the apartment property. Commissioner Acton stated that perhaps this item should be brought back at a later date. Commissioner Perrett stated that being a resident of Otay Ranch, they have a similar situation and was in favor of Options 2 or 3. Commissioner McAlister stated that he was in favor of Option 2. Commissioner Gove stated that she would be in favor of an Option 6 which would be no parking on the street at anytime. Chair Liken stated he was in favor of Option 2 and if there are continuing problems, the item should be brought back for further considerations. Commissioners White and Lopez both concurred with Chair Liken. MSUC (Liken/McAlister) to allow two-way traffic with restricted parking on the inner radius of the loop along the segment of Santa Cora Avenue/Vista Sonrisa Loop (Option 2). (7-0) RECESS AT 9:30 P.M., RECONVENE AT 9:30 P.M. 10. Action Summary Update/Staff Comments Report submitted into record. 11. Traffic Accident Summary — January 2001 Report submitted into record. 12. Commissioner Comments a. Commissioner Lopez stated he was contemplating vacating his seat on the Safety Commission due to scheduling conflicts, but would try to fulfill his term. b. Commissioner Acton had accolades for Chair Liken on his comments at the 3/12/02 City Council meeting. • Safety Commission Minutes March 14, 2002 Page 7 C. Vice Chair McAlister stated he would be addressing Council as a member of the Eastlake Educational Foundation Board re: traffic lights in the Eastlake High School area. d. Commissioner Gove thanked Engineering staff for the no right -turn on Fourth Ave.P'F" St. and stop sign at "F/ Garrett. e. Commissioner Perrett thanked staff for being able to attend the traffic seminar sponsored by ITE Chair Liken commented on: - speed enforcement by Police - receiving a copy of the Street Overlay Program - stop sign at "F"/Garrett - pedestrian crossing from Civic Center - parallel parking on East Palomar in front of Sharp -Rees Stealy - Commissioner McAlister has reached his maximum number of absences and his written notice will be waived (informed verbally) ADJOURNMENT at 10:15 p.m. to the next regular meeting of the Safety Commission scheduled for April 11, 2002. J:\Engineer\sAFETY\031402_MIN.doc Respectfully submitted, CA Florence Picardal, Recording Secretary