HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-11 SC MINUTESMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CHULA VISTA SAFETY COMMISSION
April 11, 2002 Council Chambers
6:00 p.m. Public Services Building
CALL TO ORDER
1. Roll Call:
Meeting was called to order at 6:OOp.m.
Present: Chair Liken; Commissioners Acton, McAlister, Perrett, and,White
Absent: Commissioner Gove and Lopez
Also present: Ralph Leyva, Senior Civil Engineer; Majed AI-Ghafry, Civil Engineer; Patrick
Moneda, Assistant Engineer; Sgt. Scott Arsenault; and Florence Picardal,
Recording Secretary
MSC (Liken/Acton) to excuse the absences of Commissioners Gove and Lopez (5-0-2, Gove and
Lopez absent)
2. Pledge of Allegiance/Silent Prayer
3. Opening Statement
Opening statement read by Chair Liken.
• 4. Approval of Minutes - March 14, 2002
Minutes were not available.
MEETING AGENDA
Oral Communications
None.
6. Report on parking issues on Davidson Street between Garrett Avenue and Landis Avenue
Staff has received a request from occupants of the medical offices, located at 256 Landis Avenue, to provide a
passenger -loading zone on the south side of Davidson Street alongside the entrance to their offices in order to
facilitate the safe pick-up of their patients.
Mr. AI-Ghafry showed the Powerpoint presentation. He stated that various calls were received inquiring about
staffs proposal.
Staff Recommendation: That the Safety Commission accept staff's report and recommend to the City
Council that Davidson Street between Garrett Avenue and Landis Avenue be converted to a one-way
(eastbound) street, which will provide adequate roadway width for the installation of a passenger -loading zone
on the south side near the corner of Davidson Street and Landis Avenue and permitted parking on the
remainder of the south side of the roadway.
Public hearing opened.
The following persons spoke in favor of staffs recommendation:
Is
Safety Commission Minutes
April 11, 2002 Page 2
1. Gregory Wiener, M.D. - 353-A Church Avenue, Chula Vista (South Bay Endoscopy Center)
2. Sylvia Casey, 1300 Park Drive, Chula Vista (South Bay Endoscopy Center)
Public hearing closed.
Commission Discussion: Commissioner White stated he was in favor of staffs recommendation and was
not opposed to increasing the 3 -minute. loading area from 2 spaces to 3 spaces. Chair Liken asked staff if
they could comment on additional space for the loading/unloading zone. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that staff could
extend the loading zone further to the east and west. Chair Liken stated that Commissioner Gove called him
and stated she was in favor of staffs recommendation. Chair Liken also was not opposed to increasing the
loading zone area. Commissioner Acton asked how long it would take before the changes could be made.
Mr. AI-Ghafry stated it would be approximately 6 weeks.
MSC (Acton/Perrett) to accept staff's report and recommend to the City Council that Davidson Street
between Garrett Avenue and Landis Avenue be converted to a one-way (eastbound) street, which will provide
adequate roadway width for the installation of a passenger -loading zone on the south side near the corner of
Davidson Street and Landis Avenue and permitted parking on the remainder of the south side of the roadway.
7. Action Summary Update/Staff Comments
Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that the all -way stop at Rancho del Rey/Milagrosa has been marked out. He received a
call from a resident in that community who wanted to stop the installation of this all -way stop. Mr. AI-Ghafry
gave him background information on this intersection and stated that the action was final. He stated that this
resident may appear at a future Safety Commission meeting.
• 8. Traffic Accident Summary — February 2002
No comments.
9. Commissioner Comments
Commissioner White questioned staff about flashing beacons. Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that staff is looking into
solar powered flashing lights.
Commissioner McAlister complimented Sgt. Arsenault and the Police Department Traffic Bureau on the traffic
management and control of yesterday's accident on East "H" Street.
Chair Liken stated he would like permission from the Commission to look at "Don'tdrink and drive" programs
for the high schools.
Commissioner Acton asked if the Police Department still conduct the programs during the prom season.
Sgt. Arsenault stated there is an "Every 15 Minutes" program the Chula Vista Police Department is actively
involved in. Lt. Kennedy is the contact person for that program. The department also has counseling on gang
intervention, drag racing, loitering, and curfew. He clarified details of the yesterday's accident. He stated that
education is key - at the junior and high school level. Articles on traffic safety will be in the City "Spotlight".
The Patrol Section is sending more officers to radar training, so there will be more officers out using the
equipment and issuing tickets. A flyer is being distributed to all area high school parking lots explaining
speeding problems. He stated that speed, education, and money are the issues. Both Police and Engineering
have applied for grants. He expressed his appreciation to the Chair Liken and the Safety Commission for their
support.
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Safety Commission Minutes
April 11, 2002 Page 3
Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that staff is pursuing grants and working with the Police Department on the education and
enforcement issues.
Commissioner McAlister asked if license plates are called in on speeders, is there a follow-up to the drivers of
those vehicles. Sgt. Arsenault stated that letters are not sent out. The City Attorney's officemill need to make
a determination on that procedure and that could be looked into.
Chair Liken asked if aggressive driving presentations could be done during football, graduation, and prom
time. Sgt. Arsenault stated that Lt. Kennedy could be contacted about that. The School Resource Officer
Program, run by Sgt. Cline, will be actively involved in enforcement and passing out information at their
respective schools. Every school is assigned a School Resource Officer.
Commissioner Perrett asked if the Safety Commission could do anything in support of the "Safe Route to
School" grant? Mr. AI-Ghafry stated that any support from any organization or community would help
tremendously.
MSC (Liken/Acton) to authorize Chair to pursue safety programs. (5-0-2, Gove and Lopez absent)
MSC (Acton/McAlister) to approve a letter of recommendation be written to request assistance for a grant
prepared by City staff and authorize Safety Commission Chair to sign letter. (5-0-2, Gove and Lopez absent)
Chair Liken asked if City Administration was receptive to implementing traffic cars so that motor officers are
free to do traffic enforcement. Sgt. Arsenault felt that City Administration is very supportive of the Police
Department. He felt that staffing/budget issues should be directly addressed by the Chief of Police.
ADJOURNMENT AT 7:02 P.M. to a regular meeting scheduled for May 9, 2002.
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Respectfully submitted,
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Florence Picardal, Recording Secretary