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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101499 PTS AgendaIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need spcclal assistancc to participate in this mccting, please contact the office of the City Clcrk at (909) 694-6444. Notification 48 hours prior to a mcc-ting will caablc thc City to make rcasonablc arrangements to ensure accessibility to that meeting [28 CFR35.10'L35.10~ ADA Tillc AGENDA TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION TO BE HELD AT CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 43200 Business Park Drive Temecula, California Thursday, October 14, 1999 at 6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER: FLAG SALUTE ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS: Connerton, Edwards, Markham, Telesio, Coe PUBLIC COMMENTS A total of 15 minutes is provided so members of the public can address the Commission on items that are not listed on the Agenda. Speakers are limited to two (2) minutes each. If you desire to speak to the Commission about an item not listed on the Agenda, a pink "Request to Speak" form should be filled out and filed with the Commission Secretary. When you are called to speak, please come forward and state your name and address. For all other agenda items, a "Request to Speak" form must be filed with the Recording Secretary before the Commission gets to that item. There is a three (3) minute time limit for individual speakers. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC All matters listed under Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and all will be enacted by one vote. There will be no discussion of these items unless members of the Public/Traffic Safety Commission request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of Sentember 9. 1999 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of September 9, 1999 COMMISSION BUSINESS 2. Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement Status Uodate RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file a status report regarding implementation of a Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement System. 3. Commission Meeting Schedule - November and December 1999 RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission direct the Secretary to cancel and/or re-schedule meetings for November and December 1999, and to perform the appropriate postings and noticing requirements per the Government Code. 4. Traffic Engineer's Report 5. Police Chief's Report 6. Fire Chief's Report 7. Commission Report ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the City of Temecula Public/Traffic Safety Commission will be held on Thursday, October 28, 1999, at 6:00 P.M., Temecula City Hall, Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ITEM NO. I MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PUBLIC/TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 9, 1999 CALLTO ORDER The City of Temecula Publicrrraffic Safety Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, September 9, 1999, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Ddve, Temecula. California. FLAG SALUTE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Commissioner Edwards. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Connerton, Edwards, *Markham, Telesio, and Chairman Coe. Absent: None. Also Present: Director of Public Works Hughes, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Senior Engineer Moghadam, Fire Battalion Chief Black, Police Sergeant DiMaggio, Administrative Secretary Pyle, and Minute Clerk Hansen. * (Commissioner Markham arrived at 6:01 P.M.) PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Corey Wallace, 39731 Jacaranda Court, queried the status of the recommendation to extend North General Keamey between Nicolas Road and Calle Pina Colada; and noted that he was in favor of the construction of the extension. For Mr. Wallace, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that the Circulation Element was in the process of being updated and that the Update would be potentially presented to the Planning Commission in December, relayed that, currently. the North General Keamey Extension was not part of the General Plan; and noted that when the General Circulation Update was presented to the Planning Commission, it would be noticed as a public headng. R:~TraffContm~minutes~090999 COMMISSION CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the Minutes of August 26, 1999. MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connerton and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. COMMISSION BUSINESS ReQuest for Occasional ExceDtion to the Parking Restriction - Temeku Drive RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission deny a request to allow overflow on-street parking on Temeku Ddve during certain events. Advising that this particular proposal was generated by a request from the Temeku Hills Management Company, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (via agenda matedal); provided additional information regarding the City's lack of control via the proposed guidelines denoted in Exhibit B (of record); relayed the potential for the City to be exposed to liability issues; noted that the City has not received any complaints from the neighbodng residents with respect to the current overflow on-street parking; for Commissioner Telesio, relayed that the proposal does not involve a permitting process; for Commissioner Edwards, confirmed that in the past, the City has not granted permission for this type of parking under these specific-type guidelines, for private events; and for Chairman Coe, noted the potential for additional concerns due to the City's lack of Control (i.e., covers not taken off the No Parking signs in a timely manner.) In response to the Commission's comments, Director of Public Works Hughes cladfled that the request does not involve approval by the City on a case-by-case basis, noting that this particular request was proposing that full authodty with respect to when, how, and where the parking would be restdcted be granted to the Management Company; and advised that on-street parking was currently prohibited due to the bike lane. Initially, Commissioner Markham recommended that the bike lane be removed via a minor modification to the Specific Plan; and noted that due to the sloping of the streets, the bike lane provisions were most likely not utilized. Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that there was some opposition from the residents with respect to the removal of the bike lanes. Mr. Bill Miner, representing the Temeku Hills Homeowners Association, clarified the issue of the shortage of parking with respect to major events held at the Club; relayed that although there has been expressed residential support regarding the removal of the bike lanes, that there were some residents who strongly opposed the matter; noted that as the housing tracts further develop there may be a greater need for the bike lanes at a · R:%TraffComm%minutes~OgOgg9 future point in time; and for Commissioner Telesio, clarified the configuration of the streets in the area of discussion. In response to Commissioner Edwards' querying whether it would be more favorebie to deny the request, while recommending the removal of the bike lanes, or to solely deny the request, Mr. Miner, while noting his reluctance to speak for the Board, relayed that the recommendation to remove the bike lanes would be preferred, noting the associated disadvantages. For Commissioner Telesio, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed the various costs associated with obtaining City permits for each event. Commissioner Markham recommended installing separete bike lanes in the area of discussion, eliminating the bike lane from the striped section, and converting the bike lane to a class one bike lane. Mr. Ned Heiskell, representing the Temeku Hills Management's Master Association. noted the public events that utilize the Clubhouse; relayed that there are currently three events a month that utilize overflow on-street residential parking; noted that hazards associated with the lack of provision for adequate parking; relayed the retionale for the request for special on-street parking in the prohibited parking area for special events, noting the control of the management over the reliability of the staff employees; and advised that the Board would most likely be agreeable to investigate the recommendation to create a separeted, class one bike lane. For Commissioner Connerton, Commissioner Markham reitereted information regarding the costs associated with hiring a Public Works Maintenance employee for the tasks associated with the weekend events, at a four-hour minimum charge. Due to the facility being developed with the lack of provision for adequate parking, Commissioner Markham advised that the solution would require proactive participation on the part of the management or the ownership. Relaying the legal restrictions associated with the request, Commissioner Edwards recommended either the removal of the bike lane, or for the Management Company to provide alternate provisions for additional parking. Initially, Chairman Coe recommended that the Management Association receive permitting by the City for the special events, with the provision of signage specifying the permitted hours of parking. Echoing the previous Commission comments, Commissioner Telesio concurred with the recommendation to consider the removal of the bike lanes. MOTION: Commissioner Telesio moved to deny the request for Occasional Exception to the Parking Restriction on Temeku Drive; and recommended that the Temeku Hills Master Association consider the matter of removal of the bike lanes. Commissioner Edwards seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 3 R:%TraffCormn~tinutes%090999 3. Recluest for Street Closure - Calle Pina Colada RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Publicrrraffic Safety Commission deny a request to close Calle Pina Colada West of Salt River Court.. Providing a bdef overview of the Commission's past actions regarding the issues of speed and volume with respect to Calle Pina Colada, Senior Engineer Moghadam presented the staff report (of record); relayed Mr. Bueschel's recommendation to install a barrier or island on Calle Pina Colada (per agenda matedal, Exhibit G), noting that due to the current ineffectiveness of the posted 25 miles-per-hour posted speed limit signage, that the preposed posted one-way signage may also preve ineffective; additionally, relayed that while the recommendation may reduce the volumes of treffic, it most likely would not reduce the speed, noting the potential for diversion of traffic to Avenida Barca; and specified the current efforts of staff to investigate alternate improvements which could affect the area of discussion, relaying that analysis regarding the traffic circles (proposed to be installed on Via Cordoba) would soon be available. In response to the Commission's querying, Senior Engineer Moghadam provided the following clarification: for Chairman Coe, provided additional information regarding the installation of traffic circles at T-intersections; for Commissioner Telesio, provided additional information regarding Mr. Bueschel's recommendation; and for Commissioner Connerton, specified the location of the stop signs in the area of discussion. The following individuals spoke in favor of closure of Calle Pina Colada: Mr. Dennis Bueschel Ms. Jan Lee Mr. Robert Denman Ms. Heather Johnson 41358 Yuba Circle 30899 Calle Pina Colada 30909 Calle Pina Colada 30702 Calle Pina Colada The above-mentioned individuals were proponents of the street closure, due to the following: Speed of cars Cut-through traffic Recommended that the City expedite some form of solution Ineffectiveness of posted speed limit signage Queried the status of the recommendation to install photo-radar units Fear that without improvement, there exists the dsk of a fatal accident Queried the City Council's action to actively address treffic solutions on Via Cordoba in lieu of Calle Pina Colada Lack of enforcement with respect to speed violations R:%TraffComm%minutes%090999 Increased generation of traffic after mall opening The following individuals spoke in opposition to the street closure: Mr. Joe Femia Mr. Corey Wallace Mr. John Hoagland 30831 Avenida Buena Suerte 39731 Jacaranda Court 40481 Calle Fiesta The above-mentioned individuals relayed opposition to the street closure, due to the following: Closure would cause diversion of traffic to alternate streets Noted the current lowered posted speed limits existing on Calle Pina Colada Lack of excessive speed and volumes on Calle Pina Colada The closure would have a negative affect on the general circulation The existing condition of limited access in the Meadowview area For Commissioner Edwards, Mr. Bueschel provided additional clarification regarding his previously discussed recommendation (denoted in Exhibit G of the agenda material). Commissioner Edwards applauded Mr. Bueschel for his efforts in attempting to seek a solution to the Calle Pina Colada issues. For Chairman Coe, Ms. Johnson relayed that it was her opinion that if Calle Pina Colada was closed, traffic would divert to Margadta Road. In response to Commissioner Markham, Director of Public Works Hughes clarified that the proposed circulation study associated with the area of discussion would not have funding available until the third year of the CIP. Commissioner Markham recommended expediting the study in order to analyze traffic solutions for this area, which has been an area of discussion for many years, concuffing that closure would not be an effective solution, While acknowledging the expressed community concerns, and concurring with Commissioner Markham's comments, Commissioner Connerton relayed that the overell general circulation needs to be considered; and noted that while he could not support closure, he recommended that a traffic circle be installed in the Calle Pina Colada area, temporarily, for study purposes. Commissioner Edwards provided additional information for Ms. Lee, regarding the recent decision by the City Council to place the traffic circles on Via Cordoba due to the potential for effectiveness of the traffic circles at intersections; and relayed that if the traffic analysis reveals that traffic circles are effective tools at T-intersections there would be consideration for installation of a traffic circle on Calle Pina Colada. R:%TraffComm~ninutes~090999 Director of Public Works Hughes provided clarification regarding the specifications of the traffic circles; recommended not installing traffic circles on Calle Pina Colada until further analysis is received; for Chairman Cce, relayed the potential for improvements in the area of discussion after staff has completed their investigation with respect to alternate traffic calming tools; and for Commissioner Markham, noted that staff had requested that the City Council grant 90 days for the development of policy and guidelines in order to complete the analysis. For informational purposes, Commissioner Connerton advised that the street closure on Kahwea Road did not alleviate the issue of speed, noting the ineffectiveness of street closures to reduce speed; and recommended that the City Council consider installation of a traffic circle in the Calle Pina Colada area for the purpose of analyzing the effectiveness at T-intersections. Director of Public Works Hughes relayed the potential to additionally install traffic circles at T-intersections within the Via Cordoba area for the purpose of analysis; advised that the traffic solutions would most likely slow down traffic, while not reducing the volumes; and further defined the phrase cut-through traffic. Via review of the map, Senior Engineer Moghadam advised that most of the traffic generated on Calle Pina Colada was due to traffic generated by the residents in the area; relayed that the 1,000 trips generated a day was not excessive; and for Commissioner Markham, specified the ample capacity of the road. Reiterating that the speed limit on Calle Pina Colada has been reduced to 25 miles an hour, with posted signage, that speed undulations have been installed with a speed limit of 15 miles an hour, Commissioner Telesio advised that while the volumes would most likely not be reduced, the impetus of the solutions has been, and would continue to be, to reduce speed; relayed that most of the speed citations in the area were issued to residents (echoed by Police Sergeant DiMaggio); noted that he would not support closure, relaying that Avenida Barca would be negatively affected; concurred with the recommendation to analyze the traffic circles at T-intersections; and in response to Mr. Denman's comments, clarified the previously mentioned accident and signal installation at Cosmic Drive. In response to Mr. Bueschel's comments, Senior Engineer Moghadam clarified the insignificance of the street width vadant between 40 and 44 feet; and noted that per outlined cdteda the street does not warrant closure. Chairman Coe relayed encouragement due to the City's recent decision to prioritize the issue of developing calming strategies with respect to traffic; advised that the decision five years ago to close Kahwea Road was a mistake; recommended that the City Council revisit consideration of the matter; and noted that he would not support closure of Calle Pina Colada. MOTION: Commissioner Connerton moved to accept staffs recommendation to deny the request to close Calle Pina Colada; and recommended that the City Council approve the installation of a test traffic circle at a T-intersection on Calle Pina Colada, recommending that it be a temporary installation in order to develop analysis as to whether or not the traffic circles alleviated the negative traffic impacts. Commissioner Markham seconded the motion. R:~TraffComm~minutes%090999 Referencing the agenda matedal with respect to the alternative staff recommendation, Commissioner Markham clarified that this motion was differentiated by the recommendation to expedite the implementation of the traffic circles along Calle Pina Colada, and to incorporate the traffic circles as part of the evaluation study. In response to Commissioner Markham, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff would not recommend converting Calle Pina Colada into a one-way street, noting the diversion of traffic to alternate residential streets the conversion would create. At this time voice vote was taken reflecting unanimous approval. TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT In response to Chairman Coe's previous querying, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that the School Distdct has requested that the red curbing be removed on Margadta Road at the Temecula Valley High School, noting that the City has agreed to the request. For informational purposes, Commissioner Edwards relayed that there are fewer cars this year parking outside of the high school on Margarita Road. Per Commission request, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the mall tour foE the Commissioners has been scheduled for Monday, September 13, 1999, at 1:00 P.M., noting that the interested Commissioners should meet at the mall trailer site, advising that jeans and boots should be worn since it is a construction site. W~h respect to the Overland Bridge Improvements, Director of Public Works Hughes relayed that the 1-15 freeway would be closed form 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. on September 14-16, specifying the detoudng process; and noted for Commissioner Markham, that the improvement schedule for the Pala Road Bddge Project was on target with respect to the anticipated completion dates. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT Police Sergeant DiMaggio cladfled that the enforcement has continued with respect to the primary locations of community concern (i.e., Via Cordoba, Calle Pina Colaria); invited the community members to dde along with the officers in order to observe the radar enforcement and the observations of the officers; and noted that with respect to Calle Pina Colada, officers generally only cite one violator in a two-hour pedod. Commissioner Telesio, echoed by Police Sergeant DiMaggio, relayed that actual speed is hard to judge from an observers point of view without the use of a radar gun, Commissioner Tetesio, echoed by the Commission, invited Police Sergeant DiMaggio to address community comments as they arise during the meeting. 7 R:%TraffComm%minu~es%090999 In order to provided clarification with respect to the actual speed of traffic, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the possibility of the City providing a radar gun at a future point in time for the purpose of community members being able to more accurately evaluate the issue of speed violators. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT With respect to the recent significant fire within the City, Fire Battalion Chief Black relayed that 16 phone calls were fielded through the 911 process, noting that the response time from the first call received was approximately four minutes. BB W~h respect to the Medic Program affiliated with the Fire Department. Fire Battalion Chief Black noted that the program is on schedule for the September 15, 1999 target date. Commissioner Edwards commended the Fire Department for their diligent efforts with respect to the recent significant fire. COMMISSION REPORTS For informational purposes, Commissioner Connerton relayed the vast amount of illegal U-turn movements on Margarita Road at Temecula Valley High School, noting that he witnessed a near accident involving two jaywalking youths in the area. With respect to the proximate location of the Cosco Shopping Center, specifically at the left-turn at Winchester Road, towards the I-15 freeway, Commissioner Connerton witnessed 12 vehicles go through the intersection on a red light. Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed that he would address the matter. Concurring with Chairman Coe's previous comments, Commissioner Telesio recommended that the City Council consider revisiting the matter of the closure of Kahwea Road. In response to Commissioner Telesio's comments, Commissioner Markham advised that the circulation study in the aforementioned area be conducted in order to evaluate the matter accurately. D. Commissioner Edwards queded the status of installing red light cameras. Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed that staff is investigating the matter with the Police Department. For Senior Engineer Moghadam, Police Sergeant DiMaggio advised that he would arrange a time schedule for the Police Department to meet with staff with respect to further discussions regarding the red light cameras; and for Commissioner Connerton, relayed the procedure of enforcing citations issued with the use of the red light cameras. R;%TraffCon~Ti%minutes~090999 In response to Chairman Coe's comments, Senior Engineer Moghadam relayed the rationale for not posting signage on Calle Pina Colada, or Via Cordoba which would relay the cost of the fines associated with speeding. For informational purposes, Police Sergeant DiMaggio relayed the effectiveness of installing delineators for the purpose of slowing down traffic, siting an example in Moreno Valley, ADJOURNMENT At 8:26 P.M. Chairman Coe formally adjoumed this meeting to Thursday, September 23, 1999 at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. Chairman Chades Coe Administrative Secretary Anita Pyle ITEM NO. 2 AGENDA REPORT TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Public/Traffic Safety Commission ~t~'~Ali Moghadam, P.E., Senior Engineer, Traffic October 14, 1999 Item 2 Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement Status Update RECOMMENDATION: That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission receive and file a status report regarding implementation of a Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement System. BACKGROUND: Pursuant to the commission's request, staff is in the process of reviewing the feasibility of implementing a photo enforcement system at major intersections throughout the City. Recently, staff met with Captain Pete Labahn and Lieulenant Jim Domenoe of lhe Temecula Police Department to identify the issues associated with implementation of a photo enforcement program. Various issues were discussed, which raised several concerns. It was agreed that in order to address these concerns more adequately, a vendor presentation would be helpful in determining the feasibility of the program implementation. Two (2) vendors were contacted to schedule a demonstration on details of the systems operation and processing of the violations. Staff also contacted the Cities of San Diego and Poway, which currently use photo enforcement, and received some valuable feed back. This item will be agendized for the Commission's review and recommendation following the vendors' demonstration of the Photo Enforcement System. FISCAL IMPACT: None. Attachment: Exhibit "A" - Information on Photo Enforcement EXHIBIT "A" 020 o c V=55 CALIFORNIA CITIES ARE TURNIN6 TO CAMERAS TO CATCH RED-LI6HT VIOLATORS BY TOM tANKARD ]I.LUSTRATION BY DENNIS BROWN 68 L i; l L:I hoto-assisted enli~rcement ot traffic laws in California. Pasademl win, the firhl Calitbroia oily to u~,e photo-radm' t~ch- nolog), launching a pilot program m 1987 to measure vehicle speed with radar-trigge:~d camera.q. During the next decade more than half a dozen California cities depntized speedel'- snapping cameras to patrol residential streets. But before long a fatal flaw in the system be- came apparent as the tollowing story illustrates: A Monterey re,,,ident received a notice in the mail of a speed-radar violation from the city of Camp- bell, nero' San Jose. The man responded by mailing back a picture of the cash equivalent of the de- manded fine. Campbell's police department promptly dispatched a picture of handcuffs. and the subdued scoffiaw mailed in a check. Oddly enough, he didn't have to. according to Capt. Russ Patterson, head of traffic enlbrcement in Campbell. Cali~roia law slales Ihal ilU alleged ofi~uder IllaM be pulled over by an ~}~icer and ~ign a uolice to ap~ar. which pron~ises either Ihal the had Moped this motorist add he had not promised to do anything. Photo radar was initially promriled as the the wt~rk of a dozen ~: more tral'lic officers aud pay for itself? L~al goveruments had to agrc~ to a ~rcem of the fine, usually whichever wa~ with its photo-radar vendor required it to pay a minimum of ~0.~ fbr the firsl seven momhs. Uufortunately. the city collecled only $39,500 m ~5~-''. lye.; ',:,',' 020 ?_,,c 2431 fines during the same period. In addition, a paid technician monitored the unit to ensure its accu- racy. And the cit'/attomey's office had to add staff to handle a 25 percent increase in prosecution of traffic-violation cases. Even for government, this is not good business. NEW APPLICATIONS In the end, using photo radar to reduce speeding violations proved ineffective, inefficient, and economically unfeasible. Increasingly, motorist.s-- from one in six in Pasadena to as many as one in two in Campbell--simply ignored the mailed tickets. In 1997 Campbell and National City (in San Diego County), the last cities that were using photo radar, mothbailed their units. Cameras haven't disappeared as an aid to MAY~UNi1999 traffic-law enforcement in California. A reajor difference, however, is that for current uses the law has been changed so that a ticket can be mailed to a violator without a policeman having to first stop that person and have him or her sign a promise to appear. Caltrans is testing photo enforcement to catch toll evaders on state-owned toll bridges. Calltans spokesperson Jim Drago admits that the system has its hults. For example, drivers occasionally find themselves in an automatic-toll lane with no safe way of exiting. "It's a lane-ram'king problem." he says. "We're working on it." Also, in Southern California, two private toll- road operators use radio monitors to screen cars that use toll lanes dedicated to prepaid customers. If the monitor doesn't find a preapproved credit 69 transponder or :~' finds one with an overdrawn account. a camera snaps a photo of the cat's rear li- cense plate, and a fine notice is mailed to the vehicle's registered owner. The Los Angeles Metropolitan Tran- sit Authority uses cameras at a number of railroad crossings to catch motorists who engage in the dangerous practice of dri- ving around lowered crossing gates. Lou Hubaud, director of system safety for the MTA, says the agency's photo-based tick- eting system has been effective, with ini- tial violations dropping by as much as 93 percent at camera-monitored crossings. Few people have objected to these two uses; the following application, however, has created some controversy. PHOTO RED-LIGHT ENFORCEMENT Nationally, the reasons cities are taking pictures of cars running red lights are bm- tally basic. According to U.S. Department of Transportation dam, the number of fatal car crashes at intersections with traffic signals rose from 1,888 in 1992 to 2,242 in 1996, or almost 20 percent. This is more than three times the rate at which the total number of fatal crashes increased during the same period. The lnsumnce Institute for Highway Safety (llHS) also determined that fatal 70 crashes related to running a red light increased by 15 percent in that time period. from 702 in 1992 to 809 in 1996. IIHS also noted in a 1996 report that red light-running crashes produce 50 percent morn occupant injures than other types of highway crashes because "these col- lisions often involve side impacts at relatively high speeds." The trend in Cali- fornia with respect to red-light collisions is, in some aspects, the opposite. Between 1990 and 1997, fatal and injury collisions related to running a red _>.~--~"" light declined substantial- - ¢:' ly, from 120 deaths in 1990 to ..... 95 deaths in 1997 and from 15,790 in- juries in 1990 to 13,838 injuries in 1997. Still, the promise of reducing crashes at dangerous intersections and reducing But California wants to kno'~ the violator's identity and tacks points onto a convicted red-light runner's driver's license: enough points can cost a motorist his or her license. State law, therefore, requires positive identification of the driver. The contractor (in California. it's the Municipal Services' Photo Enforcement Group of Lockheed Martin IMS tnc. I retrieves the film, develops it, and compares the photo of the driver with the driver' s license picture of the vehicle' s registered owner, which the Photo Enforcement Group (PEG) accesses on- line from DMV headquarters. Two analysts physically isolated from each other decide whether the red-light photo matches the driver's license photo: match rates range between 40 percent and 50 percent. The absence of a match can be attributed to many things, such as the driver of the car not being the regis- tered owner, windshield glare, a driver looking sideways, no license plate, or poor lighting. PEG then sends the picture and driver police costs have led a number of cities ' information to install red-light cameras during the past few years. Currently in Southern Califor- nia, red-light cameras are being used in Beve~y Hills, Culver City, El Cajon, Ox- nard. Poway, and San Diego. In addition, the city of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County are considering their use. HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS Wire detection loops are embedded in the pavement in front of and behind an inter- section's "stop line," the white stripes at which California drivers are required to stop. When a velficle trips these loops after a light has tumed red, a camera positioned across the intersection takes two pictures: one of the vehicle (and its occupants) as it crosses the loop and the other a moment later, when the vehicle is actually in the intersection. Superimposed on the picture are the date, the time, how long the light has been red, and the vehicle's speed. Most states using red-light cameras treat offenders the way California treats parking-meter violations. Regardless of who was driving at the time, the vehicle's registered owner pays the fine. In those states a clear picture of a car's license plate, front or rear, is all that's needed. to the local jurisdiction. There, if another review finds the match persuasive, a citation is mailed to the reg- istered owner's address. The picture is not always included with the citation, but a driver may go to the police station to check the match. State law requires the citation to be "delivered by mail within 15 days of the alleged violation" and says a "certificate of mailing" is evidence of delivery. Cali- fornia courts generally consider a letter delivered four days after it's mailed. Thus, PEG and the local police department have 11 days to process a citation from the time the camera snaps the picture until the ci- tation is tumed over to the U.S. Postal Ser- vice. The registered owner has at least 10 days after delivery of the notice to re- spond, either by posting bail, which most of the time is forfeited and effectively be- comes the fine, or requesting a hearing. For PEG's services, a city pays either a fixed fee or a percentage of the fine collected. San Diego's agreement, which is representative, requires the city to pay PEG either $70 or 50 percent of the money San Diego receives, whichever is less. for each successfully prosecuted citation. MA~DUNE1999 _SYSTEM SAFEGUARDS A recent national poll conducted by Louis Harris found at least 65 percent in favor of photo-red light systems, and a poll by the Insurance Research Council found that support jumps to 83 percent in large cities. In Oxnard the IlHS reports that 80 per- cent of local motorists support red-light cameras "as a supplement" to regular traffic enforcement. To ensure fairness, the state of Cali- fornia, cities using photo-red light en- forcement. and the system's developers have adopted some important system safeguards. For example, state law re- quires that a municipality hold a public hearing before it implements photo-red light enforcement. Also. drivers must get fair warning that such a system is in use. which also creates a deterrent to unlawful behav- ior. Each intersection with a red-light camera must be clearly marked, or notices of red light-camera use must be posted at all major entrance points to a city, such as near city-limit signs and on free- way exit ramps. Farthermore. cities using the technology are careful about matters such as how they time traffic lights. Ed Kmlikowski, the city traffic engineer for the San Diego suburb of El Cajon, says that his engineers are required to program traffic lights ac- cording to Caltrans standards, factoring in elements such as the length of the in- tersection and traffic speeds. What happens if the U.S. Postal Ser- vice misdelivers or even loses the mailed citation? PEG's King says, "You're not going to have your vehicle registration denied for not answering a first notice." However, because running a red light is a moving violation in California, if a vio- lator continues to ignore a mailed ticket, his or her registration will be held up, and ultimately, a warrant for his or her arrest will be issued for "failure to appear." Suppose a notice is mailed after a person has moved? That's covered too: California law requires vehicle owners to keep the DMV informed of their current address. MAY/JUNE 1999 As for issues of security and privacy. connections between PEG and the DMV's computer files are encrypted, and PEG will, if a city asks. blot out the faces of any passengers in the car. IS THE SYSTEM WORKING? An [IHS study conductett in 1997 in Ox- nard found that violations at camera- monitored intersections had dropped by 40 percent; interestingly. violations at non- camera intersections in Oxnard dropped even more--by 50 perceut. (City officials cousider this a "halo effect.") By a more important measure, the number of crashes, Oxnard realized equally impressive results. According to Start Myers, assistant chief of the Oxnard police, the city recorded 22 percent fewer red light-vio- lation crashes during the first year the system was in place. "We think the program is very successful," Myers says. "lt's also very cost- effective as far as officer time is concerned." he adds, estimating he'd have to add 12 to 15 officers to achieve the same level of enforcement as one cam- era delivers. Other Southern Califor- nia cities with red-light camera programs are more conservative with their assessments. For example, El Cajon's Kralikowski says that one year isn't long enough to produce statistically significant crash data. Does the difference in the way viola- tors are penalized affect violation rates and safety data? Red-light cameras have been in use for only a relatively short time and in just a few locales. so information is limited. However, an IIHS study observed that the reduction in red light-running violations in Faiffax, Vir- ginia. where the penalty for a first-time violation is a no-points $50 fine, was 40 percent. the same as in Oxnm'd. where the penalty was a one-point $104 fine (sub- sequently raised to $271 ). With respect to safety trends, not enough data have been collected to reach meaningful conclusions. Generally, experts insist on a three-year sampling period. CONTESTING A CITATION In most instances of photo-red light infractions. the violator simply forfeits bail--that is, pays the fine. Keith Enerson. assistant chief of the San Diego Police Department. says that. in his experience, about 80 percent of those who receive red-light citations forfeit bail (approximately 30 percent simply send in the fine. and 50 percent come to the station. check the photo. and then pay the fine). The problem, however, is that many jurisdictions don't know whether a particular red-light violation was photo-enforced; they don't track cita- tions this precisely. Suppose a motorist believes he or she is innocent and wants to contest a photo-red light citation. As with other traffic violations, the motorist posts bail and requests a hearing from the court issuing the citation. WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? Although California's experience with photo enforcement of traffic laws is limited. it seems reasonable to use it in certain circumstances, such as to prevent toll evasion m~d rail.crossing and red-light violations. However. cities that use photo enforcement should follow certain guide- lines. For example, photo-enforcement devices should be used to increase the effectiveness of, but not to replace, on-site police officers. Also. the equip- ment should be reliable and accurate, and it should be used only at high-risk locations to improve driving safety and discourage unlawful behavior, not to generate revenue. Finally. the focus of using this tech- nology shoulct be as much on deterring unlawful conduct as on identifying viola- tors. Therefore, motorists should receive adequate notice that photo enforcement is being used. and cities that adopt photo-red light enforcement should time the signal intervals fairly, according to accepted engineering and safety principles. ~ For itCbrmotion about dealing with trq[: fic citations. consult the Auto Club brochure "Handling Trr~ffic Citations." available free by calling or stopping I~y your local Auto Club c~ffice. 71 ITEM NO. 3 AGENDA REPORT TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Public/Traffic Safety Commission Ali Moghadam, P.E., Senior Engineer, Traffic October 14, 1999 Item 3 Commission Meeting Schedule - November and December 1999 RECOMMENDATION: That the Public/Traffic Safety Commission direct the Secretary to cancel and/or re-schedule meetings for November and December, 1999, and to perform the appropriate postings and noticing requirements per the Government Code. BACKGROUND: Staff is recommending that due to the upcoming Veterans Holiday November 11t~, and Thanksgiving Holiday November 25th, these meetings be consolidated into one (1) meeting on Thursday, November 18,1999. Also, during the month of December, the second regular meeting of the month falls on December 23~. Since this date will be during the Christmas week, the Commission may consider canecling this meeting and adjourning to the meeting of January 13, 2000. FISCAL IMPACT: None ITEM NO. 4 TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Monthly Activity Report August/September 1999 Submitted by: William G Hughes Date: September 28, 1999 PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION 1. 1-15 Southbound Auxiliary Lane at Winchester Road This Project is Phase I. which will add one (1) southbound lane on the 1-15 Freeway and widened the northbound on-ramp to two lanes. Phase II will widen the bridge over the Santa Gev~rudis Creek at the southbound off-ramp. The Ci~I Council awarded the construction contract on August 24, 1999 to E. L. Yeager in the amount of $544,329.40. Construction started on Monday September 13, 1999 and is expected to be completed in rind- October. 2. 1-15 Southbound Auxiliary Lane at Rancho California Road This project will add one (1) southbound lane on the 1-15 freeway. The Ci.t.t.ty Council awarded the construction contract on August 24, 1999 to Riverside Construction Company in the amount of $450,000. Construction started on Tuesday September 14. 1999 and is expected to be completed in mid-October. 3. 1-15 Southbound Off-Ramp Widening at Rancho California Road ~ 1-15 Ramp Improvements This project will widen both on-ramps to two lanes, widen the north side of Rancho California Road fi'om Ynez Road to the north bound on-ramp to provide an additional lane and an optional westbound right turn lane, and lengthen the west bound left turn pocket at Front Street. Construction on this project started on August 16, 1999. Traffic will be allowed through the construction zone. but delays are expected. Completion is expected in mid- October 1999. 4. Temecula Duck Pond Park Work on this project is complete. A reopening ceremony is scheduled for October 7, 1999. 5. Margarita Road Sidewalk {Rancho Vista to Pauba Road) Construction of this project is now complete. This project is in the 90-dav maintenance period. 6. Winchester Road & Ynez Road Street Widening 7. Overland Drive Street Improvements & Margarita Road Street Widening The two projects are now complete. A final walkthrough is being scheduled so the projects can be accepted and the maintenance period can start. 8. 1-15/Overland Drive Overcrossing Improvement Bridge construction is almost complete. Stage 2 of the Jefferson Avenue improvements is almost complete. Traffic was switched to Stage 3 configuration. the week of 9/20/99. Traffic was routed onto the east side of \\TEMEC/FS101\VOLl'DEPTS\PW\MonlhlyAclivilyRepon\elPX99\August.dec Jefferson Avenue while the west side of Jefferson Avenue is under construction. Dunng this stage. Overland Drive x~ll be closed from Jefferson Avenue to a point 200'west of Jefferson to allow for construction of the transition to the new roadway grades. Trucks hauling material to and from the site x~ll be entering and exiting the project. Traffic will be allowed fiu'ough the work zone and delays can be expecte~d, Access to all businesses east and west of Jefferson will be maintained. TemporaW' partial blockages to existing driveways may be experienced during concrete and asphalt placement operations. Estimated bridge opening is October 1999. 9. Pala Road Bridge Utilities are being installed through the bridge. In addition to the ongoing bridge construction, underground waterline improvements are under~vay and will continue. Hauling of material into the site will continue, traffic will be allowed through the work zone and possible delays can be expected. Estimated completion for Stage I of the project remains in early December 1999. 10. Tennis Court Lighting at Temecula Valley High School Work on this project is complete. All light poles have been installed. 11. Rotary Park The contractor will start work once the equipment (shades) is delivered (late September). The work is expected to take two (2) weeks to complete. This project will install a picnic shade structure, picnic tables, fencing, concrete and drainage structures. Construction is anticipated to be completed in October. 12. Traffic Signals oa Margarita Road at Pio Pico Road and at Pauba Road Construction on these two signals is about to start. Due to the signal equipment lead-time, construction had to be delayed until September. 13. Santa Gertrudis Creek Trail Undercrossing at Winchester Road (Hwy. 79 North) The canhwork for the bike trail emban'kment was completed and the concrete pavement was placed. Conslruction on this project started August I 1. 1999 and completion is expected in October. 14. Street Name Sign Replacement - Phase I Work is undenvay in this project. The signs arc being manufactured at this time. Installation of all the sign is expected to be done by early Nox cmber. 15. Butterfield Stage Park Improvements The Ci~' Council awarded the contract to JDC. Inc. in the amount of $47.740.00 on September 14, 1999. Construction will start as soon as the contract is executed and the PO is issued. 16. Traffic Signal and Median Modification at Rancho California Road and Town Center Drive The City Council awarded the contract to DBX. Inc. in the amount of $47.740 on September 14, 1999. Construction will start as soon as the contract is cxccutcd and the PO is issued. This project will modify. the intersection to expedite turning movements and to allow for longer green time on Rancho California Road. Improvements will include the rclocation of signal poles, installation of new handicap ramps, modification of median islands, and restriping the intersection. \\TliMEC2FSlOl%VOLl\DEPTS\PW\MonthlyActivityRepon\CIP\99\August,doc PROJECTS BEING BID I. Citywide Bike Path Construction The project is being advertised for bids. Bid opening is scheduled for September 30. 1999. This project will stripe bike lanes along Jefferson Avenue from Rancho California Road to Sanborn Avenue. Ynez Road from Tower Plaza North to Overland Drive, and Rancho California from Marganta Road to R~esiing Court, and portion ofLa Serena Way. PROJECTS IN DESIGN 1. Pavement Management System This project will provide street rehabilitation of Jefferson Avenue from the northerly Ci~' limits to Rancho California Road and on Winchester Road from Jefferson Avenue to Diaz Road. This project x~ill also include the installation of streetlights along the entire length of Jefferson Avenue. Staff has determined that the rehabilitation of Winchester Road, from Jefferson Avenue to Diaz Road can be done as a separate project. Work on Jefferson would be delayed until construction of Overland is complete. 2. Pujol Street Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter Design is almost complete. Rancho California Water District (RCWD) has informed the Ci~ that they are designing a project that includes the installation of an 8" reclaimed water line in Pujol Street. Their conslntcfion schedule is approximately three months after the City's. Staff is discussing ~vith RCWD the coordination of the work to avoid trenching through a newly paved street. The project will be advertised for bids as soon as this issue is resolved 3. Old Town Southside Parking Lots The project is currently bcing dcsigned in-house. This project consists of two (2) proposed parking lots. One will be located on the x~est side of Front Street just north of Second Street, and the other lot is located on the south side of Fourth Street west of Front Street. 4. First Street Bridge Staff is currently working with Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) to determine which agenc.v has prior rights concerning the accommodation or relocation of a sewer line that is in conflict with the new construction. Final construction drawings are complete. Staff is reviexving and assembling the plans and specifications to bid this project. Construction advertisement xvill be done as soon as the EMWD sewer line issue is resolved. 5. Margarita Road Widening, Pauba Road to Dartolo Road The kick off meeting with the consultant xvas held. The design for this project is underway. ",TEMECiFSI01\VOLl\DEPTSXPW\MonthlyAclivilyRcporlXCIP~99\August.doc MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Bill Hughes, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer ~J~Brad Buron, Maintenance Superintendent September 3, 1999 Monthly Actjvity Report - August, 1999 The following activities were performed by Public Works Department, Street Maintenance Division in~ house personnel for the month of August, 1999: I. SIGNS A. Total signs replaced 25 B. Total signs installed :;11 C. Total signs repaired 4 I1. III. TREES A. Total trees trimmed for sight distance and street sweeping concerns ASPHALT REPAIRS A. Total square feet of A. C. repairs 6. Total Tons 11 9,288 IV. CATCH BASINS A. Total catch basins cleaned 8 RIGHT-OF-WAY WEED ABATEMENT A. Total square footage for right-of-way abatement 15,963 VI. GRAFFITI REMOVAL A. Total locations B. Total S.F. 38 ..2,905 VII. STENCILING A. 327 B. 2,410 New and repainted legends L.F. of new and repainted red curb and striping Also, City Maintenance staff responded to 4~ service order requests ranging from weed abatement, tree trimming, sign repair, A.C. failures, litter removal, and catch basin cleanings. This is compared to 30 service order requests for the month of July, 1999. The Maintenance Crew has also put in 71 hours of overtime which includes standby time, special events and response to street emergencies. The total cost for Street Maintenance performed by Contractors for the month of Auaust. 1999 was S 43,050.00 compared to $ 3,234.00 for the month of July. 1999. Account No. 5402 $ 8,000.00 Account No. 5401 $ 35,050.00 Account No. 999-5402 $ - 0 o CC: Ron Parks, Deputy Director of Public Works All Moghadam, Senior Engineer - (CIPrrraffic) Greg Butler, Senior Engineer (CIP) Amer Attar, Senior Engineer (CIP) Jerry Alegria, Senior Engineer - (Land Development) 0 0 0 0 0 ITEM NO. 5 POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT ITEM NO. 6 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT ITEM NO. 7 COMMISSION REPORTS