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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-2009 PSAC MinutesMINUTES I PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2009 CALL TO ORDER - 6:00 P.M. Chairman Norkin called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice-Chairman Bhutta. ROLL CALL PRESENT: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIR BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART ABSENT: NONE Also present were: Information/Communications Manager Dennis, Assistant City Attorney Mann, Sergeant Chavez, Public Works Manager Payne, Traffic Engineer Basubas and Administrative Assistant Paltza. PUBLIC COMMENTS None COMMISSION APPROVES CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) 1. Minutes Minutes from the Regular Public Safety Advisory Meeting of February 11, 2009. I Recommendation: Approve 1 It was motioned by Commissioner Stewart, and second by Commissioner Dailey to approve the February 11, 2009 Public Safety Advisory Meetings Minutes. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Palomar Road Neighborhood Concerns and Traffic Safety Analysis Recommendation: Presentation and discussion about traffic safety analysis and options. Information/Communications Manager Dennis introduced City's Traffic Engineer Basubas who would provide the Commission with a presentation regarding the issues along Palomar Road. Traffic Engineer Basubas presented his report to the Commission and indicated that the City hired a consultant to conduct a traffic study in relation to the speeding along Palomar Road. He stated based on report, the consultants recommendations are to install a two-way left turn lane, post a sign reducing the speed limit to 35 mph/ 25 mph when children are present and post a playground sign once the playground has been completed. He noted it has also been requested that the Police Department conduct a random check in the area, increase enforcement, and randomly install speed radar. He stated he received an e-mail from Lake Elsinore resident John Treese which was provided to the Commission for their review. Lastly, he provided to the Commission the staff recommendations which would be conducted in stages. They are as follows: Number 1 Implement traffic study recommendation with continued police presence/enforcement which could be supplemented with radar speed signs. Number 2 Install new striping to include a two-way left turn lane, on-street (parallel) parking along the park frontage, and on the south side of Palomar Street. 2 Install 35mph speed limit (25 mph when children are present). Continue FI police patrol/enforcement. Number 3 Install new striping to include angled on-street parking along the park frontage and "parallel parking" on the south side of Palomar Street. Install 35 mph (25 mph when children are present) speed limit. Continue police patrol/enforcement. Number 4 Phase 2 or 3 with a minor traffic island/circle at a selected intersection. Chairman Norkin requested John Treese to approach the podium. John Treese, resident of Lake Elsinore stated the purpose of the discussion was to alert the issues along Palomar to the Public Safety Advisory Commission's attention. He indicated that he liked some of the ideas that staff and the traffic consultant had expressed and indicated that he would work with the neighbors to figure out the best solution. He stated the best suggestion was the use of flashing solar lights which would draw attention to the 25 mph speed limit. He stated most of the speeders do not live in the neighborhood and the neighbors are trying ways to slow the speeders down. He spoke of the suggestion regarding speed humps, which Traffic Engineer Basubas did not recommend due to the potential increase in time police and other emergency vehicles may have. However Mr. Treese indicated that there is enough space for the emergency vehicles to use the center of the street, avoiding the speed humps. Chairman Norkin requested staff to address the length of Palomar and where the stops are located on the street. Information/Communications Manager Dennis indicated that Palomar in about '/Y a mile to the transition of Sky Lark without any stops or breaks. Vice-Chairman Bhutta asked the name of the traffic engineer who conducted the traffic study for the City. Traffic Engineer Basubas replied that Albert Grover and Associates conducted the speed survey which was conducted during a construction period. John Treese indicated that the consultants were conducting their study in mid day and not during peak hours. Traffic Engineer Basubas replied that speed surveys normally are not conducted during the peak times of hour day. Vice-Chairman Bhutta asked staff if they feel that they received a true analysis. Traffic Engineer Basubas replied "Yes." 3 Assistant City Attorney Mann asked Traffic Engineer Basubas what the average speed was on Palomar? Traffic Engineer Basubas replied "38 mph." Assistant City Attorney Mann indicated that the speed limit should equate to what the average person sees as safe travel. He noted during the day the average person perceives safe travel on Palomar at almost 40 mph, mostly because it is a wide road with no traffic. He indicated that if the street was to be posted at 25 mph, it could be argued that it would be a speed trap. He asked Traffic Engineer Basubas how they handle cut-through traffic. Traffic Engineer Basubas replied that it is treated like speeding. He stated code enforcement and additional signage could provide assistance with mitigation. Vice-Chairman Bhutta asked Sergeant Chavez if the City makes any money from the citations that are issued. Sergeant Chavez introduced Officer John Kaiser who is responsible for the traffic division for the Lake Elsinore Police Department and would provide the Commission with statistics. Officer Kaiser of the Lake Elsinore Police Department indicated that the money goes to the County and sometimes goes to certain jurisdiction where the citation came from. He pointed out that the percentage is small and the primary goal is safety. Vice-Chairman Bhutta stated what is most important is the safety of the citizens which continues as an on-going problem. He noted that Mr. Treese addressed the issue back in 2007 and the issue has not been resolved. Traffic Engineer Basubas suggested proceeding with phase one of the recommendations and if number one isn't effective, then proceed with number two. Vice-Chairman Bhutta requested the number of the traffic consultant. Traffic Engineer Basubas responded by saying he would provide Vice Chairman Bhutta with the number of the consultant. Commissioner Dailey asked staff if it would be necessary to conduct another survey. Traffic Engineer Basubas replied based on the speed study, it is recommended the speed limit be posted at 35 mph unless children are present. He indicated that once phase two's recommendations have been installed, if 35 mph is questionable, then it may be possible to have them conduct another study. Commissioner Dailey asked about the City's budget and whether the City has enough funds to consider the options and is there any on-going development in the area. 4 Traffic Engineer Basubas responded that there currently isn't any development in the area and staff has not had a chance to review the budget for the improvements. Public Works Manager Payne informed the Commission that the budget is currently going through the mid-year review and recommended that it could be added to the City's Capital Improvement Project's budget for consideration from City Council. Commissioner Dailey asked if the City would consider having plastic bollards placed along the curve of the street to avoid cars from crossing over the lanes. She indicated that this would be a way of cutting costs. Traffic Engineer Basubas responded that they are only about $10 a piece however, unfortunately sometime cars try to purposely try to hit the bollards. Commissioner Lyons concurred with the residents in the area. He indicated that a family member lives in the Reflections neighborhood and although there are numerous dips, it doesn't slow down the vehicles. He expressed that action needs to be taken before someone gets hurt. Chairman Norkin informed the audience that when this item was first being prepared for discussion, he requested the Sheriff's Department to provide the Commission with statistics on how many citations were issued. He noted that in 2008 many citations issued, however, the last time a citation was issued in this area was over five (5) months ago. Officer Kaiser responded to Chairman Norkin's comments by indicating that the Police Department has different reporting information systems. He expressed January through October 2008 there was over 78 citation issued and 95% were issued for speeding or a stop sign violation at Sky Lark. He advised the Commission that there currently is a motorized officer working on Palomar and the department is trying to resolve the issues. He pointed out to the Commission that the survey is valid for five years. Chairman Norkin asked Officer Kaiser who decides which area needs to be mostly enforced? Officer Kaiser replied that with the issue being presented at this meeting, officers have made it a priority to patrol the area in discussion and get data to determine how much flow is going through the area. He indicated that the department tries to be pro-active and go into certain areas that have issues such as speeding. Chairman Norkin asked staff, once the survey expires, would another survey be F1 automatically preformed. He also asked if the speed limits proved to be higher, would it be mandatory that the most recent surveyed speed limit be posted. 5 Assistant City Attorney Mann responded that he only knows that a person would not F1 get a conviction on a speeding ticket if you do not have a survey. He stated that he is unsure if it is illegal for a City not to act on a survey. Traffic Engineer Basubas noted that the speeding survey is good for five years. However he stated it does mean that the City cannot have it re-surveyed again in one or two years if requested. Mr. Leonard Spickle asked if the zoning of the street was considered residential could the speed limit be kept at 25 mph. Traffic Engineer Basubas noted the reason that it stated 25 mph was because of the construction taking place. He noted that community support is essential. John Treese indicated that there is a problem and we need to move forward. Chairman Norkin suggested having the item brought back for further discussion within 30 to 60 days. Vice-Chairman Bhutta suggested having the item brought back sooner than 30 days. Chairman Norkin pointed out that Mr. Treese would need time to get together with his neighbors to see what they have to say. John Treese noted that he would be willing meet with the neighbors and try to come up with a plan, however, he doesn't want to rush on the issue. Information/Communications Manager Dennis suggested having staff meet with Mr. Treese to provide ideas and generate options on what is really practical. A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Bhutta and seconded by Commissioner Dailey to direct staff to meet with residential representative Mr. Treese and others to develop recommendations regarding Palomar Avenue and bring back to the Public Safety Advisory Commission meeting of April 8, 2009 for further discussion. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 6 Commissioner Stewart left the meeting at 6:40 p.m. F1 3. Reschedule March 24th Joint Council Study Session with the City Council Recommendation: Discuss an alternate date for rescheduling the proposed March 24, 2009 Joint Study Session with City Council. Information/Communications Manager Dennis advised the Commission that due publication for the new applicants for potential new Public Safety Advisory Commissioners, it is recommended to reschedule the meeting to the first meeting in July 2009 or to take the item off calendar. A motion was made by Commissioner Dailey, and seconded by Commissioner Lyons to reschedule the Joint Council Study Session with City Council off calendar. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONER STEWART 4. Canyon Hills Outreach Meeting Recap and Evaluation Recommendation: Discuss February 24`" outreach presentation, community feedback and requested follow-ups. Information/Communications Manager Dennis provided an analysis to the Commission regarding Canyon Hills Outreach meeting. Chairman Norkin spoke of the issues that were discussed during the meeting to include off road and recreational vehicles and traffic. He also spoke of issues with children leaving Cottonwood Elementary and Canyon Lake Middle School after school and congregating at the shopping center located at Canyon Hills Road. He requested Assistant City Attorney Mann to address the issues. Assistant City Attorney Mann suggested having the property owner post a sign prohibiting children under age to be at the center without adult supervision. Traffic Engineer Basubas indicated that there is a sign at the Jack-in-the-Box at the center that prohibits under age children not enter the building without adult supervision. P Assistant City Attorney Mann advised the Commission that he would look into the situation and provide a recommendation at the next meeting. Sergeant Chavez indicated the City of Lake Elsinore does not have a daytime curfew ordinance. He noted that this would be one of the tools used during the day. He pointed out that if the businesses are having issues, they need to contact the Police Department. Commissioner Dailey stated the first meeting went very well and wanted to make sure that the Commission follows up on the issues that were addressed at the meeting. A motion was made by Chairman Norkin and seconded by Commissioner Dailey to receive and file the Canyon Hills Outreach Meeting Recap and Evaluation and to schedule discussion regarding curfew for April 8, 2009. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: COMMISSIONER STEWART PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS • Commissioner Dailey provided an update regarding the Citizen's Corp Meeting. She indicated the meeting went very well and had a large turn-out. She noted that there have been approximately 80 volunteers for CERT training so far and stated that the City is aiming for 100 volunteers. CITY STAFF COMMENTS Information/Communications Manner Dennis commented on the following: • He provided information regarding the Graffiti Task Force and noted that a Hotline number has been established for any incidents. He stated the number is (951) 674-2701, which would direct the person calling to a recording where they would be instructed to leave the location information and a call back number. He noted that the Sheriffs Department from Orange County would be providing a demonstration on March 12 . 8 He thanked the community for providing the City staff with their concerns and thanked the City of Lake Elsinore's Police Department for attending the meeting. Public Works Manager Payne commented on the following: • He spoke of the great success for the third Citizen's Corp meeting. Sergeant Chavez with the Lake Elsinore Police Department commented on the following: • He advised the public that if they have any issues to contact either him via e-mail or by phone for any non-emergency issues. He would then direct his staff to assist with the matter. Traffic Engineer Basubas commented on the following: He spoke of a new road improvement project along Dexter Avenue. He indicated the project would commence in late April 2009. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSIONERS'S COMMENTS Vice Chairman Bhutta commented on the following: He thanked North County Times on all of the coverage they have been providing to the public regarding the City. Commissioner Dailey commented on the following: She spoke of the drag boat races on the City's lake from March 21 through March 22 and encourages everyone to participate. Commissioner Lyons noted that some of the boats would be racing in the lake's inlet channel at speeds over 200 mph. He stated that it should be very exciting to see. She thanked the Police Department for all the information they provided at the meeting. Commissioner Lyons commented on the following: He spoke of the traffic and speeding near Lake and Lakeshore Drive. He noted the average speed coming off Lake Street onto Mountain was 63 mph and the highest speed was over 90 mph. He expressed his concerns with the safety of the children in the area and suggested that this issue be looked into. He thanked the audience and City staff for their attendance. F 9 Chairman Norkin commented on the following: ~j He advised the public if they have any issues regarding safety in the City, they can contact the Public Safety Advisory Commission which would be considered discussion. PUBLIC COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Commission to adjourn to a regular meeting on April 8, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the Cultural Center located at 183 North Main Street, Lake Elsinore, California, CA, 92530. Chairman Norkin adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. MIKE NORKIN, CNIATRWAN PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: JW OA/ I d DANA C. PORCHFt OFFICE SPECIALIST F 10