1988 12 14 TTC Minutes
MEMORANDUM
TO: Ron L. Kiedrowski, City Manager
FROM: Frank Reynolds, Director of Public Works/City
Engineer
DATE: December 15, 1988
SUBJECT: Technical Traffic Committee
The regular meeting of the Technical Traffic Committee was held
at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 1988. Present were:
Members: Sgt. Betty Beyer, Sheriff's Department
Roger Hirdler, City of La Quinta
Dick Barrera, Riverside County
Frank Reynolds, City of La Quinta
Members Absent: Gene Marshall, Caltrans
Staff: Jerry Coffey, Engineering Supervisor
Ted Bower, Senior Planner
Guests: Debbie Asten, Sunline Transit
Dave Harbison, C.V.W.D.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Bus Stop Shelters- Mr. Reynolds gave the general
background on this subject, stating that the supplier of the
shelters has submitted a plan in two phases for the
installation of the shelters. Several months ago the City
Council approved the general concept but did not make a
decision on which of the two alternate designs it would
approve. Therefore, Ms. Asten was advised that Sunline will
have to initiate the action to get that decision made. before
any permits are issued.
Ms. Asten stated that it is planned to make applications for
the installations one or two at a time. Mr. Reynolds noted
that the Phase I plan has six general locations shown, all in
the vicinity of Washington and Highway 111. Of the si.x, four
are under the jurisdiction of Caltrans, and permits will have
to be obtained from that agency.
Of the two involving the City, the one on the west side of
Washington was reviewed and approved at the Committee's
November meeting. The one on the east side of the street
appears to have no particular problem, except that Mr. Hirdler
pointed out that since it is some distance from the pedestrian
crosswalk, there are occasions where riders jaywalk., Ms.
Asten agreed that this happens, but it was
TECHNICAL TRAFFIC COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 15, 1988
PAGE 2
pointed out that to move it any closer to the intersection
would create a conflict with the northbound right turn lane.
Therefore, there was no objection to the placement of the
shelter on the east side of Washington. However, Mr. Reynolds
pointed out that when applications for permits for this and
other shelters are made, the City must receive specific
details on their locations and the manner in which the pad is
to be constructed in relation to the adjacent ground or
landscaping. He stated that the Phase II locations will be
considered at future Committee meetings, but suggested in
advance to Ms. Asten that the one being proposed for t:he east
side of Washington at Avenue 50 needs further study. As it
now stands that location could not be approved due to blockage
of the No. 2 lane in the absence of a bus turnout.
2. Safety Aspects or Median Landscaping- Mr. Reynolds
explained that due to an impending dramatic increase in the
number of landscaped areas the City will be responsible for
maintaining, a City-wide Landscaping and Lighting District is
under consideration. In connection with this, median strips
are in the process of being constructed both by the city and
by developers and some ground rules must be established as to
how they will be landscaped, with both maintenance anti safety
being major considerations.
Although our Caltrans representative could not attend today's
meeting Mr. Reynolds had spoken with him about the' safety
aspect, and Mr. Marshall gave the following as basic Caltrans
guidelines:
a. Install a 4" driveover-type curb.
b. Allow no trees whose trunks will ever exceed 6" in
diameter.
c. In sight distance zones, allow no plantings that: will
exceed a height of 18" above the pavement surface.
d. Allow no fixed objects, such as light standards,
boulders, boxes, etc.
Mr. Reynolds observed that he didn't feel the City could live
with those Caltrans standards. The City has been using County
standards for curb heights and has both 6" and 8" curbs at
various locations.
TECHNICAL TRAFFIC COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 15, 1988
PAGE 3
Sgt. Beyer stated that her office has done some research on the subject
for us, but due to the press of business as the Holiday season approaches,
she was not able to get it toghether to present at this time. She agreed
to get the information to Mr. Reynolds so that it can be distributed to
Committee members.
Mr. Barrera cited several examples of problem medians in
Upland and Pomona. He remarked, however, that a pattern of
landscaped medians has been well established in the desert
communities so that motorists are accustomed to them, whereas
Caltrans must take a more conservative approach due to general
unfamiliarity with them elsewhere.
Mr. Harbison, who is CVWD's authority on the types of
plantings which are most compatible with desert climate,
agreed to work with the City in developing overall landscaping
plans. In his opinion the work Palm Desert has done along
Fred Waring near the Civic Center is excellent, but Committee
members were not unanimous in support of that opinion. Mr.
Reynolds remarked, however, that irrespective of how it may
look, it is definitely low maintenance, and that is very
appealing.
The subject of palm trees in medians came up, and Sgt. Beyer
stated that they have a tendency to create serious traffic
problems from time to time. During those periods when
pruning operations are going on, maintenance vehicles and
falling fronds create real hazards, and she cited examples in
the City of Indio.
Mr. Reynolds stated that a new median has just been
constructed by the City on Eisenhower and ones are :ocheduled
to be constructed on Jefferson this fiscal year. Decisions
will have to be made as to how and when these are: to be
landscaped. As to the "how", Mr. Bower stated that there is a
need for professional design assistance to provide for
continuity and for establishment of planting patterns. Mr.
Reynolds offered the opinion that professional service's. could
be made a part of the District, if it goes forward.
As to the "when", Mr. Harbison advised that planting should
take place when the weather is neither hot nor cold. March,
April and May are best, with a window in October. Jurie, July
and August should be avoided.
TECHNICAL TRAFFIC COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 15, 1988
PAGE 4
3. Street Lighting at Intersections- Mr. Reynolds mentioned
that as a part of the previously discussed City-wide District,
it also is planned to develop a program for systematically
lighting key intersections where hazardous conditions exist.
Reference was made to the pin map which had been prepared
showing accident locations and frequency. He predicted that
there may be some opposition to the plan becau.~e~ of the
general dislike of lighting in the desert. However, Mr.
Harbison commented that there seems to be a general increase
in the amount of lighting in the area, particularly since the
advent of low pressure sodium vapor. Mr. Reynolds also
remarked that the Cove area in particular seems to have an
abundance of mercury vapor dusk-to-dawn lights inst:a~lled by
residents which create more ambient lighting than intersection
lighting will.
Mr. Barrera suggested that a plan could start with
prioritization based upon the concept of major to major, major
to primary and secondary, and so on. It was noted ghat new
developments are being conditioned to either install or bond
for traffic signals at key intersections. Perhaps
consideration should be given to install safety lighting at
those intersections to bridge the gap until traffic: signals
are warranted. City staff will take this under consideration.
Miscellaneous:
Mr. Reynolds stated that traffic studies of` the
Washington-Miles intersection have been completed by the
County, and at the January meeting of this Committee the
matter of removal of the stop signs on Washington will be
considered.
The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
on Wednesday, January 11, 1989.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
FR/lmm