Laserfiche WebLink
Ms. Decker wished to clarify that with respect to traffic, Mike Tassano has been working <br />on finding the best fit for this project in terms of circulation in and out of the site. Traffic <br />studies were generally based on peak hour trips, and the trips in this request were all <br />off-peak. She noted that the St. Elizabeth Seton did not entail a traffic study because the <br />trips would occur during off-peak hours. She suggested that if the Planning Commission <br />believed that a traffic study would be appropriate, the request be phrased in terms of a <br />detailed special study regarding traffic impacts to the surrounding area and the travel <br />patterns in terms of other churches and congregations and uses in the surrounding areas <br />during off-peak hours. She noted that there were State requirements in place which <br />determined roadway speeds and whether or not a signal would be justified based on <br />warrants. She noted that it would be most appropriate for staff to evaluate the existing <br />volumes, traffic, and other indicators and determine if signal lights or other <br />traffic-calming devices could be successfully implemented in the area. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blank noted that while the traffic studies were complete in terms of <br />volume, they did not always address safety issues. He noted that he had marked off a <br />distance with his car on that road to get a sense of the speed, and he did not believe the <br />signs made any difference. He had seen cars traveling at what he would conservatively <br />estimate to be 80 mph. He was most concerned with the speed on that road, and believed <br />that traffic calming measures may be effective. <br /> <br />Ms. Decker did not know what could be done outside the City boundary and, at <br />Commissioner Blank’s request, displayed the parcels that lay inside and outside City <br />boundaries. <br /> <br />Ms. Seto noted that when the City makes an application to LAFCO, as part of the <br />application, they had to discuss what roads and what other kinds of utilities the City <br />would take over to become part of the City. She believed that may become an issue to be <br />studied by the City and that there may be a situation where from a traffic standpoint, <br />there may be a more logical endpoint of City control that could be included in the <br />application to LAFCO. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blank pointed out a location on the map where he believed it would be <br />reasonable for the City to annex in order to calm the traffic. In response to an inquiry by <br />Commissioner Blank regarding some of the City’s options, Ms. Seto replied that the City <br />could extend the area that would be proposed to be annexed in terms of the road portion. <br /> <br />In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Blank regarding the owner of the property <br />above the red line, Ms. Decker replied that it was the State right-of-way. <br /> <br />Commissioner Olson would like to see a signal at the primary property entrance and <br />suggested that the applicant ask the County for a signal on the other side of the blind <br />curve that flashed when the light was red. He did not think the proposed turn lanes will <br />be sufficient to provide the level of safety he would like to have. He suggested putting a <br />signal in the blue portion for entry and exit into Canyon Creek Circle. He noted that he <br />drove this road frequently and added that it was a speedway. He agreed with Ms. Decker <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 8, 2007 Page 16 of 24 <br /> <br /> <br />