Loading...
05/23/2017 Bicycle Pedestrian Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 06/27/2017 MINUTES OF BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 CALL TO ORDER: 6:01 p.m. ROLL CALL: Leonardo Gonzalez Chairperson, Zachary Hilton Vice Chairperson, Tony Marandos, Sean Reedy, Chad Reeder ALSO PRESENT: Michael Fisher, Consultant – Transportation Engineer Donna Taft, Office Assistant I COMMISSION SECRETARY’S REPORT ON POSTING THE AGENDA: The agenda for the Bicycle Pedestrian regular meeting was posted on Friday, May 19, 2017, at 11:07 a.m. in the City Hall announcement window near the Council Chambers and online in keeping with provisions of the California Brown Act. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS TO COMMISSION: A. Route 152 Roundabout and Trails Update: Motion was made by Chairperson Gonzalez to accept the Powerpoint presentation from Jess Salmon of Meritage Homes. It was seconded by Commissioner Reeder. Motion passed 5-0. Mr. Salmon gave an overview of the Hecker Pass Specific Plan area development, overall trail connectivity with surrounding areas, the nearby linear park and community park currently under construction as well as a planned dog park. He also discussed the planned Hecker Pass Highway roundabout and how it integrates with the trails. The original design of the roundabout was to widen the highway but the city’s vision has changed and the idea is to keep the highway as rural as possible by preserving many of the cedars that line it. Specific things under construction include the fencing along the highway, having a separated bike trail from the highway and no widening of the highway to allow the roundabout. Once Cal Trans completes their review the documents will be certified and will then go to city staff for certification followed by review and approval by the Planning Commission and then City Council. Mr. Salmon stated that they hope to receive approval in July or August and will begin construction immediately after that with an estimated 4-6 months for construction. B. Valley Transportation Authority Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (VTABPAC): Carolyn Schimandle, VTABPAC Member, reported that there have been some changes relating to the Measure B funds. The guidelines and the application process are being modified. She shared that the estimated amount that will be available from Measure B each year is $850,000 for planning projects. Education encouragement is supported. One change to the process relates to Complete Streets. There will not be as many check-ins as originally planned. The example of a reason for exception from Complete Streets requirements that is going to be removed from the application packet is “public opposition.” It is being removed because there is some opposition to many projects of many types, and therefore too broad to be a sole reason for exception. In addition, she shared that in a previous BPAC meeting they had considered paving projects on Monterey Highway between Morgan Hill and Gilroy for microsurfacing to take place but that has been delayed to next year due to recent storm damage. C. Upper Welburn Traffic Calming Study Report: Motion was made by Commissioner Marandos to approve the maps distributed for discussion by Michael Fisher, Consultant – Transportation Engineer. It was seconded by Commissioner Reeder. Motion passed 5-0. Welburn Avenue, between Santa Teresa and Mantelli Drive, is designated as a Collector in the General Plan and the neighborhood has expressed concerns regarding speeding and traffic volume issues. In late 2016, City Council approved trial measures which included a partial closure at Welburn Avenue and Mantelli Drive, restriping and additional signage. In February, 2017 City Council authorized a Traffic Calming Study of Welburn Avenue. Mr. Fisher gave a brief history of the road and recapped the presentation made to City Council that was given on Monday, May 15, 2017 by Mr. Gary Black with Hexagon Transportation who prepared the study. Mr. Fisher provided data collection, roadway volume, volume change and roadway speed data. He summarized the discussion from the Council meeting and presented a proposed striping plan. City Council requested that this plan be presented to the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission prior to implementation of striping the street. Council does agree with the striping proposed which is 8.5 ft parking, two 10.5 ft vehicle lanes and an edge stripe. Staff is recommending sharrows be added. Council also recommended to remove the partial closure at Welburn Avenue and Mantelli Drive. In addition, the City performed a stop sign warrant at Taryn Lane due to site distance issues and Hexagon recommended that the stop sign be reinstalled. Council did not approve the stop sign installation but deferred it to the next council meeting. Also, the decision to reassert that Welburn is a Collector was deferred and will be revisited in the General Plan update in the next 18 months. Public Comment: Resident Joan Miller shared that she wants reassurance that parking would not be eliminated on Welburn and that the traffic study from October 17 did not include the bicycle/pedestrian data that former Public Works Director, Rick Smelser stated was important information. She said that Mr. Smelser also spoke to her husband and mentioned that the study addressed speed and not volume. She also said that after looking at the Federal Highway requirements and speaking with two engineers that the speed tubes for this study were misplaced. She also stated that she has not received the site distance information for the stop sign at the top of Welburn Avenue above Rancho Real. She stated that Welburn Avenue is unsafe for pedestrian use the way it is and is anxious to share with the other residents the street designation presented. Chairperson Gonzeles recommends doing more study work. He would like to see speed sensors put in the street at a half way point. He would also like to get a count of the number of cars that park on Welburn Avenue and if parking is restricted, what the impact would be. In addition, he would like for Gilroy Police Department to provide an estimate from the past three years of non-injury vehicle accidents and those involving bicycle and pedestrians that occurred on Welburn Avenue. Commissioner Marandos shared that he would like to see data from other streets in California with similar issues and ascertain how the Complete Streets was adopted or addressed to those arterials. Chairperson Gonzalez stated that if a motion is to be made at a subsequent meeting that will impact the residents of Welburn Avenue, the Commissioners will need to be given as much information as possible. Public Comment: Resident Joan Miller spoke and said that Gilroy Police Department does not take reports on accidents unless there is an injury. Chairperson Gonzalez replied that it will not be reflected on the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) but the Department will still take into account that a call on the incident was received. Chairperson Gonzalez commented about the possible use of restricted parking and shared that if a study shows that all the bicycle and pedestrian traffic is from 8am – 5pm, perhaps parking could be prohibited in that time period, but allowing parking on the street in the evening and on weekends. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approved: Minutes were moved for approval by Commissioner Marandos and it was seconded by Commissioner Reeder. OLD BUSINESS: A. Language Change to Bylaws, Section 7, #2 – Attendance: Chairperson Gonzalez and Vice Chairperson Hilton spoke to Shawna Freels, City Clerk, about changing the wording of the Commissions Bylaws and she is going to recommend that the other commissions follow suit. It was determined that if a commissioner is absent, the commission body will decide if it is excused or unexcused. Motion was made by Chairperson Gonzalez to amend the Bylaws, Section 7, Attendance to add #3 to read: ‘A member that is absent more than four (4) times in a twelve (12) month period could be removed from the Commission at the discretion of the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission.’ It was seconded by Vice Chairperson Hilton. Motion passed 5-0. The twelve month period will begin after the June 27, 2017 Bicycle Pedestrian Com mission meeting. B. Green Bike Lanes Update: Commissioner Reeder shared that Michael Fisher, Consultant – Transportation Engineer will look into seeing if there are funds available to do a test area at an intersection. It will be placed where a car crosses through a bike lane to make a right turn. A thermoplastic product would be used. The three intersections under consideration are: Mantelli and Santa Teresa, Tenth Street and Princevalle and Hannah and Third Street. Michael has drafted an email about this project that he will send to the Commissioners for review and comments and it will then be sent to Gabe Gonzalez, City Administrator, regarding a test area. Commissioner Reeder shared that Safe Routes to School may help fund for other areas near schools in the future. C. Strategic Plan Update: Vice Chairperson Hilton shared that the items on page 3 of the document that have been revised will show in italics and will be underlined. Any changes the Commissioners wish to make to the Strategic Plan will be updated by Vice Chairperson Hilton and he will present it at the next Bicycle Pedestrian Commission meeting with those changes and for adoption. Motion was made by Vice Chairperson Hilton to adopt the current document as the Bicycle Pedestrian Com missions Strategic Plan. It was seconded by Commissioner Reeder. Motion passed 5-0. D. Bike to Work Day Update: Commissioner Marandos shared that the event was held on May 11. He and Commissioner Reedy worked together at the energizer station. There was good participation and cyclists appreciated the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission’s support of the event. Valley Transportation Authority should be contacted for all future events at the train station. Public Comment: Carolyn Schimandle spoke and shared that she would like to see the duration of the event extended longer in the morning. Commissioner Reeder and Marandos shared that the last train departs at 7:04am but that the energizer station could remain open until 8:30am next year. Commissioner Hilton thanked the City for reimbursing Silicon Valley Bike Coalition. Michael Fisher presented the request for funding to Gabe Gonzalez, City Administrator and the Finance Department. E. Bicycle Pedestrian Commission Monthly Award: Vice Chairperson Hilton created a form that can now be distributed at local shops and would like to see it posted on the City’s website. Motion was made by Vice Chairperson Hilton that the revised version will be the official form used for monthly awards and to attain more public outreach. It was seconded by Commissioner Reeder. Motion passed 5-0. Vice Chairperson Hilton will also do some public outreach with the newspaper and social media. If no nominations are received, the Commissioners can make nominations. NEW BUSINESS: A. Bike Rack Update: Vice Chairperson Hilton shared that he presented the bike rack concept to the Public Art Committee on May 24 and they approved the bike rack style but wanted to know how it will be integrated within the city. He spoke to city staff about the installation. This specific project was put on hold until the staff can get City Council’s approval. Additionally, there is no standard on what the racks should look like and a standard needs to be developed before racks can be installed. Racks that show Gilroy Sunrise Rotary may constitute a sign. If that is the case, that may require different standards. The wording must be small enough so it does not constitute a sign. Donations may have a small plaque stating ‘Donated by:’ or ‘Funded by:’. Michael Fisher suggested checking the related written ordinance. Commissioner Marandos shared that when staff resources are available, it would be beneficial to draft a statement that supports the flourishment of these kinds of activities in downtown Gilroy. He stated Gilroy would benefit from this type of gifting from corporate and business club communities. Vice Chairperson Hilton stated that the Operating Budget will be presented to Council on May 30th and that on June 5th the budget is to be adopted. It was agreed by all to add this item to the agenda for the June 27, 2017 Bicycle Pedestrian Commission meeting. B. Annual Bicycle Pedestrian Commission Event: Vice Chairperson Hilton proposed the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission hold an annual event downtown in the summer months that coincides with the Farmer’s Market located at Fifth and Monterey which begins June 2 from 3:30 -7:30pm and runs through September. There is an available private lot located behind the CMAP building that can be used to host a bike rodeo after 6pm. Shifty Cycles can be there offering a free bike valet for shoppers at the Farmer’s Market or people attending Fifth Street Live. The owner has a mobile bike service. He asked the Commissioners to consider a future date and it will be discussed at a subsequent meeting. C. Amending Article IX of the City Charter Boards and Commissions: Vice Chairperson Hilton shared that when the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission was split from the Parks and Recreation Commission the Charter was never updated. After a brief discussion, motion was made by Vice Chairperson Hilton to amend the Charter to update Bicycle Pedestrian Commission with information that Vice Chairperson Hilton provided. It was seconded by Commissioner Reeder. Motion passed 5-0. COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS: A. Chairperson Leo Gonzalez: He gave an update on a County project for all law enforcement agencies to be using Crossroads for traffic collision reporting. The project still needs funding to finalize it. B. Vice Chairperson Zachary Hilton: El Roble held their first bike rodeo and festival for Safe Routes to School; On National Bike to School Day El Roble had their first Bike Train with approximately 15 participants and they competed with 13 other schools in the county for a bike rack contest where Vice Chairpers on Hilton was one of the judges; Parks and Recreation made a recommendation that the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission meetings be filmed for easy accessibility; Regarding Complete Streets Policy in 2012 – he wants Commissioner Reeder to receive that prior to attending GPAC meetings for 2040; He attended the City Council meeting on May 8th and presented the three Bicycle Pedestrian Commission items and there was discussion on the BMX Park as well as Commissioners inputs for proposed capital improvement projects (CIP’s) presented to City Council; He set up a phone call with a Safe Routes to School representative on June 13th to discuss Measure B money for education; On May 30th at 6pm in Council Chambers the Operating Budget will be proposed as well as capital improvement projects; On June 5th the budget adoption is to occur; He requested that Michael Fisher inquire with staff as to what is planned for Measure B money allocated for education and to give the Commission a report. C. Commissioner Marandos: None D. Commissioner Reedy: On Friday, May 26, Rod Kelley is having the Rod’s Trod and carnival from 11:30am- 2:00pm. E. Commissioner Chad Reeder: He created a business card and will forward it to the Commissioners for review before sending it to Shawna Freels, City Clerk; He will be attending the south County Leaders Summit on May 24 in Morgan Hill. STAFF COMMENTS: None AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING:  Strategic Plan  Monthly Award  Bike Rack Update  Amending Article IX of the City Charter  Bylaws – Section 7, adding #3 ADJOURN: 8:53 p.m. to the June 27, 2017 meeting at 6pm.