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07/25/2017 Bicycle Pedestrian Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 08/22/2017 MINUTES OF BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2017 CALL TO ORDER: 6:05 p.m. ROLL CALL: Leonardo Gonzalez Chairperson – excused absence, Zachary Hilton Vice Chairperson, Tony Marandos, Sean Reedy, Chad Reeder ALSO PRESENT: 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, July 21, 2017, at 11:10 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. Alexander Station Apartment Complex Under Construction at Tenth Street: Staff Member Rebecca Tolentino, Interim Planning Manager, discussed this affordable housing project that is currently under construction. It was approved in 2014 and prior to that went before the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission for comments. The following four suggestions were incorporated into the project. 1. Sidewalks would be 10ft in width on all fringes 2. Bike racks and lockers would be incorporated 3. A bus stop would be provided on Tenth Street 4. A new sidewalk would be constructed on the south side of Tenth Street from the project site to Monterey Street One other condition was that the signal at Tenth and Alexander be modified to better accommodate pedestrian and bicycle movements. That was planned to be completed in 2015. Tolentino will check to see if that occurred. Vice Chairperson Hilton asked if Safe Routes to School had been discussed for this project. Tolentino stated that it had not as the project was approved so long ago. However, the City has added discussion to their standard template for current projects and there will now be a great deal of effort addressing schools as part of the review process. Tolentino shared that while the project didn’t have specific discussion about Safe Routes to School, they did identify as part of the environmental study, the number of students that would be generated by this project. According to the Gilroy Unified School Districts fee ratio that was used, the estimated population was 54 students in grades K-12. Hilton thanked the City for including Safe Routes to School for current reviews and asked that the City utilize the Commission to help identify safe routes for future projects. Commissioner Marandos asked about dialogue between the developer, City and school district as he believes that there is still time to bring elements of this project to the table. Tolentino shared that with this particular project, there is nothing for the City to compel any additional improvements but they are certainly more aware of the concerns moving forward. Tolentino stated that the City is at the restart of the General Plan update process and as they review policies, if there is anything they can do to supplement or strengthen the Safe Routes to School policies, now is the time to incorporate them. It is a 30 month process before completion. Tolentino shared that the school district is one of the reviewing bodies as well as the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), made up of representatives from all departments and includes the school district and fire district. From the start of the application process, the school district is asked for feedback on any new developments. Commissioner Reedy shared that based on this discussion, it will be up to the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission to work with Safe Routes to School for people that don’t wish to take the bus. Commissioner Reeder suggested scheduling a walking audit with Las Animas School. Tolentino added that with any new project that comes forward the City will bring it before the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission for comment before going to the Planning Commission. B. Library Fix-It Station Grand Opening and Safe Routes To School Update: Thi Ngo of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department with the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program shared a presentation and gave an update on the SRTS program for the upcoming year and to speak about the Fix-it Station to be installed at the Gilroy Library. She shared that there are currently six schools participating in SRTS with a lot of parent support. They hope to onboard four additional schools (Eliot, Rod Kelley, Rucker and South Valley Middle School). They are in agreement to start the process by conducting a traffic safety study/walking audit in September or October. A planning meeting will take place where the schools develop a specific plan on how they want to address any safety concerns. They plan to recruit Antonio Del Buono into the program but communication has been difficult. This next school year, cohorts from Gilroy middle schools are helping to start a SRTS program with Gilroy High School and this will be a self-driven project. Ngo shared that they are in the beginning stages of planning to develop suggested route maps for schools. They plan to develop 8-13 maps for Gilroy schools. Recently funds were provided to purchase a bike repair stand for the Gilroy Library. The installation celebration date has moved from August 26 to either September 23 or 30 from 10am-1pm (date to be determined). The proposed event will be called “The Bike Fest” and activities will include repair stand education, arts and crafts, a safety course and helmet fittings. Ngo is asking the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission to co-host the event and to support the bicycle safety course. Commissioner Reeder asked about Christmas Hill Park being a SRTS. Per Ngo, they are collecting and analyzing data this summer and another planning meeting will be taking place to which the Commissioners asked for an invitation to attend. Commissioner Reedy has been talking to parents at Antonio Del Buono and will continue efforts to get them on board for the SRTS program. C. Valley Transportation Authority Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (VTABPAC) Update: Carolyn Schimandle, VTABPAC Member, reported to the Commission that after attending the 7/12/17 meeting, the major order of business affecting Gilroy was the Bicycle Plan Update presentation and workshop with maps on the county bicycle plan update: draft bikeway changes and priority bikeways. Schimandle shared two maps from the agenda packet. One map was of bike way routes with proposed changes since the last approved bike plan and a second map showing the proposed priority bikeways. These are bikeways that will get additional signage and be part of a signed route around the area getting higher prominence. The plan is meant to include low stress connections parallel to expressways and freeways on both sides. Planners were seeking potential bike trial routes and low traffic streets on either side of HWY 101 in South County. Some plan additions are based on future planned road improvements or potential future agency agreements worth pursuing. Planner Lauren Ledbetter stated she needs more information on South County as she is less familiar with it. Schimandle suggested making Gilman and Sixth Street a priority verses Tenth Street and 152; finding another alternative to Holsclaw Road due to the limited width and amount of agricultural machinery on the road and similar considerations with the route shown by the base of the east hills. Also suggested was Cochrane Road between Malaguerra and Anderson Reservoir turnoff which is narrow with restricted visibility due to a short steep grade. Hill road is narrow in spots, and some agricultural machinery is also on the road. Schimandle shared that there will be one more comment period in the fall/winter to be able to give limited input. Vice Chairperson Hilton spoke of the self-declaration form submitted annually for Measure B and shared that VTA will make those public to people through their website and he thinks it would be a good idea to have that same form available for public view on the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission website as well. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approved: Minutes were moved for approval by Commissioner Reedy; it was seconded by Commissioner Reeder. OLD BUSINESS: A. Monthly Award: Vice Chair Hilton recognized resident Kevin Griffin of Shifty Cycles as the first recipient of this award for striving to make Gilroy a better place with regards to bicycle/pedestrian activities. He has been involved in the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, owns a bike shop in town and donates bicycles for SRTS. Congratulations Kevin! Vice Chairperson Hilton would like to focus on nominating a crossing guard as the new school year approaches. Commissioner Reeder nominated Warren Marshall as the next recipient of the award. Marshall formed and rides “Tour de Cure” to raise money for diabetes and every weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, he hosts a bike ride. Vice Chairperson Hilton motioned to nominate Marshall and it was seconded by Commissioner Reedy. Motion passed 5-0. B. Strategic Plan Update: Vice Chairperson Hilton shared his updates. Under Goals, he added Complete Streets policy added to General Plan 2040 during General Plans Advisory Committee. Also added was to get Gilroy ranked in the League of American Bicyclists. Under Action Plan, Santa Clara County Public Health Department, School PTA’s, Gilroy Unified School District and Silicon Valley Bike Coalition were added under Safe Routes to School. Relating to the Committee for re-striping, he mentioned that he and Commissioner Reeder are working on drafting up a Green Bike Lane Design Standard Guideline for Gilroy. He spoke about adding to the website a grant developer based project list for the general public to be able to see things that are happening and things that are being considered. Commissioner Marandos suggested adding the City’s walkability score to the Goals. Commissioner Reedy shared that the commission needs to be sure not to miss small opportunities related to the Bicycle Expenditure Program. C. Bike Rack Update: Vice Chairperson Hilton spoke of his meeting with Gabe Gonzalez, City Administrator, on July 5 and discussed the plan to have bike racks in the downtown area. One time funding for racks was approved by City Council. Gonzalez wants to see this commission work with the Downtown Business Association. The Chamber of Commerce is fully supportive as is the Public Art Committee. Hilton will be meeting with Sue O’Strander, Interim Development Services Manager, on July 27 to make sure the racks conform to the City standards and to develop a guideline for racks in downtown Gilroy. Any changes that need to be made on the racks can be worked out in Planning. Rack locations will also be discussed. O’Strander and Hilton will discuss the details for donated racks as well. This item should come back to the commission in August for approval and Hilton will have a map of the rack locations at that time. Ten racks will initially be requested. If all is approved Gonzalez may have it available to take to City Council in September for approval. According to the vendor there is a six week turn around. D. Striping Update (Green Lanes/Sharrows Through Roundabouts): Commissioner Reeder shared that Luchessa is to be restriped soon. Sharrows are on the bridge but not in the roundabout. Vice Chairperson Hilton received guidelines from Concord and Sunnyvale that are used for green bike lanes. Hilton is working with Michael Fisher, and hopes to have a document by August to present to City Council. Gabe Gonzalez, City Administrator, suggested not putting green lane test sections in at this time as there is no policy or guidelines for green lanes. Commissioner Reeder stated that he would like to get the design for First Street in front of this commission to see about getting the state to put the first green bike lanes in since they have a policy for green lanes. Commissioner Marandos suggested gathering some ideas for protected and/or elevated bike lanes for that stretch of the city. E. Protected Bike Lanes: Commissioner Marandos pointed out that the bike lane on Welburn Avenue is a “buffered” lane and that a protected lane would have a visible barrier that is elevated. A member of the audience shared that there is a protected bike lane on E. Sixth Street. F. General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) Update: Commissioner Reeder shared that the committee met on June 27, 2017 for an informational meeting. There is a General Plan in place, however, Measure H was passed to limit growth and the General Plan then became in violation of that. At the meeting, a third party asked for recommendations to develop a new plan. The next meeting in August should be more interactive. NEW BUSINESS: A. The League of American Bicyclists: Commissioner Marandos started the application and determined that the commission will need the help of City staff as it goes into great detail. The application deadline is August 17, 2017, so there isn’t time to get an application in this year but suggested starting one for next year. That may have to wait for the new City Traffic Engineer to come on board. B. Caltrans District 4 Bicycle Plan – Top Priority Projects Along Or Across Caltrans Right Of Way (ROW): In June, David Stubchaer, Public Works/Operations, received an email from Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) requesting a list of top priority unbuilt bicycle projects along or across Caltrans right-of-way and forwarded the request to Michael Fisher. VTA’s deadline was July 6. Vice Chairperson Hilton stated that this project list should be attached to the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission’s Strategic Plan. After a discussion, two items will be sent to David Stubchaer and Michael Fisher:  Hecker Pass Class I Bike/Ped Path, Burchell Road to Santa Teresa Blvd along HWY 152, Class I bike path connecting Hecker Pass Development and along HWY 152 on south side, estimated cost $1,000,000  Llagas Creek Class I Bike/Ped Path Extension, HWY 101/Sixth Street following Llagas Creek to 1351 Pacheco Pass Hwy 152, crossing over HWY 152 to Luchessa Avenue, Class I bike path extending the existing Llagas Creek Trail, estimated cost $1,000,000. Vice Chairperson Hilton will discuss with Michael Fisher upon his return from vacation. CORRESPONDENCE: Vice Chairperson Hilton shared that the Gabe Gonzalez, City Administrator, is reviewing the proposed amendments to the powers and duties of the Commission that were established under Ordinance 2009-03 and he will reply to the Commission before the next meeting regarding the recommendations. In addition, Shawna Freels, City Clerk, is checking with the City Attorney for confirmation on the Commission’s proposed bylaw amendment to make sure it’s aligned with the City Charter. Michelle Wexler with Santa Clara County Public Health Department sent two updated flyers to the Commission with the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission logo on it promoting their last two events taking place in Gilroy on August 10 at San Ysidro Park and September 9 at the Gilroy Levee. She asked the Commissioners for their support at the events and help in posting and displaying the flyers. COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS: A. Chairperson Leo Gonzalez: Excused absence B. Vice Chairperson Zachary Hilton: National Night Out, hosted by the Gilroy Police Department, will be held on August 1 from 5:30-8:30pm on Fifth Street between Eigleberry and Monterey; Let’s All Go To The Park has activities on August 10 at San Ysidro Park and September 9 at the Gilroy Levee (meeting at the Sports Park); He contacted the Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Annual Conference (August 8) and discussed the database. Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is looking to fund a position to help Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s from every city to be more effective together, with city staff and policy makers. Our Commission is viewed as a model based on our organization in the last few months, the number of meetings our commissioners attend and working with City Council, city staff and our public outreach; Attended a Complete Streets workshop of Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) where individuals from the event will be speaking at the upcoming Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition’s annual conference on August 8. It was designed to educate decision makers and those involved in Community Development; Vice Chairperson Hilton submitted our Complete Streets policy to the National Complete Streets Coalition. He also requested that the Complete Streets Policy be uploaded to the City website; Spoke with members of VTA about using Tenth Street as their bike route from Holsclaw versus Gilman connecting to Sixth Street. They choose Tenth for its future potential; Stated the bicycle striping on Tenth Street is so faded that it’s almost gone; There is a $10,000 People For Bikes grant in the Strategic Plan, 50% of it must be funded and is coming up on July 21, 2017 and could be used for striping or bike racks. Michael Fisher turned it into Gabe Gonzalez and Kristi Abrams. Abrams stated that $10,000 is too low of a threshold and we have a shortage of staff, therefore, when looking at grants they should be at least $100,000 to make it worthwhile. C. Commissioner Marandos: Amgen Tour is looking at new cities to bring the bike race through. He will forward the information to Jane Howard at the Welcome Center and the Tammy Brownlow with the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation. Someone from the Chamber might want to chime in too to see about bringing the tour through South County. D. Commissioner Reedy: On August 25 there will be a Bike to School Picnic at Rod Kelley School working with the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition and County Health Department to plan several activities for the event. E. Commissioner Chad Reeder: Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is having their annual conference on August 8. All Commissioners are unable to attend. However, Carolyn Schimandle, Valley Transportation Authority Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee Member will attend and report back to the commission at the August meeting. STAFF COMMENTS: None AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING:  Amending Bylaws  Bicycle Pedestrian Commission Ordinance #2009-03  Employee Introductions (Nirorn and Jorge)  Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Along First Street  Strategic Plan Update  Monthly Award  Valley Transportation Authority Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee Update  Downtown Bike Rack Update  Striping Update  Protected Bike Lanes  General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) Update ADJOURN: 7:40 p.m. to the August 22, 2017 meeting at 6pm.