08/22/2017 Bicycle Pedestrian Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 09/26/2017
MINUTES OF BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017
CALL TO ORDER:
6:04 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, August 18, 2017, at 9:55 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. AS 17-02 Hecker Pass Agri-tourist Commercial Project: Motion was made by Chairperson Leo Gonzalez to
accept the PowerPoint presentation presented by Rob Oneto with Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar and was seconded
by Vice Chairperson Hilton. Motion passed 5-0.
Mr. Oneto gave an update on the trails and then focused on the Hecker Pass Agri-tourist Commercial
Proposal. He revisited the Hecker Pass Specific Plan area and the network of trails leading through the area
and connecting the Uvas Creek Levee Trail and Gilroy Gardens (in the future). Class II trails are now along
Santa Teresa and Class I along Uvas Creek. There is a trail from Hecker Pass Highway to where the existing
trail ends and it will soon be paved. This is to be done before rainy season. The trail along 152 hasn’t come
back to the Planning Commission or City Council yet and won’t be constructed till spring of next year. It will
be tied to Caltrans Hwy 152 roundabout. What is proposed is a Class I t rail off the road from Burchell to
Santa Teresa south of the trees. Ag-tourist commercial uses are intended to attract visitors from outside
the area and to serve the locals. This project area is located directly across from the golf course entrance.
The proposal includes local serving and tour serving uses, wine tasting, a bistro restaurant and apartments
above the restaurant. They will be providing bike racks and facilities for six bike lockers. They will be
starting approval plans soon and still need to go to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Skip Spiering spoke and stated they are looking for a bike rack design. They are trying to comply with the
Commission before going to Planning and City Council. Spiering stated they are happy to accept the Bicycle
Pedestrian Commission’s recommendations and suggestions for racks. Hilton shared that the Commission
would be reviewing these guidelines and hopes to have them in the next month or so. They will first need
to go to City Council. Spiering shared that they would like to get to Council by the end of the year and there
will still be time after that to come back to the Commission with staff’s direction.
Commissioner Marandos inquired about the entrance from Hwy 152 and Spiering stated there is no access
and that it all comes from Autumn Drive. Gonzalez asked about installing a bicycle Fix-it Station and
Spiering stated that it sounded reasonable. Commissioner Marandos inquired about the width of access to
the property. Spiering stated it’s a 90 degree turn and is 6-8 feet wide. Marandos suggested putting a yield
sign for people coming out of the area onto Hwy 152.
B. Report on Bylaw Amendment Proposal: Shawn Freels, City Clerk, did not attend the meeting. In her
absence, Michael Fisher, Consultant – Transportation Engineer shared that the City Clerk reviewed the City
Charter. With regards to the bylaw amendment regarding attendance, it is clear that the authority to
remove any member of any commission of the City is held exclusively by the City Council and therefore, is
not changeable. The existing bylaws of the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission identify this procedure for
addressing absences and are sufficient in this regard. Any modification to the bylaws must adhere to the
principal regulations set forth in the City Charter and City Code. As such, the proposal cannot be ratified
and added into the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission bylaws.
Council takes great consideration when appointing members to each Commission, and regularly reviews
the attendance records of the membership when considering an incumbent member for reappointment.
Fisher also stated that City Council did agendize the amendments to the Ordinance for a future meeting.
C. Employee Introductions: Michael Fisher, Consultant – Transportation Engineer, introduced Nirorn Than.
Than is a full-time Engineer I in the Transportation Department. He has a degree in Civil Engineering from
San Jose State University. He previously worked for Granite Construction. He was recently instrumental in
implementing $100,000 of striping around the City of Gilroy. Jorge Duran, who was not in attendance,
joined the City of Gilroy Public Works Department as a Senior Civil Engineer.
D. Valley Transportation Authority Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (VTABPAC) Update : Motion was
made by Chairperson Gonzalez to accept the VTABPAC update document that Carolyn Schimandle used for
her presentation. It was seconded by Vice Chairperson Hilton. Motion passed 5 -0.
Carolyn gave an update from the last VTABPAC meeting she attended. She shared that Measure B
guidelines should be adopted in September. There were two proposed changes. 1) To strike the 50% cap
per jurisdiction and allow Measure B funding to be “first in” funds and 2) a match requirement language
change so that Measure B funds can be used as matching funds for grants.
Schimandle shared that the VTA Pedestrian Access to Transit Plan started in 2013 and it’s their first
pedestrian plan. They used the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s standards for “communities of
concern” to target areas where it’s especially needed. Downtown Gilroy is known as Focus Area C and was
studied in detail. Schimandle expressed concern about Alexander Station and was informed that there is
very limited opportunity to make changes. Lauren Ledbetter, VTA Senior Planner, requested Schimandle
provide her with a description of what the project and issue is as VTA has some standard recommendations
for this type of crossing and they may be able to add a recommended project to the plan, however, that
does not mean it is funded. She requested that one of the Commissioners provide her with a written
description of the project to be sent to Ledbetter.
She shared that there has been an issue with bus bike racks blocking the headlights and they found a
vendor that they are in contract with who can provide a rack that doesn’t interfere with headlights.
There are workshops coming up on the Bart Silicon Valley Extension on 8/25 and 9/22 with regards to a
Complete Streets checklist for Measure B projects. The checklist for local streets and road projects is
official and the Capital Project Complete Streets checklist is in the works.
Schimandle attended the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Bike Summit in early August and shared some
highlights from the event.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approved: Minutes were moved for approval by Vice Chairperson Hilton, it was seconded by
Commissioner Reeder.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Monthly Award: Commission Reeder presented Warren Marshall with the Monthly Award. For eight years
Marshall has organized a Saturday and Sunday bicycle ride. He also promotes Tour de Cure to raise money to
find a cure for diabetes. They have raised nearly $200,000 for the American Diabetes Association. We thank
Marshall for his passion and his efforts!
Vice Chairperson Hilton nominated Brennan Burge, a crossing guard from El Roble School as the next recipient of
the Monthly Award. Commissioner Reeder suggested moving the award item up on the agenda so the recipient
can leave afterwards.
B. Strategic Plan Update: Vice Chairperson Hilton did not have any updates.
C. Downtown Bike Rack Update: Vice Chairperson Hilton discussed the Bicycle Parking Plan for downtown.
Gary Walton, President of the Gilroy Downtown Business Association and Sue Ostrander, Interim
Development Services Manager, met with Hilton twice to discuss bicycle short and long term parking, a
standard for bike racks and funding for bicycle parking. The Public Art Committee suggested to Hilton that
they approve the artistic bike rack styles. Hilton did a walking audit of downtown and shared that there are
60 parking spaces that exist. Hilton asked Michael Fisher, Consultant – Transportation Engineer, if he had a
suggestion to create a more professional looking map to share with City Council. Chairperson Gonzalez
suggested using a Google image with arrows and photos of each location. Hilton would like it to be
interactive. The Plan is good as it is and the maps can be attached at a later time, perhaps when a grant
opportunity becomes available. Commissioner Marandos suggested piggy backing on funding from the
County Health Department. He also raised a question about the process for other Commissions review ing
artistic racks in town. Hilton shared that an application fee would be paid and guidelines would be created
of the desired rack. It would then be brought in front of the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission for review. If
the rack is artistic, it would then be reviewed by the Public Art Committee. Once approved, it goes back to
the City without having to go to City Council. Hilton proposes using racks that can be removed as things
could change downtown (ie: the addition of outdoor seating in front of establishments). Hilton shared a
picture of an artistic “way finding” bike rack and it is not considered a sign. A rack with signage (ie: Rotary
Club) constitutes as a sign according to Code. For someone to have a rack with signage, they would pay
over $7,500 plus a publication fee as it changes the Code. The racks will be presented to Council and
should come up in September. Hilton proposes that ten green artistic racks be purchased. The other spots
on the map are points of interest for organizations or developers to install a rack. Hilton suggested that the
Rotary Club choose a standard artistic rack versus using funds for a rolling hoop, etc. and that they be
allowed to choose the color because they are the donator. During the walking audit, Hilton and Walton
determined there is currently space on every corner to use the proposed rack. The Gilroy Downtown
Business Association and Ostrander agree about creating bike corrals in unused public spaces or parking
stalls. Hilton would like to see these spaces painted green.
A Fix-It Station, which will be donated by Walton, would be located near the corner of Monterey Road and
Martin Street. Hilton would like to see this be the first location for a bike corral. Per Council’s request, the
Bicycle Parking Plan was created by Hilton, Walton and Ostrander. The next step is for this to go to Council
(with cleaner maps) and then to the Public Art committee at the end of September.
D. Striping Update (Green Lanes/Sharrows Through Roundabouts): Commissioner Reeder thanked Michael
Fisher, Consultant – Transportation Engineer, for pushing through the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission’s
recommendations. $100,000 has been spent on striping. He’d like to see two more sharrows added on
Thomas Road before reaching Luchessa Bridge. Once again, he suggested sharrows inside roundabouts.
Fisher requested that Reeder send him photos of sharrow signs from Palo Alto. Per Fisher, they are going
to initiate more striping (Day Road) perhaps in the next 4-6 weeks. Vice Chairperson Hilton will create a
draft green lane policy to bring back in September or October that will go in line with what’s in the rest of
the county.
E. Protected Bike Lanes: Chairperson Gonzalez suggested the Commission start asking for protected bike
lanes especially because of the new developments. He suggested Monterey between Tenth Street and
Luchessa. The lane doesn’t necessarily have to be a concrete divider. Gonzalez referred to Stelling Street in
Cupertino where the parking was moved. Instead of being against the curb it’s actually on the street and
the bike lane is against the curb. The parked vehicles create a barrier. Per Michael Fisher, Consultant –
Transportation Engineer, protected bike lanes are a Class 4 bike lane and are Caltrans standard. As for
Gilroy there are engineering standards for roadway widths. He shared that as the street grid system is
today, Class 4 protected lanes would be more of an exception and not the rule. Fisher is open to ideas but
doesn’t see protected lanes as a predominant element. Tenth Street is a potential corridor for a protected
bike lane but would take a great deal of planning and funding.
F. General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) Update: Commissioner Reeder did not have anything new to
report. The Committee meets on Thursday, 8/24/17.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Elect Bicycle Pedestrian Commission Chairperson for 2017: After careful consideration, Chairperson
Gonzalez has decided to step down from the position as Chairperson of the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission.
Gonzalez commended Commissioners Reeder and Hilton for their contributions and for keeping the
momentum going. He shared that his schedule has changed and he is required to work during the week
and that will be taking away his spare time to contribute as he has been. Gonzalez recommended Vice
Chairperson Hilton take over the role. Motion was made by Gonzalez to elect Vice Chairperson Hilton as
Chairperson of the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission. It was seconded by Commission Reeder. Motion
passed 5-0.
B. Elect Bicycle Pedestrian Commission Vice Chairperson for 2017: Motion was made by Vice Chairperson
Hilton that Commissioner Reeder take over the role of Vice Chairperson. It was seconded by Chairperson
Gonzalez. Motion passed 5-0.
C. Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Along First Street: Michael Fisher, Consultant – Transportation
Engineer, gave a presentation on recommendations on improvements for pedestrian and bicycle safety
enhancements along First Street between Santa Teresa and Monterey Road. City staff was excited to get a
$15,000 County Health grant that Fisher’s predecessor, Henry Servin, applied for. The scope was adjusted
because the scope and grant didn’t quite match the level of effort. A field audit and kick off meeting
occurred with the County Health Department, the consultant, city staff and the Planning Department.
TJKM was the consultant that conducted field investigation within the project limits to identify curb-to-curb
widths, pedestrian crossings, parking and existing curb ramp conditions and came up with two alternatives
to enhance bicycle and pedestrian facilities. He discussed the four segments of Concepts 1 and 2 and
focused on the each segment along First Street, beginning at Santa Teresa Boulevard and concluding at
Monterey Road. The biggest difference between Concept 1 and 2 is the parking issue between Church
Street and Monterey Road. Fisher stated that tonight’s presentation is not a commitment or guarantee but
a vision. The City does not have staff time dedicated to this moving forward at this time. There will be
some public outreach and some parking utilization studies. After the Bicycle Pedestrian Commissions
presentation, and once it’s finalized, it will be circulated to staff, the Capital Improvement Projects
Manager, Public Works Director and local stakeholders and would then be taken to the State. Commission
Reeder stated that a member from the Commission would like to join Fisher and any others in future
meetings on the subject.
Commissioner Marandos asked about the waterline and was told it can’t be installed until plans are
approved by Caltrans. Marandos would like to see the waterline on next month’s agenda. Fisher shared
that the project is to move forward in the next 12-18 months and has become a number one priority.
Marandos also suggested burying the current above ground utilities.
Commissioner Reeder recommends visible green sharrows in Segment 4 where there is no bike lane,
adjacent to parked cars (near St. Mary’s Church and School).
Hilton recommended that Fisher’s presentation be posted on the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission web page
as part of outreach once adjustments have been made.
Caltrans spent $1,000,000 on emergency funding on the corridor between Route 101 and Santa Teresa.
The City is preparing the waterline plans now. Caltrans has recently committed $16,000,000 to t his corridor
to completely reconstruct it.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Vice Chairperson Hilton crafted a thank you letter to Supervisor Wasserman referring to two projects the
County has worked on – the Bicycle and Highway Safety Improvements on Watsonville Road and Uvas Road
where they have installed Share The Road signs and expanded the shoulders.
COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:
A. Chairperson Leo Gonzalez: Met with Supervisor Wasserman to discuss work being done in South County;
East Bay Bike Coalition and the bicycle diversion program for people that have received tickets (80% who
attend have not received a ticket but rather are attending for information); Michelle Wexler continues to
promote the ‘Let’s Go To The Park’ event taking place on September 9 from 10-noon, Gilroy Levee (meeting
at the Sports Park). Local biking legend Joey Garcia will be an attending celebrity.
B. Vice Chairperson Zachary Hilton: Adopt A Sign for Hecker Pass stretch; Luigi Aprea has a new parent
coordinator for Safe Routes to School
C. Commissioner Marandos: None
D. Commissioner Sean Reedy: Bike to School Picnic with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition at Rod Kelly
Elementary is on Friday 8/25 from 6-8pm
E. Commissioner Chad Reeder: Push for First Street green lanes; Roundabout sharrows and sharrows on
Thomas Road to Luchessa Bridge; greenery is too high on the west side of the roundabout; Need signal
adjustment at Princevalle and Luchessa as it’s not being triggered; Construction debris in south section of
town at Monterey and Luchessa requires street sweeping; attending a conference and will not be at the
next Bicycle Pedestrian Commission meeting.
STAFF COMMENTS:
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING:
Commission/Committee Assessment
Monthly Award
Strategic Plan Update
General Plan Advisory Committee Update
Valley Transportation Authority Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee Update
First Street Improvements
First Street Waterline
ADJOURN: 8:55 p.m. to the September 26, 2017 meeting at 6pm.