Loading...
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.