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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2018.01.111 TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION Approved Minutes Regular Meeting of Thursday, January 11, 2018 1. CALL TO ORDER 7:04 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 3. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Israelit, Londer, Martos, Wettan MEMBERS ABSENT: Bush 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: To accept the minutes of December 14, 2017 as submitted. M/S/C: Londer/Wettan; 4/0/0 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA Lesly Beatty stated the B/PAC met as a group earlier today and discussed how to put their best foot forward in 2018. Ms. Beatty shared that the focus of B/PAC in 2018 will be to encourage and assist the City to update the Bicycle and Pedestrian Map, which she said was last reviewed in 2004. Manito Velasco stated that Mills Avenue and Highway Road are very narrow streets. He said drivers turning from Mills to northbound Highway Road have visibility issues and cars are allowed to park within 5 feet of the crosswalk, which impacts the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles. Mr. Velasco requested the Commission and staff review this location and consider extending the red zone. Chair Martos requested Mr. Velasco email the photos he has of this location to Mr. Wong. Chair Martos welcomed new Commissioner, Lynn Israelit and encouraged her to say a few words about herself. Commissioner Israelit shared that she is originally from Boston and moved to Burlingame about 10 years ago. She indicated she is a part-time Dermatologist with two children and is thrilled to be on the Commission. 2 Chair Martos stated he is happy to have Ms. Israelit as part of the Commission. He acknowledged Commissioner Londer for his 4th term (10th year) with the Commission and also welcomed the new Police Liason, Corporal Jason Orloff, who will be taking over for Sergeant Shepley. 6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS a) Proclamation for Former Commissioner Nick Akers Nick Akers could not be in attendance; the Commission agreed to postpone this item to a future meeting when Mr. Akers can be present. b) Revisions to Chapter 13.52 of the Burlingame Municipal Code (BMC) City Attorney Kathleen Kane stated that although they would be looking at other provisions of the Municipal Code in broader context down the road, this evening’s focus is on bicycles. She said the main purpose this evening is to capture the perspective of the Commission and members of the public prior to introducing the revisions to City Council at a meeting in February. In the presentation, Mr. Wong stated Chapter 13.52 of the Municipal Code is outdated in light of current practices, with portions of this chapter last addressed in 1941. He said a number of years ago the TSP Commission reviewed all of Chapter 13 and many of those comments have been incorporated into tonight’s proposed revisions. Mr. Wong explained that the emphasis will be on revisions to the following 14 (out of 18) sections found in Chapter 13.52. 13.52.010 License required. 13.52.020 Issuance and term of license. 13.52.030 License plates and registration cards—Records. 13.52.080 Removing or mutilating licenses. 13.52.090 License fee—Fee for replacing lost license indicia. 13.52.160 Impoundment of bicycles and suspension of license for violations. Per Mr. Wong, all of the above sections reference the need for obtaining, possessing, maintaining, and suspension of a bicycle license and should be removed from the Municipal Code. Other cities in California have repealed their bicycle licensing requirements in an effort to demonstrate their bicycle friendliness. 13.52.040 Transfer of ownership. 13.52.050 Report of purchases and sales by bicycle dealers. 13.52.060 Notice of lost or stolen bicycles. Per Mr. Wong, it is recommended that the above three chapters also be removed from the Municipal Code. Any bicycle owner who wishes to do so, may report a theft at any time, but requiring a report serves no particular governmental interest. 3 13.52.110 One person only. Bicycles designed and constructed to carry only one person shall not be used to carry any additional person or persons either on the handlebars thereof or elsewhere thereon. (1941 Code § 1476) 13.52.120 Pulling other vehicle. No person while riding any bicycle shall hold on to or pull another moving vehicle. (1941 Code § 1478) Per Mr. Wong, it is recommended that the two chapters above be modified to permit “the use of devices commercially manufactured specifically for installation on bicycles”. When properly affixed, these devices would allow for additional passengers or towing. This would include child carriers for bicycles and trailers which allow for the transportation of people or materials. 13.52.180 Riding on park or playground. It is unlawful for any person to ride, drive or operate a bicycle, motorcycle or motor scooter in or on any public park or playground within the city. (1941 Code § 1222.3, Ord. 483, (1949)) Per Mr. Wong, it is recommended the section above be modified to include “where pathway is being used by pedestrians”. Similar to Chapter 13.52.100. 13.52.100 Keeping to right—Two abreast—Riding on sidewalks. Every person riding or operating a bicycle on any public street, alley or public place in the city shall keep to the extreme right of the traffic lane, and it is unlawful for two (2) or more bicycles to travel abreast. It is unlawful for any person to ride or operate a bicycle on the sidewalk in any of the business districts of the city, and no bicycle shall be operated on the sidewalk in any of the residential districts when and where the sidewalk is being used by pedestrians. (1941 Code § 1476). Per Mr. Wong, it is recommended that Chapter 13.52.100 be modified to replace “keep to the extreme right of the traffic lane” with “shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway”. 13.52.150 Parking in racks—Impounding bicycles lying on sidewalks. The police department shall provide and set up suitable racks adjacent to the curb or gutter at such places in the business districts of the city as may be deemed advisable for the parking of bicycles by persons who have occasion to stop temporarily in such districts. All bicycles found lying on the sidewalk may be taken up and impounded by the police department, from whence they may be recovered by proving property and obtaining an order from the chief of police. (1941 Code § 1481)). Per Mr. Wong, it is recommended that Chapter 13.52.150 (Parking in racks— Impounding bicycles lying on sidewalks) be modified to replace “police department 4 shall provide and set up suitable racks” and “an order from the chief of police” with “City staff shall provide and install suitable racks”, and “an order from the chief of police or their designee”, respectively. In closing, Mr. Wong stated with the suggested revisions, Chapter 13.52 would be consolidated to 9 sections. Ms. Kane then acknowledged this was a lot of language to review in a short period of time and therefore if the Commission had any thoughts after this evenings meeting, to email Mr. Wong and Ms. Kane within the next week to ensure any additional comments are incorporated into the City Council agenda packet. Chair Martos opened public comment. Ms. Beatty thanked the Commission and staff for their efforts as she felt the proposed changes were a big improvement. However, she said one section stood out to her (13.52.100 Keeping to right—Two abreast—Riding on sidewalks) and inquired why the language states you cannot ride two people abreast on a bicycle as some people might want to ride to the left of their small child. Mr. Wong responded to say that wider roadways would allow for two abrea st but narrow roadways potentially would put a rider in the opposing traffic lane and therefore the errored on the side of safety. Commissioner Londer clarified that you can ride two abreast on the sidewalk in residential areas without the presence of pedestrians. Manito Velasco suggested staff review section 13.40.050, which says no person shall attach a bike to a parking meter without the approval of the City Engineer. Mr. Velasco also mentioned the restriction of riding at parks and playgrounds but said most of the paths in Burlingame are asphalt and welcome this. He said his fear is it may put a burden on the Police Department and inquired if this also means people cannot ride on the Bay Trail. Mr. Velasco suggested only restricting the use of electric bicycles, scooters and motorcycles at our parks and playgrounds. Lastly, Mr. Velasco shared the same sentiment as Ms. Beatty regarding riding two abreast and pointed out the California Vehicle Code has exceptions for this and also suggested that the use of the word “shall” be reconsidered. Mark Steward, a resident on Bellevue said he owns an electric bicycle and that electric bicycles are limited to a maximum speed of approximately 20 MPH, which is slower than the capacity of most full-size bicycles. He said pedal assisted bicycles allow older people to continue to ride bicycles which is ultimately good for one’s health and overall better for the environment. Mr. Steward was not sure why bikes with pedal assistance are being discriminated against versus those without pedal assistance and deserved further examination. Chair Martos closed public comment. Commissioner Wettan suggested they might want to share the current Municipal Code 5 with the Burlingame Historical Society. Commissioner Wettan stated he began editing section 120 (Pulling another vehicle) but suggested staff could do something conforming in section 110 (One person only) with language such as “manufactured and designed for transportation of additional passengers and equipment in a safe manner and properly affixed to do so” which is broader and gives the Police Department the option to decide if it’s safe rather than decide how it got there. He also noted he was bothered by the commercial standard. Commissioner Wettan stated he was troubled by the restriction of riding within the parks and playgrounds (section 180) and felt counting the Bay Trail as a park could be problematic. He suggested deleting the first sentence of section 180 and said the fact of the matter is people ride bikes through parks and it is completely appropriate. In regards to the requirement to ride two abreast (section 100), Commissioner Wettan suggested to add “when traffic is present.” He then went on to question why wouldn’t we just mirror the California Vehicle Code. Lastly, due to personal experience, Commissioner Wettan said he was advised to use the center turn lane to go north on California Drive and inquired if that would violate the proposed rule. Ms. Kane stated that in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and from a traffic safety and police perspective, she sees no reason not to include the exceptions from the California Vehicle Code. In addition, she also stated that she like Commissioner Wettan’s definition of “manufactured and designed” versus commercially as it would remove the economic aspect. Commissioner Israelit pointed out that there is a new class of motor scooters such as hover boards that are powered by a motor that go quickly and there is a very big difference between motorcycles compared to electric bicycles. Commissioner Londer thanked the public and fellow Commissioners for their comments and agreed wholeheartedly with all of them. He then suggested that skateboards and roller skates be captured in the code if they were not already Ms. Kane stated she thought the provisions about parks and playgrounds was to provide that you yield in some way for pedestrians and felt it applied with equal force to skateboards and roller skates. She said she and Mr. Wong would look into it prior to presenting the proposed changes to City Council. Sergeant Shepley provided feedback and stated that using “possible” implies you would have to ride within inches of the curb line but “practical” implies you can ride with a buffer to react to car doors opening or cars pulling out of driveways. In relation to two abreast restriction, he said sometimes it is safer to ride two abreast and to also keep in mind there are organized bike rides that go through town and not allowing them to ride two abreast would lengthen the time of the race and increase the danger to the riders. Ms. Kane felt the purpose of the two abreast restriction was a bright-line rule in lieu of 6 the objective which is to yield appropriately and not take up the entire traffic lane in the presence of vehicles. She acknowledged there are other ways to get to that same objective but her stance is that it is not a legal question so much as a safety one and would prefer to defer to public safety staff. Ms. Kane stated they would have an internal conversation at the staff level to ensure they are proposing the safest possible version. Commissioner Londer inquired about Section 140 (Lights at night) and wondered if there has been a discussion about horns on bikes to which Chair Martos confirmed with Sergeant Shepley that bicycles are to adhere to the same rules as vehicles when riding at night. Sergeant Shepley said there may be a vehicle code section specific to lights on bicycles. He was unaware of any language in the Vehicle or Municipal Code pertaining to horns on bicycles. Commissioner Israelit stated she has seen firsthand that riding two abreast causes a lot of problems on narrow roadways and she personally likes having that as part of the code. Ms. Kane said the difficulty is drafting something that gets at the underlying interest but isn’t so vague that it becomes unenforceable. She said if you start introducing subjective judgments it becomes harder to enforce. Ms. Kane said the goal is to have something easy to understand for those reading it and easy to apply for those enforcing the code. Chair Martos felt the Bay Trail is a shared pathway and would hate to see bicyclists restricted from the trail. In regards to enforcement versus advisement, Chair Martos felt the use of “shall” is enforceable—a must, but if it is under advisement the use of “should” can be used. Ms. Kane said that if it is not enforceable, they generally try to keep it out of the code. Commissioner Wettan suggested including an enhanced duty to yield within the parks and playgrounds language as he thought it was a practical approach and may answer Chair Martos’ inquiry regarding at fault scenarios. Ms. Kane agreed. Chair Martos lead a quick exercise by going through the proposed code changes and deletions to ensure the Commissioners were all in agreeance. All Commissioners were in agreeance with the proposed deletions. Ms. Kane specifically asked if there was a majority view with the Commission regarding the rule restriction pertaining to riding two abreast. The Commission all agreed to qualify the two abreast restriction when traffic is present. The Commission also agreed to add language to section 180 (Riding on park or playground) stating a duty to yield to pedestrians in an effort not to discriminate ag ainst other modes of transportation such as the electric bicycle. Commissioner Wettan requested that staff review section 13.40 as suggestion by Manito Velasco. In closing, Ms. Kane thanked the Commission for their feedback and stated they would be notified when the code revisions would be going to City Council which would give them an opportunity to review the draft documents and provide comments. She was 7 unsure if edits to section 13.40 would make it into this code revision and stated it would be dependent upon the outcome of staffs review. c) 2018 TSPC Priority List The Commissioners went through an interactive discussion using the “Noworolski method” to prioritize their efforts for 2018 and yielded the following results: Rank Topics 1 Downtown Parking Strategies 2 Downtown Modal Access 3 Grant Opportunities 4 Bike/Ped Plan Update: Fwd. to B/PAC 5 SR2S Review 6 School Traffic Issues 7 California Complete Streets 8 Neighborhood Traffic Calming 9 Broadway Parking 10 Public Shuttles/Transit 11 ECR Corridor (ECR Task Force) 12 Bay Trail 13 Intro to Paving n/a Halloween Traffic Impacts (July) n/a Parking and Traffic Considerations with Planning Motion: Move to approve the priority list. M/S/C: Londer/Wettan; 4/0/0 7. INFORMATION ITEMS a) Engineering Division Reports Mr. Wong provided updates on various Public Works – Engineering projects and activities:  Carolan Avenue Complete Streets – The project is over 75% complete. The remaining work includes landscaping rain gardens, installation of pedestrian beacon (Morrell), and finishing the remaining striping; including green bicycle striping.  South Rollins Utility Improvement Project – The sewer and water mainline improvements are still in progress. Project completion is anticipated for the end of February 2018. The project area will continue with single-lane traffic control during construction activities. 8  Easton Addition, Ray Park, and Neighborhood Sewer Rehabilitation Project: Phase 2 – Project is substantially completed.  ECR/Floribunda – The 18-month trial period has ended. Caltrans is currently reviewing the data provided by the City. This included collision reports for ECR and Floribunda in addition to a few other intersections along the ECR Corridor.  Lime Bike and EVGo – A “soft launch” was initiated by Lime Bike at the end of December.  TSPC Email Communications – No new communications. However, Chair Martos pointed out the item on the traffic log regarding speeding on Frontera.  TSPC Priority List (Updated December 2017): TSPC Led Effort 1 Downtown Modal Access 2 School Traffic Issues 10/12/17: Item 7a 3 California Complete Streets 7/13/17: Item 7a 4 B/PAC setup 12/14/17: Item 6a 5 Neighborhood Traffic Calming 6 SR2S Review 7 Broadway Parking 8 Public Shuttles/Transit 9 Grant Strategies 7/13/17: Item 6a 10 ECR Corridor (ECR Task Force) 9/14/17: Item 8e 11 San Mateo's Peninsula Ave OC 7/13/17: Item 7a 12 Parking and traffic considerations w/Planning 13 Bay Trail 14 Intro to Paving Staff Update via Report 1 Caltrans’ ECR/Floribunda 12/14/17: Item 7a 2 Hoover School Update 10/12/17: Item 7a 3 Downtown Parking Strategies 9/14/17: Item 6b 4 City Hall Traffic Calming/Floribunda 10/12/17: Item 7a 5 California Roundabout 6 General Plan – Circulation Element 9/14/17: Item 8d 7 Bike\Ped Plan Update: fwd to BPAC 11/14/17: Item 7a 8 Rec Center Parking 9 Carolan Complete Streets Update 12/14/17: Item 7a 9 10 Grant Opportunities 12/14/17: Item 6b 11 Grade Separation 5/11/17: Item 7a 12 San Mateo's Peninsula Ave OC 4/13/17: Item 7a 13 School Speed Limit Updates 9/14/17: Item 7a 14 Burlingame Point - Bay Trail 15 School Safety Improvements 9/14/17: Item 7a 16 California Complete Streets 11/19/17: Item 6b 17 California Drive parking restrictions Completed 18 Traffic Brochure Completed b) Police Department Reports Sergeant Shepley introduced Corporal Orloff who reviewed the list of accidents for the month. Corporal Orloff said to keep in mind that the list reflects minor injuries, major injuries and fatalities, but not necessarily collisions that include property damage with no injuries as many times the matter is resolved through the exchange of information. Of the 19 accidents reported, Corporal Orloff stated 15 included minor injuries and there were no major injury accidents or fatalities. He shared the primary collision factor was failure to yield. Corporal Orloff explained that of the 19 accidents there was one DUI (drug-related), three misdemeanor hit and runs and one felony hit and run at the intersection of Burlingame Avenue and California Drive involving a vehicle and pedestrian. Although unrelated to the no left-turn sign, he also pointed out there was an accident at the intersection of El Camino Real and Floribunda. Commissioner Londer inquired about the accident on the train tracks on Broadway. Corporal Orloff indicated that it is not their jurisdiction but they will often assist at the Sheriff’s request. He explained that a tow-truck with a vehicle on the flat bed and a second vehicle in tow behind the flat bed was caught at the signal light on Broadway at Carolan Avenue. There was not enough clearance per Corporal Orloff, which resulted in the train striking the vehicle in tow. Corporal Orloff was pleased there was no collateral damage from the debris. Sergeant Shepley said he was pleased this was the lowest number of reported collisions during his time with the TSPC. As a result of train collisions, Sergeant Shepley indicated the Sheriff’s Department will ask BPD to assist with enforcement on Broadway and along the tracks there will be additional officers in that area soon due to the recent collision. Lastly, Sergeant Shepley indicated that Corporal Orloff is in charge of the Saturated Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). Corporal Orloff stated that it is a county-wide effort and they will be doing STEP in Burlingame and Millbrae this month along with officers from other agencies. Chair Martos inquired about trends in the collision data and asked if Corporal Orloff would review the information he has as it may assist the Commission to identify possibly opportunities for improvements for things such as stop signs and yield signs. 10 Sergeant Shepley indicated the selective enforcement list that is passed out each month is a good tool to identify collision trends. c) Farmers Market Commissioner Londer said the next Farmer’s Market is scheduled for January 21, 2018. Commissioners Israelit, Londer and Wettan agreed to coordinate their participation as the date approaches. d) TSPC Chair/Commissioner’s Communications Chair Martos indicated the draft DEIR for the 101 Managed Lanes Project is available for review. Weather permitting, Commissioner Londer agreed to attend the bike sharing event next Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Chair Martos stated he met with Mayor Brownrigg to obtain his ideas and any concerns about traffic, safety and parking issues. Chair Martos indicated they will meet quarterly. Chair Martos also shared that Mayor Brownrigg would like to have a workshop on a Saturday to go over concerns related to traffic, safety and parking based on feedback received from the general public in the Lyon Hoag neighborhood. He also said the Mayor requested assistance from the Commission and staff to help put together the workshop/study session between City Council and the TSPC to go over priorities. 8. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE REPORTS a) Downtown Parking (Martos & Wettan) No update. b) Broadway Parking (Bush & Wettan) No update. c) School Speed Limits (Israelit & Londer) New sub-committee member Lynn Israelit to take Nick Akers’ place. d) Envision Burlingame (Londer & Martos) This item will be removed from the agenda going forward as the project is complete. e) El Camino Real Task Force (Londer & Wettan) 11 There is an upcoming meeting in January per Commissioner Londer; will report back next month. 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  Subcommittee Assignments (addition of B/PAC Subcommittee)  Revisit California Complete Streets Plan  Presentation/Outcome of Grant Applications 10. ADJOURNMENT 10:02 p.m.