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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2013.03.14 The City of Burlingame CALIFORNIA 94010-3997 www.burlingame.org TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION Meeting Minutes - Approved Thursday, March 14, 2013 Commissioners Present: Nicklas Akers, Chair Caroline Serrato, Vice-Chair Mark Noworolski Commissioners Absent: Jeff Londer Howard Wettan Staff Present: Syed Murtuza, Director, Public Works Augustine Chou, Transportation Engineer, Public Works Captain Eric Wollman, Police Department Joanne Louie, Administrative Secretary, Public Works Visitors: Mayor Ann Keighran Ralf Nielsen Archie Offield John Root Laurie Simonson Laith Salma Riyad Salma Steve Sarver 1. CALL TO ORDER. 7:00 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG. 3. ROLL CALL. 3 of 5 Commissioners present. 4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Chair Akers acknowledged the presence of Mayor Ann Keighran and former Commissioner Simonson in the audience. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Motion: To accept the minutes of January 10, 2013 as submitted M/S/C: Serrato/Noworolski; 3/0/2 (Commissioners Londer and Wettan absent) 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. 7. CURRENT BUSINESS 7.1 Downtown Parking Structure Potential Locations – Discussion Mr. Chou made a presentation and provided background information regarding a possible preferred location for a parking structure in the Burlingame Avenue downtown area. Mr. Chou also presented a staff report recommending the Commission seek additional public input from this meeting and that no formal actions or votes be taken at this time. He noted that an important consideration in this discussion was that the Downtown Specific Area Plan, which calls for the creation of a “signature” downtown open space area. He added that the plan identified Lot J as a potential parking structure site, in conjunction with the Lot E conversion to the signature town square open space area. Mr. Murtuza, Director of Public Works, mentioned the methods that staff reached out to the community for public input. Chair Akers opened the floor for public comment. Laurie Simonson agreed that more public comment was necessary. She also added that there was a need for determining the cause of the capacity issue. John Root favored a lot that exits onto Howard Avenue and stressed the importance of public space. Mr. Root also noted that there were deficiencies in directional signage. Archie Offield stated that parking on Burlingame Avenue is a big problem. He said he favored a parking structure and that Lot E could not be taken away for open space. Ralf Nielsen stated that he was not in favor of Lot E disappearing; and, that the City needs to figure out how to obtain the Post Office parcel. Laith Salma said that he understood the need for open space and expressed his concerns that the location of a parking structure could break up the commercial district. Mr. Salma suggests a mixed-use lot and dedicated employee parking. He favored Lots J and W , with an exit onto Howard Avenue. He added that perhaps Lot W could be for employee parking. Steve Sarver stressed the ultimate need was to build parking where people “want” to park. Mr. Sarver stated that he favored continuing the dialogue. Riyad Salma stated that he was grateful that this discussion was continuing. He also stated that the study did not really consider the character of this town and the areas of likely growth, such as Howard Avenue. Mr. Salma stressed the need for continuity of the retail district and that a parking structure not be a “big black hole” that divides the district. Mr. Salma stated that he favored Lot E or Lots J/W, if he were to pick. It was agreed by the Commission that further discussion needed to occur to seek public input; and, to attempt to define who the parkers are, and who was using what lots. The Commission also suggested that Survey Monkey be considered as a method to seek quick input and to seek input from various data points, such as employees, residents and visitors. Chair Akers suggested that discussion should continue with this item and that it be brought back at a later date for a quick discussion on scheduling and outreach efforts. 7.2 Outreach Events – Discussion Mr. Chou reported that he received an email from Commissioner Londer, to inform the Commission of the dates that Fresh Market Sundays are open for TSPC – May 12, July 14, October 13, November 10 and December 8. This item will be kept on the agenda for scheduling of Commissioner participation. 7.3 General TSPC Plans for 2013 – Initial Discussion Initial discussion occurred as to Traffic Safety and Parking Commission plans for 2013 such as: - Review of parking policies, including dynamic pricing - Code review, cleanup and modernization - Outreach to Parking Enforcement and other staff to obtain a data collision map - Pedestrian walkability issues 8. Staff Reports 8.1 Traffic Engineer’s Report 8.1.1 Requests/comments/responses to public traffic concerns (stop signs, crosswalks, speed control, parking) - Balboa/Devereux traffic sign for Lincoln School traffic Mr. Chou reported that the installation of the secondary sign would likely occur next month along with a letter to the residents advising them of this new sign. Mr. Chou stated that he would provide a follow up report next month. - Larkspur/Linden temporary traffic-speed control measures Mr. Chou has been working with the residents and they are supportive of the temporary traffic circle. Mr. Chou also reported that there is a possibility of additional funding which could make a more permanent, aesthetically pleasing design possible. He noted that once that was fully determined, he would inform the residents and Commission. - 2-Hr Parking on Capuchino Avenue Mr. Chou reported that a resident was requesting that the 2-hour parking restriction be extended to the whole block. This would make the residents eligible to request inclusion in the Residential Parking Permit Program. Mr. Chou would inform the residents of the petition process for participation in the program. 8.1.2 Construction and Design projects - Annual Thermoplastic Striping Project Mr. Chou reported the project is near completion. He stated that the Broadway work was delayed due to weather; and, that plans were to have the work done on Monday evening. - Broadway/US 101 Interchange Project Mr. Chou reported that the plans are at 100% design completion. He reported that Caltrans would be reviewing the City comments; and, that on April 15, 2013 the plans and specifications would be going to Caltrans headquarters in Sacramento for State approval. - Burlingame Avenue Streetscape Project Mr. Chou reported that a pre-construction meeting with staff and the contractor would occur on March 21, 2013. 8.2 Traffic Sergeant’s Report 8.2.1 General/Selective Traffic Enforcement Report Captain Wollman reported that the traffic division was increased by one officer. Captain Wollman reported that the police department was assisting Roosevelt Elementary School with their bike safety program and bike rodeo. The Police Department would also be making a Drinking and Driving presentation to Mercy High School just before prom on March 25th. The Police Department would also be purchasing four new bicycles. Captain Wollman reported that this would enable the Department to deploy a bicycle unit again. Finally, Captain Wollman reported that the Police Department has applied for grants for DUI checkpoints and Saturation Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) funding. 8.3 Commissioners’ Comments and Concerns Commissioner Noworolski reported that he has heard concerns by some Lincoln School parents regarding the unsafe U-turns occurring on the Cabrillo Avenue cul-de-sac. He stated that perhaps Police presence might alleviate this situation. 9. COMMUNICATIONS 9.1 Kevin Swint – Speeding on Chapin Avenue Chair Akers acknowledged receipt of this email and the follow up by staff. 9.2 Megan Fluke Medeiros – Healthy Communities Leadership Academy applications Chair Akers acknowledged receipt of this email. 9.3 Other Communications None. 10. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE REPORTS 10.1 Burlingame Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory committee (B/PAC) Mr. Chou reported that B/PAC did not meet this month. 11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Primrose Rd/Howard Ave: Possible 24-minute green zone 11.2 Accident and Citation Date: Renewed Discussion 12. ADJOURNMENT 8:51 p.m.