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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2012.01.19 1 The City of Burlingame CALIFORNIA 94010-3997 www.burlingame.org TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION – SPECIAL MEETING Meeting Minutes - Approved Thursday, January 19, 2012 Commissioners Present: Nicklas Akers, Vice Chair Jeff Londer Mark Noworolski Caroline Serrato Commissioners Absent: Laurie Simonson, Chair Staff Present: Augustine Chou, Transportation Engineer, Public Works Corporal Chuck Witt, Police Department Joanne Louie, Administrative Secretary, Public Works Syed Murtuza, Director of Public Works Art Morimoto, Assistant Director of Public Works Visitors: Dale Ferrel Michele Sidone Suzanne & Chris Gulick Peter Vorametsanti Howard Wetton Councilmember Michael Brownrigg William Hurrell, CDM Smith Consultants Mike Izzo, CDM Smith Consultants 1. CALL TO ORDER. 7:00 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG. 3. ROLL CALL. 4 of 5 Commissioners present. (Chair Simonson absent) 4. DOWNTOWN BURLINGAME AVENUE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS/PARKING METER RATE PRESENTATION a) Presentation (Staff and CDM/Smith Consultants) Mr. Hurrell provided a brief explanation about CDM Smith Consultants, and how they were hired to update/analyze the parking district needs. He explained that a parking study was performed on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday in early October, 2011 for the occupancy analysis. The study reviewed and studied current conditions, occupancy and 2 parking patterns to make recommendations for improvement, as well as to analyze revenue options. Mr. Hurrell recited the following findings from the study: - Weekday peak occupancy exceed practical capacity (91%) - Parking occupancy peaks at mid-day - Core on-street parking occupancy peaks again after 6 pm - During busiest times off-street occupancy rates are great than on-street - Current parking supply is insufficient and additional parking is needed to accommodate parking demand - Demand for more time to park on Burlingame Avenue (based on merchant feedback) - Need to implement smart meters to enhance the parking experience and improve efficiency - Need for parking way-finding signage Mr. Murtuza provided information on the Burlingame Avenue Streetscape project and presented the three designs that were currently being considered and brought before Council. He also discussed funding needs for these designs, smart meter features, and cost and benefits. The following parking rate options were reviewed and discussed in detail: - Option A: 10 hours .25 cent increase Tiered rate increase on Burlingame Avenue Estimated to generate $450,000 annually - Option B: 10 hours & Sundays 25 cent increase Tiered rate increase on Burlingame Avenue Estimated to generate $670,000 annually - Option C: 12 hours 25 cent increase Tiered rate increase on Burlingame Avenue Estimated to generate $790,000 annually - Option D: 12 hours & Sundays 25 cent increase Tiered rate increase on Burlingame Avenue Estimated to generate $1,050,000 annually - Option E: 10 hours 50 cent increase Tiered rate increase on Burlingame Avenue Estimated to generate $720,000 annually 3 - Option F: 12 hours 50 cent increase Tiered rate increase on Burlingame Avenue Estimated to generate $1,050,000 annually b) Public Discussion and Feedback Vice Chair Akers opened the floor for public comment. Ms. Sidone, representative from DBID, wanted to reiterate what Mr. Murtuza went over. She stated that DBID felt the three issues of importance for them were increasing parking on Burlingame Avenue, need for smart meters on Burlingame Avenue, and the use of better signage for parking. She also said that the second Streetscape Design option presented was very popular amongst the merchants. Ms. Sidone’s personal thought was that smart meters should be used in the core area for some sort of uniformity. Mr. Gulick asked the Commission to consider traffic and traffic flow when trying to improve the business district, such as one-way streets and timing of signals. He also expressed concern over the hazardous situation of pedestrians versus vehicles. He said that another idea was to close Burlingame Avenue to traffic at certain times of the day. Councilmember Brownrigg asked about the maintenance record of smart meters; and, if there was software for capacity pricing. He added that some thought should be given regarding the reuse of at-grade parking and where a parking structure could be located. Councilmember Brownrigg states that, as a resident, he supports increasing the rate per hour but not extending the hours, nor including Sundays. Mr. Hurrell responded that smart meters have been around for a long time – as long as pay stations – and have been more reliable than pay stations. He said that software was available for capacity-based pricing, which would adjust to demand. Mr. Ferrel, DBID President, said that they would like to see extended time (90 minutes to two hours) for the meters on Burlingame Avenue. He said the biggest complaint from the merchants was that an hour meter was not adequate. Mr. Ferrel thought the merchants would also be interested in cellphone “apps” that offered remote paying for a meter and coupon offers from merchants. c) Commission Discussion Commissioner Londer offered a few ideas such as changing meter operation times from the current 8:00 am to 6:00 pm to 9/10:00 am to 7/8:00 pm. He suggested that perhaps on Option E to charge as follows: 1st hour - .25 cents/12 minutes - $1.25/hour 2nd hour - .25 cents/6 minutes - $2.50/hour 3-10 hours - $5.00/hour for any portion 4 Cost to park 10 hours - $43.75 (8:00 am – 6:00 pm) Mr. Murtuza reminded the Commission that there was once problems with employees abusing unlimited parking and it took five years to turn that behavior around. He added that staff did not recommend going beyond 2-hour parking on Burlingame Avenue. Mr. Hurrel noted that extending hours does change behavior and would make it more difficult for employees and residents; however, the customer experience would be very positive. Discussion occurred amongst the Commissioners about the various options, smart meters way-find signage. Commissioner Serrato stated there was a need for the parking meters to indicate expiration (i.e., red flashing light) if the City chose to extend the hours. Commissioner Noworolski felt the first choice would not necessarily be the right choice and should be modified or adjusted down the road. He suggested that this issue be reviewed quarterly by TSPC and/or City Council. Vice Chair Akers reopened the floor for public comment. Mr. Wetton inquired if there was any consideration to enforce meters on Sundays during peak hours, such as 10:30 to 1:30. He noted that parking management influences traffic management. Mr. Wetton also mentioned that parking was very difficult on Broadway. Mr. Chou publicly acknowledged that TSPC received and reviewed eight email communications on this matter. They were from: Nancy Medeiros, Lesley Stohlz, Andrew Lapkin, Rudy Horak, Kate Phillips, Terry and Sue Hall, Florence Allen, Laurie Hilt for Jennifer Behling, Howard Hibbard and Sarah Jane. 5. Next Steps Mr. Chou explained that staff was looking for a recommendation from the Commission on the various plans based on Commission and public discussions so that a general plan could be brought before City Council. Motion: Move that the TSPC Commission makes the following recommendations to Council: o City implement two-hour parking on Burlingame Avenue o City implement smart meters combined with sensors and a rich feature-set providing flexibility going forward in the downtown core o City adopt Option C: 12-hour parking, 25 cent increase, which does not include Sunday parking o City implement improved signage in the downtown area and explore dynamic signage options along with parking lot improvements o Implementation and rate structure be reviewed on a quarterly basis by staff in cooperation with DBID, TSPC and as needed with Council 5 M/S/C: Akers/Londer; 4/0/1 (Chair Simonson absent) 6. ADJOURNMENT 9:06 p.m. Vice Chair Akers adjourned with thanks and appreciation to the 297th Area Support Medical Company, California Army National Guard, from the Humboldt Street Armory Unit, the last National Guard Unit to return from Iraq.