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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2007.04.12 The City of Burlingame CITY HALL - 501 PRIMROSE ROAD CALIFORNIA 94010-3997 www.burlingame.org TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION Meeting Minutes - Approved Thursday, April 12, 2007 Commissioners Present: Victor James, Chair Dan Conway, Vice Chair Michael Bohnert Mark Noworolski Stephen Warden Commissioners Absent: None Staff Present: Augustine Chou, Traffic Engineer, Public Works Sgt. Dean Williams, Police Department Joanne Louie, Administrative Secretary, Public Works Visitors: Jennifer Callahan, 1321 Balboa Susie Smyth, 1345 Balboa Avenue Gabrielle LaMond, 1350 Babloa Avenue Bob Lazich, 1341 Balboa Avenue Bonnie Ruebert, 1401 Balboa Avenue Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa Avenue Michael Fleming, 1472 Balboa Avenue Jim Puccinelli, 1328 Balboa Avenue Karen Delee-Simpson, 1429 Balboa Avenue Cathy Abrams, 1422 Balboa Avenue Gabrielle LaMond, 1350 Balboa Avenue Linda Abbey, 2415 Adeline Drive 1. CALL TO ORDER. 7:00 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG. 3. ROLL CALL. 5 of 5 Commissioners present. 4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Motion: To accept the minutes of March 8, 2007 with the inclusion of the following under Chair’s Prologue:  Chair James suggested an electronic record depository of all business and activities of the commission as a measure of transparency participation.  Chair James explained that he intends to gather input from the commissioners during the discussion portions of the meetings by doing rounds, starting from either the left or right on the dais.  Chair James stated that the role of the Traffic Engineer and Traffic Sergeant is to provide staff input and serve as an advisory role. Their roles are not inferior nor superior but of an equal level to the Commission. M/S/C: Warden, Conway; 5/0/0 6. CHAIR’S PROLOGUE Chair James commended Commissioner Bohnert, Commissioner Warden and Mr. Chou for putting together the grant for the Broadway area. Chair James said that the bi-annual report to Council needed to be submitted here as a Commission by the end of April in order to be submitted to Council by June. Chair James suggested that as a proactive measure on the part of the Commission, to propose a series of public seminars to engage the public. He said that as a city in the 21st century, these seminars would be held to present ideas on managing parking, traffic engineering, and citizen participation. Chair James stated that Quad Reports for the Council would not occur this month. The criteria for these reports were to address issues such as parking, questions, overnight parking, etc. Chair James stated that the concept behind Quad Maps is to take government to the citizens. Chair James stated that the role of the Commission was to advise Council as to matter of policy and to provide oversight responsibilities once laws were passed. He sai d that the oversight capacity was a partnership between the Commission and Police and Public Works staff. Chair James also said that he wanted to make clear that the roles of commission and staff were a two-way street. He stated that the commission canno t dictate to staff, but can raise questions; and, that staff cannot dictate to the commission. He said that this meant staff, the Public Works Director, or the City Manager could not dictate to the commission. They are appointed by Council and work coope ratively with everyone as a two-way street partnership. 7. CONSENT None. 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS Pat Giorni expressed her support for agenda item 13.1, the request from Senator Yee’s office for support on SB 279. Ms. Giorni suggested the next B/PAC meeting be announced in the Burlingame Newsletter to achieve greater public input. Linda Abbey spoke regarding the traffic study in the vicinity of Our Lady of Angels. She said that it was performed in 2006. Ms. Abbey had thought that there was going to be a sign put up about the study and/or meetings for inform the public of the outcome. Ms. Abbey also expressed her concern for the lack of selective enforcement present at this location. Ms. Abbey stated how dangerous this area can be. She inquired as to how she should proceed so that she and her neighbors could be informed as to the outcome of the study. Chair James suggested to Ms. Abbey that she write a letter so that this item could be on the agenda under Communications for the next TSPC meeting. 9. CURRENT BUSINESS 9.1 Request by Pat Giorni to consider marked crosswalks at the intersection of Hillside Drive and Balboa Avenue Mr. Chou explained that this issue was tabled at the last TSPC meeting on March 8, 2007 so that the Commission could review the additional information submitted by the residents. He said that staff did not support a 4-way stop, especially in light of the high volume of traffic that could potentially backup on Hillside Drive. Mr. Chou added that marked crosswalks would be supported only if high pedestrian foot traffic were present. Mr. Chou concluded that due to the lack of visibility at the intersection, staff recommended the installation of red curbing along the corners approaching the Hillside Drive/Balboa Avenue intersection. Chair James open the floor for public comments on this matter. Pat Giorni provided additional signatures including that of a former TSPC Commissioner. Ms. Giorni once again made a request for stop signs and asked that the right -of-way be considered for pedestrians at this intersection. Ms. Giorni stated the need for red curbing and selective enforcement; and, that this intersection needed a “Cadillac” solution for safety. Gabriel LaMonde stated that she was new to Burlingame and California. She said she realized vehicles would park all the way to the corner - which essentially made Balboa Drive a one lane street. Ms. LaMonde said she supported red curbing and cutouts. Susie Smythe requested restricting parking, cutouts and a trial period of stop signs at this intersection. She said she needed to cross Hillside Drive from Balboa Avenue on a daily basis, and that the visibility was so poor that she must go into the street from a neighbors driveway to gain visibility. She also said that the driveway provided stroller access. Jennifer Callahan said she was a 4-½ year resident and supported restricted parking, cutouts, and stop signs. Ms. Callahan stated that vehicles accelerate to make the light and also make quick right turns on a red light to avoid the intersection. Ms. Callah an also stated that at this intersection, it was unsafe to cross the streets and that there were large commercial vehicles parked on Hillside blocking visibility. Michael Fleming stated that he was a 2-½ year resident who supported all the recommendation made by Ms. Giorni with the exception of the stop sign s. He stated that this could be overkill at this point. Mr. Fleming stated that there was definitely an issue with line-of-sight and felt that red curbing would be the key issue. Mr. Fleming also supported crosswalk installations and selective enforcement to address the issue of speeding. Bob Lazich said he was a 40 year resident, and expressed his observation that this area currently has a lot more small children present. Mr. Lazich state d that Hillside Drive has always been dangerous, but more so now. Mr. Lazich said he endorsed crosswalk installations, red curbing and cutouts. Cathy Abrams said she was a 17 year resident. She stated that this issue was very “black and white” and wanted to know what it would take to put up a stop sign. She felt this was a human necessity. Ms. Abrams said she felt that this commission would be responsible if stop signs were not installed, and someone got killed or seriously hurt. Ms. Abrams questioned what it took to get the stop sign approved for the Occidental/Howard Avenue intersection, but felt Hillside Drive/Balboa Avenue intersection to be much more dangerous. Larry (last name inaudible) said he was a resident since November and stated that crossing Hillside Drive was ridiculous due to the speed of vehicles. He said that vehicles back-track to Adeline Avenue to avoid this intersection. He added that commercial vehicles caused blind spots and it was difficult for strollers without the curb cutouts. Bennie Ruepert, a 35 year resident, said he could vouch for what everyone was expressing this evening as he has a front seat to this intersection. He support ed the trial period of stop signs and the cutouts for ease of use of strollers. Karen Delee-Simpson said she was a 30 year resident who has raised her children in this particular area and are now grown, expressed the difficulties trying to stop traffic while crossing with a stroller. Ms. Delee-Simpson stated that there was an injury accident approximately three years ago at this intersection. She said that vehicles speed to make the stop light, and now with right-turns only on green, cars don’t stop. Ms. Delee-Simpson hoped some decision would be made to improve safety and felt it was worth trying. Linda Abbey stated that vehicles do speed on Adeline Drive just like on Hillsdale Drive. Chair James closed the public comment period on this issue and sought input from the Commissioners. Commission Noworolski said that he appreciated the issue of traffic not yielding to the pedestrians and would like to move forward with red curbing at this intersection. Vice-chair Conway acknowledged that this was an emotional issue and stated that it was not necessarily “black and white”. He explained that this Commission was appointed by the Council and that laws designate and regulate what could be done in many instances. He said that the TSPC was not ignoring concerns and was trying to serve the City of Burlingame. Vice-chair Conway then stated that there clearly was a difficult problem at this intersection. He expressed his concern that stop signs could create a backup which, in turn could make vehicles speed even more in order to make the light. Vice-chair Conway stated that studies have shown that crosswalks can giv e a false sense of security and pedestrians don’t look left or right. He agreed that drivers might slow down potentially if they saw a crosswalk. Vice-chair Conway added that red curbing made perfect sense to increase visibility. Commissioner Bohnert asked about the ADA curb ramps, and if this was an issue that would be handled without further action by the Commission. Mr. Chou replied that he would ensure that he would talk to the project engineer about getting this work added to the annual program for the following year. Commissioner Bohnert noted that this intersection was within a 4 block radius of a large park, two schools, a market and two churches . He said that he felt strongly for red curbing and crosswalks. Commissioner Warden stated that there were four areas of concern to him.  Curb cutouts - which were being dealt with by staff.  Stop signs - which did not meet guidelines imposed by the State and which could create a false sense of security and potential backup of vehicles.  Crosswalks - whose location may not be deemed the safest place to cross, especially since it was one block from El Camino Real.  Red curbing - which he supported, but noted that the residents needed to be forewarned that this might result in commercial vehicles being pushed onto Balboa Avenue and other side streets. Commissioner Bohnert asks about speed abatement, and other available measures such as speed bumps. Mr. Chou replied that stop sign guidelines provided by the State and Federal government stipulated that stop signs should not be used to control speed. He added that speeding traffic control measures, such as bumps and obstructions in the roadway were all Capital Improvement Program items. He said that staff needed to address the enforcement and police staff shortage issues when addressing the speeding issue. Commissioner Noworolski asked if “bots dots” across the roadway were plausible. Mr. Chou replied that bots dots could be installed, however the installation would be effective all the time and the sound would wake up residents at night. Commissioner Noworolski reiterated that a safety issues did exist at this intersection and supported red curbing; however, a stop sign was not suitable and he did not support a stop light or crosswalks. Commissioner Bohnert states that as on Broadway we have over used signage as a way to compensate for lack of enforcement. Commissioner Bohnert agreed with Mr. Chou that a stop sign was not applicable; however, he was adamant about installation of crosswalks and would trust Mr. Chou’s determination of the length of red curbing necessary at each corner of the intersection. Commissioner Warden wanted to reiterate to the public about the noise that would result from bots dots, particularly at night. Chair James asked Mr. Chou why crosswalks were not included in his staff report. Mr. Chou replied that studies have been done and that crosswalks create a false sense of security on the part of pedestrians. He said that if drivers did not see a constant flow of pedestrians, drivers would then ignore the crosswalk lines. He stated that staff was not opposed to crosswalks, but was determined that this crosswalk did not have the volume and might not be the best location for crossing. Chair James questioned the line of visibility based on length of vehicles and speeding at this intersection. Mr. Chou replied that a van or truck was generally 20-22’ and a car was 12-15’. Chair James asked for confirmation that dealing with speeding was difficult due to Capital Improvement Projects and personnel expenses. Mr. Chou said that, at this point in time, the City was short on personnel for enforcement. Chair James stated that he was inclined to modify the staff report by rejecting the proposed staff report and modify it by adding crosswalks. Commissioner Bohnert asked about undergoing a trial period for a crosswalk and suggested that perhaps there was a lack of pedestrian traffic due to a safety issue. He asked if a volume study could be done after installation of the crosswalks. Mr. Chou replied that crosswalks could be removed, but the commission must be able to quantify when one keeps or removes a crosswalk. He also said that it would require a study before and after installation. Chair James stated that it was a salient fact that the residents felt this intersection was unsafe. He was concerned that because speed enforcement was problematic due to personnel issues, the other option to him was some kind of crosswalk. He felt that in lieu of the lack of safety, a lack of enforcement, lack of engineering, and devices to control speeding, it seemed that the alternative would be crosswalks. Motion: To decline the staff recommendation as submitted. M/S/C: Warden, Bohnert; 5/0/0 Motion: To install red curbing on approaching corners and install crosswalks at the Hillside Drive/Balboa Avenue intersection. M/S/C: Bohnert, James; 3/2/0 (Warden, Noworolski dissented) 10. CURRENT BUSINESS 10.1 Traffic Engineer’s Report None. 10.2 Traffic Sergeant’s Report Sergeant Williams reported that staff would like to rescind the city ordinance regarding overnight parking and Chief Van Etten wanted the Commission’s input. Chair James stated that part of the process to repeal an ordinance was to open it for public input and to make TSPC aware of what staff was considering. 11. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT None. 12. PENDING ITEMS None. 13. COMMUNICATIONS 13.1 Request from State Senator Leland Yee’s office regarding local support for Senate Bill 279 (Give local law enforcement agencies the same authority currently granted to CHP and Caltrans to tow away vehicles for sale on state highways.) No discussion. 13.2 Press release regarding Burlingame’s TDA project grant applications (California Drive Sharrows, Howard Avenue Bike Lanes, and Broadway/Paloma Lighted Crosswalk) Chair James congratulated Commissioner Bohnert, Commission Warden and Mr. Chou on this accomplishment. 14. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE REPORTS 14.1 Burlingame Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee Commissioner Bohnert reported that the Committee was looking into installing approximately 40 “U” shaped bike racks along Burlingame Avenue and that at the next TSPC meeting they may present a diagram of the plan. He added that these racks were nice for parking three bikes alongside meters and planter benches. Commissioner Bohnert also said that the Committee was looking at a program that would do a 50-50 match financing of this project. 14.2 City Council/Commission Joint Meeting (Monday, May 7 – 6pm). Chair James stated that Council would like TSPC to provide their issues to form an agenda for this meeting. Commission Warden suggests funding for traffic calming. Vice Chair Conway suggested explaining the constraints that the Commission must work within. He also wanted to share with the Council the issues that the TSPC comes up against, since they are directed by Council. Commissioner Bohnert suggested dialogue and communication of what role the TSPC plays. Chair James suggested the seminar series. 14.3 Quad Maps Chair James noted that the attached map reflected the corrections made with the inclusion of contact information. 14.4 Grants List Chair James acknowledged that the list provided by staff was agreeable. 15. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.