HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2006.05.18TRAFFIC, SAFETY & PARKING COMMISSION
MAY 18, 2006 Minutes
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The City of Burlingame
CITY HALL - 501 PRIMROSE ROAD
CALIFORNIA 94010-3997
www.burlingame.org
TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes - Approved
Thursday – May 18, 2006
Commissioners Present: Eugene Condon, Chair
Victor James, Vice-Chair
Michael Bohnert
Stephen Warden
Commissioners Absent: Dan Conway
Staff Present: Augustine Chou, Traffic Engineer, Public Works
Sergeant Don Shepley, Police Department
Visitors: Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa Avenue
Linda Abbey, 1415 Adeline Drive
Charles Bona, 1551 Bernal Avenue
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1. CALL TO ORDER
7:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4 of 5 Commissioners present.
4. CURRENT BUSINESS
4.1 ACTION ITEMS
4.1.1 Traffic Engineer Chou explained that due to staff changes in the Public
Works secretarial staff, the Minutes for March 9, April 13, and May 18,
2006 will be ready for approval at the next meeting.
4.2 DISCUSSION ITEMS
4.2.1 Ray Drive/Devereux Drive - Evaluate need for stop signs or actions to slow
traffic.
Traffic Engineer Chou informed the public that Mr. Dennis Creedan and his
neighbors in the Ray Drive/Devereux Drive area requested that the city
consider some type of safety measure regarding high traffic volumes and
perceived high speeds on their streets. They also asked that stop signs be
considered. Mr. Chou explained that the southbound approach of Ray
Drive, from El Camino Real, is controlled by a stop sign. He added that the
other intersection approaches (eastbound Ray and westbound Devereux),
had no traffic control. The width of the road for both Ray and Devereux in
the westbound direction was 30 feet. The section of Ray that was from El
Camino Real was about 36 feet wide. Mr. Chou said the 30-foot roadway
made for narrow driving conditions. Vehicles approaching in opposing
directions would have to move in and out of the curb area in order to pass
each other.
Mr. Chou also explained that a stop sign warrant study was performed, and
there were no reported accidents for the study time period. He also
reported that the traffic volume counts were lower than the warrant
requirements. Mr. Chou noted that the direction with the highest numbers
of vehicles were actually from Devereux, coming from Bernal. The other
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two legs of the approach were actually less. Mr. Chou said that based on
those studies, the intersection did not meet the warrant conditions for stop
signs.
One of the issues that Mr. Chou highlighted was that this intersection, like
the ones nearby at Ray/Quesada and Devereux/Bernal, suffered from
drivers traveling through the intersection at perceived high rate s of speed.
Mr. Chou stated that the perceived speeding seemed to be occurring at the
corners of the intersection. He said that preliminary speed studies were
conducted in this area and during free-flow times, the 85th percentile speed
was 25 miles per hour. Mr. Chou also stated that there were vehicles
driving as faster as 27 mph, and as slow as 15 mph.
Mr. Chou explained that the request for stop signs would not address, and
was not generally used for, speed control. He said that what should be
addressed was the issue of drivers who cut corners when turning at each
of these three intersections.
Mr. Chou continued by stating that multiple field observations were
conducted at the intersection of Ray and Devereux. He noted that some
vehicles traveling along Ray from El Camino Real did not stop at the
existing stop sign. He said that one of staff’s concerns was that if a 3-way
stop sign were to be considered at that intersection, there might be a
greater problem with compliance. Mr. Chou said that there appeared to be
a growing non-compliance situation already and care should be taken since
installing a 3-way might not help the situation.
Mr. Chou went on to identify a second issue - traffic volume coming
through the intersection. He said that if a stop sign or set of stop signs
were installed, peak time would be approximately eight o’clock, with 188
vehicles going from Devereux to Ray. A main concern was that queuing
would occur at the intersection, leading the vehicles backing up into the
intersection at Bernal and Devereux. A possible end result might be that
drivers would speed along Devereux and the rest of Ray in order to make
up the difference in time for which they had to stop. Mr. Chou stated that
this was a common occurrence, which has been borne out by various
studies.
Mr. Chou said that the City should consider mirroring the striping
configuration at Ray/Quesada and Devereux/Bernal. He said that this
would address the problem of cutting corners, which people were
apparently doing in order to expedite their time through the intersection s.
Mr. Chou also offered another recommendation to consider replacement of
existing signage. Currently, there were “School Crossing” signs posted
near the intersection. Mr. Chou indicated that certain signs at key locations
could be replaced with more accurate “25 MPH Speed Limit” signs. Mr.
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Chou felt this would address the issue better than having the crosswalk
signs so far away from the schools.
Mr. Chou summarized by saying the recommendation from staff was not to
accept the request for a 3-way stop sign at the intersection since stop sign
warrants were not met. He further stated that staff did recommend
consideration of centerlines at the intersection to match the intersection at
Devereux/Bernal and at Quesada/Ray.
Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa, stated that she thought it had been suggested
that the neighborhood might consider the buttons instead of striping. She
indicated that if the City had stop signs and drivers were not complying,
then that meant enforcement issues. She added that buttons could be felt,
alerting a driver that they were speeding and cutting a corner. She felt that
although drivers were aware of a painted stripe, they might not cut around
a bump. Ms. Giorni said that with regard to traffic, a button would be the
way to proceed.
Commissioner Bohnert felt the Commission had done much research, and
in looking at the intersections, said it would be appropriate to be consistent
with what the City was doing on the entire project. He was in favor of the
suggestions to install buttons and reflectors.
Chair Condon said that he felt there was so much paint in the area that
perhaps bots dots, rather than paint, could be installed at some of the
surrounding intersections. Mr. Chou explained that this was an issue staff
was considering.
Regarding the intersection at Bernal and Devereux, Mr. Chou explained
that the work order had not been issued yet to install the centerline paint.
This was because the issue at Devereux and Ray was also to be looked at
this month. He said that rather than having garish double-yellow lines in
the three intersections of this residential neighborhood, staff could
capitalize on using a single yellow row of buttons/bots dots and reflectors
for centerlines. They would be visually unobtrusive but physically more
intrusive for the driver, making them feel when they are cutting the corners.
Mr. Chou stated that if buttons were to be reconsidered for the intersection
of Devereux and Bernal, then staff would like the Commission to consider
changing Quesada and Ray as well.
Chair Condon said the Commission was looking at the whole area now
versus an intersection at a time. He said he would support the use of bots
dots/buttons and reflectors.
Commissioner Warden asked Mr. Chou if it would be feasible or better to
install bots dots and reflectors at all the locations that already have striping.
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Mr. Chou replied that it was just as easy to “black out” the striping and just
install the buttons. He indicated that it was more a question of whether or
not adding the buttons to existing striping might be considered overkill.
This issue, he said, may be something that should be re -visited with the
neighborhood, especially at Quesada Way.
Mr. Chou mentioned that through several after-studies and field
investigations at Quesada and Ray during the afternoon traffic times, staff
noticed that the vehicles were traveling slower through that intersection.
He said that assuming that most drivers were considered law-abiding, they
would see the new centerlines and made attempts to stay in their lanes
when turning. The end result was that they were actually slowing down
when negotiating their turns.
Chair Condon stated that the painted centerlines on Quesada and Ray
were already installed and working. He said that arriving from the schools,
drivers can see the painted lines at the intersection. He felt that cutting the
corners at the intersection was the issue. The paint was already present,
and they seemed to be working, so he supported just keeping the painted
lines at this point.
Commissioner Bohnert asked Mr. Chou if he thought the lines were
working sufficiently. He also asked for the Commission’s opinion, since he
felt that if the painted lines were left, it would be just a matter of time before
people stopped obeying them. He asked if the bots dots issue should be
addressed at this time.
Mr. Chou stated that typically lines and/or buttons work. If there were
conditions where people began ignoring the painted lines, installing the
dots could be considered. Mr. Chou stated that he offered the idea in case
a neighborhood were to come before the Commission indicating that they
really would have preferred the buttons over the painted lines. He said that
an alternative was to wait until the residents brought up the issue, stating
their preference. Mr. Chou said that at that point, staff could leave it to the
Commission and agree that in the future, residents might contact staff
directly saying the lines were faded and they would rather have buttons.
Mr. Chou explained that the centerline was already approved, regardless of
whether it was paint or buttons.
Commissioner James asked Mr. Chou about the purpose of the centerline.
Mr. Chou explained that the intent of the centerline was to delineate traffic
and keep vehicles within their appropriate lanes when turning. He said that
indications from field studies were that this was not happening. He added
that when drivers drove closer to the center of the street, they were
essentially doing so to start cutting the corners to make their turns faster.
He said that this was when there was a perceived speeding problem,
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especially at the intersection.
Commissioner James asked about the purpose of the buttons.
Mr. Chou explained that buttons have the same intent: they are used to
delineate the lanes. He added that there were some advantages to buttons
and some to paint. Advantages to buttons were that if there was a
compliance problem, they would be more effective than paint. Also,
buttons and reflectors might be considered less obtrusive visually than
solid stripes of paint.
Commissioner James stated if it was the intent to establish centerline
uniformity throughout the neighborhood, why not use bots dots/buttons
completely rather than leave one area out. He stated that they served a
similar purpose.
Mr. Chou concurred, saying the buttons would be for uniformity’s sake only.
He said that staff was just attempting to address a potential concern of the
neighbors on Quesada, as the neighbors might say they would have
preferred buttons rather than painted stripes if they had known that the
other intersections would have buttons.
Motion: To move to Action Item.
M/S/C: Warden, James; 4/0/0
Motion: To move to deny the request for a 3-way stop sign at Ray and
Devereux; and, to install centerline buttons at Ray/Deverux and at
Devereux/Bernal, and to install new 25 mph signs along Ray Drive at
specific locations under staff’s discretion.
M/S/C: Warden, Bohnert; 4/0/0
4.4.2 Crosswalk at California Drive and Sanchez Avenue – Request for
crosswalk removal.
Mr. Chou informed the Commission that on May 11, a special Commission
meeting was held regarding pedestrian safety at the railroad tracks at the
intersection of California and Sanchez. He said the meeting was held as a
result of an April 18 fatality at th at location. As part of the discussions,
Caltrain and SamTrans made the decision to remove the bus stop along
California Drive at Sanchez. He added that the Commission determined
there was no longer a need for the marked crosswalk at that location. As
an item of discussion and action, the Commission agreed to have the issue
placed on this regular meeting agenda.
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Mr. Chou said that the removal of the crosswalk would have minimal effect
on pedestrian traffic since with the elimination of the bus stop the crosswalk
really does not lead pedestrians anywhere. He stated that since there was
no formal sidewalk along the eastern curb, the existence of a specific
sidewalk would not increase pedestrian safety. If the crosswalk remained,
people who park there would have to walk along the uneven dirt area or
along the roadside to get to the crosswalk before crossing over. Mr. Chou
said that in this situation, it is almost safer to have drivers park their
vehicles, get out, stand next to or in front of or behind the auto and make a
safety judgment to cross at that point. Mr. Chou stated that the staff
recommendation was to remove the crosswalk.
Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa, spoke saying the businesspeople on the other
side of California Drive raised the question about that crosswalk. She said
their clientele often park across the five -lane street. She also said that
California Drive was, and might still be, part of the San Mateo Bicycle
Route. Ms. Giorni felt that, as a bicyclist, if she has to watch for
pedestrians in the roadway in addition to car doors opening, it would make
driving dangerous for her and any other bicyclists on the street. She
reiterated her statement from the previous meeting, saying that removing
the bus stop was a slap in the face to every person who uses public
transportation in the County. She felt it would eliminate one more point
where residents could walk to and board a bus. She agreed that there was
a safety problem with Caltrain and the unauthorized crossing. She did feel,
however, that it was separate from forcing people to travel to Broadway or
the next closest bus stop. Ms. Giorni concluded by recommending the
crosswalk not be removed, and having the bus stop reinstalled.
Commissioner Warden stated that he did not want the bus stop reinstalled.
He said he agreed with staff’s assessment that the City probably has a
safer situation if people crossed directly from their vehicles. If the
crosswalk was left, there would be pedestrians walking on uneven
pavement or in a roadway. Commissioner Warden stated that he
supported the staff recommendation.
Commissioner Bohnert felt that the City still had a long way to go in regards
to the corridor safety, and if the City was considering fencing to block the
railroad track, then a crosswalk could be considered as well. But for now,
Commissioner Bohnert felt that until the Caltrain situation was figured out, it
would be safest to eliminate the crosswalk and eliminate the bus stop as an
immediate safety precaution. He said that the Commission could meet
again afterwards regarding what to do with the crosswalks and bus stops
when Caltrain addresses the safety of the entire corridor.
Chairman Condon agreed with his fellow commissioners. He felt that even
if the sidewalk directly at the bus stop was present, it would be a sidewalk
that goes nowhere. He said that this situation leads to people in the bicycle
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lanes, which was unsafe. He mentioned that there was another bus stop
about 200 yards away, at a nice location in front of the bike shop. He also
agrees that until the Caltrain safety situation was settled, it was something
the Commission could bring back.
Motion: To move to Action Items.
M/S/C: Warden, James, 4/0/0
Motion: To accept the staff recommendation to remove the crosswalk
across California Drive at Sanchez Avenue.
M/S/C: Warden, James; 4/0/0
4.2.3 Adeline Drive/Balboa Avenue – Evaluate Crosswalk Enhancements
Mr. Chou explained that one of the items brought to the Commission by
City Council’s Special Scoping Sessions was a concern that the
Adeline/Balboa intersection was missing a pedestrian crosswalk. He
explained that this intersection was a 4-way stop controlled intersection
with only three marked crosswalks. He said that the southbound approach
of Balboa only had a stop bar. Mr. Chou explained that Balboa goes
through to Ray, and to make the intersection c onsistent with other 4-way
stops in the area and for safety purposes, a crosswalk should be installed
on the fourth leg.
Linda Abbey, 1415 Adeline, asked if the referred to “fourth leg” on Balboa
was on the north or south side of the intersection. Mr. Chou clarified that it
was the north approach, heading south.
Ms. Abbey asked further if that was the part going into Ray Park and Mr.
Chou confirmed it was. Ms. Abbey said there were Mercy High School
students who got off at Adeline and walked straight up past Balboa. She
said that she thought there were still children in that area too.
Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa, stated that there were a number of children not
going up to Mercy but to Lincoln School. She also said that there were
more families moving in with small children on her block, and she noticed
them walking to school.
Commissioner Warden asked with regard to the nearby softball fields,
whether or not the Commission might want to consider the school
crosswalk enhancements. He agreed that making the intersection a 4-way
crosswalk now made sense.
Mr. Chou answered that crosswalk enhancements would be something to
look at based on pedestrian counts and pedestrian usage in the area.
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Motion: To move to Action Items.
M/S/C: James, Bohnert; 4/0/0
Motion: To accept staff recommendation to install a marked crosswalk
across southbound Balboa Avenue at Adeline Drive.
M/S/C: James, Bohnert; 4/0/0
4.2.5 Adeline Drive/Mercy High School Traffic Settings
Mr. Chou said the Commission had a meeting with some of the residents
and with Ms. Abbey regarding the Mercy High School traffic situation. He
reported that the centerline buttons were installed on Adeline from
Alvarado to Hoover as of the May 18. He also said that other issues in
regards to signage would be performed on a staff level. Items being taken
care of through the Planning Department and Planning Commission
included traffic study issues and use permit-issues pertaining to the school
and mansion administration.
Mr. Chou also reported that City staff and the TSPC sub-committee met
with the Planning Director to work out duties and essentially avoid overlaps
of responsibilities. He said that the Planning Department would be working
directly with the school and the administration. Mr. Chou said that the City
requested a traffic consultant be hired by the school to conduct baseline
studies in volume, turning movements, usages, and trip generations. The
traffic consultant would be hired by Mercy High School but the data would
be reviewed by City staff, and their observations and recommendations
would be brought before the Commission. Mr. Chou said that from that
point on, the information would be passed back to the consultants, who
would either verify or rectify the report. Mr. Chou concluded by saying that
baseline information would be available for the City to determine whether to
allow the school to expand or continue to have its functions.
Linda Abbey, 2415 Adeline Drive, thanked the group for thoughts and
support, as well as the radar speed carts (trailers). She thought a small
study may have been performed, as she noticed a small cart on the south
side of Adeline between Columbus and Vancouver. She brought up an
April incident (as told to her by neighbor Karen Young) involving Notre
Dame students. The students were on Vancouver and Adeline and Ms.
Abbey felt mass confusion was caused by students walking in the street
and illegally parking. Ms. Abbey said that in speaking to the Vice Principal
of Mercy High School, she learned that Mercy Center and Notre Dame
students attended jointly that day. She said that letters were distributed,
which included parking instructions and drop off points. Ms. Abbey
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continued by saying that although there were instructions, she felt that the
students were not following them. She felt a monitor should be in place,
directing traffic before and after such a program. Ms. Abbey did note that
some monitoring at the gate (across from her and up the block) was
present and might possibly have been part of the Mercy traffic center.
Ms. Abbey also said that the radar speed trailers were placed on the side
where the traffic was parked. She stated that the radar speed trailer was
parked near Columbus, but that people were not likely to speed at that
point. She felt speeding would occur going downhill. She concluded by
saying that the speed trailer should have been on the opposite side of
Adeline so when driving down the street, drivers would see their speed.
She suggested that the speed data be date/time stamped so as to
ascertain whether it is Mercy traffic.
Ms. Abbey’s also asked how Burlingame Police staffing was for traffic
checks at Mercy from 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Ms. Abbey’s outlined her opposition to asking Mercy to hire traffic
consultants to obtain baseline data and perform traffic studies. She said
that this was similar to having the “fox watch the henhouse.” She said
preferred that the study be performed by a third party not related to the
high school.
Commissioner Warden provided a summary of the staff/subcommittee
meeting between himself, Traffic Engineer Chou, Commissioner Condon,
and Planning Director, Meg Monroe. He said that it was agreed to turn
most of this matter over to the Planning Department as part of the Building
Permit process. He said that this would provide the City with tighter control
and gave Mercy one place to focus their efforts to satisfy the needs and
wants of the TSP Commission, Planning Commission, and staff.
Commissioner Warden stated that the City had finished the promised items
as far as the centerline striping/dots. He said that more time was needed
to see if those actions worked, and he didn’t know if waiting until the end of
school was sufficient. Commissioner Warden felt waiting until the end of
summer and into the next school year would allow insight as to how these
actions would transpire. He added that when the process began, the City
knew it was not going to be a one, two or three -month fix. Commissioner
Warden explained that the suggestion that the traffic study be performed by
party not paid for by Mercy was not reasonable. He said that studies are
frequently done and traffic engineers have sets of standards to which they
must adhere. Commissioner Warden said he did not feel there would be
an issue and believed that Mercy knows problems exist; and, that Mercy
was willing to address them.
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Chair Condon said that there was no prior baseline established, and with
anything performed now, there would be nothing to compare with. He
clarified that it was at the City’s request that Mercy hired a traffic consultant
to have independent persons come up with a traffic plan study that could
be presented to the City at a later date. He added that the Traffic
Commission has done everything it could involving calming traffic, signs,
and striping. Chair Condon said that the Planning Commission would take
the lead, baseline data will have been established, the consultants have
been hired, and neighborhood meetings (which the Commissioners can
attend) will be held.
Mr. Chou elaborated on the consultant situation by saying that based on
the Director of Planning, the consultant is one that the City has confidence
in and whose work is reputable. Mr. Chou said that he has reviewed work
by the consulting company in the past with regard to other projects, and he
found the results to be standard material. He added that even if there was
to be some data that was questionable, the City could ask how the
information was verified.
Commissioner Warden asked Sergeant Shepley if the City would be able to
continue Police Department enforcement or the use of the speed trailer in
the area.
Sergeant Shepley said that enforcement was always a bit of a challenge
due to staffing issues. He said that two traffic officers should be returning
to the Traffic Division by next week, but none were available this week.
With regard to the radar speed trailer Sgt. Shepley was not sure if it could
be placed near the upper or lower gates at this time because of the
consultant study currently taking place. Before installing the radar speed
trailer, he would ask for Mr. Chou’s opinion as to whether data would be
skewed.
Mr. Chou agreed that the City needed be careful so as not to skew the
data. If the speed trailer was installed while the consultant study is going
on, the City could end up with data that shows there is no speeding
problem.
Chair Condon noted that school would be out for the summer in two weeks.
He said that traffic studies were being performed prior to school being out,
and he would not recommend installing the trailer at this point. He felt the
Commission had done everything possible as a Traffic Commission to calm
everything down. He reiterated that the school was actively pursuing the
traffic consulting, neighborhood meetings would be held, and input would
be received. He added that the burden was for Mercy to pay for the
consulting and come up with a traffic plan just like the other area schools.
He said it has started and was working. He also restated that Planning
was taking the lead so the City could establish a baseline to determine
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counts, parking, and all included issues. If anything were to take place in
the future, the City would have something to compare it to. Again he said
that from this point, the issue would be passed to Planning.
Mr. Chou clarified to the Commission that this item would not show as
pending on the agenda. However, when the studies come in, this matter
would be on the agenda as a new item. He said that the Commission and
the Engineering and Police staffs had been able to take care of certain
issues directly. Issues dealing with Planning, use permits, and trip
generations from the studies would return to the Commission as separate
items. He concluded that for meeting purposes, the Commission would put
out meeting notification by posting signs indicating a traffic meeting on a
particular date. He said that another possibility was to canvass the street
with mailed notification letters.
Chair Condon invited Ms. Abbey to speak for one more minute. She
requested the times the traffic studies were done, on which days, and at
what times. Chair Condon advised they were being done right now by a
private traffic consultant. Ms. Abbey stated that when she drove “up” on
Tuesday, someone was at the service gate. Chair Condon reiterated that
Mercy had hired a private traffic consultant. Ms. Abbey agreed, saying the
person appeared at 3:09, the beginning of the traffic study, and school had
let out. Chair Condon advised that the reports would be available when the
studies were completed, and they were done by Mercy. Ms. Abbey
inquired as to whether she could perform her own traffic count/study. Chair
Condon indicated Ms. Abbey was welcome to do whatever she would like,
but as a private citizen and not a certified traffic consultant her data could
not be officially used. Chair Condon did welcome her to compare her notes
with the traffic consultant, as the consultant was a paid professional who
provided such studies for a living. He suggested that Ms. Abbey might
want to wait since school would be out in two more weeks, let the
consultants gather their information then , take a look at the times through
Mercy.
Mr. Chou explained that studies were typically performed on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, and Thursdays. He said that some may be done on
Mondays and Fridays, but that the bulk of the studies were performed in
the middle of the week.
Ms. Abbey asked about the counts the neighbors requested by way of
letters. Chair Condon informed her that the request was turned down as
there was no baseline data. He said that this was to be established by the
Planning Department actions. Ms. Abbey inquired as to the date of the
meeting in which the request was denied. Chair Condon informed her that
it was at the public meeting in upstairs with Commissioner Warden,
himself, Mr. Chou, Ms. Abbey, and four of her neighbors. He reminded her
again that there was no baseline data as yet.
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Ms. Abbey indicated the audio tapes were not available from that meeting.
Chair Condon indicated Mr. Chou had said it was explained at the
previously-mentioned meeting that past counts were done long ago and
have either been archived or lost. Ms. Abbey said she was not referring to
the past counts and that she was requesting current counts from the City.
Chair Condon reminded her that the Commission said no at the meeting,
that Mercy has their own traffic consultant, that there was no baseline data
to compare those to, and that the City was not paying the expense to do
the count since Mercy Properties was currently having the study
performed. Ms. Abbey inquired as to why the City of Burlingame had traffic
counts in other areas.
Mr. Chou explained that traffic counts were generally done for two reasons.
One was to obtain an overall picture of main arterials throughout the city,
and the other is to obtain specific counts (for stop sign warrants). He said
that in the case to which Ms. Abbey is referring, whether or not the City
would perform counts, it was agreed upon by almost everyone at the past
neighborhood meeting that the problem was that there was no data to
compare to. Mr. Chou explained that at this point, it was easier to have the
consultants do their counts at the same time as they perform turning
movement counts and trip generations, and not have different counts done
at different times.
Ms. Abbey said she did not see the item crossed off he r list, which she felt
was related to issues on Alvarado, Adeline and Hoover. Ms. Abbey
requested the audio tapes and minutes for that meeting. Chair Condon
explained that there were no tapes from the meeting held with the
neighbors since it was an informal meeting between the sub-committee,
staff and the neighbors. He reminded Ms. Abbey that they had said no
traffic counts would be performed by the City for Mercy High School
because there is no baseline to judge against. Commission Warden and
Chair Condon stated again that counts would be performed by a paid
private traffic consultant. Chair Condon said that the City would not
perform the traffic counts. Ms. Abbey said she did not recall such, and
Chair Condon reminded her that since that time Mercy has hired a traffic
consultant. He further said that at that meeting, the answer was, “No, we
are not going to do traffic counts.” Ms. Abbey indicated she thought that at
that time, Mr. Chou “was going to check on that.” Chair Condon further
said there is no reason to duplicate the expense when Mercy was already
hiring an engineer.
4.2.6 Carmelita Avenue/Vancouver Avenue Crosswalk Enhancements.
Traffic Engineer Chou said that this is another item that came before the
Commission through the City Council, and was similar to the item 4.2.3, the
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Adeline/Balboa Crosswalk. He explained that a resident had inquired to
the Council about changing the colors of an existing set of crosswalks at
Carmelita and Vancouver from white to yellow. Mr. Chou explained that a
field investigation verified that the intersection was next to Roosevelt
School. He said that possibly after the street was resurfaced by the City-
hired paving contractor, the crosswalks were reinstalled in white instead of
yellow paint. Mr. Chou said that as a matter of immediate action, the staff
went ahead and painted it yellow. He said that this item did not require any
action or approval for the Commission. But rather, he wanted to advise the
Commission since Council had initially asked that the Commission be
aware of this matter. Subsequently, a Councilmember had asked that the
crosswalk be taken care of, and Mr. Chou explained that it was.
Commissioner Warden verified that this was indeed one of the crosswalks
one block away from the school. He said that there were many children
walking in this direction and asked if this crosswalk was addressed by the
crosswalk enhancement sub-committee report.
Chair Condon answered that the sub-committee had looked at all of the
schools in the City and that this location was in the program. He stated
that this item would be reviewed for large numbers of pedestrians and
schoolchildren, and any perceived driver visibility problem. If so, Chair
Condon said that he would recommend this location for enhancement.
5. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NEW ITEMS
5.1 Traffic Engineer Chou reported on the proposed overnight parking restriction
signs along the 700 block of California Drive. Mr. Chou said that this item had
been brought up at a past meeting, and that the purpose was to extend the
parking restrictions that were previously approved on the other section of
California Drive. He explained that it might be prudent to add this item to an
agenda and notify the businesses across the street. This would provide an
opportunity for those citizens to speak on the issue at the next meeting.
Commissioner Warden mentioned that he had asked Mr. Chou to look at this, and
that someone on Victoria Road was also parking their commercial vehicles there.
He said the vehicles were not moved for two months. Chair Condon described
this as a staging area, as employees arrived at 7:00 to 7:30 to remove the trucks.
6. FROM THE FLOOR
6.1 Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa spoke regarding the public meeting with Caltrain. She
said that the City Council had given Commission the job of negotiating with
Caltrain. Ms. Giorni read aloud her proposed speech to Cou ncil. She said that
Caltrain placed level of service above safety and asked that the City ask the PUC
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MAY 18, 2006 Minutes
Page 15 of 20
to slow the 79 m.p.h. rail speed. She further felt the City should demand fencing
between Oak Grove and Broadway.
7. INFORMATION ITEMS
7.1 Bicycle Safety Issues in Burlingame
Chair Condon said that a year and half had passed on this issue and he asked
Mr. Chou to consider calling a meeting to bring up the City’s bicycle issues.
Chair Condon proposed that a small forum or sub-committee meeting, with public
invitation, be set up. Mr. Chou agreed that a date could be set, and the
discussion will appear on the agenda. He further said t hat staff had not heard
from Council regarding the formation of another bicycle sub-committee yet. Mr.
Chou suggested that while work on that new sub-committee continued, the
standing group was already assembled and could at least start looking at
potential grant projects. He added that these items could be handed to the new
bicycle sub-committee once it was established. Chair Condon felt that potential
projects could be identified, as grant money will be forthcoming, and put into the
application process.
7.2 From Council to Commission/Staff
None.
7.3 From Staff to Commission
7.3.1 Traffic Engineer’s Report
7.3.1.1 Peninsula Avenue/101 Overpass.
Mr. Chou indicated as yet there has not been any official from San
Mateo regarding this situation, although some initial and unofficial
discussions may have begun.
7.3.1.2 Broadway/101 Status Report.
Mr. Chou advised that the City installed signs along the overpass,
cautioning pedestrians that the walkway overpass was narrow and
that a wheelchair probably could not pass. He said that the
overpass was Caltrans property and the City had requested they
install pedestrian signal heads at crosswalks at the Rollins
intersection. Mr. Chou said that since Caltrans had not taken
action, the City took it upon itself to warn pedestrians.
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MAY 18, 2006 Minutes
Page 16 of 20
7.3.1.3 Radar Speed Zones.
Mr. Chou reported that in November 2005, a radar speed zone
survey was conducted for the entire city. In the report, the speed
limits on three streets were changed to 30 mph from 35 mph. He
said there had been public comments regarding whether or not the
30 mph limit was prudent or arrived at correctly. Mr. Chou
explained that the City had received comments from the public
both supporting, and opposing the speed limit reduction.
Mr. Chou explained that in response to this, staff was individually
examining each of the accident reports for the three streets, obtain
the narratives, and better determine whether or not to keep the
speed limit at 30 mph, or readjust them back to 35 mph. Mr. Chou
indicated that staff was anticipating another two weeks to go
through the expected 100 to 120 reports. He explained that if the
reports did verify that 30 mph was more prudent, staff would bring
that recommendation to the Commission for public discussion.
From there, it would go to City Council for approval and ordinance
change.
Mr. Chou explained that if, however, the examination showed that
it was more acceptable to return to the 35 mph speed limit, then
would just reissue the report with the adjustment and i t would not
have to go to Council for ordinance changes.
Commissioner James asked what the tolerance level was in terms
of radar speed enforcement, and at what point a citation would be
issued. Mr. Chou said the citation threshold was limited and was
something that was within the discretion of the police officer.
Sergeant Shepley answered that the general consensus in law
enforcement was that when using radar, the citation enforcement
could range between 5 mph up to 15 mph over the limit. He added
that an examination of the citation threshold since the beginning of
the year until April was consistent, with two exceptions. Sgt.
Shepley said that each citation written was over 50 mph. He
added that other things were also taken into consideration. He
said that an officer might lower the citation threshold depending on
traffic conditions. Specifically, did someone pass when it was
unsafe, and not only cite for unsafe passing but also for a lower
speed?
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MAY 18, 2006 Minutes
Page 17 of 20
7.3.2 Traffic Sergeant=s Report
Sergeant Shepley stated that over the next two months the Police
Department would be re-inspecting all taxis wishing to obtain permits in the
City of Burlingame.
He also reported that the Police Department was stepping up enforcement
and was working on several projects. The Employee Parking Permit
Program was continuing in its trial version. Challenges include tinted
windows, so there is a possibility the ordinance might be changed to clarify
permit placement and display. Sgt. Shepley said that there seemed to be
quite a bit of support for the program’s continuance.
Sgt. Shepley said the Red Flex red-light camera enforcement program was
moving forward. He said Red Flex would be determining if their technology
would meet the City’s needs. Four intersections were identified for trial
testing. The candidate intersections are: Trousdale Drive/El Camino Real,
Broadway/El Camino Real, Chapin Avenue/El Cam ino Real, and
Broadway/Rollins Road.
Sgt. Shepley also reported that the radar speed trailer was being
circulated. He said that, as Ms. Abbey mentioned, the trailer was at
Adeline/Vancouver. He noted that the radar speed trailer possessed old
technology and did not know if the traffic counting feature had ever worked
on the trailer. It was basically used as a feedback device for drivers as
they passed by. The sergeant noted that Mr. Chou suggested the
possibility of purchasing a newer, lighter weight radar speed trailer with
better software and hardware technology through a grant from the Office of
Traffic Safety (OTS). He said that he would be writing a submission later
this year and felt OTS would support such a grant application. Sgt.
Shepley said that the hope was that City Council would approve it and that
a motorcycle officer position would be created; and, that a motorcycle could
be purchased along with the radar speed trailer. October 1, 2007 was the
soonest the officer would be available, as the grant is due in January of
that year.
Sgt. Shepley stated that the Street Racer Detail was moving forward with
training in Burlingame. The operational briefing would be June 9 in
Burlingame.
Finally, a DUI checkpoint would be hosted in the last week of July on the
County grant. Commissioner Warden said that the City was getting some
enforcement action with two bars near the corner of Burlingame Avenue
and California Drive. He asked if there were traffic issues as a result. Sgt.
Shepley said that Burlingame was one of the county hotspots for DUI
crashes. He said that considering the population, the City ranked similarly
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MAY 18, 2006 Minutes
Page 18 of 20
to Redwood City, South San Francisco, and San Mateo. He said that
crashes occurred primarily on Thursday nights (bar night) and tended to
happen at the southern end of the city , off El Camino Real.
7.3.2 Other City Staff Reports.
None.
7.4 From Commission to Staff
7.4.1 Commission Chairperson Report.
Chair Condon reported that the Commission had come a long way and
that they have had major issues come up. He stressed that as
Commissioners, he advised members to run questions through the
Commission so that the Commission as a whole can provide the same,
consistent answers. He asked that Commissioners not provide personal
answers or personal ideas. Chair Condon also reminded the Commission
to continue to follow parliamentary procedures and Roberts’ Rules of
Order.
With regard to Caltrain, Chair Condon said there was more staff than
public at the last meeting. At future meetings on this issue, staff would
provide answers from Caltrain as to what they plan to do. Mr. Chou stated
that staff would be coordinating with them to sit at a meeting and discuss
fencing and bus route items. He said that what exactly would be done
would be decided and issues would be pushed. Mr. Chou stated that
upon consensus and agreement, a public hearing would be set up to
report on what Caltrain and SamTrans would do. Chair Condon asked
about a timeframe for feedback. Mr. Chou indicated that there was no
established timeframe yet, but staff would not wait until Caltrain had
completed the work before reporting back. Chair Condon noted that if
Caltrain were not going to follow through, it would come before the public
eye. Mr. Chou stated that if there are any delays, the public would be
aware of them. Commissioner Warden said a special meeting focusing on
one item, rather than being a part of a regular meeting would be better.
Mr. Chou agreed and cited situations where special meetings were held
for the downtown parking study issue. Chair Condon agreed that a
special meeting would be held.
Chair Condon said he wanted to have a Bicycle meeting and invite input
from the public. He said that Commissioner Bohnert was now on the sub-
committee to replace Councilperson Cohen, who used to be a TSP
Commissioner and was on the sub-committee. Chair Condon requested a
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MAY 18, 2006 Minutes
Page 19 of 20
small study session to identify issues to be brought up including items
available for future grants.
Commissioner Warden said crosswalk enforcem ent near Stacks
restaurant had been discussed in the past. He said that several people
had reported seeing pedestrian near-misses, with drivers ignoring the
crosswalk. He realized that manpower was limited, but suggested using
cadets for enforcement sting operations. Sgt. Shepley said this was a
possibility, and a county-wide operation had been held there before. He
added that it was not as productive an intersection when compared to
Morrell and Carolan.
Chair Condon asked if discussions regarding the history of parking
restrictions along Peninsula Avenue would take place at a future meeting.
Mr. Chou answered that it would and that some research needed to be
done on the history and reasons for the restrictions. He also confirmed
that the issue might involve speaking with Code Enforcement Officer, Sue
Harris.
Commissioner Warden asked about people commuting home with large
panel trucks, and whether or not the City allowed such vehicles parked in
a residential area. Sgt. Shepley said the vehicle had to be over 10,000
pounds to be in violation, and that someone would investigate what size it
was. He added that if it was just one truck being driven home, there was
nothing wrong with that. Commissioner Warden indicated the vehicle was
not a pickup truck. He said it was larger, and with an enclosed box on the
rear. Sergeant Shepley stated that 10,000 pounds is huge, but that the
Police Department would take a look. Commissioner Warden identified
the location as Oak Grove and Paloma.
Chair Condon stated that he had a personal discussion with Larry
Patterson, San Mateo Public Works Director about the Peninsula Avenue
Overpass project. He said that San Mateo recognized that the project has
created a property value issue with property owners in the area. Chair
Condon reminded staff that this issue would be appearing sooner or later,
and asked that staff remember the major impact on residents.
Commissioner Bohnert added that the issue had gone through the real
estate offices as a big disclosure. Chair Condon agreed, saying a quick
decision had been made for that reason.
7.5 Comments and communications
None.
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MAY 18, 2006 Minutes
Page 20 of 20
7.5 Next meeting
There were no anticipated absences for the next Commission meeting on June 8,
2006.
8. INACTIVE ITEMS
8.1 Broadway/Paloma Avenue being evaluated for stop signs.
Mr. Chou stated this would be moved to an active/discussion item for next month.
9. AGENDUM ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING – June 8, 2006
9.1 Items Requiring Staff Reports
$ Item 4.2.3 - Broadway/Paloma evaluating for stop signs.
$ New Item - California Drive proposed overnight parking restrictions
Mr. Chou requested clarification as to whether the Peninsula Avenue issue should
be added as a discussion item. Chair Condon stated the issue was not pressing
and that staff could discuss findings.
Chair Condon suggested that Bicycle Safety Issues could be added or the
Commission could provide a date. Mr. Chou said that since Chair Condon is on
the committee, he and Mr. Chou will set up a date offline and hold one to two
meetings. Mr. Chou hoped that by the next official meeting on June 8, there will
be something to report.
10. ADJOURNMENT
8:39 p.m.