HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2020.09.101
TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION
Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting of Thursday, September 10, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER 7:02 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
a) July 9, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Motion: To accept the July 9, 2020 Meeting Minutes as written.
M/S/C; Londer/Wettan, 4/0/0
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA
No public comments received.
6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
a) Burlingame Avenue & Broadway Street Closure Pilot Program Update
Originally listed as item 6c, the Burlingame Avenue and Broadway Street Closure Pilot
Program Update was moved to the top of the discussion items in the interest of time for
specific participants.
Mr. Wong stated the Broadway closure continues to occur from 4 pm on Saturdays to 10
pm on Sundays. For Burlingame Avenue, he stated last weekend was the last street
closure and they are now switching to parklets. Mr. Wong went over the parklet maps for
Burlingame Avenue. He indicated all parklets are for restaurants with the exception of one
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personal services business. Mr. Wong explained that the parklet for the personal services
business changes the parklet layout a bit as City Council determined that there needs to
be a 20 foot buffer between personal services and food establishments. Mr. Wong said
that space is tight on Burlingame Avenue and there is no end date for the parklets—staff
anticipates to have them at least through the end of the year.
Chair Israelit stated it is unfair that Sappore’s parklet is so far from their restaurant
frontage. Mr. Wong confirmed Sappore is okay with the parklet location at this time and
explained it has been a balancing act, especially given there was a business in the vicinity
that did not support the parklets.
Commissioner Londer confirmed there is no charge for the parklets as of right now. Mr.
Wong stated businesses have to commit to using the parklet three days per week due to
the trade off with the loss of parking. He said businesses have to list the days they will be
open on the parklet application. Commissioner Londer confirmed businesses can still have
tables and chairs on the sidewalk in addition to the parklet. Mr. Wong explained there is
still a fee associated with the tables and chairs permit. He also said that ADA access will
still be maintained for pedestrians. Mr. Wong also stated that retailers are not eligible for
a parklet based on County orders—they have the ability to operate indoors.
Based on the maps presented, Vice-Chair Wettan confirmed there would still be through
traffic on Burlingame Avenue and two lanes of traffic would be maintained. Vice-Chair
Wettan also confirmed Broadway is still closed all day on Sundays. He then inquired if
there have been any observations related to parking utilization on the weekends. Mr.
Wong stated the lots appear to be at about half capacity and the business owners on
Broadway seem to be happy with the current closure. Vice-Chair Wettan agreed that the
crowds on Broadway appear to “fit the purpose” and he observed in the evenings that the
two middle blocks are very well utilized (in front of Rocca and Broadway Prime).
Additionally, Vice-Chair Wettan spoke to a few restaurant owners and they seem happy
about the set-up, with no disruptions to take-out services and plenty of parking available.
Vice-Chair Wettan did note that the block east of Rocca, towards California Drive appears
to not be utilized. He also said he observed lunch time on Sundays seems to be
underutilized and suggested possibly consolidating people to the sidewalks to keep
Broadway open. Overall, Vice-Chair Wettan felt the Broadway closure has been
successful in the evenings on two of the three blocks.
In regards to Burlingame Avenue, Chair Israelit noticed sidewalks are wider compared to
Broadway. She stated she is concerned with the lack of clearance (6 feet) for pedestrians
where restaurants are placing tables and chairs on both sides of the sidewalks—it does
not allow appropriate clearance to walk past unmasked diners. Chair Israelit asked if there
has been any discussion to only allow tables and chairs on one side of the sidewalk. Mr.
Wong stated he would look into the concern and will get back to the Commission.
Commissioner Martos sought clarification regarding the parklet maps. Mr. Wong stated
those in red are businesses that have already applied for a parklet. Commissioner Martos
asked if all the parklets are the same size. Mr. Wong responded to say they are generally
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al the same size—roughly 300 square feet. Mr. Wong went on to explain there is no
standard for the parklets; businesses are allowed to decorate and make the area more
visually pleasing.
Vice-Chair Wettan shared his observations when picking up take-out on Burlingame
Avenue. He said restaurants are purposely closing off their back doors and as a
consequence, people getting take-out are forced to walk through the crowds. From a
health and safety perspective, Vice-Chair Wettan wondered if there has been any thought
to try to encourage restaurants to send take-out another way to avoid more people around
the storefront. Mr. Wong shared that most restaurant kitchens are in the back and owners
have been concerned with exposing that area. Vice-Chair Wettan felt there might be a
way to deliver it to the back door to avoid anyone in the restaurants. Chair Israelit liked
that suggestion and thought it would be worthwhile to explore.
Commissioner Martos stated he was on Burlingame Avenue over the past weekend and
observed many bikers riding down the Burlingame Avenue (not so carefully without
masks). He asked if bike riding was allowed on the sidewalks. Mr. Wong stated that in
business districts bikes are not allowed on sidewalks.
b) Community B/PAC Update (Informational Only)
No update.
Commissioner Londer and Vice-Chair Wettan stated there was a conflict with back-to-
school night. Per Ms. Mai, B/PAC did not meet this evening and postponed their meeting
to the 17th due to the conflict.
c) Grant Opportunities Update
Mr. Wong went through a presentation regarding upcoming grant opportunities—the first
opportunity being the FY20/21 Limited Call for Projects through the Transportation Fund
for Clean Air (TFCA) County Program. He stated C/CAG is designated the County
Program Manager to receive 40% of the Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) funds.
Mr. Wong stated there is a one-time total of $550,000 of TFCA County Program Manager
Funds available with a minimum award of $100,000 and maximum of $550,000. He said
eligible applicants include cities, towns, and county and transit agencies within San Mateo
County.
Mr. Wong shared two projects eligible for the TFCA grant program. The first being the
Lyon-Hoag Traffic Calming Improvements Implementation. He said this project would
consist of quick build traffic calming projects, including restriping a Class II bike facility,
constructing temporary trial traffic circles and bulb-outs with striping and flexible
delineators, temporary speed cushions, and high visibility crosswalk enhancements. Mr.
Wong said the goal of these improvements is to enhance safety for pedestrians and
bicyclists; promote walking and biking mobility between residential neighbors a nearby
transit, retail area, the City’s Park and Recreation Community Center and parks; slow
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traffic through the Lyon-Hoag neighborhood while maintaining circulation and traffic flow;
and reduce cut-through traffic. He further explained that through outreach programs and
town hall meetings, City staff worked with neighbors and completed a traffic study with a
prioritization of said improvements. Mr. Wong stated final design is currently underway
and the City is seeking construction funds to complete these quick build improvements.
The second project for submittal per Mr. Wong is the SMART Corridor Detection
Improvement Project. He said the proposed project would improve existing traffic signals
along Burlingame’s portion of the SMART Corridor with the addition of video detection
systems. Mr. Wong stated the project will procure and install video detection cameras at
six intersections along the California Drive corridor. The purpose of adding video detection
is to ensure detection of all modes of transportation at the SMART Corridor intersections
and enhance traffic signal operations.
Mr. Wong went on to the second grant opportunity which is the FY21/22 Call for Projects
for the SMCTA Pedestrian and Bicycle Program – Cycle 5. He said this grant is a
combination of funds from Measures A and W and the funds are to be used for specific
projects that encourage walking and bicycling. As with the previous grant opportunity,
eligible applicants include cities, towns, and county and transit agencies in San Mateo
County. Mr. Wong stated there is a total of $7,695,000 available for Capital Projects with
$2,565,000 available for small capital projects and $5,130,000 for large capital projects.
Mr. Wong shared the two project candidates for the SMCTA Pedestrian and Bicycle
Program: the California Drive Bicycle Facility Improvement Project and Burlingame Station
Pedestrian Improvements Project. For the California Drive project, Mr. Wong stated the
work would further the efforts of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan regarding the portion
of California Drive from Broadway to Oak Grove Avenue. He said the project will take the
conceptual designs, determine one through a public process, and then advance it to
construction.
For the Burlingame Station Pedestrian Improvements, Mr. Wong explained the proposed
project would construct improvements at the intersection of Burlingame Avenue/East
Lane. He said the improvements would consist of curb extensions, landscaping/bio-
retention areas, new curb ramps, and new crosswalks. Additionally, Mr. Wong stated the
improvements will benefit traffic operation, enhance pedestrian safety, and improve
access for the station. In closing, he said public outreach related to these improvements
were done during the Lyon-Hoag Traffic Calming Project efforts and are currently under
design as part of that project.
Commissioner Londer asked how many applications can be submitted for each grant and
how much are they for. Mr. Wong stated each grant program will receive two project
applications, but staff is still finalizing numbers—somewhere between $500k and $1M will
be requested for each project.
Commissioner Martos inquired about the video detection on California Drive and whether
it improves throughput. Mr. Wong stated that it allows another way to detect bicycles, gives
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redundancy, and there is less down time when work is being done in the area since signals
go on recall. Commissioner Martos asked if there are detection facilities at Broadway and
Carolan Avenue. Mr. Wong responded and said there are cameras up from the
interchange project but detection there isn’t necessarily the issue.
In closing, Ms. Mai shared that October 15 is when C/CAG staff will bring the approval of
the selected projects to their Board but applicants should be notified before then.
Commissioner Martos requested a status update at the next TSPC meeting. Mr. Wong
said they will provide an update but it might not occur during the October meeting.
7. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Engineering Division Reports
• Lots F and N Construction Update – Contractor working on construction of third
deck. Staff is working on both EV charging facilities and electronic wayfinding for
the garage. Spring of 2021 is still the target date for the garage opening.
Commissioner Londer inquired about the EV chargers and whether or not they
will be on all levels of the garage. Mr. Wong stated he is aware they will be on the
ground level but will find out if there will be additional chargers on other levels of
the garage.
Vice-Chair Wettan reiterated the importance for the infrastructure to expand the
EV chargers down the road as the demand for charging stations may increase
over time.
• Carolan Avenue – Summerhill will be restriping facilities tomorrow and Friday.
• TSPC Priority List (revised September 2020):
TSPC Led Effort
1 Downtown Parking and Access 9/10/20: Item 6c
2 Bike\Ped Plan Update: fwd to BPAC 8/13/20: Item 6b
3 School Traffic and Safety Issues 3/12/20: Item 7a
4 Neighborhood Traffic Calming 5/14/20: Item 7a
5 Broadway Parking 9/10/20: Item 6c
6 Citywide Transportation Alternatives 2/13/20: Item 6c
7 Bay Trail Improvements
8 Electric Vehicles 9/10/20: Item 7a
9 Bike Share Feedback 12/12/19: Item 6b
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Staff Update via Report
1 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 2/13/20: Item 7a
2 Hoover School Update 6/11/20: Item 7a
3 Downtown Parking Strategies 3/12/20: Item 7a
4 City Hall Traffic Calming/Floribunda 4/11/19: Item 6b
5 California Roundabout 5/9/19: Item 7a
6 Oak Grove/Carolan Traffic Signal 10/10/19: Item 7a
7 Bike\Ped Plan Update: fwd to BPAC 8/13/20: Item 6b
8 Rec Center Parking 3/12/20: Item 7a
9 Old Bayshore Corridor Study 12/12/19: Item 7a
10 Grant Opportunities 9/10/20: Item 6b
11 Broadway Grade Separation 6/11/20: Item 7a
12 San Mateo's Peninsula Ave OC
13 School Speed Limit Updates 6/13/19, Item 7a
14 School Safety Improvements 3/12/20: Item 7a
15 Lyon-Hoag Neighborhood Traffic Calming 6/11/20: Item 7a
16 300 Burlingame Point Traffic Impacts 8/8/19: Item 7a
17 Broadway/California Update
2020 Agenda Item Action Status
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Council Direction Regarding Improving
Short-Term Parking in the Burlingame
Avenue Downtown Area
Poles and SMART meter have
been installed and are currently
being programmed.
b) Police Department Reports
The collision report was distributed prior to the meeting as part of the agenda packet.
Sergeant Perna stated there were 11 collisions for the month of August. He said of the
11 accidents, there were 4 injury collisions. Sergeant Perna stated there were no DUI
collisions. He said that due to the pandemic, all OTS operations stopped, but once
restrictions subsided, they’ve been running DUI checkpoints each weekend. He felt that
was a big reason why they are seeing a reduction/elimination of DUI’s.
Sergeant Perna said the accident at California Drive and Lorton Avenue (in the
roundabout) involved a bicyclist riding in the crosswalk, which is against the law. He said
the collision was very minor.
Sergeant Perna also confirmed it is illegal to ride bikes on the sidewalks on Broadway
and Burlingame Avenue
Chair Israelit inquired about the accident at Carolan Avenue and Cadillac Way as she felt
that location has frequent accidents. Sergeant Perna agreed and said he would look into
the accident history. He stated that the collision involved two vehicles—one entering
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Carolan Avenue from a driveway that did not yield to the car with the right-of-way.
Commissioner Martos asked Mr. Wong if there is any signage on the street that states it
is illegal to ride their bikes on the sidewalk. He stated it might be a good idea to add a
few signs on Burlingame Avenue and Broadway. Mr. Wong said he thought there were
some signs on Broadway and Burlingame Avenue but he would double check. Chair
Israelit suggested education through the schools/PTA. Sergeant Perna suggested
including information in the City eNews.
c) Farmer’s Market
No update. The Commission is currently not participating in the Farmer’s Market given
the current conditions surrounding COVID-19.
d) TSPC Chair/Commissioner’s Communications
Vice-Chair Wettan pointed out that he was on Broadway at Lot Y and there is still a large
amount of real estate dedicated to EV chargers which are unused. He stated they are
still not compatible with Tesla, which is one of the most common electric vehicles in town.
Mr. Wong said we would check with Sigalle Michael regarding his concern.
Commissioner Londer stated Sigalle Michael spoke at the Citizens Environmental
Council last night and the EV charging company does not share any of their usage data
with the City. He said she confirmed the chargers are underutilized but they do not have
any supporting data.
8. COMMISSION & SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a) Downtown Parking (Martos & Wettan)
No update.
b) Broadway Parking (Bush & Israelit)
No update.
c) School Traffic (Israelit & Londer)
No update.
d) Citywide Transportation Alternatives (Londer & Wettan)
No update.
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9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• Grant results
• Signal at Oak Grove Avenue/Carolan Avenue
• Burlingame Avenue parklets and Broadway closure update
Vice-Chair Wettan suggested accelerating the TSPC meeting schedule or to have a
special meeting in an effort to weigh in on the decisions related to the Burlingame Avenue
parklets and Broadway closure. Up to this point, he said TSPC has not been able to weigh
in on the decisions since the closure and parklets have evolved rapidly. Vice-Chair Wettan
suggested the Commission be more flexible with the calendaring of meetings and he
doesn’t necessarily feel TSPC needs to meet more often.
Chair Israelit agreed and also wondered how much feedback Council would want from the
TSPC. Chair Israelit said she would have a conversation with the Mayor on these quick
decisions that are happening. She suggested the Commission continue with their regular
scheduled meetings and to hold special meetings as needed.
Commissioner Londer said he thinks Council values the input of the TSPC. He felt special
meetings would be ideal as needed and would eliminate the need to meet twice a month.
Vice-Chair Wettan noted that historically TSPC has held two special meetings for other
items in order to respond in a timely manner.
Mr. Wong stated that staff would just need a two-day notice to hold a special meeting.
10. ADJOURNMENT 8:37 p.m.