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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2020.10.08 1 TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION Approved Minutes Regular Meeting of Thursday, October 8, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER 7:03 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 3. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Bush, Londer, Martos, Wettan MEMBERS ABSENT: Israelit 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) August 13, 2020 Meeting Minutes Motion: To accept the August 13, 2020 Meeting Minutes as written. M/S/C; Londer/Bush, 4/0/0 b) September 10, 2020 Meeting Minutes Motion: To accept the September 10, 2020 Meeting Minutes as written. M/S/C; Londer/Wettan, 3/0/1 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA Adrienne Leigh said hello to the Commission and spoke about having concluded a B/PAC meeting before the Commission meeting. Madeline Frechette spoke about two recent bike/motor vehicle collisions and acknowledged that some B/PAC members know the affected parties. Ms. Frechette stated her friend was hit while using the southbound bike lane on California Drive. A car going northbound in the left turn lane to turn onto Trousdale Drive did not yield and hit the bicyclist. Ms. Frechette stated that this location had previous collisions and stated that the City does not take immediate action despite multiple collisions. Ms. Frechette stated she would like TSPC to figure out a policy or City action to make quick improvements to prevent people getting hurt and make these locations safer. 2 Manito Velasco stated that the location Madeline Frechette mentioned has had 4 injured bicyclists since 2012. Mr. Velasco stated it is not a new phenomenon and that he had encountered it himself. Mr. Velasco stated that the 4 reported serious collisions did not account for the near misses, and that collisions are a lagging indicator of a problem. Mr. Velasco stated if an intersection has zero collisions, it does not mean that it is safe. He said that it just means that the collisions have not been reported or they have not occurred. In this case, Mr. Velasco stated that there is a collision pattern and that he hoped the City would take an immediate action to figure out what is wrong and to try to fix it. Mr. Velasco stated another immediate safety concern was Airport Blvd and Beach Road by the Facebook campus. Mr. Velasco stated Airport Blvd had been reconfigured around the buildings and is now curvier, but that there is an intersection that was previously used by families to go from Burlingame to Coyote Point. Mr. Velasco stated that the new T-intersection is now blind due to the reconfiguration and stated that he has seen near misses in the last two months. Mr. Velasco said he saw a potential for more conflicts once construction is completed. Mr. Velasco acknowledged that there are zero collisions for this intersection, but stated there is potential for collisions and requested TSPC recommend a treatment for this intersection before somebody got hurt. Commissioner Martos asked for clarification regarding the T-intersection. Mr. Velasco clarified the location of the T-intersection at Airport Blvd and Beach Road and stated that it was on the border between the City of Burlingame and City of San Mateo. Christopher D. Beall stated he joined B/PAC after he was hit by a motor vehicle in 2018 on Airport Blvd and wanted to speak about the collision on California Drive and Trousdale Drive. He stated that the bicyclist was a friend and was hit by the car going 25 mph and was thrown 30 feet, but did not sustain serious injuries. Mr. Beall emphasized that California Drive is vital to the City of Burlingame and connects multiple transportation hubs together and is lacking protected bike lanes. 6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS a) Community B/PAC Update (Informational Item Only) B/PAC Chair Leslie Beatty acknowledged that B/PAC had discussed the collisions. An intersection noted was Oak Grove Avenue and Laguna Avenue where a car ran the stop sign, while a bicyclist was on Laguna Avenue. Ms. Beatty referenced that many homeowners on Laguna Avenue have signs that say, “Drive like you children live here” and “slow down.” She stated that this was another area of concern and stated that this area was an extension of California Drive bike facility. Ms. Beatty stated that the neighbors had been asking for slow streets and traffic calming measures. Ms. Beatty informed that the B/PAC was eagerly awaiting feedback regarding their input into the Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan and stated that they had not heard back yet. Commissioner Londer said he thought the B/PAC meeting had gone well and acknowledged the presence of a new City staff member, Transportation Program Manager Lisha Mai. Commissioner Londer expressed that with Lisha’s presence maybe there would be improved communication and expressed concerns about recent bicyclist/motor vehicle collisions. Commissioner Bush stated that addressing collisions should be brought as a future agenda item and should be encompassed in the Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan. 3 Commissioner Bush also expressed that he too is anxiously awaiting the completion of the Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan. Commissioner Martos also expressed concern regarding recent collisions and was interested in viewing more data. Commissioner Martos said he would like to see a compilation of City data related to bicycle and motor vehicle collisions going back to 2012. Vice Chair Wettan concurred with Commissioner Martos and stated he would like to see a compilation of hotspot data. Vice Chair Wettan acknowledged the additional work involved in data compilation and asked if B/PAC and the Commission would volunteer time if needed to put together data. Traffic Sergeant David Perna stated the reports were available and could be provided to B/PAC or await direction from TSPC on how to proceed. Vice Chair Wettan stated that he agreed with a review of intersection collision data and a creating process to analyze and discuss hotspot intersections. He spoke about remembering a bike collision on Trousdale Drive a few years ago and recognized reoccurring collisions merit taking another look at the intersection(s). He expressed excitement regarding viewing the upcoming Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan. Adrienne Leigh stated that it was easy to obtain the data on pedestrian and bicycle collisions for the past five years of incidents via the statewide incident reporting system. Ms. Leigh stated repeat pedestrian collisions were near pedestrian generators (i.e.: train station, BHS, shopping areas) and again stated that it was easy to print out the report. b) Parking Garage Update Mr. Wong confirmed that the parking facility was anticipated to be open by late winter/early spring. Mr. Wong stated that the deadline for the Request for Proposals (RFP) for wayfinding systems for the parking garage and Lots C and Y was extended. Sustainability Coordinator Sigalle Michael presented an EV Charging Stations Highland Parking Structure PowerPoint presentation. She stated that California State Code requires that 6% of the parking spaces be equipped with EV charging stations. Following California State Code, the parking garage will have 23 EV charging stations on various levels with 2 ADA spaces. Ms. Michael stated that the City issued an RFP for the EV charging stations and that Powerflex was selected. Powerflex had local experience, provided the lowest cost option, and can charge various types of electric cars including Teslas. Ms. Michael spoke about LCSF credits (low carbon standard fuel credits) and how the credits allow Powerflex the capability of providing the lowest cost option by participating in the carbon market. Powerflex had no network fees or transaction fees, and additionally they provided the lowest charge cost. The charge cost is set to only recover PG&E electricity costs. Ms. Michael stated Powerflex has power sharing across their chargers and are able figure out how much power to give a car over a period of time. Powerflex will be applying for a grant for a super-fast charger on behalf of the City. Powerflex also provides an easy payment system App. Ms. Michael emphasized that the parking garage will be open 24 hours and expected to see high EV charging station usage during the day. Ms. Michael stated that the EV chargers should be functional by March 2021 when the parking garage opens to the public. She stated that depending on the experience with Powerflex, it was possible to implement similar EV charging stations for the future Community Center parking garage. Ms. Michael stated that the City will have ownership over the Powerflex charging stations as opposed to the EVgo charging stations. Ms. Michael expressed that lessons were learned through the EVgo charging station experience and hoped that these new 4 Powerflex charging stations would be more frequently used. Commissioner Londer thanked Ms. Michael for the presentation. He expressed that he was glad that the new charging stations can charge Teslas, that the parking garage will be open 24 hours, and that there was a time restriction for turnover. Commissioner Londer wondered if there were additional spaces that had been pre-wired to allow for future EV charging stations. Ms. Michael clarified that no additional spaces were pre-wired in the Highland Parking Garage, but spoke about the City’s modification of reach codes for residential parking lots that will require conduits to each parking space for future developments. Ms. Michael clarified that Powerflex believed additional charging stations could be added in the future with power sharing. Ms. Michael spoke about City Hall’s EV charger continuous usage, and Mr. Wong concurred that he too has observed various electric vehicles charging at the station. Commissioner Martos inquired about solar power panels on the parking garage. Ms. Michael acknowledged that the solar power panels were considered, but unfortunately were not in the budget. Commissioner Martos inquired if the Recreation Center would have solar power panels. Ms. Michael confirmed the Recreation Center is meant to have solar power panels and that the City was looking into how to pay for solar with the intention of the Recreation Center being net zero. Commissioner Martos inquired about the cost of the EV chargers and acknowledged that the cost would be attractive to electric car drivers. Commissioner Martos wondered if rates were going to be structured to encourage periphery parking. Mr. Wong acknowledged that rates and cost structure will be discussed. Mr. Wong spoke about parking meter credit card minimum transaction charges that will be addressed in conjunction with the discussion about rates. Commissioner Bush inquired about if an adapter for Tesla is needed. Ms. Michael clarified that Teslas are already equipped with a level 2 adapter. Commissioner Bush inquired about the charging station spacing reasoning since various charging stations at various parking levels eliminates convenience. Ms. Michael asked Mr. Wong if charging cost would vary based on level and Mr. Wong confirmed that various levels would indeed have different cost structures. Ms. Michael stated that this was the largest installation of EV chargers and that City staff is also interested in how the EV charging stations in the parking garage will go. Commissioner Bush stated that the City has 3 charging station vendors which requires the user to install various Apps needed to use the various charging stations, and inquired about creating future charging station consistency. Ms. Michael clarified that other Powerflex benefits outweighed the App inconvenience and that users would establish a new habit to dedicate to one charging station. Vice Chair Wettan emphasized the importance of a new state mandate that will only allow electric vehicles sales after 2035. Ms. Michael spoke again about new City reach codes for every new home and renovations that will require one level 2 charger and one charging plug. She also stated that for multifamily residential developments 10% of parking spots will need to be level 2 charging stations and that remaining parking spots will need to have access to a charging plug. She also stated that commercial developments will also have a 10% charging station requirement. Vice Chair Wettan stated that this discussion should be a future agenda item to revisit EV charging in residential buildings and spoke about personal experience with limited EV charging access. Vice Chair Wettan spoke about 5 having a future expansion plan for EV charging stations for the parking garage and stated that this was the number one issue. He also inquired about having to pay for charging and for the parking spot. Ms. Michael confirmed that users would be required to pay for charging and the parking space. Mr. Wong confirmed the same dual payment is required at the train station charging stations. Vice Chair Wettan asked if there were any up front installation costs. Ms. Michael confirmed that it came out to $2,800 per charger and that the total contract price was $65,000. Vice Chair Wettan asked about EVgo’s contract duration and possible replacement. Ms. Michael clarified that EVgo has a 10 year contract with the City and were also benefiting from the LCSF credits. Vice Chair Wettan and Ms. Michael spoke about the adapter challenge with EVgo charging stations. Mr. Wong clarified that the parking fees are built into the charger. Mr. Wong spoke about the decreased complexity of installing more charging stations since the devices are wall mounted. Vice Chair Wettan emphasized that electric charging will change in the upcoming 5 to 10 years. Ms. Michael mentioned that Peninsula Clean Energy has a $1,000 rebate for the purchase of an electric vehicle. c) Parklet and Street Closure Update Mr. Wong stated that the Broadway full street closures were still occurring and start at 4:00 pm on Saturday thru 10 pm on Sunday. Mr. Wong stated that the Broadway BID likes the street closures flexibility of expanding past the expanse of a parklet. Mr. Wong expressed that Broadway is starting to prepare for wet weather and that they appreciated the parklet option. Mr. Wong spoke about exploring side street parklets and reaching out to businesses. Mr. Wong reported that Downtown Burlingame has 34 businesses that have submitted an application for a parklet or have installed a parklet. Many businesses have requested more space, but space is limited. Mr. Wong stated over 250 barriers have been placed and that 70 on-street parking spaces had been impacted. Mr. Wong stated that businesses have requested curbside pick-up parking and that Copenhagen was one of the first businesses to request a curbside pick-up parking sign/space. Commissioner Londer expressed that the parklets/street closure were a good thing and hoped that the weather would hold. Commissioner Martos inquired about the cost of a parklet application. Mr. Wong stated that there are no associated fees at this time. Commissioner Martos noted that in the evening some parklets are not being used and provided the idea to permit restaurants to use the empty parklet and to share the space. Mr. Wong stated that parklet space sharing was already occurring. Mr. Wong provided the example of Sixto’s Restaurant and Delfina Pizzeria parklet space sharing. Vice Chair Wettan shared his personal experience about dining with his daughters on Broadway and expressed that it was a nice experience. Vice Chair Wettan inquired if for the winter the parklets are allowed to have a heat lamp. Mr. Wong spoke about an ongoing discussion amongst City officials regarding heat lamps. Vice Chair Wettan spoke about multiple cars getting through the Broadway street closures via Laguna Avenue and spoke about the need for clear signage, especially at night. Mr. Wong thanked Vice Chair Wettan for the information and Mr. Wong confirmed that he would reach out to the Corporation Yard staff to address the issue. Vice Chair Wettan spoke about speaking to the restaurants about the Broadway street closures negative impact on takeout and stated the need to 6 explore a way for easy takeout. Mr. Wong acknowledged the idea to allow takeout parking in nearby Broadway City parking lots. Christopher D. Beall spoke about the impact on Chula Vista Avenue due to the Broadway street closures. He spoke about the increased speeds on Chula Vista Avenue and the need for additional traffic calming. Mr. Wong acknowledged that City staff could look at additional signage and coordinate with Burlingame Police Department to place the radar trail on Chula Vista Avenue. 7. INFORMATION ITEMS a) Engineering Division Reports  TFCA Grant Update – Staff was not successful in obtaining the TFCA grant for the Lyon-Hoag Traffic Calming Improvements or the Video Detection Upgrade on the City’s SMART Corridor Intersections projects. However, the TA grant was submitted, and involves California Drive and the east side of the Burlingame Train Station.  Lyon-Hoag Traffic Calming Improvements Update – Phase 1 of the Lyon- Hoag and Adjacent Neighborhood Traffic Calming Improvements Project is currently being advertised. Improvements are scheduled for construction starting November 2020 with anticipated completion by the end of the year. Phase 1 includes quick build improvements such as striping of centerlines, edge lines, high visibility crosswalks, striped medians, trial traffic circles, trial bulbouts, modular trial speed cushions, and street signs. Quick builds are aimed to quickly delivery pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements unlike major capital project that can take longer to design, bid, and construct. They are reversible, adjustable traffic safety enhancements intended to be evaluated and reviewed within an initial period of 2 to 4 years after construction to help determine design and plan for mid- term modifications and long-term designs.  Federal Resurfacing Project Update – The work along California Drive has been substantially completed with resurfacing, signage, traffic loops, and the installation of new pedestrian ramps. Ramps are currently being installed along Broadway. Trousdale Drive has been paved with striping improvements to come. Cadillac Way and Highland Avenue were paved during the first weekend in October to minimized impacts to adjacent businesses. The project is approximately 50% complete and is scheduled to be substantially completed by the end of November. This assumes no weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.  Village at Burlingame Update – The parking garage is anticipated to be completed late winter or early spring 2021. The completion date for the workforce housing project (Village at Burlingame) has not been determined as there was a redesign of the foundation of the building. Currently, no new date has been set. 7  300 Burlingame Point Update – The roadway is now open to the public, but has not been accepted by the City. Due to PG&E issues, the traffic signals are scheduled to be operational sometime in mid-November 2020. Staff anticipates the new roadway to be accepted at the December 7th, City Council meeting.  IPS Meter Installation Update – Due to SIP, meter production was delayed and staff has only recently received all equipment. Conversion of the existing 475 coin- only meters with IPS smart parking meters is scheduled for end October at the following locations. Downtown Burlingame Avenue City Parking Lots  Lot A-3  Lot B-1  Lot C  Lot D  Lot J  Lot K  Lot L  Lot M  Lot O  Lot V Broadway Area City Parking Lots and On-Street Parking  Lot P  Lot Q  Lot R  Lot Y  Lot S  Capuchino Avenue  Paloma Avenue  Laguna Avenue  Chula Vista Avenue Commissioner Londer inquired about the redesign of the Village at Burlingame housing foundation. Mr. Wong stated he would inquire further with City staff regarding the redesign of the foundation.  TSPC Priority List (revised October 2020): TSPC Led Effort 1 Downtown Parking and Access 10/8/20: 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 10/8/20: Item 7a 5 Broadway Parking 10/8/20: Item 6c 6 Citywide Transportation Alternatives 2/13/20: Item 6c 7 Bay Trail Improvements 8 Electric Vehicles 10/8/20: Item 6b 9 Bike Share Feedback 12/12/19: Item 6b Staff Update via Report 1 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 2/13/20: Item 7a 2 Hoover School Update 10/8/20: Item 7a 8 3 Downtown Parking Strategies 10/8/20: 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 10/8/20: Item 7a 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 10/8/20: Item 7a 16 300 Burlingame Point Traffic Impacts 10/8/20: Item 7a 17 Broadway/California Update 2020 Agenda Item Action Status 1 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 24 collisions for the month of September. Sergeant Perna listed the collisions: above referenced collision on California Drive and Trousdale Drive, fatal collision on California Drive in front of Putnam, and 9 injury collisions. Sergeant Perna spoke about the California Drive and Trousdale Drive collision and confirmed that the motorist was at fault due to a failure to yield. He spoke about the report stating the motorist did not see the bicyclist. He stated that sun could have been a factor, but was not documented in the collision report. Sergeant Perna confirmed that the data could be provided to B/PAC and Commission for review. Sergeant Perna and Vice Chair Wettan spoke about the logistics of the collision. Vice Chair Wettan spoke about another hotspot at Hillside Drive and El Camino Real and how the sun can be a factor. Vice Chair Wettan inquired about the California Drive fatality. Sergeant Perna spoke about the fatality being related to street resurfacing, and that the collision occurred between a street sweeper and a motorcycle. Vice Chair Wettan spoke about another hotspot at El Camino Real and Rosedale. Vice Chair Wettan and Sergeant Perna spoke about a parked car collision on Broadway and that the location was the Walgreens parking lot. Sergeant Perna relayed again that collision information can be provided. Commissioner Londer noticed that many collisions were driver error and inquired if citations were issued at each occurrence. Sergeant Perna stated that it was on a case 9 by case basis and citations are not given at each occurrence. Commissioner Martos inquired about collision report listing at Howard Avenue and California Drive since it was not listed as a fatality or major accident. Sergeant Perna clarified that the data fields were reduced and that he was going to speak about the fatality. Ms. Leigh inquired about whether or not the drivers of the 2 bicycle collisions were cited. Sergeant Perna confirmed that neither driver was cited and acknowledged Ms. Leigh’s inquiry. c) Farmer’s Market Commissioner Londer stated he had all the materials for the TSPC to be a part of the Farmer’s Market again and that anyone was more than welcome to take them. d) TSPC Chair/Commissioner’s Communications Commissioner Londer stated that this meeting maybe he last meeting. He stated that he enjoyed serving on the Commission and that he had learned a lot, but mostly importantly cherished the friends he made and community members he had met. Commissioner Londer stated that he would be around and would still be involved in community activities. Commissioner Londer stated that he was certain this was his last meeting unless the City Council had not appointed a new commissioner. Commissioner Martos stated that at the intersection of Howard Avenue and Bloomfield Road there was a lanyard that said “yield to pedestrians” and that political stickers were placed on the sign. Commissioner Martos suggested having City staff clean up or replace the sign. Commissioner Martos expressed his sentiment regarding work ing with Commissioner Londer and described him as knowledgeable, patient, and insightful. Commissioner Martos stated that Commissioner Londer had helped him along the way on TSPC and that he had enjoyed working with him. Commissioner Martos expressed his admiration for Commissioner Londer and emphasized his service. Commissioner Londer confirmed he had been on the TSPC for 12 years. Vice Chair Wettan stated he had a communication regarding a Burlingame Hills Association email regarding a hedge and stated maybe it would be a future agenda item. Vice Chair Wettan expressed that he was at a loss of words and was sad to hear the news regarding Commissioner Londer’s departure from the TSPC. Vice Chair Wettan stated that Commissioner Londer is friend and mentor, and emphasized that he is a better person for having served with Commissioner Londer. Vice Chair Wettan talked about Commissioner Londer’s service, taking counts of school intersections and the selfless nature of his service. Vice Chair Wettan thanked Commissioner Londer for his service, friendship, and mentorship and stated that he deserved the break, but that he hoped Commissioner Londer would visit the TSPC again. Commissioner Londer thanked everyone for their kind words and friendship, and thanked Stephanie and wished her well with her delivery. 10 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. 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  Burlingame Hills Association Hedge Item  Joint Meeting with Planning Commission regarding EV Charging Stations and Reach Codes  Bike/Ped Collision Traffic Data Review  Oak Grove Avenue and Carolan Avenue Intersection  Broadway Parking Rates  Highland Parking Garage Rates 10. ADJOURNMENT 9:12 p.m.