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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2021.01.141 TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION Approved Minutes Regular Meeting of Thursday, January 14, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER 7:04 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 3. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Leigh, Bush, Israelit, Martos, Wettan MEMBERS ABSENT: None 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) December 10, 2020 Meeting Minutes Motion: To accept the December 10, 2020 Meeting Minutes as written. M/S/C; Bush/Leigh, 5/0/0 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA None 6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS a) Community B/PAC Update (Informational Item Only) Ms. Lesley Beatty from B/PAC spoke about the January 2021 B/PAC meeting and Transportation Program Manager Lisha Mai’s participation in the meeting. Ms. Beatty stated that the meeting’s focus was on the implementation of the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan (BPMP). Ms. Beatty spoke about the BPMP’s prioritization, but clarified that the budget and allocations were unknown. Ms. Beatty spoke about Ms. Mai’s direction to have B/PAC identify where funds could be distributed to. Ms. Beatty stated that the B/PAC would likely recommend neighborhood, bike, and school projects. Ms. Beatty highlighted 2 that there is $300,000 in the current budget that is set aside for further work on two grant projects, California Drive Bike Project and Burlingame Train Station Pedestrian Project, and stated that B/PAC encourages the City to not go back to do additional outreach or concept design on California Drive since the work has been done already in the BPMP and is encompassed in the Request for Proposals (RFP)/grant. Ms. Beatty stated that the B/PAC would like to be “super-efficient” with funds for projects. Commissioner Israelit asked Ms. Beatty if the area B/PAC discussed holding off on developing more California Drive concepts was north or south of Broadway. Ms. Beatty clarified that the RFP/grant was for the area south of Broadway, from Broadway to Oak Grove Avenue. Ms. Beatty clarified that B/PAC fully supports the RFP/grant for the area south of Broadway, but spoke about existing high-level Alta Planning + Design concepts for the area and stated that the B/PAC is requesting that the City not duplicate efforts and use/work-off of existing concepts. Chair Wettan asked Mr. Wong if there was a legal issue related to streamlining projects and public outreach efforts. Mr. Wong stated that the City was advancing the concepts from the BPMP and that the City would conduct targeted outreach. Commissioner Bush spoke about the various public outreach effort formats and Mr. Wong clarified that multiple public outreach effort formats would be used including the TSPC. Commissioner Leigh emphasized the importance of including B/PAC in the public comment/outreach. Mr. Wong clarified that a thorough presentation in a joint TSPC meeting with B/PAC and the bike community would be ideal. Chair Wettan concurred with Mr. Wong’s statement of holding a future joint meeting. b) Parking Restriction Options for the Highland Avenue Parking Garage Mr. Wong reviewed Option A and Option B discussed during the December 2020 TSPC meeting. Mr. Wong restated TSPC’s selection of Option B (making the entire parking garage long-term parking and transition long-term parking on Howard Avenue to short- term parking). Mr. Wong also restated TSPC’s comments regarding reducing/incentivizing the pricing for the parking garage, creating a special reduced parking garage permit for employees, and inquiring if employers would purchase the permit for their employees as an employment incentive. Mr. Wong stated that an 8-question poll was conducted by the Economic Development Specialist Joe Sanfilippo. The poll was sent to the businesses located near Howard Avenue. A majority of the respondents supported the recommendation to convert the on-street parking from long-term to short-term parking on Howard Avenue. According to the poll, ninety percent of employees drive to work and predominately drive 10 or more miles to work. The poll demonstrated that a majority of employees typically park on “on-street, long-term (4 or 10-hour), metered space” and that most employees know about the City’s employee permit parking program. A majority of the respondents supported the idea of reducing the new garage parking rates for employees; however, respondents (employers) were split on whether or not they would purchase long-term permits for their employees. 3 Commissioner Leigh stated her concern related to hair salon services and the duration of hair services in relation to the suggested transition of new short-term parking on Howard Avenue. Commissioner Leigh suggested keeping the short-term parking more expensive than the parking garage to deter employees from parking in those short -term parking spaces near the businesses. Commissioner Leigh spoke about safety and the perceived safety of walking back to a car at night in a long-term parking area, and stated she would not park in the long-term parking area after dark if she were an employee due to safety concerns and spoke about addressing the issue. Commissioner Leigh spoke about addressing the crosswalk at Howard Avenue and Lorton Avenue, and stated that the intersection is a top pedestrian collision location. Commissioner Israelit spoke about a previous TSPC meeting conservation with Sergeant Perna regarding lighting remaining on at all times in the parking garage and about previously speaking about the parking distance to the parking garage not being a big deterrent for shoppers/hair salon clients. Mr. Wong clarified that the new parking garage would be lit 24/7 because overnight EV charging will be allowed. Mr. Wong stated he would look into the Howard Avenue and Lorton Avenue intersection, as well as, look into potential improvements to the location. Chair Wettan supported looking into the Howard Avenue and Lorton Avenue intersection. Commissioner Israelit stated that the poll indicated that a majority were in favor of the long-term parking garage option, and stated that it was interesting that one-third of the employees drive 5 miles or less to work. Commissioner Israelit stated that after COVID- 19 about maybe providing the one-third of employees with Uber vouchers would be an easy fix to alleviate Downtown parking congestion. Commissioner Bush concurred with Commissioner Israelit and stated that he supported the transition of on-street parking to 2 hours to promote greater circulation. Commissioner Bush stated that distance to the parking garage was not significant for patrons who were going to park longer than 2 hours, and stated that a reduced rate to employees should be provided for the top two floors of the parking garage. Commissioner Bush also stated that there should be some focus on alternative modes of transportation. Commissioner Bush stated that the primary purpose of parking meters is to increase flow and supported increasing rates to alleviate congestion, and compensate people who are driving shorter distances with voucher programs and public transportation incentives. Vice-Chair Martos concurred that the parking rates should be reduced to incentivize parking in the parking garage. Vice-Chair Martos supported Commissioner Leigh’s comment on improving the crosswalk at Howard Avenue and Lorton Avenue. Vice-Chair Martos stated that meters turn off at 6:00 pm and stated that on-street parking was available after 6:00 pm for those who did not want to park in the long-term parking lots/garage due to safety concerns. Vice-Chair Martos reiterated his support for Option B. Chair Wettan stated that he agreed with gaining short- term parking near the Downtown Area was important and he agreed about incentivizing the top two floors of the parking garage for employee parking. Chair Wettan reiterated his support for Option B. Motion: Recommending Option B be adopted by the City Council and reducing the parking time period on Howard Avenue to 2 hours, and ensuring the occupancy of the new garage structure by considering incentive structures with employers. 4 M/S/C; Bush/Israelit, 5/0/0 c) 2021 TSPC Priority List Chair Wettan clarified that the Noworolski (previous TSPC Commissioner) method is used to set the priority list and explained its circular process. The following 2021 TSPC Priority List was established: RANK TSPC 1 Bike\Ped Plan Priorities 2 School Transportation and Safety Issues 3 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 4 Neighborhood Traffic Calming/Controls 5 Old Bayshore Corridor Study (s/o Broadway) 6 Electric Vehicle Discussion with Planning 7 Downtown Parking and Access 8 Broadway Parking 9 Citywide Transportation Alternatives RANK Engineering Staff 1 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 2 Hoover School Update 3 Downtown Parking Strategies 4 City Hall Traffic Calming/Floribunda 5 California Roundabout 6 Oak Grove/Carolan Traffic Signal 7 Bike\Ped Plan Implementation 8 Rec Center Parking 9 Old Bayshore Corridor Study (n/o Broadway) 10 Grant Opportunities 11 Broadway Grade Separation 12 San Mateo's Peninsula Ave OC 13 School Speed Limit Updates 14 School Safety Improvements 15 Lyon-Hoag Neighborhood Traffic Calming 16 300 Burlingame Point Traffic Impacts 17 Broadway/California Update 18 Halloween Traffic Impacts (Eng Report) 19 Bike/Scooter Share Feedback 20 Chapin Avenue Green Streets Project 5 d) TSPC Sub-Committee Selections TSPC Sub-Committee selections will be made after a replacement for Commissioner Bush’s open position is filled. 7. INFORMATION ITEMS a) Engineering Division Reports  Broadway and Burlingame Parklet Update – Due to the latest order from San Mateo County, all outdoor operations have ceased until further notice; putting the parklet program on a temporary hold. Staff is continuing to work with businesses to inform and install parklets in preparation for when the County order is lifted.  Lyon-Hoag Traffic Calming Update – Contractor has completed the layout work for the improvements, and should have started construction by the week of January 11, 2021 (weather permitting).  California Drive Bicycle Facility RFP –The RFPs are due to the City on January 15, 2021. After which staff will review and score the proposals in order to select a team to complete the final design for the project (concepts based on Bike/Ped Master Plan).  Burlingame Station Pedestrian Improvements RFP –The RFPs are due to the City on January 15, 2021. After which staff will review and score the proposals in order to select a team to complete the final design for the project (concepts based on Lyon-Hoag Traffic Calming Report).  Federal Resurfacing Project Update – Project is significantly complete.  TSPC Priority List (revised January 2021): TSPC Led Effort 1 Bike\Ped Plan Priorities 2 School Transportation and Safety Issues 3 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 4 Neighborhood Traffic Calming/Controls 5 Old Bayshore Corridor Study (s/o Broadway) 6 Electric Vehicle Discussion with Planning 7 Downtown Parking and Access 8 Broadway Parking 6 9 Citywide Transportation Alternatives Staff Update via Report 1 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 2 Hoover School Update 3 Downtown Parking Strategies 4 City Hall Traffic Calming/Floribunda 5 California Roundabout 6 Oak Grove/Carolan Traffic Signal 7 Bike\Ped Plan Implementation 8 Rec Center Parking 9 Old Bayshore Corridor Study (n/o Broadway) 10 Grant Opportunities 11 Broadway Grade Separation 12 San Mateo's Peninsula Ave OC 13 School Speed Limit Updates 14 School Safety Improvements 15 Lyon-Hoag Neighborhood Traffic Calming 16 300 Burlingame Point Traffic Impacts 17 Broadway/California Update 18 Halloween Traffic Impacts (Eng Report) 19 Bike/Scooter Share Feedback 20 Chapin Avenue Green Streets Project 2021 Agenda Item Action Status 1 Vice-Chair Martos inquired about the new Lyon Hoag traffic calming circles. Mr. Wong clarified that there are various traffic circles that are a part of the Lyon Hoag traffic calming project. Ms. Mai clarified that there will be two additional traffic circles at Howard Avenue/Bancroft Road and Bloomfield Road/Bayswater Avenue. Commissioner Leigh inquired about the proposed traffic circle at Plymouth Way and Bloomfield Road and stated that it would qualify as a school crossing due to the proximity to Burlingame High School. Commissioner Leigh stated that the proposed traffic circle would not allow enough room for both vehicular and bicycle traffic. Ms. Mai clarified that staff also found the proposed traffic circle to be not adequate for the area and stated that the traffic circle had been eliminated. Ms. Mai stated that the flares were kept to force vehicular traffic to make a slight movement to slow the vehicular traffic. Commissioner Leigh inquired if installing crosswalks with flashing lights would be a possibility and also installing a sign at the intersection at Bloomfield Road and Plymouth Way, and stated that she recalled through 7 the Lyon Hoag study that 86% of drivers were driving higher than the speed limit through the intersection. Mr. Wong stated that the intersection would be looked at through the different phases of the Lyon Hoag Traffic Calming project and that the intersection would be revisited. Vice-Chair Martos inquired about refreshing the red curbing at the intersection at Victoria Avenue and Howard Avenue. Mr. Wong stated that staff would place a work order to refresh the red curbing at the intersection. b) Police Department Reports Chair Wettan noted three collisions on Paloma Avenue and Capuchino Avenue. Sergeant Perna clarified that DUI collisions are reported as a separate collisions and that the three collisions were from the same DUI incident. Sergeant Perna highlighted the major rainy night collision at California Drive and Burlingame Avenue. Sergeant Perna stated that the driver did hit pedestrians in the crosswalk and stated that there was one significant head injury. Chair Wettan asked how the lighting at California Drive and Burlingame Avenue was insufficient. Sergeant Perna noted that the driver stated the pedestrians were wearing dark clothing and weather conditions. Sergeant Perna stated that the driver was at fault in this collision and suggested light-up beacons for the intersection. Chair Wettan requested information regarding the progress on creating a “hot map” of traffic collisions. Sergeant Perna clarified that a “hot map” was created using Google MyMaps, but that the information was a bit crowded and that he would continue revising the “hot map” and would have a “hot map” by the next TSPC meeting. Sergeant Perna suggested maybe creating multiple maps and said he was open to suggestions. Chair Wettan volunteered to meet virtually with Sergeant Perna to discuss mapping solutions. Commissioner Leigh spoke about the intersection at California Drive and Burlingame Avenue and the different lighting needs for vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Commissioner Leigh stated that pedestrians need lighting low to the ground, illuminating pedestrian’s body at major intersections and to illuminate the crosswalk to be brighter than the street. Commissioner Leigh spoke about the mapping options to include a pedestrian collision map (injury or not), bicycle collision map, and motor vehicle collision map. Commissioner Leigh stated that different areas affect pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles differently. Commissioner Israelit stated support for separating the information into three maps to make them more readable. Sergeant Perna agreed with Commissioner Leigh’s idea of creating three separate maps and Chair Wettan agreed they would look into the different mapping options. Vice-Chair Martos inquired about potential upcoming protests related to the presidential inauguration. Sergeant Perna stated that the Police Department was prepared for any event, but that there had not been any reports of upcoming protests. c) Farmer’s Market 8 Chair Wettan stated interest in having the TSPC return to the Farmer’s Market in the future. d) TSPC Chair/Commissioner’s Communications Commissioner Israelit inquired about the Chapin Avenue Feasibility Study and an eNews survey link. Commissioner Israelit stated that she was surprised by the ongoing Chapin Avenue Feasibility Study since TSPC had discussed the potential project, and was not in favor of moving forward with the project due to the loss of parking and left-turn issues into businesses. Commissioner Israelit informed TSPC about a transportation program called “Got Wheels” for seniors over the age of 70 years old. The transportation program provides 24/7 service and only costs $5 for a one-way trip. Chair Wettan inquired if the program was related to the City of San Mateo program. Commissioner Israelit clarified that funding is provided by the County of San Mateo, but that the program was started by Peninsula Family Services. Commissioner Israelit spoke about a resident’s request to improve a blind corner at Alturas Drive and Margarita Avenue by placing a convex traffic mirror. Mr. Wong stated that staff would look at the intersection, but that typically convex mirrors were not placed at intersections. Commissioner Israelit spoke about her husband’s observation at Burlingame Plaza and El Camino Real. Commissioner Israelit stated that her husband had almost been hit several times trying to exit Burlingame Plaza on El Camino Real going towards Trousdale Drive since drivers are driving through the furthermost right lane from Murchision Drive to Trousdale Drive’s right-turn only lane. Commissioner Israelit suggested placing traffic delineators to prevent the thru traffic on the furthermost right lane since it is not supposed to be a continuous lane. Mr. Wong stated staff would contact Caltrans. Commissioner Israelit stated that the lines are delineated appropriately and drivers are purposefully breaking the law by driving over the delineated lines, and that she should would provide a mock-up of the intersection to Mr. Wong. Commissioner Leigh spoke about a senior citizen request regarding Old Bayshore Way and Airport Boulevard requesting additional time to cross the crosswalk. Mr. Wong stated staff would look at the crosswalk timing. Chair Wettan provided an update regarding the Burlingame Hills foliage issue and stated that the area was under the Town of Hillsborough’s jurisdiction, and added that the issue had been addressed. 8. COMMISSION & SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a) Downtown Parking (Martos & Wettan) No update. 9 b) Broadway Parking (Bush & Israelit) No update. c) School Traffic (Israelit & Wettan) No update. d) Citywide Transportation Alternatives (Wettan) No update. 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  Oak Grove Avenue & Carolan Avenue Signal Update  Peninsula Avenue Interchange Update  Broadway/California Drive Intersection Update  Burlingame Train Station Improvements  2021 B/PAC Priority List 10. ADJOURNMENT 9:43 p.m.