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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2021.02.111 TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION Approved Minutes Regular Meeting of Thursday, February 11, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER 7:05 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 3. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Leigh, Israelit, Martos, Wettan MEMBERS ABSENT: None 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) January 14, 2021 Meeting Minutes Motion: To accept the January 14, 2021 Meeting Minutes as written. M/S/C; Leigh/Israelit, 4/0/0 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA None. 6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS a) Proclamation for Commissioner Jeff Londer Former Commissioner Jeff Londer expressed his thoughts and appreciation of the Traffic Safety and Parking Commission (TSPC). Mr. Londer spoke about the TSPC’s achievements and accomplishments during his tenure and quoted Winston Churchill “so much done, so much yet to be done.” Mr. Londer expressed his confidence that the Commissioners and Councilmembers would maintain Burlingame as the “Jewel of the Peninsula.” Mr. Londer thanked everyone and preceded to open the framed proclamation. Chair Wettan and TSPC Commissioners read the proclamation out loud and celebrated 2 Mr. Londer. Chair Wettan stated Mayor Ann O’Brien Keighran, Councilmember Beach, Councilmember Brownrigg, and former Mayor Terry Nagel were in attendance. Mayor O’Brien thanked Mr. Londer for his service to the community and participation on the TSPC. Mayor O’Brien stated that Councilmember Colson was not in attendance due to a Peninsula Clean Energy meeting, but had asked Mayor O’Brien to congratulate Mr. Londer for his accomplishments on her behalf. Councilmember Brownrigg thanked Mr. Londer for his dedication, hard-work, and service to the City and community. Councilmember Beach thanked Mr. Londer for his participation on the TSPC, as a B/PAC liaison, Envision Burlingame, El Camino Real Taskforce, San Mateo County Citizens Advisory Committee, and Citizens Environmental Council (CEC). Former Mayor Terry Nagel thanked Mr. Londer for being a tireless volunteer and for his participation and passion on so many committees. B/PAC Chair Lesley Beatty thanked Mr. Londer for being the B/PAC liaison and for his support. CEC Lead Mike McCord thanked Mr. Londer for helping the CEC and for his friendship. Commissioner Leigh thanked Mr. Londer for his participation as the B/PAC liaison and commitment to the community. Commissioner Leigh stated that she had “very big shoes to fill” and that she was going to strive to do her best. Commissioner Israelit thanked Mr. Londer for his TSPC guidance and stated that he would be missed. Vice-Chair Martos stated that Mr. Londer is an intelligent leader and great mentor. Vice-Chair Martos also thanked Mr. Londer for his guidance and for convincing him to join TSPC. Senior Civil Engineer Andrew Wong thanked Mr. Londer for welcoming him to the TSPC and congratulated him on his accomplishments on TSPC. Transportation Program Manager Lisha Mai concurred with all the expressed sentiments and stated that she looked forward to continuing open discussions with Mr. Londer. Chair Wettan thanked Bernadine (Mr. Londer’s wife) for sharing her time with her husband with TSPC and other committees. Chair Wettan spoke about Mr. Londer’s dedication and commitment to TSPC and to the Burlingame community. Chair Wettan expressed that Mr. Londer made him a better Commissioner and public servant. Chair Wettan expressed that Mr. Londer made “him a better person, listener, citizen, and friend.” b) Community B/PAC Update (Informational Item Only) B/PAC Chair Lesley Beatty stated that B/PAC discussed 2021 bike/pedestrian items and stated that Transportation Program Manager Lisha Mai helped explain the budget scenarios for projects. Ms. Beatty stated that the B/PAC was able to provide feedback on projects and their priority level. Ms. Beatty stated that the B/PAC recommended that the TSPC review the same budget spreadsheet and suggested adding an agenda item to next month’s TSPC meeting to discuss the project/budget items. Chair Wettan concurred with the B/PAC’s suggestion to add the TSPC agenda item. c) Oak Grove/Carolan Traffic Signal and Pedestrian Improvements Mr. Wong stated that the Oak Grove/Carolan Avenue intersection traffic controls are unique and challenging due to 3 stop controls and 1 free-moving control. Mr. Wong stated 3 that one option that could address these challenges could be a traffic signal, but stated that a level-of-service balance would need to be achieved. Mr. Wong introduced W-Trans Consultant Steve Fitzsimons who presented a PowerPoint presentation explaining potential modifications to the Oak Grove Avenue traffic signal and the potential signalization of Carolan Avenue. Mr. Fitzsimons presented the “No” Build Option, meaning minor modifications would be made to the traffic control such as the installation of a “countdown” pedestrian signal and the introduction of a flashing yellow arrow (FYA). Mr. Fitzsimons presented the two build options and both include a new traffic signal at Carolan Avenue. Mr. Fitzsimons stated that the intent of both build options is to improve safety and will be compatible with Caltrain operations. Build Option 1 would be similar to California Drive’s existing traffic signal operation, but would have a longer cycle due to multiple traffic signal coordinations. Build Option 2 would introduce the FYA operation. Chair Wettan asked for clarification regarding delays and providing north/east/west/south orientation details. Mr. Fitzsimons clarified that the delay calculations were the overall average value. Commissioner Leigh inquired about pedestrian delay. Mr. Fitzsimons clarified that the Peak Hour Levels of Service chart only depicted motor vehicle delay. Mr. Fitzsimons provided detailed traffic signal operation functions for the build options and incorporation of FYA operation. Commissioner Israelit inquired about the FYA’s use and Mr. Fitzsimons explained that the compelling reason to use the FYA was to distinguish from the green arrow function meant to clear the traffic before the train approaches. Mr. Fitzsimons explained that “no-turn on red” signs could be installed for Build Options 1 and 2 for northbound California Drive and southbound Carolan Avenue to add additional rail safety. Mr. Fitzsimons explained FYA’s and presented an educational video – “Drivers turning left may proceed after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.” Mr. Fitzsimons recommended having one police officer present on the first day of FYA signal operation just in case traffic direction is needed, but stated that in past first FYA signal operations, no police officer intervention was needed. Mr. Fitzsimons ended his presentation by displaying the tentative project schedule and invited questions from TSPC. Chair Wettan asked for clarification and comparison of Build Option 1 – Spilt Phase and Build Option 2 – FYA. Mr. Fitzsimons clarified the differences between Build Option 1 and 2. Commissioner Leigh inquired if the SWITRS statistics were reviewed for the intersections and also asked for the motor vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle collision rate. Commissioner Leigh inquired about the reason for modifying the intersection. Mr. Fitzsimons confirmed their firm had looked at SWITRS statistics and that 3 reported pedestrian collisions had occurred in the past 10 years. Mr. Wong stated that over the past 5 years there had been 7 motor vehicle collisions. Commissioner Leigh stated that the intersection was near Burlingame High School and inquired about pedestrian safety since the proposed changes would increase pedestrian wait times. Commissioner Leigh stated that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan classified this area as a “Transit Pedestrian Zone” and that this zone is meant to provide equal balance to all modes of transportation. Commissioner Leigh stated that the proposed changes seemed to be intended to move vehicular traffic faster. Mr. Fitzsimons clarified traffic signalization and pedestrian safety. Commissioner Leigh stated that she did not support the proposed changes since there had been no mortalities at this intersection and that it seemed to work well for the high 4 school students. Commissioner Israelit spoke about her work to bring this intersection to the forefront of the priority list and past experience at the intersection. Commissioner Israelit spoke about the FYA signal and expressed that the educational video was very informative and clarified the use of FYA signals. Commissioner Israelit inquired about how the backlog of cars would be alleviated. Mr. Fitzsimons stated that traffic signal timing could be accommodated to alleviate a backlog of traffic, but Mr. Fitzsimons clarified that he had not had a chance to view high school related traffic due COVID-19. Mr. Wong spoke about different traffic signal timing plans to address the traffic backlog that occurs in the daytime and evening. Vice-Chair Martos inquired if simulations or a “Monte Carlo” simulation was run for the intersection. Mr. Fitzsimons clarified that modeling was conducted comparing the different options, and levels-of-service (LOS) and cycle lengths were reviewed. Mr. Fitzsimons clarified that a “Monte Carlo” simulation was not conducted for safety and that he did not know of a similar model. Mr. Fitzsimons relayed his personal experience as a parent and that as a parent he would feel better with a signalized intersection. Vice-Chair Martos inquired about the 26 FYA signals that the firm had helped design and asked about feedback and statistics for the installed FYA signals. Mr. Fitzsimons stated that the City of Petaluma had conducted a follow-up survey and did not find any alarming safety indicators. Mr. Fitzsimons stated that FYA signals provided vehicular traffic 20-30 seconds more to turn. Chair Wettan inquired about the peak hours of service and delay differences. Mr. Fitzsimons clarified the traffic signal timing displayed on his presentation slides, and stated that rail safety is always paramount. Chair Wettan inquired about the extended time for east-west bound traffic movement. Mr. Fitzsimons confirmed that east-west bound traffic have additional time allotted. Chair Wettan opened the agenda item for public comment. Mr. Manito Velasco stated that he agreed with Mr. Fitzsimons statement that the safest way to cross the intersection is when there is a walk signal and when left-turning traffic has a red arrow. Mr. Velasco stated that the intersection currently has the safest pedestrian crossing conditions and that there was no conflict. Mr. Velasco stated that the FYA would create a conflict that does not exist, and that a driver would look for a gap to turn which would be problematic. Mr. Velasco inquired about queueing and suggested a video simulation to demonstrate queueing to the TSPC. Mr. Velasco stated that the extended pedestrian delay to cross from the Oak Grove Market to Burlingame High School would not be followed by high school students since it would be 60 or more seconds of wait time. Mr. Velasco stated that he had concerns regarding queueing and users compliance to the proposed signalization changes. Chair Wettan inquired about the delay times and that they were not well-represented on the visuals. Mr. Fitzsimons clarified the delay times for north and south Carolan Avenue. Mr. Fitzsimons stated that he had looked into the queueing issue and that they could not compare the queueing to existing conditions due to COVID-19 and spoke about other modeling issues, but that he would inquire with the City of Petaluma regarding their FYA signals and that he would provide their feedback at future TSPC meeting. 5 Commissioner Leigh stated that the FYA is the least safe option for pedestrians and that she felt that the changes are being rushed for the future Broadway Grade Separation project. Commissioner Leigh inquired about pedestrian traffic flow considerations and stated it would bring anxious pedestrian behavior. Commissioner Leigh stated that more time to review the proposed changes was needed and that there was not enough emphasis on pedestrians. Commissioner Israelit stated that she would like to have more detailed information presented regarding the proposed changes to avoid unintended consequences, and requested additional information to be presented at March’s TSPC meeting. Mr. Wong clarified that the project budget currently covers the design phase and that additional funds would need to be requested for the construction phase, but that he would look at the design phase budget regarding the additional presentation request. Commissioner Israelit stated that more information is needed since this is an important intersection, and stated that she supported the build options and not the “no build” option. Vice-Chair Martos stated he did not believe the FYA signal was an improvement and spoke about not hearing much dialogue regarding the queueing going westbound on Oak Grove Avenue. Vice-Chair Martos stated that there should be more focus on alleviating the queueing issue versus installing a new traffic signal at Carolan Avenue and Oak Grove Avenue. Chair Wettan spoke about his personal experience with the intersection and stated that it currently is an unsafe intersection, and emphasized the need to make improvements to this intersection. Chair Wettan expressed concern about queueing, providing sufficient feedback about the proposed changes to City Council, and potentially upsetting some residents with the proposed changes. Chair W ettan inquired about a safety trade-off between queueing and east-west safety with the FYA. Mr. Fitzsimons clarified that the FYA provided additional caution cues to drivers and stated that he would obtain feedback for FYA near schools. Chair Wettan inquired about the feasibility of making changes if the FYA were installed or if the FYA were not installed. Mr. Wong clarified that it would be easier to make changes if the FYA were installed and could be un-wired if the decision was to discontinue the FYA. Additionally, Mr. Wong clarified that the presentation was an update. Commissioner Leigh inquired about other pedestrian improvements and their incorporation into the project, and providing pedestrian priority. Chair Wettan clarified that there would be a “no-turn on red” sign and inquired about its function. Mr. Wong clarified that the “no-turn on red” sign would only be lit when the train approaches. Chair Wettan expressed interest in having another presentation of the proposed changes. Mr. Wong clarified that the goal was to bring more information to the TSPC in an upcoming meeting. 7. INFORMATION ITEMS a) Engineering Division Reports • Broadway and Burlingame Parklet Update – There are a total of 41 businesses with parklets resulting in a loss of 84 parking spaces. There are two more parklets in the queue which would bring the final total to 43 parklets with a loss of 88 parking spaces. Downtown has 34 businesses with parklets (16 on Burlingame 6 Avenue and 18 on side streets) and a loss of 67 parking spaces (27 on Burlingame Avenue and 40 on side streets). Broadway has 7 businesses with parklets with a loss of 17 parking spaces. Related to the parklet program, there are currently 7 designated curbside pickup spaces located in the Downtown. • Peninsula Overcrossing Update – On January 27, 2021 the City of San Mateo and their project team made a presentation at a virtual community meeting. At the meeting they provided a project update which included: historical background, design alternatives, and a preliminary schedule for the project. Important dates to note are the public meeting to review and comment on the environmental document anticipated for late-2021/early-2022, and the Caltrans approval date expected in summer 2022. The presentation can be found at the following link on the City of San Mateo’s website under their Public Works’ “Current and Upcoming Projects” tab: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/View/83278/Peninsula- Interchange-Community-Mtg -Presentation---Jan-27-2021_012721-FINAL?bidId= • Lyon-Hoag Traffic Calming Update – Contractor has completed approximately 85% of the work with the vertical components, including the installation of the speed cushions still to come. • California Drive Bicycle Facility RFP – The City received and reviewed six proposals for the project. Staff narrowed the field down to two consultant teams, and is currently in the process of making a final selection. • Burlingame Station Pedestrian Improvements RFP – The City received and reviewed five proposals for the project. Staff is currently in the process of making a final selection. • Hoover School Pedestrian Improvements (Summit Drive) – Project has submitted the “request for authorization” package to Caltrans for approval. Once we have received authorization, the next steps are to advertise and award the project. Construction is anticipated for summer 2021. • Broadway Pedestrian Street Lighting Improvements – Project in process of advertising to perspective bidders. Once the construction contract has been awarded, work is anticipated for later this year. • Highland Avenue Garage Parking Restrictions – TSPC recommendation to be presented to the City Council at their February 16, 2021 meeting. 7 • TSPC Priority List (revised February 2021): TSPC Led Effort 1 Bike\Ped Plan Priorities 2/11/21: Item 7a 2 School Transportation and Safety Issues 1/14/21: Item 7a 3 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 2/11/21: Item 7a 4 Neighborhood Traffic Calming/Controls 2/11/21: Item 7a 5 Old Bayshore Corridor Study (s/o Broadway) 12/10/20: Item 7a 6 Electric Vehicle Discussion with Planning 2/13/20: Item 6c 7 Downtown Parking and Access 2/11/21: Item 7a 8 Broadway Parking 2/11/21: Item 7a 9 Citywide Transportation Alternatives 12/12/19: Item 6b Staff Update via Report 1 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 12/10/20: Item 7a 2 Hoover School Update 12/10/20: Item 7a 3 Downtown Parking Strategies 2/11/21: 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 1/14/21: Item 7a 8 Rec Center Parking 3/12/20: Item 7a 9 Old Bayshore Corridor Study 12/12/19: Item 7a 10 Grant Opportunities 11/12/20: 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 1/14/21: Item 7a 16 300 Burlingame Point Traffic Impacts 12/10/20: Item 7a 17 Broadway/California Update 2021 Agenda Item Action Status 1 Vice-Chair Martos inquired about the Peninsula Interchange Project and the closure of the southbound on-ramp on Popular Avenue. Mr. Wong confirmed that the southbound on-ramp would be closed due to the Peninsula Interchange Project. Commissioner Leigh inquired about the reason for doing some striping work near the train station if the area will be redesigned again. Commissioner Leigh inquired about the intersection work at 8 Bloomfield and Rollins Road and if a crosswalk was going to be installed. Mr. Wong clarified that there were two crosswalk legs that could be used. Ms. Mai clarified that striping work done near the train station were temporary improvements and clarified that the intersection at Bloomfield Road and Rollins Road requires additional modification of the handicap ramps in order to provide an additional crosswalk. Vice-Chair Martos thanked staff and the consultant for successfully slowing down traffic from Rollins Road onto Victoria Road. Mr. Wong added that the hardened centerline on Trousdale Drive and California Drive had been installed and stated that Ms. Mai had observed turning vehicles slowing down before making the turn and that staff would continue monitoring the intersection. Mr. Wong stated that the City Council would be interviewing candidates in March 2021 for TSPC’s vacancy. Commissioner Leigh inquired about the lighting fixtures for the Broadway Street Lighting Project. Mr. Wong clarified that he would follow-up with more information. Commissioner Israelit inquired about funding for the new upcoming projects. Mr. Wong clarified that the funds were coming from County and Federal grants. b) Police Department Reports Sergeant Perna stated that there were 13 collisions in January 2021 and stated that several were on private property and were minor collisions. Sergeant Perna indicated that two collisions did involve bicycles, one vehicle-bicycle incident at California Drive and Burlingame Avenue and one bicycle-bicycle incident northbound on Carolan Avenue. Chair Wettan inquired about two “other” collisions at El Camino Real and Floribunda Avenue. Sergeant Perna clarified that one incident was a vehicle-bicycle collision and the other incident was a scooter-vehicle non-collision. Chair Wettan inquired about a California Drive and Oak Grove Avenue vehicle-vehicle collision. Sergeant Perna clarified that the incident occurred going northbound on California Drive when the vehicle slowed and the trailing vehicle swerved and hit a parked vehicle. Chair Wettan inquired about the “hot map” progress. Sergeant Perna displayed the Google My Map bicycle and pedestrian collision data and explained that the data exported was from 1/1/2017- 11/30/2020. Chair Wettan expressed interest in a vehicle collision map. Commissioner Leigh inquired about fatal collisions at Oak Grove Avenue and California Drive. Sergeant Perna clarified that there had not been a fatal collision at Oak Grove Avenue and California Drive, but that there had been fatal collisions on El Camino Real. Sergeant Perna summarized the requested changes to the Google My Map, to add 5 years of data, to add vehicle collisions, and to add school symbols. c) Farmer’s Market No update. 9 d) TSPC Chair/Commissioner’s Communications Chair Wettan spoke about the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition presentation series. Commissioner Israelit reiterated her previous communications regarding the convex mirror and the Burlingame Plaza exit onto El Camino Real. Mr. Wong stated he had relayed her communication about the exit of Burlingame Plaza onto El Camino Real to Caltrans, but that he had not heard back and would check-in with Caltrans again. Mr. Wong stated he would contact resident Andrea Pappajohn regarding the convex mirror request, but that mirrors were not typically installed in the City right-of-way. 8. COMMISSION & SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a) Downtown Parking (Martos & Wettan) No update. b) Broadway Issues (Israelit & Leigh) The Broadway Parking Subcommittee name was changed to Broadway Issues to encompass other challenges that can be addressed by the Subcommittee. With the confirmation that the Subcommittee would address items other than parking, Commissioner Leigh volunteered to join the Subcommittee. 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 • 2021 B/PAC priority list • Joint meeting with Planning Commission regarding EV charging reach codes • El Camino Renewal Project update • Peninsula Avenue Interchange Project update 10. ADJOURNMENT 10:28 p.m.