HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2021.03.111
TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION
Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting of Thursday, March 11, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER 7:06 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) February 11, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Motion: To accept the February 11, 2021 Meeting Minutes as amended.
M/S/C; Leigh/Israelit, 4/0/0
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA
None.
6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
a) Community B/PAC Update (Informational Item Only)
Manito Velasco filled in for B/PAC Chair Lesley Beatty for the Community B/PAC update.
Mr. Velasco stated that B/PAC discussed the Oak Grove/Carolan Avenue Traffic Signal
and Pedestrian Improvements Project and that the group was disappointed the project
reached 90% deign and input is just now being collected from B/PAC and TSPC. He said
they learned that City staff selected the flashing yellow arrow option in 2020. As currently
designed, Mr. Velasco indicated B/PAC would not endorse the project due to several
critical bike and pedestrian safety omissions and because they felt the project is not
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consistent with the Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan or the City’s complete streets policy. He
said members of B/PAC suggested the following improvements as part of the traffic signal
project:
• Consider sidewalk bulbs near the corner with the barbershop in order to narrow
the longest crossing;
• Consider a new sidewalk on the side of the BHS track;
• Beefing up the “pork chop” island at California Drive and Oak Grove Avenue;
• Improve the bike lane on Carolan Avenue as it forces BHS students to bike
between two 45 MPH traffic streams; and
• Consider a refuge island on the north end of the Carolan crosswalk.
Mr. Velasco stated the budget for the project is $650,000 and he felt it was a lot of money
for bike and pedestrian improvements.
Additionally, Mr. Velasco said B/PAC learned there is a total of $250,000 available for bike
and pedestrian improvements in the City. He said $170,000 has been set aside to study
bike boulevards, specifically on Carmelita and Paloma Avenues with the tentative goal to
implement by the end of this year. Mr. Velasco said that was welcomed news.
Mr. Velasco reported that BIS has an upcoming Safe Routes to School audit and there
has been some discussion about a crosswalk at Clarice Lane and Sequoia Avenue and
wondered what it would take for the City to recommend a crosswalk at that location.
Commissioner Leigh inquired about how the $650,000 budget for the traffic signal at Oak
Grove Avenue and Carolan Avenue was going to be allocated—she asked if any money
would be set aside for pedestrian and bicycle safety. Additionally, she thanked Manito for
providing the list of possible bike and pedestrian improvements that could be implemented
as part of the traffic signal project.
Commissioner Israelit felt there was some misunderstanding that the traffic signal project
at Oak Grove Avenue and Carolan Avenue is being forced by the City without any concern
for bike and pedestrian improvements or safety and wanted to point out that a TSPC
Subcommittee felt it was one of the worst intersections as far as confusion or risk (not
necessary mortality). Commissioner Israelit wanted to reassure B/PAC and Mr. Velasco
that this was not coming from City staff and nothing has been finalized yet. She stated
TSPC has not gotten to the point to discuss bulb outs or additional improvements that
could be made as part of the overall project—that it is still in the early stages of planning.
Lastly, she thanked Mr. Velasco for mentioning the suggested list of bike and pedestrian
improvements.
Chair Wettan asked Mr. Velasco who was in attendance for the recent B/PAC meeting.
Mr. Velasco indicated he was in attendance with Rusty, Commissioner Leigh, and Chris
Beal. Mr. Velasco also stated the topic was discussed at a previous B/PAC meeting with
additional members. Chair Wettan confirmed with Mr. Velasco that no official B/PAC vote
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has been taken and clarified Rusty serves on the B/PAC in a consultant capacity.
In regards to the statement the City selected the flashing yellow arrows in 2020, Chair
Wettan stated that was news to him and asked Mr. Velasco where that information came
from. Mr. Velasco said it was in a staff report to City Council in February 2020 and the
City’s consultant indicated the City selected the flashing yellow arrows.
Mr. Velasco disagreed with Commissioner Israelit’s comment that the project is still in the
early planning stage and said based on documents he has seen, the project is at 90%,
approaching 100% design. Through the Chair, Mr. Wong shared that the project budget
will not be finalized by City Council until April. Mr. Wong said staff will present a similar
presentation to City Council so they can determine how to allocate the budget as funds
have only been spent on the design. He stated the project would include trade-offs and
staff is looking at opportunities to reduce delays. Mr. Wong reiterated the project is also
about pedestrian safety.
Chair Wettan stated he loves the idea of a bike boulevard on Carmelita Avenue.
Additionally, Chair Wettan inquired about the Safe Routes to School audit and whether
staff was aware BIS was hiring a traffic engineer to conduct the audit. Mr. Wong responded
that the City is aware and that it is an independent audit. Mr. Wong explained that staff is
typically invited to the audit with the BIS consultant.
Chair Wettan stated he wanted to make sure they are drawing a careful distinction
between the City giving all the stakeholders a good opportunity to comment on the project
and the opportunity to participate in the design of the project prior to reaching 90%. He
noted this was the second TSPC discussion about the project. From a TSPC perspective,
he said there has been plenty of opportunity to comment and discuss the project, including
any fatal flaws in the design.
Commissioner Leigh stated B/PAC discussed the proposed intersection changes and they
would like to see the traffic signal project designed with the complete streets goals in mind
as they feel the current design does not. She stated that since the February 2020 report
mentioned by Mr. Velasco, the City has since adopted a Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Commissioner Leigh said at no point in the plan is that particular intersection called out to
have the proposed changes made. She said the intersection is near a school, transit, and
shopping, and is a quarter mile within their top bike and pedestrian priority zone, but does
not address pedestrian and bike safety needs. Although she agrees the intersection is
tricky, Commissioner Leigh said there have been no statistical crashes to warrant the
proposed changes and does not want a fatal flaw built in to the design.
Vice-Chair Martos pulled up the staff report from February 2020 for the award of contract
to W-Trans and said it appeared no decisions for implementation were made at that time.
Mr. Velasco clarified the information he spoke about was in an exhibit attached to the
February 2020 staff report. Chair Wettan interjected to state the report was to award a
contract to design the project.
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In closing, Chair Wettan said there is no contention that this is an important intersection
but does not think the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan was intended to pre-decide what
goes in each intersection, nor does he think we should avoid changes to the intersection
because there has not yet been a fatality. Lastly, Chair Wettan thanked Mr. Velasco for
his critiques and appreciated his close attention to the project.
b) Oak Grove/Carolan Avenue Traffic Signal and Pedestrian Improvements
Mr. Wong began by clarifying the construction cost proposed for the signal project is
greater than $650,000, but said the City has some of those funds already. He also pointed
out the intersection of Oak Grove Avenue and Carolan Avenue is in the Bike and
Pedestrian Master Plan.
Mr. Wong indicated the Commission discussed this topic last month and many questions
were brought up, therefore he felt it was very important to have all of the Commissioners’
questions answered so they can make an informed decision. He shared that this item will
be going to City Council in April for discussion.
Steve Fitzsimons of W -Trans provided a follow-up presentation from last month which
went over elements of the traffic operations study (levels of service, existing and future
volumes) and dove into the three design options.
• “No” build option – Mr. Fitzsimons stated this option includes a minor upgrade to
the pedestrian signals with a traditional walking person and red hand with the
countdown timer. He said the pedestrian buttons would also be upgraded to
modern talking buttons.
• Build option 1 (east-west split) - Mr. Fitzsimons stated both build scenarios include
the signalization of Carolan Avenue but option one would split east-west into two
separate movements. He indicated this option is similar to the existing conditions
at California Drive but with a longer cycle and stopped delay because of
coordination delay.
• Build option 2 (east-west with FYA) - Mr. Fitzsimons said the difference with option
two is the use of the FYA operation. He indicated this option has slightly lower
average delays compared with option one.
The Commission engaged in some Q&A with Mr. Fitzsimons and Mr. Wong during the
presentation related to traffic operations, volumes/delays, budget, feedback from other
cities, and bicycle and pedestrian considerations/impacts. Mr. Fitzsimons wrapped up the
presentation by going through the traffic signal operations and rail safety for each of the
options and explained again what a flashing yellow arrow is.
Chair Wettan invited comments from the public.
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Manito Velasco stated he appreciated the demonstration of the FYA by Mr. Fitzsimons,
but stated the FYA is to improve the efficiency over a full red, yellow, and green signal. He
said it would improve traffic flow at the expense of yielding to pedestrians. Based on what
has been seen with the flashing red signals on El Camino Real, Mr. Velasco voiced
concern about implementing something similar at the intersection of Oak Grove Avenue
and Carolan Avenue. He said if the City wants to see the FYA in action, they can change
the left-turn signal from Burlingame Avenue to California Drive to a FYA and see how
drivers and pedestrians fare. Mr. Velasco pointed out that there is already an intersection
cluster that has tracks at California Drive/Carolan Avenue at Broadway, which is listed as
the second most dangerous intersection in the state, and also has problems with queuing.
Mr. Velasco suggested reviewing the data for queue length eastbound at Carolan Avenue.
He said he doesn’t think the queue length factors in pedestrian use of the push button.
Overall, Mr. Velasco would like to see the proposals considered thoroughly and to avoid
any unintended consequences with changes to the intersection.
Based on Manito Velasco’s comments, Chair Wettan requested a review of the queuing
comparisons. The Commission then participated in a lengthy and interactive discussion
with staff, which ultimately led to the following motion.
Motion: To endorse proceeding with the design that incorporates build option two with the
yellow flashing arrows as it gives flexibility in the future should we decide to modify
anything.
M/S/C; Israelit/Martos, 3/1/0
7. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Engineering Division Reports
Mr. Wong provided updates on the following projects.
• Lyon-Hoag Traffic Calming Update – Contractor is working on punch list items.
Staff has been receiving neighborhood feedback and will continue the monitoring
phase of the project.
• California Drive Bicycle Facility RFP – At the March 15 City Council meeting,
Council is expected to award the design contract to the engineering firm of Mark
Thomas.
• Burlingame Station Pedestrian Improvements RFP – At the March 15 City
Council meeting, Council is expected to award the design contract to the
engineering firm of CSG Consultants.
• Hoover School Pedestrian Improvements (Summit Drive) – Project has
submitted the “request for authorization” package to Caltrans for approval. Once
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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. Lighting is pedestrian scale
streetlights (see Attachment 1).
Commissioner Leigh inquired as to when TSPC would see the plans for the street
lighting project. Mr. Wong stated the new street lights will replace the existing
ones on Broadway, but there would be some new installations between Carolan
Avenue and California Drive. He also stated the photometric study has been
completed and the plans should be available online. Mr. Wong stated he would
forward the plans to the TSPC.
Commissioner Leigh confirmed with Mr. Wong that the firm of Mark Thomas is the
design consultant for the Broadway Grade Separation and California Drive Bicycle
Facility Project. She thought it would be beneficial if Mark Thomas was the
designer for the traffic signal project at Carolan Avenue and Oak Grove Avenue as
well.
• TSPC Priority List (revised March 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 3/11/21: Item 6b
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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 3/11//21: Item 7a
16 300 Burlingame Point Traffic Impacts 12/10/20: Item 7a
17 Broadway/California Update
2021 Agenda Item Action Status
1 Highland Garage Parking Restrictions Approved by Council February
16, 2021
b) Police Department Reports
Sergeant Perna reported 13 collisions. He highlighted an accident between a vehicle and
skateboarder at Paloma Avenue and Grove Avenue. He stated the skateboarder was
traveling northbound on Paloma Avenue and the vehicle was traveling westbound on
Grove Avenue. He said it was determined that the skateboarder was riding too fast and
proceeded through the intersection with no yield to the vehicle. Sergeant Perna indicated
there were no serious injuries reported. Additionally, Sergeant Perna noted there were
no accidents on Chapin Avenue but there were three collisions along El Camino Real at
Sanchez Avenue, Rosedale Avenue, and near Peninsula Avenue.
Commissioner Leigh confirmed with Sergeant Perna the skateboarder was under 18
years old and that the collision with the skateboarder would be added to the bicycle and
pedestrian collision map.
Regarding the bicycle and pedestrian collision map, Sergeant Perna explained the
skateboarder collision has not been added yet as they have been having network
problems, but he did indicate that he added schools and parks to the map in an effort to
see if a number of accidents were in close proximity. Sergeant Perna stated the
skateboarder collision would be included on the map for the next report to TSPC. He said
the data presented was from November 2020 to current, but assured the Commissioners
the map will be updated for the following meeting to show five years of pedestrian and
bicycle accidents.
Chair Wettan inquired about motor vehicle accidents and Sergeant Perna explained the
map would be overcrowded if five years of vehicle accidents were added, but did indicate
it could be added as layer and toggled on and off. Chair Israelit clarified that they
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requested two separate maps—one for pedestrian and bicycle collisions and one for
motor vehicle accidents.
Commissioner Israelit expressed her gratitude for the map but noted her surprise with
the cluster of bicycle and pedestrian accidents located in the Burlingame Avenue
downtown area. Chair Wettan also thanked Sergeant Perna for his efforts with the maps
as he said it gives them a better view of patterns on puts certain areas on their radar. He
pointed out the cluster of accidents east of the downtown area by California Drive.
Commissioner Leigh pointed out pedestrian collisions at Lorton Avenue and Howard
Avenue, and Park Road and Howard Avenue where the new parking garage is being
built. She stated the parking garage will be a huge pedestrian draw and they can look at
those collision locations as they go forward.
c) Farmer’s Market
No update.
Chair Wettan suggested they park the Farmer’s Market item for the months of April and
May and to revisit this item again in June. There was no disagreement from the other
Commissioners.
d) TSPC Chair/Commissioner’s Communications
Chair Wettan stated a presentation is being coordinated by the Silicon Valley Bike
Coalition about El Camino Real. He said the City has been asked to participate and
discuss what we are doing along El Camino Real. Chair Wettan indicated he has been
actively working with Mr. Wong , Mr. Morimoto, and Mr. Murtuza in the Engineering
Department as well as with City Council Members Brownrigg and Beach. He said the
meeting is on the 26th and Mr. Wong would forward additional meeting details.
Chair Wettan also shared he has been asked to speak as TSPC Chair on March 24 as
one of eight a panelists regarding business in the City. He indicated details were in the
eNews.
8. COMMISSION & SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a) Downtown Parking (Martos & Wettan)
Vice-Chair Martos asked about the progress on the new parking garage. Mr. Wong stated
construction is still on schedule but there has been a delay with PG&E, which impacts the
pay stations and elevators. Mr. Wong said he would provide the Commission with another
update at the next TSPC meeting.
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Vice-Chair Martos also inquired about the TSPC’s recommendation to Council to make
the garage long term parking. Mr. Wong confirmed TSPC’s recommendation went to City
Council and that they supported the recommendation to make the garage long term
parking and convert the spaces on Howard Avenue from long term to short term.
b) Broadway Issues (Israelit & Leigh)
No update from the subcommittee members. However, Chair Wettan reported that when
picking up takeout on Broadway, parking appeared to be a little tight and suggested they
keep an eye out.
Commissioner Leigh requested an update from Mr. Wong regarding the Broadway Grade
Separation Project and stated they would like to be reviewing plans if possible. Mr. Wong
said he would provide an update next month but shared City staff is working on another
INFRA grant ($117 million) and value engineering for design alternatives that would help
reduce project costs. Mr. Wong stated they are still at 35% design. Commissioner Leigh
requested for the subcommittee to see the next set of plans when ready.
c) School Traffic (Israelit & Wettan)
No update, but Chair Wettan noted school is going back in session. Although the school
population will be split, he said traffic is still lighter, and they will have to wait and see if
there is an increase in traffic patterns.
d) Citywide Transportation Alternatives (Wettan)
No update.
9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• Joint session with B/PAC regarding Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan priorities
• Streetlight placement along California Drive (adding or turning over crosswalk)
- Commissioner Leigh to forward photos to Mr. Wong
• Discuss with Planning Commission the accessibility of charging stations at multi-
residential units
• Chapin Avenue Feasibility Study – sharing results with TSPC prior to City Council
• Traffic calming around City Hall/Floribunda Avenue
• Access to Bay Trail
10. ADJOURNMENT 9:59 p.m.