HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2021.07.081
TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION
Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting of Thursday, July 8, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER 7:02 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Leigh, Israelit, Martos, Rebelos, Wettan
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) June 10, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Motion: To accept the June 10, 2021 Meeting Minutes as submitted.
M/S/C; Leigh/Wettan, 4/0/1
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA
The following email was provided for public comment and was read for the record by the
Commission Secretary.
Hi,
My name is Serena Glass, I'm 10 almost 11, and I bike to the Burlingame on Mondays and
Wednesdays. But, there are no bike lanes and the cars go so fast on Rollins Rd, my parents
don't want me biking in the street. That way I have to go on the sidewalk. But there are big
poles square in the middle. There is also a glass bowl for some reason. I think we should put
in some bike lanes, and move the poles to the side of the sidewalk. That way people can bike
in the street and strollers have an easy time getting by.
Thank you very much
- Serena
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6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
a) Community B/PAC Update (Informational Item Only)
No update.
b) Burlingame Station Pedestrian Improvements Update
Transportation Program Manager Lisha Mai kicked off the presentation. Ms. Mai indicated
the Burlingame Station Pedestrian Improvements Project is located at Burlingame Avenue
and East Lane, adjacent to the east side of the Caltrain Station. She stated in 2018, staff
conducted a series of community workshops and online surveys with residents in the area
regarding speeding, cut-through traffic, sight distance, and parking, with the intent to
develop recommendations that address the community’s concerns. Ms. Mai said the result
of this effort was the Lyon Hoag and Adjacent Neighborhood Traffic Calming Studies and
Recommendations Report. She explained the report categorized improvements based on
complexity and deliverability into three phases. As part of the recently completed phase
one improvements, Ms. Mai stated the City installed quick build trial features such as a
temporary curb extension at this location, aimed to reduce the crossing distance and better
align the vehicle path of travel. She indicated construction of permanent treatments were
planned for phase three, but thanks to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority,
the City was approved to receive $600,000 in grant funding, which will allow staff to
advance the implementation of improvements sooner than planned.
Ms. Mai explained the key takeaways from the preliminary design concept developed by
staff and CSG. Ms. Mai also shared an alternative design concept provided by community
members. She said the key takeaway goals with the alternative concept include
preservation of the heritage oak tree, addition of stormwater runoff treatment, slowing
down traffic while creating a charming intersection, in addition to reducing the crossing
distance and improving visibility. Ultimately, Ms. Mai stated that staff and the design
consultant felt the alternative design created additional conflict points between
pedestrians and vehicles. Additionally, she shared concerns about the one-way loop.
The design consultant from CSG walked through the proposed design concept with three
main project goal categories in mind: pedestrian accessibility; traffic calming; and other
goals; which include improved parking standards, preservation of the heritage oak tree,
and green infrastructure.
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The consultant indicated the green lines are proposed new face of curb/curb and gutter,
with the dark grey shading representing new sidewalks. He said the white striping and
yellow crosswalks are new and proposed striping; the green dotted area is potential
landscape areas; and the purple dotted area is proposed green infrastructure. Additionally,
the consultant highlighted the enhancement of pedestrian accessibility, the decrease in
vehicle/pedestrian conflicts, improved parking standards, trade-offs, and other design
advantages. Furthermore, with the proposed design concept, the consultant provided two
options for the parking configuration. He explained Option A includes a drive aisle and
driveway that is better aligned, but includes less parking stalls and requires the majority
of the parking meters to be relocated. With Option B, he stated there is a skewed driveway
alignment, but there are more parking stalls and there is less impact on existing parking
meters.
Lastly, the consultant went over next steps by sharing the plan is to provide a presentation
to City Council in September or October, to finalize the project design in early 2022, with
construction to start in the summer of 2022.
Chair Wettan facilitated Commissioner’s questions before opening public comment.
B/PAC Chair Leslie Beatty thanked the City and consultants; she said they really support
the overall objectives of the project. Ms. Beatty stated it is a very heavy pedestrian area
and indicated they want to support safe crossings from the Burlingame Caltrain Station
and the park. She said they like the project design, particularly the north end of the design.
Additionally, she stated they saw an opportunity to reduce the asphalt on the southern end
by building out that area south of Burlingame Avenue. She indicated they feel strongly
there should be a third crossing on the southern end of East Lane. With the support of a
third crosswalk, she also suggested widening the green strip to make it a pedestrian
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landing zone and a safer crossing. Concerns about the lack of a stop sign at the crosswalk
on East Lane were also conveyed by Ms. Beatty.
The following email was provided for public comment and was read for the record by the
Commission Secretary.
Dear Chair Wettan and fellow Commissioners,
I will be out of town on Thursday without computer access, but wanted to comment briefly
on the evolution of this project and the various options.
All of these concepts have merit and will improve the current safety situation significantly.
I think the proposed design makes safety sense for pedestrians, while also keeping traffic
patterns simple.
My comment is related to the 4 parallel parking spots that hug the eastside of the island
where the large oak is located. I’m curious if it would be feasible to consider eliminating
those few spots, thereby creating several more feet to landscape, while also serving to
further shorten up that crosswalk at Burlingame Avenue near the tennis courts.
I hope some of you have had a chance to see the lovely park that the Parks Dept. has
recently completed adjacent to this area.
They have reconfigured and re-landscaped along Burlingame Avenue, adjacent to the
tennis courts, and have created a very inviting park and seating area. I have attached a
few photos taken recently.
It seems to me that this project is actually a natural extension of their project, creating a
nice safe path adjacent to the island as well as a more generous landscaped setting for
the oak tree on Burlingame Square.
Please find photos of the newly designed park, as well as the Burlingame Square oak.
I do know we never like to eliminate parking spaces! However, thinking ahead just a few
months, we will have lots and lots of available parking just down the street at the new
community center, not to mention at the new parking lot not too far away on Lorton
Avenue, and Lot O by the donut shop.
From what I typically have noticed, those parallel spots are rarely at capacity, and what
we'd win back in return seems aesthetically quite substantial, while further enhancing
pedestrian safety.
Thank you for your consideration, and many thanks to TSP, BPAC and staff who have
been actively focused on this area for quite some time.
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Sincerely yours,
Jennifer Pfaff
After closing the public comment period, Chair Wettan requested feedback from his fellow
Commissioners.
Commissioner Rebelos said he sees this project as an opportunity to extend the greenery
out and make the park that much more attractive from East Lane. He stated he would like
to get the most of out the project as quickly as we can. Commissioner Rebelos indicated
he prefers Option A for the parking configuration, as the last accessible stall in Option B
is cause for concern, specifically related to the parking lot exit.
Commissioner Leigh stated she agreed with Ms. Pfaff’s and Commissioner Rebelos’
comments in that they want to extend the island and greenery of the park forward. She
felt the few parking spots that would be lost would be insignificant. She also agreed with
Commissioner Rebelos’ concerns related to the parking exit and suggested a stop sign,
raised crosswalk, or high visibility crosswalk might help. Commissioner Leigh stated she
would also like a third crossing on the south end of East Lane. She requested staff and
the consultants to look into reversing the left-turn lane so it becomes a southbound left-
turn lane. Commissioner Leigh indicated she would also like to see a stop sign at the
crosswalk on East Lane. Additionally, she pointed out the crossings are considered school
crossings given the proximity to the school and said it would help if they were designated
as such. Commissioner Leigh reiterated she likes the bulbout at the BHS intersection and
requested another bulbout where the crosswalk lands on Burlingame Avenue at Caltrain,
so pedestrians are far more visible with a shorter distance to cross.
Commissioner Israelit said she has driven through said intersection almost daily for many
years and her comments are reflective of that. She stated she disagrees with
Commissioner Leigh to change the turn lane from north to southbound due to the vehicles
that get caught on the train tracks, which is not shown in the aerial photo. For that reason,
she also thinks we cannot add the suggested stop sign. Commissioner Israelit also pointed
out that cars queue waiting to make the left turn over the train tracks when the train is
pulling into the station and noted that with only one northbound lane, it would cause
problems for pedestrians. In terms of the parking configuration, Commissioner Israelit said
she preferred Option A, mostly due to the parking lot exit as she felt it was safer.
Additionally, she stated she liked Commissioner Rebelos’ suggestion to have a right-turn
only at the driveway exit.
Vice-Chair Martos shared he struggles with the parking exit point as well. He stated he is
leaning towards Option A for the parking configuration and said he also likes the
suggestion by fellow Commissioner Rebelos to make it a right-turn only when exiting the
parking lot.
Chair Wettan said he is not as enthusiastic about the idea of a third crosswalk, as the
proposed location would put pedestrians into the Caltrain parking lot. He said he is leaning
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towards Option B in order to save some parking spaces (with additional safety measures)
given future downtown plans, which will result in the loss of additional parking. He said he
would be in favor of trying Option B as long as it did not mean sacrificing safety. Chair
Wettan also suggested looking into modifying the location of the ADA parking space.
In closing, Mr. Wong stated they would look into the various suggestions from the
Commission.
No formal motion was made.
c) Burlingame Avenue and Broadway Street Closure/Parklet Update
Mr. Wong provided an update regarding the Burlingame Avenue and Broadway street
closure/parklets as requested by the TSPC. He shared the following key information.
• There are 43 businesses with parklets (7 Broadway/36 Downtown).
• A total of 88 spaces are being used for the parklets (17 Broadway/71 Downtown).
• There are 9 curbside parking spaces (1 Broadway/8 Downtown).
• Parklets are approved until September 6, 2021 (Labor Day).
• New Highland Garage is estimated to open in September 2021 (337 spaces).
• Upon completion of the parking garage, the Post Office garage will be open to the
public in the evenings.
• Lot E’s phased closures are scheduled to begin mid-August/early September and
will result in the loss of 70 spaces.
• The Economic Development Subcommittee will discuss the closures at their
meeting on July 14, 2021.
• The Broadway BID, DBID, and the Chamber of Commerce were all notified of this
discussion.
Chair Wettan opened public comment.
John Kevranian stated parklets and road closures have been a dilemma for any business
district. He said for the last 15 months, they have accommodated 7 or 8 restaurants with
parklets. Mr. Kevranian explained that he is speaking tonight as a business owner, not as
the president of the Broadway BID. As a retail business owner, he said things are going
back to normal and in his opinion, restaurants are back in full force. Mr. Kevranian stated
many merchants have concerns with the parklets, especially since everything is now 100%
open. He shared that some restaurants have invested $10 – $20k into their parklets and
felt that those who invested, should have the opportunity to extend the use of the parklets.
However, for those that did not make an investment and are still utilizing the orange
barricades, he felt it’s time to decide if they can keep the parklets and suggested the City
offer free encroachment permits for tables and chairs as an alternative.
Mr. Kevranian said he took an inventory before tonight’s meeting and clarified there are 8
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businesses with parklets—7 on Broadway and 1 on Capuchino, with 18 parking spaces.
He stated road closures do not help retailers and that restaurants have had the ability to
stay open and provide food to go for the last 15 months; whereas hair, nail salons, and
other non-food retailers were forced to close. Mr. Kevranian said it’s time to go back to
normal so everyone succeeds—not just one industry.
The following email was provided for public comment and was read for the record by the
Commission Secretary.
As a retail store owner on Broadway, I have been supportive of the restaurants since the
pandemic began. Not only do I believe in helping other struggling businesses but I
recognize their importance in driving traffic to Broadway. So at first, when it came time to
consider closing the street for them, I was in favor of the closure. Then when parklets were
discussed, I again supported the restaurants. For the past 15 months, Broadway has
helped the restaurants but I think it’s now time to turn some of that energy and those
resources to other businesses.
Restaurants have had time to make adjustments, gather financial support, and build new
revenue streams. They are now able to operate more or less as they did before. There is
less need for the parklets now. Understanding that some people still do not want to eat
inside, if parklets will remain an option, I believe a restaurant should now pay a fee for the
parklet. This will ensure that the parklet is being utilized. Right now on Broadway there are
some parklets where this is not the case. People are frustrated when they come to
Broadway and can’t find parking but the parklets are completely unoccupied because the
restaurant is either not open or they are underutilizing the space.
Retail on Broadway needs help. Parking is a vital part of the equation. I’m willing to give
some of that parking for the restaurants but I want to feel like it’s being used enough to
justify the sacrifice.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Christopher Diez, Owner of Pot-Pourri on Broadway
Commissioner Leigh stated she observed the parklets both on Burlingame Avenue and
Broadway and commented on the vast difference between some of them. She shared she
was in Healdsburg over the weekend and said their parklets have been approved through
the year 2023 (although she was not proposing the City follow suit). Commissioner Leigh
indicated she agreed with Mr. Kevranian regarding the parklets and said they are not all
created equal. She also shared that she spoke with the owner of Stack’s and stated he
said the parklet saved his business during the Covid closures. Commissioner Leigh did
not feel as though a blanket parklet policy would work and suggested we phase out the
standard parklets with the orange barricades where very little money has been invested.
She added that the nicer parklets enhance the ambiance and draws people to the City. In
closing, Commissioner Leigh mentioned looking into a fee and standards for parklets.
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Commissioner Israelit agreed with Commissioner Leigh’s comments regarding the
additional draw and charm of some of the parklets. She said she noticed the parklets on
Broadway are never fully utilized. Commissioner Israelit stated she is uncomfortable with
the idea of charging a fee to continue using parklets when some businesses have invested
so much money into their parklet. She said she does not want to eliminate the parklets,
but in order to make it fair, she suggested measuring parklet utilization and aesthetics to
determine which ones stay and which ones go.
Commissioner Rebelos agreed with his fellow Commissioners above. He also said he
noticed the Broadway parklets being underutilized with the exception of a few spaces on
the weekends. Commissioner Rebelos explained he felt there is a difference between a
coffee shop providing extra tables and chairs in the street for their customers, versus a
formal restaurant that has brought their experience outdoors and enhanced the overall
atmosphere. He said he would like to see a way to differentiate between the various
businesses and also suggested to consider accommodating the late night crowd going
forward, especially on the weekends. Commissioner Rebelos stated he is not against a
fee for the parklets since they are taking parking spaces and generating additional
revenue. Pertaining to the street closures, he felt the Broadway closure was disappointing
and ineffective at the height of the pandemic. Commissioner Rebelos suggested we think
about mid-summer, weekend, and or a holiday promenade as he felt there were some
fantastic days on Burlingame Avenue with a large draw of people outside of Burlingame.
In closing, he said he is not comfortable naming restaurants, but felt some of the parklets
definitely need to stay.
Vice-Chair Martos stated he has mixed feelings about this. He said he walked Burlingame
Avenue last Friday evening and heard the restaurant concerns about excess capacity and
trying to catch up on their sales by having the parklets. Based on his notes, he said 8
restaurants on a Friday night had full capacity both inside the restaurant and in the parklet.
For the remaining 24 parklets, only a portion of the parklets were being used, but he
observed there was capacity indoors. Additionally, Vice-Chair Martos spoke directly to
some of the hostesses who indicated their parklets are fully utilized when it is sunny and
warm, but when it’s cold, patrons come inside. With the cooler weather coming, Vice-Chair
Martos felt there would be less utilization of the parklets and suggested phasing them out.
For those that have invested heavily, he was in favor of businesses paying a fee if they
want to keep the parklet to ensure they are making use of the space.
Chair Wettan felt his views were closer aligned with Vice-Chair Martos. Chair Wettan said
they should be looking forward and reiterated the City would permanently be losing 70
spaces in a downtown core lot this fall and that we are going to be in post-Covid conditions
soon. He is concerned they will have parking capacity constraints again. He felt if we keep
any of the parklets, we should be charging a private business to use public space. Chair
Wettan stated he observed many parklets underutilized when he was on Burlingame
Avenue for lunch and welcomes utilizing the sidewalks for seating. Additionally, Chair
Wettan stated the reality was the parklets were measures taken for emergency purposes
during Covid and there should no reasonable expectation that the parklets would be
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permanent. Looking towards October, he felt strongly it is time to phase out the parklets.
Chair Wettan suggested the City set an appropriately high fee for the parklets so those
that find value in them, can pay to continue using the public space.
Commissioner Israelit stated City Council has moved forward with a plan for a town square
and TSPC is making decisions on pedestrian safety and financial feasibility of parklets for
small businesses based on the fact that parking will become very tight—which is
bothersome. She inquired if Council has a plan she is unaware of to supplement the loss
of parking with the new development as TSPC is using that information to weigh in on just
about everything lately. Mr. Wong stated he does not know and said he would inquire.
Chair Wettan stated all he has heard was we would have evening access to the Post
Office parking as presented previously by Mr. Wong. Chair Wettan also explained why he
remains conservative about the loss of parking.
Mr. Kevranian said he appreciated the comments he has heard and acknowledged the
tough decision that lies ahead. He said we should do what is best for all the businesses
and customers. Without customers, Mr. Kevranian said they cannot pay their bills.
Chair Wettan inquired the best way to communicate TSPC comments to the Economic
Development Subcommittee (EDS) to ensure they receive their feedback.
Commissioner Rebelos inquired about a formal business survey to see what they want.
Mr. Wong stated the EDS will obtain feedback through their meetings and could share the
upcoming meeting agenda.
Chair Wettan took a poll of his fellow Commissioner’s to see if they would be in favor of a
high fee for the parklets, which would weed most of them out with only the high-value
parklets remaining. Commissioner Rebelos stated he is very much in favor of establishing
a fee for the parklets (market value per square foot). Commissioner Leigh said they should
be charging a fee but should also include the amount of the parklet investment into the
fee calculation.
Economic Development Specialist Joseph Sanfilippo shared they conducted several
surveys during the pandemic but have not considered another survey recently. He said he
could look into that. Mr. Sanfilippo also indicated TSPC comments would be discussed at
the July 14 subcommittee meeting as Mr. Wong will also be in attendance. Additionally,
he shared that the parklets will be discussed by City Council at the August 16 meeting,
including a possible fee structure for parklets.
No formal motion was made.
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7. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Engineering Division Reports
Mr. Wong provided the following updates on various Engineering projects.
• California Drive Bicycle Facility – Concepts presented at the June TSPC
meeting. Staff anticipates this item returning at the August TSPC meeting.
• Broadway Grade Separation Project – Staff working with Caltrains’ design team
on value engineering options related to the final design. These options will be
presented at a future City Council meeting where they will be introduced and
discussed. Any approved value engineering options will be incorporated into the
design, and at that time staff will be able to provide a more detailed update.
• Burlingame Station Pedestrian Improvements – Proposed design presented
at the July TSPC meeting to obtain feedback.
• Hoover School Pedestrian Improvements (Summit Drive) – Staff to kick-off
the project with the contractor. Actual construction scheduled to begin the first full
week of July.
• Broadway Pedestrian Street Lighting Improvements – Project will be re-
advertised with a July 27, 2021 bid opening date. Construction is still anticipated
for later this year.
• Old Bayshore Highway Corridor Study – Second community survey available
on-line at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BayshorePreliminaryAlts.
• Highland Parking Garage Update – PG&E has completed the installation of the
transformer. Contractor working on energizing electrical facilities, including the
parking wayfinding. Garage opening anticipated for September 2021.
• City of San Mateo’s Peninsula Overcrossing – Staff submitted comments
regarding the preparation of the CEQA/NEPA scoping document; with the final
document expected in spring 2022. The Final EIR/EA, including the response to
comments, is anticipated to be completed in fall 2022 with Caltrans Project
approval expected late 2022.
• Lyon-Hoag Neighborhood Traffic Calming – Staff is compiling the feedback
from the community survey on the Phase 1 traffic calming improvements. These
improvements will remain in place for a period of at least one year before
determining additional, and/or permanent improvements.
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TSPC Priority List (revised June 2021):
TSPC Led Effort
1 Bike\Ped Plan Priorities 5/13/21: Item 6b
2 School Transportation and Safety Issues 1/14/21: Item 7a
3 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 4/8/21: Item 7a
4 Neighborhood Traffic Calming/Controls 2/11/21: Item 7a
5 Old Bayshore Corridor Study (s/o Broadway) 5/13/21: Item 7a
6 Electric Vehicle Discussion with Planning 2/13/20: Item 6c
7 Downtown Parking and Access 5/13/21: 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 4/8/21: Item 7a
2 Hoover School Update 6/10/21: 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
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 6/10/21: Item 7a
10 Grant Opportunities 11/12/20: Item 7a
11 Broadway Grade Separation 5/13/21: Item 7a
12 San Mateo's Peninsula Ave OC 5/13/21: Item 7a
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 6/10//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 pointed out three collisions within the report he felt the Commission
would be interested in.
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• Major injury collision on Arc Way and El Camino Real (ECR) involving a vehicle
pulling out onto ECR.
• Vehicle/bicycle collision on California Drive and Carmelita Avenue to which the
vehicle did not give the bicyclist enough of a buffer and resulted in the bicyclist
falling.
• Vehicle backing into a fire hydrant in the Walgreens parking lot.
c) Farmer’s Market
Chair Wettan stated he would reach out to former Commissioner Londer regarding
participation at the Farmer’s Market with the Citizen’s Environmental Council.
d) TSPC Chair/Commissioner’s Communications
Commissioner Leigh shared the following message from a friend:
I just witnessed a guy crash his bike pretty seriously in front of me on Rollins. His tire got
stuck in the rain gutter. He hit his chest on the handle bars and his head on the
pavement—at least a broken nose and concussion. We hope we can get better bike lanes
soon.
Commissioner Leigh requested staff take a look at the rain gutters in front of the new
Anson Apartments as they are parallel to the roadway instead of perpendicular.
Mr. Wong stated staff is aware and has issued a work order to replace the grate or weld
it.
Chair Wettan said he received a comment regarding the usage of parking spaces for
garbage collection. He stated he would circle back with the City Attorney and also see
what surfaces as he thought the issue would have been brought up during public
comments.
Commissioner Rebelos inquired about the status of the crosswalk timers at Trousdale
and Magnolia. Mr. Wong stated once the signal maintenance contract is finalized, the
crosswalk timers are on the top of the priority list.
8. COMMISSION & SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a) Downtown Parking (Martos & Wettan)
No update.
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b) Broadway Parking/Traffic Issues (Israelit & Leigh)
Commissioner Israelit stated that she met with Commissioner Leigh about the objectives
and points of action for the subcommittee, which was reported out at the previous meeting.
c) School Traffic (Israelit & Wettan)
No new update; walking audit update reported out at the previous meeting by Chair
Wettan.
d) Citywide Transportation Alternatives (Rebelos & Wettan)
No update.
e) Community Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory (Leigh & Rebelos)
No update.
9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• Old Bayshore
• California Drive Bike Facility
• Broadway/California Drive parking/bike lane
• BIS Walk Audit
• Lighting along California Drive (over the crosswalks and bike lanes)
10. ADJOURNMENT 10:12 p.m.