HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2021.12.091
TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION
Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting of Thursday, December 9, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER 7:01 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Israelit, Leigh, Martos, Ng, Rebelos
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) October 14, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Motion: To accept the October 14, 2021 Meeting Minutes as submitted.
M/S/C; Rebelos/Israelit, 3/0/2
b) November 10, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Motion: To accept the November 10, 2021 Meeting Minutes as submitted.
M/S/C; Rebelos/Leigh, 4/0/1
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA
No public comments received.
6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
a) Community B/PAC Update (Informational Item Only)
B/PAC Chair Lesley Beatty thanked former Chair Howard Wettan for his service to B/PAC
and on TSPC. She stated they would miss his voice on important matters. Additionally,
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she welcomed the newest TSPC Commissioner, Mr. Ng.
Ms. Beatty indicated they used their last B/PAC meeting of the year as an opportunity to
reflect. She said they were reminded of the fact that the Bike and Ped Master Plan has
been adopted for a full year now, with some projects in the works. However, she conveyed
they are not sure how much it has changed the way the City is thinking about design and
accommodating bikes and pedestrians. Ms. Beatty shared B/PAC would be focusing on
that topic next year.
Ms. Beatty indicated that her experience on bike and foot in the City is getting much scarier
and noted an increase in vehicle speeds and also felt the rules of the road have been
breaking down during the pandemic. She encouraged Commissioners and staff to walk
around and experience it if they haven’t already. Ms. Beatty stated B/PAC is feeling an
increase in urgency to ensure the City is safe and friendly for folks to get around.
b) Broadway Pedestrian Street Lighting Improvement Project Update
Mr. Wong provided a presentation to the Commission to update them on the status of the
Broadway Pedestrian Street Lighting Improvement Project and to answer any questions
they may have. Mr. Wong shared the project background which included the award of a
$720K grant from MTC’s One Bay Area Grant 2 (OBAG2) in 2016, which was to fund 3
projects. He said the lighting project is the last of the three federally funded projects under
the OBAG 2 grant. Additionally, Mr. Wong stated the project scope is to remove and
replace existing pedestrian street lights, and install new pedestrian street lights with new
conduits and wiring along Broadway between El Camino Real and Rollins Road. He
indicated the work would also include removal and replacement of asphalt pavement and
sidewalk for restoration purposes. Mr. Wong revealed the project was awarded to Bay
Area Lightworks at the August 16, 2021 City Council Meeting.
Mr. Wong went over the details of the street lights, stating they will match the style of the
existing poles from the Broadway Interchange Project. He explained there are 22 existing
locations for replacement on Broadway between El Camino Real (ECR) and California
Drive and 20 new light locations – 16 between ECR and California Drive and 4 between
California Drive and Rollins Road. Mr. Wong also shared that the LEDs will be the latest
generation.
Mr. Wong shared the project schedule and said as of December, all new pole foundations
have been installed, but work would cease during the holiday season. He stated the new
poles are scheduled to arrive in March 2022, with the installation of poles and wiring
anticipated for April 2022. Weather permitting, Mr. Wong indicated the work should be
completed by May 2022.
No public comments were received for this item.
Commissioner Leigh stated that she requested to see the lighting plans in March of last
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year and again in April. She said they never received any plans and therefore did not know
that there would be poles installed in the middle of the sidewalk on Broadway between
California Drive and Rollins Road. She said pedestrians have to walk three feet to the left
or right to walk around the poles and felt pedestrians preferred a barrier between them
and the vehicles on Broadway. She expressed her disappointment that the Commission
was not given an opportunity to comment on the location of the poles as she felt they were
far less than ideal. Commissioner Leigh said we also cannot have the roadway more
illuminated than the actual crosswalks where people are walking. She said overall she
was very disappointed in the design and requested feedback regarding of the placement
of new poles in the middle of the sidewalk.
Mr. Wong replied to share that the lighting standards were provided to the Commission
but he said there was a possible misunderstanding. In regards to the location of some of
the new light poles, Mr. Wong stated it was due to the utilities along the sidewalk and the
new foundations interfere with the utilities. He explained it is very costly to relocate utilities
and therefore the design team had to compromise between access and increasing the
light levels on Broadway. Additionally, Mr. Wong stated there are planter areas which are
not reflected in the presentation that also impacted the poles location.
Commissioner Leigh continued to convey her displeasure of the design again and
specifically requested it be captured in the meeting minutes.
Commissioner Israelit inquired about the lighting and if there was a way to maximize the
lighting at central intersections. Mr. Wong explained they are pedestrian scale lighting,
with the light emphasis on the walkways along the sidewalk, not necessarily the road. Mr.
Wong also shared most of the intersection lights are brighter now—staff has been working
with the Broadway businesses to improve them. Mr. Wong also shared that the light poles
could not be pushed closer to the curb in some cases because that is where a lot of the
utilities lie.
Commissioner Rebelos said he is looking forward to the new lighting on Broadway. He
also stated the importance of transparency and communication. Commissioner Rebelos
inquired if there would be any supply delays that might impact the project schedule. Mr.
Wong responded to say the poles have already been ordered and he has not heard about
any supply delays from the project manager.
Commissioner Ng asked about adjustments to the lights themselves and to what extent
would that change the lighting report he shared. Mr. Wong said they can see if they can
increase the fixtures but explained they are not like directional highway lighting. Mr. Wong
said he would work with the project manager to see if they can tweak any of the lighting in
an effort to provide more lighting in the crosswalks.
Vice-Chair Martos asked a few clarifying questions, including whether or not tree trimming
might assist with the lighting of crosswalks. Mr. Wong stated he would look into it. Vice-
Chair Martos also asked about feedback from Mr. Kevranian and other merchants in terms
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of design and layout and if the majority of merchants were in favor of it. Mr. Wong stated
he has met with Mr. Kevranian and that he indicated he was pleased with the project and
did not mention anything about the specific pole locations.
Commissioner Leigh said it would be great if we could tweak the lights at the intersections
so it is brightest in the crosswalks. She also said it would be very helpful if communication
was improved and more transparent.
Commissioner Rebelos added that he has been walking around Burlingame a lot and he
noticed that since the time change, it has become more intimidating to walk. He said he
considered setting up a tripod at a few locations to capture video because he felt there is
a heightened risk to bicyclists and pedestrians near Broadway and Burlingame Avenue.
Commissioner Rebelos pointed out a lot of vehicles on the road have poor visibility and
drivers are more distracted and not seeing pedestrians. He shared that he has had so
many close calls in the last 14 days just walking around Burlingame. Commissioner
Rebelos felt the Commission is going to face increased pressure to improve lighting and
bike and pedestrian safety along the major corridors in Burlingame.
c) Chair and Vice-Chair Nominations
Vice-Chair Martos opened the floor for Chair and Vice-Chair Nominations.
Commissioner Israelit nominated Vice-Chair Martos to Chair the Commission next year.
Although it is not written in stone, she said it is the tradition of the Vice-Chair to take on
the role of Chair the following year. Commissioner Israelit stated that Vice-Chair Martos
has a lot of experience and can lead the Commission well. Vice-Chair Martos accepted
the nomination and the Commissioners voted in favor 5-0-0.
Vice-Chair Martos thanked his fellow Commissioners for their confidence. He stated in
previous years as Chair, he would meet with the Mayor on a quarterly basis to see what
Council is interested in and to obtain additional feedback. Vice-Chair Martos said he plans
to continue that effort next year.
Vice-Chair Martos nominated Commissioner Israelit to be the Vice-Chair to the
Commission next year. Commissioner Israelit said she would be happy to be the Vice-
Chair. The Commissioners voted in favor 5-0-0.
Mr. Wong stated that staff used to distribute a manual for new commissioners but he stated
there have been a lot of changes in the industry and the manual is out of date. He indicated
there will be an upcoming refresher course regarding the Brown Act, which will give the
Commissioner’s an opportunity to ask questions as well. Additionally, Mr. Wong said they
could provide links to various resources and City documents.
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7. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Engineering Division Reports
Mr. Wong provided an update on the following Public Works/Engineering projects.
• Highland Parking Garage Update – Garage is fully operational. Observations
made during the last week of November indicated over 200 spaces available. Staff
will be looking into additional signage.
Commissioner Leigh suggested making the upper levels free to people in order to
promote use of the parking garage. She also suggested free parking during the
holiday season to assist merchants. Commissioner Leigh felt the City’s eNews
would be a good way to get the word out.
Vice-Chair Martos concurred and said they want to investigate how they can get
more people to utilize the parking garage.
Commissioner Rebelos inquired about a valet parking program for the merchants.
He also said he loves the parking garage and the ease of it.
• Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Grant – Staff submitted the
grant application by the November 15 deadline. Staff to present project to the San
Mateo County BPAC in January 2022.
TSPC Priority List (revised November 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) 10/14/21: Item 6c
6 Electric Vehicle Discussion with Planning 10/14/21: Item 6b
7 Downtown Parking and Access 10/14/21: Item 7a
8 Broadway Parking 2/11/21: Item 7a
9 Citywide Transportation Alternatives 10/14/21: Item 6b
Staff Update via Report
1 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor 4/8/21: Item 7a
2 Hoover School Update 8/12/21: Item 7a
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3 Downtown Parking Strategies 7/8/21: Item 6c
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 10/14/21: Item 6c
10 Grant Opportunities 10/14/21: Item 6d
11 Broadway Grade Separation 8/12/21: 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 8/12//21: Item 7a
16 300 Burlingame Point Traffic Impacts 12/10/20: Item 7a
17 Broadway/California Update 11/10/21: Item 6b
2021 Agenda Item Action Status
1 Highland Garage Parking Restrictions Approved by Council February
16, 2021
b) Police Department Reports
Sergeant Perna provided the Collision Report and stated there were three documented
vehicle and pedestrian collisions this reporting period. He said one occurred at El Camino
Real and Ray Drive on the 20th at 8:34 pm. He said a pedestrian wandered into the road
nowhere near a crosswalk and therefore the pedestrian was at fault, although he stated
that nobody was cited. Sergeant Perna indicated the second collision took place at Cabrillo
Avenue and Easton Drive. He stated the vehicle was southbound on Cabrillo Avenue and
a pedestrian was crossing in the crosswalk. Sergeant Perna said the vehicle failed to stop
and hit the pedestrian in the crosswalk and was classified a minor injury collision. He
stated that the third collision at Lorton and Howard Avenues was similar to the accident
on Cabrillo Avenue in that the vehicle did not see the pedestrian in the roadway. Sergeant
Perna went on to say that he feels there is increased visibility concerns with today’s
vehicles due to increased pillar size.
Commissioner Leigh inquired about the time of day for the two accidents involving
pedestrians in the crosswalk. Sergeant Perna stated the accident at Cabrillo Avenue
occurred in the morning during the busy commute time. He said the accident on Lorton
Avenue occurred around noon. Commissioner Leigh pointed out that Lorton Avenue and
Howard Avenue are on the top five collision locations based on the Collision Map.
Commissioner Leigh stated at the May 13 Commission meeting they discussed staff
looking into whether or not Lorton and Howard would qualify for larger stop signs and that
former Chair Wettan stated it would be a future agenda item. She inquired again about
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the possibility of larger/upgraded stops signs so there are stop signs on both sides of all
four corners.
Mr. Wong said this area does not qualify for larger stops signs but stated that a high
visibility crosswalk at that location is part of a future project and staff is also looking at
trying some corner pedestrian improvements. He indicated there is also a work order in
to repair a broken light in the area—although lighting should not have been a factor in
this collision.
Commissioner Ng stated it is concerning that the collision occurred around noon on a
Saturday in a busy downtown area. He concurred with Commission Rebelos’ comments
in that he felt people just aren’t aware of their surroundings or they are not paying
attention. Commissioner Ng suggested brainstorming ways to increase visibility and
awareness.
Commissioner Rebelos agreed with comments from his fellow Commissioners and
conveyed his concern about the number of egregious collisions in the last 6 to 8 months.
He said there is an assumption that people are familiar with the street they are driving on
and that pedestrians are also familiar with the area, which is becoming more and more
apparent to him to be untrue. Commissioner Rebelos stated again, over the last two
months, he has gone on walks three or four times a week and cannot count the number
of times the crosswalk was violated. He said he is surprised there has not been more
collisions. Commissioner Rebelos mentioned he would also like more data and said we
should not be reacting to these accidents; he said we should be preventing them. He
stated he felt like there is an assumption in Burlingame that everyone is going to adhere
to the rules of the road. Commissioner Rebelos expressed the need to fix this ongoing
problem.
Vice-Chair Martos stated in January there will be an opportunity to prioritize the efforts of
the Commission for 2022.
Vice-Chair Martos then inquired about an additional vehicle and pedestrian accident that
occurred on November 29 at Peninsula Avenue and Stanley Road. Sergeant Perna stated
that collision was in the City of San Mateo but shared that it was a fatal collision—the
second in a very short time. Sergeant Perna stated he does not have additional details
but thought the pedestrian was outside of the crosswalk. Vice-Chair Martos thought that
crosswalk might be a good topic of conversation in 2022 even though they would have to
coordinate with the City of San Mateo.
Commissioner Leigh said she heard of a collision today at Bayswater Avenue and
California Drive. Sergeant Perna confirmed the collision but he did not have the details
available. Sergeant Perna also confirmed he could share the Collision Map going forward
but it would have to be in advance of the meeting for staff to share.
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c) Farmer’s Market
Chair Martos stated he walked through the last Farmer’s Market. He shared with the new
Commissioner’s that TSPC used to have a presence at the Famer’s Market once a month
to outreach the public. Vice-Chair Martos said they can consider restarting that effort
again in 2022.
d) TSPC Chair/Commissioner’s Communications
Vice-Chair Martos stated the Commission would be doing a proclamation for former Chair
Wettan and former Commissioner Bush in early 2022 to thank them for their service to
the community.
Commissioner Israelit said she received a communication from Mr. Robert Smith who
lives on Hillside Drive asking about Hillside Drive traffic and parking regulations. She said
the resident wondered if this Commissioner would handle his concerns since it’s in an
unincorporated area of Burlingame. Commissioner Israelit said Mr. Smith indicated he
was riding his bike on Hillside Drive and felt the fact there are cars parked on the
northeast side of the road creates a dangerous situation for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Mr. Smith inquired about prohibiting parking on the northeast corner of the road and
whether or not this Commission could address that.
Mr. Wong said there are pockets of Hillside Drive that belong to the County but he would
get more details from Commissioner Israelit offline. Vice-Chair Martos stated that he
typically will forward those emails to staff for evaluation. Commissioner Israelit stated the
email was received today and that she would forward it to Mr. Wong.
8. COMMISSION & SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a) Downtown Parking (Martos)
No new update.
b) Broadway Parking/Traffic Issues (Israelit & Leigh)
Commissioner Leigh shared that she and Commissioner Israelit did meet to discuss the
Broadway Pedestrian Street Lighting Project and placement of the light poles.
c) School Traffic (Israelit)
No new update but Commissioner Israelit thought Commission Ng might be interested in
this Committee in 2022. She also pointed out that they are in the middle of the big walk
audit and she does not want it to fall through the cracks.
Commissioner Ng conveyed his interested in this Committee.
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d) Citywide Transportation Alternatives (Rebelos)
No new update but Commissioner Rebelos stated he would like to carry this effort forward
and welcomed another Committee member.
e) Community Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory (Leigh & Rebelos)
Commissioner Leigh stated she attended today’s B/PAC meeting and said the meeting
was a wrap up of the year. She also shared that it has been one year since adopting the
City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Commissioner Leigh then requested hard
copies of the master plan document.
9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• Ranking and prioritization of projects for 2022
• Bike boulevard design options
• Proclamation for former Commissioners (February)
10. ADJOURNMENT 8:45 p.m.