HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - TSP - 2022.12.081
TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION
Unapproved Minutes
Regular Meeting of Thursday, December 8, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER 7:02 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Israelit, Leigh, Martos, Ng, Rebelos
MEMBERS ABSENT:
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) October 13, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
Chair Martos requested an edit to page one of the minutes by correcting the reference to the
approval of minutes under item 4.a from October 14 to July 14. Vice-Chair Israelit made a motion
to accept the regular meeting minutes for the October 13 meeting with the edit above; seconded
by Commissioner Leigh. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 5-0.
b) November 10, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Ng made a motion to accept the regular meeting minutes for the November 10
meeting as written; seconded by Vice-Chair Israelit. The motion passed by a roll call vote of 5-0.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS – NON-AGENDA
No non-agenda public comments received.
6. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
a) Burlingame Bicycle Pedestrian Overcrossing Wayfinding
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Mr. Wong stated he is looking for feedback from the Commission and public on this item and
shared it was brought up at a previous City Council meeting. He also indicated that wayfinding is
part of the overall Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Mr. Wong explained that the Rosalie O’Mahony bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing brings
travelers from the east side of the City over the freeway towards the downtown areas. He said
the overcrossing will take you to the intersection of Rollins Road and Cadillac Way. He indicated
the idea is to bring people down Cadillac and then direct people towards Broadway, Burlingame
Caltrain Station, and Burlingame Avenue.
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In closing, Mr. Wong reiterated the desire for feedback on the signs and locations and stated staff
would revise the layout based on a review of the feedback received. He said staff will then
coordinate with the Corp Yard for the sign installations.
Commissioner Leigh pointed out that some of the proposed signs are in their subcommittee area
so she and Commissioner Rebelos met yesterday to discuss the signage. She said they first
discussed that the wayfinding signage is less of a priority in the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
for people exiting the bridge and that they weren’t sure who the signs are directing—cars,
pedestrians, or bicyclists. She stated the signs seemed suited for cars since pedestrians would not
look up at signs like that and requested signage on the ground for pedestrians. Additionally,
Commissioner Leigh stated she and Commissioner Rebelos thought it was more important and
necessary to direct people to the bridge, not away from it. Specifically, she asked for signage to
the bridge at Carolan and Cadillac and in the area of Airport/Old Bayshore/Broadway.
Commissioner Leigh also said they thought there should be mid-block signage just south of the
Hyatt directing people to the bridge (overcrossing). She pointed out that the signs she shared via
email are much more clean and simple. Commissioner Leigh suggested that OC be spelled out on
the signage as the abbreviation means different things to different people.
Commissioner Rebelos confirmed Commissioner Leigh covered everything they discussed.
Commissioner Rebelos went on to say they though there should be signage further from the
overcrossing to direct them there, especially on the east side of the City. He reiterated the desire
for the mid-block crossing near the Hyatt. He felt it was important to guide the pedestrians from
the east side. Commissioner Rebelos explained that if you don’t know where the overcrossing is
going, pedestrians will tend to aim for the Broadway overpass. He also requested a sign on
Broadway, to the west of California Drive, so people would have a sense where to go from there.
Mr. Wong thanked Commissioners Leigh and Rebelos for their comments and stated he would
mark up the plans to include more signage to the overcrossing, as opposed to away from it. He
also indicated he would include areas further to the northeast. Mr. Wong stated putting items on
the surface for pedestrian is doable but stated the suggestions sent via email are tricky as it
changes the surface and may become a hazard. Mr. Wong also said signs sprayed on the surface
for pedestrians would need to be simple. He also clarified the proposed signs are for bicyclists and
pedestrians, not vehicles.
Commissioner Leigh stated all they need is a sign that says “ped/bike overcrossing” with an arrow
stenciled on the ground. She also said the more simple the sign, the better. Commissioner Leigh
requested to review the proposed signage again and said we don’t need the bike and ped symbols
up top and also suggested to have signs on both sides of the overcrossing that states “Rosalie
O’Mahony Bike and Pedestrian Overcrossing.” Commissioner Leigh asked how low the signs can
go for the bicyclists and pedestrians. Mr. Wong stated the bottom of the sign has to be 7 feet
high.
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Vice-Chair Israelit agreed for the need to spell out “overcrossing” and to make the signs simple to
read. She said she is also in favor of leaving Rosalie O’Mahony’s name off the actual wayfinding
signage and have it on the actual bridge. Vice-Chair Israelit disagreed in that she likes the City logo
and the bike and pedestrian symbols on the wayfinding signage as most signs are for vehicles. She
said she agreed with her fellow Commissioners on the overall goal of the wayfinding signage and
shared she found it confusing to get to the pedestrian bridge from Broadway. Vice-Chair Israelit
said she disagreed with the foot signage as she thought it would be helpful for pedestrians, but
not bicyclists. In order to make the ground stencil signage small but noticeable, she suggested
similar markings used for the “drains to bay” near the sewers, and recommended a bay logo
(waves) with arrow that states “bay trail” as another wayfinding idea. Vice-Chair Israelit also
suggested wayfinding for people to walk over the Broadway overpass as well as the ped/bike
overcrossing.
Commissioner Leigh responded to say signage for the Broadway overpass was a great idea as
pedestrians and bicyclist can be sensitive about adding more distance to their route.
Commissioner Leigh also pointed out there is no crosswalk on the south side of Broadway to cross
Rollins to get over towards the Audi dealership. Commissioner Leigh stated that this plan does
not address the concern of safe access to Cadillac Way, which she would like to see addressed.
Mr. Wong stated they can drop signs everywhere but inquired about the preferred route to the
overcrossing—i.e. Broadway to Rollins or Broadway to Carolan to Cadillac.
Commissioner Ng said his comments align with his fellow Commissioners. He stated simplification
of signage is key and pointed out past discussions of having too much signage. Commissioner Ng
asked if the Commission would see the revised signage plan prior to implementation. Mr. Wong
indicated he would share the revised locations and signs before implementing. Commissioner Ng
said he felt it would be best to let Mr. Wong come back with a revised plan at this point instead
of confusing matters further with additional comments.
Commissioner Rebelos stated his preferred route is the overcrossing to Cadillac in both directions.
He also pointed out that going forward he thought the Commission will have to address Google
maps navigation as it always routes you to the overpass, with no option to use the overcrossing.
Vice-Chair Israelit stated that staff can contact Google and they can make the update. Mr. Wong
stated they had to go through that process with the new California Drive roundabout.
Chair Martos stated he liked the suggestions from his fellow Commissioners, especially the idea
of adding signage to the overcrossing from the other side of Highway 101 by the hotels. He
questioned the east most sign on Cadillac and wondered if that is the best location. Additionally,
Chair Martos requested signage at Broadway directing people to the bayside. At the other end at
Oak Grove, Chair Martos asked what we are trying to do—direct people to Carolan or stay on
California Drive. Mr. Wong clarified the signage would direct them to Carolan and up that way.
Chair Martos pointed out that it’s hard to state the best arrangement until the improvements on
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California Drive are considered. He also concurred about making the signage simple.
Vice-Chair Israelit stated that Cadillac may look like a safer surface street but she stated there are
cars always pulling in and out and double parked (Audi dealership) so while she understands in
theory it would be a safer street, she said she is more comfortable staying on Broadway and going
around the wide curve. She also stated that she agreed with Chair Martos in that we should not
include Oak Grove signage at this stage as it will be changing with the upcoming California Drive
bike facility improvements.
Commissioner Leigh said she agreed that is was premature to put up signage near California Drive
and Oak Grove Avenue since the new bike facility hasn’t been implemented yet. She also stated
she is hesitant to add visual clutter near California Drive/Oak Grove, Carolan/Oak Grove, and
Morrell/Carolan due to past traffic collisions.
Commissioner Rebelos suggested using a Caltrain logo instead of “Burlingame Sta.” for the
wayfinding signage directing people to the train station. Mr. Wong said they could try to do that
and use less text.
Mr. Wong stated staff will iron out what the signs will look like. He said the California Drive
improvements should be coming up in the next year.
Chair Martos opened the public comment period.
Drew stated for the signs, the logo could be moved to the top with the other symbols and
suggested adding a scooter. He said it could just be a narrow band at the top. In terms of the
height of the signs, he asked if they could be mounted lower if it was off the sidewalk. Drew stated
if he was a visitor from a new area, he would want to walk on Broadway because there is activity
there, as opposed to being routed further to an unfamiliar quiet area.
Ms. Brewer read the following email for public comment from Manito Velasco:
There are so many other critical safety issues in the City, and yet these small green guide signs
somehow rose to the top and will have valuable Commissioner hours used up to discuss.
The priority I remember from both BPAC and from the Bike Ped Plan is how to improve the safety
of the bike route connection between the Cadillac/Rollins overpass to the California/Broadway
intersection. These signs don't do anything to improve safety. In fact, the guide signs tell bike
riders coming from the overpass to turn left to go to the Ave or downtown. I'm not sure if anyone
here has tried to make that left turn on a bike but it is scary dangerous. Drivers are coming fast in
both directions, and gaps are few and far in between during commute hours. Why is something
not being done about that instead?
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Going northbound on Carolan, bike riders have to go from a right side bike lane, and fight their
way blindly to end up in the center bike lane by the car dealership, to reach California Dr and
Broadway. This dangerous movement is notoriously bad, BHS students flee to the safety of the
sidewalk rather than mix it up there. And yet that's what the guide sign is telling them to do. Has
anyone tried to do this maneuver?
And then at the intersection of Oak Grove and Carolan, by BHS, there again is the dangerous center
bike lane design that bike ped advocates have raised numerous times to the City. Nothing is being
done about that. In terms of signage, that intersection already has a ton of signs. In fact the city
has had a hard time placing signs for southbound Carolan because of all the trees and bushes
there. These signs will be useless there because users, drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists have a tough
enough time trying to survive that crazy intersection. These signs won't add any value. And may
even detract attention from the other more important signage like STOP signs, lane signs, etc.
Lastly at Oak Grove/Carolan, bike riders are being told to make a left turn west to south, from the
tracks. Left turn into what? There's no bike lane there. This guide signage seems premature and
is needed only after the bike lanes are installed there later.
Is it possible to know how a project like this is initiated and prioritized? Was this requested by
BPAC? Your time as Commissioners are precious, as is the public's. It would best if it was spent on
the most critical issues rather than guide signs.
John Kevranian posted in the chat (Via YouTube) that tourists will not know what “Burlingame
Sta.” means and suggested to use a train picture.
b) TSPC Nominations
Vice-Chair Israelit and Commissioner Leigh were nominated for Chair for 2023. Vice-Chair Israelit
was voted in as Chair by a vote of 3-2.
Athan Rebelos was nominated as Vice-Chair for 2023 to which he accepted.
No public comments were received for this item.
7. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Public Hearing Related to Informational Items
Ms. Brewer read the following email from Manito Velasco for public comment.
Thank you again Commissioners for another full year of your valuable service. Appreciate your
giving up your regular Thursday nights for this important civic duty and for your patience and your
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efforts to shape safety and accessibility in Burlingame.
I’m looking forward to hearing about the following projects in the Engineer’s Report:
1. California Drive bikeway project – this one is from Broadway and Oak Grove. This was last
heard at TSPC in August 2021, and Council Sept 2021. Since then the project has gone
dark, with zero updates for the last 15 months. TSPC provided significant comments and
asked to review and incorporate various design elements. Were they incorporated? When
will this project go back in front of TSPC or Council? When will it break ground?
2. Oak/Grove Carolan Signal – staff said they would provide an update on this important
project. To date, there has been zero update on the website or on any of the last 12+
monthly engineer’s report. Has this project been approved by CPUC and Caltrain? What
is the next step?
3. Carmelita and Paloma bike boulevards – when will the all-way stop be installed at
Carmelita and Paloma? How about the other measures?
4. California Dr north of Broadway – although there are bike lanes here, it has gotten gravely
dangerous. The bike lanes on the track side are pinched at the large drains and drivers
are passing bike riders headed to the Bart station within inches. On top of that the asphalt
has warped to create v-shaped ditches esp around the Oxford and Cambridge jumbo
drains.
Hope to hear some much needed communication about these important projects. If possible, it
would be great if these were made regular bullet points on the Engineer’s reports going forward
so they are not out of sight, out of mind.
b) Community B/PAC Update
Ms. Brewer read the following email on behalf of B/PAC Chair Lesley Beatty.
Hi TSPC and staff,
We hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. As we wrap up the year, we (BPAC) would
like to thank you for the great work that you do here. Here is a summary of our meeting from
yesterday:
We are still discussing why BPAC was not informed or asked to provide feedback on the city's
recent SMCTA grant application for bike/ped projects. Additionally, while we saw that Chair
Martos wrote a letter of support for the grant applications, we also don't remember these grant
applications coming in front of this commission for discussion or public comment. It would appear
that beyond Chair Martos, none of the commissioners got to review these grant applications,
along with no members of the BPAC and no members of the general public.
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We hope that in the future, there is more transparency for Burlingame about what projects the
city applies for. Frankly, it wouldn't be a big deal if the city were following the Bike/Ped master
plan prioritization, as approved by city council in its grant applications. But, the project at Rollins
Road was not included at all in Burlingame's bike/ped project plan, yet it was presented as a high
level bike/ped priority by the city of Burlingame in this grant application. We are still confused as
to why this was the case, when there are major bike and pedestrian priorities in the bike/ped plan
that would provide more value, including projects along the Broadway corridor, the area around
Burlingame Intermediate School, and the increasingly dangerous area around Burlingame High
School.
Like you, we want the city to be successful at its grant applications. We also want to see the
county's grant money that is designated for bike and pedestrian projects go to projects that
enhance bicycle and pedestrian access and safety. We'd like to request that the commission add
an agenda item in the New Year for the city to clarify its grant application process, and when/who
it seeks feedback from during the process.
Again, thanks so much for all you do for Burlingame and happy holidays. We look forward to
partnering on projects such as the Broadway corridor, Carolan/Cadillac/Oak Grove, and California
Drive in 2023. Best, Lesley
c) Engineering Division Reports
• Peninsula/Lorton RRFB Update – The noticing by San Mateo staff at the intersection was
to solicit community feedback regarding the relocation of the crosswalk. Based on that
feedback, staff from both agencies have determined both crosswalks on Peninsula will
receive RRFBs.
Commissioner Leigh requested updates for active projects on a monthly basis.
Vice-Chair Israelit recalled a past conversation that the Commission agreed to have
updates on active projects so they are up to speed on the status.
Mr. Wong requested the Commissioners top five projects as he pointed out the report
will become rather long if all active projects are listed within the Engineer’s Report.
TSPC Priority List (revised December 2022):
TSPC Led Effort
1 Broadway/Carmelita Bike/Ped TSPC Study 2/10/22: Item 6c
2 BIS School Safety Improvements
3 Pedestrian Safety at California/Burlingame Ave
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4 Lorton Corridor TSPC Study (Roundabout to Howard)
5 SB California Lane Configuration (Bike Mobility)
6 Bike\Ped Plan Priorities 7/14/22: Item 6b
7 Parking Garage Usage 2/10/22: Item 7a
8 Downtown Parking and Access
9 Broadway Parking
10 School Transportation and Safety Issues 11/10/22: Item 6a
Staff Updates
1 Caltrans’ ECR Corridor
2 Downtown Parking Strategies
3 City Hall Traffic Calming/Floribunda
4 Oak Grove/Carolan Traffic Signal
5 Bike\Ped Plan Implementation 7/14/22: Item 6b
6 Chapin Avenue Green Streets Project
7 Old Bayshore Corridor Study (n/o Broadway)
8 Grant Opportunities 7/14/22: Item 7a
9 Broadway Grade Separation 6/9/22: Item 6b
10 San Mateo's Peninsula Ave OC
11 School Speed Limit Updates
12 School Safety Improvements
13 Lyon-Hoag Neighborhood Traffic Calming
14 300 Burlingame Point Traffic Impacts
15 Broadway/California Update
2022 Agenda Item Action Status
1 Various Stop Signs Approved at the 4/4/22 CC mtg.
d) Police Department Reports
Sergeant Perna reviewed the collision report and reported 22 documented collisions for this
reporting period. He shared there were 2 DUI collisions, three hit and runs, two vehicle/pedestrian
collisions, and one vehicle/bicycle collision. The Commissioners asked clarifying questions
regarding the above referenced collisions.
Commissioner Leigh asked Mr. Wong if he had a chance to check what the furthest legal limit is
to implement 20 MPH zones that surround a school. Mr. Wong stated he would double check but
said it is between 500-800 feet. Commissioner Leigh inquired about lowering it around BHS and
the other schools. Vice-Chair Israelit thought the legal distance was a much smaller number.
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Sergeant Perna indicated that this will be his last meeting with TSPC and said Sergeant Jason
Roberts would be taking over as the Traffic Sergeant. He thanked the Commission for volunteering
their time.
Vice-Chair Israelit thanked Sergeant Perna for patiently answering all of their questions, all the
work put into the heat maps, and for just being so helpful. Chair Martos also thanked Sergeant
Perna and concurred with Vice-Chair Israelit’s comments. He wished him the best back on patrol.
e) TSPC Chair/Commissioner’s Communications
No updates.
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a) Public Hearing Related to Committee Reports
No public comments.
b) Burlingame Avenue Safety and Access (Leigh & Ng)
No update.
c) Community Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (Leigh & Rebelos)
No update.
d) BIS Safety Audit (Israelit & Ng)
Commissioner Ng stated they have been communicating with Mr. Wong and staff to coordinate
a sit down meeting to talk through it—he said he is hopeful it will take place tomorrow and the
Committee will have a progress report in January.
e) Mercy School Traffic Calming (Israelit & Martos)
Mr. Wong stated staff is working on what they can until they hear back from Mercy School. Vice-
Chair Israelit also pointed out they are waiting to hear back from the school.
f) Hwy 101 Corridor Connectivity (Leigh & Rebelos)
Discussed as part of item 6.a.
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Commissioner Leigh stated that now people are working so much from home, our local traffic has
become more competitive (faster and aggressive) and she didn’t feel it would get any better
unless we help slow traffic down. Commissioner Rebelos stated people are driving more east to
west all hours of the day, rather than getting on the freeway to commute to work.
9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• 2023 priorities and goals
• New subcommittees (and rules to be reviewed with the City Attorney’s Office)
In closing, Chair Martos thanked his fellow Commissioners and City staff for all of their efforts this
year.
10. ADJOURNMENT 8:49 p.m.