FINAL
SUNNYVALE bICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes – May 15, 2008
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission met at 6:30 p.m. on May 15, 2008 with Committee Chair Kevin Jackson presiding. The meeting was held in the West Conference Room, City Hall, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale.
ROLL CALL/CONSIDERATION OF ABSENCES
Members Present: Kevin Jackson
James Manitakos
Ralph Durham
Andrea Stawitcke
Members Absent: Richard Warner
Michael Reece
Staff Present: Gerri Caruso, Principal Planner
Heba El-Guendy, Senior Transportation Planner
Visitors: David Simons, VTA BPAC/City’s Planning Commission
There was no objection to the members’ absence and the Commission affirmed (4-0) that their absences were excused.
SCHEDULED PRESENTATION
A presentation on the Work Plan for updating the City’s Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE) was provided by Ms. Gerri Caruso, Principal Planner with the Community Development Department.
Gerri Caruso – Indicated that the 23 elements of the City’s General Plan are tied to programs and ultimately to the budget. The LUTE was last updated in 1997, when the Land Use and Transportation elements were consolidated into a single document/ element. In general, the work plan recommended for updating the LUTE follows outlines of the Planning and Management Systems Manual. Although the Manual notes 9 to 12 months for the element update, a total of 27 months is recommended due to the significant transportation related issues and other complex matters. Preparation of the 2007 Sunnyvale Community Vision established a guiding framework for general planning based on a comprehensive community consultation process. Updating the LUTE will tier off of the City’s Vision. There are new factors that will be incorporated into the LUTE update such as the “carbon footprint”. This is in response to the 2006 California Assembly Bill 32, which sets goals for reducing greenhouse emissions for California and could potentially apply to local jurisdictions.
Ms. Caruso indicated that the Planning Commission and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will have a number of opportunities to provide their feedback. They will also host/co-chair the community outreach meetings to hear the communities’ concerns and needs first hand. Added that new ambitious goals for involving the community were set this year, which were used as a guiding force in the recommended Work Plan for updating the LUTE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2. DISCUSS: Work Plan for Update of the Land Use and Transportation Element – Draft RTC
David Simons - Noted that when discussing the LUTE update Work Plan, the Planning Commission focused on the project schedule and the Commission’s responsibilities
Commissioner Durham - Indicated that the carbon footprint objectives seem to be very ambitious. Also noted, as an example, that it could be relatively easy to measure the carbon footprint for buildings. However, it is probably more difficult to assess and achieve the carbon footprint objectives in the area of transportation.
Chair Jackson - Noted that the approved street space allocation policy will require a general plan amendment, and inquired about the time frame for completing such amendment. Also inquired on whether the LUTE will be updated by staff or consultants, along with associated financial and time impacts.
Gerri Caruso – Clarified the City’s need to make serious attempts for meeting the carbon footprint requirements. Also clarified that the newly approved street space allocation policy will be incorporated into the general plan without having to delay it for two years for the LUTE update. Added, as an example, that a general plan amendment for land use change takes about six months. It is likely that incorporating the street space allocation policy into the general plan would take a shorter period since the analysis has already been carried out. Noted that City staff will update the LUTE unless Council redirect staff time to other projects. This is with the exception of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which will be carried out by outside consultants. Although the LUTE was last updated by consultants, staff had to complete its update since it relied on knowledge and experience of City policies and procedures. Staff would also be more responsive to the community’s concerns and needs.
David Simons – Noted that since the LUTE update will address the carbon footprints, it is advisable that the discussion gets expanded to the whole eco system within Sunnyvale in order to balance future conflicts and work towards the City’s long term plan. Noted segregation of transported goods (i.e., water, food, etc.), along with associated pollution component. Evaluation of increasing auto capacity relative to light rail. Also referenced the parking lot performance standards and tree policy. Indicated that he has not seen any data to add to the value of being a tree City. Trees could reduce heat by 30%. Added that it could be a double edged sword issue since the reduction of air pollution allows for more sun energy and heat to filter through to the ground.
Commissioner Durham – Noted that such air quality analysis needs to differentiate between the people that work in Sunnyvale relative to the residents. Requested evaluating impacts of all developments planned within the northerly part of the City. Also requested not to discard the raw data since it could be used for other purposes/projects in the future.
David Simons – Noted that a balance needs to be achieved in producing a policy document usable by the decision makers with sufficient information and data to make it effective for staff use.
Chair Jackson – Believes that more and more attention will be paid in future years to the environment and air quality on the national and global levels. Expressed his agreement with having Planning Commission and BPAC members attend the community outreach meetings. With regard to goods transportation, noted that local goods does not necessarily means lesser air pollution. For example, Safeway is efficient in its goods movement operation. Although patrons may travel longer trips to get to a Safeway, they would likely make less frequent trips to buy all their needs. On the other hands, patrons of the Farmers Market would buy less goods and end-up making more trips to purchase all their supplies.
David Simons – Noted that the Planning Commission members were similarly involved in the community outreach meetings conducted as part of the Downtown Mall project. Believes that this process was successful and directly exposed the Planning Commissioners to the community’s needs.
Gerri Caruso – Clarified that the LUTE update will be discussed in a number of Planning Commission and BPAC meetings. Added that such Commissions and staff discussions will be separate from the community meetings.
Public Hearings/General Business calendar item 2 was approved 4-0 to adopt Alternative 1 as outlined in the staff report.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Jackson – Noted that the policy on street space allocation was unanimously approved by City Council on May 13, 2008. Also noted that he will be volunteering at the Bicycle Rodeo which will take place at the Cumberland Elementary School from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21st. The rodeo is organized by the County’s Traffic Safe Communities Network (TSCN) to help 4th and 5th grade students learn and practice cycling safety skills.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.A) Approval of Draft Minutes of the April 17th BPAC Meeting
1.B) Approval of the May 15th Meeting Agenda
1.C) Approval of the 2008 BPAC Calendar Update
Consent Calendar items 1.B and 1.C were approved 4-0.
Chair Jackson – Requested revising the fourth paragraph on Page 8 of the March 20th meeting minutes to read: “Inquired about the resurfacing schedule of Wolfe Road. As he recalls, it was planned to be resurfaced within five years. Noted that the planned 11 feet resurfacing should be extended to 13 feet. Requested when resurfacing the road north of El Camino Real, that signs associated with the Shared Vehicle/Bicycle Lane be relocated to 13 feet from the edge of the road rather than the existing 11 feet. In addition, requested the following revisions to the April 17th meeting minutes:
· Revising the third to last paragraph on Page 5 to indicate “Chair Jackson requested that the policies listed on Page 2 of the staff Report to Council (RTC) be amended to include the Land Use and Transportation Element Policy C3.4.6: Manage on-street parking to assure safe, efficient traffic flow. Also noted on Page 6 of the RTC that the BPAC meeting was held on February 21st, and not the 20th”; and,
· Revising the second paragraph on Page 8 to indicate “Chair Jackson – Noted that the Department of Public Safety needs to take an active approach in enforcing Requested discussing with representative of the Department of Public Safety means for enforcing the new law which will become in effect on July 1st prohibiting the use of handheld cellular phones while driving, and prohibiting drivers under the age of 18 years from
the use of cellular phones. In addition, noted that he sincerely hopes that there would not be staff should not allow any additional delays by the contractors working on the construction of the Borregas Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge”.
Consent calendar item 1A was approved 4-0 as amended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
David Simons – Indicated that better accommodations of pedestrians on expressways has been an issue of discussion for a number of months, and that he has been trying to get the VTA BPAC to vote on this matter.
Chair Jackson – Noted that the County Roads and Airports Department seems to be moving forward without a VTA BPAC recommendation. Requested a proposal to finalize the VTA BPAC vote, since delays in achieving such vote could result in no input.
David Simons – Noted that the County Roads and Airports Department seems to have its own funding and less dependent on feedback, which could be an oversight by the County Supervisors.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
3. DISCUSS: Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009
This item was planned for further discussion at a later BPAC meeting. The following comments and questions were raised in the meantime.
Chair Jackson – Inquired about the Traffic Impact Fees listed on the third to last paragraph on Page 71 of the Twenty-Year Resource Allocation Plan. A significant amount of $5.6 million to be collected in FY 2007/2008, and relatively smaller amounts of $10.2 million in the ten years beginning FY 2008/2009 and $11.1 million in the second ten years. Also inquired if the Sense of Place Sub-Fund noted on Page 72 of the Plan is considered a new revenue source, and inquired about the type of projects that could benefit from such fund. Asked about the rationale behind eliminating the marketing budget. In addition, asked about the reasons that budget associated with “Activity 115090 – Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Support” was exceeded despite that there were no BPAC meeting held in December of 2007, while budget associated with “Activity 115100 – Citizens Inquiries” was not reached.
David Simons – Clarified that the traffic impact fees are subject to projects construction. In addition, inquired if the Sense of Place Sub-Fund would better qualify the City for applying for comparable VTA grant.
Heba El-Guendy – Clarified that all community inquiries were properly handled and that bicycle/pedestrian/livable community issues and school traffic issues are covered under separate activity codes. Also suggested the preparation of lesser detailed minutes possibly by administrative staff, which could require tape recording of the BPAC meetings.
Commissioner Durham – Requested adding the “minute preparation” matter as a discussion item in the June BPAC meeting in order to allow for better consideration of appropriate changes if any.
4. DISCUSS: Earth Day, Health and Safety Fair, and Bike to Work Day debrief.
Heba El-Guendy – Thanked the BPAC members for their participation in the Earth Day event held on April 26th, Health and Safety Fair on May 10th, and Bike to Work Day on May 15th. Participation of the BPAC members helped in the success of these events. With regard to the Bike to Work Day, most recent event, it was noted that 222 cyclists visited the Baylands Park energizer station, 408 cyclists visited the Nasa-Bayshore light rail station, 205 cyclists visited the Wolf Road/El Camino Real station, 268 cyclists visited the Mary Avenue/Maude Avenue station. and 288 cyclists visited the energizer station set at the Caltrain station. The morning and noon bike rides were also very successful, roads were swept and the Department of Public Safety was notified in preparation for the different event activities. With the significant level of participation in the Bike to Work Day event, it is hoped that the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition would supply the City with higher numbers of event bags in future years.
Chair Jackson – Noted that most comments raised by cyclists who visited the Nasa light rail station are generally regarding bicycle signal detection within the Moffett Park area, condition of sidewalks, and the Borregas bike/pedestrian bridge.
Commissioner Stawitcke – Requested that the overall supplies (such as food and drinks) be increased in future years to accommodate the increasing levels of participation. Also requested that personal cards of the BPAC staff liaison be made available for cyclists at the different energizer stations.
5. DISCUSS: Global Sunnyvale – A Celebration of Cultures, possibility of BPAC participation in the event and shift schedules.
This event will take place on Saturday, June 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Plaza del Sol located at 200 West Evelyn Avenue. Booths hosted by local cultural and service organizations will be used as a way to both educate attendees on cultural practices and philosophies, as well as the services provided to the community. The City’s Community Resources Division welcomes participation of the BPAC members. It should be noted that an area will be designated for bicycle parking in order to encourage cycling to/from the event.
The BPAC members are interested in participating in this event, with Commissioners Stawitcke and Durham to attend from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Chair Jackson from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
The Commission staff liaison will make the necessary arrangements to accommodate their participation, and materials to be provided to the public including:
- The City’s and County’s bicycle maps, as well as flyers on Walking and Cycling Safety Tips;
- VTA bus and light rail service maps and schedules;
- Air District Spare the Air and other educational materials;
- 511 Ride Share and Guaranteed Ride Home programs, Bay Area transit services, and other information materials; and,
- Promotional materials available at the time from VTA and the City to encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transit.
The public hearing was opened.
No public comments were made on this matter.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
· BPAC ORAL COMMENTS
Commissioner Durham – Requested to add the following study issues:
- Assess the East Channel (runs parallel on the east side of Fair Oaks Aveue south of Tasman Drive) as a bike route; and,
- Review the feasibility of better spreading the potential replacement of BPAC members over the four-year term. Used the Arts Commission Board as an example, which consists of five members. This Board has a potential of only one member replacement per year for the first three years, then two members in the fourth year. On the other hand, BPAC currently has a potential replacement of three members after the first two-years, followed by a potential replacement of four members after the second two years of the four-year term. Believes that this arrangement could subject BPAC to losing the majority of its experienced members. Requested consideration of a different arrangement such as possible replacement of two members per year for each of the first three years, followed by one member in the fourth year.
Chair Jackson – Noted that the City’s study issue for reviewing feasible connections to the regional trails would be affected by the ongoing review of the Stevens Creek trail extension. Also requested future feedback on the expected time frame for completing the study issue.
· STAFF ORAL COMMENTS
Heba El-Guendy – In response to Chair Jackson’s request, will attempt to obtain details with regard to expected completion dates of the: (a) Establishment of improved signage and markings at/within the Baylands Park; and, (b) Slurry sealing a storm drain in the southbound direction on Fair Oaks just south of Tasman.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
6. BPAC E-mail Messages
7. Active Items List Update
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted by:
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Heba El-Guendy
Senior Transportation Planner
Division of Transportation and Traffic