FINAL
SUNNYVALE bICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes – August 21, 2008
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission met at 6:35 p.m. on August 21, 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
Andrea Stawitcke
Michael Reece
Richard Warner
Patrick Walz
James Manitakos
Members Absent: Ralph Durham
Staff Present: Jack Witthaus, Transportation and Traffic Manager
Lieutenant Donald Discher
Heba El-Guendy, Senior Transportation Planner
Visitors: Chad Brower, Sunnyvale resident/commuter
Jeannie Bruins, Los Altos resident/Co-Chair of the Stevens Creek Trail Task Force/Member of the Board of Friends of the Stevens Creek Trail
Garth Williams, Sunnyvale resident/Member of the Board of Friends of the Stevens Creek Trail
Arthur Schwartz, Sunnyvale resident
Mather Smith, Sunnyvale resident
Commissioner Durham reported during the July BPAC meeting that he would be on vacation and would not be able to attend the August BPAC meeting. There was no objection to the member’s absence, and his absence was excused.
SCHEDULED PRESENTATION
There was no scheduled presentation.
Lieutenant Discher - provided an update on a number of enforcement matters including the following: A DUI check point is planned on August --, from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. for southbound traffic on Mathilda Avenue at Olive Avenue. Recalled one of the violators during the last DUI check who was a driver already on the warrant list for $10,000. Also noted that since the establishment of the new cell phone laws on July 1st, 2008 until August 20th, 2008, a total of 144 cell phone related tickets were issued. This exceeds the number of violation tickets that have been issued in neighboring cities, and resulted in the current high compliance rate within Sunnyvale. In addition, referred to the ongoing cooperation with the County’s Traffic Safe Communities Network (TSCN) and UC Berkeley. The ongoing efforts aim at improving some of the traffic operational devices in the vicinity of schools, as well as implementing programs such as the Walking School Bus which is intended to alleviate safety concerns. The yearly educational and safety training offered by the City’s Public Safety Department to students at the different school grades was also referenced.
Chair Jackson – Noted that beside to DUIs, distracted drivers in general affect the safety of all road users including cyclists. Requested to at least provide distracted drivers with a warning. Noted that parking is currently prohibited along some segments of the Homestead bike lanes on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Added that he noticed and reported a couple of vehicles that were parked in the bike lane around 4:00 p.m. in violation of the parking prohibition. In addition, noted the four schools within Sunnyvale (Cherry Chase, Cumberland, Vargas and Fairwood) that will participate in the County’s Walk and Bike School Week in October of 2008. Requested that the Department of Public Safety be involved in this effort. Also requested that the City’s Transportation and Traffic Division provide schools with welcome packages including bike maps, reflectors, helmet stickers, educational flyers, etc.
Commissioner Reece – Requested that a short training be provided at the different schools to teach students how to cycle safely in traffic.
Lieutenant Discher – Noted that violations of the parking prohibitions along bicycle routes are being enforced, and recalled a ticket that he issued a couple of weeks ago.
Heba El-Guendy – Noted that the Walk and Bike School Week was discussed during the TSCN meeting on August 12th, 2008 and most likely will be further discussed in the two upcoming TSCN meetings. Once the event dates are determined, City staff will attempt to attend at the four schools within Sunnyvale depending on schedule availability. In any case, City staff already offered TSCN to provide safety and educational materials for the four participating schools. Providing such materials to all schools within Sunnyvale will need to be addressed from a budget perspective.
Chair Jackson – Thanked Lieutenant Discher on his participation in the BPAC meeting and requested his continued involvement.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chad Brower – Showed the BPAC members and all present at the meeting an electric motor that he added to his bicycle. Noted that the electric motor can fit on any bicycle and enables bicyclists to cycle at 20 miles per hour. Also noted that such device allows persons of different fitness levels to cycle for longer distances. Mentioned that the use of bicycle electric motors is on the rise, and that the motor sales increased by about 6,000%.
Chair Jackson – Noted that adding electric motors to bicycles remind him of the requested banning of Segways use on trails. Also noted that the cycling community is organized and can pursue the use of electric motors. Added that cyclists still have to be prepared to slow down for pedestrians, which can affect the overall travel time. In addition, noted that equipping bicycles with electric motors does not substitute the need for having bicycle access on roads.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.A) Approval of Draft Minutes of the July 17th BPAC Meeting
1.B) Approval of the August 21st Meeting Agenda
1.C) Approval of the 2008 BPAC Calendar Update
Commissioner Stawitcke moved a motion to approve Consent Calendar items 1.B and 1.C, which was seconded by Commissioner Manitakos. Consent Calendar items 1.B and 1.C were approved 6-0.
Commissioner Reece moved a motion to approve Consent Calendar item 1.A as amended which was seconded by Commissioner Walz. Consent Calendar item 1.A was approved 6-0 as amended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2. ACTION: Policy Supporting Connections to Regional Bicycle Facilities – Draft RTC
Jack Witthaus – Provided the staff report on this action item including a summary of the staff research which concluded that the City policy documents are rich in policy regarding connections to regional bicycle facilities including a number of aspects covering access, connections, finance, facility design, and coordination with outside agencies. As noted in the RTC, the staff recommends that no revisions be made to the existing City policy. Also noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission supports the staff’s recommendation, and requested support of the BPAC members. A copy of the August 13th meeting minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission was circulated to the BPAC members. It was clarified that the study issue and its background were explained in details to members of the Parks and Recreation Commission. In addition, Mr. Witthaus noted that staff postponed Council review of the RTC to the following Council meeting scheduled for September 9, 2008. This action was taken to ensure that all relevant information, including the BPAC recommendation and the August 21st BPAC meeting minutes, is presented in writing prior to the Council meeting for their consideration.
Commissioner Walz – Requested a clarification of the overall issue and the City’s position with regard to providing connections to the Stevens Creek trail.
Jack Witthaus – Indicated that the City current policy generally supports a trail connection, but not trail construction on the Sunnyvale side of the Stevens Creek. Added that there is an existing capital project to provide a trail connection possibly at Remington Court around year 2016, which coincides with the City of Mountain View construction schedule of the trail extension. Also provided background information on the initial study issue ranked for the 2008 legislative calendar that is supposed to review the more global issue of connections to regionally significant bicycle facilities such as the Stevens Creek Trail, the Mary Avenue/Route 280 Bicycle Footbridge, or VTA-designated Cross-County Bicycle Corridors. During the June 19th meeting, BPAC generally concluded that there are no significant issues relating to the regional bike facility connections except for policy regarding the Stevens Creek Trail that should be revisited by the City Council. Staff finds the BPAC request as a separate issue that is different from what was approved by Council. Added that the requested trail connection requires a diligent review of associated technical issues, community feedback, etc., which could be considered as part of next year’s study issue process.
Commissioner Manitakos – Commented that what BPAC is requesting does not vary from the initial study issue, and that the staff’s approach undermines the issue.
Chair Jackson – Indicated that the specific request regarding the Stevens Creek Trail is not new. Added that BPAC is not changing focus of the study issue, but simply concurs with the remaining policies. Also added that there is a need to differentiate between the trail alignment that was proposed in 1994 which traveled along the Creek within Sunnyvale, relative to what is presently being considered by the City of Los Altos. Noted that the City of Los Altos is in the process of conducting a feasibility study that proposes a trail extension within Mountain View and only jumps to Sunnyvale just before crossing under State Route 85, a distance of only about 1/8 of a mile. Although technically this could be in violation of the City of Sunnyvale policy, it has been significantly reduced in scope. Noted that even if staff believes that there has been a change in scope, it is possible to conclude that the change in the trail alignment now warrants revisiting its specific policy. Added that the existing City policy is holding up consideration of this alternative of trail extension, and requested extending the study issue for a few more months to allow addressing the matter in a timely manner rather than delaying it for another year.
Jack Witthaus – Noted that staff cannot support extending the review period of the study issue. The matter in hand requires a significant amount of effort, studies and community consultation that have not been approved by the City Council. Also noted that BPAC could select decision Alternative 2 noted in the RTC, which considers studying the Stevens Creek Trail policy as a potential 2009 Study Issue. Added that BPAC could also revise the wording of this decision alternative in order to support the study issue as a priority for the 2009 Study Issue cycle
Arthur Schwartz – Commented that he was present during the Council meeting back in 1994 when the Stevens Creek Trail policy was considered. Noted that the policy was passed to address the concerns of residents who were worried about the trail passing behind their homes. Believes that the policy no longer applies since the new extension alignment does not affect any homes, thereby eliminating the need for a study issue.
Chair Jackson – Noted that Mr. Schwartz’s comment can be included as a clarification. However, the policy still applies since it does not state any reference to the previous alignment that was behind homes.
Jack Witthaus – Commented that staff’s recommendation took into consideration the basis of the original policy and associated trail alignment that was under review at the time. Added that the present alignment would still affect at least two properties, and that staff believes there are potentially significant environmental and technical issues. There is also the issue of funding responsibilities, and whether Caltrans would approve to build a trail connection in or adjacent to state right-of-way.
Chair Jackson – Commented that these are feasibility issues and not policy issues. Also noted that the Water District is in general agreement with the preferred alternative.
Jack Witthaus – Clarified that the Water District agreed to review the project as a community-based project. However, the District has not approved the project.
Commissioner Stawitcke – Had to leave the meeting early due to family needs, and noted that she is in favor of decision Alternative 2, which proposes a potential 2009 Study Issue to study the Stevens Creek Trail policy.
Jeannie Bruins – Indicated that she finds the staff RTC confusing in terms of purpose and goal, and City policies regarding the Creek conflicting. Inquired whether decision Alternative 1 noted in the RTC would mean that the 1994 policy decision is now being affirmed in 2008. Commented that the report verbiage expresses a strong bias and shuts down a process that should be open. Ms. Bruins believes that the report should state that Los Altos is examining five alternatives, and not proposing five alternatives. Added that the report should reference the trail extension relative to State Route 85 and not along the Creek. Indicated that the City of Los Altos should be given the opportunity to complete its process and determine whether there is a need to work with Cupertino, Mountain View and/or Sunnyvale. Believes that someone is pushing the panic button too early. Noted that the City of Los Altos conducted a high level feasibility study with more detailed studies to follow. When reaching the design phase, it will become cost prohibitive to review all alternatives and a preferred alternative must be selected. Indicated that the matter is going before the Los Altos City Council on September 16, 2008. Also referenced and provided a copy to staff of a letter from the Los Altos City Mayor to the attention of the City of Sunnyvale Mayor requesting the postponement of any Sunnyvale decision until Los Altos Council had a chance to review the project on September 16th. Noted that the feasibility study report prepared for the City of Los Altos is not public yet, and she would like to avoid unnecessarily upsetting Los Altos or Sunnyvale residents. Ms. Bruins believes that Sunnyvale City staff made it clear that they have no intention to revisit the policy, and indicated her concurrence with Mr. Schwartz that alignment of the trail extension now under consideration would not generally conflict with the City of Sunnyvale policy. Also inquired about the study issue process and what it means to consider it in next year’s cycle.
Chair Jackson – Clarified that the study issue does not reaffirm the 1994 Council decision and that it is rather a staff recommendation not to revisit an existing policy.
Jack Witthaus – Clarified that City staff is not biased one way or another, and that staff are obligated to follow City policies. Mr. Witthaus also explained the City’s Study and Budget Issues process including timelines of issues that would be ranked by Council for legislative year 2009.
Chair Jackson – Noted that Sunnyvale needs to take an open approach similar to the Water District and show willingness to consider the Los Altos proposal. Believes that Policy 2.2.C.4 represents the true City position to work with neighboring jurisdictions on facilitating trail connections wherever possible, while Policy 2.2.C.5 is a reactive policy that responded to residents concerns. Also requested revisions to the end of the fifth paragraph on Page 6 of the RTC to indicate “………. (Council policy 2.2.C.5 above) should be revisited to take into account a new study produced by the City of Los Altos that includes a trail alternative with one trail alternative (Alternative 3) requiring a connection on the Sunnyvale side of the Creek”. In addition, requested that additional verbiage be added to the RTC to clarify the following:
- Revisiting the policy is necessary to make the Los Altos project and overall trail extension work;
- The section crossing on the Sunnyvale side is only 1/8 of a mile in length, which is considered a very short section relative to the overall trail extension;
- Alternative 3 of the Los Altos feasibility study is the preferred alternative with expected future studies;
- The differences between the trail alignment that was under consideration in 1994 and prompted the community objections and Policy 2.2.C.5, relative to the trail alignment currently under consideration; and,
- Should Los Altos City Council decide to proceed with the preferred alternative on September 16th, 2008, this will generate the need for Sunnyvale to proceed with its review as soon as possible not to become the pinch point in the overall project.
Chad Brower – Indicated that the RTC logic is so subtle and would likely confuse the public who are not familiar with the issue, and thus requested adding some clarifications in the RTC. Believes that even if the technical feasibility may not have changed, the political feasibility has changed. Noted that Sunnyvale needs to proceed with as much work as possible until it is time to carry out the technical studies and project design.
Garth Williams – Requested postponement of the Sunnyvale City Council consideration of this study issue until the Los Altos City Council decide on the project on September 16th, 2008.
Jack Witthaus – Suggested that BPAC considers alternative decisions 1 and 2 noted in the RTC in order to resolve matters. Meaning that the more global policy issue ranked for 2008 be closed, and still initiate another study issue that is more specific to the Stevens Creek Trail. Also suggested referencing the Los Altos process and timing considerations.
Arthur Schwartz – Suggested selecting decision Alternative 4, which recommends revising City policy on the Stevens Creek Trail with a clarification that the basis of the policy no longer exists.
Chair Jackson – Commented that based on his experience, BPAC needs staff support and that decision Alternative 4 would unlikely be approved by Council. Noted that a better approach would be to put all forces behind seeking another study issue and moved the following motion:
BPAC concurs with staff that the existing City policy documents are rich in policy associated with connections to regional bicycle facilities except for policy 2.2.C.5.
- Because a primary motivation is to facilitate cooperation with neighboring jurisdictions to form a specific policy regarding the Stevens Creek Trail construction;
- And because the 2.2.C.5 policy was adopted due to specific concerns of the proposal that was under consideration at that time;
- And because new developments have dramatically changed the situation to greatly reduce those original concerns;
- And because the study issue will have to occur this upcoming year in order to allow the City of Los Altos to proceed with the trail feasibility study which is currently underway;
- And because BPAC believes this action is necessary for the success of a unique and important recreation facility for Sunnyvale and surrounding communities;
Thus BPAC recommends that Council approve Alternative 2, which proposes study of Stevens Creek Trail policy as a potential 2009 study issue
Commissioner Walz – Commented that he is appalled of the fact that Policy 2.2.C.5 even exists. The City of Sunnyvale supports regional trail connections (under Policy 2.2.C.4), as long as these connections are not in Sunnyvale (under Policy 2.2.C.5), which is NIMBYism.
Commissioner Manitakos – Commented that the moved motion beat around the bush too much. Believes that the question is not whether or not BPAC wants a connection to the Trail. It is rather a matter of reviewing the designs that would allow such a trail connection. Requested substituting the first motion, and moved a second motion to recommend decision Alternative 4 to revise/delete the Stevens Creek Trail policy 2.2.C.5.
Commissioner Reece – Seconded the substitute motion moved by Commissioner Manitakos.
The Substitute Motion failed 2 to 3 with Commission members Manitakos and Reece in favor, and Commission members Jackson, Walz and Warner in opposition.
Jack Witthaus – Clarified that dissenting opinions can be presented to City Council.
The first motion moved by Chair Jackson was then seconded by Commissioner Walz. This motion was passed with Commission members Jackson, Walz and Warner in favor, Commission member Reece in opposition, and Commission member Manitakos abstaining.
3. Discussion: Development of Study and Budget Issues
Jack Witthaus – Indicated that the purpose of the discussion item is to consider future refinement of potential BPAC 2009 Study and Budget Issues. Staff offered to provide information on the issues, but that formal staff recommendation has not yet been developed. At the Chair’s request, staff provided information on proposed issues as follows:
Study Issues:
#1 Assess the East Channel as a bike route – Clarified that the City already has a capital project to establish the East Channel as a bike route which is gradually being funded by impact fees;
#6 Reduce the speed limit on the right-hand/curb-side lanes – Clarified that this is not technically or legally feasible. Added that this is a matter that would affect the region and state design guidelines, while Council generally prefers study issues to focus on City matters.
#7 Investigate how to encourage people to own fewer cars – Clarified that this is also a more global issue.
Budget Issue:
#1 Improve the markings and operation of the bicycle detectors – Clarified that this is an operational issue. Sunnyvale has taken a lead with regard to the use of bicycle detectors and regularly addresses arising issues.
Chair Jackson – Noted that he proposed Study Issue #7 from a local perspective and was thinking, as an example, of considering a car-cooperative program for City Hall employees.
All five present BPAC members agreed on removing Study Issue #1 since it is already addressed in an existing capital project. Chair Jackson suggested that the remaining Study and Budget Issues be discussed in September to allow a better chance to all BPAC members to consider these issues.
No additional study or budget issues were proposed and Chair Jackson requested a clarification of the study issue process including the numbering, ranking and cut-off. The study and budget issues are expected to be finalized in the September BPAC meeting and ranked in the October BPAC meeting.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
· BPAC ORAL COMMENTS
Commissioner Reece – Inquired about any planned resurfacing or reconstruction of North Fair Oaks Avenue to the north of the Fair Oaks–Wolfe split. Noted that there are two school crossings and a heavily used park on the subject road segments, and that there are six vehicular traffic lanes. Believes that there may be sufficient space for providing bike lanes by eliminating one of the vehicular travel lanes, or some other arrangement.
Heba El-Guendy – Noted that the AC Overlay/Reconstruction list for FY 2008-09 was presented as an information item during the January 2008 BPAC meeting. Indicated that she will resend this list and find out if any road work is planned for the referenced segments of North Fair Oaks Avenue. Noted that a road reconstruction does not automatically raise the possibility of providing bicycle lanes. This is a matter that requires diligent investigation, especially in the event of eliminating a vehicular travel lane which could have traffic and environmental impacts.
Commissioner Warner – Inquired about H Street and the possibility of widening the bike lanes.
Heba El-Guendy – Noted that this request was also raised by Chair Jackson. Added that the bike lanes each has a width of five feet, which meets the practiced design standard (a minimum of five feet bike lane width including a minimum of three feet pavement width). Any maintenance or construction related obstructions can be removed without raising the need for design changes.
Chair Jackson – Noted that the City should follow the VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines which recommends a five-foot bike lane (same as Caltrans), but it says four feet of pavement instead of three feet. So, in cases where there is a two-foot gutter, the bike lane would become six feet.
It should be noted that this is not a matter that would be decided by the City. H Street is a private street owned by Lockheed Martin and J. Paul.
Commissioner Walz – Referenced a conference on sustainability that he recently attended. Although it does not focus on walking and cycling, he found it useful and impressive.
Chair Jackson – Indicated that he looks forward for the opening of the Borregas Bridge. Reiterated the request from the BPAC staff liaison to provide available educational and promotional materials to schools as welcome back-to-school packages. Noted that there has been recent road work on Homestead Road and that there is a lump of asphalt remaining in front of 767 Homestead which could cause a safety issue. Raised a concern regarding a Planning Commission comment on an office development which is proposed at 384 Santa Trinita Avenue regarding the possibility that bicycle parking is not appropriately spaced.
Heba El-Guendy – Clarified that the requested school packages would possibly need to be addressed from a budget perspective. Noted that the referenced road resurfacing matter will be forwarded to the staff persons in charge. Clarified that the 384 Santa Trinita project only went through its preliminary review and is conditioned to follow the VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines with regard to bicycle parking design and spacing. The project is still required to submit a traffic study, as well as on- and off-site improvement plans for staff review and approval.
· STAFF ORAL COMMENTS
Heba El-Guendy – Reminded the BPAC members of the Ethics training scheduled to take place in the Council Chambers on August 28th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Noted that the concern raised with regard to misuse of the bike lockers located in front of City Library was forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Department. Clarified that the construction related signage on westbound Fremont Avenue west of Hollenbeck Avenue is associated with a site development on the northwest quadrant of Fremont Avenue/Pome Avenue. Noted that it will be possible to provide the BPAC members with name tags once the new guidelines become available. However, it will not be possible to provide the requested personal cards since the City stopped two years ago issuing personal cards to Boards and Commissions members. Noted that the two reported locations (The Dalles/Mary and Sunnyvale/Olive) with concerns regarding bicycle detection will be checked and reported on at a later date.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
4. Update of Sunnyvale Handbook for Boards, Commissions and Committees
Copies of the Handbook updates were provided to all BPAC members who attended the August 21st meeting.
5. BPAC E-mail Messages
The e-mail messages were included as part of the meeting Agenda packet. Staff of the Transportation and Traffic Division, including the BPAC staff liaison, regularly follow-up on the phone and e-mail requests.
6. Active Items List
Heba El-Guendy – Referenced the three active items update regarding enforcement at the Sunnyvale Caltrain Station, operations of the E-lockers at the Caltrain station, and road maintenance in the Lynn Way/Mullberry Lane area (active items #13, #14 and # 15).
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted by:
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Heba El-Guendy
Senior Transportation Planner
Division of Transportation and Traffic