CITY OF SUNNYVALE

City Council Study Session Summary Notes

Mathilda Caltrain Bridge Rehabilitation Project Update

May 17, 2005, 6:00 P.M.

West Conference Room

The City Council met in a study session at City Hall in the West Conference Room, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, California on May 17, 2005 at 6:00 p.m., with Mayor Dean Chu presiding.

Council Present:     Mayor Dean Chu

Vice-Mayor Ron Swegles

Council Member Melinda Hamilton (arrived late – excused)

Council Member Julia Miller

Council Member Fred Fowler

Council Absent:      Council Member Otto Lee (excused)

Staff Present:         Amy Chan, City Manager

Robert Walker, Assistant City Manager

Chuck Schwabe, Deputy City Manager

Joan Borger, Acting City Attorney

Marvin Rose, Director of Public Works

Mary Bradley, Director of Finance

Jack Witthaus, Transportation and Traffic Manager

Wahid Amiri, Traffic Engineering Assistant I

Visitors / Guests Present:             Gary Davis

                                                Monica Davis

                                                Milene Metzinger

Harriet Rowe

Jack Rowe

David Whittum, Heritage District Neighborhood Association

Mayor Chu called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Study Session Summary

I.      Introductory Remarks

The City Manager introduced the study session and requested that the Transportation and Traffic Manager give a summary of project issues to date.

II.    Overview and Status of the Project

The Transportation and Traffic Manager gave an overview and current status of the Mathilda Caltrain Overhead Rehabilitation Project.

III.   Question and Answer

Below are questions asked by Council that were addressed and answered:

Council member Howe asked:

• What is the impact on the parking lot?
• Cost of replacing parking structure?
• What is the City’s legal obligation to replace parking?
• How will this project impact the down town mall project?
• How much is this project going to cost completed.  Lump sum?
• How much will the City pay if it goes over the budget of $10 million?
• How much more funding can the City get?
• How many months will this project take, from start to finish?

Council member Miller asked:

• Landscaping/tree removal, any redesign to save more trees?
• Landscaping around Charles- need more specific plans.
• Does the funding require a specific start date?
• What other funds are possible for this project?
• Can we take a look at the gas tax options?
• Any other hazards that the project might face?
• Council member Miller strongly feels that we should get public input on this project.

Council member Fowler asked:

• Will the City own and maintain the new cul de sac?
• How will the new cul de sac be divided from the loop, so that no one mistakenly drives into houses?
• How will it be cut off to Evelyn traffic?
• Is parking going to be allowed on the driveway?

Vice Mayor Swegles asked:

• EIR, did we budget for it?
• What is the total estimated cost?
• Since Greyhound pulled out of Sunnyvale, can we re-rent the facility?
• If we re-rent, how much parking space do we have to give the new tenant?
• If the new tenant is an office, do we give them access to the parking?

Mayor Chu asked:

• Will there be lane reduction on Mathilda during this project?
• Where are we with the Federal Funding?
• What is the status of VTA on this project?
• What is the status of MTC on this project?
• Will this be a $10 million or $12 million dollar project?
• Tree removal- of those trees, were any of them in poor health?
• Do any of the trees have diseases?
• With this new ramp, will there still be two Southbound left turn lanes at Mathilda at Washington?
• Along the eastside, were there 8 trees and staff was able to save 2 or was it 10 trees and staff saved 2?
• Will there be any tree removal closer to California?
• As an alternative option, if we shift the project more to the west, will it save more trees on the eastside?
• Gateway opportunities?

City Manager Chan asked:

• Should we revisit this project in the near future, for Council to better understand?

·         Come back on June 7^th?

• No direction was given to staff by Council- re-evaluate on June 7^th.  The public didn’t get a chance to voice their opinions due to the lack of time.  Council member Hamilton arrived late and due to the lack of time, didn’t ask staff any questions.

Adjournment

The Study Session was adjourned at 7:05 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Wahid Amiri, Traffic Engineering Assistant I