Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes - Final Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Thursday, July 16, 2020 6:30 PM Telepresence Meeting: City Web Stream CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to Section 3 of Executive Order N-29-20, issued by Governor Newsom on March 17, 2020, the meeting was conducted telephonically. Chair Mehlinger called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. via teleconference. ROLL CALL Present 7 - Chair Richard Mehlinger Vice Chair John Cordes Commissioner Arwen Davé Commissioner Dan Hafeman Commissioner Leia Mehlman Commissioner Timothy Oey Commissioner Scott Swail Nancy Smith, Council Liaison, Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer, and Ralph Garcia, Senior Transportation Engineer attended via teleconference. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Due to technical difficulties, Chair Mehlinger announced that Commissioners will hear Agenda Item/Oral Communications after Agenda Item 2 - 20-0684. CONSENT CALENDAR Chair Mehlinger moved and Commissioner Oey seconded to approve amended item 1.A. The amendments were made by Vice Chair Cordes who stated that a member of the public name was misspelled. The name was entered as James Vancurtis and it should be changed to James Van Pernis. Commissioner Oey requested staff to correct his name from Oye to Oey on page 14. Commissioner Oey requested that City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission staff correct the roll call count from 5 attendees to 7 attendees and to correct the names that don't have Commissioner or Chair in front of their names in the voting section. The motion carried the following vote: 1.A 20-0686 Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2020. Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2020 as amended. Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS 2 20-0684 SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT: Amend the Downtown Sunnyvale Specific Plan Location: Downtown Sunnyvale File #: 2017-8047 Zoning: DSP Applicant/Owner: City of Sunnyvale Environmental Review (SCH # 2018052020): Adopt a resolution to make findings required by CEQA, certify the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. Project Planner: Michelle King, (408) 730-7463, mking@sunnyvale.ca.gov Michelle King, Principal Planner in the Community Development Department, gave a presentation on the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) Amendment. - Study started in 2018 City of Sunnyvale Page 2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission - Council Directions to Study - BPAC Focus - New Downtown Specific Plan Framework - Downtown Specific Plan Amendment - Downtown Districts - Changes to the Plan Area Organization - DSP Goals Updated - Goal B-3 - A Pedestrian-Oriented Environment - C-1 - A Balanced Transportation System - Design Guidelines Focus on Pedestrians - Figure 3-3 - Pedestrian Priority Ways - Figure 6-1 - Active Frontages - Figure 7-2 - Existing Bikeways Map - Figure 7-3 - Future Bikeway Map - Zoning Code Commissioner Oey commented and asked about the following: - Pedestrian Loop - Bike lockers Commissioner Hafeman commented and asked about the following: - Paid parking requirements - Plans to change the street lighting Ms. King, Andrew Miner, Assistant Director, Community Development Department and Chrissy Mancini, Consultant, addressed the comments. Chair Mehlinger asked about closing Murphy Avenue to vehicle traffic and if closing streets to vehicular traffic was studied in the plan. Ms. King stated closing streets was not studied at this time. Commissioner Mehlman commented and asked about the following: - Green spaces for residents with pets - Energy efficiency - Public accommodations for restrooms Ms. King addressed the comments. Vice Chair Cordes asked for clarification on Figure 7-10 in regards to no on-street City of Sunnyvale Page 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission parking on Murphy Avenue. Ms. King stated there will not be long term parking on Murphy Avenue. Chair Mehlinger opened for Public Comment. Travis Duncan, member of the Public, representing Cityline, provided updates on their plans to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe on the interior of downtown. Mr. Duncan recommended to the BPAC to approve the DSP amendment to City Council. Chair Mehlinger closed Public Comment. Commissioner Oey commented on how he is in favor of Alternative 2. Vice Chair Cordes commented on the following: - No on-street parking - Upgrade bike facilities - Bicycle parking standards and requirements - Unbundled parking - Parking in-lieu fee - No free parking - Implement 15mph speed limits - Table 7.9A: No curbside parking on McKinley Avenue - Table 7.10: Class IIIB on Murphy Avenue between Washington Avenue and McKinley Avenue - Table 7.11A:Upgrade Class III to Class IIIB - Table 7.11B:Upgrade Class III to Class IIIB - Table 7.11C: No parking on both sides and upgrade Class III to Class IIIB - Recommends the bicycle parking standards upgraded to say per the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Design Guidelines or as recommended by the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition of one Class I parking bicycle parking space per bedroom for residential and one Class II parking space for every ten Class I parking spaces for guests - Recommends one Class I parking space for employees for every 5,000 square feet of commercial space and one Class II for every 5,000 square feet of retail space - Supports encouraging developers to unbundle parking costs - Create parking in-lieu fee system where people who don't drive are reimbursed for not having a parking space - Include a requirement that there is no free parking. All parking must be charged in City of Sunnyvale Page 4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission some form - Design streets for 15 MPH speed limits Commissioner Hafemen commented on the following: - Pedestrian crossing at intersection of Evelyn Avenue/Frances Street - Bike facility near Redwood Square - Concerns with Class III Bicycle Route on Washington Avenue Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following: - Table 7.8: Upgrade Frances Street to a Bike Boulevard - Traffic Calming measures Commissioner Mehlinger commented on the following: - Plan should state active transportation instead of alternative transportation - Parking removal - No street parking on Evelyn Avenue - No private vehicles on Murphy Avenue from Washington Avenue to Evelyn Avenue - Pedestrian Scramble at the intersection of Evelyn Avenue and Frances Street - Reduce on-street parking - Concerned with having Class II Bike Lanes and Class II Buffered Bike Lanes on Mathilda Avenue - Improvements for Pedestrians on Mathilda Avenue intersections Commissioner Oey commented on the following: - Eliminate all street level parking on the DSP - No free parking - Bus stops at Caltrain Station - Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled MOTION: Chair Mehlinger moved and Commissioner Mehlman seconded to approve Alternative 2, with the following modifications: 1. Remove all on-street parallel parking, except ADA parking spaces 2. Upgrade all Class III Bicycle Route to Class IIIB Bicycle Boulevard 3. Upgrade Iowa Avenue from Mathilda Avenue to Taaffe Street to Class IV Separated Bikeway on the north side of the street; from Taaffe Street to Sunnyvale City of Sunnyvale Page 5 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission Avenue to Class IV Separated Bikeway on the north side of the street, and to Class IIB buffered bicycle lane on the south side of the street. 4. Upgrade Bicycle Parking standards and requirements to current National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Design Guidelines 5. Design streets for 15 MPH speed limits 6. Prioritize on safe intersection design along Mathilda Avenue, Evelyn Avenue, Taaffe Street, and Sunnyvale Avenue 7. Provide specific attention to Evelyn Avenue and Frances Street pedestrian crossing (i.e. upgrade to scramble intersection, HAWKs) 8. Add Class IIIB Bicycle Boulevard on McKinley Avenue between Mathilda Avenue and Sunnyvale Avenue FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Commissioner Mehlman proposed a friendly amendment to the motion to add Modification #9 Accommodations to be made for installation of electric mobility device charging stations. Chair Mehlinger accepted the friendly amendment. AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Cordes moved and Commissioner Oey seconded an amendment to the motion to add Modification #10 To require no free public parking within the district. The amendment carried the following vote: Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 City of Sunnyvale Page 6 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Cordes moved and Commissioner Oey seconded an amendment to the motion to add Modification #11 To require all parking be unbundled within the district, except owner occupied. The amendment failed by the following vote: Yes 2 - Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Oey No 3 - Chair Mehlinger Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Swail Abstain 2 - Commissioner Davé Commissioner Mehlman AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Cordes moved and Chair Mehlinger seconded an amendment to the motion to add Modification #11 To strongly recommend that all parking, both residential and commercial, be unbundled within the district except owner occupied. The amendment carried the following vote: Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 The amended motion carried by the following vote: City of Sunnyvale Page 7 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Chair Mehlinger opened for Public Comment. Edmond Fong, member of the public, commented on his support of the Active Transportation Plan and safety concern at the intersection of Reed Ave./Lawrence Expressway. Chair Mehlinger closed for Public Comment. Chair Mehlinger called for a recess at 8:50 p.m. Chair Mehlinger reconvened the meeting at 9:00 p.m. 3 20-0698 Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for FY20/21 Ralph Garcia, Senior Transportation Engineer, explained the roles of the Chair and Vice Chair for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission. Chair Mehlinger opened the floor for nominations. Commissioner Mehlman nominated Chair Mehlinger as Chair. Chair Mehlinger accepts the nomination. There was no other nominations for the Chair position. The motion carried the following vote: City of Sunnyvale Page 8 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 Commissioner Oey nominated Commissioner Mehlman as Vice Chair. Commissioner Mehlman accepted the nomination. Commissioner Hafeman nominated Vice Chair Cordes as Vice Chair. Vice Chair Cordes declined the nomination. There was no other nomination for the Vice Chair position. The motion carried the following vote: Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES 4 20-0699 Lightweight Active Transportation Plan Amendments (Potential Study Issue) Chair Mehlinger explained the Lightweight Active Transportation Plan Amendment that he proposed as a Potential Study Issue. Chair Mehlinger explained that it would contain an annual review cycle where the BPAC or City Council could propose an amendment to the Active Transportation Plan (ATP). City of Sunnyvale Page 9 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission Ralph Garcia, Senior Transportation Engineer, stated that the proposed Potential Study Issue would require a change to the ATP, not just an amendment. Mr. Garcia stated that it is unclear on how the public could participate with amending the ATP. Vice Chair Cordes commented on the following: - Should be bi-annual instead of annual Commissioner Mehlman made the following comments: - Supports to change the review cycle to every 2 years - ATP should be able to have changes often Commissioner Oey supports the Lightweight Active Transportation Plan Potential Study Issue. Commissioner Davé commented on aligning the ability to adapt the bicycle network with the pace of buildings. Vice Chair Cordes motioned and Chair Mehlinger seconded to propose the potential study issue with the following amendment: - Change the review cycle from annual to every two years. The motion carried the following vote: Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 20-0684 SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT: Amend the Downtown Sunnyvale Specific Plan Location: Downtown Sunnyvale File #: 2017-8047 Zoning: DSP Applicant/Owner: City of Sunnyvale Environmental Review (SCH # 2018052020): Adopt a resolution to make findings required by CEQA, certify the City of Sunnyvale Page 10 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. Project Planner: Michelle King, (408) 730-7463, mking@sunnyvale.ca.gov Commissioner Davé motioned to reconsider agenda item 20-0684 and Chair Mehlinger seconded it. The motion carried by General Consent. AMENDMENT: Commissioner Hafeman motioned and Chair Mehlinger seconded a motion to add in the approved motion Modification #1 to state "Remove all on-street parallel parking, except Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible parking spaces, pickup/drop-off spaces, and short term parking spaces" The amended motion carried the following vote: Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 5 20-0700 BPAC 2021 Proposed Study Issues Chair Mehlinger suggested the following Potential Study Issue ideas to the BPAC: 1. Make permanent bicycle and pedestrian improvements to Tasman Drive. 2. Long term re-allocation of budget towards bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure as identified in the May BPAC budget motion. 3. Complete Streets treatment when repaving streets. 4. Form a new Department of Transportation with modified duties. NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS -Commissioner Comments Commissioner Oey commented on the following: - Silicon Valley Bike Summit will be held on August 6-7. Go to bikesiliconvalley.org to sign up City of Sunnyvale Page 11 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission Vice Chair Cordes commented on the following: - Downtown Specific Plan Amendment will go to the Planning Commission on July 27 Chair Mehlinger commented on following: - Parking violation tickets on Maude Avenue should not be given out immediately. Warnings should be used instead - Caltrain is in serious danger in regards to their budget. Chair Mehlinger asked if the City of Sunnyvale is going to send Letters of Support to the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in supporting the proposed 1/8-cent sales tax measure on the November 2020 ballot. Ms. Tsang stated she is not aware if the City has received request to provide Letters of Support. -Staff Comments Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer, commented on the following: - Maude Avenue Streetscape Project is complete. The signage and striping is complete. Re-evaluation will be in 6 months and the results will be brought to the BPAC in February or March 2021. - Caribbean Drive Parking and Trail Access Enhancement Project will be completed in July or August - Mathilda/US 101/SR 237 project will be completed in August - ATP will be presented to the Substantiality Commission on Monday, July 20 and to City Council for plan adoption on August 25 -Tasman Drive Temporary Pathway Installation was approved by City Council last month. A temporary pathway will be installed on the south side of Tasman Drive between Calle Victoria and Vienna Drive. It is anticipated the installation will take place in 4 weeks. City Council approved a maximum of 10 months lane closure, but the actual duration may be reduced depending on traffic conditions. - Bicycle Friendly Community application due on August 26 - Measure B updates Commissioner Mehlman asked if there were any plans to have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the re-opening of Mathilda/US 101/SR 237 interchange. Ms. Tsang stated there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony but does not have the details yet. INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS City of Sunnyvale Page 12 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final July 16, 2020 Commission 20-0701 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission 2020 Annual Work Plan Vice Chair Cordes will do a Commissioner-led presentation on the City of Santa Clara Bike Plan at the August BPAC meeting. Vice Chair Cordes requested to add a Commissioner-led presentation on the September BPAC agenda on the Mountain View East Whisman Precise Plan. 20-0702 Active Items List - July 2020 Vice Chair Cordes asked staff to update item #7-Maude Avenue Bike Lane since it is finished. Mr. Garcia stated staff will update the projects on the Active Items List. ADJOURNMENT Chair Mehlinger adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 13