Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes - Final Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Thursday, June 17, 2021 6:30 PM Telepresence Meeting: City Web Stream CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to Section 3 of Executive Order N-29-20 (March 17, 2020) and Section 42 of Executive Order N-08-21 (June 11, 2021) issued by Governor Newsom, the meeting was conducted telephonically. Vice Chair Mehlman called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. via teleconference. ROLL CALL Present 4 - Vice Chair Leia Mehlman Commissioner Dan Hafeman Commissioner Timothy Oey Commissioner Scott Swail Absent 2 - Chair Richard Mehlinger Commissioner John Cordes Dennis Ng, Transportation and Traffic Manager, Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer and Nabilah Deen, Transportation Engineer attended via teleconference. Vice Chair Mehlman served as Acting Chair for the meeting. Chair Mehlinger's absence is excused. Commissioner Cordes absence is excused. Council Liaison Melton (absent). PRESENTATION A 21-0667 Recognition of Service Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer, stated that Commissioner Swail City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2021 Commission will be leaving the BPAC and he served one term starting in 2017. Commissioner Cordes will be leaving the BPAC after serving almost two terms for a total of seven years. Commissioner Cordes started his term in 2014 and served as Chair for two different years and one year as Vice Chair. Ms. Tsang thanked Commissioner Swail and Commissioner Cordes for their past service. Vice Chair Mehlman, Commissioner Oey and Commissioner Davé thanked Commissioner Swail and Commissioner Cordes for their service. Vice Chair Mehlman opened for Public Comment. Vice Chair Mehlman closed for Public Comment. B 21-0668 Introduction to the Java Drive Road Diet and Bicycle Lanes Project Ms. Tsang introduced Angela Obeso, Principal Transportation Engineer/Planner, Department of Public Works and Joe Striper, Project Manager from Mark Thomas. Ms. Obeso and Mr. Streeper provided an introduction to the Java Drive Road Diet and Bicycle Lanes Project. Ms. Obeso and Mr. Streeper highlighted the following: - Background of project - Existing Conditions - Proposed Options - Traffic Analysis - Next Steps - Project Option Selection - Environmental Clearance - Final Design - Construction - Project opening by spring 2023 Vice Chair Mehlman commented and asked about the following: - Are they taking into account the Active Transportation Plan with the intended reduction of Vehicle Miles Traveled for the 2035 traffic projections? Also the Moffet Park Specific Plan (MPSP Update)? Ms. Obeso stated they are working closely with the Moffet Park Specific Plan team and are working out what the roadway network and the land use patterns and maps will look like. It is going to be more focused on multimodal. Ms. Obeso stated that the 2035 volumes used are based on the General Plan numbers. City of Sunnyvale Page 2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2021 Commission - How will the intersections be designed to reduce vehicular bicycle conflict? Ms. Obeso stated they are looking at more of a conceptual level and not at that level of detail yet. - Prefers physical barriers to paint Commissioner Oey commented and asked about the following: - How recently was the General Plan refreshed in regards to the 2035 projected traffic volumes? Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer, stated that the Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE) was adopted in 2017 which were the land use assumptions that were adopted into the General Plan. Ms. Tsang stated they will be incorporating some of the recently adopted land use. - Does staff survey in person or is it based on satellite view and photos from other people? Mr. Streeper stated in this phase they used as-built drawings, satellite images and Google Earth. The actual survey will be conducted during the design phase. - The diagram for the public should show approximately where residential land use are proposed in the MPSP Update - Is the Vehicle Miles Traveled reduction goal as listed in the Climate Action Playbook (CAP) factored into the LUTE? Are there levels of service analysis for biking and walking versus vehicles? Mr. Streeper stated they do not have levels of service analysis for biking and walking. Ms. Tsang stated the CAP is an overarching action plan to reduce greenhouse gas. Ms. Tsang stated the General Plan assumptions are mainly the land use and network assumptions which was adopted before the CAP was adopted. The City is working on improving the transportation network for all modes including pedestrian, transit and bicycle. Commissioner Davé commented and asked about the following: - Where would this proposed east-west bicycle facility connect to? Ms. Obeso stated our goal is for users who are currently driving to shift mode to bicycling. Dennis Ng, Transportation and Traffic Manager, stated they are implementing a proposed improvement identified in the 2006 Bike Plan and currently in the Active Transportation Plan. Commissioner Hafeman commented and asked about the following: - Include bike lanes on the SR 237 overpass in the study - Can some of the vegetation be taken out? Ms. Obeso stated vegetation on the inside of the roadway cannot be taken out because it is in the VTA right of way. The vegetation on the outside of the roadway they will have to take a closer look. City of Sunnyvale Page 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2021 Commission Commissioner Swail commented and asked about the following: - Have local business throughout the corridor been approached or will be approached for feedback, comments and suggestions? Ms. Obeso stated a public outreach meeting will be set up with property owners and tenants along the corridor. - Working in the office and working from home impact on the 2035 traffic volumes Commissioner Oey commented on the following: - Change in behavior due to pandemic will affect 2035 projection numbers and the CAP Vice Chair Mehlman opened for Public Comment. Alon Golan, member of the public commented on the following: - Bike lanes on Java Drive going over SR 237 and freeway on/off ramps - Bike lanes on Fair Oaks/Lawrence Expressway and Tasman Drive - Class IV better than Class II - Traffic Projections for 2035 Vice Chair Mehlman closed for Public Comment. Lillian Tsang stated that the Mayor will attend the meeting at 7:45-7:50. At that time, RTC 21-0667, Recognition of Service, will be re-opened. C 21-0669 Presentation on the Lawrence Station Area Plan (LSAP) Update and Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) George Schroeder, Senior Planner, Community Development Department and Amber Blizinski, Principal Planner, Community Development Department gave a presentation on the Lawrence Station Area Plan Update and Sense of Place Plan. Mr. Schroeder highlighted the following: - Study Background - Study Timeline Mayor Klein joined the meeting and Vice Chair Mehlman stated that they will reopen RTC 21-0667, Recognition of Service. 21-0667 Recognition of Service Larry Klein, Mayor of City of Sunnyvale, thanked Commissioner Cordes and City of Sunnyvale Page 4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2021 Commission Commissioner Swail for their past service and congratulated Commissioner Davé on her reappointment on the BPAC. Mayor Klein thanked all of the BPAC members for their service. Vice Chair Mehlman reopened Agenda Item #21-0669. 21-0669 Presentation on the Lawrence Station Area Plan (LSAP) Update and Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) Mr. Schroeder highlighted the following: - LSAP Amendments - Land Use Diagram - Boundary Expansion and Intuitive Project - Summarize conclusions of Draft Subsequent EIR - California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) - DSEIR Transportation Chapter - Sense of Place Plan - Wayfinding and Street Furnishings - Next Steps - Information on how to provide comments Commissioner Oey commented and asked about the following: - Will Specific Plans cross city boundaries? Mr. Schroeder stated yes they do cross city boundaries. - Will you have funding for wayfinding for bicycling and walking in addition to driving? Mr. Schroeder stated that there will be directional signs installed on sidewalk for pedestrians. - Have specific destination names on wayfinding signs Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following: - Will there be mixed use such as a town center or small shops? Mr. Schroeder stated there will be mixed use. - Will there be local parks? Mr. Schroeder stated that there will be some parks. Vice Chair Mehlman commented and asked about the following: - Concerned about lack of open space. Mr. Schroeder stated that in addition to the spaces available to the public, every residential project will address park dedication. There is no park requirements for non-residential projects. - Concerned that there is a buffered bike lane on a 40 miles per hour street rather City of Sunnyvale Page 5 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2021 Commission than a physical separation on Kifer Road Commissioner Davé commented and asked about the following: - Complimented on the introduction of cut throughs in the plan - Any incentive programs? Mr. Schroeder stated that the City does have incentive programs that would give additional density to residential projects that provide open space. Vice Chair Mehlman opened for Public Comment. Cliff Bargar, member of the public, commented on the following: - New units of housing are fantastic - Offstreet class one bike trails and bike paths - Buffered bike lanes on Kifer Road Carl Hage, member of the public, commented on the following: - Bicycle hazard in accessing the Caltrain Station from Willow going north from Reed Avenue - Concerned about the railroad tracks next to the curb on the sidewalk Vice Chair Mehlman closed for Public Comment. Vice Chair Mehlman called for a recess at 8:21 p.m. Vice Chair Mehlman reconvened the meeting at 8:30 p.m. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Vice Chair Mehlman opened for Public Comment. Vice Chair Mehlman closed for Public Comment. CONSENT CALENDAR 1A. 21-0654 Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of May 20, 2021. Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of May 20, 2021 as submitted. Commissioner Swail moved and Commissioner Oey seconded to approve amended item 1.A. City of Sunnyvale Page 6 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2021 Commission The amendment was made by Commissioner Hafeman, who noted the following: - On page 9, the minutes stated that "Commissioner Mehlinger and Commissioner Cordes both support the motion" which should instead state "Chair Mehlinger and Commissioner Cordes both support the motion". - On page 11, the minutes stated that "Chair Mehlinger adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m." when it should state that "Vice Chair Mehlman adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m.". The second part of the amendment was not incorporated in the revised Minutes because Chair Mehlinger did adjourn the meeting. However, on page 1 of the Minutes, it was revised to state that "Chair Mehlinger called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m." instead of "Vice Chair Mehlman called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.". The motion carried the following vote: Yes 5 - Vice Chair Mehlman Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 Absent 2 - Chair Mehlinger Commissioner Cordes PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS None. STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES 2 21-0670 Simplify Sidewalk Riding Ordinance (Potential Study Issue) Commissioner Oey highlighted the following on what he is proposing: - Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) 10.56.140 prohibits riding on sidewalks and overhead pedestrian crossing. This SMC is really hard to read and it needs to be simplified. - Proposing study issue on simplifying the wordings - Sharing the sidewalk appropriately between all personal mobility devices with pedestrians being prioritized City of Sunnyvale Page 7 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2021 Commission Ms. Tsang commented on the following: - California Vehicle Code and State laws - City can only adopt local ordinances that are not already regulated or prohibited by state laws Vice Chair Mehlman commented on the following: - 10 miles per hour is faster than most people can jog. It should be at most 5 miles per hour Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following: - Should not specify a speed in the Study Issue - Electric bicycles on streets - Focus on what's is safe for pedestrians on sidewalks Commissioner Hafeman proposes an amendment to the Study Issue that says "An appropriate speed for pedestrian safety". Commissioner Oey asked if he can amend the amendment asking staff to replace the 7 miles per hour to an "X", where "X" is a safe speed determined by the study. Commissioner Oey would like to change the current ordinance to indicate "bicyclists could ride side by side except when the sidewalk is narrow, or yield to pedestrians". Vice Chair Mehlman opened for Public Comment. Vice Chair Mehlman closed for Public Comment. Commissioner Oey moved and Commissioner Swail seconded the motion to add the Simplify Sidewalk Riding Ordinance to the BPAC 2022 Proposed Study Issue list. The motion carried the following vote: Yes 5 - Vice Chair Mehlman Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail City of Sunnyvale Page 8 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2021 Commission No 0 Absent 2 - Chair Mehlinger Commissioner Cordes 3 21-0671 BPAC 2022 Proposed Study Issues Commissioner Oey commented on the following: - Change the wording for the "Roll in and Fully Enclosed Bike Parking Ordinance" Study Issue scope to include roll in bike access, instead of only indoor public bike storage. Vice Chair Mehlman opened for Public Comment. Vice Chair Mehlman closed for Public Comment. NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS -Commissioner Comments Commissioner Oey commented and asked about the following: - Silicon Valley Bike Summit - August 12 & 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. More information at bikesiliconevalley.org. - Would like to see our Bike Plans updated more frequently: every 5 years instead of 14 years. - Would like to take a ride on the City's infrastructure with City Manager, DPW Director, Lillian and Dennis - Any in person meeting updates? - Will the Homestead Full-Time Bike Lane Study come back as an Information Only Agenda item or Public Hearing Agenda item in September? - Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Advisory Committee is accepting applications through August 1, 2021 Ms. Tsang and Mr. Ng addressed the questions. -Staff Comments Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer, commented on the following: - MTC updated their funding recommendation for the Safe and Seamless Mobility Quick Strike Program - With MTC's approval, Sunnyvale will receive grant funding in the amount of $1.9 million for the construction of bike, pedestrian and Safe Routes to School Quick City of Sunnyvale Page 9 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final June 17, 2021 Commission Build Improvements in various parts of the City - Construction has started on Homestead Road. Should be completed by August or September of this year - First scramble signal will be installed - Caltrain has installed 16 new bike e-lockers at both the Lawrence Caltrain Station and Sunnyvale Caltrain Station. More information at www.bikelink.org - Commissioner Davé has been re-appointed as BPAC Commissioner. Her new term will be from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2025 - Newly appointed BPAC Commissioner Mihir Paradkar will start his term on July 1, 2021 and ends on June 30, 2025 - One vacancy on BPAC and it will be included in the August 31, 2021 recruitment. INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS 21-0672 BPAC 2021 Annual Work Plan 21-0673 Active Items List June 2021 21-0674 2021 Deferred Study Issues 21-0675 2021 Utility Insert Stuffer Commissioner Hafeman would like staff to check if the purple and red symbols on 40 mile per hour sign could be reversed. Ms. Tsang stated she would have to check with the print shop to see if they have been printed already. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Mehlman adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 10