Loading...
BPC 03-15-06 CUPEIUINO MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION March 15,2006 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. ROLLCALL Present: Absent: Staff: Walton, Wiant, Koski, and Paulsen None Glenn Goepfert, Assistant Director of Public Works ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mike Bullock spoke about attending a parking conference held by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. He commented about the success of parking cash out and concluded that the proposed advocacy of the program in Cupertino would be the best approach. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert read correspondence that stressed the need to beautify city streets by removing obstructions that could cause injuries and to unify neighborhoods to promote walkability. The writer expressed the desire to have a system in which volunteers could report areas that need tree trimming, sidewalk repair, signs replaced, etc. The commission agreed to agendize this item for further discussion at a later date. Glenn Goepfert also reviewed correspondence from various individuals in regards to the potential removal of the eastside crosswalk at Bubb Road and Stevens Creek Boulevard. These individuals expressed the desire to not see the crosswalk removed. Chairperson May Koski referred to emails received by the commissioners in regards to an upcoming emergency preparedness training and the Mayor's breakfast meeting. May Koski also discussed with the commissioners the possibility of alternating attendance at the Mayor's breakfast meetings. The commissioners agreed to alternate attendance as needed. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. January 18 Minutes The commission approved the minutes of January 18, 2006 as submitted. VOTE: 4-0 OLD BUSINESS 2. Parking Cash Out - BPC Endorsement Resolution The commissioners expressed interest in receiving input from the City Council in regards to the commission continuing to study parking cash out. The commissioners concurred to present their resolution and suggestions to the City Council in April. VOTE: 4-0 3. Street Smarts - Commissioner Koski Chairperson May Koski indicated that she prepared a proposal for several agencies to consider regarding the Street Smarts Progam. She also stated that if the organizations were in favor of the proposal, funds would be directed towards the purchase of bumpers stickers to distribute to the agencies. If the organizations did not express interest, the commission would consider alternatives such as updating the bicycle pedestrian website or conducting educational contests with prizes for interested parties. Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert spoke about other options for promoting the program and also about the possibility of acquiring additional funds to augment the program. 4. Bicycle Friendly Communities Application Status Commissioner Geoffrey Paulsen mentioned that the application for the Bicycle Friendly Communities was moving forward and that they would be working on final completion by March 21 st. The commission decided to request authorization to submit the application from the City Council on April 4th. 5. 2006 Commission Goals The commissioners discussed proposed goals for 2006 and generated this primary list: . Monitor and Support Cupertino Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects . Promote Walking and Bicycling in Cupertino . Improve Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety in Cupertino . Monitor and Support Trail Development 6. Bicycle and Pedestrian Impacts of Whole Foods Project Traffic Circulation Chairperson May Koski reviewed the schematic for the project as provided by the Planning Department. The commissioners expressed the desire to participate in upcoming hearings pertaining to the public corridors. Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert informed the commissioners of the residential concerns 2 regarding the traffic impacts on Stelling and neighboring roads. The commission went on further to discuss solutions for promoting bicycle and pedestrian access. NEW BUSINESS 7. Crosswalk at Bubb and Stevens Creek Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert indicated that over the years people have addressed their concerns over the conflict between pedestrian and vehicular movements at the Bubb Road and Stevens Creek Boulevard. As a result, the Public Works department posted a notice at the intersection regarding the possible removal of the crosswalk. Glenn Goepfert informed the commission that the city received feedback from the community requesting that the crosswalk not be removed. Further discussion involved possible solutions to reducing the conflicts at the intersection such as improving signage, modifying the crosswalk, changing the intersection sequence, increasing enforcement at the intersection or eliminating the second right turn lane, in order to balance the issue of traffic flow with the needs of the pedestrians and the cyclists. Public comment encompassed the desire to see the crosswalk remain and to consider alternative measures in order to mitigate the problems at the intersection. The commission agreed to recommend that the crosswalk not be eliminated on the east side of Stevens Creek Boulevard at Bubb Road, that adequate signage be provided, and that the sequence of the lights be improved. VOTE: 4-0 8. Mary Ave Bicycle Footbridge Name The commissioners discussed the progress of the Mary Avenue Footbridge project. Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert provided an update and informed the commission that Phase II of the project was scheduled to begin in August or September and that a construction management team would be recruited for the project. He also talked about the upcoming challenges due to the construction process. Further discussion involved possible naming options for the Mary Avenue Footbridge. The commission agreed to have a representative speak to the Mayor about the possibility of the commission being involved in the naming process. 9. Monta Vista High School 2nd annual Walk & Bike to School Day Chairperson May Koski indicated that the event would take place on Wednesday, April 5th and that the organizers were aiming for similar participation as compared to last year. May Koski also commented that she was able to assist by having the event advertised in the community calendar and the Cupertino Scene and by coordinating sheriff assistance. 10. Traffic Safe Communities Network (TSCN) Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Work Group The commissioners discussed this item under the 2006 Commission Goals portion of the agenda and decided that Commissioner Geoffrey Paulsen will continue to keep the commission abreast of the activities of the Network and Workgroup. 3 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Bicycle timing - Stelling, Northbound left-turn onto SCB Boulevard Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan - Subcommittee and Assignments Debrief on Rebuilding California Discussion on four-way cross intersections Ideas for Cupertino Capital Expenditures ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:13 p.m. ciX01i41 :8.!j)URA~ ft Karen B. Guerin Administrative Assistant 4