BPC 03-19-03CUPEP TINO
THE REGULAR MINUTES OF
THE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION
Wednesday March 19,2003
Conference Room A
Cupertino City Hall
10300 Torte Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
MINUTES
ATTENDANCE
Mr. Joe Walton, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Staff: City Manager Dave Knapp, Quails, Goepfert, Arrants
Commissioners: Mr. David Greenstein, Ms. Hua Julia Fu, Mr. Geoffrey Paulsen, and Mr. Robert
Levy, Mr. Joe Walton
Citizen: Boy Scout Troop 456, Troop Leader Mr. Lyn Dalton
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -
APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Minutes of Febma~ 19,2003 were approved.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Mr. Dalton wished to thank the Sheriff's Department for their
presence around Eaton Elementary School, it has helped reduce speeding.
OLD BUSINESS -
1. Pedestrian Crossing at Stevens Creek Boulevard/Highway 85 NB On-ramp
Alternatives were discussed and contact with CALTRANS will be made by staff with
follow up at April meeting. Staff to consider a 2-3 delay in WALK after the red.
2. Mary Avenue Bicycle Footbridge Design Consultant
Goepfert discussed the panelists of the Mary Avenue Footbridge selection meeting. The
consultant selected was TY Lin International. Mr. Goepfert discussed their experience
and knowledge of bridge construction. He felt it was an excellent selection by the
panelists. TY Lin brings with them a staff of experienced personnel in both bridge
construction and CALTRANS procedures necessary for a smooth process of completion.
A meeting with city staff is scheduled this week with TY Lin to settle on final scope, role
of each partner in design and to negotiate a contract. Chair Walton, one of the panelists,
briefed the commissioners on design issues regarding oscillation, wind tunnel effect
brought up during the selection to provide a sound structure. Chair Walton lauded the
presentation and experience of T.Y. Lin. Chair Walton felt they had a clear understanding
of all aspects of the project. The commissioners followed with a general discussion
regarding bridge concerns.
San Tomas Aquino - Saratoga Creek Trail
Ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th. Commissioners
followed with a general discussion of the trail.
Stevens Canyon Widening
Construction is expected to be completed at the end of April. Ribbon cutting and
memorial plaque for Jeff Steinwedel
NEW BUSINESS -
1. Presentation by City Manager Dave Knapp on the Background and Roles of City of
Cupertino Commissions
City Manager Knapp talked about his desire to get feedback from the commissioners
regarding their concerns and objectives and to report back to the City Council on the status
of each commission, to provide the City Council with a snapshot of each commission.
Chair Walton provided a copy of the 2003 goals of the commission, and gave a brief
overview of the focus on this commission regarding walking and bicycling around the
community, stressing environmental considerations. Chair Walton discussed the use of
trails for both commute and recreational while being aware of the present funding
constraints. Commissioner Panlsen discussed his enthusiasm for this commission as
generated by a favored childhood pastime. Vice Chair Greenstein discussed his desire to
see the Regnart Creek Trail incorporated into the General Plan to provide public
knowledge, information and facts. Mr. Knapp agreed and added it is a good time to add the
trail to provide neighborhood access to the new library and community center.
Commissioner Levy stated his concern regarding sensitivity to residents along the potential
trail and providing open discussion to address any apprehension by adjacent residents.
Chair Walton gave an overview of Commissions focus regarding walking and biking
around Cupertino and it's application to promoting a better community environment.
Commissioner Panlsen discussed his motivation for applying to this commission being to
continue to see that his childhood pastime could be enjoyed by the next generation, and
others to come. Vice Chair Greenstein thanked Mr. Quails and Mr. Knapp for the letter of
support sent to the City of Sunnyvale for the Mary Avenue Footbridge. All commissioner
concurred. Vice Chair Greenstein mentioned the other bicycle and pedestrian interest
groups within the county. Commissioner Levy addressed the Boy Scout regarding the
Blackberry Farm kit, which is available for public input regarding the future of this park.
Commissioner Fu stressed her commitment to improved routes to school and reducing
traffic around our schools. Commissioner Paulsen spoke of community outreach by seeking
a community survey regarding pedestrian and bicycling concerns and improvements.
2. Review Joint Projects with Los Altos - Curt Riffle, Member of Los Altos BPAC
Deferred to later date.
Regnart Creek - An Urban Creek Trail
Chair Walton and Commissioner Paulsen to meet with City Manager Knapp on 3/20/03 for
briefing and future steps. General discussion regarding the process followed.
Definition of Walkability -
General discussion regarding the elements of walkability. Definitions included: different
things in different places; for school children-separation from vehicles; in shopping areas -
wide sidewalks and separation from parking; designs for handicap or blind; a context in a
suburban area. The need to have Cupertino standards and guidelines in addition to those of
CALTRANS for safety and function. Review of projects to address walkability. Vice Chair
Greenstein will forward websites focused on the issue of walkablility to staff and
cornnfissioners.
Segway - Continued to next meeting
Sponsored Events
a. Bike-to-Work Week - May 12th - 16®
A new banner needs to be bought. Chair Walton gave a brief outline of past
activities and the importance of the volunteers for success.
b. Bike-to-School Week- May 12th - 16th
Chair Walton gave a brief outline of past activities and the importance of the
volunteers for success.
7. Future Items Discussion
a. UPRR Trail review.
ADJOURNMENT -
There being no further business or public comment; Chair Walton adjourned the meeting at
9:47p.n)l The next Committee meeting will be on Wednesday April 16, 2003 at 7:00 p.m., City
Hall, ~7~lference~oom A.
submitt
'Diane Arrants