BPC 07-19-06
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION
July 19, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Staff:
Walton, Paulsen, Wiant, Fable
Koski
Glenn Goepfert, Assistant Director of Public Works
David Stillman, Senior Civil Engineer
Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert formally introduced David Stillman as Senior Civil Engineer for the
City of Cupertino and talked-a little about his background.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
OLD BUSINESS
1. Clear the Way - Ideas for Outreach
Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert reiterated that clear the way arose out of a desire to beautify city
streets by removing obstructions, to unify neighborhoods, and to promote walkability by using
volunteers to report areas that need attention. The commissioners discussed possible resources such as
block leaders, code enforcement officers, and volunteers in order to implement this program. The
commissioners agreed to brainstorm on ideas to solicit participation and to implement training
opportunities for those interested in participating.
2. Mary Ave Bicycle Footbridge: Status
Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert provided a brief overview regarding the status of the Mary Avenue
Footbridge. Goepfert indicated that a delay in plan review process for the second phase construction has
resulted in a delay in the completion schedule and that funding commitments have been extended as a
result.' Goepfert highlighted the contributing factors and Commissioner Joe Walton expressed concern
over these factors.
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3. Bicycle Transportation Plan - Pedestrian Guidelines
Commission Joe Walton inquired about obtaining a soft copy of the Bicycle Transportation Plan in order
to facilitate editing and updating. Assistant Jjirector Glenn Goepfert indicated that he was able to locate
a soft copy of the Pedestrian Guidelines and will continue to contact other sources to acquire a soft copy
of the Bicycle Transportation Plan. Commissioner Geoffrey Paulsen reviewed some recommended
changes to the Bicycle Transportation Plan and the commission agreed to continue the process of
updating the manuals.
NEW BUSINESS
4. School Congestion
. Milpitas three school study presentation by Jim Smith, Regional Spare the Air
Resource team coordinator, BAAQMD
Jim Smith, coordinator of the air quality resource team for the Bay Area, expressed interest in working
on school traffic congestion issues. In an effort to replicate a successful school program conducted in
Palo Alto, Smith indicated that they hired a consultant to conduct traffic counts in order to evaluate
traffic congestion issues at local schools. According to Smith, the report generated an action plan and
goals such establishing representatives and contact people for transportation issues, establishing ways to
communicate to students and parents basic information about existing transportation matters, and
building incentive and disincentive programs. Smith indicated that by the end of the upcoming school
year, they would be able to measure the effectiveness of the progam.
. Gunn High School initiatives presentation by Joan Marx, co-chair of GOFAST
Joan Marx, chairperson of GOFAST, went over several scenarios ofparkingltraffic congestions issues at
local schools. Marx made recommendations such as reducing the number cars coming to campus by
making it cheaper and more convenient for those who double up on passengers, and by encouraging
modes other than single student drop-off or single student driver. Marx reviewed a list of GOF AST
accomplishments such as an increase in bus service, use of a shuttle service and a district fee bus service
by students, an increase in bicycle usage, and a change in the number of solo drivers to carpool riders.
Marx also talked about methods to encourage participation such as allowing shorter routes for two or
more passengers, providing cheaper parking permits for carpool drivers, providing incentive and
disincentive programs, facilitating the ease of bike parking for riders, and providing professionally
designed bike paths. Marx also talked about the cost factors involved in implementing this program.
Further discussion ensued, as the commissioners asked various questions regarding the program. Marx
provided responses and recommendations to the inquiries.
5. Scenic Circle Access
Carol Stanek, a Cupertino resident, expressed concern over the closure of the Scenic Circle gate and the
potential removal of the bridge, which grants access to the gate. Stanek stated that she collected over 80
signatures from residents interested in seeing the Scenic Circle Gate remain open. Stanek asked for
input and support from the commission on proceeding with this matter and bringing it to the City
Council for reconsideration. The commissioners discussed recommending that the City Council appoint
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a task force to look at alternatives for maintaining this safe route and to mitigate residential concerns.
Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert also recommended that Carol Stanek meet with the City Manager in
order to discuss procedurally what options were available.
The commissioners agreed to make a recommendation to the City Council to preserve and protect the
Scenic Circle Access because it was a safe route to school and to recommend forming a task force that
would examine and mitigate the perceived problems associated with it. VOTE: 4-0
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FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Bicycle Transportation PlanlPedestrian Guidelines - Revisions
De Anza Boulevard - Jaywalking
Scenic Circle - Draft of letter to the City Council
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:06 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
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Karen B. Guerin
Administrative Assistant