PSC 11-18-04
CITY OF
CUPEI{fINO
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
November 18, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m.
ROLLCALL
Commissioners Present:
Absent:
Staff Present:
Charles Caldwell, Jay Cena, Barry Chang (arrived 7:06 p.m.)
Hugh Riddell, Chairman Chen
Glenn Goepfert, Assistant Director of Public Works
Dan Dunlap, Santa Clara County Fire Department
Capt. John Hirokawa, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of July 8 and August 12,2004 were approved as submitted. The minutes of June 10
and September 9 were not approved as those present as a quorum at those meetings were absent
from this meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
Comm. Chang announced that some agenda items would be taken out of order as there was a
resident present that wished to speak regarding a traffic problem in the area of Eaton School.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Eaton School Circulation - Suisun Drive
Vince LaPorta stated he has lived on Suisun Drive since 1964. The school has a problem with
traffic flow from Blaney Avenue and Farallone to the pickup area. There is gridlock due to
vehicles attempting to make left turns into the pickup area, those continuing to Blaney Avenue,
and those attempting to go onto Farallone. In addition, it is very difficult for residents to enter
and exit their driveways. The problems are more severe between 2:00-3:30 p.m. Vehicles make
V-turns in the middle of the street. Left turns are not allowed between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.,
but vehicles continue to violate the law. Mr. LaPorta has discussed this problem with the Eaton
principal and a sergeant with the Sheriff's Department.
Asst. Director Goepfert stated that the City would take a look at the situation and attempt to find
a solution. Typically, staff would consult with the school officials and Sheriff's Department and
come up with a circulation plan to alleviate the problem. He will keep the Commission and Mr.
LaPorta informed of their efforts. Commissioner Caldwell volunteered to observe the traffic and
report back to the Commission. He will also use the radar gun to monitor speed.
Asst. Director Goepfert stated that he would look at the suggestions regarding a "No Left Turn"
sign during certain hours at the turnaround area and a diverter median. He will also talk with the
Eaton School principal.
REPORTS
Santa Clara County Fire District
Dan Dunlap represented Fire Chief Lopes and distributed a review of the July, August, and
September activities in Cupertino. He reported that a new, larger haz-mat vehicle is now housed
at the Seven Springs station.
Comm. Cena stated there have been a number of recent fires in the Garden Gate area. He asked
about the fires 8;t Valley Green Apartments and the garage fire on Ann Arbor. He was informed
that both were classified as accidental in nature.
Santa Clara County Sheriff
Capt. Hirokawa distributed the Sheriffs Report and noted that there has been an increase in
residential burglaries, particularly in the Rancho Rinconada area. The Department was able to
identify the juveniles responsible for the majority of the burglaries during the past two months.
He reported that the department is concerned about two reports of early morning burglaries that
were committed while the homes were occupied.
Discussion followed regarding staffing issues at the schools and the effect of the passage of
Proposition 1A on restoring funds to local government. Also, the Sheriffs Department plans to
move into their new building on De Anza Boulevard by December 13. All personnel currently
housed at the Quinlan Center will move, but the report writing area will remain for the officers.
Captain Hirokawa informed the Commission about the plan for mass enforcement for traffic.
Once a week, the Sheriff s Department will gather the traffic officers and monitor one specific
area. The officers alternate between Saratoga and Cupertino weekly. So far, mass enforcement
has been done at De Anza College, Pharlap Drive, and the tri-school area in Cupertino.
NEW BUSINESS:
I. Sidewalk gap on Stevens Creek Boulevard - Commissioner Caldwell
Commissioner Caldwell stated he has been checking on this issue because he travels this area
frequently. The sidewalk on the south side, near Stem, goes up to a certain point, then stops. To
continue to the next comer, a person must get into the bike lane, which is dangerous for
pedestrians or handicapped individuals.
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Assistant Dirèctor Goepfert stated that the property owner does not have to install a sidewalk
unless he plans to re-develop. The property can be acquired through eminent domain, but there
is a cost associated with that. This improvement does not have a high priority.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Monta Vista High traffic task force organization and second letter
a) Organization and agenda, composition, number of meetings, meeting dates
Assistant Director Goepfert stated that the second version of the letter has been signed by the
Chairs of the Public Safety and Bicycle Commissions. The letter reiterated the request for a
meeting, gave the chairmen as contacts to talk about an agenda and time for a meeting, and
implied that the schools would have a key educational role in the Street Smarts program.
2. Stelling Crosswalk at Alves/Quinlan Center
Assistant Director Goepfert reported that there is a design and work order for the crosswalk, but
it will not be signed off until the City Council agrees to allocate the money (approximately
$40,000). Discussion followed regarding Street Smarts funding and an effective plan of action to
roll out the program. It was agreed to place the Street Smarts item on the December agenda to
further discuss possibly implementing the program in steps.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Assistant Director Goepfert received notice from Ciddy Wordell, City Planner, that the Planning
Commission has tentative dates for General Plan public hearings. The proposed date for the
environmental resources and health and safety element with the Public Safety Commission is
March 8, 2005. The Bicycle Pedestrian Commission has a tentative meeting date of February 22
for the circulation element. At their November 17 meeting, the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission
proposed that the Public Safety Commission trade dates with them due to scheduling conflicts.
The commissioners present agreed that more information is necessary before they make a final
decision. Asst. Director Goepfert will talk with the City Planner to get information on the role of
prior Public Safety Commissions.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
The meeting was adj ed at 9: 45 p.m.
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Carol Shepherd
Administrative Assistant
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