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CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by
Chairperson Sullivan in Room B-104, VTA, 3331 North First Street, San Jose, California.

ROLL CALL

Members Present                             Members Present
John Carpenter                                   David Simons
Scott Chan                                          Jim Stallman
Bob Eltgroth                                        John Sullivan, Chairperson                  
David Kobayashi                                 Richard Swent
William F. Manry                                  Bart Thielges                      
Thomas Muniz                                     Herman H. Wadler
Bill Reisinger                                                                                                                                

Members Absent                              Members Absent
Marc Jensen, Vice Chairperson           Joseph Walton

A quorum was present.

There were no Public Presentations.

Minutes of December 8, 2004

Member Kobayashi requested on Agenda Item #8., Announcements, Page 5 of 6, second paragraph, that crossing be deleted from Monatgue Expressway Crossing.

Member Swent requested on Agenda Item #8, Announcements, Page 5 of 6, first paragraph, that “a bid on” be deleted to reflect that Homer Avenue Underpass is unofficially opening.

M/S/C (Eltgroth/Swent)  on a vote of 12 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 abstention, to approve the minutes of December 8, 2004, as amended.   Member Manry abstained.

Committee Staff Report

Chris Augenstein, Transportation Planning Manager and Staff Liaison, provided BPAC Members with the Draft Long-Term Transit Capital Investment Program and the Annual Report.    Mr. Augenstein noted that the Draft Long-Term Transit Capital Investment Program identifies all major transit projects and sources of revenue for the next 30 years.   The document addresses a long-term funding scenario that allows the delivery of all the 2000 Measure A projects.  Staff is currently conducting public review comment process and presentations to different cities and stakeholders.  Mr. Augenstein reported that the document will return to the Committee on May 2005 and scheduled for adoption by VTA Board of Directors in June 2005. 

Mr. Augenstein noted that the Annual Report is a summary of VTA’s projects and accomplishments and will be produced by VTA staff on an annual basis.

On order of Chairperson Sullivan, there being no objection, the Committee Staff Report was received.

Chairperson’s Report

Chairperson Sullivan reported about Senate Bill (SB) 1233 (Florez) Vehicle contracts: lease agreements, a bill that originated from the Senate Transportation Committee with three items requested by Santa Clara County.   SB 1233 added two vehicle codes and one street and highways code which could potentially affect pedestrians’ and bicyclists’ rights to use roadways.  The main thrust of the legislation, which was signed by the governor in August 2004 were to define expressways and modify the rights of usage so that pedestrians or bicycles could be banned from any freeways or expressways where traffic is completely or partially controlled.  Upon query of Member Carpenter, Chairperson Sullivan explained that the court would need to interpret the language of the legislation for jurisdiction.

Member Stallman expressed concern that the bill was passed without the Committee’s knowledge.   He noted that the Committee should have an initiative to address the effects of this legislation.   Members Stallman, Eltgroth, and Carpenter requested a discussion about SB 1233 be included in the next agenda to find out how the bill was passed without the Committee’s knowledge.

Chairperson Sullivan encouraged members to review the legislation on the California Legislation Website.

Member Eltgroth noted that the bill would have impacts on the city level as Gilroy’s general plan has expressways.

Member Stallman expressed concern that the legislation can potentially dismantle the bicycle network in Santa Clara County.   He noted that VTA should take interest in creating a new countywide bicycle plan.

On order of Chairperson Sullivan, there being no objection, the Chairperson’s Report was received.

Nominating Committee Report

Stephen Flynn, Senior Management Analyst, provided a brief background on the process for nominating, electing, and term limits of the Committee chairperson and vice chairperson.

Chairperson Sullivan noted that the Nominating Committee was comprised of       Members Walton, Simons, and himself.   He reported that the Nominating Committee nominates Member Jensen for Chairperson and Member Thielges for Vice Chairperson.

Chairperson Sullivan opened the floor for other nominations for both chairperson and vice chairperson.

Upon query, Member Simons confirmed that Member Jensen accepted the nomination for Chairperson.           

M/S/C (Reisinger/Eltgroth) to close the floor for nominations. 

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chairperson

M/S/C (Reisinger/Eltgroth) to elect Member Jensen as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chairperson for 2005.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Vice Chairperson

M/S/C (Reisinger/Eltgroth) to elect Member Thielges as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Vice Chairperson for 2005.

The Committee thanked Member Sullivan for serving as Chairperson for 2004 and congratulated Member Thielges for being elected as Vice Chairperson.

Vice Chairperson Thielges presided over the remainder of the meeting.

Proposed Amendment to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Bylaws to Provide for Alternate Members

Mr. Flynn stated that as a response to Vice Chairperson Thielges request, the Committee will discuss the possibility of adding alternate members.   Mr. Flynn explained that adding alternates to BPAC could result to the following:  loss of continuity of knowledge, additional costs and efforts, and some Member Agencies may have difficulty with filling the alternate position.  Mr. Flynn added that attendance is not an issue for BPAC as the Committee’s attendance averaged to 12 members out of the 16 total membership.

Upon query of Member Swent, Mr. Flynn stated that among the VTA Advisory Committees, only the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) have alternates because they are either staff of member agencies or elected officials of the cities.   The remaining three advisory committees do not have provisions for alternates.

Upon query of Vice Chairperson Thielges, Mr. Flynn noted that VTA Board of Directors approves the appointment of an alternate and added that there is no provision for proxy in the Committee Bylaws or Administrative Code.   Mr. Flynn stated that the Committee could choose to amend the bylaws to reflect the addition of alternate members but the VTA Board of Directors would have to approve it. 

Member Chan inquired about the possibility of a meeting via telephone.   Member Simons explained that since the Committee is under Brown Act, there should be at least 72 hours advance public notice or longer for a remote phone-in site.   The venue from where the member would phone-in from should be marked a week in advance and should be a publicly open space where the public could have the opportunity to participate.  Member Simons further explained that because of the process involved, only few people take advantage of a voice conference meeting.  Mr. Flynn added that the process discussed could be done in an extraordinary situation or if the situation warrants.

Member Sullivan expressed concern that alternates may cause a loss of continuity as alternates rarely attend regular meetings.

M/S/C (Reisinger/Simons) on a vote of 12 ayes, 1 noes, and 0 abstention, not consider amending the BPAC bylaws to provide for alternate members.    Vice Chairperson Thielges opposed.

The Agenda was taken out of order.

Presentation on Borregas Avenue Bridges Project:   Design Options for Bridge over SR-237

Dieckmann Cossil, Transportation Planner for the City of Sunnyvale, provided a brief presentation on the design options for the bridge over SR-237 for the Borregas Avenue Project.

Ms. Cossil noted that the Borregas Avenue Bicycle Bridges Project is in the Bicycle Expenditure Plan (BEP) Tier 1 list.   The project involves construction of two bike and pedestrian bridges over at US 101 and SR-237, thus creating the Borregas Avenue Bicycle Corridor. The purpose of the project is to allow a safe direct route into Moffet Industrial Park without having to go through along Mathilda or Fair Oaks. 

Ms. Cossil noted that the project’s budget is $6.5 million and is funded through a variety of funding sources.   Ms. Cossil explained that originally, the project was coming up against a California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) requirement that would potentially increase cost, change the scope of project, and reduce the bridge to a pedestrian only bridge.   However, City of Sunnyvale staff was able to create an alternative that is within the budget and acceptable to Caltrans. 

Ms. Cossil discussed the next steps and noted that the City of Sunnyvale will submit a Project Study Report (PSR) for approval to Caltrans by the end of March 2005.   Funds will be obligated for construction on Fiscal Year 2006-07 and construction will commence, at the latest, on June 2007.

Member Muniz inquired if the budget for the project is realistic.   Ms. Cossil noted that the budget is an estimate made two years ago.   She further explained that during the design phase, the numbers will be more specific.

Member Walton inquired about the conflict with Caltrans.   Ms. Cossil stated that Caltrans had a requirement of a 25 miles per hour (mph) design speed to call the project a bike bridge.   Ms. Cossil noted that Caltrans agreed to City of Sunnyvale’s proposal of 8 mph design speed on the US 101 overcrossing.  Ms. Cossil stated that there would be increased signage and striping to address safety issues.  In addition, Moffet Park will eventually close for traffic due to the Valley Transportation Plan (VTP) 2030 SR-237 Corridor Study. 

The Committee commended City of Sunnyvale staff for the presentation and for their efforts to keep the bicycle and pedestrian bridge.

On order of Vice Chairperson Thielges, there being no objection, the presentation on Borroegas Avenue Bridges Project:   Design options for bridge over SR-237 was received.

Implementation Plan for VTP 2030 Highway Projects           

John Ristow, Deputy Director for Programming & Highway Administration, provided a brief background and stated that in order to implement the highway projects, it is necessary to establish a shorter list of projects that will move into the next stage of project development.   The projects listed in the memorandum will go through or have undergone a PSR to fulfill a requirement for funding.   The corridor or concept corridor studies for the listed projects have been completed.  Mr. Ristow added that the projects are not listed by priority.  

Member Muniz inquired if the studies were based on AM peak hours or a 24-hour cycle.   Member Muniz expressed concern that traffic in Gilroy in PM hours and weekends are heavy.   He noted that the traffic impacts the bicycle and pedestrians community.  He referred to the US 101 Conversion to Four-Lane Freeway: SR-25 to Santa Clara County/San Benito County Line and expressed concern that the bottleneck is really at  SR-152 from US 101 to the Casa de Fruta location.

Member Eltgroth left his seat at 6:57 p.m.

Mr. Ristow confirmed that staff uses the AM and PM peak hours in the analysis. 

Member Muniz inquired about the stakeholders for South County involved in the prioritization of VTP 2030 highway projects.   Mr. Ristow responded that Caltrans was involved in the US 101 Conversion. 

Mr. Ristow clarified that the listed projects will be moving into the first phase of project development.   Mr. Ristow stated that Caltrans District 5 already completed a PSR for    SR-25 from Hollister to US 101.  There is also work underway for construction of segments of SR-152 funded through the Measure B program and Caltrans will work on other segments of SR-152. 

Member Muniz expressed concern that there is a missing segment, specifically on the           SR-152/156 Interchange   to Gilroy Foods location.  Mr. Ristow responded that VTA sponsored a Southern Gateway Study, which is nearing completion.  This study looked at all entry points coming into the southern parts of the County.  The stakeholders for the project are VTA, County of Santa Clara, San Benito County, San Benito Council of Government, Caltrans District 4 and 5, City of Hollister, Monterey County, City of Gilroy, Farm Bureau, and several other stakeholders.

Member Eltgroth took his seat at 7:02 p.m.

Member Carpenter suggested putting a roundabout on the 152/156 junction and noted that it will be an inexpensive alternative.   Mr. Ristow responded that there are grade differences at that location and stated that staff is at 95 percent design for a fly-over.

Members Stallman and Eltgroth inquired about bicycle accommodation.   Mr. Ristow responded that bikes cannot be allowed to pass through the ramp because it is a freeway like ramp.  

Member Stallman and Eltgroth expressed concern that bicycles should be accommodated on these projects.   Mr. Ristow explained that the study will address bicycle issues. 

Member Stallman requested information on how bicycles are accommodated on 152/156 Interchange in South County. He expressed concern about bicycles not having egress into the County.

Member Stallman stated that there should be a definition of the process involved in these projects.   Member Stallman referred to the I-680/I-880 Cross-Connector Environmental and Conceptual Engineering project and commented that Santa Clara County should not spend money on Alameda County.   Mr. Ristow responded that it is one of the gateway that serves Santa Clara County.

Member Stallman referred to I-880/I-280 Stevens Creek Boulevard Interchange and stated that the project might not be an improvement for bicycles or pedestrians. 

Vice Chairperson Thielges expressed concern on the need for additional dedicated bike lanes.

Member Stallman stated that bicycle features and sidewalks on all listed projects should be identified.  

Member Carpenter expressed concern on high speed on-ramps and off-ramps to and from streets and freeway.   Member Carpenter stated that design will not include high speed ramps from city streets to the freeway or vice versa.

Member Simons left his seat at 7:17 p.m.

M/S/C (Swent/Eltgroth) to recommend that all projects address the California Department of Transportation Deputy Directive Number 64 (DD-64) accommodation as early as possible.

Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report  October through December 2004

Samantha Swan, Transportation Planner, provided a brief overview to the new members and noted that this is a report on land-use approvals.   Ms. Swan added that there are two parts of the report: Responses to Selected Projects reviewed by VTA and Conditions of Approval Monthly Report.

Member Stallman expressed concern that the City of San Jose has not been filing Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) for some of their projects. Member Stallman referred to page 10 of 10, and expressed concern on the abandoned and fenced-off bike route along SR-237. Member Stallman   stated there should be a bike route near SR-237. 

Member Stallman and Eltgroth requested putting the SR-237 abandoned bike path on the next Committee agenda. 

Vice Chairperson Thielges expressed appreciation to the comments in the report.

On order of Vice Chairperson Thielges, there being no objection, the Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report for October through December 2004 was received and filed. 

Presentation on Montague Expressway Project

Paul Pascoal, Santa Clara County staff, introduced Khoa Vo, Project Engineer for Montague Expressway Project.

Mr. Vo stated that the project includes widening of Montague Expressway to six lanes from Orchard to North First Street. He added that there will also be sidewalk construction and bikes could be accommodated from the Guadalupe Bridge to the Lafayette Bridge.

Upon query of Member Stallman, Mr. Vo stated that there is no sidewalk from Guadalupe Bridge to North First Street (by Hynix) due to lack of funding.   Member Stallman expressed concern that it is a mandate that bicycles and pedestrians are accommodated in these kinds of projects. 

Member Simons inquired about the cost for the unfunded segment.   Mr. Vo estimated that the cost will be about $100,000.    Upon query of Member Swent, Mr. Vo responded that the total project budget is $5,700,000. 

On order of Vice Chairperson Thielges, there being no objection, the presentation on Montague Expressway Project was received.

Announcements

Upon query of Member Eltgroth, Mr. Augenstein responded that Celia Chung has resigned from her position at VTA.  Mr. Augenstein added that VTA is currently looking for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner and the Senior Transportation Planner job posting is available on www.vta.org.

Member Sullivan advised the Committee that the City of Santa Clara BPAC will meet in two weeks at 4:00 p.m. at the Santa Clara City Hall.   The agenda includes restriping of De La Cruz overpass next to Caltrain.  Member Sullivan stated that he proposes a lane reduction.

Member Eltgroth stated that Morgan Hill BPAC has changed its location and time to the fourth Thursday of each month, at 6:15 p.m., at the Morgan Hill City Hall. He also advised the Committee that there are three terms expiring and that the Committee has to assign a new representative to VTA BPAC.

Member Walton and the Committee thanked Member Eltgroth for his service to VTA’s BPAC for four years.

Member Swent stated that the Homer Underpass is not yet officially opened due to the handrails.   Member Swent added that the City of Palo Alto is having a preliminary discussion with the Santa Clara Water District regarding the possibility of opening another underpass along US 101.

Member Muniz reported that Gilroy’s Trail Master Plan is now in session and this information is available on the City of Gilroy website. 

Adjournment

On order of Vice Chairperson Thielges,there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine F. Baltao, Board Assistant
VTA Board of Directors

NOTE:   M/S/C MEANS MOTION SECONDED AND, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE MOTION PASSES UNAMINOUSLY.