ALL 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 Jensen in Room B-104, VTA, 3331 North First Street, San Jose, California.

ROLL CALL

Members Present                              Members Present
John Carpenter                                   Jim Stallman
Marc Jensen, Chairperson                  John Sullivan            
David Kobayashi                                 Richard Swent
Thomas Muniz                                     Bart Thielges, Vice Chairperson
Bill Reisinger                                       Herman Wadler
David Simons   

Members Absent                                               
Scott Chan
Christopher Hauge
William F. Manry
Joseph Walton 

A quorum was present.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

James Wightman, Interested Citizen, queried why Vasona Light Rail will not open August 12, 2005 and when the light rail will be built to Eastridge.   Mr. Wightman was referred to the Marketing Department for responses to his queries.

Bob Eltgroth, Interested Citizen, expressed concern regarding staff’s disregard for State & Highway Code 888 and requested the Committee be provided with information to help understand State & Highway Code 888.   Mr. Eltgroth stated that previously  requested and is again requesting information pertaining to Highway 101 South of State Route 85.

Member Sullivan took his seat at 6:14 p.m.

Akos Szoboszlax, Interested Citizen, requested a copy of the Expressway Pedestrian Map and if one is available to forward to him through Member Sullivan.

Kevin Jackson, City of Sunnyvale BPAC, stated that at previous meetings he mentioned problems on Montague Expressway due to the needed improvements and advised that to date, from Highway 101 northeastward up to about Agnews things are getting better. 

Mr. Jackson expressed concern regarding the section of bicycle parking in the Bicycle Technical Guidelines.

Committee Staff Report

• Project Design Review

Michelle DeRobertis, Senior Transportation Planner and Staff Liaison, stated staff is in the process of developing a procedure to provide presentations on projects at least 35 percent under design to allow BPAC to provide input.

Ms. DeRobertis stated that at this time there are no projects, which are at least or less than 35 percent and there is nothing to report.    State Route 25 is a project scheduled to begin design in fall of 2005 and will be the first project at 35 percent design reported on to the BPAC.

Ms. DeRobertis provided a brief report on State Route 152/156, which is at 95 percent design.

Member Swent stated that with regard to State Route 152/156, he was advised that the bicycle lane is not going to be paved, which is in violation of Caltrans Highway Design.   Ms. DeRobertis stated that Caltrans is in the process of trying to acquire funding for the paving. 

Mr. Swent queried if a bicycle will still be able to go westbound on State Route 152 from eastbound State Route 156.   Ms. DeRobertis responded that neither bicycles nor vehicles will be able to accomplish that maneuver.    Mr. Swent recommended it be clearly marked four miles back so people know that they have no choice but to make a u-turn in 60 miles per hour traffic. 

Chairperson’s Report

There was no Chairperson’s Report.

CONSENT AGENDA

(Move to the Regular Agenda)

Approve the Minutes of May 11, 2005.

The Committee recommended future minutes be placed under the Regular Agenda.

Programmed Projects Quarterly Monitoring Report

M/S/C (Swent/Thielges) to receive and file the Programmed Projects Monitoring Report from April through June 2005.

Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report January through March 2005

M/S/C (Swent/Thielges) to receive and file the Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report January through March 2005.

FY 2005 Third Quarter Transit Operations Performance Report

M/S/C (Swent/Thielges) to receive and file the FY 2005 Third Quarter Transit Operations Report.

REGULAR AGENDA

Minutes of May 11, 2005

Member Simons requested with regard to Agenda Item #9.,  Amendment to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee Bylaws Requested by the VTA Board of Directors, his queries if the VTA Board was changing its Bylaws to limit Board Members to one or two questions per item as BPAC restrictions and whether the VTA Board of Directors are limiting its time of discussion for items as is now applying to the BPAC be included in the Minutes, as well as staff’s reply.

Member Stallman requested with regard to Agenda Item #9., Amendment to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee Bylaws Requested by the VTA Board of Directors, Page 7 of 10, under the motion, the word “consider” be replaced with “reject.”

Member Sullivan requested with regard to Page of 10, Paragraph 5, February 2004 be changed to April 2004.

Member Stallman requested with regard to Page 9 of 10, Paragraph 3, “sever” be changed to “serve.”

Member Kobayashi, requested with regard to Item 13., Proactive CMP Reviewed and Approved Projects Quarterly Status Report January through March 2005, Paragraph 1, the word other be added before the word Commercial.

Member Simons, requested with regard to Agenda Item #14., Announcements, “on Wolfe Road.” be replaced with   “…the full length of Wolfe Road replacing the SHAROS test section that was implemented.”

Mr. Eltgroth noted that his name was misspelled on Page 7 of 10, Paragraph 3.

Member Sullivan requested that with regard to Page 3 of 10, Paragraph 4, 21906 be changed to 21960.

M/S/C (Stallman/Swent) to approve the Minutes of May 11, 2005, with amendments.

Santa Clara County High Occupancy Toll Lane Demonstration Project

John Ristow, Deputy Director, Programming and Project Development, provided an overview and background of a study and new initiative staff has been working on for over a year.    Mr. Ristow stated that staff has been studying the feasibility of implementing HOT lanes in Santa Clara County in the freeway systems.

Mr. Ristow explained that HOT is the acronym for High Occupancy Toll Lanes,  a   combination of a car pool lane which would allow single occupant vehicles to buy their way in by paying a toll.  All tolls will be paid electronically so it will not necessitate any stopping to pay at a tollbooth.  The lanes will be a conversion of carpool lanes in the same place they are right now with a separation bumper in mixed-flow lanes in order to restrict the places to enter and exit.  Overhead the entries would read the tolls and would be for a certain length of time and tolls would fluctuate based on the congestion of that roadway. 

In order to implement the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, legislation was needed and the Governor signed Assembly Bill 2032 in 2004, which allowed three counties: Santa Clara, Alameda and San Diego to implement up to two corridors as HOT lanes.   The Bill did come with conditions such as that the HOV lanes would have to operate in an acceptable level of service (LOS), use revenues within the corridors for certain purposes, maintain an acceptable level LOS, and since it is a demonstration project would have to report back to the legislature.

Mr. Ristow noted that the purpose of the study was to answer the questions whether a HOT lane corridor is feasible in Santa Clara County, if it will make money, if it can operate safely, if it can operate properly and if it can be fitted in.    If staff finds all of the above to be true, there is a candidate corridor to recommend.

Mr. Ristow reported that the study commenced in April 2004, the assessment of all of the corridors were completed by September 2004 and the corridors have been identified as State Route 85, State Route 87, and US 101.

Mr. Ristow advised what makes a good HOT Lane corridor is it has to have congested mixed-flow lanes, a lane capacity on the HOV, and a high level of long commutes.

Mr. Ristow stated that in order to determine if the idea is going to work staff picked some hypothetical points where there would be ingress and egress in and out of these lanes.   Staff ran the models to find out what it did and what it would be like in terms of availability to buy your way in to a carpool lane.

Mr. Ristow reported that HOT Lanes need geometric consideration such as a good safe way for separating the mixed-flow traffic from the HOT lane.   The proposal being considered is a double-yellow painted striped buffer, overhead electronic toll equipment, which would have an electronic message advising the cost of the toll, separate ingress and egress points, enforcement both carpools and violators of the toll facilities by the California Highway Patrol, second HOT Lane in a direction, and termination of HOT Lanes.

Mr. Ristow noted that the City of Minneapolis on I-394 has implemented MnPass HOT Lanes, County of Alameda in partnership with VTA implemented Smart Carpool Lanes, and SANDAG in intending to extend carpool lanes. 

Member Swent expressed concern that staff’s concern is now financial and budgeting engineering instead of traffic engineering.   Mr. Swent recommended charging people who are not using the HOV and HOT lanes.

Mr. Ristow reported that with regard to Equity Study Findings, VTA has brought onto the team, Asha Wienstein, to provide an in depth first step looking to determine equality issues, to define them, what it is going to mean, how it will be applied to future decision making.  

Mr. Ristow noted that all freeways have been considered and of the three with car pool lanes, State Route 87 was dropped because legislation only allowed two corridors and State Route 87 is accessible through State Route 85 and US 101 so it would be considered a waste. 

Mr. Ristow stated the next steps are to request authorization from VTA Board of Directors to proceed with the preliminary engineering phase, which would include more detailed alternatives analysis for State Route 85 and US 101 and if authorization is granted, and funding secured, preliminary engineering phase could begin in 2006.

Member Thielges advised that one of the elements missing from the analysis is the effect of drawing people away from other modes of transit back onto the freeways and surface streets.

M/S/C (Simons/Stallman) on a vote of 10 ayes, 0 no and 1 abstentions to recommend that the VTA Board of Directors authorize VTA staff to proceed to the preliminary engineering phase in the development of a demonstration project of a High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lane based on the findings of the Santa Clara County HOT Lane Feasibility Study; and in addition, recommend that if it becomes a permanent fixture for either  State Route 85, State Route 87 or Highway 101 that a policy modification take place at the time it becomes a permanent project that a minimum of three percent of the collected tolls be directed to fund bicycle/pedestrian paths that parallel on or near the routes of HOT Lane concept at the twelve access points to be considered, in tandem, as a possible alternatives.  Member Kobayashi abstained.

Member Reisinger left his seat at 7:14 p.m.

Mr. Jackson expressed concern regarding enforcement situations in the HOT Lanes.   Mr. Jackson stated there will be huge mode shifts if the HOT Lanes go into affect.

Valley Transportation Plan 2030 (VTP 2030) Transit Capital Expansion Policy and New Corridors Study

Ms. DeRobertis stated VTP 2030 Transit Capital Expansion Policy and New Corridors Study will be forwarded to the Board of Directors to approve a contract, which will allow the first phase of the Study.

Phase 1 will allow VTA to develop the Transit Capital Expansion Policy (TEP), which will establish a policy framework that links decision-making regarding bus and rail transit capital expansion with supporting land-use, commitment from other Member Agencies, construction and operational feasibility, operational efficiency, and ridership potential.

Phase II will complete a New Corridors Study to define and evaluate up to seven potential new corridors and establish corridor priorities using the criteria for capital expansion.

Member Reisinger took his seat at 7:16 p.m.

Mr. Eltgroth referenced Page A-4, Santa Teresa/Coyote Valley and potential extension to Morgan Hill – no study to date, stating the corridor should be studied.

On order of Chairperson Jensen, there being no objection, the Valley Transportation Plan 2030 (VTP 2030) Transit Capital Expansion Policy and New Corridors Study was received and filed.

Presentation on Lessons Learned on State Route 237

Dana Cowell, Caltrans Deputy District Director, introduced Hassan Hikzad, Caltrans Senior Transportation Engineer.

Mr. Cowell stated that as fulfilment to a commitment made when this project came before Caltrans District 4 Bicycle Advisory Committee, he and Mr. Hikzad will provide experiences with the construction of State Route 237 requesting input and comments from the BPAC Members. 

Mr. Nikzad reported that State Route 237/Guadalupe River Project is 100 percent locally funded, designed, and constructed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District. 

Mr. Nikzad stated that since the area is a flood zone the Water District decided to build a higher bridge so it does not have to be raised later to prevent future flooding.   Due to that decision, the bicyclists have to be detoured for an extended period of time.   Mr. Nikzad noted that unfortunately, due to the downturn of the economy, the Water District is behind schedule.

Mr. Cowell reported that there are four lessons that Caltrans learned in working with the bicycle community:   1) the community and BPAC should have had an opportunity to comment much earlier in the process, 2) it is important to be mindful of applying the same policies and same level of appropriateness in making sure policies are adhered to while other local agencies are constructing the projects and Caltrans should have an oversight responsibility as if constructing the project themselves, 3) opportunities should have been considered to try to keep pathways open and useable as long as possible, including modifying the pathways in the first stages of construction, and 4) BPAC or a constituency of the bicyclists should have been involved earlier on to see what could be done with the pathway and what could be done to make the detour as friendly and affective as possible by modifications that may have been needed.

Chairperson Jensen queried a check-off list with regard to bicycle/pedestrian accessibility exists and if so, if it is hard-wired into the system.   Mr. Cowell stated he did not know if there is a check-off list.

Member Kobayashi stated the check-off list should be part of the project study report.

Mr. Cowell noted that in many cases VTA is the lead agency in terms of delivering the project but where Caltrans is developing a project he would work through VTA and report back to the BPAC.

Mr. Szoboszlax queried who he should contact regarding removing signs prohibiting bicycles Monterey Highway and Blossom Hill.   Mr. Cowell responded that  Mr. Szoboszlax could contact him.

Mr. Jackson thanked Mr. Cowell for his report and expressed concern regarding projects not accommodating bicycles during construction.

On order of Chairperson Jensen, there being no objection, the Presentation on Lessons Learned on State Route 237 were received and filed.

Presentation on DeAnza Creek Trail Project           

John Cherbone, City of Saratoga Public Works Director, presented an update on the DeAnza Creek Trail Project stating that originally the project began as a four-city jurisdictional Project from City of Cupertino to the Town of Los Gatos. 

Mr. Cherbone noted that the trail runs through property owned Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and UPRR has decided not to provide land for the trail.

The Project is currently in the conceptual feasibility stage and the two constraints found are PG&E does not have right-of-way at the property on two locations and council members are requesting a pedestrian only trail as an option, which will eliminate sections close to residences. 

Mr. Cherbone requested the BPAC input and comments, which he will then provide to council at their September 7, 2005 meeting.

Member Simons stated it is important the replacement land issue to be addressed.

Member Simons stated it is important residents state not only what they do not want in a project but also what they do want.

Member Swent stated if signs prohibiting bicycles on pedestrian-only trail are not posted the trail then becomes a substandard facility for bicycles.

Chairperson Jensen stated that the option of a pedestrian-only path is a good idea. 

On order of Chairperson Jensen, there being no objection, the Presentation on DeAnza Creek Trail Project was received and filed.

Update of VTA Bikeways Map           

Ms. DeRobertis stated that the Draft VTA Bikeways Map is not ready and staff is still accepting edits by the end of week before the draft goes to print.

Mr. Eltgroth queried if staff has heard from the City of Morgan Hill regarding VTA Bikeway Map.   Ms. DeRobertis responded that she will check with staff.

On order of Chairperson Jensen, there being no objection, the Update of VTA Bikeways Map has been received.

County Bicycle and Pedestrian Update           

Paul Pascoal, Santa Clara County Roads & Airport BPAC Liaison, stated that several months ago he was asked for information with regard to current or planned projects coming up in the future.

Mr. Pascoal referenced a spreadsheet entitled Roads and Airport Calendar Year 2005, which simplifies the list of projects in the distant future.   This year the County Staff provided the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors the 2005 Master Plan Spreadsheet on March 22, 2005 and it was approved. 

Mr. Pascoal requested that any specific questions regarding projects listed on the Master Plan, e-mailed either to himself or David Coe.   He will research queries and provide a response as soon as possible.  

Mr. Pascoal stated that Application of Bicycle Accommodation Guidelines (BAG) in Project Development and Review can be viewed at the Study’s website at www.expressways.info.

Mr. Jackson expressed concern that on Page 2 of Mr. Pascoal Transmittal to the BPAC, the word “may” is used instead of the word “shall” with regard to implementing the bicycle foundation guidelines. 

Chairperson Jensen queried from Mr. Pascoal if there is check off sheet for the contractors to use which lists meeting bicycle/pedestrian guidelines.   Mr. Pascoal responded there is a County mandate to accommodate bicyclists. 

Mr. Eltgroth recommended staff contact the City of Morgan Hill to request a copy of the their check-off list.

Member Stallman stated that the tax collection portion the Measure A concludes  June 2006 and VTA Technical Guidelines regarding bicycle racks have not been met and to date have not being installed at county facilities.   

Chairperson Jensen queried if it is possible to get feedback at the September 7, 2005 meeting from County staff regarding acquiring some of the funding to purchase and install the bike racks.    Ms. DeRobertis advised the racks have been purchased but have not installed them yet.

On order of Chairperson Jensen, there being no objection, the County Bicycle and Pedestrian Update was received and filed.

Announcements

Member Reisinger requested the Committee take a moment of reflection for a great bicycle advocate, Bill Bliss, who was killed July 2005. 

Member Swent left the meeting at 8:22 p.m.

Member Stallman, City of Saratoga, stated that bicycle racks at the West Valley College Transit Mall fell victim to the toilet facility construction so bike parking will not be available.

ADJOURNMENT           

On order of Chairperson Jensen,there being no objection, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. in memoriam of Bill Bliss.

Respectfully submitted,                                                                                    

Gilda M. Gozdanich, Board Assistant
VTA Board of Directors

NOTE:  M/S/C MEANS MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED AN, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.