Tuesday, May 2, 2006 meeting at 6:30 pm

1.  Roll call

2.  Approval of Minutes

March 21, special meeting

          M. Pye/J. Baumgarten M/S approval of the minutes.  approved 5:0

3.  New business

a).  Diagonal parking on east side of 900 Laurel Street.

            Director Mohktari explained that merchants had requested it to increase the number of parking spaces.  Considering that the adjacent three blocks of Laurel were already diagonally striped, he made the change.  Chair Panero stated that, according to discussion and agreement at a previous B/PAC meeting (Jan, 2006), any parking changes would be reviewed by B/PAC before implementation.  Director Mohktari pointed out potential conflicts in this area between B/PAC and the Traffic and Transportation Commission.

b)  New pedestrian crosswalk signs

            Members all agreed that these signs were a good addition for pedestrian safety.  The sign at the crosswalk near Cedar and Arroyo is now missing.  Director Mohktari noted that this is a common occurrence with these signs in other communities, and suggested that PTA parents be recruited to set up and take down the signs daily.

Commissioner Pye suggested that another ped sign was needed at the intersection of Laurel and White Oaks, near Trader Joe’s.

c)  New meeting start time

            M/S Taylor/Pye to start at 7:00 pm rather than 6:30, in order to accommodate commissioners’ work schedules.  Motion passed 5:0.

d)  Election of officers

            M/S Taylor/Baumgarten that M. Pye become Chair and T. Panero serve as Vice chair, as of June meeting.  passed 5:0

e) Resolution of support for restriping Holly/101 overpass

            Copy of a letter from Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition to Caltrans requesting that this overpass be restriped to clearly indicate a bike route across the overpass.  This would improve safety and does not require any repaving.  M/S Taylor/Baumgarten for B/PAC to endorse the letter.  Director Mohktari suggested that a separate letter of support from B/PAC might also be persuasive.

4. Old Business

a) San Carlos Bike Map

  discussed briefly, topic may be continued later.  copies of the original map were not available.

b)  Bike racks at SC destinations.

            Dir. Mohktari explained that new rules, now in effect, require bike parking (5 spaces per 20 car spaces).  The commission discussed strategies to incent existing businesses to add parking.  The county will provide half the funds needed to purchase racks for public facilites.  Dir Mohktari indicated he would search for other funding sources.  Key businesses to add bike parking are Trader Joe’s, Speederia, Bell Market, Diddams.

c)  Prioritize projects for 2006

            Dir. Mohktari commented that the bike plan had been approved by City Council and that any changes would need to go through the process again.  Chairman Panero suggested that the projects simply be numbered in order of priority.

d)  Pedestrian Safety Plan

            After discussion, it was decided that each commissioner would send their input to Dir. Mohktari for collation into one document.  This plan could then by reviewed by B/PAC at the July meeting.  Commissioner Baumgarten handed out copies of his suggestions for the area around White Oaks School, based on direct observation and interviews with users.

e)  B/PAC pre-involvement with changes that affect bicycles and pedestrians.

            Discussed timing of review process in which B/PAC could have meaningful input to any changes. 

f)  Walk/Ride workshop

            M/S Pye/Mansfield to hold a Safe Routes to School event, including a training workshop to be led by professionals in this field (Wendi Kallins and David Parisi, details on handout).  The plan is to hold two sessions: one for parents and a separate one for school staff and public works employees.  Funds will be requested from City Council to fund the event.  Action: Taylor to contact school district administration and PTA leadership regarding timing of this workshop.  It might be useful to involve SCEF as well.

g)  Bike parking for Arts and Wine Festival

            Volunteers are being sought to help supervise and staff a bike corral.

5. Recurring Items

b) problem intersections

            Noted the danger of inattentive drivers turning southbound from Cherry onto El Camino Real who do not check for pedestrians walking north across Cherry.

6. Public comment – none at this point.

7.  Next meeting 

 Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Carol Taylor