HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 6 2016
FINAL_PWC_Min_16-0616.doc 6/29/16 1
Los Altos Hills Pathway Committee FINAL
Minutes of Special Meeting of Monday, June 6, 2016
1. ADMINISTRATIVE
A. Call to Order. Chairman Ann Duwe called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM
B. Members/Associates present: Jim Basiji, Alisa Bredo, Weegie Caughlan, Ann Duwe, Breene Kerr,
Bridget Morgan, Sue Welch, Denise Williams
Members/Associates absent: Nick Dunckel, Eileen Gibbons, Vic Hesterman (Members); Bob Stutz,
Rachelle Mirkin, Tim Warner (Associates)
Council Liaison absent: John Radford
LAH Staff Present: Carl Cahill (City Manager)
Pak Lin (Finance Director)
Members of public present: Jones/Grau (24802 Olive Tree Lane)
James Doran (23520 Ravensbury Avenue)
Gibert Davoud (12305 Briones Way)
Joe Mitchell (25581 Elena Road)
C. Approval of Agenda. The agenda was approved as amended to move Item 4 CIP and budget matters
ahead of Item 3 Report from MPP subcommittee. DW moved, JB seconded and the vote was
unanimously in favor (JB, AB, WC, AD, BK, BM, SW, DW).
D. Approval of Minutes. WC moved that the minutes of the PWC meeting of 5/05/16 be approved without
amendments. DW seconded.
D. Ex Parte communications. None reported.
2. PROPERTIES FOR REVIEW
The following properties were reviewed for pathway recommendations:
A. 24802 Olive Tree Lane (Lands of Jone/Grau; APN 336-35-058; file #142-16-ZP-SD-CDP-VAR). The
reason for pathway review is construction of a garage and addition. The parcel is a flag lot off the south
side of Olive Tree Lane in the unincorporated county lands that were annexed to the Town in 2012
(Olive Tree Hill annexation) and the residence was built under county building regulations. The only
frontage on Olive Tree is a shared driveway, part of which is owned by the neighbor. Because a Master
Path Plan map has not been created and approved for this area, PWC recommendation at this time is
limited to request for a pathway in-lieu fee. The owners (Jones and Grau) were present and explained
the project to the PWC. The garage will require a variance for the setback (20 feet instead of 30 feet).
PWC discussed the parcel and options for recommendations. WC moved that for 24802 Olive Tree
Lane PWC recommend the Town request payment of a pathway in-lieu fee. DW seconded and the
vote was unanimously in favor (JB, AB, WC, AD, BK, BM, SW, DW).
B. 23520 Ravensbury Avenue (Lands of Doran; APN 336-38-025; File 133-16-ZP-SD-GD). The reason
for pathway review is a major remodel. The developer, James Doran, was present and described the
project. The parcel is on the northwest side of Ravensbury at the intersection with Toyonita and has
frontages on both streets. Ravensbury is a public road (TR#13, 1184, 2224, 3039, 3246, 3283, 3872) and
Toyonita is a private road (Reso. 1030, 1977, Tr#13). No pathway easements were found in a limited
search of records. The parcel is included in the 2005 MPP maps. (The parcel is not in the “Ravensbury
Annexation” area annexed to the Town in 2002.) PWC discussed which side of Ravensbury is preferred
for a roadside path. The PWC working reference map for the area was not available and the proposed
draft map that includes the opposite side of Ravensbury has not yet been approved.) The shoulder on
this parcel slopes up slightly from the pavement and has a shallow drainage ditch. The shoulder on the
opposite side slopes down at a similar angle and has shrubby landscaping close to the pavement. DW
moved that for 23520 Ravensbury Avenue PWC recommend the Town request the developer to
dedicate an easement conferring public access of on the part of Toyonita in front of the parcel. BK
seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (JB, AB, WC, AD, BK, BM, SW, DW).
C. 12305 Briones Way (Lands of Davoud; APN 182-26-030; File 146-16-ZP-SD). The reason for pathway
review is construction of a swimming pool and pool house. The developer, Gilbert Davoud, was present
and described the project. The parcel is on the west side of Briones Way at the intersection with
Altamont Road and has frontages on both streets. Both are public roads and Altamont is designated to
have roadside paths on both sides. The opposite side of Briones Way is the preferred side for a roadside
FINAL_PWC_Min_16-0616.doc 6/29/16 2
path and a native path already exists there. No pathway easements were found on the parcel in a limited
search of records. PWC reviewed the adjacent parcel to the north on the same side of Briones Way
(12345 Briones) on 1/27/14 and 7/25/15 with a recommendation for a pathway in-lieu fee. The
Altamont frontage of the parcel is relatively flat with a row of large redwoods growing in the road right-
of-way. A roadside path separated from the pavement could be easily accommodated on the property
side of the redwoods.
A continuous stretch of roadside path has been constructed on all parcels on this side of Altamont from
Briones Way to east of Taaffe Road. Roadside paths along the Altamont frontage of the three parcels
immediately adjacent to 12305 Briones to the east have been built separated from the pavement and
behind the trees that line the roadside (Attachment A). PWC discussed options and requirements for
nearby parcels. Because Altamont is a busy road with significant auto, bicycle, pedestrian, and
equestrian traffic, a roadside path separated from the pavement is preferred for safety, is consistent with
Pathway Element Policy 2.1, and consistent with paths required from the three adjacent parcels. It was
not possible to determine from the plans whether a path built behind the redwoods could be
accommodated in the road ROW or would require a pathway easement on the parcel. It was suggested
Town engineering staff can help determine appropriate placement of the path behind the redwoods and
the location of any additional easement needed. BK moved that for 12305 Briones Way the PWC
recommend the Town require the developer to build a IIB path along the Altamont frontage
separated from the pavement and on the inside (property side) of the redwoods and in the road
ROW if possible. If the ROW is not sufficiently wide to put the path behind the redwoods, then
ask the developers to grant a pathway easement on the parcel to accommodate the pathway. BM
seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (JB, AB, WC, AD, BK, BM, SW, DW).
D. 12165 Hilltop Drive (Lands of Duarte; APN 336-20-040 and 336-20-043; File 150-16-ZP-SD). The
reason for pathway review is construction of a new residence. The developer was not present. The
parcel is a flag lot off the north side of Hilltop Drive. The only frontage on Hilltop is a shared driveway.
PWC reviewed several other flag lots in this area and requested pathway in-lieu fees (12179 Hilltop
reviewed 4/28/14; and 12271 Hilltop reviewed 11/28/11). PWC discussed options. WC moved that for
12165 Hilltop Drive PWC recommend the Town request payment of a pathway in-lieu fee. SW
seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (JB, AB, WC, AD, BK, BM, SW, DW).
E. 12251 Menalto Drive (Lands of Karlsson; APN 182-26-019; File 273-10-ZP-SD-GD). The reason for
pathway review is construction of an addition. Kjell Karlsson was present representing the developer.
The parcel is a flag lot off the north side of Menalto. The only frontage on Menalto is the driveway. No
off-road paths are in the area and no pathway easements were found in a limited search of Town
records. PWC discussed options. DW moved that for 12165 Hilltop Drive PWC recommend the
Town request payment of a pathway in-lieu fee. AB seconded and the vote was unanimously in
favor (JB, AB, WC, AD, BK, BM, SW, DW).
3. OLD BUSINESS
A. Five-Year CIP List and Budget Matters.
i) Pak Lin, LAH Finance Director distributed a presentation describing the Pathways Committee
budget review for FY 2016/17 (Attachment B). She summarized discussions and Council actions
taken at the joint FIC/City Council meeting of May 31, 2016; status of Pathways funds for
operations and capital for FY 2015/16 and FY 2016/17; and the Council decisions for budget for
operating and capital projects for FY 2016/17. Pathways capital fund has $220K as of 6/21/16.
Capital projects for FY 2016/17 include $142K to build the Magdalena connector for the Bob Stutz
path; $50K to develop a GIS base map layer for recording pathway easements; and $20K for design
of the proposed Page Mill/Moon Lane pedestrian bridge crossing (with $90K for construction
anticipated in FY 2017/18). She also explained the reorganization of funds (including consolidation
of Pathway Operating Fund) approved by Council at the May 31 meeting. Council requested
information about specific projects before allocating funds for annual pathway improvement. After
PWC discussion, BK moved that PWC petition Council to allocate additional funds not to
exceed $30K to hire an outside firm to survey the paths along Summerhill Road between El
Monte and Magdalena, to provide engineering specs for safety improvements including gap
closure and, repair of existing paths from El Monte to Magdalena. SW seconded and the vote
FINAL_PWC_Min_16-0616.doc 6/29/16 3
was unanimously in favor (JB, AB, WC, AD, BK, BM, SW, DW). AD will present this proposal
at the Council meeting on June 16, 2016.
ii) Proposal for Page Mill Road Pedestrian Bridge. AD distributed copies of a letter from Jitze
Couperus describing a safety hazard at Page Mill Road and Moon Lane (Attachment C) and a
document summarizing the status of the path routes here (Attachment D). Pedestrians and
equestrians are forced to cross Page Mill Road twice at a blind curve to avoid Matadero Creek,
which runs along the east side of Page Mill. The 2016-17 budget includes $20K for design of this
project; 90K will be allocated in a future year (2017-18) for construction (See Attachment B). PWC
discussed the proposal in detail. A suggestion was made to work with the homeowners and try to
run the path on easements on the east side of the creek instead of along the roadside, which requires
the pedestrian bridge. Both routes may take a long time (the first to get the permits from CDFW for
work around the creek and the second to get the easements on private lands). PWC will review
existing easements and walk the area prior to the next regular meeting. AD will speak with Richard
Chiu about the proposed alternative route and invite him to attend the next regular PWC meeting to
discuss both proposals.
B. Report from Master Path Plan (MMP) Update Subcommittee. The subcommittee met May 4, 2016 to
discuss off-road paths in the six unresolved areas to be addressed in the MPP update. In 2005 Council
directed PWC to review these areas, propose the most advisable routes, and forward their
recommendation to the Planning Commission. AD distributed a list and maps showing the unresolved
areas (Attachment E and F) and PWC discussed each.
a. Page Mill Road at Story Hill. This route would allow walkers to stay off a dangerous section of Page
Mill road. The route up to Page Mill at the south end of 12345 Page Mill is very steep. A proposal
was made to run the path along the western border of the parcels from Story Hill Road to the
border of Town.
b. Via Feliz to Elena. This route would complete an important connection between Page Mill Road and
Elena Road. The proposed alternative route runs on the south and west boundary of 27801 Via
Feliz instead of on the east and north boundary. This route is less steep and further from the
house. Some easements and/or paths already exist from Maple Leaf Court to 27801 Via Feliz.
c. La Paloma to Atherton Court to Robleda. This route will connect La Paloma to Robleda. The off-
road path has already been built from La Paloma to the SE corner of 13310 La Paloma. The route
along the creek on the north border of 12940 Atherton Court down to Robleda was evaluated and
determined to be too expensive. The route north of 12933 Atherton Court and on the shared drive
between 12933 and 12940 Atherton would allow use of Atherton Court rather than off-road paths.
Town holds an easement on the northern border of 12933 Atherton Ct.
d. Miraloma to Voorhees and Barley Hill to Hillview. The Miraloma to Voorhees route would provide a
neighborhood loop. The proposed alternative route runs along a paved driveway off Miraloma and
across the southern boundary of St Nicholas School property. The route between Hilltop and
Barley Hill may no longer be possible because of new construction and fencing in the area.
e. Magdalena to Fernhill. This off-road connection would create a neighborhood loop that would keep
path users off busy Magdalena Road. The proposed alternative route runs through a shallow
ravine with a small creek.
f. Zappettini Court to Central Drive. This route would provide a loop near Byrne Preserve. In 2009, the
Town Engineer determined that a route up from the creek to Central was possible. A pathway
easement exists on the north side of Central Drive. Topography is challenging and the best
location needs to be determined.
5. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. None
A. Bench on Packard Trail at Taaffe Road. Joe Mitchell, an LAH resident, offered to replace the bench at
the top of the Packard off-road path, which has disappeared. AD noted that this is the second request
this to replace this bench and that a resident has offered to replace it. AD has obtained permission from
the Packard Foundation to replace it. AD will put on agenda for June 27 meeting.
6 NEXT SCHEDULED MEETINGS.
Next PWC Meeting: Special Meeting; Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall
FINAL_PWC_Min_16-0616.doc 6/29/16 4
(Meeting with neighbors and discussion of Unresolved MPP Areas)
Next Pathway Walk: Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 9:00 am at Town Hall
(Walk Unresolved MPP Areas)
Pathway Walk: Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 9:00 am at Town Hall
Regular PWC Meeting: Monday, June 27, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall
6. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 pm.
Attachment A: Photo of pathways along Altamont near 12305 Briones
Attachment B: Pathway Committee 2016/17 Budget Review (Pak Lin)
Attachment C: Proposal for Page Mill Road Pedestrian Bridge
Attachment D: Page Mill and Moon Lane Pathway Missing Links
Attachment E: List of Six Unresolved Areas for Master Path Plan Map Update
Attachment F: Maps of Six Unresolved Areas for Master Path Plan Map Update
Final minutes approved as amended (red text) at the Regular Pathways meeting of 06/27/16.
Roadside paths along Altamont on
parcels adjacent to 12305 Briones Way.
Paths are separated from the road and
run behind the redwoods
Counterclockwise from top right:
27477 Altamont Road (at Briones)
27451 Altamont Road
27411 Altamont Road
Pathway Committee
2016/17 Budget Review
BASED ON MAY 31, 2016 JOINT BUDGET STUDY SESSION DISCUSSIONS
Tonight’s Action and Focus
Action:
Review 2016-17 Operating and Capital Budget
Provide direction with respect to the preparation of final budget for consideration at the June 16, 2016 City Council meeting
Topics/Agenda:
Financial Overview +
Godbe Community Survey
Budget Requests: Operating and Capital +
Additional Considerations +
2016/17 Reserve Plan +
Fund Consolidation/Reorganization*
+Discussed in the model
* May be postponed, depending on time.2
Highlights
The Town will be financial healthy in 2016/17, including all requests
General Fund Surplus is $1,019,596, excluding special fund transfers back to general fund.
2016/17 includes a Five-Year CIP program
Parks & Recreation Committee, Open Space Committee and Pathways Committee provided input for
consideration
Operating Reserve Plan is included, with recommended transfers of excess prior year General
Fund transfers back to General Fund
Presentation includes reorganization of funds based on Town’s operation and needs.
3
2015/16 Pathways Funds (by Fund)
Operations (013)Capital (042)
Estimated Actual
Revised
Budget
Est.
Actual
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Revised
Budget
Est.
Actual
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
Revenue $ 171,000 $ 152,060 $ (18,940)$ 10,000 $ 0 $ (10,000)
Expenditure (463,398)(444,071)19,327 (281,638)(230,638)51,000
Transfers In –General Fund 462,398 444,071 (19,327)100,480 0 (100,480)
Transfers In –Pathway Ops 170,000 150,000 (20,000)
Transfers Out –Capital (170,000)(150,000)20,000
Change in Net Position 0 2,059 (1,158)(80,638)
Beginning Net Position 638,823 638,823 300,675 300,675
Ending Net Position $ 638,823 $ 640,882 $ 2,059 $ 299,517 $ 220,037 $ (79,480)
4
2016/17 Pathways Funds (by Fund)
2016/17 Budget including Requests Operation (013)Capital (042)Total
Revenue $ 172,200 $ 10,000 $ 182,200
Expenditure (448,500)(212,000)(660,500)
Transfers In –Pathway Ops 170,000 170,000
Transfers Back to General Fund (194,582)(194,582)
Transfers Out –Capital (170,000)(170,000)
Change in Net Position (640,882)(12,000)(672,882)
Beginning Net Position 640,882 220,037 860,919
Ending Net Position $ 0 $ 188,037 $188,037
5
Requests Summary
Operating:
Increased Maintenance Worker’s Budget by $12,000. Pending Council consideration and approval, an
additional full-time maintenance worker ($67,000)
Capital:
Magdalena Bob Stutz Connector ($142,000) –Reduce scope without compromising safety
Pathway GIS Project ($50,000) –develop GIS map layer. Use Pathway Capital Fund
Page Mill Road/Moon Lane Ped Bridge Crossing –Committed to both the design & construction
Design in 2016/17 ($20,000)
Construction in 2017/18 ($90,000)
Annual Pathway Improvement of ($200k) beginning 2017/18 –Council wishes to see the list of projects
before for each year rather than a bucket at this time.
6
Fund
Reorganization
PATHWAY FUNDS
•OPERATING (013)
•CAPITAL (042)
7
Town’s Current Fund Structure
Operating Fund
•General Fund (011)
Special Revenue
Funds
•Storm Drain (012)
•Pathway (013)
•Park & Rec in-Lieu (016)
•Street (017)
•COPS (021)
•Special Donations (071)
Capital Funds
•General CIP (041)
•Pathway CIP (042)
•Westwind Barn CIP (043)
•Drainage CIP (045)
•Street CIP (046)
8
Account Categories
General Fund
(011)
Pathway Ops
(013)
Pathway CIP
(042)
Revenue Pathway Fees
Expenditure Transfers Out Operations
Fund Balance Fund Balance
Pathway Operating Funding Sources
Pathway Fees
General Fund
Transfer
9
Account Categories
General Fund
(011-4740)*
Pathway Ops
(013)
Pathway CIP
(042)
Revenue Pathway Fees
Expenditure Merge Operations
Fund Balance Consolidate Fund Balance
Pathway Operating Fund Consolidation
Pathway Fees
* The Town’s accounting structure accounts for separate operations within the account strings.
Fund (xxx) –Program/Operation (xxxx) –Accounts (xxxx)10
To: LAH Pathways Committee
LAH Pathways/Town Council Liaison
Town Engineer
Los Altos Hills Horseman’s Association
From: Jitze Couperus
Subject: Dangerous Situation on Town Pathway
The following document is being sent out to the above recipients to describe what I feel is a dangerous situation,
together with a suggested solution for fixing the problem.
This document took a while in the making because it kept slipping onto the back burner as priority interruptions kept
getting in the way. I finally completed it a few days ago, and was preparing to send it out when I discovered purely by
chance (a passing conversation at the Town Picnic) that a budget item had just been approved last week which is
relevant to the solution being proposed here.
Thus, the first major objective for writing this document has already been achieved. I am nevertheless distributing it as
planned, as the information it contains may yet prove useful .
I look forward to seeing a solution being implemented in the not too distant future
Jitze Couperus
Introduction
The intended recipients of this document are the LAH Pathway Committee, their “Council Liaison” and the Town
Engineer in the hope that their combined efforts may lead eventually to appropriate action being taken. A copy is being
sent to the Los Altos Hills Horsemen’s Association so that they are in the loop as well.
In this document a particular problem on the Town’s pathway is described, as well as a possible solution. This problem
is not merely some less-than-optimal situation on a pathway somewhere, but could be more accurately be described an
accident that is just waiting to happen – a serious accident.
This problem is not new – it has existed for a long time without being reported as a far as I know. I report it now as a
direct result of witnessing 2 separate incidents (one pedestrian and one equestrian) where it was by sheer luck that
they didn’t turn out to be extremely serious. It seems a miracle that no fatalities have happened so far at this location
(as far as we know) since the situation was created probably over 30 years ago when the Paseo Del Roble area of town
was originally subdivided and developed.
Problem Location
The location of the problem is at the intersection of Page Mill Road and “lower” intersection of the Paseo Del Roble
loop (i.e. the end of the loop closest to Highway 280) as shown on the above extract from the Town’s Walking Map.
Current Pathway Situation (De Facto)
Leaving aside which easements and pathways actually exist legally in this location, the following sketch depicts the
current situation as actually experienced by pathways users
Consider the predicament of a Pathway User coming from Point A and wishing to proceed in the direction of Point B or
Point C.
From Point A up to the intersection with Paseo Del Roble, the user has no alternative but to use the Native Path located
on the East side of Page Mill – the other side of the road is a steep hillside into which the roadway was originally cut,
probably at the time the road was created to access the Page Lumber Mill sometime in the late 1800’s. But on
approaching the subject intersection the pathway peters out. The “native path” nature of the pathway in fact stops a
little earlier than as depicted in the above sketch (it reaches as far as Moon Lane) but the next 50ft or so are over
reasonably flat terrain and easily traversable by a hiker or equestrian up to the point where further passage is blocked
by the tributary creek at the point where the latter joins the main Matadero Creek.
The Problem
Having arrived from Point A and wishing to proceed further in any direction (except backwards), the pathway user is
forced to choose between two options:
a) Cross Page Mill – at a point just beyond a partially blind curve, where site distance up the road is inadequate for
the predominant traffic speed, and where vehicular traffic is just cresting a slight rise and very likely travelling
fast because it has been coming “down the hill” for the last few miles. After pathway users have successfully
made it across the road, they arrive at a landing point over the curb which is fraught with a fresh set of dangers.
b) Continue down Page Mill, walking on the blacktop pavement over a narrow bridge with a guard rail along its
edge and with no place to take evasive action if a vehicle “cuts the curve” too close to the guard rail.
Here are two images showing the situation, viewing it from both directions on Page Mill Rd:
The primary problem is that the pathway user is forced to cross here, at a particularly dangerous point because of the
limited sight distance towards high speed traffic coming from the south.
To make matters worse, there is a secondary problem - having crossed the busy main road in a hurry, the hiker (or
equestrian) now arrives on the opposite side of Page Mill and has to now contend with a “less than friendly” refuge just
beyond the curb:
None of the obstacles depicted above are in themselves a big deal, but together they take some careful negotiation – in
particular it may not be wise to take a horse with his adrenalin flowing (having just “hurried” across the blacktop of a
busy road) through a set of three guy wires and next to a storm drain. Likewise, a senior citizen hiker, perhaps less agile
than a teenager, may not appreciate having to step over the curb and immediately into a small drainage swale.
One Potential Solution
As can be seen in the background of the above image, there is already a pedestrian/equestrian bridge on the other side
of the intersection connecting with Paseo Del Roble. This makes it possible for pathway users to safely proceed between
points B and C as identified in the earlier diagram.
Placing a similar bridge over the creek on the East side of Page Mill (See sketch and picture below)would alleviate the
dangers faced by pathways users going from Point A to Point B as well as those going from Point A to Point C. (The
latter would now be encouraged to cross Page Mill at a point North of the intersection where the terrain is flat and sight
lines are adequate.)
There may be other less expensive approaches that may mitigate some of the dangers discussed above, but I haven’t
been able to come up with any solution which will do the job as comprehensively as this – short of widening the vehicle
bridge itself to include adequate shoulders for both cyclists and pathway users. The expense associated with that
approach would of course dwarf anything proposed here.
What is The Actual Danger Level or Risk Exposure?
I am not aware of any accidents occurring here that resulted in actual hospitalization or worse. However creation of this
document was initially triggered by an “incident” that I happened to witness while walking in the area a few years ago –
at that time I decided to put my thoughts on paper but got distracted, and the idea languished on my “to do” list.
On that occasion, two equestrians were crossing the road at the point described above – i.e. from the east side of Page
Mill towards Paseo Del Roble. The two horses were more-or-less abreast, presumably to minimize exposure time
actually on the roadway. On reaching a point somewhere near the center of the road, a motor bike could be heard
coming down the hill (from the south) – a particularly noisy specimen who decided to “open up the throttle” just as he
crested the small hump in the road located just south of the crossing.
The riders urged their horses from a careful walk (being on relatively slipper blacktop) to a slightly more hurried gait, but
one of the horses – apparently frightened by the sudden burst of noise – started to make a dash for safety, accompanied
by the 2nd horse. Both horses made it to the safety of the other side. One horse-and-rider went to the left of the guy
wire, the other horse went to the right.
The latter horse made it under the guy wire. The rider didn’t.
The guy wire rises at an angel up to the pole, and the horse was close enough to cause the rider to be scraped off. She
landed on her back on the bare ground, luckily not on the actual curb edge or matters could have been a lot worse. The
wire had impacted her across one shoulder which she said hurt a lot but did not appear to be dislocated. Had she not
leaned sufficiently far away from the wire at the critical moment, it might have crossed over her throat instead and she
would have been pulled off her horse by her head.
The motor cyclist never stopped, the two riders decided to walk home, and I determined to write this document – but
never got round to it until recently.
Another incident involved a single pedestrian. I don’t walk past this point very often, maybe a few times a year. But I
probably drive by it at least once every day. I was driving back towards home heading South on Page Mill and was
approaching the crossing point when I saw a fairly “senior” gentleman crossing the road on foot. He was elderly enough
to making slower progress than a younger person might, but certainly a reasonable pace. I was driving slowly enough to
be able to brake and pull into Paseo Del Roble to park when I saw the incident that occurred in front of me.
A car had appeared coming the from North (i.e. down the hill) at what I think might have been between 40 and 50
m.p.h. – the speed limit here is 30 m.p.h. – so a case of excessive speed maybe, but not wildly so, and not far out of the
norm one can expect here. The pedestrian was already at mid-road when I became aware of what was going on – i.e. he
was already safely beyond the path of the oncoming vehicle, but maybe because he saw me approaching in the lane that
he was about to cross, he attempted to “hurry” the rest of the way across the road – and in doing so tripped over the
curb and fell onto his hands and knees into the drainage swale just beyond.
I stopped and parked on Paseo Del Roble to help him up – he was already upright by the time I got to him and dusting
himself off, but obviously quite rattled by the experience. This incident also ended well, but reminded me of my intent
to write this document.
Mutatis Mutandis
The above discussions have all been with reference to a pathway user who is travelling from Point A on the sketch to
either Point B or Point C. However, obviously the same concerns and perils face the traveler going in the opposite
direction, coming from either Point B or Point C and wishing to continue up Page Mill Road towards Point A.
(For those who are unfamiliar with the local pathways, the route down Paseo Del Roble is particularly popular with
pathway users because it connects the towns Pathway System to the Enid Pearson Arastra Preserve without having to
traverse busy Arastradero Road itself.)
Summary
There is a dangerous situation for pathway users at the intersection of Page Mill Road and Paseo Del Roble which needs
to be fixed before a serious accident occurs. A solution is proposed that involves installation of a pedestrian/equestrian
bridge. If this is not possible or infeasible, then efforts should be made to at least mitigate the situation by some other
means.
The primary cause of the problem is that a pathway user proceeding down Page Mill is forced to cross at this point which
is not a good place to cross. This is because of limited sight distance and the particular local topology combined with
physical obstacles.
Fixing the problem is beyond the scope of mere “pathways maintenance” and will require consultation and cooperation
between a number of parties. Accordingly this document is being sent to
a) Pathways Committee (who I hope will take the lead role to pursue this issue)
b) Town Council Liaison with Pathways Committee
c) Town Engineer
d) Los Altos Hills Horsemen’s association.
ATTACHMENT D: PATHWAYS MEETING 06/06/16
Pathway Missing Links
Page Mill & Moon Lane (revised)
June 6, 2016
If one walks east along the south side of Page Mill Road from Fawn Creek Lane to the
bridge on Town‐owned land just beyond Paseo del Roble, one traverses a segment
of Page Mill where traffic is heavy and where there is a need for safer pathway
alternatives for pedestrians and equestrians.
27885 Fawn Creek Crt. This address is on the corner of Fawn Creek and Page Mill.
There is an excellent IIB path on Fawn Creek, which continues onto Page Mill via an
excellent native path separated from the road by dense shrubs. At the property line
the path curves up onto the shoulder of Page Mill (13816 Page Mill).
13816 Page Mill. OK informal path on shoulder of Page Mill. Cross shared
driveways. Continue on shoulder, where there is room but NO PATH, around Moon
Lane roadsign to driveway for 13830 Page Mill.
The creek is too wide to cross at this point and users are forced to cross Page
Mill Road at Paseo del Roble and small bridge on north side of Page Mill.
Path on south side of Page Mill picks up again on the shoulder of Page Mill before
reaching the shared driveway and bridge for 13906, 13908 and 13910 Page Mill.
(also 14975?)
On the shoulder of Page Mill, there is evidence of one header board though the path
itself is all but obliterated between this shared driveway/bridge and the small
bridge on Town‐owned land connecting the shoulder of Page Mill with the off‐road
path to Saddle Court.
There are two alternatives for constructing a safe route between Fawn Creek Lane
and the small Town‐owned parcel on Page Mill.
1. Build a bridge over the creek on the south side and build or improve the missing
segments between 13816 Moon Lane and the Town‐owned parcel.
2. Work with homeowners to construct the path on the south side of the creek,
thereby eliminating the need for a bridge and creating far greater safety and
tranquility for the user.
Attachment E:
Unresolved Areas on Master Path Plan Map
07/18/15
Quad 2005 MPP
Study Zone
Segments Description and Council Directive (in italics)
1 A2 Zone 3 A2.3c Page Mill Road south of Story Hill thru 12345 Page Mill
Appears to have been rejected by CC?
To accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation for the
remainder of Section (Study Zone) 3 with the exception of
removing A2.7 from the Master Path Plan
2 B2 Zone 5 B2.9,
B2.10
Via Feliz to Elena Road
To investigate realigning B2.9, B2.6b and B2.10 consistent with
the existing conditions in the area and the creek.
3 C2 Zone 12 C2.11a,
C2.11b
End of Atherton Ct. Segment of route connecting La Paloma to
Robleda
To investigate: 1) an alternative to C2.11b to Atherton Court and
2) a connection from East Sunset Drive to Dianne Drive.
4 D3 Zone 17 D3.1,
D3.2,
D3.3b
Route connecting Voorhees, Barley Hill, St Nicholas, and/or
Miraloma
To review connector route between Hilltop and D3.1 as identified
in the previous motion and send a recommendation to the PC as a
General Plan Amendment
5 D4 Zone 18 D4.1,
D4.2a
Magdalena to Fernhill
To investigate the most advisable route between Fernhill and
Magdalena and to forward their recommendation to the Planning
Commission.
6 A3 Zone 4 A3.9 Zappettini Court to Central Drive. Council directive to study this
area further.
To direct the Pathways Committee to revisit A3.9.