HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 26 2015
FINAL_PWC_Min_15-0126.doc 2/27/15 1
Los Altos Hills Pathway Committee FINAL
Minutes of Regular Meeting of Monday, January 26, 2015
1. ADMINISTRATIVE
Chairman Ann Duwe called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM
Members present: Weegie Caughlan, Nick Dunckel, Ann Duwe, Eileen Gibbons, Vic Hesterman, Breene Kerr,
Rachelle Mirkin, Sue Welch, Denise Williams, Bob Stutz (Associate)
Members/ absent: Tim Warner, Joe Kleitman (excused)
Council Members present: John Radford
Members of public present: Esther John (10701 Mora Drive)
Aart de Geus (10701 Mora Drive)
Forest Linebarger (10730 Mora Drive)
Enrique Klein (10710 Mora Drive)
Ying Lin (25691 Vinedo Lane)
Les Earnest (Dianne Drive)
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MINUTES
Chair AD called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PWC discussed whether or not the meeting had been
properly noticed. The agenda apparently was posted outside Town Hall, but not on the Town web site. It was
deemed that the posting at Town Hall met requirements for public notice and the agenda was approved as
written. WC moved, BK seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (WC, ND, AD, EG, VH, BK, RM,
SW, DW). Minutes from the December 22, 2014 meeting were approved with minor amendments. WC moved,
RM seconded and the vote was 7 in favor (WC, ND, AD, VH, BK, RM, DW) and 2 abstaining (EG, did not
attend last meeting; SW, secretary).
3. PROPERTIES FOR REVIEW
The following properties were reviewed for pathway recommendations:
A. 25961 Vinedo Lane (Lands of Liu-Fan). Reason for pathway review is construction of a new residence. Ying
Liu was present representing the developer. The parcel is on the east side of Vinedo, a private cul-de-sac
serving 19 parcels that dead ends at the Packard property. An informal off-road path exited here in the past, but
no longer exists. An off-road pathway connecting to Altamont Road exits from south side of Vinedo along a
private drive between 25750 and 25830 Vinedo, but is well proximal to the parcel under review but exits
Vindeo well before the parcel under review which is near the bulb end of the cul-de-sac."
The PWC roadside path working map (“bubble map”) indicates an easement in the roadway for this part of
Vinedo. ND moved that the Town request a pathway in-lieu fee from the developers of 25961 Vinedo
Lane and an on-road easement conferring public access on Vinedo Lane in front of this parcel. EG
seconded and the vote was 8 in favor (ND, AD, VH, BK, RM, DW) 1 opposed (WC; did not support
requiring both ILF and on-road easement)
B. 26343 Esperanza Drive (Lands of X). Reason for pathway review is construction of an addition. Developer
was not present. Parcel is on the north side of Esperanza, a public loop road serving 24 addresses, and has
frontages on both Esperanza and Ascencion. The PWC roadside path working map (“bubble map”) indicates
that the preferred side for a roadside path along Esperanza is the outside of the loop (i.e., the same side as this
parcel) and/or within the road. PWC reviewed the adjacent parcel to the west (26353 Esperanza) in August
2014 and recommended a IIB roadside path on both the Esperanza and Ascencion frontages. A IIB path in
good condition (including header boards) exists along the frontage of 26343. An off-road path exits from
Esperanza between the northeast border of this parcel and the southwest border of the adjacent parcel (26347
Esperanza). The 2005 database indicates this pathway easement is on 26347 Esperanza. The roadside path on
26343 Esperanza should extend all the way to this off-road path. Because no members of the PWC visited
the Ascencion frontage during site visits, recommendation will be deferred until the February meeting.
C. 10730 Mora Drive (Lands of Linebarger). Council Liaison, John Radford, took no position and made no
comments during the discussion. Reason for pathway review is construction of new residences. The PWC
briefly reviewed the history of the parcel, including the annexation of the 24 parcels on Mora Drive from the
Unincorporated County to the Town of LAH (Attachment A). Although members of the public had asked that
PWC not to proceed with a recommendation, Chair AD explained that it is the role of the PWC to provide a
recommendation to the Planning Commission before Commissioners review a project. Chair AD read four
emails from neighbors commenting on the project (Attachment B).
The parcel is on east side of Mora Drive, a cul-de-sac serving at least 24 parcels. Mora Drive is a public road
from Eastbrook to the bulb (fire truck turnaround) that abuts Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. A
private section of Mora Drive exiting to the east from the bulb serves residences in the Unincorporated County.
The parcel under review is on the public part of Mora, separated from Rancho San Antonio by one lot that is in
the county. The developer does not have a building permit and the project will require variances.
FINAL_PWC_Min_15-0126.doc 2/27/15 2
The developer, Forrest Linebarger, was present and reported that Mora Drive has significant foot traffic from
people entering Rancho San Antonio. He said he is not opposed to a pathway in front of his property, but asks
that it terminate before the fire turn-around, which touches his property. He also noted that visitors to MROSD
parking along Mora Drive is an ongoing problem.
Aart de Geus (10701 Mora) said that although he generally supports the pathway system, he has concerns
about the density of the proposed project (three homes on substandard lots), the late notice for the PWC
meeting, and aggravating parking problems in the neighborhood.
Enrique Klein (10710 Mora) expressed concerns about imposing pathways on a neighborhood established
decades ago, the length of time required to complete a pathway route on Mora, parking issues, and possible
unintended consequences of these pathways.
PWC discussed pathway options for the parcel. Although a Master Path Plan has not been developed for this
newly annexed part of LAH, Council has given direction for PWC to use policies and guidelines outlined in the
Pathway Element of the General Plan until the MPP is amended.
Issues discussed included: whether a roadside path was needed on this cul-de-sac; Pathway Element requires
roadside paths on cul-de-sacs that connect to off-road pathways; lack of a unified pathway plan for this road;
whether the opposite side of Mora might be better for a pathway; how to address parking problems from
Rancho visitors; width of road ROW (50 feet total with about 24 feet of pavement; not confirmed); value of
separating the pathway from the pavement and using of landscaping or a barrier (e.g., as on Fremont Road
SRTS path) to prevent parking on the proposed roadside path.
BK moved that the Town require the developer of 10730 Mora Drive to construct a IIB pathway on the
property side (outer edge) of the road ROW with some sort of barrier to prevent parking on the path.
ND seconded. The vote was 6 in favor (ND, AD, EG, VH, BK, SW); 1 abstain (RM); and 2 opposed (WC,
DW; assessment of entire road should be done first).
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Preliminary discussion of CIP projects. PWC discussed the list of CIP projects developed in 2012 (Attachment
C). Some projects had been completed or were no longer viable for various reasons. It was suggested that
criteria for ranking the projects should include: 1) accident rates (from the Berkeley on-line database); 2)
whether pathway was a Safe Route to School; 3) whether pathway was a “missing link” segment that would
complete a route if constructed; 4) high usage or not. Chair AD will distribute a revised CIP list.
Highest Priority (A List)
Robleda Road Widen the narrow roadside path between pavement and Robleda Creek on the northwest side
between Ciceroni and Fremont. Move vehicle lanes slightly to SE and widen path to 5 feet using cantilever
structure over creek as recommended by CDFW, RWQCB, and Corps Engineers. Re-seed with natives. Cost is
>$575K. BK will seek help with funding from LAH resident and Water Board member, Gary Kremen.
Miranda Road. Complete roadside paths on west side of Miranda Road. Meets criteria for Safe Routes to
School. Neighborhood is organized and eager to have the town build this. Cost estimate is $245K. Consider
low-cost installation by Town crew?
Eastbrook at Magdalena I-280 Off-Ramp. Build path over existing easement from end of Bob Stutz Path to
Magdalena pathway. New path should be separated from the I-280 off-ramp. Mayor will send letter to
residents on Rebecca about plans. PWC unanimously recommended this path be built to IIB standards.
Cost: PWC has approved $3K for surveying.
Elena at Natoma. Create a horse-friendly descent from the bank on east (Poor Clare’s) side of Natoma at the
intersection with Elena Road. Will provide safer crossing than the current one that is not visible to cars
careening around Elena onto Natoma. Frequently used by equestrians. Requirement for 10’ easement from
Poor Clare’s appears to be stalled by landowner.
Summerhill. New roadside path needed on south side from Miraloma to Amigos Court. Check easement status
and possible new construction.
A List Projects for Staff
Hilltop and Dawnridge. Build off-road connection between these roads. Town holds all easements. Will require
switchbacks and a bridge over the creek.
Manuella Road. Make improvements to paths and construct missing segments to complete the Manuella-
Miranda loop. Create bike-friendly curb cuts at intersections.
12355 Hilltop. Construct new roadside path at this sharp corner that has poor sight-distance. Check easement
status.
FINAL_PWC_Min_15-0126.doc 2/27/15 3
25810 Altamont. The section of roadside path along Altamont at the end of off-road connector from Vinedo to
Altamont has a very, steep drop-off down the bank onto the roadside. Users must then walk on roadway to
connect with the roadside path along Altamont to the east. At least some of the property needed to create a
safer descent route is on the road ROW. PWC asked staff to repair this dangerous section in 2011 20XX. AD
will work with John Chau.
Mary Stutz Path. Repair path between 11676 and 11675 Dawson. Passable, but requires upgrading. Requires
enforcement action on 11676.
Via Ventana. PW sign along the off-road path down to Page Mill needs review.
B & C List Items Not to Lose Sight Of
Magdalena and Ravensbury. Roadway bridge at intersection of needs to be replaced with one wide enough for
pedestrian and bike lanes. Likely to be very expensive and involve multiple public agencies.
La Paloma to Robleda off-road connection. Connect existing off-road path on XXX from La Paloma to
Robleda Road. Route along creek rejected because of cost (>$600K). Easements are still needed to connect to
end of Atherton Court.
Oak Park Court. Connection to Bob Stutz Path path. Check easement status.
Items Removed from CIP List of 07/23/12
Nicholson Subdivision Path. Repair and extension of path entrance between 11676 and 11675 Dawson and
completed (Bob Stutz Path).
25700 Bassett. Subdivision reviewed by PWC at the 11/24/14 meeting. Off-road path will be constructed at
time of subdivision. No further action needed.
La Loma to MROSD. Requires input from MROSD,. Not currently under consideration.
Dawson to Oak Knoll. Need pathway easement over part of emergency access road. Path already exists.
Ordinances and General plan may support opening this connection for safety.
Teresa off Kate Drive. Reviewed by PWC on XXX in Sept 2013 and recommendation was not to require
pathway to be cleared at this time.
El Monte Avenue from Stonebrook to Town border. Landscape improvements proposed in 2012 review are not
under consideration at this time.
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Update on Magdalena of-ramp path. See CIP list above.
6. REPORTS FROM OTHER MEETINGS.
A. City Council Meeting. Breene Kerr was reappointed to the Pathways Committee at CC on Jan 15, 2015.
7. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
A. Bob Stutz Path Bikeway.. Les Earnest again proposed that the Town seek funds to pave parts of the new Bob
Stutz off-road path so it can serve as a regional bikeway connecting southeast parts of town to Foothill College.
Funds may be available from VTA or other agencies.
8. GENERAL DISCUSSION AND PATHWAY REPRESENTATION REQUESTS
9. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Next Pathway Walk: Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 8:30 AM at Town Hall
Next Regular Meeting: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall
10. TOPICS FOR NEXT AGENDA. CIP project prioritization
11. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm.
Attachment A: Map of Mora Drive Annexation, October 3, 2012
Attachment B: Emails from residents about pathway on 10730 Mora Drive
Attachment C: List of CIP Projects from PWC meeting of July 23, 2012
Final amended minutes approved at the Special PWC meeting of Feb 25, 2105. Amendments shown in red. “XX”
indicates information not known at the time of the meeting.
ATTACHMENT B: Los Altos Hills Pathway Committee Meeting of Jan 26, 2015
Emails from residents about development on 10730 Mora Dirve.
From: Karen Kehlet [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2015 3:12 PM
To: Deborah Padovan
Subject: Pathways Committee Meeting Tonight RE:Linebarger
Dear Deborah,
We are unable to attend the meeting tonight to voice our concerns in public, but we ask that the committee
require Mr. Linebarger to fulfill his responsibilities under the Pathway section of the General Plan with an
actual pathway, instead of being allowed to pay in-lieu fees. There is a considerable amount of pedestrian
traffic on Mora Drive going to the Rancho San Antonio entrance. For safety reasons, it is important to keep
the all of the pathways firmly in place in this area.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Karen and Dave Kehlet
Mora Drive
__________________________________
From: Carl Cahill <ccahill@losaltoshills.ca.gov>
To: Ann Duwe <ann.duwe@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: FW: 1/27 Pathways Committee meeting / Linebarger property
Date: January 26, 2015 at 10:29:27 AM PST
Hi Ann,
Please review public comments below from Rob Fagen
Thanks.
Carl
From: Carl Cahill
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2015 10:18 AM
To: 'Rob Fagen'
Cc: J Radford; dpadovan@losaltoshills.ca.gov
Subject: RE: 1/27 Pathways Committee meeting / Linebarger property
Hi Rob,
The agenda was inadvertently not posted to the Town website. We are taking care of that today. I am
also at this time forwarding your comments concerning the project to Pathway Committee chair Ann
Duwe.
Thank you.
Carl Cahill, City Manager
Town of Los Altos Hills
650-947-2514
From: Rob Fagen [mailto:rob.fagen@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2015 9:54 AM
To: Carl Cahill
Attachment B_PWC_meeting15-0126 2/27/15
Cc: J Radford
Subject: 1/27 Pathways Committee meeting / Linebarger property
Mr. Cahill,
I've copied Mr. Radford since he was listed as the Council liaison to the Pathways Committee.
I heard that the Pathways Committee is meeting tonight and that Forrest Linebarger's property and plans are
up for review. I didn't see the agenda posted on the committee's Agenda/Minutes page, so I was unable to
verify. I also was unable to find email addresses for the committee members.
In any case, I have a scheduling conflict and cannot attend. I would like to express my desire to the
committee that Mr. Linebarger be required to fulfill his responsibilities under the Pathway section of the
General Plan with an actual pathway, instead of being allowed to pay in-lieu fees. Considering the volume
of foot traffic we see going up and down Mora drive on the way to Rancho San Antonio, I've long been a
fan of the idea of separating pedestrians and vehicles for safety reasons.
Could you please pass along my concern to the committee? Please feel free to call me if you require any
clarifications.
Thank you,
Rob Fagen
10840 Mora Drive, LAH
408-489-3797
--
Rob Fagen
rob.fagen@gmail.com
Attachment B_PWC_meeting15-0126 2/27/15
Los Altos Hills Pathway Committee FINAL
Minutes of Meeting of Monday, July 23, 2012
E. CIP Project Priorities. Chairman Gibbons provided a spreadsheet with potential CIP
projects to consider for the Five-Year Plan requested by Council. Staff did not provide
cost estimates. The PWC discussed the projects at length and several new projects were
added. The projects were prioritized into three tiers:
A (highest
priority)
• Elena at Natoma. Already in progress
• Hilltop-Dawnridge off-road connection. Town hold all easements; will
require switchbacks and creek crossing
• Miranda-Manuella loop improvement; complete missing segments in
this important routes to school; paths already in use
• Manuella Road improvement. Low cost project to complete missing
segments
• Summerhill Avenue. New roadside path on south from Miraloma to
Amigos Court. Need to check easement status
• 12355 Hilltop. New roadside path
• Near 25810 Altamont. Upgrade connection to Vinedo and make
passage down to Altamont safe for horses and pedestrians
• Repair and extend path between 11676 and 11675 Dawson. New path
entry to Nicholson subdivision
• 25700-25263 Rhus Ridge Road. Clear pathway easement at time of
subdivision (now)
• Eastbrook entrance to Nicholson subdivision. Magdalena entrance
B • Magdalena at Ravensbury. Expand bridge to include pathway; likely
to be costly; requires collaboration with DFG, Caltrans, and other
agencies
C • Extension of La Paloma pathway. Cost and easements still an issue
• La Loma To MidPen Open Space. Needs input from MidPen;
neighbors are strongly opposed
New Projects • 11653 Dawson. Currently blocked, needs to be opened
• El Monte to Oak Park Court. Extends Nicholson path
• Teresa off Kate Drive. Needs to be cleared; need to clarify easement
issue— HO claims the old road is no longer a pathway
Reject/Not
Relevant
• Landscape El Monte Road from Stonebrook to Town border. Aesthetic
project; no funds at this time
• Ventana down to Page Mill at Matadero Creek. Erect a sign that says
“Pedestrians Only” to keep horses off
Attachment C_PWC_meeting15-0126 2/27/15
• Viscaino Road. Install berm to keep road dry. This is a maintenance
issue.
• Aric Lane entry to Esther Clark Park. This is Palo Alto.
Attachment C_PWC_meeting15-0126 2/27/15