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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 28 2014 FinalPWC_Min_14-0728.doc 8/27/14 1 Los Altos Hills Pathway Committee FINAL Minutes of Regular Meeting of Monday, July 28, 2014 1. ADMINISTRATIVE Chairman Joe Kleitman called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM Members present: Weegie Caughlan, Nick Dunckel, Ann Duwe, Eileen Gibbons, Vic Hesterman, Breene Kerr, Joe Kleitman, Rachelle Mirkin, Sue Welch, Denise Williams Members/Associates absent: Tim Warner (excused), Bob Stutz (Associate) Council Members present: Courtney Corrigan (PWC Council Liaison) Planning Commissioner: Jim Abraham LAH Staff present: Carl Cahill, City Manager Richard Chiu, Director of Engineering and Public Works Members of public present: Ryan Knauss (for 12689 Robleda Road) Mike Kamanger (for 13686 Page Mill Road) Scott Stotler (for 12364 Priscilla Lane) Mlika Junai (for 25311 O’Keefe) JJ Harris Munjal Shah 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MINUTES Agenda changed to move item 4b and 5b forward to accommodate staff and item 4d to top of property review list. AD moved to approve revised agenda, BK seconded; vote was unanimously in favor (WC, ND, AD, EG, VH, BK, JK, RM, SW, DW). Minutes from the June 23, 2014 meeting were approved with minor amendments. Previously approved minutes from the March 24, 2014 meeting of the Pathways Committee, amended to report that Joe Kleitman recused himself for proximity and left the room during discussion and vote on the Bob Stutz path, were also approved; EG moved, RM seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (WC, ND, AD, EG, VH, BK, JK, RM, SW, DW). 3. Properties for Review The following properties were reviewed for pathway recommendations: A. 12689 Robleda Road (File 196-14-ZP-SD). Reason for pathway review is construction of a second unit. Ryan Knauss was present representing the developer. The parcel is on the northwest side of Robleda near the intersection with Brendel Drive. Robleda is a narrow, winding public road that is heavily traveled by cars, bikes, pedestrians, and equestrians. A path exists along the roadside on the frontage of the parcel but is narrowed by a low stone retaining wall near the eastern end and by dirt sloughed down onto the surface for most of the length. A metal drain cover with a wide opening underneath overlays part of the path route. AD noted that a planned off-road pathway connection from La Paloma to Robleda shown on the Master Path Plan on the adjacent property (12871 Atherton Ct) has been blocked by a structure and alternative off-road routes have not been found. It was suggested that an alternate off-road easement on 12869 Robleda could be considered for addition to the Master Path Plan when it is updated. WC moved that the town require the owners of 12689 Robleda Road to repair the sloughage in the pathway to a width of 4 to 5 feet and to conform to all other IIB pathway standards except for the width. The vote was 8 in favor 2 opposed (DW and EG, who argued that IIB standards should be followed on all busy roads). WC made a motion to reconsider. The vote was 6 in favor (WC, ND, VH, JK, RM, DW) and 4 opposed (AD, EG, BK, SW). Google Street View was consulted to clarify path width and obstacles and after further discussion, AD moved that the Town ask the owners of 12869 Robleda Road to modify the stone wall in the five-foot section near the drain to increase the pathway width to 4 to 5 feet; and to repair the sloughage to increase the pathway width to 4 to 5 feet wide from the drain to the property line. ND seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. B. 12364 Priscilla Lane (File 200-14-ZP-SD-GD). Reason for pathway review is construction of a new residence. Scott Stotler was present representing the developer. He expressed thanks for the Town pathway system, which he enjoys and supports. The parcel is on the south side of Priscilla Lane, a wide public cul-de-sac off Stonebrook serving 18 addresses. The PWC “bubble map” shows a pathway easement within the road, except along the frontage of 12384 (across the road from the parcel under review), which it indicates as the preferred side for a roadside path. The Master Path Plan shows an existing off-road path off the eastern bulb end of Priscilla, but this path has been obstructed with fence. Priscilla is wide and could accommodate walkers in the street. EG moved that the Town ask the developers of 12364 Priscilla Lane to pay a pathway in-lieu fee. DW seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. C. 25311 O’Keefe Lane (File 169-14-ZP-SD). Reason for pathway review is construction of a second-story addition. Mlika Junai was present representing the developer. The parcel is on the north side of O’Keefe, a FinalPWC_Min_14-0728.doc 8/27/14 2 public cul-de-sac serving at least 15 addresses and has frontage on both O’Keefe and La Rena Lane. The parcel is across the street from the Town-owned O’Keefe Open Space Preserve. The PWC “bubble map” indicates that the preferred side for a roadside path along O’Keefe is the side opposite this parcel. Roadside paths already exist in many locations along O’Keefe on that side. An off-road pathway connecting to Dori Lane and Robleda Road exits from that side of the road near the end of O’Keeffe. La Rena is a public cul-de-sac serving more than eight residences and has an off-road pathway exiting from the bulb end. The PWC convention is to provide a roadside path along a cul-de-sac if an off-road path exits from it. The PWC “bubble map” indicates that the preferred side for a roadside path along La Rena is the side on which this parcel is located. The owner said they are happy to install a roadside path along La Rena. She provided photos of the La Rena roadside and asked for guidance to remove obstacles in the path route (e.g., manhole cover, part of split rail fence, irrigation and concrete valve boxes [i.e., “Christy boxes”]). Following committee discussion, WC moved that the Town ask the owners of 25311 O’Keefe Lane to construct a pathway to IIB standards along the La Rena frontage and to remove all Christy boxes to create a 4 to 5 foot wide path and adjust the height of the path to allow safe passage. The Town should also ask for a pathway easement along the La Rena frontage if one is needed. ND seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. D. 13686 Page Mill Road (File 200-14-ZP-SD). Reason for pathway review is construction of a new residence. Mike Kamangar, the developer, was present. The parcel is on the east side of Page Mill, a major public arterial that is heavily traveled by autos and cyclists and also used by pedestrians and equestrians. The PWC “bubble map” indicates the preferred side for a roadside path along Page Mill is the side on which this parcel is located (opposite side slopes up steeply). Pathways separated from the roadside are preferred for safety along this busy road carrying high-speed traffic. A narrow native path exists along the roadside, which is flat for about 5-7 feet and then drops down a steep bank to a flat area that could accommodate a pathway. This parcel was reviewed by the PWC in June 2005 and the recommendation at that time was for a IIB path along the foot of this bank. The development plans show a 10-foot wide pathway easement on the parcel along the Page Mill Road frontage. EG moved that the Town ask the developer of 13686 Page Mill Road to build a standard IIB pathway in the existing pathway easement on the parcel as far from the roadway as possible. BK seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. E. 26023 Torello Lane (File 171-14-ZP-SD). Reason for pathway review is construction of a second unit. The developer was not present. The parcel is on the north side of Torello Lane (off Manuella), a cul-de-sac serving eight addresses. The PWC “bubble map” indicates that the preferred side for a roadside path along Torello is the side on which this parcel is located. A roadside path or parking strip about two feet wide exists along the frontage of the parcel and development plans show a utility easement here. Other parcels on the street have similar narrow parking strips and many have mailboxes and other obstacles in the road ROW. No off-road paths exit from Torello. EG moved that the Town request a pathway easement coincident with the utility easement. There was no second. WC moved that the Town ask the owners of 26023 Torello Lane to pay a pathway in-lieu fee. BK seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. F. 25711 Deerfield Drive (File 167-14-ZP-CDP). Reason for pathway review is construction of a major addition. Developer was not present. The parcel is on the north side of Deerfield Drive (near Fremont at Burke), a public cul-de-sac serving 12 addresses. The Master Path Plan shows a future off-road path exiting from the end of Deerfield Road that will connect to Robleda Road and Burke Lane. Several roadside paths exist on several parcels on the same side of Deerfield, and one on the opposite side. Deerfield Drive narrows in front of the parcel under review and may be a private drive at this point. JK moved that the Town request from the owners of 25711 Deerfield Drive an easement conferring public access in the road in front of their property if one is needed. If no easement is need, the Town should request the owners pay a pathway in-lieu fee. ND seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. G. 26620 Purissima Road (File 167-14-ZP-CDP). Reason for pathway review is construction of a new residence. The developer was not present. The parcel is on the southwest side of Purissima road near the intersection with Concepcion. Purissima is a public road and a major road with a speed limit of 35 MPH. It is heavily traveled by autos, cyclists, and pedestrians and is an officially designated “two-sided” road required to have roadside paths on both sides. The roadside is flat and could easily accommodate a pathway. The PWC “bubble map” indicates an existing roadside path on this parcel. WC moved that the Town ask the owners of 26620 Purissima Road to construct a standard IIB path on the far side outer edge of the road right-of-way providing separation from the pavement if possible. RM seconded. The vote was 6 in favor (WC, VH, JK, RM, SW, DW) and 4 opposed (AD, ND, EG, BK). EG moved to amend the motion to add a request for a 10-foot wide pathway easement on the parcel if needed to provide separation from the pathway from the pavement. BK seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor. Amendment of 08/25/14 moved by SW, seconded by WC, vote unanimously in favor (AD, WC, ND, EG, BK, TW, SW, DW). 4. NEW BUSINESS FinalPWC_Min_14-0728.doc 8/27/14 3 A. Election of New PWC Chair. WC nominated AD to serve as PWC Chair. SW seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. SW nominated EG to serve as Vice Chair. ND seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. B. Review condition of path along Altamont. ND gave a presentation to the PWC and City Manager Carl Cahill and Director of Public Works Richard Chiu describing problems with roadside paths on Altamont between Byrne Park Lane and Moody Road. ND will send maps and a description of problems to Richard Chiu, who will send the town crew to repair these. Problems included: — Near Byrne Park Lane the path is narrow, slopes towards the road, and is partly overgrown with vegetation. — No path exists between Julietta and Eshner Court. — Path is overgrown with stinkwort in front of 26420 Silent Hills. — A crosswalk would improve safety where users must cross Altamont near the entrance to the Seton property. — Pathway sign needed to mark pathway up to off-road path at 26420 Silent Hills. — No curb cuts made for cyclists at Corbetta or other intersections. — Access paths to the elevated path on the north side (on and near 25810 Altamont) are steep and unsafe and brick mailboxes obstruct the pathway here. 5. OLD BUSINESS A Pathway Mapping Project update. EG reported that walks to examine status of paths in all quads are nearly completed and PWC now has permission to create any type of (unofficial) working maps that are useful for their work. She spoke with John Chau of the Public Works Department, who reported that the town pathway easement maps have not been updated since 1996. ND has the historical pathway easement books. B. Pathway Committee Representation in Community. PWC plans to staff a table at Town events to provide maps and other information about the pathway system to residents. Events will include the Town picnic, Fourth of July Parade, Hoedown, Pathways Run, Barn Holiday Lighting, and opening of the proposed dog park. AD volunteered to coordinate the table at the Hoedown on September 6, 2014. RM volunteered to coordinate outreach to local schools via the LAH Education Committee. C. Update on VTA Grant Program. BK reported the Town submitted an application in May for a Safe Routes to School grant to fund extension of the Fremont Road SRTS Pedestrian and Bike Path from Town Hall to Arastradero Road. The state is still judging the applications. Richard Chiu was asked to submit additional information for both the regional and state rounds. D. Bob Stutz Path Update. Construction of this new off-road pathway connecting Magdalena to El Monte Road is complete and it is ready for use. The planned opening on July 27, 2014 has been delayed at the request of the owner of 12400 Stonebrook, who obstructed the path with new fencing. Town has agreed to his request to allow the obstruction to remain temporarily until he can build a new fence in October. The path will open on November 1, 2014. JK recused himself for proximity and left the room for the discussion 6. REPORTS FROM OTHER MEETINGS. A. City Council. Planning Commissioners, Richard Partridge and Kavita Tahnka were reappointed. B. VTA. See grant information above. 7. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. None. 8. GENERAL DISCUSSION AND PATHWAY REPRESENTATION REQUESTS A. Item for Town Newsletter. AD and EG prepared a short article for submission to the Town Newsletter to help educate residents about the Town pathway system and requirements of the Pathway Element of the General plan. PWC members received this by email. B. Bike-Friendly Curbs. Curbs at most intersections on Manuella, La Paloma, and Miranda need to be made “bike-friendly”. Children riding to Bullis Gardiner School use paths along these roads. JK will convey this information to Richard Chiu. 9. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETINGS Next Pathway Walk: Saturday, August 23, 2013 at 8:30 AM at Town Hall Next Regular Meeting: Monday, August 25, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall 10. TOPICS FOR NEXT AGENDA. None 11. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 PM . No attachments. Final minutes approved with amendments at the regular PWC meeting of August 25, 2014.