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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.4ITEM 4.4 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS July 10, 2014 Staff Report to the Planning Commission SUBJECT: REVIEW OF BICYCLE YIELD SIGNS FOR BYRNE PRESERVE L FROM: Richard Chiu, City Engineer/Public Works Director %e Debbie Pedro, Community Development Directorzz3T RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission: Review and make recommendations to City Council on the proposed Bicycle Yield signs for Byrne Preserve. DISCUSSION In April 2014, the Town received a complaint that a cyclist riding in Byrne Preserve was . riding very fast towards an equestrian and spooked the horse. According to, members of the Open Space Committee, this type of incident has occurred before in the past. At their meeting on May 14, 2014, the Open Space Committee discussed the issue and voted 5-2 in favor of installing logs on the Artemas Ginzton trail in Byrne Preserve to mitigate the conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians. After- discussing the risks associated with logs on trails with staff, the Committee reviewed the matter again on June 19, 2014 and unanimously voted to recommend the installation of bicycle yield signs at four locations in Byrne Preserve. At the June 10, 2014 Traffic. Safety Committee meeting, the committee -approved (4-1) a recommendation to install four bicycle yield signs in Byrne Preserve per the map provided by Open Space Committee member Nancy Couperus. The signage would notify bicyclist that they need to yield to pedestrians and equestrians. The proposed sign design and placement locations are shown on Attachments 1 and 2. Pursuant to the Capital Improvement Project Review Policies #3 and #6, this project is being forwarded to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation. Staff is, available to answer any questions of the Planning Commission or public. ATTACHMENTS 1. Proposed Bike Yield sign, 2. Map of proposed sign locations 3. Capital Improvement Project Review Policy 4. Letter from pathway user -dated April 19, 2014 5. E-mail from Open Space Committee member dated April 29, 2014 6. May 13u' Open Space Committee meeting minutes 7. June 10th Traffic Safety Committee DRAFT meeting minutes ATTACHMENT 4t" Jj!'r:l `�`` , - lliJ l7if�f•ry. La .. �� t 1 1 r ' nalionil ! 1 Ar,�itlt3es �•' A J PJ CS i.•igv��l ! v e -.I \� l Wild si'�e�' [Pii6POSED-'.BI.KE SIGN LOCATIONS irwirlicaflo its . to `..� Lay Area Ananda Nilarga . `� y Willey' Lnindscap �i rf� r; 9;,;;vc, N TOWN .OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 Phone: (650) 941-7222 - www.losaltoshills.ca.gov Code Sections: ATTACHMENT 3 LOSmoS HILLS CALIFORNIA Capital. Improvement Project Review Policy Approved by City Council 4/18/2013 There is no Municipal Code reference that stipulates requirements for review of Capital Improvement Projects. Intent: The purpose of this policy is to outline typical review process for various types of Capital Improvement Projects. Policy: 1. Projects that involve new landscape planting and features will be reviewed by Environmental Design Committee, and Planning Commission. 2. New pathway projects will be reviewed by Pathway Committee, and Planning Commission. 3. New above ground structures on Town lands or right of ways will be reviewed by Planning Commission. 4. Traffic Elements (e.gcrosswalk improvements) will be reviewed by Traffic Safety Committee, and Planning Commission. 5. •Complete Street Elements will be reviewed by Traffic Safety Committee, Pathway Committee, and Planning Commission. 6. Improvements in Town Open Space will be reviewed by Open Space Committee, and Planning Commission. 7. The City Council may authorize exceptions to this Policy. 8. Emergency projects or public works projects. of a routine nature including maintenance, minor repairs. and alterations, as determined by the City Manager or designee are excluded from the requirements of this Policy. 9. Committee and/or Commission recommendations to be presented to City Council for approval. ATTACHMENT 4 To: Los Altos Hills Town Council; Chair of the Pathways Committee; Chair of the Open Space Committee April 19, 2014 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my concern for the safety of equestrians riding out from Westwind on the Artemas Ginzton pathway due to the use of this pathway by some reckless bicyclists. I think it would .help having a sign posted where this pathway meets paved roads telling bicyclists of the need to yield to horses on the trail. I often hike in many of the open space areas on the peninsula and most of them have signs at trailheads stating that -it is a multi -use trail and that hikers and bikers must yield to horses. This pathway is heavily used by horses due to its proximity to Westwind. Horses are easily spooked by sudden movement coming at them from behind, especially on a narrow path. They feel that they are about to be eaten alive, no matter how much they trust their rider. The most recent incident happened on Friday morning, May 18th, at around 11:00 am. A friend and I .were horseback riding on the Artemas Ginzton pathway from Westwind to Moody Rd. and back. We had just made the turn to return to the barn when we came upon a bicyclist coming toward us. She stopped and moved as far off the path as possible to let us pass, which we thanked her for. A few moments later I could hear her warning another bike rider that there were horses on the path ahead. He came up quickly behind us which spooked the horses. It was as if he planned to call out "on your left" and just zip on by, only there wasn't room. There was a slight turn -out which we went into. I asked him if he could walk his bike past us. He was worried about being kicked when walking close to the second horse because he was dancing around nervously. I then asked' him to wait there one minute so that we could ride ahead to a large clearing and -move far off the path. He did as asked, but came down the little hill towards us very fast which again spooked the horses. He stopped suddenly at the bottom and told us that horses should not be ridden in public places if they were going to be so nervous. I had plenty to say in response, but kept my mouth shut. I have been riding horses in this area for seven years and find that most people we meet on the pathways; be they hikers, dog walkers, runners, or bikers are very polite and do what they can to give the horses their space. A few, like this guy, are shocked to come upon horses on the path and seem very annoyed at having to break their set exercise routine. I have been riding horses on and off for decades and while I might not win any blue ribbons, I am a calm and confidant rider. I am a volunteer and horse sponsor with the 4-H Riding for the Handicapped program at Westwind and ride the program horses two or three times a week out on the pathways. Our horses are well behaved and not easily spooked, but fast bikes do upset them. Sincerely, Sandra Staricha 125 Wingate Ave. San Carlos, CA 94070 ATTACHMENT 5 (Richard Chiu From: Nancy Couperus Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 201410:05 AM . To: Debbie Pedro Subject: Fw: Bikes on trails near barn Attachments: image jpg Debbie. - 1 believe that Sandy sent something similar to Deborah Padovan, who in turn, directed the letter to the Pathways Committee. The -PC Chair at last night'smeeting apparently dismissed this - saying that this isn't an issue. We have had similar reports in the past from equestrians on the Artemas Ginzton trail. All that is being requested is some signage alerting bikers to the dangers they pose to equestrians (as well as to hikers). Denise Williams was almost run over by bicyclists a couple of years ago. Most people don't submit written complaints. That shouldn't mean that this should be ignored. Nancy From: Sandv Sent: Friday, April 18, 2014 3:34 PM To: Nancy Couperus Cc: debmccarlgyC'Oearthlink.net Subject: Bikes on trails near barn Hi Nancy, This is the type of sign it would be nice to have on the trails through the woods near the barn. Kay and I were riding today and met two separate bikers. The first was approaching us and stopped as afar off the trail as possible to let us pass. I heard her warn another biker approaching us from the rear that there were horses on the trail ahead. He kept riding quickly and spooked Oreo. We were at one of the small turnouts near Moody and I asked him to walk his bike past us. He was worried of being kicked by Oreo who was very nervous. I then asked him to wait a minute for us to ride on to a wide area where we could move off the trail. He did, but was coming quickly down the hill toward us and made the horses nervous. He then had the nerve to say that if the horses were so nervous maybe they shouldn't be allowed in public places! Oreo was :very jumpy the rest of the way back to Westwind. Most bikers we meet are verypolite but some like this guy are very annoyed to have to slow down or alter their routine when thy come upon horses. Maybe a couple of well placed signs would remind them that they are entering an area frequented by horses. Sandy This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. ATTACHMENT 6 Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Building Minutes of May 13, 2014 Members Present: George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto (arrived 9:06 AM), Roger Spreen, Jean Struthers, Sue Welch Members Absent: Sharen Schoendorf, Wendie Ward Associate Members Present: Kit Gordon City Council Liaison Present: Gary Waldeck LAH Staff Present: Deborah Padovan, City Clerk Members of the Public: Mike Wagner, Los Altos Hills Horseman's Association and Traffic Safety Committee Kjell Karlsson, LAH Traffic Safety Committee Bill Balson (Dori Lane) 1. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes The meeting was called to order at 9:02 am. Minutes of the April 10, 2014 meeting were approved with typos amended (GC, NC, KL, RS, JS approved; SW abstained; AS not present). The agenda was approved as written. 2. Current Business A. Rules of decorum for visitors. Visitors are reminded that they must be recognized by the Chair if they wish to address the committee. i) Procedure for Site Visits and Plan Reviews. Chair distributed the edited version of the proposed procedure OSC will follow for assessing properties under development for which staff requests OSC review. (See attachment.) Deborah Padovan, City Clerk, presented information about committee reviews required by the Town as part of the development process and the procedures other committees (e.g., Environmental Design and Pathways) follow to carry out the required reviews. The Town provides 72 -hour notice to developers for site visits. OSC discussed issues (e.g., time required to notify developers, access to parcel, review of records for existing easements) and suggested that members doing the reviews work with the planning staff during the process to facilitate communication and assure all issues are addressed. ii) 26096 Todd Lane. KL and NC volunteered to lead the review. iii) Ravensbury project (Lands of Pickett). Staff asked OSC to make recommendations for riparian setbacks from the creek channels that run through this parcel. No development plans were provided. OSC reviewed this parcel and discussed it with staff in 2012 and recommended a standard 25 -foot setback from top of bank. Neighbors reported frequent water problems on the site and water was flowing in the creek in May 2012. RS moved that OSC strongly recommend that the Town maintain and enforce its existing guidelines and standards regarding land use near creeks for lands of Pickett, including the 25 -foot setback from top of bank. KL seconded and the vote was five in favor (GC, KL, JS, AS, RS). (SW and NC left the room at 9:55 AM at the start of the discussion to attend a Site Development meeting and returned after the vote had been taken.) iv) Other outstanding site reviews. None. C. Announcements. i) LAH Council endorses MidPeninsula Measure AA. At the Council meeting on June 3, 2014, the LAH City Council endorsed this $300M open space bond measure that will be on the ballot in June. OSC Draft Minutesl4-0513.docx ii) SOD BLITZ. Sixth annual SOD BLITZ, organized by UC Berkeley researchers and sponsored by the OSC, will be held Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Town Hall. iii) Nature Walk at Byrne Preserve. An Acterra staff botanist will be leading an easy one - mile, one-hour nature hike at Byrne on Thursday, May 22 starting at noon. iv) Greywater Workshop. KG reported that GreenTown Los Altos will hold a seminar at 7 PM on June 4, 2014, at the Los Altos library discussing the water -saving potential of greywater, as well as types of greywater systems, costs, regulations, and rebates. D. Appointment of chair for June OSG meeting. RS will sub for GC, who will be absent. E. Subcommittee report on Tree Cutting Policy in Byrne Preserve. KL distributed a draft copy of the proposed policy prepared by the subcommittee and will send the document via email. Members were asked to review it and bring edits to the June meeting. F. Open Space Stewardship Update. Acterra is working with Richard Chiu, LAH Director of Public Works, to schedule mowing several sections of the grassland to reduce seed production from invasive weeds (e.g., mustard and yellow star thistle). A work party with student volunteers from Pinewood School was held at the end of April. Regular community workdays open to all volunteers will begin in May or June. G. Earth Day Update. Deferred. H. Lehigh Quarry Update. Deferred. I. Fence Permit Report. No reported issues. J. Update of Coyote Alert Signs in Byrne Preserve. The Town placed display boxes at several entrances to Byrne Preserve for signs and informational brochures to alert visitors to the presence of coyotes and to educate.them about appropriate behaviors (e.g., hazing) to reduce encounters. Because coyote pups are present now, this information should be made available now. Additional signs -are needed at the Moody Road and Byrne Park Lane entrances Also, someone continues to remove the signs warning dog walkers about coyotes that are posted at trail entrances at Westwind Barn and Altamont. RS moved that the OSC ask NC to request staff to place additional coyote alert information at the Moody Road and Byrne Park Lane entrances. KL seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. K. Creek Signs in LAH. KG reported that Town staff supports the proposal to place signs at major creek crossings and prefers metal signs rather than wooden signs and signs attached to existing structures, rather than signs on new posts. 3. New Business. A. Bicycles and Horses in Byrne Preserve. Mike Wagner, Vice President of the LAH Horseman's Association, reported increasing complaints from equestrians using trails in the preserve about their horses being frightened by speeding trail bikers who do not appear to be aware of basic trail etiquette and right-of-way rules (i.e., bikes yield to pedestrians and horses; pedestrians yield to horses). He explained that as prey animals, horses are frightened by rapidly approaching objects, which they instinctually perceive as a predator, and may bolt, rear, or kick in response. He noted that this is a serious safety concern, especially on steep, narrow trails (e.g., Artemis Ginzton trail) and asked OSC for help. In May, OSC received a letter from a horseman reporting similar complaints about mountain bikes failing to yield and spooking horses. NC distributed a letter requesting the Town place signs at several locations in Byrne to inform bikers that horses and hikers may be sharing the trails and to yield the ROW to them. OSC discussed safety and liability concerns and possible actions to reduce hazards (e.g., signs to educate.bikers about ROW and how to safely approach horses; traffic calming devices). JS moved that OSC ask the Town to place a set of three logs on the Artemas Ginzton trail spaced so they are horse and pedestrian permeable but will be difficult OSC Draft Minutesl4-0513.docx 2 for bikes to pass over. KL seconded and the vote was 5 in favor (NC, KL, AS, JS, RS) and 2 opposed (GC—questioned feasibility; SW --preferred signs, considered logs dangerous). Open Discussion. A. KL suggested OSC provide an information table at the LAH Pathway Run next year. 5. Communications from the Floor. None 6. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 AM. Next Meeting: Thursday, June 19, 2014 9:00 AM at LAH Parks and Recreation Building Attachments: OSC Proposed Site Visit Check List Draft Tree Cutting Policy Letter and Map Regarding Bike on Artemis Ginzton Trail OSC Draft Minutesl4-0513.docx LAH Traffic Safety Committee - Draft minutes: 6/10/2ATTACH T 7 DRAFT' Prepared by: Steve Bristow, Secretary Agenda Item 1: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm Agenda item 2:- Members present were: Martha Bowden, Chair Steve Bristow, Secretary Kjell Karlsson Dru Anderson Les Earnest A quorum of 4 was present. It was noted that Michelle Wu is no longer a member. The committee size is now 7 members. Members not present, but with excused absence: Michael Wagner, Michael Schoendorf Others present: As Council liaison - Town Council member John Harpootlian, Sheriff's Deputy James Cannon, and Town Engineer Richard Chiu. Agenda Item 3: Report by Sheriff's Deputy Cannon: a. 26 - moving citations b. 8 - speeding violations c. 0 -DUI d. 0 - property damage incidents e. 22 - other violations f. 3 - bicyclists were cited for running stop signs g. 0 - burglary h. Locations of specific incidents that the Sheriff's Deputy reported were: Edith and Fremont road for speed, Hill View and Hilltop for speed, Purissima and Baker, and Black Mountain Road and Sunrise, where a skateboarder lost control in front of a car. Agenda Item 4a: LAH resident Nancy Couperus discussed from the floor why she thought that there should be signage placed on the Artemas Trail to inform mountain bikers to exercise safety caution in regard to horses on the trail. She described the safety concerns. MOTION MADE by Dru Anderson and seconded by Steve Bristow that the TSC requests that the town place signage specifying the hierarchy of usage on the trail at the locations on the map presented by Nancy Couperus. YES: Martha Bowden, Dru Anderson, Kjell Karlsson, and Steve Bristow. NO: Les Earnest. The motion passed 4-1. Agenda Item 4b: Heather Rose, a member of the LAH education committee requested that the town consider placing a 25 mph speed table or lights and/or pedestrian triggered flashing lights in the road at the Bullis School pedestrian crosswalk for pedestrian safety. Also discussed was the possible move of the crosswalk to another location with more visibility in the morning sunlight. MOTION MADE by Les Earnest that the town staff make a recommendation on how to improve the crossing location. Motion seconded by Dru Anderson. The motion was passed unanimously by Dru Anderson, Kjell Karlsson, Les Earnest, Steve Bristow and Martha Bowden. Motion passed 5-0. Agenda item 5a: There was continued discussion about the use of the park and ride lot by buses. This discussion included what are the legal rights of the larger buses to block the right of LAH-TSC Draftminutes-06102014.docx way, if the town could enforce weight limits on the road. This discussion also included the report of the traffic consultants, who conducted a study over 2 weekdays of who was using the lot for commuter pickup, who was operating the buses, and the bus sizes. MOTION MADE by Dru Anderson, seconded by Les Earnest that town staff meet with Cal Trans, Stanford, and the County to.explore how to expand the park and ride space. YES: Les Earnest, Dru Anderson, Steve Bristow, and Martha Bowden NO: Kjell Karlsson. The motion passed 4-1. Agenda Item 5b: Town Engineer Richard Chiu reported that the county still was working on the issue of safe .passage through the Page Mill / 280 interchange by non -vehicular traffic. There was no date specified as to when the next step would happen Agenda Items 5c & 5d: Town Engineer Richard Chiu reported that the Town Planning Commission supports the placement of signs on Sun Hills Drive, and the horse crossing signs on Purissima Road. Both of these items will now be taken to the Town Council. Agenda Item 5e: This item was not discussed as it had previously been dealt with at a prior meeting. Agenda Item 6: Town Engineer Richard Chiu report: a. LAH;.Town Emergency Planning Consultant Marsha Hovey is working with the SC County Sheriffs department on development of safe evacuation routes in LAH. The matter had been referred by the TSC to the Consultant Hovey to pursue. b. The town council did not support the recommendation of the TSC and The Planning Commission regarding the placement of deer crossing signs on Fremont Road. c. The Bots Dots on Alta Tierra and Brendel have been installed. d. The County Expressway 2040 plan is still in process. There will be meeting on June 19 in San Jose to discuss. Agenda Item 7: Discussions from the floor and open discussion: a. There was discussion about the need for all TSC members to focus on the issues, to each take responsibility to ensure that meetings are conducted in a civil and professional manner, and to follow accepted meeting and meeting management Rules of Order. Agenda Item 8: The meeting minutes from.the last meeting were approved with corrections, a copy of the approved minutes has been sent to the City Clerk and to the Committee Chair. Agenda Item 9: Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 10.05 pm. LAH-TSC Draftminutes-06102014.dou