CCMIN06062017 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Councilmember Narum, Traffic Engineer Tassano addressed continued public input in terms of specific improvements within the corridor and after engineering and design tasks. Mayor Thorne reported some slip lanes will be eliminated, to that Mr. Tassano stated it will depend on the location. He added that his job is to balance the level of service in the circulation benefits, the number of lanes, and make recommendations to City Council. Mayor Thorne opened the item to public comment, Susie Hufstader, Bike East Bay, thanked staff and the Committee for their work on the plan. She mentioned a tragedy occurring approximately a year ago and thanked the City for responding with progressive designs that will improve safety and lays out an impressive vision for an all-ages and abilities network. She addressed funding noting there is more money coming in and opportunities for grants and the plan will make the City much more competitive for grant money. She commented on her organization's education program and recommended the classes for cyclists and drivers. In response to an inquiry from Councilmember Olson regarding the availability of people specializing in grant-writing for this purpose, Ms. Hufstader reported her organization has helped with grants, in specific cases, and offered to review documents if needed. Sharon Piekarski mentioned the untimely death of Gale Turner, the reality of climate change, impacts of fossil fuels, need for improved safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, and urged Council to approve the plan. Kristi Marlean, Bike East Bay, spoke in favor of the plan and her organization's education program. John Houston thanked the groups involved in developing the plan including the Committee, consultants, Bike East Bay, city staff and Council, and spoke in favor of the plan. David Fisch expressed his appreciation to city staff and those involved in developing the plan and spoke in support of the plan. He said the plan will lead to more people riding bicycles and less cars on the road. Mike Moran commented on changes in cultures in terms of bicycling versus cars, improvements going on in the City, "bubbles" being installed in certain areas causing increased safety issues, specific areas needing to be prioritized and access to the Iron Horse Trail. Don Johnston, Member of the Pedestrian, Bicycle and Trails Committee, commented positively on the surfacing work in his neighborhood, thanked staff and Council for their support of efforts to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. He urged Council to act with urgency to provide the resources needed to implement the plan. He noted the need to increase safety for children riding and walking to and from school, as well as making main corridors to and from transportation hubs safer for bike commuters and recreational cyclists. He said the City should be proud of the progress made in recent years but is still playing "catch-up" in making alternative transportation integral to the City's planning and infrastructure. Rachel Facter, BART, spoke in support of improved connectivity to BART, listed specific areas in which the plan falls short in building a better connection to the BART Station and made specific recommendations for improvement. City Council Minutes Page 4 of 8 June 6, 2017