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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-15-2008 Supplemental Council AgendaGood evening council. My name is Debbie Chiu My family just moved to Saratoga in July. We are very excited -to be part of the community. Our home is on Scully Ave, right across from Kevin Moran Park. We have learned from Mayor that the planning of the park renovation project took many years and lots of effort from the c omunity. However, in the past few weeks, we found out that the location of the rest room is in front of my garage. The restroom entrance is also facing my property. And the size is nearly 3 times bigger than the conceptual plan; which was used for the environmental study. We have found the environmental report titled "Initial Study /Mitigated Negative Declaration dated Oct. 2007" on the city website. On page 16 was the visual study of the restroom. The park conceptual plan is displayed on page 12. It also mentioned the restroom is a "2 toilets and sinks" which is much smaller than the final design. We believe the environmental impact would be very different when the building is almost 3 times the original size. In addition, the restroom has moved toward the street almost 20 feet. The building will look bigger than a 2 -car garage in front of my home. I am asking the council's opinion that with all that change, is the environmental study still valid? We believe it is visually very intrusive and unpleasant to look at. I would like to invite the members of this council to visit the site to visualize the building in person. Again, we support to have a restroom in the park. Where we have great concern is the current location of the restroom. Without re- opening the case, I am asking the council members to reconsider making some adjustment of the restroom building which would address the following area we mentioned earlier, 1. Size: the restroom size in the final plan is 3 times larger than the one seen on the conceptual (which was used for the environmental study) 2. Orientation: The restroom is oriented toward the tennis court on the conceptual vs. orientation toward the street on the final. 3. Distance from Street: the restroom is apprx. 20 feet closer toward the street than the original conceptual plan given to the residents. Please think if this is your own home. This council is the only way we can seek for help. I am sure you are all willing to help the residences; especially new ones like us. This is what made Saratoga a great city to live. Thank you for your time. Lastly, I would like the councils to refer to the public restroom located at Quito Park: the public restroom is facing the park not the residence across from the street. Location of the restroom is much further from the residence across from the street. Again, I believe it's very unusual to locate a public restroom facing a private residence. I think none of you have seen one. I hope the city could really do something to avoid this from happening to my beloved HOME! 1 d a 0 0 %ow 0 P f SEE 1.1■LA4 PI AN IritS, Issue: What a vice president does Palin: Her response is that a vice presidents job I to advise the president. She says when LSA ASSOCIATES. INC. KEVIN MORAN PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT OCTOBER 2007 INITIAL STUDY /MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION City is responsible for general upkeep of the remnant orchard areas, which are disked twice each year (by a private contractor) to control weeds. Calabazas Creek and Saratoga Creek are the closest surface water bodies to the project site and are located approximately -mile west and east of the project site, respectively. 4. Proposed Facilities The proposed project would result in changes to the 4 undeveloped acres of the park; access modifications to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; existing path resurfacing; and new water service and drainage improvements. Figure 4 shows the proposed conceptual site plan. The proposed project would include development/installation of the following facilities: tennis court, in the southern portion of the site; half basketball court, in the northwestern portion of the site; two bocce courts, along the western boundary of the park, next to the proposed tennis court; rolling grass areas (on land that is currently occupied by remnant orchard trees); picnic area with tables, immediately north of the proposed tennis court/bocce courts; restroom, northeast of the proposed tennis court, consisting of two toilets and sinks (the restroom would be locked at night); meditation garden in the northeastern corner of the site (including circular paths and landscape plantings); landscaping and.a 100 -foot wide landscaped area in the northern portion of park (including eucalyptus trees clustered along the northern site boundary), bordered on the south by a 10 -foot- wide berm with a height of 1.7 feet above the surrounding lawn area; screened area for storage of practice equipment; associated park facilities (e.g., signage, water fountain, benches, additional picnic tables); small segments of new pathways, to connect proposed facilities to the existing circular path; and 6 -foot high "good neighbor" fences along the northern and southeastern boundary of the site (where residential uses are located immediately adjacent to the park). The existing flat grass area in the center of the park would remain as part of the project. Landscaping for the project site would include grass, native groundcovers for disturbed areas that would not be covered with grass, and native trees. Landscaping would be drought tolerant to the greatest extent possible. Most of the trees on the project site would be preserved, including the large heritage oak in the northern portion of the park. The proposed improvements would result in the removal of approximately 80 trees in the park (approximately 29 percent of the total trees on the site; most are fruit trees in poor condition). 5. Park Use The open grass areas at Kevin Moran Park would be used for informal play and for practices by organized user groups. Organized user groups would not be permitted to play games at the park. The P:\CIS070I ?RODUCISUS -MNDW bIi \ImtimISt fy-4.doc (10/I0/2057) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 9 LSA ASSOCIATES. INC. KEVIN MORAN PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT OCTOBER 2007 INITIAL STUDY /MI'TIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not lim- ited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? PACIS070Iw RODUCTS VS- MNDAPumioWltistudy -0.doc (10/30/2007 )PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT Potentially Significant Potentially Unless Miti- Less Than Significant gation Incor- Significant No Impact porated Impact Impact This section includes a discussion of the potential effects of the project on scenic views, and also addresses potential privacy issues related to the expansion of formal park uses on land currently occupied by remnant orchard trees. Scenic Vistas. Like many parts of Saratoga, certain locations in and adjacent to the project site (particularly along Scully Avenue and the pedestrian bridge that connects the site to Azule Park) contain scenic vistas of the Monte Bello Ridge to the northwest and the forested slopes of taller mountains in the Santa Cruz Mountain range to the south of the project site. These mountains and hillsides also form a backdrop to Saratoga Village and are an important visual feature in the City. However, the mature trees in the site obstruct some of the hillside views from the site. While the project site has a positive visual quality, it is not itself considered a scenic vista. None of the visual changes that would result from implementation of the proposed project would have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista. The pine and redwood trees proposed to surround the planned meditation garden in the northeast corner of the park, as well as along the rest of the park's northern edge, would partially, but not significantly, affect views to the north from within the park. Several tall, mature redwood trees in the park's northeast corner already partially block views to the north. Proposed trees and new above ground structures in the southern portion of the site (including the restroom, tennis court, and bocce courts) would be generallow- rofile and would also not block hillside views. Likewise, the proposed fencing along the nort eh rn and southeast perimeter. of the project site would block direct views into the backyards of residences, but would not obstruct hillside views. Privacy Issues. Currently, the houses adjacent to the northern edge of Kevin Moran Park are physically and visually separated from the park by a fence, an evergreen hedge, and sporadic tree coverage; the hedge and trees are more dense in the northwest corner of the project site, next to State Highway 85. The project would result in the construction of a new, uniform fence along the northern border of the site, and the planting of additional redwood trees along the entire length of the fence in 12 Hello, Greetings to the mayor of Saratoga and Saratoga council members. My name is Mary Guth, and I have been a resident of Saratoga since 1955. During that time, Saratoga changed from a township to a city. Population has increased and many more homes have been built. Saratoga today is a lovely "mountain city" and known as a residential community. The community supported the city's buying of the North Campus property on Prospect Road near Blaney and Plumas a few years back. The grounds and trees on the property are lovely. Re- modeling of the existing buildings is now in progress. As an artist and a long- standing member of the Saratoga Contemporary Artists, I would like to see a space at the North Campus used to show art. At the present time there are two non profit groups in Saratoga that do not have gallery space. The two groups are the Saratoga Contemporary Artists and The Saratoga Community of Painters. I am not suggesting a permanent gallery at this time. But rather, I am suggesting the two non =pro fit art groups in Saratoga be allowed some kind of gallery space once a year for a short period of time. This would give a new dimension to the North Campus and to the Saratoga community I ask the mayor of Saratoga and city council members take this proposal of showing art at the North Campus under consideration. Sincerely, Mary Guth October 15, 2008 Memo City of Saratoga City Clerk's Office To: Mayor and City Councilmembers From: Aim Sullivan, Acting City Clerk Date: October 15, 2008 Re: Agenda Item #11 -1 -year Review of Motor Vehicle (MV) Resolution Establishing "No Parking or Stopping" Along a Portion of Herriman Avenue Attached are emails staff has received regarding agenda item #11. l� S �d am -er/,/, 21,1° 7 z p see *�e fo J PVP v t 0 VJO r ee f 0A/P- e- i 4 5 l`i'e /&f-t-j p c- /e vt e 4 ,'`'j City Clerk Ann Waltonsmith Ann Waltonsmith Mayor, City of Saratoga Dear City Council, 10/31/2008 From: Ann Waltonsmith Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 7:36 PM To: Chan, Rita; Aileen Kao; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: RE: Herriman pedestrian and bike lane From: Chan, Rita [mailto:Rita.Chan @dcma.mil] Sent: Mon 10/20/2008 7:37 AM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Herriman pedestrian and bike lane Page 1 of 1 Dear Rita Chan Thank you for your email. We actually voted on this item last week. We will be proceeding on completing more safety concerns on Herriman. I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. I think both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor. I also think it has been safer for the students going to Saratoga High and Redwood Middle School. I would like to see the city fill in the pedestrian walkway so that it becomes higher than the bicycle lane. I think this makes both walkways safer. Thank you in advance, Rita Chan From: Jerry Banks [jerryjbanks n gmail.com] Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 12:05 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Bike and Pedestrian Lane on Herriman Dear City Council, file://IC Documents %20and %20 S ettings /c boyer/Desktop/New%20... The bicycle and pedestrian lane on the Saratoga High School side of Herriman have provided a tremendous increase in safety. Besides being a neighbor and parent of a high school student, I am also the schools boys cross country and distance track coach. These lanes have had the additional benefit of making it safer for my runners. We do not have the trail system for them to run and must make use of city streets. Having these lanes in place has helped them tremendously as Herriman is the inlet and outlet for their long into the neighborhood runs. Best Regards, Jerry Banks PS If you could find a way to raise the pedestrian walkway a bit to separate it better than would be an added bonus. 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:14 AM From: Sally Perry [sperry@saratogausd.org] Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 12:12 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: bike lane file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer /Desktop/New%20... Dear City Council, I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. I think both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor. I also think it has been safer for the students going to Saratoga High and Redwood Middle School. I would like to see the city fill in the pedestrian walkway so that it becomes higher than the bicycle lane. I think this makes both walkways safer. Thank you in advance, Sally Perry 20810 Canyon View Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:14 AM From: kymschloss @sbcglobal.net Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 1:33 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Herriman Bike Lanes Dear City Council, file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer/Desktop/New%20... I understand that you are reviewing the effectiveness of the bike lanes on Herriman and whether or not they have made the street safer. I have two daughters at Redwood and we frequently ride our bikes to school or use Herriman on our way to the Library and various other places around town. The new bike lanes have definitely made the street much safer for us to ride. I used to avoid that street when we were riding but with the protected bike lanes I feel more comfortable. There are a lot of great places to ride bikes in town and the more we can do to make riding safer the better. Thank you for investing in the current bike lanes and I hope our city will be able to keep them and continue to improve safety for both pedestrians and bike riders. Sincerely, Kym Schlossareck 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:16 AM From: Katey Kennedy [Katey.Kennedy a comcast.net] Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 2:26 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Cc: 'Marc Van den Berg' Subject: Herriman bike lane Dear City Council, file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer /Desktop/New%20... I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. I think both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor. My son rides his bike to and from Redwood each day and often rides this bike path on the way to his friend's house. It is much safer having this path marked and would be even more so if the city could fill in the pedestrian walk way. Please continue to make these bike /pedestrian paths safer for our kids to get to /from school. Now if only you could do something about the crazy, speeding drivers! Thank you in advance, Katey Kennedy Katey Kennedy Opportunity International Director of Micro- Distribution Services (consultant) 408 741 -1295 office /fax katey.kennedy @comcast.net katey.kennedy skype 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:17 AM From: dpaisley93 r@i comcast.net Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 9:17 PM To: City Clerk Subject: bike lane file: //C Documents %20and %20 S ettings /cboyer/Desktop/New%20... Dear City Council, I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. I think both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor. I also think it has been safer for the students going to Saratoga High and Redwood Middle School. I would like to see the city fill in the pedestrian walkway so that it becomes higher than the bicycle lane. I think this makes both walkways safer. Thank you in advance, Donna Paisley 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:17 AM Herriman Ave safety 6 From: Charlotte Sparacino [sparatoga4 @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 9:26 AM To: Aileen Kao; Ann waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter Cc: Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Herriman Ave safety davea, Dear members of the City Council, I am writing to let you know I think the bicycle and pedestrian lanes on Herriman Ave have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists. I would like to see the city fill in the pedestrian walkway so it is higher than the bicycle lane because I think this would make both walkways even more safe. Thank you. Sincerely yours, Charlotte Sparacino Page 1 City Clerk Page 1 of 1 From: WKownacki @aol.com Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 11:14 AM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Herriman bike lane Dear Saratoga City Council, I think that it has been about a year since bicycle and pedestrian lanes were installed on Herriman near Saratoga High School. I believe that these lanes have made it safer for bicycles and pedestrians traveling in this area. Recently I have been biking a lot more than in the past and am sensitive to these kinds of improvements. I'm sure that this is a good thing for the Saratoga High students as well. An additional improvement would be to fill in the pedestrian walkway so that it becomes higher than the bicycle lane. Thanks so much for your consideration of my input. Sincerely, Wanda Kownacki 19280 Bainter Avenue New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News more. Try it out http: /local. mapquest .com ?ncid= emlcntnew00000002) 10/31/2008 Glacier Page 1 of 1 City Clerk From: DJW [djwiley408 @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 4:00 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: pedestrian and bike lanes on Herriman 10/31/2008 Dear City Council, 1 was biking the other day and wanted to let you know that I think both the the bicycle and pedestrian lanes in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel through this area. I also think it has been safer for the school students. It might be advisable for the city to fill in the pedestrian walkway so that it is higher than the bike lane. I think this makes both lanes safer. Thank you, Dee Sanfilippo 18809 Cox Ave #200 Saratoga, CA Thank you for helping me cnie I_eukemicn during my lifetime. NOTICE: This message, including all attachments transmitted with it, is for the use of the addressee only. It may contain proprietary, confidential and /or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print or copy any part of this message. If you believe you have received this message in error, please delete it and all copies of it from your system and notify the sender immediately by reply e -mail. Thank you. From: edith Ong [ongedith rr gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 5:18 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter Cc: Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Bicycle and Pedestrian Lane on SHS Dear City Council, I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. I think both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor. I also think it has been safer for the students going to Saratoga High and Redwood. Middle School. 1 would also like to see the city smooth out the sharp slope of the center exit ramp from SHS to Herriman so the bottom of the car would not hit the street when it is getting out from SHS. Thank you in advance, best regards, edith ong 19902 Via Escuela Dr. Edith Ong, Ph.D. ongedithna,gmail.com 408 646 -5767 (c) file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20Settings /c boyer/Desktop/New %20... 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:13 AM Herriman street safety 8 From: Sandy Miller [sandymiller @mac.com] Sent: wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:15 AM To: Aileen Kao; Ann waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; city Clerk subject: Herriman street Safety over the years I have watched the different configurations of Herriman Avenue. The current layout makes the most amount of sense with the kids and bikes all on the school side of the street. (safer for the kids and easier for the cars to anticipate potential problems) Please make this permanent with a defined area for the kids to walk. Thanks Sandy Miller Page 1 Bike and Pedestrian Lanes file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer /Desktop/New %20... From: Barry Cinnamon [bcinnamon @akeena.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 7:16 AM To: Aileen Kao; Arm Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Bike and Pedestrian Lanes Dear City Council, I live on Beaumont right off Herriman. I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. Every day, as I drive to work in the morning, it is apparent to me both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor. With two children at Saratoga High School and two children at Redwood Middle School, it is also clear to me that it is safer for my kids to walk and bike to school. I would like to see the city fill in the pedestrian walkway so that it becomes higher than the bicycle lane. I think this makes both walkways safer. Thank you in advance, Barry Cinnamon 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:18 AM file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer /Desktop/New%20... From: Terrie [terriecreamer@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 7:45 AM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Herriman pedestrian and bike lane Dear City Council, I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. I think both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor. My friends and I now feel better about allowing our children to walk or ride to /from Saratoga High and Redwood Middle School. I would like to see the city follow the traffic safety recommendation to fill in the pedestrian walkway so that it becomes higher than the bicycle lane and makes both walkways safer. Thank you in advance, Terrie Creamer 21090 Padero Ave 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:19 AM City Clerk From: DCosta, Carl [carl.dcosta ©hp.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:15 AM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter Cc: Dave Anderson; City Clerk; Kristin Borel Subject: Herriman Situation Supporting Pedestrian and Resident needs Thank you for keeping an open mind on this difficult issue. We appreciate it. I hope you have seen that over the last year, we the residents, have been flexible and made sacrifices for the greater good of the community, like giving up parking, and more important, our own safety. The solution in place now does not solve the main issue speed- and has more importantly created new safety issues for us the residents and others who visit and service our homes. We respect the report done by 'Fehr Peers' but it was done on one day in August; We live here everyday and watch the conditions much more closely. The 'Fehr and Peers' report focused on the other side of Herriman, near the school where; not the Saratoga Ave end and we would like to share our views from this end of Herriman. The 'Fehr and peers' report focuses on solving the Pedestrian issue, but neglects Resident safety. Our request is for Fehr and Peers to do another report that includes working with the Residents as well, and a focus on the Saratoga Ave side of Herriman. Resident Safety: The home entrances exits and road intersections on Herriman were designed with the road configuration in mind. Changing the road configuration has made the home entrances/ exits and road intersections unsafe and impractical. Turning from Beaumont onto Herriman is more dangerous now lack of visibility. Turning from. Lannoy Court onto Herriman is unsafe lack of visibility. In my case, the D'Costas, cannot exit our own driveway safely with speeding cars cutting right in front of our home. Kristin Borel and traffic engineers had a hard time exiting the home when they came to check the issue. They saw the danger for themselves and hence installed the 2 white plastic poles on the street in front of our home. The 2 white plastic poles have been severely damaged and run into by drivers who, with increasing speed, hit them. They are battered. Kids Adults living on Herriman have no place to cross the road to the side walk and have to walk on the North side' of the road until the cross walk at SHS or Saratoga Ave. Same for people coming out of Lannoy Court, Beaumont Ave, and Saratoga Vista Ave. People have lived on the road for 28 years and never had a problem, this is more dangerous now. Instead of making it safer it has made it more dangerous for walkers as many do not use the walkway. We routinely see people walking on the outside of the curb closer to traffic. Groups of walkers, the Saratoga High School sports teams, and other joggers never use the walkway. Parking: We had parking when we bought the home, we don't now. Me and my guests have to park at on Jerries and cross the street dangerously to get to my own home. Parked cars actually helped slow traffic down, drivers are afraid to hit a parked car not a plastic pole. The conditions of the plastic poles reveal the number of hits. If we were losing parking because the solution was more safe it would be acceptable, but it has become more dangerous because of the above reasons that it is not worth it. Bike lanes are virtually unused by bikers on both sides. They are used by pedestrians. Do we need them? Why not consider No parking from 9:00 5:00 PM, at certain sections, on the North side of Herriman as a compromise. Summary: 10/31/2008 Page 1 of 2 Page 2 of 2 This is not the optimal solution yet. We herby request the Council to authorize a new technical report that works with the residents, takes into consideration residents, guests and service personnel safety. We the residents, have sacrificed a great deal, and ask for the City to work with us to reach a compromise that can work for all involved pedestrians AND residents Regards, Carl Olivia Carl Olivia Dcosta 19975 Herriman Ave 10/31/2008 file: //C /Documents %20and %2 0 S ettings /cboyer/Desktop/New %20... From: GayC [gayc ©aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 9:16 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Protection on Herriman The Saratoga Walking Group, which walks every day in Saratoga from downtown to the track and also through the neighborhood, often walks Herriman. This morning we took that route, and we agreed that the curbs seem to give better protection for children and walkers. Sincerely, The Walking Group: Marcia Hall, Helen Abruzzini, Gay Crawford, Kay Walker 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:19 AM From: Chad Walsh [crwalsh@fountainheadlaw.com] fountainheadlaw.com] Sent: Wednesday, October l5, 2008 9:30 AM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Bike and Pedestrian Lane on Herriman Hello, I hope these comments are helpful. Best Regards, Chad Walsh file: //C Documents %20and %20 S ettings /c boyer/Desktop/New%20... I was told that the city council was seeking comments from citizens regarding the bike and pedestrian lane on Herriman. I live on Glen Brae, and I go running and biking on Herriman frequently (at least I did b/4 I became a candidate for the college board and I hope to again after Nov. 4th) This is, of course, just my opinion, but I appreciate the extra space on Herriman, and I further think it was a wise decision of the council in light of the potential dangers on this street. There is a potentially dangerous corner where the street narrows as you come up Herriman from Saratoga Ave, which limits drivers abilities to see bikers, walkers, and runners. Additionally, Herriman is a popular shortcut between Saratoga and Sunnyvale- Saratoga, so it can be a very busy street. It is also very popular with bikers, walkers, and runners, which increases the potential for an accident. Finally, this is a residential area and it is, again in my opinion, wise to encourage drivers to slow down and enjoy the surroundings by limiting this street to one lane in each direction and making room for non drivers. I would enjoy coming to the council meeting tonight to express my sentiments in person, but I teach class on Wed nights. 1 of 1 10/15/2008 10:20 AM From: Jen Fraisl [jenfraisl @gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 11:55 AM To: Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; kking @saratoga.ca.us; Aileen Kao; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Bike Lanes file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer /Desktop/New%20... Dear City Council, I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. I think both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor. I also think it has been safer for the students going to Saratoga High and Redwood Middle School. My son is a 6th grader at Redwood and he is now biking to school 3 days a week. I appreciate that he is helping in his way to reduce greenhouse gases, but my biggest concern as a parent is for his safety. I would like to see more kids biking to schools. Our job is to help the kids stay safe, so please do every step possible to continue to keep our roads safe for bikes. I would like to see the city fill m the pedestrian walkway so that it becomes higher than the bicycle lane. I think this makes both walkways safer. Thank you in advance, Jen Fraisl 13500 Saraview Drive 1 of 1 10/15/2008 1:23 PM file: /C: /Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer /Desktop /New%20... From: CAROLYN P DOLES [doles222 @msn.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:11 PM To: City Clerk; Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson Subject: In favor of Bike lanes by SHS Dear Respected Council Members, I am writing this email as a concerned parent of high school age students and as a resident of Saratoga. The safety improvements of the current bike lane on Herriman Avenue and the curb refurbishments on Franklin Ave have proven beneficial to our neighboring elementary school age children, our residents and their safety around this bike lane as well as our high school students. When my children were in elementary school, we lived off Saratoga Vista and attended Foothill Elementary School. Each morning I would try and walk my children to school or we would ride bikes as we learned bake safety on the road. Each day it was a heroine effort without a proper bike like to buffer traffic from my children so as not to be hit by cars in a hurry to "drop and go" at the high school as well as teenage drivers just learning in some instances to drive as my young children were learning bike safefy on the road. Not always a good combination. We were nearly hit three times in the 5 years we were residents on Saratoga Vista, using Herriman Avenue as the direct route to Foothill Elementary school. Needless to say, after a few "close calls" walking and biking too school was simply too dangerous to continue without having safe lanes for kids to walk and ride since there are no sidewalks on our way to Foothill Elementary and even with sidewalks, bikes aren't allowed to use them. It's was a shame living three blocks from our school we were unable to walk or ride due to safety issues on Herriman that as a parent were judged too dangerous for elementary and middle school students. Now with my children in high school. I was visiting a friend on Franklin Avenue (off Herriman) a year ago. Her home is the second house on the right side coming down Herriman from Saratoga /Sunnyvale Road. I was just pulling away from the curb after our visit on Franklin, when a young high school driver, took the corner at Franklin too wide and hit broad side a car coming toward Herriman Avenue. The young driver taking the corner with too much speed and didn't slow down nearly enough to remain in his designated lane. I wondered, had I not been in my car and pulling away, could I have been hit by this overzealous driving student? Could he have hit a student walking, or ended up on some lawn or through someone's home? Surely yes. The curb refurbishment on Franklin will improve the safety for all residents and high school students by slowing down traffic around this corner. These near incidents could occur daily until this safety improvement was made The completion of a bike lane on Herriman provides a safe buffer for our young residents of Saratoga to and from local schools. It allows provides our young high school drivers a buffer when they over turn or correct as they learn to drive. Without this lane safety is surely at stake for residents, students and our children. If the residents of Saratoga living on Herriman where the new safety improvements are installed, complain of this as an infringement to their rights as property owners, they should be asked if they are willing to forsake their safety of possibly having some child hit in front of their home (as what nearly had happened at the church when a mother bent to get in coffee in the car while carrying high school students to the college for classes), or possibly a car on their front lawn or through their front window. When you purchase property near a school, safety is the number one concern for all. It a resident decides to purchase this home, they must realize there are some benefits and drawbacks to being near a school. The entire neighborhood (of 100 homes) and school of students (nearly 1310 total students) should be given much greater safety consideration then the 10 or so residents that would prefer to park in front of their homes creating obstacles and blind spots for students, walkers, bike riders and young drivers that is surely to result in a tragic accident in the near future. I'm sure this is not what our City Council wants to be associated with. 1 of 2 10/15/2008 1:24 PM Thank you. Carolyn Doles 15280 El Camino Grande Saratoga, CA file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer /Desktop/New%20... 2 of 2 10/15/2008 1:24 PM City Clerk From: Mia and John Kettmann [jmkett @comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 12:15 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Bike Lanes /Herriman Dear City Council, I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. I think both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor. I also think it has been safer for the students going to Saratoga High and Redwood Middle School. I would like to see the city fill in the pedestrian walkway so that it becomes higher than the bicycle lane. I think this makes both walkways safer. Thank you in advance, John Mia Kettmann 10/31/2008 Page 1 of 1 file: //C Documents %2 0and %20 S ettings /cboyer/Desktop/New %20... From: Joe Fanali [jfanali a@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 1:03 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; City Clerk Subject: RE: Herriman Pedestrian Safety Improvements Review Attachments: tracffic on Herriman copy.jpg; tracffic on Herriman 3 copy.jpg; tracfficon herriman2 copy.jpg; runners copy.jpg; Car Accident copy.jpg Attached are some photos relating to the Herriman Ave discussion at tonights (Oct 15th) meeting. Joe Fanali 1 of 1 10/15/2008 1:25 PM Corner of Beaumont and Herriman Can't see the on coming cars. They have to pull way passed the stop sign. Prior to re- marking the street the bike lane was 10-12 feet wide on this side so they did not block on coming traffic. Now the bike lane is only 4 feet wide, thus cars actually have to pull into the traffic lane to see if it's safe to turn. Corner of Beaumont Herriman Cars need to stop` way passed stop sign to view on coming tracffic file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer /Desktop/New%20... From: DCosta, Carl [carl.dcosta @hp.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:15 AM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter Cc: Dave Anderson; City Clerk; Kristin Borel Subject: Herriman Situation Supporting Pedestrian and Resident needs Thank you for keeping an open mind on this difficult issue. We appreciate it. I hope you have seen that over the last year, we the residents, have been flexible and made sacrifices for the greater good of the community, like giving up parking, and more important, our own safety. The solution in place now does not solve the main issue speed- and has more importantly created new safety issues for us the residents and others who visit and service our homes. We respect the report done by 'Fehr Peers' but it was done on one day in August; We live here everyday and watch the conditions much more closely. The 'Fehr and Peers' report focused on the other side of Herriman, near the school where; not the Saratoga Ave end and we would like to share our views from this end of Herriman. The 'Fehr and peers' report focuses on solving the Pedestrian issue, but neglects Resident safety. Our request is for Fehr and Peers to do another report that includes working with the Residents as well, and a focus on the Saratoga Ave side of Herriman. Resident Safety: The home entrances exits and road intersections on Herriman were designed with the road configuration in mind. Changing the road configuration has made the home entrances/ exits and road intersections unsafe and impractical. Turning from Beaumont onto Herriman is more dangerous now lack of visibility. Turning from Lannoy Court onto Herriman is unsafe lack of visibility. In my case, the D'Costas, cannot exit our own driveway safely with speeding cars cutting right in front of our home. Kristin Borel and traffic engineers had a hard time exiting the home when they came to check the issue. They saw the danger for themselves and hence installed the 2 white plastic poles on the street in front of our home. The 2 white plastic poles have been severely damaged and run into by drivers who, with increasing speed, hit them. They are battered. Kids Adults living on Herriman have no place to cross the road to the side walk and have to walk on the North side of the road until the cross walk at SHS or Saratoga Ave. Same for people coming out of Lannoy Court, Beaumont Ave, and Saratoga Vista Ave. People have lived on the road for 28 years and never had a problem, this is more dangerous now. Instead of making it safer it has made it more dangerous for walkers as many do not use the walkway. We routinely see people walking on the outside of the curb closer to traffic. Groups of walkers, the Saratoga High School sports teams, and other joggers never use the walkway. Parking: We had parking when we bought the home, we don't now. Me and my guests have to park at on Jerries and cross the street dangerously to get to my own home. Parked cars actually helped slow traffic down, drivers are afraid to hit a parked car not a plastic pole. The conditions of the plastic poles reveal the number of hits. If we were losing parking because the solution was more safe it would be acceptable, but it has become more dangerous because of the above reasons that it is not worth it. Bike lanes are virtually unused by bikers on both sides. They are used by pedestrians. Do we need them? Why not consider No parking from 9:00 5:00 PM, at certain sections, on the North side of Herriman as a compromise. Summary: This is not the optimal solution yet. We herby request the Council to authorize a new technical report that works with the residents, takes into consideration residents, guests and service personnel safety. We the residents, have sacrificed a great deal, and ask for the City to work with us to reach a compromise that can work for all involved pedestrians AND residents Regards, 1 of 2 10/15/2008 10:19 AM Carl Olivia Carl Olivia Dcosta 19975 Herriman Ave file: /C:/ Documents %20and %20 Settings /cboyer /Desktop/New%20... 2 of 2 10/15/2008 10:19 AM John Cherbone From: Bill Dougherty [billdougherty ©yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 7:26 PM To: Carl D'Costa Cc: Bill Dougherty; John Cherbone; Susie Nagpal Subject: Herriman, etc Hi Carl and Olivia, Page 1 of 1 I told Olivia that "Oak Street" was private and had 'resident installed' speed bumps. I misspoke. The street is Lomita off of Oak Street that our friends live and have installed their own speed bumps. In turn they maintain the street. With that cleared up, I would support a return to the previous 'lane striping' with parking on one side of Herriman Avenue. If the City of Saratoga is trying to solve child safety, I suggest that they address speed as the issue as I told them one year ago at the City Council Meeting. The speed has not slowed and you know that the barriers installed in front of your home are run over many times each day. I am unavailable Tuesday and Wednesday this week but would happily assist in any manner that insures the safety of Saratoga children. Bill and Kathy Dougherty P.S. John, speed bumps do not have to be located ON the curve; how about 100 feet before and after? 10/14/2008 From: Bill Dougherty [billdougherty@n yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 1:29 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter Cc: Dave Anderson; City Clerk; Bill Dougherty Subject: Herriman Avenue Saratoga City Council: First of all, may I thank the City Council for agreeing to review the Herriman traffic pattern one year after re- striping. Secondly, thanks to Jill Hunter and Aileen Kao for visiting the properties located on Herriman today and talking with some of us. After a nice discussion I felt good about a couple ideas that were presented and discussed. 1) I liked the idea of permitting parking on one side of Herriman during specified evening and weekend hours so that our guests will not have to park and walk from side streets (especially carrying heavy items for a potluck). 2) The proposal of creating level sidewalks made sense to me. This would be done by filling in the void between the current concrete curb and the asphalt 'berm' that was added one year ago. We all agreed that the "speed" issue would be reviewed by staff in the future. I regret being unavailable for this evening's meeting. Thanks again to Jill and Aileen for their visit today. Bill and Kathy Dougherty 19980 Herriman Avenue file: /C: /Documents %20and %20Settings /cboyer /Desktop/New%20... 1 of 1 10/15/2008 2:16 PM Message file: /C:/ Documents% 20and% 20Settings /cboyer/Desktop/New%20... From: Mimi Frazer Mather [mathermk @earthlink.net] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 1:31 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Herriman Walk Bike Activity Dear City Council Members; We wanted to write and thank you for your support of improving the safety of Herriman for walkers, runners and bikers. We ask that you continue to support this effort and make improvements as necessary. As we encourage more students and citizens to use fewer cars and less gas these safety measures are not only necessary but supportive of that objective. I understand that neighbors have had to make sacrifices to support this effort. We believe that those neighbors should also be heard. If reasonable compromises can be made to accommodate the neighbors while preserving the safety of the walkers, runners and bikers we would support that effort. We live in a community that cares about everyone being heard and making the best decisions for the good of all. Regards, David Mimi Mather Mimi Frazer Mather Home Phone: 408 -741 -5111 Cell Phone: 408 309 -8076 FAX: 408 -741 -5155 1 of 1 10/15/2008 2:17 PM City Clerk From: Presley Troyer [presleytroyer @gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 5:11 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Herriman pedestrian and bike lane Dear City Council, I understand it has been a year since you put the bicycle and pedestrian lane in on Herriman on the Saratoga High side of the street. I think both these lanes have made it safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists to travel along this corridor, and I drive it at least 2 -3 times a day and observe. I also think it has been safer for the students going to Saratoga High and Redwood Middle School. I would like to see the city fill in the pedestrian walkway so that it becomes higher than the bicycle lane. I think this makes both walkways safer. Thank you in advance, Presley Troyer 13183 Stewart Court Saratoga, CA 95070 Presley Troyer presley@alumni.duke.edu. 408.867.1092 h 408.316.4686 c 10/31/2008 Page 1 of 1 City Clerk Page 1 of 1 From: Lisa Kutter [lisakutter @gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:03 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter; Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Herriman Av. street configuration Dear Council Members, As a resident of Lannoy Ct. I walk along Herriman Av. every day as take my dog for a stroll. The current configurations are not as safe as I would hope for. Coming out of Lannoy Ct. I must walk with the direction of traffic while going towards Beaumont. This is not the preferred direction to walk as a pedestrian. I feel safer walking FACING traffic, but it is unsafe to cross Herriman near my street (at the curve as Herriman crosses the creek). I agree with some of my neighbors who will be at tonight's meeting that the current configuration is lacking. The berm dividing the sidewalk and bike lane is less than effective I see many pedestrians walking in the bike lane. I agree that further evaluations of the traffic patterns (perhaps on multiple days of the week at different key times) would be helpful. Please re -visit the issue of automotive speed and pedestrian /biker safety along Herriman Avenue. Thank you. Lisa Kutter 10/31/2008 City Clerk From: Priti Dugar [prdugar @yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:06 PM To: Aileen Kao; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Kathleen King; Jill Hunter Cc: Dave Anderson; City Clerk Subject: Herriman walking and parking issues Hi all, I am a resident of Saratoga living on Lannoy Court which is off Herriman Ave. I have lived here for around 10 years. I have two children who attend Redwood Middle School and Saratoga High School. Both my kids used to walk to school before the street lines were changed. I have a few safety concerns that I would like to share with you and I hope that you will consider these problems. 1. The side walk on the side of Herriman towards Lannoy Court has been narrowed. While driving on the turn, people tend to drive over the white boundary line and endanger the pedestrian. 2. The parking restriction on Herriman makes Lannoy Court as the parking area for the Herriman families which has become a problem. Have we considered building speed bumps as on Pierce Road which will force the people to drive slowly? -Priti Dugar 408 876 6280 10/31/2008 Page 1 of 1 City Clerk From: Brian Kerr [mrbriankerr @mac.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:15 PM To: City Clerk Cc: Kerr Brian Subject: Herriman safety To the Saratoga City council, I was unable to attend the council meeting this evening but would like to share my concern about the safety (or lack thereof) on Herriman Avenue between Saratoga Avenue and Beaumont. It's a dangerous stretch of road because it goes from a blind turn into a blind turn. I live on Lannoy Ct. and feel that we're taking fate into our hands every time my school age kids and I leave our street or return on our bikes or a walk. Also, making a left hand turn into Lannoy Ct. is the scariest part of my commute every day. Turning into or out of Lannoy Ct. is difficult because cars are moving quickly on Herriman in the short stretch of road between the twists on Herriman. Taking a left. into Lannoy Ct. is very uncomfortable (and I'm usually comfortable driving) because you need to watch out for the oncoming traffic but also keep an eye in the rear view mirror to make sure a car doesn't come down the hill in the blind turn without slowing down to stop as a driver waits to make a left hand turn. My recommendation is to add a speed bump near each of the turns to slow traffic down on the blind turns. I hate speed bumps as much as you do and would have to deal with going out onto a speed bump every time I leave my home, but it's worth it to know that my kids have a significantly increased chance of growing up in Saratoga without getting into a terrible accident. My family and I appreciate you reopening this issue to create a viable long term solution. Brian, Karen, Steve and Lauren Kerr 19981 Lannoy Ct. Saratoga, CA 95070 home: 408 872 -3826 1