HomeMy WebLinkAbout101-Parker Ranch Bicycle Trail Abatement Options.pdfSARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: July 18, 2007 AGENDA ITEM:
ORIGINATING DEPT: Public Works CITY MANAGER: Dave Anderson
PREPARED BY: Iveta Harvancik DEPT HEAD: John Cherbone
SUBJECT: Parker Ranch Bicycle Trail Abatement Options
______________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
1. Accept report and provide direction to staff.
2. Move to adopt Motor Vehicle Resolution.
REPORT SUMMARY:
Several years ago Parker Ranch residents informed the City that bicycle riders were using and
damaging City trails in Parker Ranch. Sheriff patrols in the area and “No Bikes” signs appreared
to resolve the problem at that time.
Earlier this year Parker Ranch residents concerned that illegal trail use was once again occurring
within the Parker Ranch open space area contacted the City. City staff discovered a separate
bicycle trail upslope of the dedicated City trail that was constructed with numerous switch-backs
and structures (see Attachment 1 - Area Map). The earthwork performed during the bicycle trail
construction exposed and damaged tree roots and likely caused recent pavement cracking on
Picea Court. Bicycles are not allowed on any City trail within Parker Ranch.
The illegal bicycle trail has been constructed in a dedicated open space easement. Per the
approved open space agreement, no structures or other improvements are allowed in this
easement. Existing pedestrian and equestrian trail is constructed in an easement dedicated for
this purpose within the open space easement.
Pedestrian, Equestrian and Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee (PEBTAC) members walked the
illegal bicycle trail and came up with recommendations how to deal with the situation. Attached
is their Memorandum dated June 17, 2007 (Attachment 2). Following are City staff cost
estimates for each suggested action. In addition, attached is a letter from Parker Ranch resident
Mr. Ajit Goel including pictures documenting the current condition of the bicycle trail
(Attachment 3).
Cost estimates for options recommended by PEBTAC:
1. Remove all structures: $1,000
2. Destroy strategic switchbacks, e.g. at top, middle and bottom of the trail, and maybe those
close to intersections with the pedestrian trail: $75,000 due to terrain constrains
3. Repair areas where roots are exposed and trees are damaged: $8,000
4. Ask Sheriff to patrol for a finite period of time: between $50 and $83 per hour (three hours
minimum)
5. After time period is over, ask Homeowners Association to take over cost of extra patrols: no
additional cost to the City
6. Repair and develop existing pedestrian trail to encourage more pedestrians to use the trail
and be watchdogs: $15,000 additional to current CIP allocation
7. Block confusing side trails with simple signs “closed for restoration”: in-house
8. The Trails Committee would like to hold a planned hike in this area to further encourage
pedestrian use: no additional cost to the City
9. Review trail signage – more restrictive, more signs: $2,500 for City Attorney review
10. Review on-street parking: in-house
Additional options recommended by City staff:
11. Temporary construction fencing at start, end and intersection areas of illegal bicycle trail:
$760 monthly rental charge
12. City ordinance revision to ban bicycles and motorized vehicles from the public trails: $2,500
for City Attorney
One of the recommended actions listed in PEBTAC Memorandum is to review on-street parking
(item No. 10). Restricting parking on Parker Ranch Road near the intersection of Prospect Road will
discourage bikers who often carry bicycles on their vehicles to the area. In addition, this section of
the road is very narrow and is narrowed further when cars park on either side of the road. Parking in
this area interferes with the site distance and safety of the intersection of Prospect Road, Parker
Ranch Road, and Parker Ranch Court. Attached is a Motor Vehicle Resolution restricting parking
along Parker Ranch Road. In order to enforce the new “No Parking” restriction, it is necessary that
the attached Motor Vehicle Resolution be adopted by City Council (see Attachments 4 and 5).
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Depends on City Council directions.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
MV Resolution will not be signed and parking restriction will not be imposed on Parker Ranch
Road.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
City Council may direct staff to prepare additional options.
FOLLOW UP ACTION(S):
Staff will follow Council’s direction regarding the chosen option(s).
ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT:
Nothing additional.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Area Map
2. Memorandum prepared by the Pedestrian, Equestrian, and Bicycle Trails Advisory
Committee
3. Letter from Mr. Ajit Goel.
4. MV Resolution
5. Site Map for the MV Resolution