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Home My WebLink About05-13-2021 TSC Agenda PacketSaratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 1 of 3 SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA MAY 13, 2021 6:30 PM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19 This meeting will be entirely by teleconference. All Traffic Safety Commission members, staff, and public will only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The meeting is being conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order N‐29‐20 suspending certain teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose of this order was to provide the safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff while allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation during the COVID‐ 19 pandemic. Members of the public can observe and participate in the meeting by: 1. Using the Zoom website at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87056515247 or App Webinar ID: 870 5651 5247 and using the tool to raise their hand in the Zoom platform when directed by the Chair to speak on an agenda item; OR 2. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833, entering the Webinar ID: 870 5651 5247 and pressing *9 to raise their hand to speak on an agenda item when directed by the Chair. The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person. As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Commission prior to the meeting by commenting online at www.saratoga.ca.us/tsc prior to the start of the meeting. These emails will be provided to the members of the Commission and will become part of the official record of the meeting. During the meeting the Chair will explain the process for members of the public to be recognized to offer public comment. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact the City Clerk at debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 2 of 3 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Christopher Coulter (Chair), Manil Vasantha (Vice Chair), Belal Aftab, Chi-Kuang Chu, Ray Cosyn, Mitch Kane REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on May 7, 2021. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Any member of the public may address the Commission for up to three (3) minutes on matters not on the agenda. The law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking actions on these items. The Commission may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 03-11-2021 TSC MINUTES – Draft 04-08-2021 TSC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES - Draft Recommended Action: Approve March 11, 2021 Minutes Approve April 08, 2021 Special Meeting Minutes SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION Sheriff’s Report March & April citation summary and collision statistics. OLD BUSINESS 1. TSC Matrix 455- Saratoga Avenue Recommended Action: Hear public comments on the striping plans. NEW BUSINESS 2. TSC Matrix 496 – Douglass Ln at Fruitvale Ave and Saratoga Ave at Crestbrook Dr Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 3. TSC Matrix 497 – Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd – Terrace Ct to Reid Ln Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 4. TSC Matrix 498 – Austin Way/Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 3 of 3 Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 5. TSC Matrix 499 – Old Oak Way Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 6. TSC Matrix 500 – Saratoga Creek Dr at Hargrave Way Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES 7. Staff and Commission Updates i. TSC Handbook Items ii. Draft Speed Bump Process Recommended Action: Accept updates. ADJOURNMENT CERTIFICATE OF POSTING I, Emma Burkhalter, Associate Engineer, of the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the City Council was posted and available for review on May 7, 2021 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us. In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Traffic Safety Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda, copies of materials distributed to the Traffic Safety Commission concurrently with the posting of the agenda, and materials distributed to the Traffic Safety Commission by staff after the posting of the agenda are available on the City Website at www.saratoga.ca.us. Following removal of State and local shelter in place orders these materials will be available for review in the office of the Public Works office at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California. In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 1 of 4 SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES MARCH 11, 2021 6:30 PM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION CALL TO ORDER – 6:30 PM ROLL CALL PRESENT: Christopher Coulter (Chair), Manil Vasantha (Vice Chair), Belal Aftab, Jonathan Choi, Chi-Kuang Chu, Ray Cosyn, Mitch Kane ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Ashley Brooks, Emma Burkhalter, Mainini Cabute, John Cherbone. REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on March 4, 2021. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Any member of the public may address the Commission for up to three (3) minutes on matters not on the agenda. The law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking actions on these items. The Commission may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 01-14-2021 TSC MINUTES - Draft Recommended Action: Approve January 14, 2021 Minutes CHOI/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. MOTION PASSED (7- 0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION Sheriff’s Report January & February citation summary and collision statistics. SGT. GONZALEZ GAVE PRESENTATION DESCRIBING HOW TO READ CITATION SUMMARY/COLLISION STATISTICS. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 2 of 4 OLD BUSINESS 1. TSC Matrix 398 – Reid Lane Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. KANE/CHOI MOTIONED TO ASK LIAISON TO SCHEDULE SEPARATE WORK MEETING TO DISCUSS SPEED HUMP CRITERIA. MOTION PASSED (7-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 2. TSC Matrix 455- Saratoga Avenue Recommended Action: Review the comprehensive traffic safety plan and make a recommendation. VASANTHA MOTIONED TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. COSYN SECONDED WITH FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO HAVE LEFT HAND TURN LANES PAINTED GREEN. VASANTHA MOTIONED TO ACCEPT AMENDMENT. MOTION PASSED (7-0-0- 0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 3. Traffic Matrix 466 – Chester Avenue Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. CHOI/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO HAVE CITY STAFF RE-ALIGN THE CHEVRONS. MOTION PASSED (7-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 4. TSC Matrix 488 - Scotland Drive Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. (Note: At the January meeting, the TSC requested that the traffic engineer collect current data.) VASANTHA/CHOI MOTIONED TO DEFER THIS ITEM TO FALL FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF TRAFFIC COUNTS. MOTION PASSED (7-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 3 of 4 NEW BUSINESS 5. TSC Matrix 491 – Pierce Road Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED FOR LIAISON TO SUPPORT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE’S EFFORT TO HAVE CALTRANS GET A SPEED SURVEY THAT WILL ALLOW FOR ENFORCEMENT. MOTION WITHDRAWN. CHOI/VASANTHA MOTIONED FOR SGT. GONZALEZ TO ASK CALTRANS TO CONDUCT SPEED SURVEY BETWEEN THE 76 GAS STATION AND PIERCE ROAD. MOTION PASSED (7-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 6. TSC Matrix 492 – Fruitvale Avenue/Admissions Drive Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO TAKE NO ACTION. MOTION PASSED (7-0- 0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 7. TSC Matrix 493 – Mt. Eden Road (NOTE: COMMISSIONER AFTAB LEFT THE MEETING) Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. CHOI/KANE MOTIONED FOR STAFF TO WORK WITH HOMEOWNER TO TRIM FOLIAGE AND FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO PROVIDE SIGHT-LINE GRAPHIC. MOTION PASSED (5-0-1-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, CHOI, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: CHU. ABSENT: AFTAB. VASANTHA MOTIONED TO HAVE CITY LOOK INTO INSTALLING A MIRROR. MOTION FAILED WITH NO SECOND 8. TSC Matrix 494 – Quito Road/Aspesi Drive Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO PUT TOGETHER PRELIMINARY PLAN IN A FORMAT FOR RESIDENT TO USE TO SHARE WITH NEIGHBORS TO COLLECT FEEDBACK AND BRING BACK TO TSC. MOTION Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 4 of 4 PASSED (6-0-0-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: AFTAB. 9. TSC Matrix 495 – Springer Avenue/Stoneridge Drive Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO HELP SARATOGA OAKS RESIDENTS DEVELOP TRAFFIC CALMING PLAN AND BRING BACK TO TSC. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: AFTAB. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES 10. Staff and Commission Updates i. Introduction of Commissioner Chi-Kuang Chu as new TSC member ii. Upcoming Joint TSC Meeting with City Council, March 30, 2021 at 6 pm iii. TSC Handbook iv. Update on Safe Routes to School v. Farewell to Commissioner Choi Recommended Action: Accept updates. COULTER MOTIONED FOR TSC TO HAVE A SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS THE HANDBOOK. CHOI SECONDED THE MOTION WITH A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO ASK FORMER TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSIONERS TO REVIEW HANDBOOK. COULTER MOTIONED TO ACCEPT AMENDMENT. MOTION PASSED (5-0-0-2) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, CHOI, CHU, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: AFTAB, COSYN. ADJOURNMENT – 10:00 PM CHOI/KANE MOTIONED TO ADJOURN MEETING. MOTION PASSED (5-0-0-2) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, CHOI, CHU, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: AFTAB, COSYN. Respectfully Submitted by Emma Burkhalter, Public Works staff for the City of Saratoga Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 1 of 2 SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Special Meeting DRAFT MINUTES APRIL 8, 2021 6:00 PM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM ROLL CALL PRESENT: Christopher Coulter (Chair), Manil Vasantha (Vice Chair), Belal Aftab (arrived 8:00), Chi-Kuang Chu, Mitch Kane ABSENT: Ray Cosyn STAFF PRESENT: Ashley Brooks, Emma Burkhalter, Mainini Cabute, John Cherbone REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on April 1, 2021. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Any member of the public may address the Commission for up to three (3) minutes on matters not on the agenda. The law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking actions on these items. The Commission may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. NEW BUSINESS 1. TSC Handbook Recommended Action: Review existing handbook and discuss goals. THE COMISSIONERS DISCUSSED THE ITEM. 2. Speed Table Recommendation Process Recommended Action: Discuss current process and determine next steps for new process. THE COMISSIONERS DISCUSSED THE ITEM. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 2 of 2 STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES 1. Staff and Commission Updates i. Next Special Meeting Recommended Action: Accept updates. COULTER/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO PUT THE SARATOGA AVENUE ITEM FIRST ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING IN MAY AND FOR STAFF TO SCHEDULE A SPECIAL MEETING TO CONTINUE TONIGHT’S DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED (5-0-0-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN. ADJOURNMENT 8:30 PM COULTER/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO ADJOURN MEETING. MOTION PASSED (5-0-0- 1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN. Respectfully Submitted by Emma Burkhalter, Public Works staff for the City of Saratoga REVISIONS 3 SARATOGA AVE FRUITVALE AVE TO SARATOGA-SUNNYVALE RD STRIPING PLAN SS1 ONLY ONLY FRUITVALE SARATOGA REVISIONS 3 SARATOGA AVE FRUITVALE AVE TO SARATOGA-SUNNYVALE RD STRIPING PLAN SS2 REVISIONS 3 SARATOGA AVE FRUITVALE AVE TO SARATOGA-SUNNYVALE RD STRIPING PLAN SS3 #496 Douglass Ln at Fruitvale Ave and Saratoga Ave at Crestbrook Dr Date Received: March 24, 2021 Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Douglas ln @ Fruitvale Saratoga Ave/Crestbrook Dr Description of traffic safety concern: no street light at corner above crosswalk people dress darkly and enter intersection to go to wvc tennis courts and cause a potential safety problem as cars going the speed limit can not stop in time + only one street light exists at Saratoga Ave/Crestbrook Dr crosswalk Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: add street light above intersection or on Douglas ln corner Add another street light on the north side of the crosswalk *Additional location added March 26, 2021 #497 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd – Terrace Ct to Reid Lane Date Received: March 26, 2021 Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Saratoga Sunnyvale Road - between Terrace Court and Reid Lane Description of traffic safety concern: There is currently no pedestrian walkway on this narrow quartermile stretch of road leading in/out of downtown, and I often see many near-hits between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: As part of the Safe Route to School (SRTS) Project, I would like to submit a request for the City to review this section of road and to consider all options for including a pedestrian sidewalk to greatly improve both the safety and walkability of pedestrians when walking to/from Saratoga High School, Foothill Elementary, and Saratoga Elementary School. Thank you #498 Austin Way/Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd Date Received: March 30, 2021 Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Austin Way (closest to Bountiful Acres) and Los Gatos-Saratoga Road Description of traffic safety concern: On behalf of myself and the neighbors on Austin Way and Bountiful Acres, we have two safety issues we would like to address with the Traffic Safety Commission as soon as possible. First, the intersection of Austin Way and Los Gatos-Saratoga Road closest to Bountiful Acres is very popular and busy with many pedestrians and bikers constantly wanting to cross here. Many people of all ages use this place to cross Hwy 9, including elderly and young kids. Neighborhood kids need to cross here if they want to bike to Redwood Middle School or WVC. It is a dangerous intersection, with cars traveling 50 miles per hour or more. Currently there is no crosswalk or path to cross this major intersection. We feel that it is imperative to build a crosswalk here. On Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, the closest crosswalk from this point is almost a mile away in both directions. This is too far to go. Please consider adding a crosswalk from Austin Way to El Camino Grande. Second, there isn't a proper turn lane off of the high-speed highway of Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, turning right onto Austin Way (closest to Bountiful Acres). Cars are forced to take a right turn at high speed since the speed limit is 50mph. The speed of the turn often forces you into the oncoming lane. Plus, it slows up the traffic behind you and can cause accidents. It is a dangerous situation here. Please consider adding a turn lane. With the next Commission Meeting coming up in May, we would like these two items to be on the agenda and ready to be voted on. These two safety concerns are of utmost importance especially with the new community development of 36 homes nearby in Monte Sereno. Car traffic and foot traffic will increase tremendously. We need to be prepared and provide safe roads and crossings in our neighborhood. Thank you for your time. Please let us know next steps and what we can do to help. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: We would like to propose adding a crosswalk from Austin Way (closest to Bountiful Acres) across Los Gatos-Saratoga Road to the other side at El Camino Grande. We are requesting a simple crosswalk similar to what is located at Mendelsohn and Los Gatos-Saratoga Road. We would like to see a turn lane added off of Los Gatos-Saratoga Road turning right onto Austin Way (closest to Bountiful Acres). #499 Old Oak Way Date Received: April 6, 2021 Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Old Oak Way Description of traffic safety concern: After number of neighbors expressed fire safety and traffic safety concerns in mid 2020 and after we toured our street with John Cherbone and Mainini Cabute, the City drafted a preliminary Traffic Safety improvement plan. That plan deals with street surface repair, sight distance issues, hidden driveways, speeding, etc. and identified neighborhood responsibilities as well as city responsibilities. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: The City has generated a Traffic Calming plan that includes street surface repair, hidden driveway and speed limit signs, painted lines and other speed reductions actions, etc. It also identified neighborhood responsibilities such as sight line clearance on curves, branch removal, hidden driveway mirrors, etc. Much of the neighborhood work has been completed. #500 Saratoga Creek Dr / Hargrave Way Date Received: April 7, 2021 Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Saratoga Creek Drive and Hargrave Way, Saratoga Description of traffic safety concern: Drivers tend to cut the corner when turning into or out of Hargrave, especially when going left onto Saratoga Creek Drive, or going right onto Hargrave. The problem is that pedestrians (there are many these days) are not easily visible due to plants along the corner. This is especially concerning for children who are shorter than the plants. They are simply not visible until the vehicle has come around the corner. From my home, facing Hargrave Way, I have witnessed several close calls were a driver needed to break suddenly or swing wide after seeing a pedestrian, late into the turn Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: My suggestion is that a line be painted with accompanying reflectors (’Botts’ Dots’) that will lead the drivers wide as they go around, thereby keeping a safe distance from the curb and anyone close it it. The intersection at Wardell Rd and Arroyo De Arguello has this same outline. Many other intersections in Saratoga and Cupertino have similar markings and reflectors. Traffic Safety Commission Handbook Items for the TSC Webpage Items Status Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) Info Complete (this will include meeting dates, times, and commissioner information currently on webpage) TSC Roles, Responsibilities and Expectations In Progress TSC Meeting Process Complete Saratoga’s Mission and Value Statement Complete Commission Handbook Complete Traffic Safety Concern Process In progress (Starts with concern expressed to resolution process) Saratoga’s Goals and Priorities In progress Saratoga City Boundaries Map Need TSC Input General Plan - Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Complete (Updated Circulation Element in progress) Saratoga Speed Survey Complete Map of and Bicycle Paths Complete Maps of Trails, Paths and Walkways Complete Map of Saratoga Schools See attached. Staff will create hyperlink once file is downloaded. Areas of Interest- Priority Development Areas Need TSC Input Saratoga Neighborhoods Map Complete Traffic Calming Tools and Methods Types of Calming Tools and Warrants Types of Methods: Education, Enforcement, Engineering (In progress) In Progress Map of TSC Approved items In Progress (Will include date of installation and cost of project) Map of Schools in Saratoga Draft Speed Hump Flowchart Resident brings item to TSC Traffic Engineer collects data If speeds are less than 10mph over posted speed limit… If speeds are more than 10mph over posted speed limit… Step one is an incremental approach Step one is an incremental approach (but could be overridden by TSC if they want to approve speed humps to start and move to phase 2) Data will be collected 6 months after installation, if speeds have not decreased, residents can move forward with a residential-led speed hump process Data will be collected 6 months after installation, if still an issue than they will consider speed humps Send out for petition with 80% resident involvement and 100% approval Will draft a plan for submittal to the residents Will draft a plan for submittal to the residents Speed humps will need 67% approval (not including veto power to residents whose house it's in front of) Needs 80% approval (TBD on veto power for residents in front of speed humps)