body,date,page,text,path
LibraryBoard,2011-12-14,1,"TERKA
ORATED
Minutes of the
ALAMEDA FREE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 14, 2011
The regular meeting of the Alameda Free Library Board was called to order at 6:05pm.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Catherine Atkin, President
Nancy Lewis, Vice President
Suzanne Whyte, Board Member
Michael Hartigan, Board Member
Gail Wetzork, Board Member
Absent:
None
Staff:
Jane Chisaki, Library Director
Christina Baines, Recording Secretary
CONSENT CALENDAR
An asterisk indicates items so enacted or adopted on the Consent Calendar.
A.
*Report from the Library Director Highlighting Activities for the Month of November 2011.
B.
Corrected Draft Minutes of the Regular Library Board Meeting of November 9, 2011. Board
Member Hartigan noted the minutes did not reflect discussions covered under new business items,
and requested that be corrected, as well as the adjournment paragraph. Draft Minutes of the
Regular Library Board Meeting of December 14, 2011.
C.
*Library Services Report for the Month of October 2011.
D.
*Financial Report Reflecting FY12 Expenditures by Fund for November 2011.
E.
*Bills for Ratification for the Month of November 2011.
Board Member Whyte arrives at 6:09pm.
Board Member Wetzork made a motion, seconded by Board Member Whyte, to adopt the items excluding
the draft minutes. The minutes will be corrected as requested. The motion was carried by a 5-0 vote.",LibraryBoard/2011-12-14.pdf
LibraryBoard,2011-12-14,2,"Page 2 of 7
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
December 14, 2011
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Library Strategic Plan/Update (J. Chisaki). Following the Board's direction, Strategic Plan Goals 3
and 7 were presented for discussion: The Board approved the format presented by the Library
Director. Director Chisaki indicated that a materials count is currently underway at the Libraries to
determine in-house use/survey to confirm staff's belief that the library is as busy as it was prior to cuts
in hours and staff and to confirm circulation numbers.
President Atkin requested a breakdown of each of the items for discussion and asks the Board if they
would like to talk about them; the Board agreed.
GOAL 3: VISITORS TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARIES WILL HAVE SAFE,
WELCOMING, AND COMFORTABLE SPACES TO USE THE LIBRARIES' RESOURCES AND
PROGRAMS AND TO INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER.
Objective 1: Eighty-five percent of Alameda residents will express in a community survey that the
neighborhood libraries are safe, welcoming, and comfortable spaces.
The Library has not conducted a survey. The Library does not have the funding to conduct a survey
similar to the one used during the strategic planning process. It may be possible to do a ""Survey
Monkey"" online survey at a future date. The City has conducted so many online surveys in the past
few weeks that the community may be tired of online surveys. In-house surveys always produce
overwhelming positive results because you are ""preaching to the choir.""
Objective 2: Attendance at the neighborhood libraries as measured by door count will increase by 10% per
year.
Full year statistics are not available and it was recently discovered that the door counters at all
three locations probably are working properly. One of the counters at the West End Library is
mounted just high enough that many children are not counted!
Discussion: Board Member Hartigan asked for an explanation as to why the door counters were not
working. Director Chisaki explained the counters work off of an electric eye. The counters are
not
good quality, and they count coming and going, so the total numbers are cut in half. Some counters
are plugged into light switches, and when the switch is turned off the counter resets. Also, at the West
End Branch the ""eye"" was located at a level too high to count young children. We are looking for
better quality counters to more efficiently track our numbers. Board Member Hartigan expressed
concern with the steady fall in numbers, and suggested to find an alternative count method. Further
inquired about the number of reads of the counters per month. President Atkin also suggested the
hours of operation should be taken into consideration and attendance of programs. Also, it may seem
busier because of the cut in hours and the number of people visiting the libraries, the attendance and
the use of the collection? In response to President Atkin's concerns, Director Chisaki clarified that
programs are not driven by numbers and funding, but by staffs' interests and community input. Board
Member Hartigan suggested documenting the number of programs; but understand we do have budget
issues and concerns, and then later can come back to Council and indicate this is what the community
wants. Do not just add it so we can meet our goal and go on to the next one. Board member Whyte",LibraryBoard/2011-12-14.pdf
LibraryBoard,2011-12-14,3,"Page 3 of 7
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
December 14, 2011
suggested that the in-house poll might show that the numbers may be down because people are using
the library in the traditional sense, as a reference, and actually not removing the resources from the
library.
Objective 3: Use of the neighborhood library collections will increase by 10% per year.
The collections at both neighborhood libraries are being re-balanced. The experiment of having
primarily adult fiction at one location and non-fiction at the other, has failed. This will be re-
examined after the collections are redistributed. The fiction collection is growing at the West End
and the non-fiction collection at the Bay Farm Island Library needs to be adjusted before a true
count can be taken.
Discussion: Board Member Hartigan: What is the percentage change at the Neighborhood Libraries?
Director Chisaki reported it is down about 21% for adults and steady for childrens' use. Overall, Bay
Farm is pretty flat, Main and Went End have gone down. When we reopened branches, WEB had
mostly non-fiction and BFI had mostly fiction for adults. We have since made the entire collection
floating as a way to rebalance the collection. Board Member Whyte's question pertained to stack
space and the reconfiguration of the libraries, could the decrease be because of the lack of stack space?
Director Chisaki responded that in the beginning it definitely contributed, but with the floating
collection it will balance out. Board Member Hartigan indicated that where as the number of
programs is of lesser importance to him; this one is of more importance to him. It should increase, not
go down, this should be starred. The Board agreed this is a very important item and needs to be
followed closely.
Objective 4: The number of programs offered at neighborhood libraries will increase by 5% per year.
This is going to be difficult to accomplish, particularly for adult programs. Any programs will have
to take place during open hours as the library does not have enough staffing to accommodate after-
hours programming. More children's programs have been scheduled at the neighborhood libraries,
but this has been made possible thanks to the budget made available by the Friends of the Library
and the ability of the Supervising Children's Librarian being able to leave the Main Library to
conduct the programs at another site. If staffing is further reduced children's programs will either
have to conducted by on-site staff or be a ""purchased"" program presented by an outside entity.
Activities under consideration:
1. Provide library visitors with remodeled or redesigned libraries in which to use the resources and attend
programs. West End Library completed October, 2010; Bay Farm Island Library completed March,
2011.
2. Provide library visitors with comfortable seating in which to read and relax. New or re-finished
furnishings provided at both neighborhood libraries, thanks in part to a $100,000 donation from the
Friends of the Library.
3. Provide library users with an attractive display area for new books or themed displays. Both
neighborhood libraries have a ""new book"" area and staff has been creating themed book displays as
appropriate.",LibraryBoard/2011-12-14.pdf
LibraryBoard,2011-12-14,4,"Page 4 of 7
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
December 14, 2011
4. Provide library visitors with additional computers at the neighborhood libraries. Both neighborhood
libraries increased the number of computer work stations for children and adults in the remodel
process. However staff observation at the Bay Farm Island Library is not the need for more
computer workstations but more seating/study tables. Rarely, if ever, are all the desktop
workstations in use. Many customers bring in their own laptops and are seeking table and chairs to
use with the wireless. Staff is currently considering decreasing the number of public computers in
favor of offering study table space.
Discussion: Board Member Hartigan requested further information on this item. Director Chisaki
explained that staff is proposing four computers be removed and placed in reserve. This would allow
an open table for patrons visiting with their own laptops. Board Member Hartigan clarified that there
would still be two computers available with the Library catalog.
GOAL 7: ALAEMEDANS WILL BE ABLE TO MORE EASILY AND EFFECTIVELY
CONNECT TO THE ONLINE WORLD.
Objective 1: Use of databases will increase by 10% each year. There has been a decrease of about 25%
in usage. In 2009-10 the average numbers of searches were 30,069; decreasing to 22,974 in 2010-11;
and 10,327 for the first four months in 2011-12. This decrease may be attributed to the change in
web page format. The databases are more difficult to locate as a user needs to know to look for
""eResources"" in the navigation bar to be directed to a page with other digital content items, and
then click on ""databases"" to find the desired database. The direct link to databases for children and
teens was removed and all databases were lumped together in alphabetical format rather than user
group.
Discussion: Director Chisaki described a mobile application coming soon which will allow users to
search from their cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc. Library patrons will be able to access their account,
renew their books, download e-books, get into databases without having to reauthenticate each time,
because they will have done so with the application, and we hope that will help with our database use
because it will be right there at their fingertips.
Objective 2: Each year, the number of unique visitors to the library portal web pages will increase by
10%. The Library has little data on the number of unique visitors. Aggregate statistics are available
for about the past 11 months (last six months of FY10-11 and the first five months of FY11-12).
According to Supervising Librarian David Hall, the bounce rate for the library web site is high at
+60%. This is not a satisfactory bounce rate even if some of the traffic is not completely leaving the
library but going to another URL for the library's web catalog. This could be that the library web
site does not have the information desired by the user or the information is there but is not easy to
locate. Web page redesign and marketing of the web page may help increase customer usage and
lower the bounce rate.
Objective 3: The majority of Alameda residents will express in a community survey customer satisfaction
with library technology. We have not conducted a satisfaction survey.",LibraryBoard/2011-12-14.pdf
LibraryBoard,2011-12-14,5,"Page 5 of 7
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
December 14, 2011
Objective 4: Uptime for all computer systems will be 95% on an ongoing basis. ""Computer systems""
means the hardware servers and the associated software applications has been operating at a +95%
level. This includes Horizon (circulation software); HIP (human interaction proof - provides
graphics); WebReporter (report manager); TM3 (telephone notification for notices); SIP (session
initiation protocol - interface between the RFID system & public access to the main system, and
other applications); mail server (email notification); and the public access servers. There are
differentials with a 99% uptime for combinations of services such as Horizon and HIP, and lower
levels for other hardware/software combinations. This uptime analysis does not include peripherals
such as PC's, thin clients, monitors, keyboards, etc. as much of these hardware pieces have been
replaced within the last two years and are replaced on a continuing basis as necessary.
Discussion: Director Chisaki reported that we meet our 95% uptime.
Activities under consideration:
1. Provide classes for the public on database use.
The Technology Resource Services division was created in FY10-11. A PT Librarian was hired to
create and conduct programs/classes and to assist the public with technology issues on the public
floor. The School Resource Services (SRS) division provides in-classroom demonstrations of
database instruction for grade level/curriculum appropriate databases. Classes in basic computer
use;
internet searching; self-paced computer instruction; Overdrive instruction; social networking;
job search skills; digital photography; library catalog; among others, are offered in
the
computer
lab on a continuing basis using both volunteer and staff instructors.
Discussion: Providing classes as best we can, the classes are full. A social networking class was
cancelled due to lack of attendance in mid-December. It was scheduled right before the holidays and
the couple of people who had signed up were contacted. The SRS Linda Valler is doing an amazing
job, we have reached record number of people, and buying her the mini laptop and projector was
money well spent. The children get really excited to see the live demonstration.
2. Run a ""did you know?"" campaign (did you know you can get reading recommendations through the
AFL website, you can practice for the GED online, etc.).
Classes for database instruction are provided along with the associated publicity for class sign-ups.
Most classes are full enrollment. Recently a flyer promoting database use was created for the
Career Section of the library. The Boys & Girls Department has created a rotating notice board for
children's databases, services, and programs, however it is new enough that we don't know if it's
had an impact or not.
Discussion: Director Chisaki explained some of the benefits of this database. For example, if you take
a civil service test the database will track your progress. Log in and create an account, take the test
over and over, and watch for improvements.
3. Provide pathfinders to online resources and other electronic services.",LibraryBoard/2011-12-14.pdf
LibraryBoard,2011-12-14,6,"Page 6 of 7
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
December 14, 2011
This is an on-going project. One pathfinder has been created to promote ""Learning Express
Library,"" a database that offers practice tests for a variety of skills / grade levels. The Reference
Department is in the process of creating more simple pathfinders for the library databases.
Discussions: Reference is providing guides to resources.
Follow-up questions/Comments: Board Member Hartigan would like to see the database use
promoted
or
whatever
the
Board can do to really drive that into a positive direction, it is a really
important objective of this category. The other are of concern for him is visitors on the website, but
at this point, maybe there is nothing that can be done until it is changed. And at that point, then
really advertise and highlight the databases. Vice President Lewis agreed. President Atkin stated
she likes Board Member Hartigan's idea, the branches, like a new restaurant, when you reopen it,
you really have to reengage and be happy that you went back there, you have to consciously build it
back up. Board Member Wetzork indicated the information has to be easily accessible, not everyone
is computer literate. President Atkin expressed appreciation of the information and of the format
it was presented, seconded by Board Member Whyte.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Alameda Free Library Foundation (J. Chisaki) Director Chisaki reported the Foundation is
working really hard to sell out the concert and are confident. Raintree Studio is taking photos for them.
B.
Friends of the Alameda Free Library (K. Minney) Director Chisaki reported the Friends are
desperately looking for recipes for; if they do not receive 100 the project will fail.
C.
Patron Suggestions/Comments (Speak-Outs) and Library Director's Response. None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS. NON-AGENDA (Public Comment)
There were no members of the public present.
LIBRARY BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
President Atkin attended the Amanda King concert; reported she is over the top with an amazing voice.
Vice President Lewis shared a photo of the Library Board Members at the Energy Kiosk dedication on
October 6, 2011, Alameda Municipal Power included in their November power bill.
DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS
Request consideration to discontinue the $5.00 ILL fee and restore service and goodwill to the Alameda
Free Library customers. Also the Art Committee will not be submitting a policy for consideration, if one
is needed, I will craft one.",LibraryBoard/2011-12-14.pdf
LibraryBoard,2011-12-14,7,"Page 7 of 7
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
December 14, 2011
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, President Atkin adjourned the meeting at 7:10pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Chisaki, Library Director and
Secretary to the Alameda Free Library Board",LibraryBoard/2011-12-14.pdf
TransportationCommission,2011-12-14,1,"Transportation Commission Minutes
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Commissioner Kathy Moehring called the Transportation Commission to order at 7:04 p.m.
1.
Roll Call
Roll was called and the following was recorded:
Members Present:
Philip Tribuzio
Jesus Vargas
Kathy Moehring
Thomas G. Bertken
Staff Present:
Obaid Khan, Supervising Civil Engineer
Gail Payne, Transportation Coordinator
Barry Bergman, Transportation Consultant
2.
Minutes
Commissioner Vargas moved approval of the minutes for the June 22, 2011 meeting.
Commissioner Bertken seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
Commissioner Tribuzio moved approval of the minutes for the September 28, 2011 meeting.
Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion. Commissioner Bertken abstained. Motion passed 3-
0.
3.
Oral Communications - Non-Agendized Items / Public Comments
Jon Spangler gave a report on the west span of the Bay Bridge where paths are being planned on
both the north and south sides. The cost is expected to be $550 million, and is expected to be
constructed in ten years. At a recent public outreach meeting for the project, 75 people attended.
Mr. Spangler will forward more information.
Page 1 of 9",TransportationCommission/2011-12-14.pdf
TransportationCommission,2011-12-14,2,"4.
New Business
4A.
Presentation of Quarterly Report on Activities Related to Transportation Policies and
Plans.
Staff Payne summarized the staff report.
Commissioner Vargas requested a briefing about the Safe Routes to Transit application.
Staff Payne responded that the funding source originates from bridge tolls in the Bay Area. The
goal of the grant is to divert drivers across the bridges to become transbay bus passengers.
TransForm staff stated that the funding cycle was really competitive. They liked the grant
application, and stated it was well written and a beneficial project.
Commissioner Moehring asked if the communities that received the grant application were closer
to the bridge.
Staff Payne responded that it was difficult to compete against projects that focused on higher-
density areas. There is a feeling that suburban communities tend not to win as many Safe Routes
to Transit grant applications.
Commissioner Moehring asked if there will be public meetings for the Shoreline Dr/Westline Dr
bike lane project.
Staff Khan emphasized that the Shoreline Dr/Westline Dr bike lane project is going to have quite
a bit of outreach starting in March 2012. Staff is waiting for Caltrans to authorize expenditures.
Staff will bring this item to the Transportation Commission.
Commissioner Vargas wanted to know what the TSM/TDM measures are as a prelude to the
upcoming Transportation Commission meeting.
Staff Payne stated that the measures are in five broad categories.
Staff Khan provided an overview of the TSM/TDM Plan purpose. The idea is that developers
will be able to address trips generated by a development using a menu of TSM/TDM measures.
The intention is to mitigate peak hour trips using the TSM/TDM measures.
Commissioner Moehring was pleased about obtaining the Gibbons Drive Safe Routes to School
grant application.
Commissioner Moehring stated that the Mecartney/Island intersection is enormous and was
interested to know if the City could improve it without grant monies. She admires how much
effort staff puts into grant efforts. She wanted to know how much it would cost for traffic lights.
Staff Khan stated that this intersection has two lanes in each direction. This intersection could be
signalized. If it is signalized then it could make a big difference. The City could use internal
Page 2 of 9",TransportationCommission/2011-12-14.pdf
TransportationCommission,2011-12-14,3,"funds for this project or could tap into developer funds on the basis of the new development in
the area. He felt that it needs to be signalized.
Commissioner Vargas stated that he is interested in helping staff with brainstorming on this
intersection improvement.
Staff Payne stated that local funds usually are used to leverage outside funds as the local match
to help stretch the limited funds farther so that more areas of the city benefit from the limited
funds.
Lucy Gigli, President of BikeAlameda, was impressed with the quarterly report and how it is
shown. It makes everything clear. About the Shoreline Dr/Westline Dr bike lane project,
BikeAlameda is hoping to have a lot of public input. They are hoping for a cycle track
configuration - one that is similar to Fernside Blvd. She hopes that some of the analysis from
this bike lane project could go into a cycle track concept.
Lucy Gigli, President of BikeAlameda, for the Mecartney/Island project, she urged the group to
think outside the box in terms of traffic calming such as roundabouts or other kinds of things to
help out huge intersections.
4B.
Proposed Bus Stops at Maitland Avenue and Harbor Bay Parkway.
Staff Payne summarized the staff report.
Commissioner Vargas asked if there any ADA issues with the concrete pad broken by the tree on
the north side.
Staff Payne responded that the concrete bus pad corresponds with AC Transit's template.
Commissioner Vargas asked if there are any maintenance issues pertaining to the tree.
Staff Payne stated that the tree well provided should be sufficient space for the tree to thrive.
Commissioner Bertken asked about the debris on the sidewalk in the photo.
Commissioner Moehring and Gail Payne answered that the debris are leaves.
Commissioner Moehring: It is nice to see that the City is installing bus stops. She stated that it
would be nice if this item came as a recommendation to the City Council as opposed to already
having been approved by the City Council and in the CIP.
Page 3 of 9",TransportationCommission/2011-12-14.pdf
TransportationCommission,2011-12-14,4,"what Lucy said. Alameda has every pre-qualification to be a world famous bicycle-friendly
community yet the City needs infrastructure to match it. He had three points:
1) On the class I bike paths on page 4 - He would like to see 12 feet as the recommended
minimum because these paths become multi-use paths. Twelve feet accommodates
multiple conflicts, users, directions and speeds. Twelve feet should be the floor and
should be the minimum for each side of the west span of the Bay Bridge. Golden Gate
Bridge is ten feet and seems too narrow.
2) On Page 34 regarding in-street bike corrals, earlier in the year we had conversations
about having them in front of businesses such as Stones Cyclery even on a trial basis.
Park Street is going to need more bike parking due to the elimination of the parking
meters along Park Street totaling about 100 de-facto bike parking spaces.
3) Class II bike lanes - such as Central Avenue between Willow Street and Oak Street is 5.5
feet - if you recommend an effective door zone of five feet between the bicycle tire and
the parked car to allow for sudden doors to be opened, then need to place bicycle tire on
the bike lane line on the Central Avenue bike lane. It says something about the current
practice as three feet yet they are talking about changing it nationally because the average
door on an SUV is four feet when open. Bicyclists need one foot between the door and
the bicycle to ensure that the bicyclist is predictable and safe. He recommends an
increase in the width of bike lanes and at least a four-foot door zone.
Commissioner Tribuzio asked about loop detectors and if they are the same as the ones at
intersections for vehicles.
Staff Khan replied that loop detectors detect the metal of a car and staff increases the sensitivity
to detect bicyclists. Cameras are becoming more common such as on Webster Street and
eventually on Park Street to ensure better detection of bicyclists.
Commissioner Tribuzio asked about bicycle racks. The guidelines showed two kinds - U shaped
and the ring kind. He questioned if it would be cheaper to use the ring kind for construction.
Page 4 of 9",TransportationCommission/2011-12-14.pdf
TransportationCommission,2011-12-14,5,"Staff Khan replied that the key is that the bicycle should be attached at two points.
Barry Bergman stated that the inverted U has become the national standard. It provides more
support for bicyclists at two points. The labor is not that much greater than with the ring type.
The City is recommending the inverted U as the standard; however, both types are considered
acceptable.
Commissioner Vargas - The dialogue between BikeAlameda and the City is great to see. The
goal is to make it a more bike friendly city. Developers can use it as the opportunities come up
and SO he likes the concept of the guidelines. In Spain, he saw some loaner bikes where
individuals can borrow bicycles. Perhaps the City can include this item in the next revision. He
has minor comments that he will share later. He asked about the timing of the revisions.
Staff Khan responded that January 6 is the deadline for responses; however, this time has been
extended since staff will take this item to the January 19 Economic Development Commission
meeting and to the Planning Board in February so comments are open. Staff will take the item to
the City Council in March or April.
Staff Payne stated that staff is in contact with the Air District, which has a loaner bike pilot
project. Unfortunately, Alameda is not a pilot study city yet possibly could be at future stages so
staff is monitoring the project.
Commissioner Moehring - It would be amazing to have loaner bikes at the ferry terminals for the
America Cup. Loaner bikes would open up the City for tourists.
Commissioner Bertken - It looks to be a commercial enterprise in Paris.
Commissioner Moehring - In Amsterdam, they are looking for a basic bike and they just need
access.
Staff Khan discusses that the design guidelines addresses how to design a facility. It does not
address how to design a program so the loaner bike program would not be appropriate in the
design guidelines.
Commissioner Moehring - When it comes to the width of the bike lane, the City needs to look at
the width of the street. We are limited by the width of the street. The bike lanes should be as
wide as possible.
Commissioner Vargas asked if looking at the volumes could justify widening the facility.
Staff Khan - It is a good point, which Barry tried to capture. Around the waterfront, the City
also would want a jogging path. We tried to find information from the United States. For
vehicles, local streets could have 10-foot wide travel lanes. For collectors, we may want to have
wider lanes with 11-foot lanes. Arterials should have 12-foot lanes. The speed of the car also
should play a role because we do not want the drag of trucks to pull the bicyclist under the
wheels. Barry and he looked at Harbor Bay Parkway with faster speeds. The street would need
Page 5 of 9",TransportationCommission/2011-12-14.pdf
TransportationCommission,2011-12-14,6,"wider travel lanes. Fernside Blvd. has seven to eight foot bike lanes since it has the space. It
depends on the user and needs of the road. It is why we call these guidelines because staff needs
to use judgment based on the street conditions. We do not allow less than eight feet for parking
lanes. The streets are mostly 36 feet, which means two ten feet travel lanes and two eight foot
parking lanes. We want to maintain at least eight feet of parking lane and see where we can
increase the bike lane width.
Commissioner Bertken questioned if the guidelines will go to the Planning Board. He asked
about having a public hearing on the guidelines. Once the City Council adopts the guidelines,
then the staff follows the guidelines. Some items affect properties and developers.
Staff Khan replied that the entire document will go to the Planning Board. The TC is a public
hearing because this meeting is following all the rules of a public meeting.
Commissioner Bertken - Usually the usual routine is to announce it as a public hearing.
Commissioner Moehring - BikeAlameda has discussed this document as a larger group even
though only a few representatives are attending the meeting this evening. Obaid said that he
would take the TC member recommendations to the next level.
Commissioner Bertken - He expressed concern that the meeting does not quite cover the
ordinance details.
Staff Khan replied that some portions of the guidelines will become an ordinance such as parking
ratios and those items would be separately dealt with at the Planning Board or the City Council.
Commissioner Bertken - He wanted to know which pieces would be subject to the City Council
and would have more detailed review.
Staff Khan will announce the date of the Planning Board meeting. Two different actions will be
taken by the City Council - to approve the guidelines and to adopt City ordinances on specific
items in the guidelines for parking and shower requirements.
Commissioner Moehring - She wanted to know if the TC members will be making a
recommendation to accept the guidelines.
Commissioner Vargas - He is fine with providing input over the next few months.
Commissioner Bertken - He wanted to know if this document will come back to the TC in a
revised form.
Staff Khan - He stated that staff could bring it back as a second draft.
Commissioner Moehring - She stated that staff should bring back a second draft redlined copy at
the January meeting.
Page 6 of 9",TransportationCommission/2011-12-14.pdf
TransportationCommission,2011-12-14,7,"Commissioner Bertken - TC is supposed to adopt policies.
Staff Khan - The TC member comments are captured in the meeting minutes. The TC comments
will be used as the TC recommendations and then it will go to the Planning Board. Staff could
keep the TC comments separate if desired. Staff is hearing that the TC will start meeting every
other month starting next year.
Staff Payne confirmed that there will be a January meeting.
Commissioner Bertken made the motion to bring a draft redlined copy at the January meeting;
Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion.
4D. Additional Bicycle Racks for Park Street
Staff Khan summarized the staff report.
Commissioner Bertken - asked a question about the legend.
Staff Khan replied that the drawings are meant for the detailed engineering design. The details to
focus on are the bike rack symbols. The bus stations at Encinal Avenue and other locations may
be able to have more bike parking.
Lucy Gigli - President of Bike Alameda - BikeAlameda did rush to walk down Park Street to see
where to place additional bike racks. It ends up that potentially 35 to 40 bike racks along that
corridor would be installed. BikeAlameda still is concerned about losing 100 parking meters and
going down to 35 to 40 bike racks. BikeAlameda is not sure how the new bike racks are going to
accommodate the bike parking. BikeAlameda would like the city to consider an in-street bike
parking pilot program at some location that is convenient. It would take away one parking space
for about ten bike parking spaces. Instead of plenty of bike parking, BikeAlameda is seeing a
streetscape with less bike parking. BikeAlameda would like to see one or two of these in-street
facilities in place along Park Street.
Jon Spangler - The net lose is about 100 bike parking spaces when considering the parking
meters eliminated and the original 12 bike racks installed. The new 35 to 40 bike spaces would
close about one half the gap. He made the same request to look at in-street bike parking. One of
the locations is Stone Cyclery and the owner of the bar next door. The idea of the shared
supervision would work in that location. He hopes that it will be looked at on Webster Street
and Alameda Landing on its next round to the Planning Board.
Bonnie Wehmann of BoardMemeber BikeAlameda, EBBC and League Instructor Certified - She
expressed her concern about the bike racks. It seems so minimal. It would be great to convert
parking spaces to in-street bike parking.
Commissioner Moehring - She asked if this issue has gone to PSBA.
Staff Khan - It is not impacting anything on the sidewalk or parking so it has not gone to PSBA.
Page 7 of 9",TransportationCommission/2011-12-14.pdf
TransportationCommission,2011-12-14,8,"Staff will take the item to PSBA if it impacts parking. If there is a high demand for bicycle
parking, staff will work with Bike Alameda to define those peak demand times and then staff
could do the analysis to provide appropriate supply of bike parking. Staff could report back
from the fieldwork to determine what is needed. The concern is that the street sweepers cannot
clean the in-street bike parking areas. The adjacent businesses would need to come to an
agreement to maintain it.
Commissioner Moehring - She asked if there could be stickers redirecting bicyclists to
additional bike parking around the corner by the Alameda Theatre.
Staff Khan - He has not seen this bike parking fully utilized.
Lucy Gigli stated that this parking is on Central Avenue, which is 1.5 blocks away and is
inadequate bike parking unless it is for a more secure bike parking.
Commissioner Moehring - Most people only leave their bike for short-term bike parking needs.
The City would need to talk to the individual businesses to get their buy-in on the front end. We
know it benefits everyone; however, we want to have buy-in from the businesses.
Staff Khan - He agreed to have buy-in from the businesses.
Jon Spangler - The issue of bike theft has been on the rise in Alameda. One of the things that
needs to happen is a public education campaign on the need to use a serious U lock and not a
cable lock. He has a neighbor who has lost three bikes along Park Street within three months.
He hopes that this is something that the Police Department, businesses and BikeAlameda could
help with this effort.
Commissioner Moehring - Inverted U bike racks support the heavy duty bike locks because they
allow bicyclists to use better locks. The old style of bike racks such as at Mastick Senior Center
make it difficult to use the U lock.
Commissioner Tribuzio - I have not noticed bike racks at Mastick Senior Center. It would be
advantageous to park bikes in a more secure location when leaving it for a full day. The problem
is where to set up more secure bike parking. It could be a commercial enterprise. Revenues
exist from parked cars yet the City is not receiving revenue from parked bicycles.
Commissioner Vargas - He had a question about the bike corral and if there is precedent in
Alameda.
Staff Khan - Staff has proposed a bike corral in the guidelines. In-street bike parking exist in
Berkeley. Staff looks for adequate visibility and adjacent businesses need to agree to keep it
clean and maintained.
Commissioner Moehring - She likes what they do in New York where they extend the bus
shelter for covered bike parking.
Page 8 of 9",TransportationCommission/2011-12-14.pdf
TransportationCommission,2011-12-14,9,"Pam Cargill of BikeAlameda - She mentioned the need for additional bike parking along
Redwood Square near the post office. Another location for additional bike racks is by the Bank
of Alameda in the alley. It would be better with inverted U bike racks. The current bike parking
at this alley does not function well.
Commissioner Moehring - She questioned the safety in that alley.
Pam Cargill - She is not concerned about safety in that area because it is close to a well traveled
area of Park Street.
Commissioner Moehring - She agreed about the need to look at these two locations for
additional bicycle parking.
Staff Khan - He stated that he has discussed Redwood Square with Gail Payne and Lucy Gigli,
and that we will see additional bike racks in the future at these locations.
4E.
Estuary Crossing Shuttle Extension to Wind River.
Staff Payne summarized the staff report.
Commissioner Moehring - She stated that she feels it is a fabulous program.
5.
Staff Communications
Staff Khan explained the Sunshine Ordinance. It will take effect in February 2012. There will
be specific language that will be inserted onto the Transportation Commission agenda. Some of
the key provisions include public access to information. Staff will be receiving training on it.
In January, staff will present Transportation Commission Bylaws Revisions, Revised Draft
Bicycle Design Guidelines and the Alameda Paratransit Program. Commissioner Tribuzio has
submitted his resignation. He has worked hard and staff appreciates his efforts.
Staff Payne stated that a new Alameda Unified School District representative will begin
attending the Transportation Commission meetings.
6.
Announcements
Commissioner Moehring stated thank you to Commissioner Tribuzio for all his hard work and
thank you to the staff.
7.
Adjournment
8:50 PM
Page 9 of 9",TransportationCommission/2011-12-14.pdf