body,date,page,text,path
TransportationCommission,2016-09-28,1,"Transportation Commission Special Meeting Minutes
Wednesday September 28, 2016
Commissioner Michele Bellows called the Transportation Commission to order at 7:00 p.m.
1.
Roll Call
Roll was called and the following was recorded:
Members Present:
Michele Bellows (Chair)
Eric Schatmeier (Vice Chair)
Michael Hans
Gregory Morgado
Thomas G. Bertken
Samantha Soules
Christopher Miley
Members Absent:
Jesus Vargas
Staff Present:
Jennifer Ott, Base Reuse and Transportation Planning Director
Shahram Aghamir, City Engineer
Gail Payne, Transportation Coordinator
Rochelle Wheeler, Transportation Planner
2.
Agenda Changes
None.
3.
Announcements. / Public Comments
Jim Strehlow, Alameda resident, stated that he attended the Pleasanton Transportation
Commission meeting and they have 70 miles of bicycle lanes and more in progress that is being
discussed and he gave them three suggestions on three different corridors. So, he's not just
giving Alameda TC suggestions. He noticed frequently that pedestrians and walking dogs when
they are coming to corners, they are not stopping and looking at intersections he wondered what
kind of education campaign that is needed. He is seeing this almost daily and he is wondering if
that is creating angst amongst everyone like motorists and bicyclists alike.
Commissioner Bellows asked Jim Strehlow is talking about uncontrolled intersections.
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TransportationCommission,2016-09-28,2,"Jim Strehlow replied ones that where there are stop signs and pedestrians are supposed to stop
and look at both ways. Even at controlled intersections, they have to look at both ways.
3.A. Commissioner Schatmeier Appreciation of Service Resolution
Commissioner Bellows stated Commissioner Schatmeier was a wonderful asset to the
transportation Commission. She read the appreciation of service resolution.
Commissioner Miley replied that he feels it will be a lost to the Commission and he hopes the TC
hears from him especially about issues that he is passionate about.
3.B. Samantha Soules - New Commissioner Introduction
Commissioner Soules stated that she is excited to serve on the Transportation Commission
resident of 4 years in Alameda and 12 years professional experience in transportation field
experience consultant called Atkins based in San Francisco and she has worked with a number of
Department of Transportation agencies across the United States including transportation mobility
and civil infrastructure.
3.C. Shahram Aghamir - New City Engineer Introduction
Shahram Aghamir, Alameda City Engineer, stated that he has been here for 5 months now and
it's an honor to be here for a debut presence at the TC and he has 30 years of experience in civil
engineering and used to work for Caltrans, City and County of San Francisco and Oakland and
main background is the public sector. He looks forward to working on the challenges facing the
city.
3.D. Walk and Roll to School Day: Wednesday, October 5
3.E. Transit/TDM Plan Community Workshop: Wednesday, October 19, 6:30 pm, Mastick
Senior Center
3.F. Transportation Commission Meeting: Wednesday November 16, 7 pm
4.
Consent Calendar
4.A. Approve Revised Meeting Minutes - March 23, 2016
4.B. Approve Meeting Minutes - May 25, 2016
Commissioner Miley moved to approve the revised March 23, 2016 and May 25, 2016 minutes.
Commissioner Bertken seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6-0.
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TransportationCommission,2016-09-28,3,"5.
New Business
5.A. Election of Vice Chair
Commissioner Bertkens moved to vote for Commissioner Miley as Vice Chair. Commissioner
Hans seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6-0.
5.B. Review Formation of Citywide Transportation Planning Division
Jennifer Ott, Director of Base Reuse and Transportation Planning, presented the report.
Commissioner Bellows stated that it was a linear thinking move to her and it makes sense.
Commissioner Bertken asked about the staff transportation vision
Jennifer Ott stated that she will be the director of transportation planning and there will be an
administrative assistant, Ashley Ziba, Gail Payne full-time employee as a Transportation
Coordinator and Rochelle Wheeler who is a part-time employee and consultants. As we move
into the 2-year budget cycle there will be more discussion on what our work load entails and how
that coordinates with the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) with Public Works and that will be
a very public and open discussion.
Commissioner Bellows replied it is great to see the list of projects they are working on.
Commissioner Miley replied that is a great move for the City staff in terms of coordination and
larger cities they link land use and transportation planning. He wants to see the collaboration
with the other departments and when the 2 year CIP overview comes up we have both planning
and implementation side come in.
5.C. Approve the Draft Project List for the Alameda County Transportation Commission Call
for Projects
Staff Payne presented the report.
Jennifer Ott replied that there has been correspondence about the bicycle and pedestrian bridge
and they have been working with Bike Walk Alameda.
Commissioner Bellows replied in her professional opinion, it is an egregious waste of money to
think about a bridge crossing amongst a major ship channel.
Commissioner Miley stated that the grant application that is being submitted would fund projects
that are ready to go or are advancing along.
Jennifer Ott replied it is not to add this project as a construction project to the grant application,
but add the project as a feasibility study and that does not mean they are recommending that to
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TransportationCommission,2016-09-28,4,"Commissioner Bellows replied this is in the CIP.
Staff Payne replied it's in Exhibit 1.
Commissioner Bellows replied it's in the CIP in it's raw form.
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TransportationCommission,2016-09-28,5,"Staff Payne replied yes we not at the design staff so we will have a comprehensive outreach
process.
Commissioner Miley stated that going over the Miller Sweeney Bridge during peak hours. The
constraint is on Oakland's side we go to four lanes on the bridge to two lanes because of the turn
lane and there's all of that right of way because of the rail corridor. Are we looking at that piece
as well. If we're going to make improvements, it should be looked at more broadly.
Staff Payne replied we are not looking at the Oakland side.
Lucy Gigli, President of Bike Walk Alameda, item 5.C. was to approve of the draft project list
and they are speaking that the estuary crossing bridge is as important if not as important as the
listed projects and it's pertinent to the discussion. As you know from the communication last
week and the communication this week we have been working closely with Alameda staff about
preferred long term solutions for the pedestrian bike plan. This is the most feasible out of many
things that were studied. After many years there hasn't been any progress. Throwing up our
hands because there were too many obstacles in our way, but now is the time to seek funding.
She asked the Commission direct city staff to direct to formally ask Caltrans to submit a formal
application and act as the lead as part of this funding cycle due to the extreme time sensitivity,
which is October 31. Work in consultation with Bike Walk Alameda to create clear steps that
will guide measurable efforts for a bike pedestrian bridge and find and locate resources for staff
time and dollars to advance the preferred solution and work with stakeholders.
Commissioner Bellows asked if Measure BB effectively number 9 as a named project or is it
independent.
Staff Payne replied the main project is not being ranked and it is independent. So, 1-8 is what we
are talking about.
Commissioner Miley asked about the Bus Rapid Transit project-funding gap.
Staff Payne replied that Measure BB it's the transit expenditure plan and the Alameda Point BRT
project is named for $9m in the TEP.
Commissioner Bellows that is why they are calling it a separate name in the list.
Staff Payne replied July 1 2017 that's when funds become available and they can start outreach
and design and construction of the project.
Commissioner Morgado stated that the estuary water shuttle should be moved up.
Commissioner Soules stated the list has to compete with other projects for funding. So, that the
priority was already considered to ensure that Alameda has competitive projects for funding and
staff has considered this.
Commissioner Bellows replied that is correct.
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TransportationCommission,2016-09-28,6,"Staff Payne replied we should be thinking about the fact that this list of projects is competing
with other projects countywide.
Commissioner Bellows asked staff how much funding is available and how many jurisdictions.
Staff Payne replied $161 million and 14 jurisdictions including the county as well as BART, AC
Transit and LAFTA that would be submitting as well.
Commissioner Bellows would like to see the Central Avenue project moved up because that has
been reviewed.
Staff Payne replied that at the end of October they would see if they get the active transportation
grant.
Commissioner Bellows replied Caltrans supported the Central Avenue Complete Streets projects
and if there are letters of commitment from others that creates a very strong argument. She
explained that she would also like to see Alameda Bay Point Trail is a huge thing with MTC to
finish the Bay Trail and that would be an attractive project and it's only $10 million with an ask
for $8 million. The new ferry terminal at Seaplane Lagoon is critical as well, but it should be
reviewed one by one.
Commissioner Miley stated that he was slightly uncomfortable with shifting things around
without having a full picture of how staff prioritized the list.
Jennifer Ott replied given what they heard of interest of the bike pedestrian bridge and the
Estuary Crossing staff feels comfortable at moving the Estuary Shuttle up and it's a small
amount and other considerations that were reviewed is whether they have matching funds
available one reason ferry terminal is there because there is a $10 m contribution from the
developer as well as the Bay trail have Measure WW from the park district and we can leverage.
Also spread this around geographically and look at other parts of the island. Also looking at the
crossing issues Clement Avenue and east extension. They are open to their suggestions and one
reason central avenue is lower on list because of the other funding sources they could qualify for
they could have ATP funding that may come through but they will look to the TC for direction.
Commission Bellows replied if in fact October 31 due when is their estimated timeline to make a
decision.
Jennifer Ott replied the ATP grant for Central Avenue is due in October 28, so Staff Payne has to
do the work no matter what.
Commissioner Bellows replied so when are they going to make their decision.
Jennifer Ott replied they would make the decision October 28 right before this is due.
Commissioner Bellows replied they are going to submit these grants in October, so when will
ACTC say you have the funds.
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TransportationCommission,2016-09-28,7,"Jennifer Ott replied ACTC would probably make their decision sometime early next year since
funds will not be available for use until July 1, 2017.
Commissioner Bellows replied if in fact you receive the grant from ATP it's only a small part of
it so you would still need money.
Jennifer Ott replied that's correct and they are all great project and staff is open to the TC's
suggestions. Given the interest of the Estuary Crossing, they could leverage match funds from
developers along the northern waterfront for the shuttle so there could be other funds to leverage
and open to moving that up.
Commissioner Bellows replied she would like to open the discussion of to the Commissioners
about the list and prioritizing.
Commissioner Bertken asked about the ferry terminal. Staff indicated there is a 50 percent match.
Commissioner Bellows replied not for this one.
Commissioner Bertken replied he thought initially there was a fixed amount as part of the
development agreement.
Jennifer Ott replied it is $10 million and that's about 50 and they hope that it's more of a match
and the overall expense is less.
Commissioner Miley replied that his concern is getting a lifeline crossing for the city of alameda
whether it's a new tube or Fruitvale, which is probably more feasible. I know county of public
works included in the TEP what is the gap for the project.
Staff Payne replied it is included in the TEP as a named project in a category under $75 million
for bridges and names several projects.
Commissioner Bellows replied that it's in a pool for the bridges and the county runs the bridges.
Commissioner Miley replied so that's their responsibility so they need the City partner and make
them prioritize this. He use to bike to Oakland City Hall and biking through the tube is not an
option and being on the west end he would had to go across the Park Street Bridge or Fruitvale
Bridge and take Embarcadero and the Fruitvale Bridge is not bike friendly, but has the capacity
to be so, so he would like to see this project advanced since we don't have a lifeline crossing
especially in the event of an earthquake. He saw that the Fruitvale Miller Sweeney Bridge
Lifeline City match was not even included in the red box and he doesn't know how competitive
that would be right now, but that should be made a priority and the last comment made is that
appreciate Lucy Gigli comments for the City to request that Caltrans advance a feasibility study
and he would go one further to not only look at the pedestrian bike bridge, but a tube
replacement. Caltrans was ready to spend tens of millions in Niles Canyon when people didn't
want to see improved. So our island doesn't have a lifeline crossing then the tube has outlived its
life and Caltrans should take responsibility to replace it. He would like to have this request
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TransportationCommission,2016-09-28,8,"reaching out to Caltrans included in the motion.
Commissioner Bellows replied the bridge option is way too much money for not enough benefits,
but the tube is the way to go.
Commissioner Bertken said he agreed and he has been involved over the years in this type of
work and the crossings and bridges and the cost that comes about with bringing another crossing
at this stage of the game there is too many impediments to really consider.
Commissioner Hans replied he would take any way to get on and off the island, meaning
improved access. When talking about the Miller Sweeney Bridge lifeline, part of his training is
in emergency management and if something does happen there is Doolittle, Webster, Park Street,
High Street and you need heavy equipment to come through he would put that as first priority.
To have an emergency operation center and making thinking about disaster relief.
Commissioner Soules said she would agree with the tube having worked with federal regulations
and coast guard the amount of cost to handle regulations and even circumventing and time
involved the budgets involved before breaking ground would be very high and would continue to
climb.
Commissioner Bellows replied is there a motion to change the staff recommendation or do you
want to add. The water shuttle is #8 on the list, but that is for a ferry service that is not the
feasibility study requested. The feasibility study would build off the 2009 feasibility study that
would recommend working with the coast guard for the bridge.
Jennifer Ott replied that the planning project doesn't compete directly with the construction
project. So, if you want to move the water shuttle feasibility study up to second or third that
would not adversely affect staff's ability to keep priorities for their construction projects.
Commissioner Bertken moved to move the estuary crossing shuttle up higher and approve the
staff recommendation.
Commissioner Bellows asked about including the Miller Sweeny Bridge project. The project is a
county project and the local match would have to come from the City not from Measure BB.
Staff Payne replied these projects are the ones we are leading and we are in charge of, but staff
can get into what we can match with this project.
Commissioner Bellows replied maybe staff needs to approach the county and explain this is
important to us can we help you write the grant.
Jennifer Ott replied staff could write a letter to Alameda County expressing their interest and
encourage similar to Caltrans.
Commissioner Miley seonded Commissioner Bertken's motion with the amendment that staff
approach or write a letter to Alameda County to express the need to prioritize improvements to
Miller Sweeny Bridge and approach Caltrans about taking on the reasonability of an additional
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TransportationCommission,2016-09-28,9,"tube on the west end that meets lifeline requirements and that meets multimodal transit access
through that tube.
Commissioner Bertken made a personal comment that explained that the tube was originally
designed in 1967 as part of the southern crossing and it probably still exists somewhere in
Caltrans 6 lane double boxed tube was part of the connection of alameda and what is currently
980 which would have opened up Alameda.
Commissioner Hans seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6-0.
6.
Staff Communications
6.A. Quarterly Report September 2016
Jennifer Ott replied there isn't a report, staff was updating the TC of all of the projects and staff
is happy to answer any questions. Staff will be updating this every meeting with the latest status.
6.B. Potential Future Meeting Agenda Items
1. Cross Alameda Trail - Atlantic Avenue Gap Closure
2. I-880/Broadway/Jacksor Multimodal Transportation Project
3. Preliminary Strategies of the Transit/TDM Plan
4. Alameda Point Bus Rapid Transit Dedicated Bus Lanes Concept
5. Paratransit Annual Review
6. Transportation Management Association Annual Report
Commissioner Bellows asked to see an update on the 23rd Street/I-880 since that is going very
slowly.
7.
Announcements/Public Comments
Jim Strehlow asked about the Caltrans public outreach about the rail.
that direction directions and have a bike going over the rail and now it's higher. What is the
process of that facility? He thanked the City for hiring Sharam.
Staff Payne replied that the Posey Tube is a historic renovation and around 2013 or 2014 there is
a project page on the city site there is outreach noted on the project page. Staff did participate on
this effort and she was impressed with Caltrans and they bring all their statewide experts and
they tackle this altogether in one room. They added 4 inches to that path and the railing is the
new railing that is compliant with safety measures.
8.
Adjournment
8:17 pm
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