pages: CityCouncil/2021-03-02.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2021-03-02 | 12 | the business community survive the COVID-19 pandemic; staff is trying to be as flexible as possible, while keeping everyone as safe as possible. The City Engineer responded there are varying degrees of safety; stated structures can be built to be completely bulletproof; however, that is not the expectation; noted there is risk involved anytime one is in a public space; stated the Public Works Department takes safety extremely seriously; the reduction of roads, addition of barricades, reflectors, striping, and signage all naturally slows down cars; the plan is reasonable due to how slow streets are; there should be constant review of the plans in place. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the stamp speaks to the safety of the entire area or just the roof; stated there are multiple levels of safety; noted that she is confident when an engineer places a stamp on a design it is safe. The City Engineer responded when a roof is involved, the parklet must go through a building permit review process to look at the structure, supports and roofing material to ensure safety; the sides are not required to be traffic barriers; however, as part of the encroachment permit review, staff is looking at barrier positioning and other safety devices on a case-by-case basis. Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed concern about the safety aspect of a car hitting the parklets; questioned whether the City is making any statement on the safety of the parklets once a stamp is placed on the design. The City Engineer responded the question is tricky to answer; stated there is inherent risk in putting people in the street adjacent to cars; the reasonableness of the parklet is a judgement call; it is important to implement reflective surfaces and barricades; there is not a need for building reinforced concrete railings; there is not a guarantee of a problem never occurring; however, it is not likely; the level of acceptable risk is up to community decision makers; there is no national standard for parklet design which ensures traffic safety under all conditions; should a higher level of security be desired, a discussion from City decision makers needs to take place. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she has not heard an assurance of any safety; it is important for the community to know; expressed support for posting signs that structures have not been approved by an engineer; stated that she has had concerns about slow streets; some streets are not being used; noted staff has ordered signs about slow streets being used in a COVID-19 compliant manner; discussion closing Alameda Avenue to through traffic; stated that she would like to see safe designs; proposed having staff look into parking at night on Webster Street. The Senior Transportation Coordinator stated the City has installed water-filled barriers to protect the parklets as a safety measure. Councilmember Knox White questioned whether he heard the City Engineer state the parklets are deemed relatively safe, however, paperwork has not been signed, to which Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 2, 2021 11 | CityCouncil/2021-03-02.pdf |