pages: CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2021-11-02 | 12 | at usage and signage to help the City reinstate a parking compliance program: Kathy Weber, DABA. Stated parklets are important to the entire district; the mission is to keep Wester Street safe, clean and inviting; the proposed cement barriers will help with enhanced safety; expressed support for covering insurance costs; stated the insurance costs are doubled to meet the threshold; many businesses are trying to recover from the previous 18 months of shutdown; costs are important: Linda Asbury, WABA. Councilmember Knox White inquired the reason the City is requiring increased insurance after putting in safer concrete barriers. The City Attorney stated staff consulted with the City's insurance carrier related to appropriate levels of protections for outdoor dining spaces; there is a wide range of uses in the area; outlined the recommendations; noted carriers have polled a number of recent verdicts on sidewalk collisions not related to outdoor dining; verdicts cost between $1 million and $10 million. Councilmember Knox White stated the recommendation to increase premiums is due to the insurance company recommendation. The Interim City Engineer stated concrete barriers are not an insurance policy and do not prevent injury; the concrete barriers are a step-up and provide more protection than water-filled barricades; the goal is to elevate the safety along streets. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated other jurisdictions have required concrete k-rails; inquired whether the cement barriers connect with each other similar to k-rails and why the City is not using k-rails. The Interim City Engineer responded the barriers are vehicular traffic barricades made for parklets; stated the barricades are decorative; the City could use k-rails similar to what is used on freeways and construction projects; the recommended cement barriers have been used in other jurisdictions and have a more decorative appearance; the cost difference is not huge; the barricades come in four-foot segments which are easier to manipulate into place. The Senior Transportation Coordinator stated the four-foot barricades interlock; the appearance would be a solid barrier. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she would like to ensure the barricades provide similar protection to that of k-rails; the matter is being proposed for safety; she appreciates decoration; however, she would like to know how the recommended barricades compare to k- rails for safety purposes. The Interim City Engineer stated the barricades are made for the purpose of safety; staff has reviewed impacts of the barricades at the low speeds which exist along the street segments; the barricades weigh 1,250 pounds each and are connected with an interlocking cable system; the barriers are secure and staff is comfortable that the barricades are a suitable safety enhancement. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 2, 2021 9 | CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf |