pages: CityCouncil/2022-03-15.pdf, 5
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CityCouncil | 2022-03-15 | 5 | jurisdictions, instead of decorative concrete barriers; staff indicated k-rails are less expensive and safer; the cost difference is almost $200,000; she does not support the staff recommendation. Councilmember Daysog stated that he appreciates the staff analysis that k-rails are safer and less expensive; he would rather have the k-rail. Councilmember Daysog moved approval of the staff recommendation with the proviso that k- rails be pursued instead of what is on the table. Councilmember Herrera Spencer seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Knox White inquired whether the City's Engineers find the proposed decorative barriers just as safe as k-rails at 25 miles per hour (MPH) and provide the necessary safety; stated some cities are not even putting in barriers. The Senior Engineer responded the concrete barriers provide a satisfactory level of safety to protect the parklets. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry about speeds above 25 MPH, the Senior Engineer stated crash data is not available to compare the two options; testing has not been done, but staff has determined the barriers are safe for the street conditions. Councilmember Knox White stated that he would not support the motion; he believes the decorative concrete barriers go above other Bay Area cities; designing downtown districts to look like freeway medians would be a problem; he supports the staff recommendation. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated staff does not need a motion or direction at this point; staff will come back after coming up with a striping and barricade plan; the contract to purchase and install the barricades will return to Council; the proposal can price both options for Council to decide; the water filled barricades made Park Street look like a construction zone, which everyone thought the highway k-rails would perpetuate; the businesses and staff felt the decorative barriers would make Park Street look less like a construction zone; Council could provide direction tonight to only return with one option. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the Planning, Building and Transportation Director returning with options. Councilmember Herrera Spencer read the staff report comments regarding safety; stated safety is the most important thing; barriers have been hit; fortunately, people have not been injured; other cities have painted, decorated or installed planters to address the appearance of the k- rails. Councilmember Daysog stated that he supports the program; having one lane, which slows traffic and makes life more enjoyable on Park and Webster Streets; getting more information would be great, including how decorative barrier hold up at 30 to 35 MPH; he could be convinced to support decorative barriers; he can live with the Planning, Building and Transportation Director's recommendation to return with options; stated that he would be willing to withdraw the motion. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 15, 2022 3 | CityCouncil/2022-03-15.pdf |