HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 2002 RoleAgenda Item No: 10
Meeting Date: April 2, 2002
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Department: Pubirks
Prepared by: City Manager Approval:
-6irector of Public Works (RAL & LR)
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A Resolution defining the future role of the San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee (BPAC) as it relates to the implementation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan, adopted
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Staff recommend the Council adopt the Resolution authorizing the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee to meet twice per year to review the City's progress on implementing the
Master Plan and other related issues Council directs to the Committee.
In October of 1998 the San Rafael City Council adopted Resolution #10318 establishing the
San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The committee's specific goals were
to:
• Develop a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for San Rafael-,
• Participate in the development of the bicycle and pedestrian sub -element of the City's
General Plan Update;
• Seek grant funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects from federal, state and county
sources;
• Assist the City in realizing the bicycle and pedestrian goals stated in the North San Rafael
on and Canal Voice;
Promote bicycling and walking as alternative modes of transportation to the general public.
The Committee fulfilled its primary goal on 2/4/02 with the Council's adoption of the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. The plan is a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian blueprint for San
Rafael that addresses all of the goals described in Resolution #10318.
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.:
(Counclitnernbers Holler and Ph011os absent from meetina.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Pa2e: 2
The issue before the Council is a divergence of opinion as to the BPAC's role now that the
Master Plan has been adopted. Staff recommends that the BPAC meet twice a year with sta
to review the City's progress in implementing the Master Plan and other issues that Council
directs to the Committee. In addition, when the City embarks on specific roadway projects
within the scope of the plan, committee members will receive special notification of any publi
meetings. I
In his 1/31/01 draft "Proposed Charter for the San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee" (see attached), BPAC Chair McCoy suggests expanding the Committee's role to full
commission status. He reiterated his position in 3/14/02 letter to Mayor Boro and the Council
(attached). These documents recommend active involvement with City staff on a wide variety of
bicycle and pedestrian issues, including:
• Collaborate and review on project design;
• Assist with capital project prioritization;
Provide input to the Council and Police department on the enforcement of the vehicle code
as it relates to the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and motorists;
Liaison with Marin County and CalTrans staff on a variety of issues, including the Highway
101 Gap Closure project and the proposed opening of the Cal Park Tunnel;
Research possible funding sources for the projects recommended in the plan;
Participate in the City's bicycle awareness and competence educational efforts;
On 1/14/02, members of the Committee meet with City Manager Rod Gould and current
committee staff to discuss the Committee's future. Chairperson McCoy shared his concept of
the Committee's role as a permanent commission following adoption of the plan. Although there
was no quorum present, staff and committee members agreed to disagree on the duties of the
committee should it exist beyond its originally intended 3 year sunset date. Staff understands
that certain committee members disagree with our recommendation.
ANALYSIS:
The duties suggested by Mr. McCoy are all within the existing scope of the Public Works
Department or contained in the Master Plan itself. For example, DPW administrators and
engineers currently consult with County and CalTrans staff on many roadway projects and will
continue to do so. Researching and pursuing grants for infrastructure improvements is also a
traditional staff role. The City's effectiveness in securing grants that will impact the bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure is well documented, e.g., Mahon Path (Metropolitan Transportation
Commission -MTC), the Shoreline and South Pond Bay Trail projects (Association of Bay Area
Govern ments-ABAG) , traffic and pedestrian projects such as North San Pedro/Civic Center
Drive (State Transportation Improvement Program -STIP), Lincoln Ave. (STIP), the
Medway/Canal Corridor Project (MTC planning grant, applying for capital funds).
The adoption of the Master Plan assists Council and staff in the prioritization of capital project
The Master Plan itself clearly sets priorities for bicycle/pedestrian projects in 5, 10 and 20 yea
increments. It is important to note that the plan is a policy document, one that requires the Cit,
to integrate its 99 proposed (and prioritized) short, medium and long term route segments with
other equally important infrastructure projects. Prioritization is always a balancing of almost
limitless demands with limited funds. There are many other single interest groups that would
like their own standing committee or commission to advocate for their favorite capital projects.
The City has successfully reached out to the entire community every two years in its budget
forums to help guide Council decision making.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Pat! : 3
Design collaboration is another suggested committee role. All bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure improvements, the heart of the Master Plan, are designed and executed accor ing
to the standards set forth in Chapter 1000 of the Caltrans Highway Design Manual. Here again,
the policy aspects of the adopted plan mandate that staff consider bicycle and pedestrian
improvements when designing any transportation project. The bicycle community should
provide input along with the general public as Public Works involves the community in the
design and development of capital projects. As stated earlier, BPAC members will receive
special notice of all public meeting that focus on roadway projects within the scope of the
Master Plan. A separate committee is therefore not warranted.
It is obvious that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee should play a role in the
implementation of the Master Plan. It is our opinion that the Committee would be most effective
by meeting twice per year with Public Works staff to review the City's progress in building the
bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that is at the heart of the plan. The pace of implementation
will be directly affected by the availability of funding for roadway, bicycle and pedestrian
improvements.
Nominal if BPAC meets twice per year. Monthly BPAC meetings divert staff energy away from
other pressing projects and priorities.
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• Adopt the recommendation as reflected in the staff report.
• Modify the staff's recommendation and approve.
• Request further information.
• The Council may choose not to approve staff's recommendation.
Enclosures (3)
1. Resolution
2. Sample BPAC Charter
3. Letter
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WHEREAS, in October of 1998 the City Council adopted Resolution #10318 establishing a
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, the Committee's primary goal was to develop a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan for the City of San Rafael; and
WHEREAS, Council unanimously adopted said plan on February 4, 2002; and
WHEREAS, staff recognizes that continuation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee will assist in the implementation of the Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends that the Committee meet twice per year or more frequently as
needed with Department of Public Works staff to review and comment on the City's progress in
building the infrastructure improvements set forth in the Master Plan and to discuss other related
issues, as agreed to by the City Council;
NOW, THEREFORE . BE IT RESOLVED. that the City Council of the City of San Rafael does
hereby express its support for the Committee's continued role in the manner recommended by
staff.
1. JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of
said City on the 2 d day of April, 2002 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS : Cohen, Mi 11 er and Mayor Boro
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